to ireland.

To start things off...this journey I’m about to embark will change my life indefinitely. And I’m asking you to be a part of the monumental experience that I feel certain God himself has ordained.

For the last three years, I have been living in Nashville, observing, partaking and soaking up all that God has been bringing my way. It has been a wild adventure so far. I am currently teaching Art to middle and high school students with various strengths and talents...truth be told they are teaching me as much, if not more, as I am teaching them.

Looking back to June 2006, I never pictured my life here. I never thought God would continue to lead me and guide in a direction with unconditional love, and His desire to be the Blessed Controller of my life. Now, this Blessed Controller part hasn’t been easy, but it has been fruitful. And I like fruit. Love it actually. So here it goes...

I have been given the opportunity to travel to Dublin, Ireland. Abbey Presbyterian Church has so graciously invited me along to help during a music & arts workshop/festival which will take place in late June and early July. I would be helping spread my love of God and art with the local youth in the Dublin area, not that my infamous karaoke skills wouldn’t help out the music department; it might be best to keep that a hidden talent. Now, given the “perks” of my job...I am off during the summer months. And when I said before that God ordained this trip...I meant it.

I had this crazy dream back in the early spring about visiting Ireland in the summer and maybe actually having a purpose other than just a “backpacking through Europe” experience. I just kind of left it at that hoping and dreaming and praying. Little did I know what was in store...God was working, ordaining crazy things together for His good. He used an old missionary friend and a new missionary friend to help pave the way to this Gaelic country.

So now, I have a art-related mission, a free place to stay, and a God-ordained purpose. You may ask where do I, as in you, fit into this part...well I need prayer and massive amounts of it. The trip itself isn’t extremely expensive but on this teacher’s salary, it could put a little dint into my pocket. I know support letters like these sometimes get lost in the mail or recycled or shoved under the bills, but I am asking you to consider an alterative. I need prayer. Prayer for safe travel. Prayer for good health and an endless supply of energy. Prayer for God to use me in ways that I never could have imagined. Prayer that the love God has blessed me with oozes out of my soul and pours onto the people of Dublin.

Of course, I do need some help getting there, but prayer is the most vital. As an old missionary friend once told me, “if it’s God’s will, then it’s God’s bill.” As crazy as this may sound, it’s true. God wants me to go. So I’m going, hopefully with your prayer and support. I will need around $1500 dollars or so...more if you want a cool souvenir. If you can give, then give; if not, then pray.

I will be leaving Nashville, June 25, and returning back to lovely land I call home, July 13. This will be a nineteen day journey of self, faith, and allowing the Blessed Controller of my life to love me and others in ways I have never imagined. Thank you for your love and support as always! Thank you for guidance at times when I needed it most! I pray for God to lead in paths that are less traveled, but proving that those little rocks in your shoes bring new hope and glory in Him!