Hi everyone, 
I have a couple little pieces of news from my life, but first I want to tell you about an important day that's coming up this week.  Many of you probably know about the "global food crisis" that's going on all over the world right now.  Food prices have gone up so high that people living in poverty are not even able to buy the basics like rice and wheat.  I read one report that said food prices have doubled in the past year.  The World Food Programme is calling it a "silent tsunami" because it is affecting so many people (millions), causing them to go hungry. 

Compassion International is calling for a day of fasting and prayer for the global food crisis on Wednesday, June 25.  Obviously, anyone can participate, whether you're a Compassion sponsor or not.  We can donate money to charities and give food to food banks, but prayer is the best way we can help.  Our dollars will only go so far, and our canned food will only reach one or two people, but our prayers are to an Almighty God, who rules the universe and cares about all people.  Prayer is not limited, so let's pray about this crisis...pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who are hungry.   
Also, let me say this:  if you decide to fast on the day of fasting and prayer, know that a fast doesn't have to be going completely without food.  It certainly can be, if that's what God leads you to do, but there are many ways to fast.  You can fast from certain kinds of food, like chocolate or junk food, or you can fast from TV or computer or anything else that would be a sacrifice for you.  Pray about it first... God will tell you what to do. 

This made me think of these lyrics from an old Jaci Velasquez song:
We live in a dream if we really think
Everything's all right
This world is in need crying out to be free
We gotta shed some light....
We can make a difference
We can make a change
We can make the world a better place
(from "We Can Make a Difference")
Praying is the biggest way we can do that!!  Please join us in prayer on June 25. 

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Now for some other news.  First, I got an email yesterday asking if I would like to be a Featured Homeschooler in Heart of the Matter Online!  What an honor!  I'm really excited about that, so now I've got to sit down one day this week and answer my interview questions.  I'll let you know when I'm "posted" on the website.  :-) 
VBS is going on at our church this week.  I'm one of the music and dance teachers.  This is my first year working at our VBS, and it's fun!  :-) 
Speaking of VBS, preparations for Guatemala are coming along pretty nicely.  This afternoon, Marissa and Daniella helped me separate crayons into little ziploc baggies - 4 crayons per bag.  They had fun helping and were so sweet - I kept hearing things like, "I want to give them a pink one",  "I hope this one goes to a girl", and "Can we give them 5?"   Then when we were done, Daniella (7) said, "I wish I could be there to see their face when they get those crayons!"  :-)  I assured her I would take some pictures to show her.  Marissa (11) and Daniella both also want to use some of their own money to buy a pack of pencils to send down.  It makes me smile that they are both so eager to bless the children in Guatemala. 
I'm getting more and more excited about the trip, the closer it gets.  8 more days!! 

I hope you all have a wonderful week! 
Love, Ashley

"Let the little children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."  Matthew 19:14

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Posted by Jocelyndixon

Thanks for letting me know about that. I hadn't heard anything about it before. :)

Also congrats on being asked to be a featured homeschooler. :)

Miss Jocelyn

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Posted by SuperAngel

I hadn't heard about this either. Thanks for sharing it!

I will be praying for you as you prepare to leave!

Thanks for the comment that you left me! God is so great!

Prayers and Blessings,
Miss Amanda
http://superangelsblog.com

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Posted by mandygrace

Hi Ashley ~ How neat that you're going to be featured on that site! Congrats to you! :-)

You must be busy preparing for your trip. I hope it goes well and that God will use you in a mighty way!

Blessings,
Amanda
http://amanda-online.com/blog

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Posted by Princessleia12

I cant wait to read your interveiw!
Thanks for the birthday wishes. I had a awesome birthday

Samantha

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