Today was Memorial Day. I worked in the office for a few hours today, so in a lot of ways it didn't feel like a holiday. Yet progress was made on some content I'm adding to our website, and I realize this will play a part in people in Asia being reached with the Gospel.

I think the hardest things about today were that for some reason I felt stressed out, and I had a headache part of the day, some soreness in my shoulders, and an itchy throat. Lately I've found myself being continually brought to the place where I realize all over again, it's not about me and my comfort or ease. There is a greater good that the Lord is working in my life, even if it must come through hardship. This is a good thing to be reminded of, even though it's not always easy. I think a great deal of our discontentment in life comes from our own selfish desire for an "ideal" life. :o) And when it comes right down to it, serving the Lord to reach the lost is ultimately the best, most exciting thing we could ever do--even if it means trials and struggles in this life.

Tonight I had a nice supper with our web team leader and his family. His wife asked me what I've been learning spiritually. I told her one really big thing I've been learning is how the Lord is always good and faithful to me--no matter what my circumstances. Now matter what has happened to me (or hasn't happened that I wished would), He is forever loving and kind in all of His dealings with me. How comforting that is! It's something I don't want to forget--even for a moment.

I had a fun-filled day of riding rollercoasters at Six Flags with a big group of us young people from the office. We left at about 9:15 this morning and didn't get back until close to midnight. We rode so many rides. On the way back, we ran into a church group at Steak 'n Shake. It was nice getting to chat with them and share a little about GFA. One of the young men couldn't believe a native missionary could live on less than $1500 a year. I think he was pretty excited about that. :o) Praise God. I enjoy opportunities to share the ministry.

The college group left today. One of the gals (close to my age) mentioned they'd had such a good stay here. She said something like, "We were coming thinking we would help out. We didn't expect ya'll to go all out for us." What servant's hearts these young people have! I'm so glad they came. I hope they can come back.

Tonight we went to the house of a young couple on staff, for a get-to-gether with some Oklahoma college students who have been giving their time to help out at the office these last few days. I have so much enjoyed getting to know this dear group of students! After eating our taco supper (and some of my roommate Dorinda's much-loved cookies for dessert :o)) some of us walked around the block with them. That was neat.

Last night we all went to Braum's and talked over scoops of ice cream. I was asking Josh what all he did at the office yesterday. He said he helped put some shelves together. Then I put two and two together and realized which shelves he'd assembled. I said, "Oh, in the finance department!" He said "Yeah!" I was telling him what a blessing that was and how one of my coworkers in that area had even mentioned the shelves and shown them to me.

Now boxes of important ministry documents and records that were temporarily scattered or stacked on the floor are on shelves where they can stay organized and easily accessed.

What a labor of love on the part of these college students. And to think it's helping to plant churches in Asian villages where people once had never heard the name of Jesus. Praise God! It was especially encouraging to see Josh's reaction--how he was so encouraged to know that they'd been able to serve behind the scenes and make an impact.

Deep down, isn't that what we all long for? A life of eternal significance, spent and poured out for the furtherance of the Gospel and His kingdom? I know I do.

Yay! The Lord gave me the strength to get going this morning and meet my friend for prayer. I am so much not a morning person and have found I do best having my times with the Lord either during lunch break or right after work, but today I got to thinking about the idea of starting off each day--first thing--with fellowship in His presence. What a way to start the day.

It reminds me of a story a brother shared tonight during prayer meeting, about a field leader who is so devoted to prayer and continually depends on Jesus, realizing he is nothing without him. His story is a powerful one: I may share more another night when I'm not tired. But I did want to leave you with something our brother on staff told us about how his life has changed through the leader's stay in his home: "It's not 'I need to pray more' or 'I should pray more.' Now it's 'I have to pray more.'"

Oh that we all would have, each moment, that determined desperation--that deep longing and hunger to meet with the One who created us and loves us more than we can imagine.

Today after work I spent a little time with the Lord and then went walking -- 2.5 miles. Exercise feels so good! :o) Then I navigated my way through two grocery stores, buying stuff like carrots, tomatoes, salad lettuce, oranges, yogurt, breakfast bars, etc. I figured the breakfast bars will come in handy for mornings. (I am so not a morning person!)

