Guess what? I slept in until 10:30 today. It was beautiful. I loved every minute of it. My youth pastor preached a whole series on God's will last school year. The begining of Romans 12 is a cool passage that talks about God will and how we know it. I'm so glad my pictures arrived. I was hoping that you would get them soon. My job really isn't as bad as I may have made it seem. It really has it's advantages, like yesterday, a mom who hadn't seen me since before I left was talking to me about where I had been and what I had done. She told me that her little girl told her that I was her favorite teacher, which certainly boosted my day. And I'm sure that God is preparing me for something, I just wish sometimes that I didn't need so much of it, whatever it is. When was the last time I cried? Why are you asking me a question like that? The last time I cried about something real was when the plane touched the ground in New Jersey a month ago. I wasn't ready to be home and I was missing everybody already. It wasn't just a little cry, either. I sobbed. Sometimes I cry about goofy things like when someone dies in a movie or something sappy like that. I can't remember if I've cried over something stupid like that since I've been home or not. I almost cried today, though. Pray for my dad. He is getting really discouraged about some people in our church. Maybe I'm just a wimp and don't like change, but I would hate for my dad to decide to resign as pastor and I would hate to have to move and not see my friends here and I would hate to switch schools right before I graduate. Sigh. Not that any of that is going to happen, but being in the position that I am- it's always a possibility. Instead of crying I decided to go play the piano. Sometimes I like to just play (and play hard) to relieve my emotions. Speaking of my dad, I'm not really sure that I can explain him very well, but I will try. He knows that you like me because we've talked about you before. Maybe difficult was a bad word to use. He just doesn't like to be incredibly friendly to a guy who is interested in me and I in him. I suppose I don't really know. You see, the only other guy that I have liked turned out to be a really decietful, deceptive guy and my dad is a really really good judge of character. I don't know, my dad jokes around about you alot, but I don't know if that is a good thing or not. I'm not stressed about it and I wouldn't get in trouble or anything like that if you wrote either one of my parents. I just never can predict what my dad has up his sleeve- just for fair warning. You know what? I had another dream about the night after that one. I never have two dreams in a row. Usually they are very sporadic. We (you and I and the rest of my team) were in the vans going somewhere and you and I had just finished talking about the no touching rule that we have. We were sitting next to eachother and I felt someone put thier hand on my knee and I got so angry with you because you KNEW that I could get in big trouble for that but you did it anyway. Then I looked down at the hand and it was a white hand. At first, I couldn't figure out what had happened and then it hit me that it wasn't your hand at all. It was Jolene's hand. I guess, she had reached over you and was trying to tickle my knee or something. And that was that. Oh, and for lack of a better question, erego - do you think that it is important to plan?
Well, I hope that you and your pals have a good times over the weekend. Tell everybody that I said hello. I miss you lots.
Yours
Bethany

Watzup!
You have brought up what I think is the very appropriate thing to do,to pray for God's will in our lives.I was listening to a certain speakar the other day and he was talking about knowing God's will in our lives.One important thing he said is that God does not reveal to us the distant future but he reveals to us step by step about his will for our lives, because he wants us to learn to trust him and that's the very same thing I have been praying for every morning .Your dream made me smile I agree, dreams are quite strange.
You've got a nice mother.And your dad how difficult would he be as in if for example he knew that I like you(which I do)how would he respond to that?But of course I wouldn't mention anything like that to him now.Anyway If you think it is not the right time to write your parents any mail that's okay with me.The last thing I wanna do is to put you in trouble,okay?
Ma home boys know about Jesus but they have never let him in their lives.They know what christianity is all about but they chose to reject christ.And yes it is common to get made fun of here because of christ.About the question take your time.I think I have heard of Jim Elliot and he must be a cool theologian.
Yesterday I received your letter and the snaps.Woooow they're so cute! Thanks a bunch.That made a good start for my week end. I will enlarge the one of you alone and the one of the two of us alone and frame them.Tomorrow most of our buddies will be coming over to wol then in the afternoon we'll go swimming It's gonna be much fun.So I might not be able to check mail till monday.
Sorry for the pressure at your working place I guess God is infact preparing you for what he has called you for.When is the last time you cried and why?Sweet dreams and make sure the story in the dream goes to the end.You're a blessing to me.Bless ya
Giddy

