Them Lewises are all up in my Kool-Aid!

I've officially been here one week now.

The Louisiana Learning Curve: Sometimes the local paper mill makes everything smell like poo; people here are serious about their trucks and deer meat; the Lewises don't exactly get my sporadic techno dance breaks and I still haven't figured out how to fold their towels the way they want...

...but so far so good! ; )

What a fast transition! Recap: 3 weeks ago I came out to Louisiana to visit the Lewises and decided that I would come to work for them through Inn Ministries. I spent the next 2 wks packing, unpacking, and repacking; moving roomies to their new apt; and saying goodbye to all my friends and family (who are amazing, by the way!).

My mom and I drove out last Wed and I realized that the Lewises built me my own personal closet! In a house with 7 ppl where I share a room with 2 other girls, having my own closet space rocks. Their house is great though and they love having people over. We hosted the youth group's Spring Fling on Saturday (volleyball, hanging out and grilling), and we're hosting the young adults/young marrieds this Sunday for home groups.

Working with the ministry is great so far. It's crazy to hear about all the Guatemalan kids b/c they are all grown up now. I first went to Guatemala 7 years ago, and some of the little ones are graduated by now! Working on Student Sponsorships and thank-you letters right now.

Moving to Louisiana

Hi Friends,

Big news - I'm moving to Louisiana...next week! Does this seem totally out of the blue? It kind of is. Here's the story.

When I was a junior in high school, I lived with a missionary family (the Lewises) in Guatemala for the summer and taught English in their private school. They were in Guatemala for about 20 years and through a series of events the Lord called them back to live in the States (Louisiana), although they still oversee the Inn Ministries.

Over the past 7 years, we have kept in touch and they are a second family to me. Last March I was in their oldest daughter's wedding and they asked me to consider coming to work with them. It sounded great, but didn't seem feasible. Besides, Louisiana??

Last September I left the Chamber and have been doing some consulting work for Love Funding since then, but have felt very aimless the past six months. To make a long story even longer, I called Mike to say hello and decided to come out to Louisiana to visit them and reconsider the offer. Honestly, I was not planning to take them up on it because I had already made plans here (joined Team in Training again, signed an apartment lease with friends, became a member at my church, etc.). However, I sat down to talk with Mike & LaTonya and really felt that it was what I was supposed to do. I felt that the Lord was challenging me to put aside my reservations and trust Him in this.

I am now officially moved out of my apartment and I am in the process of unpacking and re-packing. My mom and I will drive out to West Monroe next week and I will then start my new job doing the administrative work and logistics for the ministry. I will be living with the Lewises and their four amazing kids and I'm SO EXCITED!

"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord" (Ps. 27:13-14).