Four Days & Counting!

Whew! It has been a day! James and I are making lists and checking things off those lists and then making more lists. Things to buy, things to pack, things to do before we leave, etc. etc. etc. We look forward to Friday morning when we can board that plane and head to Thailand with our mission team!

James' parents came to see us yesterday. We rode around all day in Tammy's early birthday present.
They brought goodies for us to use on the trip: their video camera, a suitcase for James, and an electric plug adapter (so that I can blow dry my hair!). Plus, it was great to spend time with them-something that doesn't happen as often as we wish it would.

Our church has surrounded us with spiritual support as we have prepared for our trip. We could not be more thankful. We ask that you join in prayer for us as we embark on this exciting journey to the other side of the globe!

Celebrate Munford 5K

About two weeks ago, James and I saw a sign for the Celebrate Munford 5K Run/Walk. He showed a great interest in registering, so I registered us both for the run/walk: he would be the run part and I the walk. The day before the race, he found out that he was going to have to go to work at 9am on the day of the race. This meaning he could run in the race but then immediately run to his car and head to work. I was not too thrilled about walking in a 5K and then finishing it with no one there to meet me at the end. Little did I know, God had plans for me. :)

A few hours after James dropped the bad news bomb on me, my sweet friend Amanda Lamberth called. She asked what my plans were for the weekend. She was then hesitant about imposing, but after I assured her I would be delighted for her to come, she did just that. I was so excited! Now not only did I have someone to walk with, I also would not have to finish alone!

Race day came and after telling James good-bye (for I knew once he took off running, I wouldn't see him again until after work later that night), Amanda and I started to walk. We jogged here and there, but for the most part we simply power-walked. We finished the 3.1 miles in 42 minutes. We waited around for the awards because we were almost certain James had placed in his category. As we're waiting for his category to be called (men's 20-24), they first call my category (women's 20-24). Much to my surprise, they call out "Lexie Copeland" for third place! I was totally shocked! Seriously though, there must not have been many girls in my category because walking 3.1 miles in 42 minutes is not that spectacular especially in light of James' first place! He ran the race in 23 minutes! I was so proud to receive his metal which I expected to do and to receive my own which came as an unexpected surprise!

Thailand: The Land of Smiles

As I've mentioned before, James and I will be leaving for Thailand on August 28! We met with our group for the last time this past Sunday. The group consists of seven people. Five are over the age of fifty (two of these five have got to be in their seventies or eighties), and then there's me and James. This will be an interesting journey! I imagine we'll learn a great deal from our fellow teammates and, not to mention, from the trip itself.
The meeting on Sunday brought a real awareness to me of what we're actually doing at the end of this month. It's been three and a half years since I've served on a mission trip overseas. As with my experience before, I encountered a brief yet mind-numbing depressive state during June and July. You may recall that I touched on this subject in one of my previous blogs. I struggled with finding purpose in what I did day-to-day. I felt as if I were simply "going through motions", and for the most part I felt withdrawn. I went to family dinners and spent time with friends occasionally, but I myself was not in these activities.

"Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me by Your generous Spirit." -Psalm 51:12

This verse really woke me up.Thankfully, God brought me out of the "pit" and set my feet back on a steady rock. I told James a week ago that "I am back!" I feel engaged in my daily tasks again, and I'm not shying away from people like I was before. Isn't that always how it goes? The moment we begin to feel weak and unsteady, we shy away from friends and family who would probably love to help us stand firm again. Either that or they'll push us down further. I think my fear is that I'll drag them down with me, so I try to deal with things by myself. Humans were never meant to be islands! I know this, but do I truly know this? You know what I mean? Haha.

Anyway, as I said before, I am back! I am hitting the ground running too...literally! Since about a week ago, I have really gotten motivated and serious about exercising. I've walked ( even jogged!) nearly every day for an entire week! This may seem like an easy thing to do, but for me it is quite an accomplishment! Now if only I can keep it up for another week and then another and so on for the rest of my life. Creating healthy habits that last. It can be difficult, but it's all about the long-term benefits. I don't want to seek after things that instantly gratify me...like ice cream. :)

Another habit that I have been sticking too is spending time in the Word daily. Yes, I know this is one of those things we should always be doing every day, but instead I've always struggled with "making time." Well, it's high time I throw that excuse out the window, and that's exactly what I've done! I've been able to view life differently ever since. God has given us this life to glorify Him. We need not waste a single moment!

"You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." -Psalm 16:11