While Chris and Kelli are gone to the states for a month an a half I am in charge of holding all the day and night guards flashlights, jackets, radios, and guns. So far it's been going well. It's taken me some time to get used to getting up early. The day guards come and give me all their stuff at 6am! My mom doesn't like that I am handling guns very much! I'm really not "handling" them all I do is just give them to the guards and take it when they give it to me. No biggie.
Also the other thing I am taking care of is their cat, Franky (say it with a French accent). Now this cat really is a kitten and annoying!!! He is a very needy cat and likes attention. He also has to be sitting in my lap every time I sit down!! I am trying to teach him not to scratch and claw at me. I already have quite a few wounds from him. Sometimes he is worse than a little kid!!
Other than the cat I am having a fun time staying at Chris and Kelli's. It's nice to have a tv to watch dvd's on and a cd player, oh and good Internet connection! :)
We completed the first stage of the Bible Curriculum!!! We are all done with the English stories and now are getting them translated and edited. It's very exciting and a great relief to be done with that part. God's strength got us through all of it for sure. Our goal is to have it all completed by the end of June. That's soon but we're praying for fast translation and good edits.
On May 21st is the third Masters class and I am doing it by myself without Chris!! It will be interesting. Connie, a lady from Canada will be here and she'll help me out a lot. If you think of me that week just keep me in your prayers, it will be a little crazy I'm sure. :) I'm looking forward to the challenge and what the week will hold.
I have grown so much since I've been here, it's awesome!! I've had some stretching experiences but they have been really good. God is and has been teaching me a lot and I am so thankful for this season of my life. We serve a great God!
God's blessings on you my friends. Remember He is faithful and sovereign through whatever we may face.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Snap shots of Haiti
I just like this picture.
Port au Prince--the white building is the Presidents Palace.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Monday, April 16, 2007
Update at Last!
Oh my goodness, it's been almost a month since I last posted. Wow, that is a long time. I will try to remember all that has happened since I last posted, but I am 23 now and my brain cells seem to be fading. ;-)
The last weekend in March I went with Kryk, Deborah, and their kids to the beach house. I wasn't going to go but they begged me to go and just forget my work, so I gave in and went! I had a wonderful time though. Very relaxing. It was nice to just read my book and Bible and not do much of anything else. A nice break.
The last two weeks my friend Rachel has been visiting me and it has been wonderful!! I put her to work helping me with some of the Bible curriculum stories. Then Chris got a hold of her and she helped with translating for the next Masters class. She has been a great help and has kept me company which I have been very thankful for! This last weekend Rachel was actually able to go out of the mission compound and see more of Haiti. On Saturday morning Pastor Rob took Rach, two other men from CO, and I to Adrien school and church. It was about an hour drive and then a 45 min walk/hike up to the school and church. It was good time. It wasn't too hot, very humid but that's Haiti all the time. I did get sun burned on my neck, next time I am going to wear my hair down or put sun screen on. After our drive we came back to the mission had some lunch and then Kryk and Deborah took us and the men to a really cool place where you can look out onto all of Port au Prince. It was a great view. You could see the ocean, the airport, the palace, and a lot of houses/shacks. I enjoyed seeing it because it gave me perspective on where I'm at and where everything is located.
To go back in time, my birthday and Easter were really good!! On Easter all the missionaries on the compound got together and had a sunrise service at 6:30am, had a little breakfast at Pastor Rob and Patti's, and then we all went to church. We had a picnic at Elsa's which was very nice and then we just rested the rest of the afternoon until B-study time where we had a little BD celebration for me. Everyone was really sweet with all their gifts and cards.
I have a lot of pictures from the last month so I will put a few of them up here sometime soon.
That's all for now...
The last weekend in March I went with Kryk, Deborah, and their kids to the beach house. I wasn't going to go but they begged me to go and just forget my work, so I gave in and went! I had a wonderful time though. Very relaxing. It was nice to just read my book and Bible and not do much of anything else. A nice break.
