Prospect of an interesting summer of 2010

Of late, I have been greatly interested in participating in Notre Dame's "Summer Scholars" program. You, and all other participants (all high schoolers) live on campus for two weeks studying in the track of your choice. There is not a vast list of subjects, but they all (I'm sure) are very interesting, and, in the end, would provide a rewarding experience. There is Literature, Science based, business, law, psychology, and other such things. But, there so happens to be on that stands out particularly to me, -drum roll- the study of . . . China. Oh, yes . . . . Sounds wonderful, doesn't it. Well, apparently not to many other people, for, when we called the school, the guy said that they did not offer the Chinese track last year (this past summer) due to lack of interest. So, with that in mind, I am trying to create a back-up plan. I have to be very prepared to even apply, so there are many things to consider. I have to take my SAT this spring, and have to have official transcripts ready. It's all so exciting to think about, but still a bit shaky. I think I will still apply, not knowing if the Chinese track will be available, but am not sure what to do if I get accepted and it isn't. Naturally, I would just pick another, but there weren't really too many things I was 100% interested in. So, with all of that in the air, and on the table, the prospect of preparing for an application of some sort is rather exciting, and preparing for the SAT will (or should) give me a boost in scholastic motivation.

Until the next time! Zaijian!

Observations

1. I like weddings; my father does not.

2. Most people don't relish cold weather.

3. Mandarin is a challenge.

4. Moses (our dog) is a weird creature.

5. I have become a slacker in the blogging world--this post is pathetic!

6. Wise is a half-back (whatever that may be)

7. I stay up too late.

8. School is about to start.

9. This is my second numerically listed post.

10. Running gets easier.

11. Pride & Prejudice is just . . . beautiful.

12. Also, Prancer is wonderful.  I'm rather nerdy when it come to Christmas movies.

Reason to be happy . . .

1. I'm free!

2. itunes is just great

3. I just had some nice green tea

4. fall is just around the corner

5. family from Alabama will be coming for a visit Labor Day Weekend

6. anticipating new subjects this year (in school--I'm sure many in life as well)

7. 42 days until China

8. just got a free download--Kate Earl, Melody (not really sure who she is, but maybe)

9. Family is healthy

10. my support for the China trip is almost completely raised

11. Someone cleaned our car out for us yesterday

12. a really cool desk chair is always a joy to have (mine is many moons older and the wheels hardly work, but it has character--and it wasn't $400)

13. I get to go to the Lodge tomorrow and help prepare for the "big to do" event

14. I could easily go on forever like this, and that is really good reason to be happy!

The Girl in the Metal Building

 There was a woman and her friend, both missionaries, walking down the road in Cambodia.  Suddenly they hear something clattering violently in a metal building.  They began searching out the problem. They open the door and find a girl, about eleven years old, chained to a board, and left completely alone.  This young girl's mother said that the purpose of this type of containment was because the girl had a "monkey demon".  Of course they want to help this girl-save her!  The mother reluctantly allows them to take her to the hospital, but said that they must bring her back.  They take her to the hospital but, of course, she has no "monkey demon", but a light case of Epilepsy that could be controlled by orally taking medication- just two pills.  Simple, right? She can be helped- healed!  Finally, a dismal end, the mother wanted her back, and if nothing has changed . . . that eleven year old girl, now a few years older, who has no "monkey demon" is still chained up to the board in the small metal building.  

Things like this remind me of how easy my life is.  How God said He wanted to save me, just like the missionary desperately  wanted to save the young girl chained to the bondage of her assumed (not real, of course) "demon".  No one was denying me the privilege of rescue from my bondage to sin- her mother did.  This story is heart-breaking, yes, but it should also spur our hearts to desperately cry out to God for these people just like the girl in the metal building. All in bondage to many diverse things, but in bondage none the less.

Anguish

This video is more convicting and more inspiring for change to a dry heart than anything I have ever seen in my life.  It cuts me past the surface and wedges deeply in my heart. Please check it out . . . . ANGUISH 

La la la la . . . .

I have yet to figure out how to add videos, so you will just have to click on this to see the song I am currently in adoration of.  It's fun and different. Trust me . . . you've heard it. 

China

So, if you have read my profile, my facebook, or my Twitter, you have probably come to the conclusion that I have an thing for China. I must say, this is very true. For a few years I have wanted our family to adopt from China specifically, but, unfortunately, we have too many kids! Really, we do. The government itself doesn't allow families with more that four minors living in their home to adopt. It was really a sad "dead end" to the hope I had that something could be done, or a rule could be waved in our favor. I've resigned myself to the fact that one day, it will be my time to do it- before I have over four minors living in my home, and after I turn 30 (another rule/requirement). Since nothing can be done on that subject (the subject of adoption, that is) at this point in time, I have decided to focus on the here and now. I have a burden for China and things can be done for the Chinese that isn't exclusive to a certain age or a certain number of children, or, in my case, siblings. I have "looked" at mission trips hosted by different organizations for about a year now, but just never found the right thing. I am happy, overjoyed really, to say that this October, 2009, my dad, two other friend and I will be traveling to China for a little over a week. I will not disclose the details of our objection on the trip right now, but would really appreciate prayer in this matter. Our original plan was to leave either the 2nd or 4th of October, but possible flights for that time seem to be saying the 1st is the most probable. I am 3/4 of the way to my goal for financial support, which is a huge blessing.

Many thanks to the Orchestrator of the trip, and for His provision in making it possible.

Wan' an!