Encouraging Letter

I’m tryning to think of the most way that I can be encouraging right now since you seem kinda discouraged.  The best way I think would be to be just plain honest.  I think that it is true to say that in our weakness God is made.  In  a way it highlights our depedancy on Him.  It make us realize how much we need HIm.  When we take this attitude, others see it, and instead of the weakness, they see the strength of Christ shining through people.  I have little doubt that this is what people are seeing in you right now.  And I have little doubt that the things that you are seeing in others as strength, is somehow tied to God working through their own weakness.
 
If I may be so bold, I’ll make a prediction about what it is that is happening.  I would say that at right about now the "being away from home" with new people has put boarders on you stepping out and being the bold person that makes friends fast, or is the first to speak up.  Or something like that.  I imagine that you view this as weakness.  If you hear one thing from this e-mail, hear this: its not.  Others are seeing you differently than those who are outspoken people who look like "leaders."  I remember telling a friend that one of the things that made me so drawn to you was how you were reserved and quiet.  I remeber that Mel had talked about this too, and I got the impression that she admired that in you too.  You are not a "sayer" you are "doer."  I believe that this is huge in ministering in a group like the one you are in.  Your presence is providing great balence to the group and making it more affective to others it comes in contact with.  Most of all, if you talk half as much as others, your words remain with people longer.  Fewer words mean fewer things to forget, or to be confused by.
 
Maybe I’m wrong.  Maybe your up on your soapbox everyday and bringing in all kinds of people to Christ because of it.  And if that is what the Spirit calls you to do then that’s awesome.  But I would say that please don’t think you need a soapbox to preach the word of the Gospel boldly.  Everyone has something different to bring to group dynamic.  And if were someone on the outside of your group searching for Christ, I believe that someone with few words would be the one that impacted me the most from the group.
 
In short, don’t be discouraged because you are supposed to be on this trip, and you’re not supposed to change for it.  And have fun.  Home may seem like far away, but remember that its only a few days away in time, so live it up while your away!  You are so loved, and God is doing things for you and through you as He stretches and uses you in this experience.  You’ll be in my prayers.
 
Peace and Love
Mikey