God as been good!

Hello Friends!

I'm practicing my "quiet typing skills" right now as there are two little ones taking naps not far from where I sit. :) This weekend I'm babysitting for John Hansel (4) and Gabi (2) from my church. It's been so much fun and definitely an adventure! I arrived on Friday night and will be heading back to my quiet, peaceful, tranquil...sorry...apartment on Sunday. Today we enjoyed breakfast together around 5:30am, a trip to Chuck E. Cheese, and my favorite...NAPS!! They really are wonderful kids and it's been a great confirmation to me of why I never want to be a single parent and that I'm not ready for kids yet. God has been good!

Life has been going full speed ahead (don't I write that on every update?). My Mom gets on me for not updating this thing (you do, Mom) and yet it honestly feels like the calendar skips days of the week at times. And yet still, there is no other place I would rather be ... not necessarily geographically...but I know if I were to go anywhere else I would get stuck inside the belly of a whale and spit out right back here in Las Vegas! God has been good!

As January has come and gone, my organization has moved from a Corporate Office to a non-profit organization! The switch was much need and TONS of work! Every day holds something completely different and the learning experiences have been endless! I have traveled to S. Cal a few times to deliver school assembly programs and looking to partner with an organization called Teen Truth Live. This will give me the opportunity to design and deliver one day experiential high school leadership programs for hundreds of students at a time! I'm extremely excited to begin working on this project and creating a program that can change the culture of high schools! God has been good!

One of THE most amazing experiences I've ever had while speaking took place just a few weeks ago. I had the opportunity to speak/work with 25 inner city high school students. Yet they were definitely not your "normal" high school crowd. All of these students are enrolled in a correctional facility due to gang involvement or leadership. As I walked in I knew they were all thinking "what is this little white girl gonna say?" And to be honest, I was asking the same question! Yet God took over as my mouthpiece and they day was nothing short of miraculous! These rough and tough students began to truly rebuild their character focusing on what they want in their life instead of what they have always been told they aren't. Students that wanted nothing to do with me when I walked through the doors, stood in a line and asked if they may have the honor of shaking my hand only 4 hours later when I left. Students who told me they were "failures", "worthless", and "stupid" - stood and proudly declared they are "courageous" "compassionate" and "leaders". When we all sat down for lunch it hit me what an amazing day this had been. A student looked at me and said "Miss! Can I drink out of a glass like you?" Looking down at my cup I realized that my soda was in a cup made of glass and the students were drinking from paper cups. "Of course you can" was the only answer that made sense. He picked up a glass and dumped his drink from the paper cup. More and more of the students began to see what he was doing. Before long all of the students were asking "MISS! MISS! Can we do that too?" I quickly realized this was really a special moment for all of these young men! I stood to my feet and said "EVERYONE! Pour your soda into the glasses!" and everyone did. I looked over a crowd of rough-edged hooligans that were nothing more than excited little boys. One looked at me and said, "I'm livin' life like a rich man today." I stood to my feet and said, "Today we will live like Kings and Queens! And if we are going to be Kings and Queens, then we deserve a toast! Everyone raise your glasses!" Every arm was raised high in the air with smiles stretching ear to ear. "To good people, who are committed to making good decisions" and to that - we all cheers'ed and drank. A simply moment that we experience daily - re framed to be one of the most elegant and noble meals I have ever eaten. God has been good!

I could go on and on as to how I have been blessed to sit in the palm of God's hand with my legs dangling over the edge... feeling as though I've had a bird's eye view of the most miraculous sights! And the truly amazing part is that I know these things aren't only happening in Las Vegas... they are happening in the lives of those who have committed themselves to go where He says go! "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind can conceive what God has planned for those who love Him!" We serve a big God, a miraculous God, and a very very good God!

Thanks for going along with me on this journey... and I truly believe the best is yet to come!
Love,
Vanessa

It's the Hap-Happiest Season of ALL!

