so, i don't know if anyone ever checks this blog, but i just realized that i never did an ending post, and some people might be wondering what happened.  a lot has happened in the past 3-4 months... and i thought that i should bring y'all up to date on what's happening with my mission. 

in February (about one month after getting back in the field from being home for 2 months) i got into a car accident and hurt my arm.  after lots of dr appointments, x-rays and an mri (3 months after the accident) it was decided that i needed to have surgery on my arm.  a lot of tender mercies had happened and i was in an area with a arm specialist 5 minutes away.  i figured that i'd have surgery and just continue to be about the Lord's work.  but that wasn't God's plan.  my mission president told me that they'd have to send me home for surgery... that was definitely something i didn't want to hear!  i shed a lot of tears and came home the end of may. 

the dr here just did surgery about six weeks ago, and i have a beautiful brace once again. it's amazing to me to see how God works.  the whole ordeal has been a huge lesson in patience.  i've missed my arm so much... not being able to do anything with it for 7 months is not my idea of a picnic.  but i've learned a lot in the past few months... lessons that i wouldn't give up for anything.

and finally - i've decided to not go back to indiana.  this wasn't an easy decision... but one that i feel so good about.  i know that staying home is the Lord's plan for me right now.  i decided to stay after much prayer and fasting - the only way to make decisions.  i don't know why i need to stay home... i'm still waiting to find that out, but i know it's what i'm supposed to do and i'm excited to see what the next phase of my life has in store.

thanks to everyone for their love, letters, prayers and support.  i appreciate it so much.  serving the Lord as a missionary was a dream come true... and i'm so glad i had the chance to serve the Lord.  i think about my mission everyday and i love the people in indiana so much. my mission changed my life.   it's a decision i'll never regret.