Odessa, Tx

You know there is something about going home that is refreshing for me. I am from Odessa, Tx. Go Bronchos!! Hehehehe, just had to throw that in there. Anyways, most people when they go to Odessa or see pictures of it, say its ugly and the armpit of the universe. I however love Odessa. Its my hometown, where i grew up, where i built lasting friendships, and where i began to learn about life.

I was there this last weekend and had a fundraiser dinner for my Africa mission. It was a huge blessing!! I saw people i hadnt seen in years. My junior high choir teacher Mrs. Love came out, as well as my high school choir teacher Mrs. Medlin. There were people there i didn't even know very well, but they all had a common bond and that was knowing me or my family.

God has blessed me and my family tremendously. I was told countless times,"Ross your dad would be so proud of you!!" You know my stepdad told me those exact words, but added "and I'm proud of you!!" Wow!! Words have a lasting impact!!

The joy in all of this has been for me to see peoples lives change and grow. Im not even in Africa, but i have received much satisfaction from seeing what God is doing in the lives of those around me. In my stepping out in faith to follow what God is leading me to do, people are doing the same. Its not about me, but it is all about HIM!! I do not write these things to say look at me, but i do write these things to encourage you and say look at God!! I never dreamed that i would impact some of the people i have.

"God is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in Him"
-John Piper