Two quick updates.  First, let me say again that God does what He says He is going to do.  The biggest concern that I had when deciding to answer God's call to the missions field was that dreadful word--"funding." Like a lot of people, I am somewhat shy and don't like to ask others for help---especially money.  However, it takes money to do God's work, so I put it all in His hands.  And boy did He show up.  Although I wrote the letters and conducted meetings, God moved my amazing relatives, friends, acquaintances, and even people that I didn't previously know to share generously.  I am now 75% funded in only a matter of two months. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, and THANK YOU! <3  I am reminded of John 21:6: "And He said to them, 'Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.' So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish."  By the way, I am still fishing for that remaining 25%, which I know will come.

Next, ahead of our training in Gainesville, Georgia, I got to meet twelve (of the 38) members of my team!!  Thanks to the generosity of Liz Potter and her family, we were treated to four nights in a beautiful cabin in Grand Junction, Colorado--a time to get to know each other and see God's amazing creation (thanks mom and dad for funding the travel).

I can't tell you how amazing that time was for me.  Although we are going to the world to serve others and share His amazing plan, I quickly realized that by being around such Godly and amazing teammates, my personal relationship with God is about to go on hyper-drive.  WOW!  We played games, went on hikes, talked until dawn, prayed, worshipped, met a wonderful missionary family, and learned about each other (some people are competitive, some are God and basketball,....) each coming ready to share their lives. They are amazing people.       

  "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17).  GOD is GOOD!  Until next time, Sasha