A New Beginning...

The 2012 spring semester at BFA has officially begun! I arrived safely to Liel on Sunday morning and then began welcoming our students home on Monday morning. We are all jet-lagging a bit after the overnight flights and changes in time zones. I was impressed that all the girls made it to the bus this morning by 8:15 (especially because I accidentally overslept!).

It made my heart glad to hear and see all of the laughing, screaming, and hugging that took place as the girls saw each other for the first time after their Christmas holiday. Christmas presents were exchanged, welcome back posters were made, new clothes and shoes were modeled, bags were unpacked, and then by 11pm, the house was silent :)

I was particularly grateful for gifts from two students who both wrote notes encouraging me that I am "the best RA ever." A sweet friend of mine at BFA recently told me that when we receive gifts like these it is like a "rose from Jesus"--a means by which He expresses His love for us when we need it most, sometimes in a very real and tangible way. This was certainly an uplifting start to the new year.

If you could continue to pray for us at Liel, we would be so thankful. In our prayer time last night, a few of the girls explained that they are homesick and concerned about the academic demands of this semester. They fear being overwhelmed this first week. I assured them that the Lord does go before us and that even when we feel anxious, weak, or broken, He still holds all things together (Colossians 1:17).

As a staff, Michelle, Troy, and I ask for your prayers as we invest in these students. Please pray that we would be deliberate, intentional, and purposeful in our prayers and daily interactions with them. We are still understaffed and do hope and trust that the Lord will provide additional help this semester.

Truly thankful for you,

Lauren

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I also wanted to share just a brief update about my time at home during the holidays. I was so thankful to be with my family and to not be separated by time zones and several thousand miles. As each Christmas passes, celebrating Christ's birth becomes more special, incredible, and real. I was inspired by several sermons and comments about Mary's faith and just how much she trusted and loved God as she did not question or doubt the work He was doing in her.

Our family was also delightfully surprised this Christmas by several engagements--congratulations to my cousin, Whitney, and her fiance, Ryan, as well as my closest family friend, Kelsey, and her fiance, Dan. It is certainly exciting to see our family growing. While I am still uncertain of my plans for the next school year, my summer is already booked with three weddings in June, July, and August! This makes my heart glad :)

To those who I was able to meet with, thank you for ministering to me and encouraging me as you did. To those who prayed, prayers were answered as my time at home was restful. I praise God for how you have faithfully cared for me and supported me.

Our 2011 Christmas photo

Happy New Year from the Roop Family!