Well. I guess it’s about time for an update, huh?

The past several weeks have been filled with so many good memories. After leaving Texas, it was time to head back to South Carolina for Anna’s wedding! Two of my dearest friends have decided to get married this year—and I was afraid that I’d be missing them because of deputation and the possibility of leaving for the field. But God worked things out so that I could attend both weddings. And I am so thankful for God’s perfect timing!

Anna and I actually go back to the junior high years. When my dad was stationed in South Carolina, we visited SBT, and Anna’s dad was the one who greeted us at the door. I remember him asking how old I was, then saying he had a daughter the same age. At that moment, Anna came into the lobby and her dad said, “Anna, this is Atalie. She needs a friend.”

And that’s how I met my first friend at SBT. We joined that church soon after, and one year later, she and her family had to go back to the mission field. But we still kept in touch. She never forgot to send me a card for my birthday, even thoughout my college years.

When I started full-time deputation, Anna was staying with Mrs. Caryl, whom I would also be staying with whenever I was in South Carolina. We got to really bond over the months that followed. And when she asked me to be one of her bridesmaids, I was so happy and honored because her friendship had meant so much to me over the years. It would be a very special wedding.

The wedding day arrived. It was to be a beautiful outdoor wedding; only, high winds and thunderstorms were forcasted.

All that week, we had been praying that God would hold off the rain. And you know what? He did! The storms were to hit at 6:00pm, which is exactly when the ceremony was to start, but the skies were beautifully sunny. However, as Anna and Steven were saying their vows, we felt a few droplets fall from the sky. I know, right then, hundreds of prayers went up from the crowd.

Well, the vows were said, the bridal party exited, the congregation moved into the pavilion, and the rain stayed back. We quickly took pictures, then it started to rain harder. And right as the bridal party reached the pavilion, it all-out stormed. Wind, thunder, lightning—you name it. Talk about perfect timing.

Well, as all the festivities went on inside, Amanda said that when the rain stopped, we’d be taking bridal party pictures. When we finally made it outside again, there was a haze in the sky from the rain and the sun was setting behind the trees. It was absolutely gorgeous. Later on, Amanda said that if we had gotten all the pictures done beforehand, we would have completely missed the sunset. Providence? I think so.

But what made me happiest was when Anna said, “This day couldn’t have been more perfect.” It just thrilled my heart because God is just so good. He saw fit to give one of His precious children the perfect wedding day. He saw fit to answer our fervent prayers. And He saw fit to bring two friends back together after nearly ten years. Yes, God is good!

And, of course, we can’t forget the bouquet story. I’m pretty sure it was a set-up, because I saw Anna turn around and look at me before she threw her flowers. Even though it was a little embarassing (because I knew there was going to be a lot of teasing afterwards), I’m glad I caught them. Knowing that she wanted me to have them made me feel special, haha. Well, on Sunday, I told my dad about it. On Monday, my pastor called to congratulate me. And apparently, he went and told the whole church about it.

Oh well. I guess I don’t mind being a source of entertainment. Too much.

Haha. Anyway, I also wanted to give an update on my deputation status. I am currently at 80% and making plans to leave the first week of September. I am currently working on visa paperwork; it’s funny because I never thought I’d be so excited about doing paperwork!

This past Sunday I had to say goodbye to the people at SBT. It was bittersweet because I know they had been praying that I would raise my support quickly, and yet I was going to miss them all so much. They’d been with me from the very beginning, the first church to take me on for support. They helped me get a car and assisted me with a lot of other expenses. They loved me, prayed for me, and believed in me.

I think one of the neatest things was that, back in April, they had their first missions conference as a church and it was my first missions conference as a missionary. Not only that, when I was fifteen, I had surrendered to be a missionary while at that church; eight years later, I was a missionary. SBT is so special to me for so many reasons. They’re pretty much my second family.

Well, at the end of the evening service, Pastor had all the ladies gather with me at the altar for prayer. Man. My heart couldn’t handle the ache and I had to let it all out with tears. And then I got pictures with everyone while my face was still red and swollen…

But it is such a comfort to know there are no goodbyes in Heaven. And on earth, among other Christians, there are no goodbyes—only see you laters!

Well, it’s getting late. Lord willing, I’ll be able to keep this more updated. My computer was in the shop for the past two weeks, so I’m behind on my prayer letter, as well. Got to get on that soon! Anyway, I’ll go before I keep rambling. Until next time!

Your missionary to Thailand,
Atalie