Coffee Date

If we were to go on  a coffee date right now, this is what I would tell you.

I'm getting really excited... and stressed.
For a couple of weeks now I've been praying and praying about taking an opportunity... a big one. I found out that through YWAM (Youth With A Mission) there is a Discipleship Training School in Las Vegas that is specifically focused on the abolition of human trafficking. It's 6 months long, spending 3 months in Vegas and 3 months in either Nepal, India or Thailand. The moment I found it I wanted to go. I mean, is there a more perfect thing for me to do?! NO! So, as is usually the case I got way too excited about the possibility before I prayed about it. I should work on praying first, I mean seriously... I should. But either way, I DID pray about it. I talked to my parents and I got the first part of my application in. My mom encouraged my to "put out the fleece, ask God to answer you." I always feel like me putting the fleece out is proving that I'm doubtful. I just have a hard time doing it, even though I know that it is a perfectly acceptable way for me to communicate with Him. Eventually, I caved and I put out the fleece... so to speak (Though I did almost grab a fleece blanket and put it in the yard... I think that would have been a bit too literal). So far, all signs point to YES. Thus my excitement. I'm working on getting my 3 references, my Dr's papers and consent forms in as soon as I possibly can!

Here is the stressful part. I WOULD LEAVE IN AUGUST! The school starts in exactly 4 months and 4 days. Intense. I have $8,500 to raise. Not all of it is due upon arrival... but I would like to get as much as I can before I leave the state. I'm planning on getting a second job... maybe a third. I'm hoping to do some fundraisers and I am excited for those. Would you all keep me in your prayers?!
Prayer requests:

• That I not go crazy trying to work for most of my funds.
• That I would allow God to move and take control of the situation.
• That I will learn what I need to be effective on the front of rescue and restoration in human trafficking.
• That God will grab the hearts of men, women and children throughout Vegas and whichever country my team will end up going to (Thailand, Nepal or India) and that I can be a part of His movements. 
• For the funds to come in. It's allot of money, but I trust the Lord and your prayers are a comfort.

I'm really excited about this possibility. If you are willing to pray for/with me over this school and the things I have listed - Will you please leave a comment below, send me an e-mail or connect with me on Facebook letting me know that you are joining me in prayer? Thank you. 

Right about now is when I would wish I could get a free refill of coffee and listen to you talk about work. When you were done telling me about how work is going, I'd tell you this. 

Yeah, I'm glad that I finally work somewhere and I feel like I belong there. Working with Christian co-workers and in a ministry where we can provide shelter and food to the homeless. There are some people that I hate to see go, though I love the fact that they have housing. Sometimes I feel like I don't really DO much, not much of a difference is made. But, last weekend (since I only work Fridays - Sundays) when I was working one of the 15 year old girls who was there with 2 siblings and her mother whispered to me "We're moving out! But Shhhh! Don't tell anyone just yet." I smiled and asked her why she was telling me if it were a secret? She said it was because I only worked on the weekends and that they'd be leaving during the week and she wanted me to know. I gave her a hug and told her that I would miss her. She told me "Yeah, it's not going to be the same without you guys. Don't get me wrong, I'd rather have a home... but I'm going to miss you." I just smiled and went along with my work... because, let's be honest. I have really awkward responses is those situations and my silence was the safest route.

It was encouraging to me that her and her younger sister would miss me. That means I did something right. They felt loved, they felt accepted. They weren't always the easiest kids to handle, but I loved 'em and I think they understood that. It was a good weekend at work. I'm really hoping that there's not too much drama or too many emergencies this weekend.

Well, it's about time for me to go. I'm sure you have things to do as well.
I need to go practice piano (Not doing so hot with the new key I'm playing in), I need to pick and memorize a song and I should probably do laundry. I hate laundry. Why can't it magically do it's self? ... I'm going to figure some way to put as little effort into doing it. :)

I hope you all have a fantastic day, I'll be posting again on Friday.
May you have peace and favor,
Jackie