Girl's Night

Last night was the last night I will probably get to hang out with some of my friends. We try to get together on Wednesdays so yesterday we just had some fun! This group of awesome ladies went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner then we did the Breakout Games!

The Cheesecake Factory was delicious! We got to the restaurant at 6pm but we didn't get seated until 7:30pm. Crazy busy! This place has been open for over 6 months and it still has super long waits throughout the week and even longer on the weekends! I know 6 months doesn't sound that long but Lexington has tons of restaurants. It makes you think that everyone in Lexington (all 310,000 people) decided on the same place to eat dinner (exaggeration maybe but it is what it feels like). But the food is so delicious it can sometimes be worth the wait! 

We scheduled our breakout game for 9pm so we had an hour to eat. Let me tell you it is difficult to rush the Cheesecake Factory. We decided to go back for dessert (Cheesecake of course!) after we broke out! So at 8:30 we left Cheesecake Factory to head to the Breakout Games! These are so much fun! You have 60 minutes to solve problems and open safe and locks that lead to new clues in order to find the code that opens the door! It is something you definitely need to experience if you want something fun to do in Lexington (www.thebreakoutgames.com). We all wore red lipstick for our breakout game! Oh yeah and we broke out of Casino Royale in 46:55. Yeah we are awesome!!! #redlipsociety 

As our reward for our awesomeness we went back to the Cheesecake Factory for dessert! YUMM!!! Also everyone reapplied their red lipstick (from the breakout game) and made-out with my new leather journal, made custom by WildGrace Workshop (www.wildgraceworkshop.com). This was definitely a great way to spend time with friends I won't get to see for a couple of years.

Oh yeah, I bawled when I realized this was probably the last time I would see most of them before I leave for overseas! Time is ticking by way to fast! I'm not ready!!! But I know God has some exciting adventures for me and the team! I can't wait!!! 

*pics posted in the gallery*

Getting Ready

I am getting closer and closer to the monthly donations I need to raise in order to purchase my ticket for overseas (I am $70/month away)! I am so excited, but it hasn't really hit me just yet! I know I am going to be leaving in the next couple of weeks but since the date isn't set I am just enjoying as much time with people who want to hang out as I can! 

I am going to Chicago next week for the TeachBeyond orientation. I should probably start packing for that, but I haven't. LOL. I feel like I am just keeping busy and I am going to be packing for Chicago and overseas last minute. I know I shouldn't but what can I say I like to procrastinate.  I did buy new suitcases for my travels. All of our luggage was ruined in the basement flood of 2015. (BTW luggage is expensive!! Who pays $200 for a suitcase?)

I am also having to pack extra boxes to take to the school. We are trying to create an English Library. Our prayer is that every student will be able to take home a book (and bring it back of course, it is a library). I also learned that I will be the teacher in the library! I don't really know what that entails but I am so excited! I am a little bummed that I won't be teaching math but my roommate is, maybe I will get to help out :).  God is doing some amazing things and I can't wait to see what he has in store for me and our team. 

I have been in constant communication with the other teachers and principal at the school. I am really excited about this opportunity. It is so much better than China just based on the communication and the organization I am working with. I definitely miss the people in China! But I plan to visit. I mean I am going back to Asia :).

New Adventure

It's happening again! I love how God closes and opens doors! I didn't understand why I had to leave China (other than the obvious of a diplomatic visa) but it all worked out. God knew I needed to be here in the States. And it provided me the perfect opportunity to apply to TeachBeyond. Now that I have accepted a position with them I can't wait to get there! 

Unfortunately I can't post where I am going to protect all of us missionaries there. But I plan to keep everyone updated via the blog and hopefully some picture on Facebook (I will see how it all works once I get there).  

My hope is to leave at the end of June. I am super excited for everything God is doing here and in the country I am going to. Please continue to pray for me and the people I come in contact with. I hope to be a bright light for the Lord!