Yes, I have been super busy since my last update... but the main reason you haven't heard from me in a while is because I've been doing more office work than "field" work these past few weeks. So I don't really have any exciting pictures to share... unless you want me to creatively capture myself creating spreadsheets and making dozens of phone calls!

As some of you know, I was able to take a break from work long enough to get home and visit with some family and friends. The main reason for the timing of my visit was to present a scholarship to a graduating senior of Maryville High School in memory of my sister Liz. Always a great honor. It was also a special blessing to be home for Mother's Day with Mom and Kelly... and to attend my home church (the first time since January!).

What's next?? We're gearing up for summer. We anticipate 300-400 volunteers a week during our intensive summer camp (June 3rd - Aug 4th). Summer camp is a time where volunteers (mainly youth groups) come to minister to the city, meanwhile, our staff ministers to them through worship services, devotional times, taking care of their needs, etc. And as I (and others of us) have time, I'll pick up a hammer, gut out some homes, paint some fences, play with kids, hangout with homeless people, whatever needs to be done! And I'm greatly looking forward to all of that. Meanwhile, there is lot of preparation to do in terms of scheduling all of these groups throughout the city. I'm a bit overwhelmed, and I must rely on God's strength and wisdom DAILY to even attempt to get all this done! We are short-staffed, and I'm not complaining, but I do covet your prayers because God has appointed me and others to our positions here, but we are stretched and sometimes I feel it's humanly impossible to really accomplish all that needs to be done. Truly I don't know how to I'm going to do it, all I can do is trust by faith that it will happen. As Linda says, "You do ALL that you can do... and then you leave the rest to God." So that's what I'm doing. I'll do my part, and trust Him for the rest.

Prayer requests: My body gets tired and I need it to be energized, my mind gets scrambled and I need it to remain sharp and focused, my heart gets overwhelmed with the needs here and I need it to be burdened but effective. Even in full-time ministry you can get thrown off course, please pray that my distractions will be few, healing will come when needed, and that I will stay obedient to my calling. Also, today (Tuesday) at 3pm CST, I am having LASIK surgery. I am very excited and blessed that I can have this done. The thought of the procedure makes me a bit nervous, but we can all pray that it goes smoothly and that I will not need any enhancements (as they are not included in the price). Years down the road my eyes may weaken, as is common, but for the most part I hope it's a huge success for the next year and many many more!!

It was so good to see the few of you I was able to see this weekend. To all of you, thank you for your continued support. I hope all is going well for each of you. Please keep me informed of what's going on in your life as well... any blessings from above or anything I can be praying for you about.

I'll have many exciting updates throughout the summer, so stay tuned! :)