Spring Update 2009

Hello Friends and Family!

I hope this Spring season finds you doing well and experiencing the joy of our Risen Savior! My last e-mail update was a bit of a down-er so I thought I would update you on some of the more positive aspects of my life since February.

• I have been getting enough work as a substitute in Salem-Keizer and the surrounding districts. This is a huge blessing after the meager months of January and February.
• I have a new-to-me car that has replaced the one that was stolen. Yes, I bought another Honda. I guess my love for this particular make outweighs my fear of thieves.
  
• Spring break was just that - a break. I went home to the Tri-Cities for a few days and was even able to reconnect with the drama group King's Theatre I used to be a part of there. The whole week was refreshing and re-energizing.
• Easter was an exciting time for me as I was involved in the drama presentation at my church (Salem Heights). It was a bit of a time commitment but definitely worth it. I am always energized when I am able to use my passion for drama to present Biblical truth.
• I made a very important phone call to Wycliffe Bible Translators last week. I spoke with them about my desire to begin moving my teaching career to the overseas mission field. This process will take a little over a year with references, an extensive application, fund raising, and training. I will keep you informed as this exciting process progresses!
• I have also decided to go back to school. I will be taking classes at Corban again to pursue an ESOL endorsement. This addition to my teaching license will be helpful stateside and overseas. Back to those books!

In addition to these wonderful blessings, I will leave you with a few prayer requests:

• I desperately need a summer job. I'm sure you all know how difficult it is to find a job right now, but I am trusting God to provide.
  
• I am in the whirlwind of roommates coming and going. Over the span of a few months, I will have said goodbye to three very dear friends and welcomed three new ones. Pray for this transition period.
• Pray for life direction. This seems to be an on-going request but it's true! I want to be in the center of God's will as I proceed through each year of my life.

Thank you for being a part of my life adventure. I would love to pray for you as well if you have a moment to write!

In His Hands,

Melissa Yoder

I Just Want to Be With You

Smile

by Chris Rice

How far are you, how close am I
I know your words are true and I don't feel them inside
Still I believe you'll never leave
So where are you now

You're all I have, You're all I know
Your breath is breathing in my soul
Still I am gasping, aching, asking
Where are you now

Cause I just wanna be with You
I just want this waiting to be over
I just want to be with You
And it helps to know the Day is getting closer

Every minute takes an hour
Every inch feels like a mile
Til I won't have to imagine
And I finally get to see You smile

My journey's here, but my heart is There
So I dream and wait, and keep the faith, while You prepare
Our destiny, til You come back for me
Oh, please make it soon!

Cause I just wanna be with You
I just want this waiting to be over
I just want to be with You
And it helps to know the Day is getting closer

Every minute takes an hour
Every inch feels like a mile
Til I won't have to imagine
And I finally get to see You smile

I just wanna be with You
I just want this waiting to be over
I just want to be with You
And it helps to know the Day is getting closer

I just wanna be with You
I just want this waiting to be over
I just want to be with You
And it helps to know the Day is getting closer

Every minute takes an hour
Every inch feel like a mile
Til I won't have to imagine
And I finally get to see You

Every minute takes an hour
Every inch feel like a mile
Til I won't have to imagine

And I finally get to see You smile

I really want Christ to come back soon! I want this waiting to be over and I want to see His face!

Melissa