And it's here!!! Yesterday I ventured out to Red Rock with my friend Julie who stopped by for 2 days. By "stop by", I mean she was in root from Michigan to Idaho and found her way to Vegas :) It's a "Tradition" that was started last year and we are desperately doing our best to find a way to keep it a tradition! Red Rock was beautiful...as always!! And this time a wonderful surprise...SNOW!!!!! I was so excited I even had my picture taken holding a snow ball! There was about 1 inch tucked away in a corner of the mountain and I found it :)

We also headed down to the strip to see the beautiful Christmas decorations that the casinos do an amazing job putting up! This year the Bellagio had 3 polar bears made out of carnations, fountains, the biggest Christmas tree ever, flying reindeer, ...the list goes on and on! It was awesome! And of course we took a walk out to see the dancing fountains that go to Christmas music this time of year! They also did the unveiling of the new "City Center" on the strip! It was WAY cool...there are ice sculptures and a water-tornado-deal thing...and the design of the building is phenomenal! A must see for your next trip down!

Exciting things are going on in the "working world" as Rapport Empowered Education is turning Non-profit as of Jan 1. I am beginning to see exactly what that means and what an amazing resource its going to be for schools/organizations across the US and Canada! In the mean time... I am learning a ton and getting ready to take on a completely new role within the company! Things continue to stay constant as I return from Michigan I will be heading straight off to L.A. to be doing some school assembly programs (and stopping at the beach for some surfing, of course) and then off to Reno to the California Activities Director Association conference. Exciting and fun!

I am also preparing to host an alternative spring break mission trip for 12 amazing students from Spring Arbor University. They will be spending 10 days in Vegas doing several different ministry projects to include working with: African refugees, the homeless and prostitute population, inner city schools, and of course seeing the sights and sounds of Vegas :) I'm excited to be able to give the students insight into A) a world that is desperately in need. B) life in Vegas. C) that you are capable of getting involved and making a difference right out of college.

Reading the article of the food project Melissa did in Charlotte... the Christmas project my mom coordinated in Detroit...the church my Dad is investing in Dundee... I am filled with gratitude this holiday season... and those are just some of the outward expressions of living faith. There are so many other things... things that are done quietly! I'm blessed to have such amazing examples that have created a firm foundation for me to build my own self on. Christmas is such an amazing time of year... not because of the presents, the cheer, or the Christmas Cookies (although wonderful!)... it is a time to remember the most amazing gift we were all given so many years ago... the gift of life...and life eternal! And although still there are many who have not yet received it, some who will make the decision they just don't want it at all, STILL - God gave His gift anyway! Who are we to put our hands in our pockets and say "I have no money to give," or to rush past life saying "I'm too busy to stop", or to walk with our heads down saying "whoa is me" ... when there is a God who not only humbled Himself to come to Earth, but then gave up His only son for a girl like me to live!

Merry Christmas and may you have a year filled with opportunities to give of yourself!
With love and gratitude,
Vanessa

On the 15th day before Christmas...

It doesn't matter if it's the day before Christmas or 15 days before Christmas... I always seem to be doing the same thing... doing my best to figure out what present will best fit which family member and which day will allow me to get the most shopping done! I did great on the shopping this year while I was in Michigan at Thanksgiving, however I still have quite a bit left to do! This year I had the brilliant idea to do Christmas cards and yet it remained only that... an idea! Perhaps next year I will have things put together enough to send out some cards! My master plan is to buy cards when the holidays after over this year and begin to write them out come August! that outta get them done by Christmas :)

This year Christmas is going to be a bit different, as it seems every year has it's own little tweaks to accommodate an ever changing family in an every changing world! This year I have somehow landed 2 weeks of vacation to spend at home! I will be flying in to Detroit on Dec 23rd and then driving to Charlotte, NC with the Jacksons on the 27/28 to spent some time there! Then I have a plane ticket back to Detroit on the 1st and will return back to Vegas on the 5th! Whew! Let the Christmas Cheer begin!!! I'm so excited to spending some real time with Melissa, LD, and Clare this Christmas. Normally with all of the hustle and bustle we miss each other in Michigan.

