"I'm from Michigan"

Hey guys,

So my other email didn't have very many feelings in it. But believe me, I've had a lot! Leaving my family at the airport was really hard. We all had a lot of tears, and it was a great reminder of how much I love my family. It was strange to think of how my life will never be the same again. I feel like I've done a lot of growing up in a very short time. Last week, I was basically living the college lifestyle, but living in my parents' house. Now, I'm a real adult, with health care, benefits, a stock purchase plan, and lots of responsibilities. So besides never living at home in GR ever again (only visiting) and having a big girl job, I'm adjusting to a new culture too! I was actually really overwhelmed on Monday night in my hotel room and I thought to myself, "What the heck did I sign myself up for?!?! This is a lot to deal with!" I felt very alone and seriously overwhelmed. Being around people is a big source of joy for me, so not knowing anyone was pretty tough. I had a good cry, a good conversation with God, and read the following verses that meant a lot to me from Psalm 51:

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.

The words like "steadfast", and "sustain me" really jumped out at me at a time when I felt weak and emotionally and physically spent. I really like the reminder that my joy should come from my salvation and not my external circumstances.

I've gotten to know my classmates better, and it's amazing how making friends makes a difference on my emotional state. Imagine that... me.. a socially dependent person. haha. Surprise! I do feel generally better now, although I can still tell that when I stop and when I'm alone for longer periods of time that I get more sad and down.

Pray that I stay dependent on God during this crazy period of life, that I can have spiritual conversations with friends, and that I can enjoy every moment of this experience.

I love you guys and I appreciate your support and prayers.

Tchao,

I'm leaving on a jet plane, Don't know when I'll be back again...

Dear Friends and Family,

It's really happening. The girl who cried Brazil is finally off to see the world! I guess the third start date was a charm, huh?

In case you didn't know, forgot, or just wanted to see it in writing again, I am heading to Brazil this afternoon, after a long wait, to work as a field engineer for Schlumberger. I'll be working in Sand Management Services, and taking boats or helicopters to work on oil rigs out in the ocean. No cubicle for this engineer.

Anyway, you're receiving this email because I thought you might be interested in periodic, slightly comical, rather informative updates on my life. I'm sure I will be collecting stories to wow and entertain you as this period of life gets into full swing. If for any reason, you choose you do not want to receive these emails from me, just respond with your sentiments expressed in the subject line.

I would love your prayers and support in this adventure to the working world. Here are some of my prayer requests:
-safety in travel to Brazil and then from the training site to my location
-that I would make new friends to build deep relationships with
-that my amazing relationships with people in the States would stay strong and be a source of encouragement to me

Looking forward to corresponding with you,