Springing Forward

   I can't believe it that it is mid-April already and I have less than two months before my estimated departure in June!  Time is flying! God has been good to bless with me with substitute teaching jobs at the elementary school level this past month.  These experiences have been rewarding (or should I say, humbling), showing me that I'm not so good at working with the little ones.  One particular experience was comparable to that of Arnold Schwarzenegger in Kindergarten Cop!  I definitely have even more respect for both the parents and teachers of those rascally (and yet lovable) kindergarteners.

    More recently, I got the chance to visit some relatives that live in Asheville and Knoxville.  Much time was spent talking, walking, and eating (what we Giles do best).  The whole point of the visit was to just spend time with family that I won't see for a while-- I would have been content sitting all day in the kitchen catching up.  Of course, my aunts would never settle for being mediocre hostesses and proceeded to take me to their favorite restaurants, give me gifts, shower me with affirmations, and sneak their credit cards up to the cash registers at all the stores so I had no chance of paying for anything. 

     I left Tennessee feeling so very grateful to have family that not only supports what I am doing, but believes in it and believes that God can work mightily in and through all peoples.  They are also great personal examples of how hard work can pay off.  Despite growing up in an environment that was basically devoid of a mother and father, they all pulled their weight in the household of 8 children and became the "power players" that they are now!  

French Chocolate Lounge in Asheville!

hello, Knoxville

Knoxville Museum of Art

     As the time draws nigh for me to go to South Sudan, I have developed a voracious appetite for reading!  Here are some of the books that I have been reading recently (all of which, I recommend):

My two faves have to be Swamplandia! and The Reason for God

Fundraising Update:

Photo from teammate Bethany!

I still need about $500 a month before I can join my wonderful team in Mundri, South Sudan.  I'm praying that the Holy Spirit will lead some more people to join my ministry.  If you know anyone who has a heart for Africa, tell them about me and the ways they can be involved!  I can't wait to get over there and start teaching!

link to support me: here!

Some of my favorite Proverbs I've read recently

10:29- The way of the Lord is a refuge

11:22- Like a gold ring in a pig's snout 

is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.

11:25- he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

12:11- he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.

12:16- A fool shows annoyance at once,

but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

13:10- Pride only breeds quarrels

13:12- Hope deferred makes the heart sick