closure.

I love need closure. I know that life isn't always neat and tidy, and things don't get wrapped up with little bows... but for as much as they can be, I like them to be. There is something comforting in it. So, as things continue to wrap up for me state-side and I say my farewells (for now!), I wanted to post my last "until I'm out of the country" blog post and catch everyone up on where I am and what is coming in the next few days. 

On finances...

God has been so gracious to provide financially for Claire and I to be able to go to Thailand. He has used our places of work, our families, friends, and church to radically bless us and send us covered in prayer and financially. We estimated that we would need $500/mo to live on in Thailand-- and that goal has been met! Praise God!

The parents and staff at FCS surprised me on the last chapel by presenting me
with a check for Thailand and praying over me. I have absolutely loved getting
to spend the past two years serving alongside such an incredible staff,  and with
such awesome parents and children. 

On communication...

Some of the students in the K class at FCS made me laptops so that I could email them while I was in Thailand... (see the picture below) So adorable! However, to aid these paper laptops-- I was recently able to purchase a laptop for my journey.

Also, my co-workers at Catalyst all chipped in to buy me an iPhone to use internationally while I am overseas! Technology really makes 12 time zones seem a lot closer. 

On packing...
Anyone in a 10 foot radius of me this week has probably heard me talking about pitching and packing. Despite how the family-basement currently looks, this is progress:

I did not expect that sorting through every childhood treasure would take quite so long, but 24 years of stuff adds up. I'm paring it down to a spare closet in the basement and my bookshelves (which have been sorted!) I am going to miss all my books in Thailand...

But the good packing news is that Old Navy is currently selling appropriate "Thai teaching attire", and I was able to complete my wardrobe for my year there. I love one-stop shopping! I now have shoes (from a previous venture), clothes, and am ready to pack my bags. Once I uncover them from this mess I've made!

On leaving...
Claire and I will be departing Dulles at 6:40pm on Monday. June 11th. Tonight and tomorrow are "family days", Sunday is "church family day" and Monday is doubling as "AGHH. I Still Need ___ From Wal*Mart And Forgot To Get It Day" and "Departure-Day". We'll have a layover in Heathrow (London) and in Singapore. Depending on how internet works there, I will try to do a mini-post at the airport. Here is our route:

[click to enlarge]

I am so excited for the opportunity God has given me to take His Name to the nations. I am excited to see not just what He does in my life, but what He does in your life as a partner with me in this.

And as always, the comment box below is always open for your thoughts, <3, and requests!

Support Letters

I have a confession.

I hate writing support letters. There is something incredibly uncomfortable (and awkward) about asking people for money. Am I excited about people knowing what is going on in my life? Absolutely! Do I need people to support me financially and in prayer intentionally over the next year? Yes. So, why is it so hard?

If you've ever tried writing one, you know exactly what I'm talking about. It's this balancing act of giving enough information to relay vision, without being so verbose you lose your audience. It's being persuasive, but not pressuring. It's being excited, but remaining clear and focused. It's hard.

I want my friends and family to support me because they are excited about what God is doing in my life, and what He will do in Thailand over the next year through Claire and me. We are an extension of Spotswood (and the global Church) in Thailand. We don't just want to be "sent", we want to be partnered with. We don't just "want your money"-- We want you to be a part of this.

God has already been at work providing in unexpected ways. I have been so humbled by middle school students, friends, adults, co-workers and church-family who have approached me and generously given their money and time towards Thailand. God is a more-than-capable provider.

So, this is me, stepping out on a limb-- and doing something uncomfortable (one of many things, I am sure). I've written, stuffed and stamped my support letters, and the first batch is going out this week!

If you are reading this and would like to receive a support letter... please just comment in the box below (or email me) and I'll make sure you get one.

Thank you for your prayers and your support!

<3, Liz