Hey, Gids. I had a dream about you not so long ago. It began with me running away from home. Then I wound up in Africa and by accident I came to WOL Mobassa and a couple of families from our church were working there and I ran into them and we started racing our bikes down the street. All throughout this dream, I kept thinking that you were there and that I had to find you, but my mom woke me up before I got the chance to see you at dinner that night. It was so depressing. Dreams are such a bizarre thing, aren't they?
Let's see here, my mom, well, she is a preschool teacher at the local Christian school and she is mildy active in our church. She very traditional and very strong-willed. She is a classic mother- she worries about me and tries really hard to be my friend while still disciplining me like she should. She's a very godly woman. I am thinking that you would click with my dad too, but sometimes he can be very difficult, especially when it comes down to a boy in my life.
Your home boys, do they know about Christ and refuse Him or is it a agreement to disagree kind of thing? Is it common to get made fun of or persecuted in Kenya for being a christian?
Actually, I lied. I thought that it was Jonathon Edwards but it wasn't, it was Jim Elliot. Funny you talked about reading. I was just yesterday talking to my dad about good books that I wanted to read and that he wanted me to read. One of them was "The Emeny Within" I forget who it's by, but I'll let you know when I get it. Today has been a long day. It went pretty well though. However, one of my babies finds great pleasure in hurting my other babies, and that made the day a little tense. All of the big kids thought that it would be funny to call me Jennifer, today, the patheitic part is that I'm called Jen so much anymore that I actually repsond to it. Hmm, I don't really have a question in mind. Let me think about it for a while. I have a really hard time being original, sometimes.
Not that you'd ever think that I'd forgotten about you but, just so you know, I have been praying for God's will to be done in both of our lives. Good night.
Atoti

Hey dear
I have written along mail shortly before this that I was un able to send and iwas really discouraged lets hope this one works.I'm not intimidated by your dad at all nor any adult because I have enough adult friends.My only saved friends are those that I work with here at the wol but most of ma home boys are not saved.Yes I'm pretty close to both my parents and I love them so much.On the sats when camps begin I will be on line at 2.00 and if that changes I will tell you in advance.Keep praying for my plans specifically pray that God may provide for all that I need.I need to buy an MCAT(Medical Collgde Admission Test) manual that costs 160usdollars and register for the exam in january for 240usds and then do the exam on april then apply.It's good to be critical .It's amazing that there's so much in ou that I like and if there there wasn't I would still like you for who you are.I can't rmember the title of the album of theTevin song but the song is caled Everything you are.Say hi to diana and tell her that I'll pass her mesage to Oneil and Robby.Hey tell me more about your mum what does she do for example?I tend to think that I'd cope with your dad real well. I think it's your turn to ask me a question.Hey I'm proud that you quote such great men like Jonathan Edwards.You need to read some books like' mere christianity byc.s lewis and 'Insideout' by Larry Crabb.Also any books by Max Lucado and R.C sproul.And what's been on my mind most is that I think yo and I will get married one day I have never thought this of anygirl before.I'm praying for you too.Take care
Guapisimo.