Believe it or not, I'm planning to make it to the office by 7:45 tomorrow. That's BRIGHT and early! And I'm actually looking forward to getting there that early. :o) Come again? Yep, I'm looking forward to it because I get to start the day off in prayer with my friend Sarah--and anyone else the Lord brings our way. I hope I can wake up and get going in time. :o)

I had a wonderful time and such sweet fellowship today with one of my coworkers, Sarah. We went to Six Flags to process our seasonal passes. While we were there, we rode two rides--the Giant and the Titan. Strangely enough, the Titan wasn't at all as scary as I remembered it to be from last year. I think it was scarier then because it was the first roller coaster I'd ever been on.

Anyhow, they took pictures of us during the rides, and it was hilarious--Even though we were having fun and laughing hard, in every picture we looked like we were stressed out and about to cry. That of course just made us laugh even more. :o)

After we rode the two rides, we went and picked up a couple of gals from the office, and we went to a couple of Indian clothing stores. The prices were GREAT, and I bought two sarees. I can't wait to wear them. :o)One of our friends also got a saree. I was excited for her. Then several of us went and ate Mexican food and fellowshipped. Sarah and I were soooooo hungry ... we'd hardly had anything to eat all day. :o) That food hit the spot. It was SO funny--We were in the middle of this conversation when all of a sudden I feel this water dripping on me. I honestly thought someone was being funny and throwing water on me, but then we looked up and there was this big drip in the ceiling, right above me. We started laughing.

Sarah would really like to start getting some of us gals together to pray. I would really like that. The cry of my heart is to have deeper relationships with others. I think there are more of us who desire that than we would think, it's just that we are all so busy. Fellowship is so important, and we need to be proactive in seeking it out.

I know today was a blessed day and so refreshing. Friendships are so special!

Another week has come and gone. Boy, does time pass fast here! Probably because we stay pretty busy.

I ate lunch with my coworker Cindy. I really appreciate her!

Tonight was Terri's graduation. She had the privilege of praying during the ceremony, and her love for Jesus was beautifully evident as she prayed. Terri, 18, and her sister, Heather, help me out with web stories. I have very much enjoyed getting to know them and watching them blossom as young women.

Yesterday I went and got Six Flags passes for a group of us. They were a great price, and we plan to get much use out of them. :o) Heather, 15, handed me this note at the reception tonight, along with the money for hers:

Rachel, thanks for organizing all this! I look forward to screaming with you. See you on the Titan!!

That was fun. :o) I can't wait for the three of us to hang out at Six Flags one of these days soon. Oh, and BTW--for those of you who've never been to Six Flags over Texas-- The Titan is this incredibly scary (to me, at least)--thus quite thrilling--rollercoaster with a very steep downhill curve.

Well, I'm off to get a few more things done before I go to bed. Tomorrow we're having some gals over to the apartment for prayer, worship, food and fellowship. :o) Should be fun. Our prayer is that Jesus be lifted up and each person encouraged.

How nice it is to write in here ... I missed yesterday, and tonight it feels like I'm coming back to an old friend.

Speaking of old friends, after a considerable amount of "phone tagging", I got back in touch last night with the family I mentioned on Saturday. We had a really good talk.

He (my Bible study leader from back home) asked what brought me here. I explained how God had called me to serve with Gospel for Asia and asked if he'd heard of it before. He said that he did hear about it for the first time, through a recent event closeby. I was so excited, because I helped stuff boxes with materials for that day: In fact, we'd had a big assembly line of sorts, set up in our meeting room. He was saying that maybe they even got one of the boxes I packed. :o)

Anyhow, they're in the process of moving to another house, and after that they plan to have me over to catch up and eat barbeque. I sure do look forward to that. :o)

What a day. I don't know if words can suffice to relate everything that took place, but I will sure try.

This morning I did some laundry and then went by the office to say farewell to the brothers and sisters from the field. They were eating little Subway sandwiches in our staff kitchen. :o) Then they needed to catch their flight for the first leg of the long trip back.

I caught the 12:00 service at my church. My friend Lindy and I had a really good time of sharing what is on our hearts and praying for each other.