And, of course I will be celebrating the holidays in Vegas as well! On Saturday I will be delivering Christmas presents with Angel Tree at HOPE to needy families in the community. We are also throwing a party for families who can come in to pick up their gifts at the church! Then, next week on the 19th is our Rapport Ugly Christmas Sweater Party!! I'm really looking forward to that and need to head to the store ASAP to pick out a good/nasty sweater to wear! (Vegas temps today were only 40!!!)

Amy, who I work with, is also moving back from Calgary Canada to Las Vegas next week! That is one of the best Christmas presents I could have gotten this year!!! I'm so excited for her to be back in the office and to work together once again!! And at the same time, one of my great friends here in Vegas will be moving soon with her family to Washington DC. It's always exciting when I get to watch people move in the direction of their dreams and at the same time I'm a little selfish and miss them dearly!!

Life is great and I'm blessed by every minute that passes!
Wishing you a snowy good day :)
Vanessa

Thanksgiving in Michigan

Happy Winter!!!

I know it's official here, not by the weather, but because I switched my coffee preference over to Peppermint Lattes instead of Pumpkin Spice ;) And, the radio stations are blasting Christmas music every other song! I was laughing to myself today as I was driving home from work. The lyrics played through my car, "Oh the weather outside is frightful..." Well, frightful if you consider 70 degrees and sunny a bad thing?? Strange... although it is my second year of experiencing desert winters...I'm sure it's just one of those thing I'll never get used to. I'm a girl that loves a "Winter Wonderland" for a little while at least!

Thanksgiving home was a great trip! The word "Family" doesn't even describe what I did at home. I arrived late on Wednesday night, just in time to get to bed. The day after is always a little nutty after flying in, so for the second year in a row I missed the Thanksgiving day Parade because I was still asleep. My friend Julie from SAU had Thanksgiving at the Vann's this year, which was a great treat! The table seated about 18 this Thanksgiving. And I ended the day with a visit with Breayne from MRBC at Ramshorn. Gotta love that place... the only thing opened on Thanksgiving night! My Mom and I hit up the Black Friday Shopping Spree around the town at 5am. I got a great start on most of my Christmas shopping with my brilliant plan of leaving it all there for my return at Christmas.

Friday afternoon Meliss, LD, and Clare arrive at my parents house. Clare has grown about a foot since I've seen her last and we had so much fun playing together! We had the Vann Family Photo shoot which was NUTS! We did it for Mom and she owes us BIG TIME! I also got to enjoy a "date night" with Meliss! A time for her and I just to catch up without the craziness of everyone around! Saturday was my nephew Jayden's 1st Birthday ... so as you can imagine the family was back together AGAIN! Sunday, mom and I headed out to watch Pops "in action" at the pulpit in Dundee! :) We enjoy dinner together and I headed back to Vegas. A fast trip, but I accomplished what I set out to do... enjoy the family I'm blessed to have!

I realized there is a striking pattern to what happens when I arrive home... unpack, wash, repack, repeat. This weekend I am headed to Alamo, NV (3 days) to facilitate a Corporate Leadership training class. The awesome thing about it is two of my college profs are going to be there as well! We are going to have a blast!

Updates for you:
Newest Pass-time: Karyn Kingsburry books
Newest Fad: I just bought new Brown Tall boots. LOVE THEM!
Newest Addiction: Peppermint Lattes
Newest Goal: 5 day a week Spin Classes at LVAC with Alena

Its my intention to start my "new things" now so that when the NEW year comes...I'm already settled in and ready to rock it :)

Enjoy your "Frightful weather" out there :)
Vaness

It's coming...

