Hello dear blog readers!

So sorry for the lack of updates – we have had a crazy busy wonderful schedule, but sadly that means extremely little internet access. However, once training is finished that might change. Speaking of training ending, it is time to announce which team I have been placed on. I was chosen for team leader of the Road Team – meaning me and a co-leader will be traveling with 8 other missionaries around Ireland until May 2012. For those of you reading who know even the tiniest bit about me, you know this is a dream come true. I get to travel around my favorite country while ministering to youth. It truly is a perfect combination and I thank God daily for granting me this opportunity.

While on the road, I hope to update more frequently both here and on Facebook. I do believe that pictures and a blog can viewed on the NET Ministries website www.netministries.ie. There is also a calendar that will have the names of the town and places we are going. Please check it out and following along on my journey for the Lord.

On a sadder note, Ireland is currently experiencing the worst economy of any country in the world of all time. It is every evident here, but the people have not lost their spirit. What they have lost is the ability to contribute to the mission and vision of NET Ministries. The reality is that ministry is expensive to simply cover the basics. Rest assured that the NET staff and team members are surely making the best of what God has provided, but it is going to be a rough couple of years. This is where you can help to further the Kingdom of God and spread the good news of Jesus.

I know so many of you have already contributed financially and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. It has been a source of encouragement for me personally and I love you all. If you feel that you want to make a tax deductible donation to NET Ministries, please make a check out to NET USA and mail to:

Andrea Lechleitner
18571 Glen Road
Gambier, OH 43022

I am serving in Ireland, but NET USA handles the processing, so please make the check out to NET USA.

Aside from finances, another great way you can help me and my teammates is through prayer. We will be on the road constantly in a mini-bus/van type of vehicle for 9 months. I can only imagine what things we will come across and need prayer for: mental/physical/emotions/spiritual strength; team bonding; travel mercies, etc. Please also prayer for our host families who will be generously opening their house and their lives to me and my team. More than my team and our host families, please pray for the youth of Ireland. We will minister to over 8,000 students in 9 months and I am so excited about that fact. However, there are many issues that are impacting the youth here making them apathetic towards the Church and towards Jesus. Pray they will have open hearts to our ministry and that they will allow themselves to experiences Jesus through our ministry.

On a happier note – some updates about the fun parts of training! We have done laundry twice in Dublin, so that is always a fun day to use the Internet and explore the city a bit while visiting a Laundromat (or launderette in Ireland!). I love getting out into the city, seeing the sites, and meeting the people. For me, that is the best part. The people all have stories to tell and we must have open ears and hearts to learn. We also visit the Hill of Tara one afternoon. It is a beautiful little hill where St. Patrick defeated people back in the day and converted tons of pagans. We also spend time in the nearest city of Navan. I have only bought one purse and one pair of shoes….so far! They have a store called Penneys that is a more organized, less random Forever 21 type store – cheaper too J

'twas the night before flight and all through the house.....

Golly gee - I leave tomorrow. Flights begin at 1:45, so please be praying for safe travels!
There is so much I wish to share and write about, but finishing packing takes precedence for now.

However, thank you all who read this for your support as I have prepared for this next adventure in my life. I am quite exited to begin and see what God has in store for me. I have a 6 hr layover in Chicago, so there is a good chance I can update more.

But for now, I shall leave you with this ever subtle hint: I like mail.
Here is how you can send it!

NET Ministries Ireland
c/o Andrea Lechleitner

Donegal Road

Ballybofey

Co. Donegal

Very important! The address has to have NET Ministries Ireland in it! There are no house numbers on the road and for the postman to remember 30+ names is impossible! But anything with NET on it he will deliver to the NET office.

Back to packing and last minute preparations. AHHH - this is finally real :)

37 days, manual transmission, and luggage

Last Friday was the first day I drove to work by myself in a manual transmission car. It wasn't as rough as I had imagined so that was good. I just tried to convince myself it was my own episode of Top Gear and then it suddenly became so much more fun and less boring.
Haven't driven since, but I shall pick up the frequency soon - I don't really have much of an option.
It only took 3 lessons with my cousin - which most of that time consisted of trying to master hills....hasn't happened yet, but it shall with time I hope!

After purchasing and returning 4 different suitcases, I do believe I finally found one that fits the random specifications of NET. After traveling to two different towns to find something, I find the perfect suitcase in my local Wal-Mart - go figure. I am ready to be challenged by one suitcase and 10 months. I cannot wait to learn the lesson of "what I truly need to live and be" the hard way. My purses, my shoes, my dresses, my _____, don't define me. How I live my life defines who I am.

37 days until flight. 37. Wow. Excited. Blessed.

50 days to flight

In 50 days I shall board an aeroplane ultimately bound for Ireland. 50 days! Crazy. Two dreams have now been combined in a more perfect adventure than I could have ever dreamed:
doing youth ministry work in Ireland for 10 months!

Once I accepted the position with NET Ministries in Ireland on March 22, I knew it was real. However, each day it becomes more and more real. I am affected by small things in life. I purchased some luggage on Sunday. How strange, but that suitcase makes it real. I am getting closer and closer to reaching my sponsorship goal and now it feels real. Not scary real, just anxious "this is really happening" real.

I am excited. So ready to fully rely on God for everything. In my own home, my job, my life here I have so many comforts and blessings that I take for granted. It is so easy to do things myself and rely on my to get it done. That is changing. I am leaving all I know and I cannot wait. I am ready to wake up each morning and rely only on God, Jesus Christ, and The Holy Spirit for strength, courage, and endurance.

There are typically outcomes or goals that I often works towards - completing a deadline, bringing in a certain number of freshman, or whatever it may be. In 50 days, all that shall change. My goal or employment desire will change. It won't be able to be measured in a typical fashion. My goal will be to bring the youth of Ireland closer to Jesus.

In summary - I am on fire for the Lord.