One thing on her heart is that she wants to know where the Lord would have her work. She has several interviews lined up and is very excited about one of them, in Ohio. I sure would miss her, but I would understand if that's what God is calling her to. :o) Do pray for this dear young woman, that she would clearly hear God's voice for her vocation. Of course, I would love to see her come serve here at Gospel for Asia with me. :o) Something on my heart was that I was again missing my college church this afternoon. When the service ended I cried a little.

I felt the Lord really put it on my heart to go see the movie The Passion today. I thought of how it would help put things back into perspective--how the laying down of His life for me is far greater than the small sacrifice I am making to serve Him here--or any other sacrifice I could ever make. There's no comparison.

So,I drove around a bit looking for a theater where it was playing. You've gotta remember, I have neither a newspaper or a cell phone. :o) I went to two local theaters before finding out about one with a 5:40 showing. I excitedly thanked the lady who gave me this info, ran to the car (it was 5:12) and found the theater just in time.

One thing the Lord really used to speak to my heart during the movie was how several of the people embraced the suffering of the man who played Jesus. I was especially impacted when the man carrying his Cross had his arm around the bleeding actor: He did not shrink back from his suffering but instead showed his love by coming alongside him. I don't think I will soon forget that.

This was a nice day. When my sister and I were sitting at the park watching the boys play, we smelled something cooking on a grill. Boy, did it smell good. I told her how I miss that from my Bible study days back home--when we would hang out and eat at the park. I decided I wanted to call the family of a Bible study leader whom I found out lives in this area. I'd been busy and putting it off, but I would love to meet up with them and fellowship again! It sure would be nice to see a familiar face or two from back home. :o)

Tonight as I was driving home, the sunset in the sky was so pretty. I had a nice time at the outlet mall on the way back, and got some good deals. I gave a tract to the cash register lady at Taco Bell. I hope she reads it.

Tonight I attended a rodeo with some others on staff. It was beautiful outside, with a refreshing cool air. I enjoyed chatting with people on the drive back--even though we were so tired. It's been a full, very busy week. But that's not a bad thing. :o)

Tomorrow morning I'm heading out to meet my sister and nephews for lunch at McAllisters and a trip to the zoo. I sure am looking forward to that. :o)

I had a nice day today. Pretty much finished my newsletter, just need to see about a few things.

This morning we found out about a married couple who will be coming on staff. For the past month they've been here with us, working behind the scenes on various jobs that nobody else has time to do. I truly appreciate their servant's hearts. How exciting that they will be joining our staff!

A friend is back to visit us; it was fun getting to see him. And tonight in our ladies' meeting, the wives of two field leaders shared their stories. Incredible testimonies! I wrote down this quote from one: "The Lord has satisfied us in all our needs." This was said with such a joyful heart, coming from the lips of a woman who nearly died from complications during a birth, almost lost their first child and, with her husband, forsook a very comfortable lifestyle for the sake of carrying out Christ's call to bring the Good News to some of the most unreached.

Wow. All glory to God. It matters not what circumstances we may find ourselves in--or whether we have much or little in this life. In Him is everything we need.

P.S. I need to get back to writing a press release that will go out tomorrow. I so much desire that God give me His words. I know my words are of no significance, yet His are full of life.

A pastor shared with us. So much of what he said went along with what the Lord has been teaching me about serving behind the scenes. It was so encouraging--while also quite challenging.

This afternoon I got a couple of web stories written and did a few other things. It was a good day!

Then tonight was our fun (talent) show at the office. Afterwards I played tag in part of our parking lot with some kids (so much fun!).

A group of us went to Braum's with some gals from our Canadian office. That was fun! I had a scoop of strawberry cheesecake icecream in a waffle cone. Yummy!

Tomorrow the pastor who shared today will share with us again. I'm really looking forward to it!

My parents were encouraged by today. I am so glad! It was tiring at times, but a good day. I feel renewed.

A neat thing happened this afternoon. Between sessions of the building dedication, we were sitting at a table in our kitchen area. It was just my parents and I for a bit. I got to thinking it would be so nice if someone who came "on their own" could sit with us. (See, there are just four chairs to a table)

Well, the Lord brought in our pathway a ministry supporter whose wife couldn't make it to the dedication. I started talking to him and then my parents joined in. We had such good fellowship with him. He loves the ministry and has such a heart for the lost. He drives a 1965 car and is happy to do all he can to reach people who need the hope of the Gospel.