The last two weeks my friend Rachel has been visiting me and it has been wonderful!! I put her to work helping me with some of the Bible curriculum stories. Then Chris got a hold of her and she helped with translating for the next Masters class. She has been a great help and has kept me company which I have been very thankful for! This last weekend Rachel was actually able to go out of the mission compound and see more of Haiti. On Saturday morning Pastor Rob took Rach, two other men from CO, and I to Adrien school and church. It was about an hour drive and then a 45 min walk/hike up to the school and church. It was good time. It wasn't too hot, very humid but that's Haiti all the time. I did get sun burned on my neck, next time I am going to wear my hair down or put sun screen on. After our drive we came back to the mission had some lunch and then Kryk and Deborah took us and the men to a really cool place where you can look out onto all of Port au Prince. It was a great view. You could see the ocean, the airport, the palace, and a lot of houses/shacks. I enjoyed seeing it because it gave me perspective on where I'm at and where everything is located.
To go back in time, my birthday and Easter were really good!! On Easter all the missionaries on the compound got together and had a sunrise service at 6:30am, had a little breakfast at Pastor Rob and Patti's, and then we all went to church. We had a picnic at Elsa's which was very nice and then we just rested the rest of the afternoon until B-study time where we had a little BD celebration for me. Everyone was really sweet with all their gifts and cards.
I have a lot of pictures from the last month so I will put a few of them up here sometime soon.
That's all for now...
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Random Pictures
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Se yon gras BonDye
That means "That's a grace from God" my creole phrase for the day. :-) I am practicing my creole and trying hard to learn it! I am recognizing and hearing a lot of the words but I just don't know what they mean all the time. It doesn't sound as foreign to me anymore. I know they are words I just need to get the meanings in my head.
I can't believe it is the middle of March already. Where does the time go?! Time is just flying by as I've been doing the Bible curr. and scanning papers. Scanning you say. Yes, I have been scanning 28 papers, each with about 15-20 pages and emailing them to the professor who taught the Masters class in Jan. Last Friday was the deadline for the students to turn in their papers. Last weekend and this week I have been scanning and scanning. I am a pro at scanning now! All 28 students turned in a paper which was very good. We didn't know how many people would actually follow through, but they all did.
I learning a lot from the Bible curr. especially when I have to look in depth into a story. For example, I learned in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah that Lot's wife did not look back until they had reached the city of Zoar. I had always thought that Lot's wife looked back while she was running out of the city. That's always what my kids bible and stories said!! The real account is when Lot and his family were safely inside the city of Zoar, God rained down fire from heaven and destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah and then Lot's wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt. I am very glad that I am reading and going over these oh so common Bible stories. There is always something new to learn and I love it!
In my spare time I am reading an online book on William Wilberforce by John Piper. It is really good and I am very intrigued with Wilberforce's life. What struck me about his life is that when he became a Christian instead of going to parties and social gatherings he stayed home and read his Bible, prayed, and took long walks while memorizing scripture. That really convicted me. Do I spend that much time reading and enjoying God's word, praying and memorizing scripture? Sadly no, but I should. His fervor and zeal for the Lord was amazing! I also like how he was so concerned with the immorality of his culture and how he stuck to his cause and would not give up. Oh that I would be a woman who was zealous for the Lord and stood strong for a right cause.
I love reading about hero's of the Christian faith. It is so encouraging and convicting.
I can't believe it is the middle of March already. Where does the time go?! Time is just flying by as I've been doing the Bible curr. and scanning papers. Scanning you say. Yes, I have been scanning 28 papers, each with about 15-20 pages and emailing them to the professor who taught the Masters class in Jan. Last Friday was the deadline for the students to turn in their papers. Last weekend and this week I have been scanning and scanning. I am a pro at scanning now! All 28 students turned in a paper which was very good. We didn't know how many people would actually follow through, but they all did.
I learning a lot from the Bible curr. especially when I have to look in depth into a story. For example, I learned in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah that Lot's wife did not look back until they had reached the city of Zoar. I had always thought that Lot's wife looked back while she was running out of the city. That's always what my kids bible and stories said!! The real account is when Lot and his family were safely inside the city of Zoar, God rained down fire from heaven and destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah and then Lot's wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt. I am very glad that I am reading and going over these oh so common Bible stories. There is always something new to learn and I love it!
In my spare time I am reading an online book on William Wilberforce by John Piper. It is really good and I am very intrigued with Wilberforce's life. What struck me about his life is that when he became a Christian instead of going to parties and social gatherings he stayed home and read his Bible, prayed, and took long walks while memorizing scripture. That really convicted me. Do I spend that much time reading and enjoying God's word, praying and memorizing scripture? Sadly no, but I should. His fervor and zeal for the Lord was amazing! I also like how he was so concerned with the immorality of his culture and how he stuck to his cause and would not give up. Oh that I would be a woman who was zealous for the Lord and stood strong for a right cause.
