Update and Your Ideas Are Needed
The time of my departure is fast approaching and I am looking for a gift to give the children that I will be taking care of. I would like to bring them a "true" American toy-but I am uncertain of what that may be. Browsing in the stores I find toys that are very commercial and not unique to America. I have thought of silly putty for M, but not really sure that would work for S, as she is only 2 years old. If you have any thoughts let me know what you think would be some "true American" toys that are small (need to travel in my luggage) that I could give a 2 year old and 4.5 year old? I would appreciate any suggestions!
The the past weeks and these last days state side are filled with work and saying my "see ya laters" (in person and via the phone) to various people I love and play an infulential part in my life. It is certainly a bitter sweet time as I am eagerly anticipating my trip but saddened at the thought of leaving the people I care about here. I wish I could pack you all up in my luggage and take you with! 

I had another big item checked off my list today as I was able to get rid of the "green beast" aka my car. It feels amazing to know my car is dealt with! Let's just say, I was stressed out by the idea of having to sell my car and wondering how it was all going to work out and then well I filled up last week and ended up filling up with contaminated gas. God just reminding me to trust in him and his faithfulness through each step of the journey.

God has shown his face in so many was throughout the journey. It has been such a joy (although at times stressful) to walk through this process! My heart has been reminded of God's faithfulness, grace and mercy time and time again I found myself doubting but softly being reminded to give up all my cares and worries to him. Oh, how freeing it is to place your cares with the Father! 

God has also been teaching me a lot about love this summer. The sermon this past week was a a wonderfully convicting message that lead me to honestly slow down and reflect on the ways I show love to people-those I love and those I have a hard time loving. It was certainly something God has been slowly peeling off layers so that I can see what he sees in my life and an area where much improvement is needed.

I look forward to learning how to love more like Jesus and learning more and more what that means for me in my life. This past year and a half has been filled with many hurts on a variety of levels. I have dealt with many of these issues by putting up walls and holding on to the hurt, bitterness instead of allowing God to work with me and heal it. God is slowly breaking these walls down, and lifting off the blinders over my eyes and heart to see how the walls that have been built not only harm those who hurt me, others around and myself  but also hinder my ability to fully love others as I should- as Jesus loves them.

A couple of dear friends of mine have read the book "Crazy Love" and raved about it. I was eager to read it and I sent it to me for my birthday (in Feb :-( ). I have had very good intentions of just sitting down and reading it but well needless to say I have yet to do so. I am looking forward to seeing how God uses his word, "Crazy Love" and others to speak to me about loving others like Jesus does. So many lessons learned along the journey and I am looking forward to the lessons yet to come as God exposes me to new adventures and new characteristics of him self!

A shout out to my family! I have to say my family has spoiled me rotten this week, and well always! They always have my back and are willing to help out and step up to help with whatever "pickle" I may have gotten myself into! I am so grateful for them and am dreading having to say "see ya later" to them. I know we will remain in contact but it will be difficult to be so far away from them at the same time. Thanks you guys for all you have done for me and blessing my socks off. I know I am spoiled by each of you --and I recognize that everyone doesn't have family members that will drop whatever they are doing to help another out! Love each of you heaps and bunches!