Can you believe the holiday season is already here?! It's nuts! And I must admit that I'm ready for them. Not ready in the "gifts purchased" kind of way, but ready for the holiday cheer! Yesterday I enjoyed a relaxing evening at home and realized just how ready I was. I curled up on the couch with my plaid pajamas, a cup of hot chocolate, and watched "The Holiday." If that doesn't put you in the Holiday spirits I'm not sure what will! Christmas music has started playing in most of the stores and "holiday specials" are starting to fill the weekend paper and my Email inbox! The flights home are purchased for both Thanksgiving and Christmas!! It's not all complete, but it's a great start :)

This Wednesday I will be catching my flight to Michigan to spend Thanksgiving with my Family. Julie, a friend from college, is spending Thanksgiving with the Vann's this year as her family lives in Idaho. The Jackson's will be headed to celebrate Thanksgiving with our family on Friday afternoon. Mom is all sorts of jazzed for the whole family to be back together again. She has a photographer coming for a Vann Family photo shoot on Friday as well. We will also be celebrating my nephew Jayden's 1st birthday too! Lots of festivities in a relatively short 4 day weekend!

In the mean time, I enjoying a 3 day work week! Celebrating Thanksgiving with a company potluck on Tuesday along with celebrating my friend Melissa's Birthday. I'm going to be a party queen in no time with all of the celebrating :)

I will be sure to post photos after the weekend visit home with the fam! I hope you enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving and reflect on just how blessed you are! God is so good... and there is much to be thankful for!

Let the celebrating begin...
Vanessa

Great things I'm learning about life...

You know, there are some really great things about life that no one really seems to pass on. I don't if know it's that there are only a few people that have taken time to notice it, or maybe haven't discovered those things for themselves yet? Or, perhaps it's that they suppose everyone knows... I'm not really sure. But what I do know, is that there are some important lessons that never get passed on... how to save money, expect the unexpected, learn to prioritize, and be flexible!

• I just bought a $70 dress for $1.89 and I was not at a thrift store!! And that, my friend, gives great proof to the theory that Shopping IS indeed a sport! Some win and some lose!! Today... I WON!!! I can only imagine that if men understood this... they would encourage their wife to play. You see regardless of if she is on a team or not, she's going to shop. Yet if you allow her to believe it's a sport ... you can save a lot more money!
  
• Always make friends with your neighbors...no matter how OLD they may be! You never know when they will have your back and report you as "dead" to the front office because you were a bit under the whether and they hadn't seen you in a few days! It's the people you least expect that always come through for you when you need someone most! Expect the unexpected!
  
• I was talking to a girlfriend of mine and she was saying that her husband gets so frustrated when she refers to his hunting equipment as accessories. The name we give objects of course defines what that object is. So I have a new idea of calling my "accessories" (jewelry, purse, hair clips, etc)... equipment. Because it is indeed that equipment that allows you to function to your full potential for the day. Equipment is something you MUST have...accessories are merely optional additions. Learn to prioritize!
  
• There is nothing you can find in a tool box that you don't already have in another (more easily accessible) location. For example, I bought some new pictures to hang on the wall and didn't have a hammer. That's why God created high heels. A nice sturdy point that you can use no matter where you are! Be flexible!

There are so many lessons to learn and as I learn them... I'm committed to passing along that knowledge for others to gain from and enjoy! :)

All in a days work,

Vaness ;)

A Forced Sabbath

So, have you ever experienced those times in your life when you are going at the speed of light and there is absolutely nothing you were willing to give up...because it just ALL has to be done? That's the point that I was at until about noon yesterday, when God decided to put me on a forced sabbath : a day(s) of absolute rest. Sometimes I get going and I know that I need to slow down but it just all needs to get done. And that is when God forcefully sets me down (this time with the H1N1 flu) and says "THERE. I did it for you!". After spending time in California, participating in several activities at church, working, hosting family in town, and getting ready to head back to Cali tomorrow...God just said "enough is enough."

