Taiwan for sure!

It has been a long time since I've posted on my blog. I'm sure that by now you have all heard that I have been officially accepted to go to Taiwan this coming July. Now the preparation must begin! Since I have been so focused on getting through finals and graduation and a wedding, I have not really thought that much about Taiwan until now. Now, however, I am beginning the process of preparing, both physically, spiritually, and emotionally for this upcoming adventure! I am trying to find odd jobs to help earn the money that I'll need for the next year as well as beginning to look into learning the language. I am borrowing "Learning Mandarin" from the local library. I have barely looked at it yet since I've been out of town for the past two weeks. But now I'm going to have to start diving into language learning! One thing that is going to keep me motivated is that my whole purpose in babysitting or whatever odd job I find, as well as all of the other preparation is so that I might be able to have the chance to be a witness for Jesus. I found such an amazing verse in Habakkuk:

"Look at the nations and watch- and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” (Habakkuk 1:5)

I can't wait to see what God is going to be doing through me and my teammates in Taiwan this next year! I pray that I will be amazed!

I am in need of $5000 at least before I leave. God has already provided me with a portion of that through the money that I received through graduation and gifts from friends and family for my trip, but if you do feel led to help provide my way to be a light in a very dark country, please make your tax deductible checks out to The Christian and Missionary Alliance, with my name on the check, and mail to:
The C&MA/Global Ventures
PO Box 35000
Colorado Springs CO 80935

I also covet your prayers during this time. I have so much that needs to be done before I leave, and so much growing that needs to take place in my life. God is going to have to do an amazing work in order to provide the finances that I need, but since He owns the cattle on a thousand hills, I'm pretty convinced that He will provide the way if this is really His plan for my life! Pray that I will trust Him and grow closer to Him every day in preparation of leaving everything that I know behind.

One thing that God has taught me lately:
I just came from a friend's wedding. I left, after saying many, many goodbyes and told God that I was ready to get married and have a "forever friend." I am ready to have someone who will go with me forever, and I won't have to leave him when I go on missions trips or wherever. And God very clearly said to me "I AM that forever friend! Allow me to take that place in your life." I have a long way to go in my friendship with God, but I am convinced that He is the one that will never leave me or forsake me.