Every minute counts. If school over here ever works out for you, then I will take to an amusement park and we will ride roller coasters all day long together, ok? I love them. I'm glad you don't care if my dad reads the emails because any guy that has ever liked my sister or I has been deathly afraid of my father, actually I could list off a couple of boys who don't talk to me at all because they are scared of my dad. I guess, he's just an intimidating guy. Your dad sounds like a really cool guy. Are you close to him? Do you have a scheduled time slot for when you can be online on those Sats? I will do everything in my power to be online at the same time if I could talk to you. Well, today was my first day back to work and it went pretty well. I forgot how much energy it takes to be a good teacher and keep up with the cleaning. If I only had to do one of those things, my job would be a whole lot easier, not that it's that tough to begin with I suppose. The pathetic thing is- today I only worked half day. Tomorrow is really crunch time.
I'm really excited for my drama team to start back up. I was just talking with my youth pastor yesterday about what the plan will be for this year's drama and I'm really pumped. We're called Acting Up. And this school year I think that we're going to do alot of monologues that are taken straight from the Bible. It is so hard for me to find drama that I really like and that I think is really good, but on the other hand, I am a very critical girl. That is one of my BIG problems- always critical. But so much of Christian drama is shallow anymore. I say to myself- what ever happened to the offensiveness of the gospel? It's sharper than a two edged sword, right? Some of it absolutely revolts me. Maybe it's just the part of me that wants to be dramatic so badly. I really hope that I can do a good job at this. I have so many different ideas. I am really ready to do this thang. What is the album title for our Tevin Campbell song? I can't find it anywhere. Well, tell me what's been on your mind. Oh, and tell Robert and Oneil to email Diana, she said that she could NOT read their hand writing to email them. I miss her too. My youth group and I will be praying for you. Can't wait to hear from you.
Bethany

Hey!
I only have ten minutes to write this mail because we have a meeting, anyway let me see how far I get.So I'm so happy you are excited by the idea of my coming over and I know you know this is the begining of a long journey of hopes and expectetions.Thank you that you're praying with me.I'm glad you guys had a nice trip.Yes we do have roler coasters here but it's not very common.Wow you're actually trying to learn the guitar? you know that is very impressive to me-That's my girl!-
Oh I don't mind if your dad reads the mail infact if he does, the better.When we begin camps on 11th I will be checking mails on saturdays only for 3 weeks.That sickens me but I have no choice.In camps I and the guys here actually not only are counsellors but we also help to facilitate the volunteering counsellors.It's okay when you ask all those questions because I enjoy answering them.I'm sorry about your sister leaving,I guess I know exactly how it makes you feel but you'll be fine.
Oh about my dad he works with Child Evangelism Fellowship and is the director in coast province.Infact when I told him about you and your interest in children he was really excited coz he loves children.oooooooh no time is up I'm sorry I wish I could write a longer mail.But I miss you too Bethany and honestly I think about very often your special to me and you'll always be.You know what I see myself spending the rest of my future with you.
Lov Guapisimo.

What are you talking about- boring? That email totally made my day. I still can't believe that your applying to IU. That would have been the best surprise ever but I'm SO glad that you told me anyway. I will pray extra hard. I have so many questions. I'm really excited but I'm trying to be careful because I don't want to get my hopes up - and that happens all too often. God has this little way of gently reminding me to always always always trust Him. But that really fired me up. I'm glad that your trip went so well. God is so good so often. It's an amazing feeling to know just by looking at them that you've brightened someone's day. I love that. I'm so glad that you had a good time visiting with your family and friends. Do you have a lot of christian friends or not so much? Tell me about your dad.
I don't think that Micheal Card lives in Indiana. I don't know where he lives. I'm not really into his music so much anymore. I like it alot, but I absolutely DIG hip-hop. And I am slowly but surely learning the guitar. My fingers are getting calloused too. I'm glad that you liked my answer ( I think it's the w that throws me off) but I thought that you had a string of questions. It's funny- my sister adn I were just talking about that very issue not too long ago- loving people who don't give you pleasure from loving them.
I'm sorry, I honestly did forget to tell you my mom's email address. I don't care if you talk to her. Actually it's the family's email address- just fair warning, my dad will check it too. Anyway it's thewebb6@highstream.net . Will you be able to check the blog during camp? Are you going to be a counselor or what? I'm sorry that I'm asking you all these questions. I'm just a curious little girl. My trip went pretty well. I'm really tired though, but that's nothing too new. Our entire youth group slept on a wooden gym floor last night- tons of fun. Then we road roller coasters all the next day. Are there roller coasters in Africa? I decided that I really like the one that just let you fall nine stories. It was great. It really made me want to go sky diving or something. And I'm getting tan. You'd be proud of my color.
Well, tomorrow is the day that I've been dreading for a very long time now. My sister is leaving and with that come my job. I'm ready to work but with my sister gone things are not quite the same (she did get your email, by the way, and I think that she said that she wrote you back). I'm going to miss her alot. She is so amazing and she makes me laugh like nobody else can. Reasons like that are whay I don't want to grow up or want her to grow up. I want to be able to laugh with her forever. I'm so selfish. In some ways, I don't even want her to get married because I want her all to myself. That not true, because I really do want her to be happy but I just don't want to lose her. Alright, I'm done complaining for now and I am going to bed but I miss you and I am praying for you and my dream for our future...well - ditto.
Atoti