I love reading about hero's of the Christian faith. It is so encouraging and convicting.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
A box full of Valentine's and a party!
Saturday I received a box from my mom full of yarn and and a bunch of valentines!! It was quite exciting to open all the valentines and see what everyone wrote to me. Thank you to all who wrote me one! That made my day, week, and month! So wonderful to feel so loved!
On the actual Valentine's day we had a party here at the mission. It was really fun! I made heart shaped brownies with dream whip (a kind of whip cream in a package) and cherries on top. They were quite good. We decorated the dining hall in red and hearts and played pin the heart on cupid. It was fun watching all the little kids and adults play!! There are some pics below of the party.
The Bible curriculum is coming along. This Thursday we have an education meeting where we will validate weeks 1-5 of the curriculum and hopefully it will pass and we will be able to get it translated after that. This week I have been down with a cold so I haven't been working too hard. I think it's God's way of getting me to slow down and rest! It's so hard because all the missionaries work so hard that I want to do the same.
I am doing a bible study called Knowing and Loving God and today's lesson was about God's power and energy. It was a great reminder of how strong God is and how when I am weak He is my strength. On a day like today it is wonderful to know that God will give me just enough strength to complete my tasks for today. Praise the Lord for His amazing strength!
Elizabeth, me and Naomi
The little kids...Jonathan, Elizabeth, Naomi, and Hannah
The girls all in red and pigtails!
Pastor Rob and Patti re-telling their love story, they are trying to remember what happened when!
The BHM staff who was at the party
On the actual Valentine's day we had a party here at the mission. It was really fun! I made heart shaped brownies with dream whip (a kind of whip cream in a package) and cherries on top. They were quite good. We decorated the dining hall in red and hearts and played pin the heart on cupid. It was fun watching all the little kids and adults play!! There are some pics below of the party.
The Bible curriculum is coming along. This Thursday we have an education meeting where we will validate weeks 1-5 of the curriculum and hopefully it will pass and we will be able to get it translated after that. This week I have been down with a cold so I haven't been working too hard. I think it's God's way of getting me to slow down and rest! It's so hard because all the missionaries work so hard that I want to do the same.
I am doing a bible study called Knowing and Loving God and today's lesson was about God's power and energy. It was a great reminder of how strong God is and how when I am weak He is my strength. On a day like today it is wonderful to know that God will give me just enough strength to complete my tasks for today. Praise the Lord for His amazing strength!
Elizabeth, me and Naomi
The little kids...Jonathan, Elizabeth, Naomi, and Hannah
The girls all in red and pigtails!
Pastor Rob and Patti re-telling their love story, they are trying to remember what happened when!
The BHM staff who was at the party
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
One Month
Wow, I can't believe I have been here for a month already!! Where is the time going? It's just flying by. Life in Haiti is busy, busy, busy!! It's good busy and I fall in bed each night thankful to the Lord for giving me sleep and rest! :-) All last week I was helping Chris with the Masters Class that was going on here. Praise the Lord it went really well and we had more people than we thought would show up. It was a good class and God's hand was totally in it guiding us. This week I am back to working on the Bible Curriculum. We had a meeting about it yesterday that went pretty good. We have quite a few things to change but that's to be expected and we want that to happen. We don't want the Haitian teachers to throw this curriculum on the shelf and never use it. We want them to use it so that the children can have a good Christian education and background.
In my spare time (ha!) I watch movies with Adele. We like to watch old classic movies and war movies!! My favorite. The little girls and I crochet sometimes too. Oh I got a new stove last week!!!! Sooo exciting! I can actually boil water for tea without having huge flames come up! It's very nice and I am sooo thankful for it.
For all those who were wondering about the little girl that got kidnapped which I mentioned a couple posts ago. She was released unharmed and sent back to her parents. Praise the Lord for that. But still keep this country in your prayers because there are a lot of kidnappings going on and it's just so sad and wrong.
Till next time...
In my spare time (ha!) I watch movies with Adele. We like to watch old classic movies and war movies!! My favorite. The little girls and I crochet sometimes too. Oh I got a new stove last week!!!! Sooo exciting! I can actually boil water for tea without having huge flames come up! It's very nice and I am sooo thankful for it.
