Time is moving along.. I wonder about this trip and the experiences I will gain. I find myself becoming anxious because there is so much to do to prepare.

Philippians 4: 6 and 7
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Deciding to take on this mission trip I have come across a lot of speculation. I have had to answer questions and defend my position. Even some of my friends and family have said things that weren't the most encouraging. There are those who make negative comments and there are some truly interested. I find myself praying and asking God for guidance to stay positive. Sometimes it is discouraging when you take a step of faith and some of the people closest to me aren't in agreement. I have had to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance to think of ways to fundraise. Thinking about all of this I worry and I sometimes become anxious. Growing up I struggled with this very same issue, dealing with anxiety. If it was a deadline, a grade on a test, a college acceptance letter, anything I would find myself becoming anxious and worrying about what lies ahead.

Relating to the World Race, I have come a long way. The anxious feelings I know can show up have not arisen. I don't want to give place to the enemy. I won't allow Satan to steal my joy. I encourage myself sometimes. And a special shout out to the members on the September team Facebook page . Checking in on the page once or twice a day helps me to stay positive. It is awesome to be surrounded with believers of like precious faith. God knows my heart and the desires that I keep. I am doing this to give God all the glory. There is nothing else I need to worry about. Granted, there is a laundry list of things I need to do in order to prepare for this trip. So I am using wisdom and being a good steward of my time. I am simply trusting God and putting this in His hands. Simply stated, I am saying Yes.  Whatever You want me to do, I'll do.  Where ever You want me to go, I'll go.

I continue to remind myself that my Heavenly Father knows exactly what I need. I trust in that. I believe that. I know that. I am so grateful for all that He has already done for me. I can't say thank you enough. I think about everything that has happened in my life and how He has brought me through some really trying times. This goal in my life is just one more way I can give God praise!

1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.

1. My name is Vanessa Yvette Jenkins. My first name means butterfly. Its funny because I always identified with that insect.. weird.
2. I am going to be a teacher.
3. One day I am going to write a book .
4. I can be a little hard headed. Obedience is better than sacrifice.
5. I learned how to speak in tongues when I was about 5 or 6
6. I traveled out of the country to study abroad when I was 16.
7. One of my favorite foods when I was little was fried chicken wings with a little bit of honey..
8. My favorite quote at this point in my life is "When we long for life without challenges, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.
9. My favorite indoor activity is probably scrap booking even though I hardly have time to do it anymore; pretty much arts and crafts
10. I really hate doing dishes
11. I really like running; as of late haven't had much time to do that either :(
12. My birthday is June 30, 1985.
13. I love the month June!
14. I love great smiles and pretty eyes; not just colors but the shape
15. I love the coast. I love beaches. I have gone to Hawaii, the Bahamas, Miami, Fl., living in So Cal I stay at the beach over the summer. Oh AND I went to Long Beach state!
16. I gradutated from CSULB in 2009 and I am now earning my teaching credential at Cal State Dominguez Hills
17. I want to write children's books.
18. I wish I knew how to sing. I do it ALL THE TIME.
19. Apple Juice is yummy!
20. I am a morning and a night person
21. I like sweet and salty foods; I like eating things like ice cream and french fries YUM!
22. What was your favorite childhood television program? Anything on Nick, Doug, All That, Rugrats, AHHhhh Real Monsters, Legends of the HIdden Temple, Double Dare, Wild and Crazy Kids, Clarissa explains it all, even Nick Jr. :D
23. I am sort of a pack rat :/ I think everything is special.
24. If I could be any animal I would probably be an elephant. They are so family oriented and protective. They're playful and powerful.
25. I would love to be able to teleport!
26. Usually when I wake up I am thinking "Can I sleep for a little longer?? "
27. Before falling asleep I usually think about the next day and my plans.
28. My favorite colors are purple and green.
29. I love dogs, kind of plain but I think they are so cute :)
30. I wish I could become better at planning and not procrastinating
31. I have 6 ear piercings, 1 in the nose, one tatto
32. I am mostly a messy person.. ugh... that took a lot to admit. I have tons of piles of junk in my room but I know where everything is.
33. I would love to live in Japan, maybe Ghana or South Africa
34. I miss recess and Saturday morning cartoons
35. I have grown tremendously in the last year.
36. Favorite song right now is Jeremy Camp - Overcame
37. Hanging with my sisters is something I love to do on a Saturday night 
38. I love hanging with my family after church on Sundays.
39. My dream job would be to teach hollistically. Allow students to explore a constructivist way of learning.
40. I love HGTV, TLC, and Bravo
41. I love the Office, I cried when Michael left in season 7. :'(
42. The biggest loser is a great motivation tool. NO EXCUSES! I wanna lose weignt
43. I like all kinds of music. Right now I am really into gospel like all the different kinds
44. I love dancing. It is probably something I can do no matter what no matter how I'm feeling
45. I enjoy Disney movies and I think they are a great to escape
46. My favorite Disney movie is Beauty and the Beast! Smart and beautiful
47. I am easily impressed
48. I am a member of a Sorority
49. I love to laugh
50. I LOVE JESUS