Hey there,
It seems you are not back yet from your trip with your youth group.Tell them that I really appreciate their prayers.On the mail I wrote yesterday I hope you'll see it below this mail,I said I'll tell you what I think about the quality of my own life.I have been learning in the Bible studies with my mentor that when I cling on to the things I love most and comforts that keeps me from being around people I really long to be with and that affects the quality of my life negatively.As in if for example I cling on to peace and comfort such that I don't hang around people who often annoy me then the quality of my life gets poor.In a nut shell I have learnt that I have had self protective patterns which Jesus would term as sin because he commands us to love unconditionaly.I don't know if this makes sense if it doesn't ask questions.Bye and be sure to read the mail below this one.

Hi!
Your last mail was long and lovely.I like long mails.Before I forget,Yes we do have fireflies in Africa only during the rainy seasons and not everywhere but atleast we have them in my home town.Well we had a marvelous time during the trip.God did exceedingly abundantly far above all we ever asked,thought or imagined.They asked us if we could go again and the people were really blessed, you know like you could even tel it from the look on their faces.
Then I went home.Wow what a reunion.We had a wonderful time together and on monday I had a long day triyng to catch up on my buddies and relatives.I told my family about the Tanzania trip and even about you and they were excited.We now have two weeks before camps begin and we have closed most of our Bible clubs for the vaccation so we're less busy although the Angaza drama team is plan to stage a concert on 17 and 18 of august so that gets us really working pray please pray for us about that.
Thanks in advance for the snaps even though they haven't reached but I know they will,I'm sure it takes quite sometime.Hey! you never toldme if your sister got the mail I wrote her an you haven't told me if it's okay to write to your mum and how I can do that or you're wondering what on earth I want to talk to your mama about?Relaaaaax there's nothing to worry about no cause for alarm I would just like to let her know how blesed she is to have have you I know she knows that already but I hope a repeatition from me won't hurt will it?
I know michael Card! wow! you guys must have had a nice time! I like his music.Does he live in Indiana?Well if he inspired you into practicing guitar, go for it! and you will be among the veeeery few ladies who play the guitar and I'd love that.There's nothing wrong in missing someone but as you say we must live our lives to the fullest.I keep hoping that our dream of meeting again will come true and maybe soon.
This is gonna be a long mail girl!(lol) I wasn't planning on this and I wanted it to come to you as a total surprise but I realise what I'm about to tell you needs people to be praying for me.I have so far applied to one university and one medical school both in kenya but my mentor also encouraged me to appy outside Kenya and I'm in the proccess of applying in the Indiana State medical university-how about that?Now this calls for reaaaaal prayer as in it's quite a long process but if it's in God's will his own zeal shall accomplish it.
Fiiiiinaly, believe me I like how you answered(I'm sure that's how the word is spelt)the question.Since this is already a very long and probably boring mail I'll tell you more about it later.Sigh that was long, you need some rest and a drink(not cold though-rule no.2-remember)
Sweet dreams too atoti
Giddy.
Here's one of my favourite songs by mariah and 'Boyz to men' to you.
One Sweet Day
Album: DAYDREAM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Sorry I never told you
All I wanted to say
And now it's too late to hold you
'Cause you've flown away
So far away

