Royal Gorge

I'm half-way through my cross-cultural training in Colorado. It is wonderful being here and I'm learning a ton that I know will be helpful once I'm in Uganda (and now as well). This weekend I'm taking a much needed break from class with my sister Becca, who is visiting from Missouri. Today we went ziplining and white water rafting at Royal Gorge. It was an incredible day!

Avett Brothers

On Saturday Jessica, Jessica, and I went to see the Avett Brothers at Red Rocks in Denver. No concert venue will ever be as incredible as this, and the Avett Brothers were amazing. I'm hoping to catch them again when they come through Virginia.

Colorado

Before I head to Uganda I am going though 5 weeks of training at Mission Training International. MTI is in beautiful Colorado Springs and last weekend and this weekend I was able to go with some friends to a place called garden of the gods, which is incredibly beautiful. I am so thankful for the time here at MTI. It is such a joy and encouragement to get to know missionaries heading all over the world. I've just completed my first week of training and at times it is hard (thinking of the realities of missionary life), but also so helpful and encouraging too. Missionary life is full of paradoxes. 

In Love

Mama and Aunt Lindsey

Proud Aunt Pamela and Aunt Lindsey

My BFF from high school had her first baby in March. This week precious Liam is 3 months old. I was so blessed to have 2 visits with this sweet, cuddly, adorable baby this week :)

Summer Schedule

My summer plans have a been a little bit up in the air and have changed several times. It looks like things are finally coming together (although you never know when something might change again).

June 26th-July 29th~ Colorado Springs for pre-field training at Mission Training International
August~ Visits with friends and family north of Virginia Beach
September~ Visits with friends and family south of Virginia Beach
October (first weekish)~ Leave for Uganda (traveling with several teammates :))

That's the plan for now at least :)

Middle of Nowhere, Africa

I LOVE this blog post by one of my teammates already living in Uganda. It gives a great picture of where I am going :)

Final Week at Thalia

3 1/2 days, that's how long I have left as a 4th grade teacher at Thalia. I'm sure I'll cry on Friday...tears of sadness and tears of joy. When teachers leave Thalia they get to leave their handprint outside of their classroom door. Today as the art teacher came to get me so I could leave my handprint a wave of emotions came over me...sadness, excitement for the next phase of life... I've learned so much from this class of 9 &10 year olds, and they will forever remain precious to me.

This is a slideshow of my little cuties :)
Ms. Stephens' 4th Grade 2010-2011 Slideshow