Quite a week!

Officially only 4 more days of work before summer break, scrambling to get everything done by then.
I earn tenure after this year; job security is good.
Start part-time summer job next Thursday.
House on the market.
Shopping for stuff for hopefully my new house and preparing to move, if our current one sells.

Long time roommate and best friend getting married on Monday. I mean after living with her most of the last nine years, I think I should be the one to give her away, right? ;) She's marrying a pretty great guy; so I guess I'll give her up...not that I really have a choice. Glad I got to be here and be in on all the wedding planning and excitement! It's gonna be a fun weekend!

I work at a K-2 elementary school. This is the first time that I've had some of the kids who are about to move up for all three years. I'll say goodbye to some of them tomorrow; they're some sweet ones. It's been fun watching them change and grow.

All this talk of change reminds me of my current favorite lines in a song, gives me chills everytime...from High Above the Seraphim..."While a thousand thousand sing, I fall before the King. Soon will He be changing me, clothed in immortality, swallowed up in victory and evermore to be" That's a pretty amazing hope; hits me everytime we sing that song.

I wanted to share this letter with all of you. I could tell you a story about how I first met Elver, I guess probably 3 1/2 years ago. I can't think of another person I have met with such zeal and joy. And his joy does not come from easy or always happy circumstances; it's the kind of joy that only comes through Christ, whatever the circumstances. But you would just have to meet him to really understand what I'm talking about. Bottom line is...this is a man who wants nothing more than to preach the gospel. And there is no one I know of who is more deserving of this opportunity.
~Rachel


Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We are writing to you, as individuals, on behalf of a young man named Elver Espinosa. We each have a different story of how we first met Elver. Josh Reaves met him when he was an illegal alien and taught him the truth. After he was baptized, his zeal and enthusiasm led him to the Hastings family. Elver and Josh came to Mississippi to help rebuild homes after a devastating Hurricane Katrina. While there, Elver stayed with Leo and Joyce Hastings and has since spent time with all of their family. He is an outgoing and happy person whose love for the Lord stands out to everyone who meets him. After his conversion, Elver studied the truth and decided he could not remain here illegally so he returned to Mexico.
Back in Mexico he has faced many disappointments and struggles, yet has continued to preach at several congregations at every opportunity. He worked with Jeb and Shelia Reaves during their years in Mexico, traveling and preaching with Jeb. Several members of the church in Alabama and Florida have traveled to Mexico and met Elver. Elver makes every effort to share God’s Word wherever he goes, whether in Mexico or the United States.
Elver now has an amazing opportunity to come to Florida College and get his education degree! He has been accepted and has spoken with Vice President and Academic Dean Doug Northcutt. As you all understand, it is very expensive for Elver to do this. As a foreign student, he is not allowed to work off campus, but has the daunting task of paying for school. We are asking for all the financial help you can give. No matter what amount is able to be given, with each of us giving and sharing the load, it makes it much easier for us to reach our goal and give Elver the chance to come to Florida College. We have until March to raise the money he will need to attend this fall! Caleb Hastings and Josh Reaves are going to be handling the money and working with FC in making the payments for Elver.
This young man will take this education and regardless of where the Lord takes him, will work and win souls for Christ. Elver has preached in several congregations in the United States and Mexico for several years now, yet he hasn’t accepted support for his evangelistic work. His education from FC will further his ability and effectiveness in spreading the gospel.
It is impossible to fully describe Elver in such a brief letter. So please, contact one of the following individuals and hear how Elver has changed their life. All of the men below are happy for the opportunity to talk with you about Elver and his potential to save many souls. We are looking forward to working with you all to help this young man.
Brownie Reaves 770-886-6884 Leo Hastings 251-968-7994 (cell 251-233-3199)
Doug Northcutt 813- 899-6704 Josh Reaves 678-939-9194
Jeb Reaves 256-374-7704 Caleb Hastings 270-792-5015
Caleb Hastings and Josh Reaves will be handling the money. Feel free to contact them or send the checks to one of their addresses. Caleb Hastings @ 968 Cumberland Ridge Way, Bowling Green KY 42104 or Josh Reaves @ 4230 Brumby Ln , Cumming, GA 30041

I was sitting quietly in a lobby at a car place this morning. This older lady looks at me and another person there...she says, "Have y'all been keeping up with what's going on in Hades right now?"

I'm sure you could see the confusion on both our faces. Then the light bulb came on and I said, "oh you mean the earthquake? Yeah, that's terrible."
Awkward moment.




In other news...
I'm headed to Tampa as soon as we can all get everything wrapped up here.

My Papa, Griff Copeland, passed away early Thursday morning. We're thankful that the whole family got to celebrate his 90th birthday with him just a month ago. Don't know anyone who was a better steward of the time, money, talents, or anything else he was given on this earth. And now he can rest...

It's been a while; time for a bullet list I guess:

- Memorial Day - It was nice. As much as I love visiting family and traveling, I savor those few little holidays when I can just stay home and do whatever I want.

- My sister graduated from pharmacy school, which included me eating crawfish for the first time. Go Anna!

- Rode my bike 54 miles on the Chief Ladiga Trail

- No more school, lots of yard work

- A few short trips planned for the summer!

- Cookout here on Saturday with all my special ed coworkers

- You all need to see the movie "Up"

April has been a good month!

I have wonderful friends who took me to see Cirque de Soleil in Mobile for an early birthday present. It was so much fun!! Then another girls' night to celebrate Emily's birthday!

Finished my first experience with jury duty today. I was called out for a criminal and a civil case, but dismissed from both. I enjoyed the experience, learning a little more about how the system works.

Learned to play Risk last weekend; I like it.