Never had I imagined
Living without your smile
Feeling and knowing you hear me
It keeps me alive
Alive

And I know you're shining down on me from Heaven
Like so many friends we've lost along the way
And I know eventually we'll be together
One sweet day

Bethany, I never showed you
Assumed you'd always be there
I took your presence for granted
But I always cared
And I miss the love we shared

And I know you're shining down on me from Heaven
Like so many friends we've lost along the way
And I know eventually we'll be together
One sweet day

Although the sun will never shine the same
I'll always look to a brighter day
Lord I know when I lay me down to sleep
You will always listen as I pray

And I know you're shining down on me from Heaven
Like so many friends we've lost along the way
And I know eventually we'll be together
One sweet day

And I know you're shining down on me from Heaven
Like so many friends we've lost along the way
And I know eventually we'll be together
One sweet day

Sorry I never told you
All I wanted to say

Take care.

Hey there, buddy, I hope you had a good trip. My youth group and I have beeen praying for it. Of course I can picture you singing. That will always be a vivid image in my mind. I'm glad you liked my email. Every now and then I just get really silly (ok, so that was a lie- it happens quite often) and do all kinds of goofy things like write random emails and sometimes I make up ridiculous stories. I had such a good time visiting our old friends from Indy. But we were SO tired by the time we got home. We went to a Micheal Card concert (are you familiar with him?) and it wasn't much of a concert really because it was just him and his guitar and then his piano but it was so refreshing. He was just pheneomonal. It inspired me to work really hard on the guitar. All throughout the concert, I kept catching myself wishing that you were there. But you know what? I don't want to wish my life away, you know? I mean, I do wish that you were here or that I was there or that we could be together but, what if I'm too busy wishing and I miss what God has for me now? I think it was Jonathon Edwards who said something like "Live life to it's fullest , and whatever you do- be all there." It's given me alot to challenge myself with lately (sometimes I hate it when I know that I'm right about being wrong). Then we went back and we stayed in this guys guest house and it was really really nice. We stayed up late talking to him and then later our other good friend came over and he didn't leave until 3:30am. We were exhuasted. But it was a lot of fun we didn't want to come home really bad.
Now, about your question, I don't really think that I have a good anwser (I hate that word, I always spell it wrong) this time, but I want to know the "right" awnser (ugh, that stupid word). We'll go with this: I can't describe the quality of someone elses life because it is based on how, through their relationship with Christ, they change other people's lives. I will never know, in all honestly, exactly how someone's relationship with Christ is or how much they have influenced other peoples desicions. In my life, my walk with Christ isn't what it should be but there is always room for improvement, right? I don't think I'll ever know how many people I have effected, that is, at least not until heaven. I would hope that it would be a significant number, BUT if I changed one person's life for the better, then I think my life was worth something. Not that I think highly of my life or value is at all actually, but ONE person would be worth it. Granted, seven or eight would maybe bump up my value but... one would work. I'm not so sure that what I've have written is actually getting my piont across so I apologize if that is repetative and doesn't make any sense and it also gives room to question the sovereignity of God, but I'll let you feast on that for now. I'm really tired and I'm going into work for my sister tomorrow at 7:30. So I need to get some sleep. I'll be working with the infants for a while. I like babies but there is something really nice about being able to have a conversation with someone. You didn't ever tell me if you had lightning bugs (sometimes they're called fireflies) in Africa. I had forgotten all about them until I came home and they were in abundance. We only have them in our summer though. Thank you for the song, I won't get tired of it. It means alot to me- the funny thing is, I've never heard it before. I already did send you some pictures. Let's see, I mailed them last Mon. I don't know when you'll get them. I'm excited about being able to hang out with my youth group but it will be three of the last four day that my sister is home before she leaves for college (Haha very funny, Adam is not even going). That makes me very sad but sometimes I'm sure if I invest enough time in my youth group as a whole. That probably didn't make any sense. I'll explain that one later. I'm tired. Alright I'm going to bed. Sweet dreams, Guapisimo.
Beti