things that bless my heart

Despite all the anxieties about finances, school in the fall, work in the fall, and Raul's visa renewal, I want to focus on the blessings. And there are plenty.

-our car. Our need for a car was something we prayed about for several months, and God delivered. A friend of Raul's sold us their car for a very good price (because that's all we could afford), and we went to pick it up last Thursday. God is truly good and He answers prayer.

- the chance to study again. Though my head is spinning with all I need to keep with in order to start an online program, I'm really excited about the possibilities. I know I will need His grace in order to juggle everything that will come my way in just a month and a half's time, but with His strength, I think I'm up for the challenge.

-our church. I'm blessed by sermons that just challenge me (said with a fist in the air) every single Sunday. Even when I miss a Sunday, I can download the sermon onto the ipod and be equally blessed. I've never heard sermons on Jonah like the series CWC is going through now. I would highly recommend downloading the podcast or watching online (www.collegewes.com) when you get the chance.

- people who encourage us and support us. Our families are great, especially now when we seems to be going through so many hills and valleys. To ask your family to have faith in His plan while you're struggling with your own faith...it's tough, but God is good.

- a wedding. Thursday morning, we and my parents will drive to Mt. Sterling, Illinois, for a little wedding (haha) celebration for Jamie and Levi. I've never been more excited about a wedding (other than my own, of course), and I can hardly wait. I'm probably driving Jamie nuts with all the emails I send her with little questions and comments, but it's just because I'm so excited :) Raul and I are in the wedding party, my dad and I are singing, and I'm throwing her a shower (with a lot of help from her mom) the night before the wedding. Gonna be a crazy but awesome 2 days :) I'm so excited for these 2, I could just burst! That and it's going to be an awesome Nanjing reunion with them, the Mengs, and the Mwenyas...it doesn't get much better :)