So, this was my 7th week of Weight Watchers. To date I have lost 10.6 lbs which is great considering I thought I wasn't even able to lose weight the way I was gaining it so fast!

Well, this week was a little disappointing. Every other week I have lost a full pound or more (my hightest being 3.2, lowest 1.2)...well, this week that changed. I only lost .2 (2 oz) and that was it. I didn't really understand as I made positive choices this week and kept under my points for the most part, barely touching my weekly points. I was also more active this week than any previous week. So I was looking at the WW website and one of the discussion boards said "When you don't see the scale move, check your measurements". I do this every few weeks. Well, I did and not too much changed but I was happy because there was change. I lost about 1/2" over my entire body in the past couple weeks and it was the first time I measured that my thighs actually showed change in measurement.

My resolve is just to work harder this week, plan my meals more in advance and so they are more complete, and to keep moving.

I am so glad that I have someone to work out with and to share successes and the bumps in the road. Steph (Yager) has been such a Godsend to me during this time and such a positive encouragement to me. We pretty much started at the same weight with very similar measurments, etc. I am glad that she is there. She told me today that I am losing the weight in my face right now. I will buy that.

Just felt like posting today. Tim is working so I am alone for most of today. I don't really like being all alone but at least I feel better today than I did yesterday. So...what is going on with me??

Well...As of this past Thursday I was down 9.2 lbs at my Weight Watchers meeting. I am very excited. My clothes are starting to fit better and my stomach is going down. So far I have lost 1 1/2" on my bust, 1" on my waist, and 1" on my hips. It is very exciting. Also very exciting is that Steph Yager and I have been working out and she decided to join WW with me. It is so much easier to have that accountability with the program and the exercise...plus it is helping us get to know each other more and develop a closer relationship which is always cool.

I have posted about my desire to teach missionary children lately. I am still looking into that and looking for guidance. Every time I get more information the undertaking of this calling seems to get bigger and more involved! I would like to be able to go by next school year...I don't think that is going to happen due to various circumstances. Tim is hesitant at this point because he doesn't know what his options will be on this mission. We got in an argument about it the other night and I said some things I didn't mean to him regarding the situation. I am still seeking God on this and need lots of prayers for this to happen. It is looking like it will take 1-2 years to get into the field (leaving enough time for orientations, applications, fundraising, etc.).

Unfortunately this also means that Tim and I will be putting the starting of our family on hold (which is another issue in and of itself). I want nothing more than to be a good wife and mother and the mother part is being put on hold even more. If Tim and I go into the missions field we probably won't begin our family until we return to the states which, at this point, could range (including training and everything else) from another 2 to 5 years. I know starting your family late isn't a big deal anymore. I guess I just thought I would be a mother sooner than my late 20's to early 30's. I guess it is really all in God's hands anyways so I really shouldn't worry about it.

Anywho, this post is getting long and I have laundry, etc. to take care of. Keep Tim and I in your prayers as we look further into this missions idea.

Ok, so many of you may or may not know that I want to go into cross-cultural missions. I want to teach missionaries children in American style schools overseas. I finally have the degree and experience that most agencies look for and have begun to seek out possible avenues of obtaining this goal. I don't know where I want to go or for how long...I am leaving that up to God. All I know it that is a thought I can't shake. I have been thinking about it since early in 2004 serious.

This would be a huge lifestyle change that would involve many people and sacrifices. I am excited and terrified at the same time of what I may be called to do. I really don't know where God is leading, all I know is that I am searching for His guidance on the issue.

As of recent, I have been looking at OC International (www.onechallenge.org) because they seem to have a lot of opportunites. I have tried to do some online searches but have a hard time sorting through it all to find what I am looking for. If you know of any reputable Missions agencies that I should look into, let me know. I am looking for a way to fulfill God's call.

Keep this in your prayers.