Confidence.

I am becoming comfortable here. Loving the pace of life. A much slower pace than I have probably ever had... Did I ever mention that Alabama is a little behind in time? No one is in a hurry for anything down here.

I always know when my world is about to be shaken. At the moment of comfort, I finally begin to adapt to a routine and kick back and enjoy my surroundings-- this is usually when life gets turned upside down. I can never be fully prepared for what I am about to experience. All I know is each time I am more prepared than the last. Right now, I am so confident in where I stand in life and who I am as a child of God, I feel as if I could take on anything. Whether it be another upset phone call, another heartbreak, a disappointment-- or on the brighter side, something great could be about to take place.

I am so challenged to do something great right now. I am being called into something, but can't quite put my finger on it. I've been praying about a bible study with some of the girls I've gotten close to... but not sure. I really miss being in a nursing home. This summer my eyes were opened to the abandoned hearts of the elderly, and I really miss loving on them and listening to their stories. I wonder where He will lead me next?

In other news... I had a very uplifting weekend. I experienced Alabama football. Which, is not at all just about football, it's a culture- a way of life. I had boiled peanuts-- pronounced "bold" peanuts. They were actually quite good. Who would have thought? I could probably go on and on with a list of new things I have experienced since being here. I had a spontaneous trip to the beach with a good friend... It was so good to just delight in the beauty of all God created. To hear the sound of the ocean at night... everytime the wind blew I could feel the embrace of my Maker. I just can't stop falling more in love.

He keeps rescuing me.

"Be still and know that I am God... I will be exalted among the nations... I will be exalted among the Earth." How big, how great-- just standing here without movement- knowing He longs to be known across the nations. I cannot wait to go. The people of Guiyang are about to be shaken... China. December 10th, 2007. He will be known!