This year marks the third Thanksgiving in a row that my sister has completely outdone herself with an amazing turkey dinner. I had the opportunity to drive out to Lynchburg for the afternoon yesterday, where I was able to spend some quality time with the family. The time seemed to fly by, but it was definitely worth the drive to see the surprised expressions on my parents' faces and to enjoy their company, even for a few short hours. On the way home, I was able to share some creative writing with a friend, which I know doesn't seem like a big deal, but it really inspired me to write more. Just discussing the topic made me realize how much I enjoy writing and how passionate I am about a dear friend, whose life is worth noting.

Today was our Washington D.C. trip, and we spent the day walking around the city with the purpose of ministering to internationals. I had the opportunity to talk to a Jehovah's Witness for almost an hour, and though I felt ill-equipped to combat his circular logic, I know God allowed our paths to cross for a reason. He may be just as set in his beliefs as he was when we began speaking (I know I am just as set in mine), but if nothing else I realized the importance of knowing Scripture inside and out. It's amazing how we can share the same Bible, both recognizing it as the inspired Word of God, and come to two entirely different conclusions.

If I had to nail down the key things I've learned during my time here thus far, I would have to say I've come to better understand the power of prayer and the urgency of the gospel. I find myself spending a lot of time contemplating what I would say if I had one more day with Marguerite. I catch myself in these dazes, when I'm far from the conversation that's going on around me because someone said something to make me think about the question of whether or not she was saved. It's a difficult thought to be confronted with on a regular basis, but more than anything, that thought has challenged me to look at people and see them as lost souls, rather than just mere passersby. I was really upset when I left the Jehovah's Witness today because I couldn't shake the thought that he was lost. So close and yet so far from the truth.

Well, I’ve been in orientation for two weeks now, and I’m finally posting. Sorry about the hiatus.

I guess I’ve decided that this time of preparation is all in what you make it. It seems like there is a lot more down time than I’m used to, but if you’ve known me for any length of time, it probably won’t come as a shock to you that I’ve found plenty to do with the free time. It seems like there’s always some sort of sporting event going on in the gym or soccer field, and if not, there’s always the long, open road to the gate where you can go for a run. In addition to reading, working out, taking pictures for people, sitting through orientation sessions, and working on my stories from Niger, I’ve been able to spend quality time with God. In the past two weeks alone, I feel like my passion and desire to know God has been refreshed. And my perpetual prayer request is that God will continue to revive that longing for Him.

On Thursday, I met with my supervisor, and we got into a really interesting discussion about truth and accuracy in journalism and the issue of reconstruction. But somewhere in the middle of our talk, he mentioned the possibility of sending me on another assignment in January! I’m not sure where yet, or even if it’s for sure, but one location was mentioned that I’m really excited about. I don’t want to say any more in case it doesn’t work out, but as soon as I hear a definite location, I’ll update.

Well, it’s almost lunch time, and one of the greatest roommates in the world is going to get her tragus pierced this afternoon, so Emily and I are going for moral support. More to come…