For all those who were wondering about the little girl that got kidnapped which I mentioned a couple posts ago. She was released unharmed and sent back to her parents. Praise the Lord for that. But still keep this country in your prayers because there are a lot of kidnappings going on and it's just so sad and wrong.
Till next time...
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Verse for Today
You keep him in perfect peacewhose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.
Isaiah 26:3-4
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Opened Eyes
I thank God for this privilege of being here at BHM. I am just being blessed continually by the people here and the people who come through here. All of their stories are just amazing. I am just amazed that God would have me work here and that I am able to help this ministry. God is doing a mighty work around the world but there are some places that are still living in total darkness. Last night two men arrived from Samaritans Purse and one of them was telling us how he was just in North Korea. He said that the country is a country without a soul. They all walk around like robots and do whatever the leader says to do. He said it is very creepy. I cannot imagine living in a country like that where you cannot do what you want, say what you want, or think for yourself. There is no religion there except bowing to and worshiping the leader. It’s so sad. The Samaritan Purse guy was saying that when the gospel reaches these people they will be on fire for God because they are such dedicated people. Now I’m here in Haiti and I know many, many people do not know Jesus but to see the ones that do know Him is such an encouragement.
The crime here and wickedness is very obvious. Every night we have been praying for this little 3 yr old girl who was kidnapped last week sometime. Yesterday at 4pm the family was supposed to come up with $100,000 US or else the girl would be killed. We haven’t heard anything about it yet. That just sickens my heart that they would take a 3 yr old! Patti told us last night that someone tried to call the kidnappers over the weekend and their message said they do not work on the weekends. They are treating this like a business! So sickening and so wrong.
I am thankful that I am here and that my eyes are being opened to others around the world. It’s so encouraging to see God working around the world. It’s a battle we live in. But our God is strong and victorious and one day this will all be gone…one day. Until that day I want to live, work, breathe, and just be in Him. The best place to be.
The crime here and wickedness is very obvious. Every night we have been praying for this little 3 yr old girl who was kidnapped last week sometime. Yesterday at 4pm the family was supposed to come up with $100,000 US or else the girl would be killed. We haven’t heard anything about it yet. That just sickens my heart that they would take a 3 yr old! Patti told us last night that someone tried to call the kidnappers over the weekend and their message said they do not work on the weekends. They are treating this like a business! So sickening and so wrong.
I am thankful that I am here and that my eyes are being opened to others around the world. It’s so encouraging to see God working around the world. It’s a battle we live in. But our God is strong and victorious and one day this will all be gone…one day. Until that day I want to live, work, breathe, and just be in Him. The best place to be.
More pictures!!
Some of the wonderful food I get to eat here! Avocados, bananas, and grapefruit.
This weekend the girls and I had a crocheting party. Some of the girls already knew how to crochet and just wanted to know how to make other stuff. Abby had never crocheted before so I taught her. It was a lot of fun! Laurie made a scarf for her bear and Brianne made a darling purse for one of her friends. Here's some pics of the girls and couple of my room because I rearranged it a bit.
Laurie making her scarf
Brianne with her purse
Abby crocheting away
Moved my desk to the other side of my room
Look at all that yarn!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
The Haitian Times
Bonjour! I have been in Haiti for about 2 weeks now and I am having a great time! I am keeping very busy but I like that. There's always things for me to do here. My main assignment is to help write the Bible curriculum for all of BHM's (Baptist Haiti Mission) schools. We are working on 1st grade right now. This past weekend I was able to get the first two weeks worth of lessons completed and they are being translated right now. We have a meeting on Thursday to go over the lessons and see what everyone thinks. I am working with Deborah and Kelli, two of the missionary ladies here AND we are getting lots of help from Morgan, Jon, and Kari! Thank you guys so much for all your help. When I am not writing Bible curriculum I am helping Chris, he is charge of the education and youth, in his office doing whatever he needs me to do.
I've helped Pastor Baker with some filing and as well. I just go where they need me to go!
My apartment is very nice and I like it a lot. The first few days my toilet wasn't working so I stayed in Kryk and Deborah's home. I am enjoying my little place and I am trying to find things to make it more homey.
Everyone here is just wonderful! It's like being in a big family which I love!! There are little kids everywhere and I am Aunt Carrie to some of them. :) It's a lot of fun.
This last week and now this week there is a team here from Maryland. They are working on Chris and Kelli's roof. I have had a roommate, Isa for the last week and she is staying for one more week. I haven't had time to be lonely or anything!! :0
If anyone wants to come and visit me and help out at the mission just let me know!! They are always needing help here and now that I'm here I understand how much work all the missionaries do and how much they need more people to do different things.
