In Christ Alone

Spring in DC

2011-04-25T09:14:00.001-04:00

In the movie "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" the song sings, "and then one day it's spring". Growing up in the Pacific Northwest I thought I knew what that meant, but I was wrong. Here it did seem to happen overnight. One day I'm running in the midst of naked trees and dull brown ground, and then next everything is sprouting leaves and the ground and trees are covered in lush green growth. I'm in awe of Spring here in the District. I am amazed at the differences and the beautiful spring weather. Yes, it's probably the nicest weather I'll have all year, but I'm not complaining, nor am I dreading the incredibly hot summer....I'm just soaking up the wonderful warm weather as it is now. Sunny and warm at day, raining and thunder storms most nights. Beautiful.

Life here is routine now, and I forget to enjoy all the subtle differences as I was when I first moved. They don't impress me the same, even though I still notice them. For example: The lady in starbucks cant understand me when I say Caramel. I say it in two syllables, not three. I don't say Car-a-mel. I say Car-mel. Wrong, or right everyone here says car-a-mel. It cracks me up.

Anyway, my job is great, and moving here was the best decision I've ever made. It was even more confirmed when my family visited in March and had the opportunity to see my life here. My work family, my church family, and my friends. What a wonderful time I had.

Life, with its busy mundane tasks and its unexpected twists, is so great. God gave me such a good and specific task, and carrying that out is oftentimes harder than expected, but worth it. Glorify Him in everything. Every struggle with my girls, every morning, noon, and night, every hug, every word out of my mouth need to reflect Him and His grace and mercy. How do I show that my life has been changed by Jesus' work on the cross? Love. So, my job is simply to love.

Happy Easter. I love celebrating that God sent His son to die, and that He died a death he didn't deserve, taking the punishment for my sin, but that he didn't stay dead. He rose again. He lives. And because He lives I can have life through His work on the cross.

February

2011-02-09T09:44:00.000-05:00

I'm sure everyone can agree with me when I ask, Where did January go? it's already the 9th of February. I can't believe it.

Nothing much new or exciting here. I had a fantastic return and enjoyed my first hockey game ever with my friend Sandra. I was given tickets by a total stranger sitting in the doctors office. They were supposed to be for his client that never showed. At first I saiid no thank you, but as I thought about it, I realized it was a good opportunity. We had a blast. Hockey is fun to watch. It's like basketball or soccer, except that they beat each other up.

My dearest cousin Hilary had her baby girl on the 21st of January. Annie Christine Marston. I'm so happy for both Tim and Hilary. I can hardly believe she is here.

My life has hit a new normal. I've got a set routine, and am making lots of friends. I'm so happy that I made the move, and also that I was sent so many people to love me and take care of me here in DC. God is really good, and I'm so glad that He lead me here.

Hopefully I'll be able to write more soon.

Addicted to Coffee and Miss my Running

2010-12-23T18:28:00.000-05:00

I'm on a flight right now from DC to LAX. Now, I know LA isn't usually considered "on the way" home, but I decided it was my safest bet. So, here I am half way to LA, I just paid an outrageous amount to use this internet so I wouldn't be bored, and I'm writing this blog. I had such an awesome week with Alicia who didn't have school even though Gigi did. We went to the National Aquarium, we shopped, and we stayed busy....so busy, in fact, that she fell asleep every single day in the car. I really had fun, and am so glad that I was able to spend that time alone with Alicia. She needed some fun.

