The most difficult thing

You know, I honestly think titling these blog entries is probably the most difficult thing about blogging. Perhaps I'm just not in the groove of blogging yet since I'm new to it but anyhow, this is not the reason for my writing. :) I can't believe that March is already almost over! These days keep flying by and I've been keeping really busy. This last Sunday evening I was invited to speak at the home church I've been attending in the evenings, and it was a real blessing. I was able to share some of my testimony and share what God has been doing in my life recently. I was surprised afterwards with a love offering and it has been really neat to see God provide for me and remind me of His love and provision.
I'm still searching for an actual church for the mornings. I actually used to attend Island Community which was a small Southern Baptist church (pretty much in name only because it really felt nondenominational and none of the members I talked to claimed to be Baptist) Unfortunately, recently after I left, the Pastor there started doing some shady things like having his record keepers falsify information, kicking the youth pastor/worship leader out for not completely agreeing with him on every single detail, and has recently resorted to sending out private letters of (essentially) "excommunication" telling specific members who have tried to work things out with him that they are no longer members and are not even allowed on the property. There have been other things but I don't mean this to be a slanderbox so I just want to ask that you'd pray for the situation and that I can find a good church home to attend for my time here.
On a more positive side, I found out that in the six months that I was away, an Aldi grocery store opened up not far from my house. It's been a real blessing to find a place to shop that is so inexpensive and I can save money in that way. Cooking for myself has definitely been an adventure but I'm sure I will definitely come away a lot better than when I started :) I usually get a ride home with my good friend here on staff, Sean Deegan. Both he and his wife are great cooks and they often will invite me to dinner which has been a real blessing as well. I know that in all things God truly wants me to be here and I'm so excited to be working in a ministry that is promoting God's Word and seeking to save the lost.

Love to you all,

Danny

Badat dat dat da.....I'm Loving It :-)

It seems every day that I've been back has held some new and unexpected aspect; something fresh and exciting. It's been such a blessing to be back here and to work with those I grew to love during my time here for BMW. I've been back in the Finance/Mailroom Department, mainly trying to get reorganized with all my paperwork, spreadsheets and getting caught up with all the vast amounts of things I have on my plate. My friend on staff here, Sean, is the guy who runs the Mailroom Department and the one I work for in majority. Throughout the time I was home in Indiana, Sean would often call me and jokingly say that I had to come back right away. What he was not joking about was the sheer amount of things that are involved and have to be done. He's really happy to have me back and I'm really happy to be of help. I've also been in the process of helping train some of the new students who were brought into my department. It's been a fun experience and I think it's something I enjoy. Recently, most everyone has been working outside on the property to get it caught up and also to be more prepared when we start getting everything ready for Bootcamp. Yesterday we were all outside and we spent the morning doing a concrete pour. Out at one of the lakes on property, we're building a rope swing carousel similar to the one we have at Bathtub Lake. The water level has just been too low lately and it's not really been usable. Mike, Seth and I also got some sidewalk paths ready to pour concrete into and that was finished with the extra. My afternoon consisted of sanding down canoes, preparing them so they can be repainted. It's been a good time overall and I can genuinely say that I'm loving being here and serving in this way. Thank you all again for making this possible!

In Christ

Arrival

So just like I imagined, it has indeed been a busy first few days. My friend Sean, who is on staff with Teen Missions, was able to come pick me up from the airport and then we went to Publix (a grocery store chain which is popular down here)so I was able to do some basic needs and food shopping. It's really a completely new experience for me living by myself but it's one that brings feelings of anxiousness as well as excitement. I was able to move in to my place right away, a trailer here on Heavenly street. Teen Missions offers free housing for their staff and interns which is a street of trailers. It's not all TMI (Teen Missions Int'l) staff but a lot are owned and used by TMI people. It's a great blessing and I know that without it there would be many staff who could not afford it otherwise. "My" trailer is actually being remodeled because of some severe termite damage that was discovered under the floor and some problems with the walls, so currently I'm in what would be one of the volunteer trailers. This is actually a really neat blessing because the house is so fully furnished with pretty much everything I need in the way of cooking and furniture etc. I've been given a couple days to get myself moved in, organized, and get some shopping done along with laundry so I will begin work tomorrow. Sean jokingly said he "threw me under the bus" as he volunteered me to do breakfast duty with him for a retreat coming in this weekend. I just laughed and told him I'm more than willing to begin my time of internship in this way as it is a reflection of what I really feel God has called me to be long term, and that is a servant; wherever I end up after my time here.

I'm sure there will still be lots more adjusting to do but I'm very much looking forward to being able to be a part of this ministry and it would not be possible without your prayers and support! Thank you so much! I know there will be some sacrifices that I will have to make but it's very much worth it and I find no more joy than being in God's will.

Thank you again and God bless,


*Prayer Requests*

1. That I would adjust well to the new lifestyle

2. That I would continue to be wise with finances but that I would not be a servant to money....instead that I would allow money to be a tool for me to do what I need to.

3. For my health and safety

4. For continued raising of support while I'm down here, that I would make some good contacts and ultimately that I would trust God with all of my needs.

5. Finally, that I would always be making myself available to be the best servant I can be, to have a positive and encouraging attitude, and that I would be a blessing to those around me.

Wheels starting to turn

So this very early morning, at 1:40 am, I find myself in Indianapolis with my cousin, Jordan and his family. It's been an exciting last day but also a bittersweet one as I've said goodbye to friends and family at church and home. I drove down with my brother in law, Scott. By Tuesday I'll be headed to the airport here to leave for Orlando. Flight at 2:56 and getting in just after 5. I'm also very much looking forward to seeing my friends in Florida that I haven't seen in quite a few months. It's going to be a very good but very busy next few days. Thank you all so much for your prayers and support, without you this would not even be possible :)

In the Beginning

Hey, howdy, and hi! :) Welcome to my blog. Despite the popularity and recent growth of the blogging community over the last few years, I'd yet to start one until just now; so yeah, I'm very new to this scene. This is probably in part because I've never felt I'd had much to blog about, well that is, until now. :) The purpose of this blog is basically a "keeping in touch" method as I'm doing my internship with Teen Missions Int'l in Merritt Island, Florida.

Currently, I'm still in Indiana and I'll be driving down to Indianapolis on Sunday after church to spend some final time with my cousin, Jordan and his family before I head for Orlando on Tuesday. I'm very excited for all that God's going to do and I'm looking forward to sharing it with all of you. I hope it will be a blessing and encouragement. All for now,

In Christ