P.S.

Watching World Cup like crazy too!!! :D Love it! I'm really for Ghana at this point!

2Pac isn't the only one going through Changes....

Baahaha ok, lame title buuuut :) So graduation is complete and I am officially a graduate of Rhema Bible Training Center! I have an interview tomorrow morning for their school of world missions for a possible third year, so pray that goes well! I am kind of nervous for it!
My roommate just bought a house so I moved in with her, well renting from her, and its awesome. I never realized the freedom a house has over an apartment, but its great! :D My room is still covered in Africa stuff, and my heart still beats for it daily. I know I'll get back over, but it's all on God's time. :D
I am about to head back to IA for a month! It will be so good to see corn and green again! I love the south, but there is nothing like home. 'Ya'll' has become an official word in my vocabulary, so I am hoping that people can understand me when I get home.
The new jam for the month is called "He wants it all" by a family band called "Forever Jones". Check it. Love it. Cry to it. :D
I will let you know how the interview goes tom! I need to catch up on my sleep! Heart, Ria

Enduring Humor

After all these years, this is still hilarious!

The Only Thing That Could Improve Dairy Queen

World Cup

Kelsey!

I have, obviously, been loving the World Cup. I love the beautiful game. The roar of victory. The almost heart attacks while watching the U.S. play, while at work. The fact that there IS more to life than soccer, because of Jesus! I don’t know if you know this, but the U.S. goalkeeper, Tim Howard, is a Christian. As is famous Brazilian player, Kaka. Here are some links that really encouraged me:

http://www.timhowardstory.com/ (He is involved – or was – in Athletes in Action: Soccer)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaká (I wasn’t able to find an official site…but check out the bottom on Personal Life!).

There are many other Christian soccer players (http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=33192&ref=BPNews-RSSFeed0621; http://worldsoccerjourneys.com/world-cup/christian-athletes/; http://www.beyondtheultimate.org/) on the U.S. Men’s National Team and other countries’ teams but I wanted to say I’m encouraged by all you athletes who play for Christ and to make Him known.

Love you.

To Christ The Lord Let Every Tongue

To Christ the Lord let every tongue
Its noblest tribute bring
When He’s the subject of the song
Who can refuse to sing?
Survey the beauties of His face
And on His glories dwell
Think of the wonder of His grace
And all His triumphs tell

He saw me plunged in deep distress
He fled to my relief
For me He bore the shameful cross
And carried all my grief
His hand a thousand blessings pours
Upon my guilty head
His presence gilds my darkest hours
And guards my sleeping bed

To Him I owe my life and breath
And all the joys I have
He makes me triumph over death
And saves me from the grave
To Heaven the place of His abode
He brings my weary feet
Shows me the glories of my God
And makes my joy complete

Since from His bounty I receive
Such proofs of love divine
Had I a thousand hearts to give
Lord, they should all be Thine
A thousand men could not compose
A worthy song to bring
Yet Your love is a melody
Our hearts can’t help but sing!

Greetings!

BJ (left) and I spent last week in Haiti. Northern plateau, not an area directly impacted by the earthquake. Although, the very nice and talkative lady above hosted over a dozen extra house guests for quite a while as people were displaced from Port au Prince.

Part of our week was spent helping install concrete floors in existing homes. What a difference it makes during rains and decreasing rats and parasites. Generally, better health. BJ snapped the following picture, which I believe could be interpreted as me in charge - or, more likely - step away from the hoe. Perhaps even, "Talk to the hand." :)

On a related note, I just ordered the book Friendship at the Margins: Discovering Mutuality in Service and Mission from Amazon. I believe it will discuss the purpose of mission work and the role of forming friendships. You, Miss Kelsey, excel in this area. Shrinking the world. Making Christ known by example. And when in other countries, making sure we crazy Americans have humility and look for what we can learn from others. In Haiti. In Czechoslovakia. Wherever. You already know that, of course. Praying for you and excited about the difference you are making in this world. Talk to you probably sooner that I think, Kelsey. Blessings!

- Lee Towe