Someone ordered pizza and we were all going through the line. My mom and I saw there wasn't much left, and we weren't very hungry anyhow, so we didn't take any. Then my dad and our new friend went up. My dad grabbed a piece of pizza and then he did, too. We were so glad he got a piece.

But guess what he did when he got back to the table? He immediately plunked that piece of pizza on my plate! He was so sweet about it, and insisted I have it. I was truly touched by his kind and sacrificial heart. Needless to say, even though I wasn't particularly hungry, I ate that piece of pizza. :o)

Praise God for people like him.

Hmmm ... the battle continued? It sure felt like it.

Somehow everytime I turned around (well, just about)I was crying. Tomorrow is our building dedication, celebrated with precious brothers and sisters from the field, as well as other staff and supporters from all over the world. I think the Lord will be greatly praised tomorrow as we give Him glory for what He and He alone has done, and the enemy isn't too happy with that.

One of our leaders saw me this morning and prayed for me, and my friend Jen came up and joined us. That meant so much. And one of my roommates prayed for me in the afternoon. I appreciated that.

Thankfully my day ended well. My parents are in town, and I visited them at their hotel, where we chatted, laughed, looked at my India pictures and ate some yummy food at Souper!Salad!. It was just what I needed. The Lord used our time together to really encourage me. Praise God.

Now I need to get some sleep ... Tomorrow is a long day. :)

I've been feeling kind of sad tonight -- I think a combination of a lot of different things. This afternoon I was on my college church website for a little bit. The people there have such a special place in my heart. There are times (like today) when I miss them so much. Even though I just saw them in February, it feels like it's been a while.

It still feels like the Lord is really stretching me ... and lately the battle as I serve here has been intense. But it's great to know that nothing that happens in my life is by accident. It's all part of His plan to conform me more and more into the image of Christ. He is so loving and kind, even when I am weary and don't always understand what's going on. This afternoon I took a four-hour nap. I must have been pretty exhausted. ;o)

We had some roommate bonding today--One of my roommates and I scrubbed the countertop and tub of the bathroom we share, went to Wal-mart to pick up some things we needed for the apartment (and tomorrow's potluck at the office!) and grabbed supper at Chick-fila. There was a nice breeze outside, and we ate at the small playground outside our apartment.

Tomorrow is a special Sunday morning worship service at the ministry. Staff from other offices, as well as the brothers and sisters from the field, will join in. It looks like I'll be in Tot Spot, keeping the kiddos. At first I was sad that I would likely miss out on the service. Yet when I saw the first brother from the field step out of that van Friday, somehow my perspective changed. I even got excited about the opportunity to serve behind the scenes and die to myself in the situation.

We all gathered in our courtyard to greet the brothers and sisters from the field. We watched them pull up in a van. As soon as the first person stepped out, I started crying.

It was an incredible moment, one that I never want to forget. We all clapped as they came out and gathered around. I felt like I was transported back to India, where they all would clap to welcome us and the girls at one of the Bible colleges washed our feet --another moment I'll never forget.

Every time I see these beloved brethen from the field, I get a glimpse of the person I want to be. I thank God for the many ways in which He has been deliberately arranging circumstances in my life to hold me the commitment I made Sunday night--to more and more share in His sufferings and be radically abandoned to reaching the lost world He died for. I so much don't want to grieve His heart. (Ephesians 4:30)

Lately I've been feeling like the oyster shell that gets many scratches and irritations--before producing a beautiful pearl, quite different from the dullness it once had. Praise God. And I am reminded of how the His kingdom is like that pearl of great price, for which the merchant sold everything he had. When we are focused on our beautiful Savior and His incredible love for us, everything else fades in comparison. Thank You, Lord.

Here are some words I wrote in my journal a few minutes before the brothers and sisters from the field got here:

I can hardly believe it ... in just a few moments the brothers and two of their wives will be here. A little over a month ago we saw them ... on the other side of the world. :o) And now here they are ... Wow.

Thank You so much, Lord. May you get all the glory.

Oh, Lord, I am nothing without you. Anything I have or am is because of You and You alone. Help me to have a servant's heart toward my brothers and sisters here. And, oh Lord, give us each humble hearts that would not seek recognition but would seek to be a blessing to our brothers and sisters from the field. Thank You, Lord.