Last night I dropped my mom, Cissy, and Kristen off at the airport after a 5 day stay in Las Vegas. They flew in on Friday morning and we sent Kristen off to participate in the Teen Leadership Breakthrough class at Rapport. Its always fun to have family members take the class. That evening Mom, Cissy, and I went to have dinner at the Yard House and play an exciting game of Bingo at the Southpoint Casino. SO MUCH FUN! Saturday was filled with visiting Red Rock and looking at some model homes available out that way. I fell in love with one of them and was ready to move in that afternoon!! Cissy had a chance to visit my church and then we went down to the strip to watch the dueling pianos, dancing Bellagio fountains, and fun on the town. Sunday we went out to spend the day in Alamo for Kristen's graduation! She did great and I was very proud of her!!! Of course she needed a chance to see "Vegas" too, so Monday night we went back down to LV BLVD and watched the gondolas in the Venetian and ate some ice cream at Serendipity!

Yesterday when I woke up I wasn't feeling the best, but thought it was just a little chest cold. I was mistaking in the afternoon when i had a fever and ended up in Urgent Care :( We had a quiet evening at home before an airport run last night. It was a good visit and, as always, I was a bit spoiled ;)

Unfortunately I have become one of the H1N1 statistics which means no California trip this weekend and a few days working from home. The Dr says it takes anywhere from 2-10 days to rid the fever away... my plan is 2 days... that is plenty of resting for me! I can only do so much Sudoku, watch so many movies, and eat so much bland food. :)

I'm looking forward to a Thanksgiving trip in a few weeks... i can't believe it's already that time of year! Christmas is just around the corner!! Excited to spend some time with my big sis and to see Clare and Jayden playing together!! :) How fun!!

Well, better get back to my "resting"... sheesh!
Love,
Vanessa

Celebrating EVERY DAY!

Look at me! I'm already getting better at my new goal of blogging on a regular basis :)

So, today I had a great realization! And that is...there is really so much to celebrate daily! At the end of the day when I talk to my Mom (yes, a daily occurrence) or in the morning when I talk to Melissa (also occurring multiple times a day) I account to them all of the exciting things that took place, or things that I'm looking forward to in the day. And tonight I was thinking about it, there is really SO many awesome things that God does DAILY in my life that I get to take the time to celebrate more often!!

Today I had a meeting at Hinman Elem School (where we hosted Power Packs 4 Success in the fall) and realized that we get to have an even greater relationship. I'm working with the school right now to put on what we are calling "A Day of Dreams!" I'm not really sure what all of that really looks like yet, but I do know that it is going to have a significant impact on the students, families, and the school as a whole!! Not to mention we are bringing a second school on board this year (Harmon Elem School) next fall. It's the joke on our board that last year we worked with Hinman, next year Harmon, that means we get to find "Helman" for the next year! Then, as we were sitting there talking to the principal she said to me, "Vanessa, we just would really appreciate you coming in and teaching our students more about your personal philosophies and values because it has made such an impact on our students!" WOW - God continues to open doors for me to share His promises even in the public schools!

I was SO excited tonight because I got to have a night out with some girlfriends (Alicia and Mary Lou). After we finished great food and conversation we all went our separate ways. As I was getting ready to leave Town Square I ran into, Jenn, a girl on the PP4S board and, John, a friend from church! Although it may seem like nothing much, I've continued to pray that God would just make this place my home while I am here. That I would feel the comforts of home even though I'm so far away from my family! One of the greatest comforts of home for me is running into familiar faces around town! I was SUPER excited about seeing both of them! Really an answer to prayer!

And let's not forget to celebrate my favorite barista at Starbucks!!! Although silly, they totally make my day when I get a chance to go! This morning I walked in and they told me they want me to taste a new drink they have! They were so excited for me to taste it! She told me if I didn't like it they would make me a new one! Every time I go in there they give me a bigger size than I order, or give me a free drink, or a coupon of some sort! I love it! And it's things like that, that don't get celebrated nearly enough, yet do make an impact on my day!

