Happy Forth of July Everyone

Hey all. Its been a while since I posted. Here are some great things the Lord has been doing.

-My relationships at Sea World are definitely growing. I pray for my co workers alot while Im working. Im learning what its like to be a witness by setting a good example. Alot of people are watching me constantly to see my attitude and how I react to things. So obviously its crucial for me to be Christlike in that way. I work alot... so that wears me out and Im not always super excited to be there, but it is a blessing either way.

- My vegan friend Tony and I have many more conversations about faith, food, and drinking. He is way into the party scene, but he is becoming more and more open to the truth. Which is exciting. And plus.... Im making new friends which is never a bad thing. The other day we were discussing animal sacrifices in the Bible and how a compassionate God could condone such a thing. So I explained the need for an atonement for peoples sins and how animal sacrifices fulfilled that need. Then Tony put two and two together and said (and I quote) "So that means that Christ is the atonement for our sins." BINGO! Sad part is, he gets it intellectually but not in his heart just yet. But, all in all I am excited about our friendship and the many more conversations to be had.

-My Deaf friend Amanda that is hear is continuing to struggle to be here. And to be really honest, its not becoming any easier for me. Every day is a constant stretch to die to myself. And to be even more honest, I run out of patience after so many days in a row. We have our good days, but everyday is something new to work through. Amanda gets frustrated rather easily, and it doesnt take much for her to get aggitated. She expects alot out of me and demands for people to cater to her needs. Sounds like a rough time, however she has lived a reallllly hard life and alot of her attitude results from these trials. This is no excuse, mostly an explaination as to why. So... I interpret for her and try to serve her while still drawing some personally boundaries. Its funny because more often than not, her attitude reminds me of how we are to Christ. When I try to serve her and she is being completely stubborn, I am reminded of the perfect patience Christ has for me in my sin. So, please pray for life change for Amanda, and patience for me as God uses me to sharpen her and myself at the same time.

-Cool thing, every Friday night after our large group meeting called Friday night live (worship and a speaker) we split into small groups for discussion. My group has the opportunity to go to a Deaf coffee chat so Amanda can interact with the people there. Myself and my friend Jenna serve as interpreters at the Deaf coffee chat. Every Friday Deaf people from the local Deaf community come and hang out at the coffee beanery. So we join towards the end and start our biblestudy, inviting anyone to join. There are usually 6-10 people that join us each time- most of them believers. Its a wonderful way to end the week, and a highlight of my role here on project. Best part is, they said they want to keep it going after my leave. Praise God.

-Last story, as some of you know my family is of Irish heritage and it has been my dream for many years to meet someone from Ireland with the same last name as me. As I have mentioned before there are thousands of Irish students here on Visa for the summer. The other day, at the same bike shop I met Tony (the vegan) I met this kid named Dacklyn from Ireland. So I tell him my story of how I'd love to meet someone with the same last name as me in Ireland. And he says whats your last name and I say Lavelle. And he looks at me like no way... thats his last name!!!!! We had a good laugh, I was so excited. I told him we are probably long lost cousins. So heres to God blessing me in an awesome silly way.

Love you all. Thanks for your prayers.