The Journey Begins

The time for my departure is quickly approaching. In less than 8 days, I will be walking up the steps of a plane that will fly miles and miles, across the sea to England. I cannot believe that it is almost here. It seems impossible somehow. I woke up today, feeling it become more real than the morning before. There is no backing down now! While I am undoubtedly certain that there will be an ample amount of things to capture my attention, while I am in England, I will nevertheless miss my family and friends greatly. That is indubitable. I will have thousands of new experiences of my own, but I will miss being a part of the experiences at Warner. All the funny things my friends will do and the many class lectures by Dr. Sheneman, these are just a small part of what I treasure about my college life.

This year has brought about new and exciting things into my life. One of which is my relationship with my boyfriend, Benjamin. He already knows how much I will miss him. It has been a luxury to be able to communicate by phone with him while I have been away this summer. While I am in England, phone conversations will be few and far between. I keep reminding myself that it is only for three months with which I must bear the separation, and that time will fly by due to my intensive studies. Three months of separation have already been a wretched time to bear. At least I am granted a few days of visiting before I must rip myself away again. Haha.

I am excited though. I want to walk toward this experience with an open heart and an open mind. I want to look back on this time in my life as I look back on my experiences in Peru. I want to recall these times over and over. Treasure each opportunity, and each day, be thankful for what the Lord has given me.

This is the beginning of my journey to Oxford. Remember to visit my blog frequently, as I will be writing often of my experiences and posting many pictures. I hope they will delight you and entertain you! To all of those who have contributed to my education overseas, thank you! I hope you will all be reading and seeing how your contribution is furthering my higher education. Thank you.

Until my next post, be blessed! :)

~Rachel

Inspiration from Christa Wilson

Go to this site: www.earnestlyseeking.blogspot.com This is a site belonging to my friend, Christa Wilson. Read her blog from Tuesday, August 08, 2006. She and Dan inspire me! :)

Spiritual Quotes

O Love, that wilt not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee; I give Thee back the life I owe, that in Thine ocean depths its flow may richer, fuller be. ~ George Matheson

One thing I of the Lord desire, for all my life hath miry been -- be it by water or by fire, Oh, make me clean, Oh, make me clean! So wash me now, without, within, or purge with fire, if that must be, no matter how, if only sin die out in me, die out in me. ~unknown

If my life is broken when given to Jesus, it is because pieces will feed a multitude, while a loaf will satisfy only a little lad. ~Ruth Stull

Prayer:

Almighty God, you alone can bring unto order the UNRULY wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to LOVE WHAT YOU COMMAND and DESIRE WHAT YOU PROMISE; that among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever! Amen.

Gap Girl

The image is kind of small, so click on it to see a larger view. :)

Hehe, you know how much I love Gap!

Scripture: The Lord's Goodness

Micah 6:8
"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"

Nahum 1:6-7
"Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him. The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him."

Psalms 25:8
"Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way."

Psalms 33:5
"He loveth righteousness and judgment; the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord."

Psalms 34:8
"O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him"