Today my letter of call came from the Bishop of Western North Dakota so once I sign it, its official. Hard to believe that after all this time waiting, it finally has happened and I truly know that this is it! The people have made me feel so at home. Its crazy. Once my job starts on June 1, life is going to be busy. They want me to go to the WND synod assembly in Dickinson June 2-3 and then Bible School starts June 4. Looks like I will be moving fast but Im looking forward to doing what God has called me to do. Besides looking ahead to this, I have my consecration service to plan which has been awesome. Hard to believe that I have finally reached that point. Its fun to envision what that day will look like. Guess Ill just have to wait until April 23. Thats right my service is planned for April 23, 2006 at my home congregation in Ashley ND. Some of my friends from the seminary are thinking about coming up but I know that it is not a sure thing so just going to have to wait and see. They lead busy lives and its hard to get away from school etc. You know I must admit Im still flying high. After waiting so long, my dreams, no my gifts, are finally being realized and that makes me smile. Its also very very cool to think that I will be the first ever Diaconal Minister in Western ND. Guess that makes me a pioneer!

Hi all! Its almost 7pm cst and Im finally getting around to posting on the net. I wanted to post this news earlier but since I was at work, kind of prevented me from doing that. Zion has extended a letter of call to me as their director of youth and family ministry. Im sooo excited I just cant hide it right now! (okay so a little cheesy…LOL!). My start date is June 1 which allows me to pack up, save money, etc. I fell in love with this place when I first went there and know that this is the place God is truly calling me too. This process has been so frustrating at times but I know that now it will totally be worth it. It will be worth all the sweat, tears, frustration, stress, etc. Thank you for all of you who stood by me because you believe in me and see so many awesome gifts in me. That means the world to me. Well now Im going to go eat some pizza and watch the movie I rented the other day. Miss you all so much and God bless!!

Today was a busy day at work but I got some nice compliments. This girl Ashley and her mom Kathy work at SEI too. Kathy was like Ashley and I were talking about you at home last night. Ashley was saying how I was so much fun to work with and stuff. Her mom Kathy was like I dont think I can place her and Ashley was like, “It’s easy. She’s the friendliest one there.” It put a smile on my face and made me feel pretty good about myself. Also its a running joke at work that since Im the seminary graduate, people are going to come to me for confession etc. They are always giving me a hard time and telling me how they want to keep me sheltered. Funny huh! Today I was like I’m not as innocent as you think which got me to think about all of my friends still at the seminary. I think that if this people from work met all of you and you told them stories, I think theyd understand….dont you?!?! You taught me a few things during my time there right? Well hopefully a week from today Ill be posting again with some good news but until then (or before then if I have something to say), Ill close for now.

I hate waiting! I know its only 12 days away but it seems like forever. I really hope that this works out because I feel so called to this congregation. You know I totally can sympathize with my friends at the seminary. They are starting to go through this whole process and starting to see how it is definetely a hurry up and wait process. In the end, it is worth it but the waiting can be so agonizing at times. Its hard to get anything done when you are dreaming about the possibilities that could come your way. I really believe that I have had to wait my fair share in this process…more than most and it has been sooooo frustrating! At times, I must admit its made me question my call. I know that I have gifts for ministry and many people have affirmed those gifts but its still hard to wait to see where God sees me fitting best if that makes any sense at all. Enough about that though, has anyone heard of the book “Rule of Four?” It is a biblical mystery book and is quite interesting. If you liked the Da Vinci Code you would probably like this book so check it out okay! I guess I have a lot of things on my mind tonight because Im just typing away. Spring is definetely in the air. I see the snow starting to melt and it makes me eager for spring. Spring hopefully will arrive sooner rather than later.