This whole week at debrief has been such an amazing, refreshing time for me.  I have spent some quality time with people and with God.  I have also spent some quality time in a real bed, although I spend that time mostly listening to the roosters whom have replaced the goats.  After a while you either start singing happy birthday with them, or tune them out.  (Who knew that cock-a doodle doo sounded like Happy Birthday?) 

I wanted to share with you my two Valentine’s Day gifts that I received from God this morning, even before breakfast.  Usually in the morning the showers are cold, because the sun heats the water during the day.  I don’t let that stop me, and take a shower in the morning anyway.  However this morning I was really dragging, wishing that I didn’t have to wait all day if I wanted to have a HOT shower.  So I get in and the water is cold as expected, but then unexpectedly IT WARMS UP!  It was such a wonderful experience to have a hot shower in the morning.  It was my first Valentine’s gift from my Father.

Next, I was outside downstairs praying and journalling and I was going through some of the grieving process (basically plain old crying- and yes I had just put makeup on) and one of the little cutie dogs appeared out of nowhere sitting at my feet saying “pet me, I love you and want to comfort you.  I don’t like that you are crying”.  This was really great because this is how my dog, who passed away in August, would come and look at me when I was crying at home.  I felt like it was God’s second Valentine’s gift to me within an hour.  It was really exciting and I was definitely feeling the love.

God has been doing some awesome things in my life this week.  I have been given more courage to speak the things He tells me, and more freedom to worship Him like I want to.  I have seen changes in my friends this week, and had some fun times and good donuts.  Tonight we are having squad dinner at Chili’s in Lima, and I am very excited.

Please continue to pray that God will move us and change us.  Thank you for your continued support.  We leave for the Amazon tomorrow!