Well, vacation was everything that I was hoping it would be...lots of rest, lots of laughter, and great big breath of fresh air in the great outdoors with great friends. I didn't realize how much I needed a break until I got there. It took several days for me to actually unwind before I was able to completely relax, but once I did, it was worth it. The Northwest Territories are so wild and untouched...simply beautiful. And the Canadian Rockies in Alberta stir my heart with awe and wonder in a way that few places do. Of course, I can't fail to mention that I even got to view a bit of the Perseid's meteor shower on the edge of a lake, surrounded by mountains and friends in a place with VERY little light pollution. I was in heaven. :::sigh:::

Now, I'm back to reality, and an exciting reality at that! The past couple weeks I've been preparing for upcoming ministry, scheduling music and speaking engagements, and spending some time back in the studio. Off and on over the past several months (whenever I've had a few consecutive days free here and there) I've made the trip out to Columbus, OH to work on recording some songs for a 5-6 song EP that I'm hoping to release before I leave for Germany. Most of the recording is complete, so basically all that's left is the mixing, mastering and duplication. I'll be sure to keep you posted on the progress.

As far as Germany is concerned, at this point I have only 25% more of my monthly support to raise before I can book my ticket, pack my bags, and head out. I can hardly believe that I'm this close to finally going, and at the same time, that last 25% feels like a vast chasm between here and there. Recently, I've been reading The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer. It has been challenging, convicting, and comforting all rolled into one. At times, his insight and description of God's attributes have left me speechless, and most often I find myself taking a deep breath and simply relaxing in the unwavering sovereignty of God, especially now in regards to His timing for these plans in my life.

I've been so encouraged over that past several months by the wave of interest and support that I've been receiving for the ministry that God has called me to in Germany. I've so much enjoyed the chance to travel and meet so many wonderful people along the way!! These months have seen thousands of miles on my car, hundreds of great conversations, dozens of concerts and ministry opportunities, and now one very tired woman! So, it's time for a break and some replenishing. My mind and my body and my heart are all screaming out for a break, and since I haven't been able to figure out how to silence those screams, I've decided to give in and get away for a bit. I've been given the wonderful gift of Buddy Passes for a flight to Calgary, Alberta, (thanks, Lesli!!!) which I'm going to "cash in" this Sunday and spend time with some dear friends exploring the Northwest Territories and the Canadian Rockies. :::sigh:::

"The Three Sisters"

I can assure you, there will be more photos to come, as well as videos that you can view on either my YouTube or my Facebook page. Thanks for stopping by! See ya around!

Well, I'm still here in the states, for one thing. A lot of people have been asking me recently, "So when ARE you leaving for Germany?" Originally, my plan was to be there by April or May, but at this point, it looks more like October or November. As much as I'm anxious to get to Germany and get settled into my new life there, I can see the Lord's timing in having me wait and so I rest in that. I moved out of my apartment in Strasburg, as you know, and I'm currently living with a couple from my church. Bob & Emmajane Denlinger have been kind enough to take me on as their house guest for a few months and let me occupy a couple rooms in their house with my stuff. It's been a necessary transition for me, albeit emotional in leaving my apartment of 9 1/2 years, and it is one step closer to my move across the Atlantic.

The past several months have been FULL for me. I've had numerous opportunities to minister at churches, a prison, and a ministry in northern Vermont for troubled teenagers. I've so much enjoyed the privilege of meeting new people and I love being able to talk about the redemption and healing that the Lord has done in my life and the ways that He is moving me forward into this new 'leg' of my journey with Him.

At this point, about 60% of my needed monthly support has been raised, as well as approximately 70% of my outgoing expenses. I'm so encouraged by this, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the Lord will bring in the rest. On that note, if you think your church might be interested in having me come to sing and/or share about the ministry I'm going to be involved with in Germany, let me know and we'll set something up. You can also click on the "Ministry Profile" tab above--it gives information about what I'll be doing as well as ways that you can partner with me.

My song, Lonely Days, has been selected as one of Indieheaven's Top 20 songs for this month. That means two things:

1...It is on the Top 20 Radio chart at Indieheaven for the month of May (www.indieheaven.com/radio)

and

2...you can go to the Radio chart and rate it...every day, if you like...so that it moves up the chart. If it's one of the top 10 at the end of the month, then it will automatically stay on the chart for the next month.

Thanks for listening and voting.

Today I moved out of my apartment. T'was a sad day for me, and since you've been following along on the sorting videos that Michelle and I have been posting about the sorting/packing process, I decided to do one last one to wrap it up. The camera didn't focus when I started it, so it's blurry...but I wasn't about to do it again, so you'll have to live with it. :)

Tomorrow, I will be having the yard sale of my life, and everything I own that I am not storing for sentimental reasons or taking with me to Germany will be displayed for all the world to see...and hopefully purchase. So until next week at this time, I will be up to my neck in boxes and decisions about what is really valuable enough to me to keep. It's been an interesting process--this sorting business. The last time I sorted through all my "stuff", most of it was charred or covered in ash from the fire that swept through my little apartment while I was in Germany in August of '06. As I sift through all my "stuff" again, two realizations come to mind.

First of all, I wonder how much more "stuff" I'd have to go through if that fire hadn't happened! Even two years ago, the Lord was already preparing me for this transition, and helping me to downsize in significant ways by essentially making some decisions for me about what needed to go and what I really didn't need.

Which leads me to the second realization. When this process is over, I will hopefully have eliminated over two-thirds of all that I've accumulated over the years. Granted, I'll be able to "re-stock" once I get over there, but for now, I will most likely be able to fit everything I own into a small SUV. :) The realization that I've had is simply the fact that there is really nothing...nothing...in this world, save the relationships that we have with each other and especially with Christ, Himself, that is not expendable.