Jan. 31, 2012
"You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine." Exodus 19:4-5

Besides the ability for an eagle to climb to 10,000 feet within minutes, the parent eagle also assists its young in flight.  As it flies alongside the eaglet, whirlpools of air formed by its primary feathers provide the eaglet with additional lift (Character Sketches, Vol III, p171-174).   How amazing is seeing this magnificent creation of the eagle and the simile the Lord uses of Himself to His people.  I always thought that I'd break an eagles wing if I tried to sit or be carried by it but makes so much more sense when we actually see how the eagle cares for its young. If we walk following after God, He will help us and be special in His sight!

Well thought it'd be time for a little update of my life for anyone interested.  It's been three months now that I've been living Oregon.  Still loving it and learning a ton!  I dont even know where to start and what all to share in a short message to keep your interest.  Life on the ranch community is typical I'm sure to most of you: elk crossings, cougar sightings, rifle practicing, dodgeball tournaments, bonfires, 1 min 30 seconds drive to work, to name a few things.  I'm still getting to know all that there is to do out here and each day there's something new.  I went to the shooting range on camp's property last week and shot a rifle and a pistol.  Had a blast and hope to practice so that I can possibly go hunting the following year (I'll of course take a gun safety class soon).  I also went snowboarding for the first time in four year on a mountain; I'm used to the "big hills" of Minnesota, so it was nothing in comparison. I've been consistent meeting with a few women one-on-one out hear each week going for walks to the John Day River, practicing guitar, watching football games, going for runs around the property and just sitting on the porch talking while playing with the many dogs.  It's nice to finally start having deeper relationships and a desire to share lives with one another (still not easy and not with everyone).  I also have been able to attend an Hispanic church when I have Sunday's off and appreciate it very much and have been challenged by the sermons.  Last Sunday the pastor did a sermon on the fig tree out of season from Mark 11 which is one of my favorite passag9es and brought some new ideas to me.  It's also been nice to continue practicing my Spanish and in a glorifying way.  Well while everyone in the community was in Florida except for a handful of us newbies) I got to take care of 40 chickens, 2 cats, and a dog.  Wow was it a blast and have been making a ton of egg dishes.  My roommate just got engaged too while she was in Florida so not sure how soon it will be till I'm either living by myself or find a new roommate (perhaps a dog)... 

As far as the actual work at WFR, I'm enjoying it continually and am greatful for past job experiences of learning to manage people as well as the actual tasks.  It's hard sometimes when people see you as a supervisor all the time both in and out of work and kind of stand backish from real friendships or how to earn respect from those that know more about the camp then me, but I'm learning the balance for how to handle it.  It's such a unique community here that everyone realizes the adjustment and uniqueness here than any other work/living environment.  I still cant complain ever about how amazing it is that I get to talk about Christ at work!  I've been enjoying starting to see the interns realize this and begin more to use that time to be edifying for themselves, to each other and to the Lord.  This group of interns keeps me laughing a lot throughout the whole day, something that I feel has been missing in my life for a while so I'm thankful for that joy that believers reflect on others.   I also got to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with a mechanic that came out when a laundry machine broke down while everyone was in Florida.  It was such a rush getting the opportunity to share the Lord with him and give him a Bible.  I forget sometimes how amazing it is to share salvation with a non-believer.  That being said, as many of you might know I'm going with a small group to Nicaragua in April on a missions trip to the Young Life camp I worked at in 2005.  I'm super excited to go and serve there and help share the wonderful news of Jesus and also reconnect with the Nicaraguan leaders.  So please keep that in your prayers. 

Well that's all for now.  Hope you enjoyed the update.  Maybe I'll send out some pics later.  I love all of you and pray that you call on the Father to bare you on His wings!