I miss these kiddos

But I had fun seeing them for Christmas : )

Back from Redneck Land

I learned a lot of useful things in Louisiana (pronounced Loo-see-ana), such as how to pull potatoes, can corn, shell peas (which I did for 8hrs one day!), and how to scale & fry fish. I also learned some useful words:

• Fussin' - to complain (ex. "Jed, quit fussin' about havin' to work on that barn today.")
  
• Reckon - "do you think" (ex. "Where's Bekah, reckon?")
• Jawing - talking (ex. "We had a great time at the party swimmin', eatin' and jawin'.")
• Sir and Ma'am - term of respect I previously only ever used when in trouble and my mom called me by my full name (ex. "Katherine Anne Ryan, you come here right now!" --"Yes ma'am!") *However, after 3 mos in West Monroe, this is now an automatic response whenever anyone calls my name (ex. "Hey Katie?" --"Ma'am?")
  

and useful phrases:

• Little Michael, go give Miss Tonya sugars before you leave. - i.e. Go give Miss Tonya a hug & kiss before you leave.
• Those two favor - i.e. Those two look alike.
• I come by it honest. (ex. Bekah: "Katie, don't ask me - I'm terrible with directions." Katie: "Whatever. Tonya, do you know how to get there?" Tonya: "Oh, don't ask me. I'm worse than she is!" Bekah: "See Katie! I come by it honest.")

Texans, folks from Louisiana may have an affinity for cammo, huntin' and deer meat that we don't quite understand, but I absolutely loved my time in Louisiana and I miss the amazing people I met there!

How easy is it to send out a newsletter for a non-profit organization?

Oh my goodness, it has been CRAZINESS trying to get this mail-out done. But after adding more postage (for the 3rd time), counting them (for the 2nd time - there are 858 letters, by the way), sorting and recounting them (346 went to northern Louisiana), filling out multiple forms and sitting in the postmasters office for well over one hour...

the "spring newsletter" finally went out.

So, how easy is it to send out a newsletter for a non-profit organization? Just that easy.

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).