During my time here in Honduras, I've spent a lot of time with Jim's wife, Francis. I really didn't know her at all before I came here, only having met her twice (i think). She is an amazing woman who truly loves God. The more time i spend with her, the more I admire her desire to live as God would have her live. Whenever she makes plans, she is quick to mention, "God willing," as she seems to always remember He is in control. I noticed this more as we made plans and they didn't work out for reasons beyond our control. Every time we leave the house, she prays as we sit in the van before pulling out. She prays frequently throughout the day. It is wonderful to see her sitting in the corner by the window in the living room each morning, reading her Bible and reflecting on what she reads. When we visited the villages bringing foods, it was amazing hearing her reminding each family we were only working as the hands of God, that he is the Provider. She loves those people very much.

She's told us about her life growing up, her life before she was a Christian, when she met Jim, and when Honduras Ministries was first beginning. She is a very strong and wise woman. She works hard to save money so they can continue in their ministry. She works so hard for hours each day to keep their property clean, I don't know how she does it each day. She is a fantastic example for her daughter, for me, and for all Christians. i appreciate her so much, and will remember her example always.

Thinking about the example Francis sets for me reminds me also of all the other Christian women that i look up to and appreciate so much. My mom also works hard to take care of us and has given up a lot for her family and to continue to minister where she is needed in the church. My grandma works hard always to take care of my grandpa worked with him in churches and at a church camp for many years. She is prayerful and cares deeply about everyone she meets. Two women I've known all my life, but really only started to appreciate in the past few years, and certainly still don't appreciate enough. Thank you for the example you've set.

There are countless other women who have encouraged me and whose faith i have admired. So many of the ladies at LifeSpring have set examples for my sisters and I and encouraged us. The friendships they have, and how they live life together is so amazing to see. We've known Jennifer and Ashlie almost since we moved here and as i get older, i have seen what amazing women of God they are. There are also many Godly women in Joplin, like the dorm mom from my freshman year, Mama Judie (who raised her kids on her own after her husband left her), my life group leader, Linda Lawson (who was crazy busy during the school year, but made time to cook for us and with us and to encourage us. Even more, she is currently battling cancer, your prayers are appreciated!), women at C0llege Heights (my church in Joplin), Katie (who knows how to live in community just as in the Bible and work to reach the poor), my current RD, Susan (who was an RA for years and has so much insight into serving and encouraging girls) and all the girls in my dorm who encourage and love each other so much. Marisa and Lauren and my roommate, Tasha, have all encouraged me, listened to me vent, and prayed with and for me when i need it.

All of these and so many others (i keep thinking of more, their are too many to list!) have impacted my life greatly and driven me closer to God. Again, i want to make it clear, that, while i admire each of them so much, the most important thing is that their lives point toward God. Their lives give Him the glory. And that makes me admire them all the more. Thank you for the example you have set and be encouraged that the way you live your lives gives God glory!

One last thing. When i first came here, i was reading (well, sorta. more like listening to, it was an audio book)the book Forgotten God by Francis Chan. One quote has become my prayer each day. He wrote, "I don't want my life to be explainable without the Holy Spirit." As i follow the example of these amazing women (and i only listed the women, there are many men whom i admire greatly too), I grow closer to this goal.

This is kinda long, maybe slightly random, but i figured i kinda have a captive audience, so i might as well write what i have been thinking. Although, you're not really captive, because you can choose to read it or not. Anyway, just some thoughts.

Prayer Request:
-encouragement for each of the women who set such Godly examples
-that i can show my appreciation for these women who i so admire
-that i can grow live my life in glory of God as they have.