My wonderful family

I had another chance to get together with a bunch of my extended family relatives this past weekend. I have been so blessed by such a wonderful and supportive family. They are totally encouraging me in my trip to New Zealand, in prayer, finances, emotional support, etc. It is humbling in a sort of way. I really don't know always how to show my thanks, so I guess I am doing it in some sort of way here. Usually I can write lots and lots about the most mundane things and not say nearly enough on the important things. So for something as important as my family, all I can say is "thank you God!"

Other new things in my life lately... I just have found out that I need glasses. It was a bit disheartening at first but now that I have them (and have gotten many super duper comments on them) I really appreciate having them. I never realized how crisp things could be when they were a long ways away. I mean it wasn't that I couldn't see before. Its amazing what being able to see more clearly does for my attitude, it just puts a smile on my face.

New Zealand in less than 3 weeks now. Procrastination really is my forte so I haven't been thinking about it too much lately. I have had to start wrapping things up and making sure all the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed for when I am away. God has been so good in providing (in ways that I have least expected). Again it looks as if my house is going to be mostly full while I am away and with people that I trust and know. That is so awesome. And I got a bonus from work and an unexpected (and totally gracious) financial contribution towards my mission trip. Again, humbling, because in many ways it can totally be looked on as an adventure. I really hope that God will use me to be a blessing to the students that they can have the most amazing adventure and come to know God so much better.

That's that for now. For those of you that stop by and visit every now and then, I will try to keep this site updated on a monthly basis at minimum while I am away on my mission. Please feel free to email me at jesseaarsen@ualberta.net or drop a comment. It is always such a treat to hear from friends and family back at home.

Until next time...