23 years ago today...

So I am 23 today. It is strange to be 23. Who knew a 23rd birthday could be so mind blowing? I feel and look like I'm 19 years old, so the realilty of being 23 is strange. Very strange.

I have been coming to the realization that I am not on vacation here in Amsterdam. I have passed the two week "honeymoon period" and the reality that I will be living in a foreign country for the next year is slowly sinking in. Oh yeah, that's news; I applied for a 12 month work permit instead of an 11 month one. Sorry Mom and Dad! I felt like 11 months was such an awkward amount of time. I feel much better about living here for 12 months.

My back is on the verge of going out. I have had lower back problems for the last few years and it decides to go out about twice a year. I would really appreciate prayers for my back to be healed. If my back goes out I won't be able to get out of bed, which would be bad for the shelter. Thanks!

I have a day off on Thursday and I will be spending it in Lisse [Lissa], Holland with at least two of my friends. We're going to go to Keukenhoff, the famous dutch tulip gardends. Many travelers have told me that Keukenhoff is a must see, so I'm taking their advice.

I ate dinner with two missionaries from Poland tonight. God is doing amazing things in Poland right now. After many years of toil and labor in Poland's mission field missionaries are now seeing a huge harvest in Poland. It was so encouraging to hear what God is doing all over the world.

I successfully cooked dinner for 25 today. Amazing.

My friends/roommates/co-workers sang happy birthday to me in english today. Then my managers gave me kisses and sang the dutch birthday song. I was also blessed with cards, and a few presents, and my roommates are currently scheming about something in the kitchen. I'll find out what it's about soon enough.

I appologize for the lack of pictures. I can not download any picture programs to the computers here. Bummer. I'll keep working on it.

Love you all!