THUNDER!!!!!!!!!!

Dear friends,

Outside there is a beautiful thunderstorm. The rain is pouring in buckets and the thunder sounds just above our heads. My family just said our goodbyes to my brother John who was visiting with us for the long weekend. We stood out at the end of the driveway huddled under umbrellas, my sister and I just with our socks on.. It was sad, but probably one of the most memorable and beautiful ways to say goodbye.

Ashley! I am so delighted that God has revealed Himself so much to you through these last several weeks in the Adirondacks! LaVida is an amazing challenge and it definitely sounds like you invested entirely into the adventure, coming away with an incredible spirit of joy and a double portion of passion for the wilderness! :) I can't wait to hear the details of your trip, and I'm sure you have some incredible LaVida tales.. (you too Hannah Becker!)

Do you remember Ashley, that day we were running back on that road behind the ponds? I had talked to you about some of my struggles witnessing to my non-Christian friends. Just Saturday, God opened a door for me to share His amazing message with one of my dear friends. In that moment I prayed and through His strength I faced my fears of offending her and we had an amazing conversation about God, creation, and the God-given hole that every person tries to fill but can only be filled by God. I know His hand was on me and that what I said was from Him and exactly what she needed to hear. I let Him use me in a way where I realized the obvious fact that He knows what she needs to hear; I shouldn't worry about saying the wrong thing when it is something that He desires me to say!! She is not a Christian and still not even sure if she believes in God, but I am awed to report that my friend Katherine, who has always been a cement wall, is opening up her heart in an incredible way! If you think of it, I would really appreciate it if you would all keep her in your prayers.

And now, Hannah and Genny! I can't wait to hear from you and will be keeping you all in my prayers. I miss you all terribly, but I am striving to be in the moment instead of looking back or to the future. I am excited for the summer, I am enjoying time with my family so very much and God has blessed me with a not-so-glamorous office-help job, but one where I am working with incredible, encouraging people.

Much love,
Sarah