God is everywhere and in everything! The things we often forget to do is notice Him! Today a college professor of mine sent an Email telling me his family has gone through some hardships and his sister-in-law has completely walked away from her relationship with God. As I read that, God laid something on my heart. I wrote back to him saying, "God continues to pursue her daily. Pray that she will notice Him." God is pursuing each of us daily... waiting for the moment we notice His activity! So... I decided today was a day of CELEBRATION!!! And I pray that every day, moving forward, I will continue to notice the ways He deserves to be celebrated!

That's all :)

Happy Fall!!

Hello friends!

Just for the record I am WELL aware of the fact that I am a poor poor blogger! And, it is with my full intention that I will become better :) The good news is that I am all moved and settled into my new apt and have the Internet back! woo hoo!

Things have continued to be very exciting and moving at the speed of light! And, like I tell everyone, I wouldn't have it any other way! I love the fast pace of life and the crazy amounts of opportunity that are available every day!

I am back after nearly 3 weeks of continuous traveling for work (but I don't want you to be fooled... i love every minute of it!) Especially when my work brings me back home to Michigan! I've spent quite some time back home (I believe more time at home than i did when i was in college!) as Rapport has made it's way to Spring Arbor University. I had the opportunity to speak at Chapel for nearly 1600 students and it was a BLAST!! Just after returning back to Vegas, SAU decided they would like to hold a leadership program for students on campus and flew me back up for nearly a week to spend time on campus, talking with students and speaking! Like i said, hardly work at all!!! Yet, flying from coast to coast is starting to wear me out!!

In the past few weeks, Rapport Empowered Education made the announcement we will be functioning as a non-profit org starting Jan 1. That means I've been doing lots of research about the non-profit world. Change has been the constant in my life recently! ha! Breann, my side kick at work, took a job working for Cal State and left the end of September. It has been a huge adjustment without her, both in my personal life and in my professional life. Currently, I'm the only person working in our LV office which is at times a blessing and at times a growing experience. Things have been a little crazy ...and... I'm reminded that "All things work for the good of those who love him... " and it continues to reign true over and over again.

My charity "Power Packs 4 Success" has started back up in action last week. Our board met and voted we would take on another school next fall...which translates to 1400 students receiving back packs and school supplies! God has blessed us with a great board and many opportunities to reach that goal!

I'm currently working with an organization called One Village to raise money for my good friend "Dinka" (one of the lost boys from Sudan) as he is building a medical clinic in his home village of Maar. One Village is an organization that works with Fair Trade to empower women artisans in the villages of Africa, India, and the Amazon by selling their goods in the States. I was able to host a party in Charlotte while visiting the Jackson's in Sept and another last weekend in Vegas. It's been really neat to watch how excited people get to join in on God's activity around the world.

Last week I decided I was in need of a TRUE vacation and flew to visit a family that lives outside of L.A. I met them while working with the Children's Heart Foundation Camp last summer. They absolutely spoiled me taking me to Disneyland for the day, shopping at Victoria Gardens, and relaxing out by the pool! A little time with Mickey seemed to do the trick. :)

I am enjoying the Vegas "Fall" weather as it has been about 80 degrees everyday. When i was back in Mich I nearly FROZE! I hear that makes me a "local" around here :) Yet I do miss the beautiful color change!! The warm weather will make for a great Halloween though! I'm still deciding on a costume and beginning to run out of time!! Thursday I'm working a haunted hotel for children in the hospital and Saturday is trunk-or-treat for the church... if you have any suggestions, feel free to send them on over!! I was thinking of being a bumble bee ... but I'm told that's lame :( I'll keep you posted!!

Hope all is well in your world!!! Wishing you pumpkin and spice and everything nice this fall!!

