Friends,

My life since Summer Conference has changed. I am no longer an intern and I really have nothing lined up to do after my temporary employment doing whatever needs to be done for my father and his organization. For those that do not know, My dad runs an organization called Second Mile Development. For the past 23 years Second Mile has worked to serve the low income communities of Huntsville through three different avenues, a preschool, a thrift store, and through parent educations within the communities elementary and middle schools. The organization is funded on monetary donations by individuals, churches, foundations, and really anything or anyone that wants to give and also by the sales of the store. My part, this summer, administrative work (filing, pay roll, mailing list, organizing,...blah blah blah. But my main purpose is writing grants proposals to local and national foundations. It's a slow, tedious job with tons of paper work, but could be extremely beneficial. My experience in grant writing is non-existent, so I am concerned that my efforts will be lost and Second Mile's fund raising will suffer. I am thankful for the experience I am gain from this summer. Most jobs want experience in a myriad of skills and this summer is allowing me to have that experience. Woot!

I am planning on returning to Norman in mid to late July to search for a job for the Fall. To be honest, I am more than concerned about finding something adequate to live on or really anything at all. I trust that God will provide and he is sovereign. But my sinful need for control of everything in my life is consuming my lack of employment.

Being back at home after living completely on my own is also a struggle. My family is great and I am thankful, but it is hard. My friends in Huntsville have moved away and so I am left with very little social interaction. This is new for me and quite frankly I don't like it. I am sure that I am learning something from being by myself most of the time, but it's difficult. I am excited to return to Norman and be back with all of you.

I'm accepting and sending letters this summer. My address is:

Anna McDowell
3207 Beverly Drive
Huntsville, Alabama

I love y'all and I miss you,
Anna