I will try and update this more often. There are some pictures below of my apartment. Enjoy!
Miss you all!!
I've helped Pastor Baker with some filing and as well. I just go where they need me to go!
My apartment is very nice and I like it a lot. The first few days my toilet wasn't working so I stayed in Kryk and Deborah's home. I am enjoying my little place and I am trying to find things to make it more homey.
Everyone here is just wonderful! It's like being in a big family which I love!! There are little kids everywhere and I am Aunt Carrie to some of them. :) It's a lot of fun.
This last week and now this week there is a team here from Maryland. They are working on Chris and Kelli's roof. I have had a roommate, Isa for the last week and she is staying for one more week. I haven't had time to be lonely or anything!! :0
If anyone wants to come and visit me and help out at the mission just let me know!! They are always needing help here and now that I'm here I understand how much work all the missionaries do and how much they need more people to do different things.
I will try and update this more often. There are some pictures below of my apartment. Enjoy!
Miss you all!!
My Home in Haiti
The view from outside my door!!
My apartment
My yellow ducky bathroom! :-)
The toilet works!!
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Pictures...
Our table center piece for our Hawaiian Christmas. 
Mele Kalikimaka with Jess!
Sister and Brother
Sick of Shopping!
I cannot believe that I, Carrie Swenson am saying that I am sick of shopping but I am!! I have been shopping since the day after Christmas and I hope, hope, hope that I am all done and will not have to go out anymore. I have a huge pile of stuff on my bedroom floor. It's hard trying to decide what I will need for 6 months. I think I got everything. Of course when I start packing on Tues. I might find some stuff that I'll need. My packing party people will be able to advise me as to what I missed. Only 4 more days!! I'm ready though. I just want the traveling to be over with and just get there! I will be spending many hours in the Miami airport but I have an ipod to keep me company. (I got one for Christmas I was SO excited!) I also got some good history books from Barnes and Nobel. One is on the beginning of the CIA and the other one is about a pioneer woman on the westward migration. I'm excited to start those.
Tomorrow my parents are hosting a New Year's Eve party for the college group. It should be lots of fun! It will be a chance for me to say goodbye to a lot of people too. I can't believe that it is going to be 2007 in 2 days!!!! Time just flies by. What a year it's been too. God taught me a lot and I am thankful for that. Onto new adventures for 2007! With God as my leader life will never ever be boring or dull! He keeps me on my toes and I will go where He leads me.
Happy New Year!
Tomorrow my parents are hosting a New Year's Eve party for the college group. It should be lots of fun! It will be a chance for me to say goodbye to a lot of people too. I can't believe that it is going to be 2007 in 2 days!!!! Time just flies by. What a year it's been too. God taught me a lot and I am thankful for that. Onto new adventures for 2007! With God as my leader life will never ever be boring or dull! He keeps me on my toes and I will go where He leads me.
Happy New Year!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Mele Kalikimaka!!
Merry Christmas everyone! Last night with the Nelsons and Colemans we had a Hawaiian Christmas. We remembered the Ways who are now in Hawaii enjoying their Christmas. The food we had was soooo good!!! We had a Spam macaroni salad which was actually really good. Coconut shrimp, coconut rice, pork, some really good salad with crispy noodles, and mango salsa. It was all very good and fun! I'll post some pics of the night at the end.
I can't believe it is Christmas Eve already. Man, time just flies by. My last day at work was Friday. So I am now officially done working at the SLOCHS (San Luis Obispo County Historical Society). Angelina took my place and I trained her all week. That was fun. She will do great at the job and she caught on really quickly to everything. In a week and a half I will board a plane to Haiti!!! Oh my goodness! I am so excited to go! I've had a few changes with some things. Originally I was going to meet Elsa Peterson in Miami and fly with her to Haiti, well she has to come later in the month so I will be flying by myself. I found out that I can't go into Haiti with just a one-way ticket! They won't let me in. So I have to buy another ticket, but that's all ok because everything will all work out. After Christmas I plan on doing all my shopping and packing. I'm having a packing party on January 2nd so if anyone wants to come and help me pack come on over!
I hope that everyone has a blessed Christmas and that we all remember the true reason for the season. How Jesus came as a baby in the most humblest ways and saved us from our sin. Thank you Jesus.