Love,
Vanessa

And The World Keeps Spinning!

My eye finally seem to be seeing straight since the world started spinning so fast! There has been a lot of changes, a lot of surprises, and a lot of "HELP" prayers to God in the past month! Yet it seems as though God always has the perfect solutions and perfect timing to get things back on track.

The summer in Las Vegas is here to stay with temps in the 110's - 120's the last few weeks. The other night I was driving home from the Strip showing some visitors around after midnight and the thermometer his 104! No wonder Las Vegians stay out so late at night... you can't go out before the sun goes down! And I feel funny when I say it's a beautiful day when the temp is just below 100. I think I'm finally setting into that "local" feeling.

I completed a WONDERFUL week of camp with 40 amazing Camp Mend-a-Heart kids. The week was filled with some of the hardest playing I've every done in my life! Water fights, high ropes, dancing, tshirt contests, arts/crafts, and some of the best cooking in Alamo! I've been able to meet some amazing people and build some great friendships through this experience. And, i'm looking forward to what next years camp holds!

After just getting settled into my 2 bedroom apt with my roommate in June, things have taken a sudden shift. Lindsey has decided to move back to Kentucky to live with her family. This means I GET TO MOVE AGAIN! Woo hooo! (little sarcasm). This will make it move number 5 since I graduated from college only 14 months ago. And looking at the situation now that things are falling into place, I believe God has a great plan for my days on independent living :) I will be moving into a 1 bedroom apt in my same complex at the end of this month. Just at the right time for Mom to be visiting and help with the packing :)

Work is going very well and continues to be a fun part of why I moved out west! I continue to learn more about things I love to do and the things I love for others to do! ha! In just a few weeks we are distributing the 700 backpacks that we have put together for a local elementary school. And, i'm proud to say that we are official a Non-Profit organization of Las Vegas: Power Packs 4 Success! Aug 26th I will be doing an assembly for all of the students and passing out the bags for a great school year! My friend Chris who is doing the project with me, looks at me everyday and says, "Vanessa, can you believe we actually did this?" He and I are both shocked that it came together so easily!

I took a surprising trip to the hospital by myself a few weeks ago as the Urgent Care Dr told me he thought I needed my appendix removed. Many tests, an allergic reaction to medication, and a few too many drugs left me quite a site to see in the ER. My mother now says we have basic protocol for future trips to the ER since I was knocked out and unable to tell anyone what was going on. Apparently you are never supposed to drive yourself the ER. Who knew?! The news, my appendix stayed in and I was sent home with medication for a virus in my lymph nodes... does that even exist!?

I had quite a surprise about a month ago when my two worlds collided: Rapport and Hope! My church is hosting the REAP Conference in Cairo, Egypt and invited me to be one of their speakers. I was very excited and have been attending meetings for the conference. THEN, i received another surprise! My wonderful friend Jacob "Dinka" Atem, one of the Lost Boys of Sudan and a great college friend, told me the great news that they have received enough money to travel back to Sudan and bread ground on his dream: a medical center for the Maar Village. He invited me to go and there was NO WAY I could say no to a dream I watched grow over the past 4 years. So after much prayer, I can confidently say that God has a great plan for my trip to Sudan with Dinka in December! I'm not sure what it all looks like yet... but I do know that I get to join in on God's activity in the world!

You can imagine with lots of changes and decisions and projects the world was going round and round faster than I could keep up with it at times. But in the end, God has been there the whole time! I've been attending a Women's Bible study every week about the book of Nehemiah. The entire book ran side by side with my life for the past 8 weeks. Times of confusion, times of disappointment, times of rebuilding, and times of celebration! God has placed in my life people who are support, encouragement, and friends!

I am blessed... and i'm okay with the idea of slowin' things down!
Let's be honest... i wouldn't know what to do with myself if they did!! :)

Sending lots of love from Vegas!
Vanessa