I think the Lord is teaching me some key lessons. I so much want to be humble and not seeking attention but just seeking to serve. It seems He's deliberately bringing circumstances into my life to drive me to this. It's hard at times, yet SO rewarding. Praise the Lord, as one of our brothers from the field in Asia would say, with the biggest grin on his face.

He is one of the brothers who arrived today. Right before they all pulled up to the office, I took my lunch break and had such a sweet time with the Lord. I was sitting outside in our back patio area, enjoying the wonderful breeze--but especially His presence in the midst of it. It's the greatest thing--there is nothing like it!

Guess what? I finished the photo caption project today. Praise the Lord! I was excited.

My roommate Dorinda and I had lunch at Arby's to celebrate this special moment. :o)

Now I need to work on some more web projects, but I don't think they'll be quite as extensive as that one. Amazing that the Lord could use someone like me for the furtherance of His Gospel. Thank you, Lord.

Tomorrow a group of leaders from the field get here. I had the privilege to meet several while I was in India and am looking forward to seeing them again. Thinking of these precious brothers and their families reminds me of the great cloud of witnesses we have. (Hebrews 12:1) Incredible.

I've been working on a photo caption project for our website redesign. Sometimes it feels that I have hardly made any progress--even though I've worked on it a considerable amount. Yet I know by faith it will be finished soon.

The Lord has been stretching me lately ... but it's a good thing, such a good thing. The prayer of my heart at the beginning of this week was that I would more and more embrace the Cross, sharing in His sufferings. He has been faithful to bring about opportunities. Somehow I am so encouraged and I know He will see me through. And I know the little things I encounter in the battle are nothing compared to what Jesus willingly suffered for me.

Tonight after prayer meeting I had a good chat with a friend and gave a little girl a piggyback ride outside. :o) Then another friend and I went to her apartment and prayed for a while. It was an incredible time! Even though physically tired, my heart was renewed. It was like a breath of fresh air.

We also had some great time of fellowship ... some good laughs. :o) I'm so thankful for the family He has provided me with here.

Ladies Dessert Night at Church.

A friend from work went with me. We had such a nice time. Some of the women there were trying to recruit me to go to the ladies retreat this August. :o) I must admit, it does sound like fun. I would love to continue getting to know this group. Even after going to this church a year, there are still quite a few people I haven't met yet.

During the program I was touched by the servant's heart of one of the young husbands as he worked the sound system and brought a "better working" microphone to the main speaker.

Afterwards we were pampered by some of the men waiting on us and bringing us fancy little desserts and punch. They were all such gentlemen. :o)

We were all supposed to find someone to give our extra name tag to, so they could pray for us. I met a really sweet lady who gave me hers, and I gave her mine as well.

Today was one of those gorgeous days outside. :o) Thank you, Lord.

Tonight at our Sunday service the Lord really ministered to me during the worship. For a while I was just sitting there with my eyes closed, resting in His presence.

He is indeed so comforting. What a friend we have in Jesus! I am reminded of Joab from when we were in India-- how he had such bubbling joy when he talked about Jesus being his friend.

How incredible Heaven is going to be ... to be with our brothers and sisters on the other side of the world-- brethren we've had the privilege to link our lives with here on this earth, so the Lord could use them to reach so many with the Good News of Christ. Praise God.

Getting to meet some of these believers while I was in India felt like a little taste of Heaven. Just imagine how wonderful it's going to be. Nothing on this earth can be taken with us ... only things that are of eternal value.

The service tonight was about embracing the Cross. When we think of what Jesus gave up for us--the excruciating pain and heartache He suffered by death on the Cross to pay for our sins--how can we not want to love Him back and be willing to give up even those things that are dearest to us, if He would ask this of us?

Even as I write this I know I am weak in my fallen human flesh. Yet I want to more and more embrace the Cross, for the sake of the precious Savior who died for me. Please pray for me.

This morning a group of us moved a staff family from our apartment complex to a house ... and ate a pancake breakfast! It was fun hanging out and talking to my buddies there.

Then tonight my friend Jen and I ate supper (really good baked potatoes and salad) with a family on staff and played a fun game with them. :o) We definitely enjoyed some good laughs.

I sure look forward to church in the morning.