June

WDA met for its annual Staff Conference in Johnson City, Tennessee. It was refreshing to hear all that WDA has done this year—globally and in the States—and even more encouraging to spend time with our staff. When God first called me to WDA, I had no idea how much I would grow through the faith and love of our staff members. I am very thankful to be a part of such a grace-filled organization!

July

This summer I was a nanny for FOUR kids. Whew! I told my mom it might be a while before I gave her grandchildren. Although it was tiring and difficult at times, all in all it was a fun, growing experience. Pray for other financial opportunities like this to arise—either through increased donor support or jobs that fit my schedule. Within the last year, my financial support has dropped significantly. If I am to give my time to ministry opportunities—there are many, even on-campus at seminary—I need the Lord to supply for this need! Please pray.

August

I started school back up! This semester was a bit stressful—lots of people around me were in crisis or navigated difficult transitions, I took 17 credit-hours, a counseling practicum that Lawndale Health Clinic (LHC) had offered me fell through so I had to scramble for another site, and I had reoccurring nighttime headaches for about a month. But, as always, God was faithful and brought me through these intense attacks. It was a trial, but I am thankful as I felt the presence of the Lord through it all and am expecting a more restful semester come January 2010.

September

It turned out to be God’s goodness that my practicum fell through at LHC—I would not have had the time or energy for a fall practicum. And, by God’s grace, I was offered an even better opportunity. I have connected with a dynamic group of women who have mentored high school-aged girls in an underresourced community close to Trinity for nearly 8 years. Last summer, they identified a need for sexual abuse counseling among the girls. However, they have not access to counseling in the past. This spring, I will be adding a counseling arm to their ministry. I will lead sexual abuse recovery groups, and Lord willing, lay the groundwork for future Trinity students to meet with these high school girls. I am excited for this opportunity as my supervisors are very encouraging, the field of sexuality has become one of my passions, and it seems that a counseling partnership between Trinity and Girls Connected would be realistically sustained in years to come. Pray that the Lord would go before us.

October

Speaking of sexuality, I took my first class at the Institute of Sexual Wholeness in October! After a few years of weekend courses, I will be a certified sex therapist! Who knew that the Lord had that in mind?? I am continually awed that this would be part of God’s plan for my life and would appreciate your prayers for further direction.