Today was a day of several "first" - and successful ones I might add - so it has been a very encouraging day!

Two of my "firsts" had to do with our weekly Ladies Prayer Meeting, a time when the ladies from the church get together at someone's home and pray together. Hence the name, obviously. Only a few women attend but Brenda and I try to go every week if we can. Well, today Brenda was not able to go because of a doctor's appointment so I was on my own. I had never gone anywhere by myself since I have been here, especially driving somewhere. But I needed to go and spend time with Jitka before she moves and I have missed the last three weeks. I was determined to let any more lost opportunities slip by. I called Brenda to get directions and I wrote everything down. I was running late so I jumped in the car and took off. I safely made it to her apartment without any tickets, accidents, or deportations and I was so excited as I headed upstairs (twelve flights of stairs mind you) for my second "first."

I had never gone to an event or spent time with the locals without Jen or the Barnes so I was a little nervous. Two women were there and only Jitka spoke English. But it was a really nice time and she had no problem translating to Lydia. It was very encouraging to talk with them and have them pray for my needs and to be able to pray for them. We played with their kids and laughed about little Jonas' faces. I am so glad that I went and got to spend that time with them, especially since Jitka is leaving. I smiled as I pulled away, realizing that I could this on my own and that God was already answering my prayers.

My last "first" was part of my resolutions to get active again. Yesterday I walked but today I decided to pick up the pace and I ran for about 3 km. This is approximately 1.8 miles and that may not seem like much but this is the "first" I have ran in about six months. Of course, this is not counting when I ran to the bus stop trying to catch the bus into town. But that is a whole other story.

But it was such an encouraging day and I was very pleased with the fact that I pushed myself in different areas. I pray that God will keep encouraging me to push my limits and that I will not say no.