Leaving on a Jet Plane...

Now that I have gotten engaged (you can read more about that at http://www.kenandaudrey.com/), taken four finals and written 500 papers, traveled to Virginia and Pennsylvania, and packed up my room for my family's big move in July, I am madly stuffing my 50lb suitcase and debating over which of my summer shirts will be the coolest when I step off the plane into the 100% humidity of Manila on June 7th.

Last week I had the opportunity to speak with Mike Ballast, who heads up the church in Baguio where I will be serving. He and his wife Carolyn planted the church four years ago and church has grown to 150 attendees. Baguio is home to 7 universities and colleges so the evangelistic opportunities among young adults are endless. About thirty college age individuals are currently attending the church, and my job while I am there will be to disciple the young women who are part of this group. From what I hear, we will be using some materials published by Navigators. I'll also be participating in evangelism, attending most other church functions, eating at the home of every church member, and getting to know the people and culture. Mike said I may be asked to speak at the women's fellowship for the month of July. I truly enjoyed sermon prep and delivery for my Message Prep for Women class at Moody this past fall semester. I'm looking forward to having more opportunities learn to exhort women in a way that brings glory to Christ.

Mike said that they would be renting a small furnished studio apartment for me while I am there. I'm both thankful to have a place of my own and a bit intimidated. Filipinos are highly social people. Being alone is one of their greatest fears, and they naturally expect everyone else to feel the same way. This can be a blessing and a curse for someone like me who is an introvert at heart and is trying to rapidly adjust to a foreign culture! At the same time, it will be interesting trying to figure out how to adjust to Filipino life on my own.

As I look ahead to serving in the Philippines, I find myself doubting whether I'll be of much use there. As I sat in the Adult Bible Fellowship I attended at East White Oak this morning I was thought, "What a shame as Bible student I don't know my Bible better than I do." Later in the church service I found my mind wandering to how the sanctuary could be decorated for my wedding! I feel so privileged that God has called me to go and that you all have confirmed this call on my life with your prayers and giving. I want very badly to be a steward worthy of the good news that Christ has entrusted to me.

Please pray that in the struggles that lie ahead that I would turn to the Lord in prayer and His Word and experience His presence in a deeper and more intimate way than ever before. Please pray that my will will be graciously bent more and more until it is in line with my Father's. Pray that I might disciple these women in a way that is reflective of the truth of scripture and that I might model this truth authentically in my own life.

On the more practical side of things, please pray for safe travel and and smooth adjustment to the culture.