Pics will come soon....
I can't believe it is Christmas Eve already. Man, time just flies by. My last day at work was Friday. So I am now officially done working at the SLOCHS (San Luis Obispo County Historical Society). Angelina took my place and I trained her all week. That was fun. She will do great at the job and she caught on really quickly to everything. In a week and a half I will board a plane to Haiti!!! Oh my goodness! I am so excited to go! I've had a few changes with some things. Originally I was going to meet Elsa Peterson in Miami and fly with her to Haiti, well she has to come later in the month so I will be flying by myself. I found out that I can't go into Haiti with just a one-way ticket! They won't let me in. So I have to buy another ticket, but that's all ok because everything will all work out. After Christmas I plan on doing all my shopping and packing. I'm having a packing party on January 2nd so if anyone wants to come and help me pack come on over!
I hope that everyone has a blessed Christmas and that we all remember the true reason for the season. How Jesus came as a baby in the most humblest ways and saved us from our sin. Thank you Jesus.
Pics will come soon....
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Remember Pearl Harbor
Today 65 years ago Pearl Harbor was bombed and WWII started for the Americans. We must remember the sacrifice of the many men who fought in WWII and how they fought for our freedom. These men are dying off quickly and some of them are dying without even saying anything about the war and how they fought. If you know a veteran go talk to him or her and tell them how thankful you are for what they did 60 some years ago.
That's my history speech for the day. :)
That's my history speech for the day. :)
Tis' the Season......to post!!
I have not posted for a month and I apologize to all my blog readers out there. I haven't really been that busy I just didn't take the time to post. I will try to update more often and especially when I am in Haiti. Otherwise I know that I will be hearing from people if I don't update!
I told my job that I was leaving/quitting last Monday. That was kinda nerve racking! I've never told a job that I'm quitting but my boss was cool about it and it looks like Angelina will be taking my place. Only 11 more days of work!!! This month is just going to fly by and then I'll be in Haiti. Crazy.
This past Tuesday I took the train to Santa Barbara with my parents and some homeschool friends. It was a fun day and I had a blast shopping with the Ways! Zachary's prison shirt was pretty cool and Kari and I got some fun scarves but they won't stay in our hair which is really annoying. I got some Christmas shopping done but still have a lot left to do.
My last BSF is this Monday. I'm kinda sad because I won't get to finish Romans. I will be left hanging at chapter 8. Maybe my mom can sneak me the lecture notes while I'm Haiti. Its been a really good study and I've learned a lot about...sin. Sin and the law is now a clearer picture in my mind. The words Sanctification, Justification, Propitiation, Redemption are all words I understand so much better now. Definitely going through Romans has brought my sins to light and I am reminded of how wretched I am. Which is not a bad thing because then I know I need God's grace more than ever. Here's a good quote:
"Sanctification is not an awareness of how good we are becoming. It is a growing sense of how sinful we truly are, so we will constantly turn to and depend on Jesus Christ for every spiritual victory. "
I need Jesus and I must depend on Him for everything. So easy to say but so hard to do.
I told my job that I was leaving/quitting last Monday. That was kinda nerve racking! I've never told a job that I'm quitting but my boss was cool about it and it looks like Angelina will be taking my place. Only 11 more days of work!!! This month is just going to fly by and then I'll be in Haiti. Crazy.
This past Tuesday I took the train to Santa Barbara with my parents and some homeschool friends. It was a fun day and I had a blast shopping with the Ways! Zachary's prison shirt was pretty cool and Kari and I got some fun scarves but they won't stay in our hair which is really annoying. I got some Christmas shopping done but still have a lot left to do.
My last BSF is this Monday. I'm kinda sad because I won't get to finish Romans. I will be left hanging at chapter 8. Maybe my mom can sneak me the lecture notes while I'm Haiti. Its been a really good study and I've learned a lot about...sin. Sin and the law is now a clearer picture in my mind. The words Sanctification, Justification, Propitiation, Redemption are all words I understand so much better now. Definitely going through Romans has brought my sins to light and I am reminded of how wretched I am. Which is not a bad thing because then I know I need God's grace more than ever. Here's a good quote:
"Sanctification is not an awareness of how good we are becoming. It is a growing sense of how sinful we truly are, so we will constantly turn to and depend on Jesus Christ for every spiritual victory. "
I need Jesus and I must depend on Him for everything. So easy to say but so hard to do.