To explain my title. I have a crazy bad headache right now because I was so busy packing that I didn't take my coffee with me this morning. There is nothing like forgetting your caffeine to remind you how desperately you NEED your caffeine. This is the first time in my life that I can honestly state that I am addicted to my coffee. I might try to change that...but right now I don't care to put forth any effort. Maybe that will be my new year's resolution. The other part of the title is that I haven't been able to go running since Sunday because I haven't had any time off during the day since Alicia hasn't had school. It's been nearly 5 days now that I haven't gone for a long distance run, and it is the longest amount of days since I started this run/walk/workout program. I not only miss my coffee, but I also miss the endorphine kick from the running. :(

I can't believe how quickly the holidays have arrived. I'm totally not in Christmas mode. I'm sure the next 48 concentrated hours will have to suffice, but it just doesnt seem real. Even when I was packing last night, or when I was at the airport I kept thinking, "wow, it's already the 23rd" I was sure someone was going to hand me back my ticket and tell me that my flight wasn't for another week. It can't possibly be Christmas already. I'm happy for it, and I opened some presents last night from my work family which helped remind me that we're almost there. Christmas day!!!

I love Christmas. Tim always wakes up super early, there's breakfast cereal and cinnamon rolls, presents, family, a fire blazing. This year being together will mean more than ever. I haven't seen anyone, except for Molly, since August. August! I've never been away from home for this long. Europe was only 2 months, and during college I was rarely away for more than a few weeks. It's been 4 months since I've seen all of them, and I miss them. I know that I need to be prepared though. It'll most likely be 6 or so months before I make a return trip, barring any unfortunate circumstances. So, Christmas is going to have a much bigger impression as I look forward to more aspects than I ever have before.

Merry Christmas to everyone as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, and enjoy some time with our family and friends.

A Season of Joy

2010-12-19T14:07:00.000-05:00

December is usually my favorite time of the year. I've always been excited for Christmas and love spending time with all my family. Maybe it's because I'm an extrovert and love parties and seeing people. This December has been so different, but good in its own way. I have a hard time believing that this is the Sunday before Christmas, or that I'll be spending all of Thursday in airplanes and airports with millions of other people fighting to get home. I've been praying for the weather, and that I'll be home safely, as well as praying that God will help this trip refresh and encourage me. If I'm being perfectly honest I would have to admit that I'm afraid to come home in some ways. Afraid that I'll be reminded how much I love it, making coming back to my new "home" a new level of difficult. There is peace, however, in knowing that I am where God wants me, so I'm approaching this vacation with that attitude. I've been blessed in so many ways by my church family here who listen to my woes and pray with me and for me. I do love them.

I am looking forward to my week at home.

In so many ways it still hasn't hit me that I live so far from everything I know and love. I'm learning to know and love DC, and Maryland, but it is still not the same as being home. I can't wait to eat at Majors, talk with my dad, shoot a gun, hang out with my brothers, see how tall Kurt has gotten, hold my growing nephew, gaze at the barren hills, look at the mountain in awe, and thank my Savior for all He has given me. A season of Joy is what I titled this blog, and as I remember why we celebrate I remember that more than ever this has been a season of joy for me. Jesus came. He came for me. He took my sin and removed it. There is joy in understanding who Jesus is on an even deeper level, and also joy in truly taking advantage of my time with my family. This is a joyous season.

I've been slack in updating this blog. I've had a very busy few weeks since I last wrote on here, and so I'm going to post a few pictures. I've was blessed to go see Hilary and Tim in Florida. It was an awesome weekend, and not one I'll soon forget. I also spent quite a bit of time with my dear friend Sandra. She is easily my closest friend here in DC. She lives in Alexandria but I met her through our mutual friend Emily Hoover. Emily has been a friend of mine since I was very little and we became even better friends in college. She met Sandra in Michigan during an internship at the University. Sandra moved here at the same time as me, and we've been going through similar phases as we adjust to living somewhere so foreign to where we grew up. She and I do our best to go on adventures and explore our new surroundings. I love her a lot. So, here are some pictures. They are random, but enjoy.

I was finally able to make my coconut cream pie! I made it when I was with Tim and Hilary in Florida. It was sooooo good. :D

Merry Christmas to you all. I'm looking forward to 2011!

Florida....and a time of Thanksgiving

2010-11-28T17:23:00.000-05:00

It's always when you're away from your family and friends that you truly appreciate all that they bring to your life. God has changed my life in many ways this year. He's asked me to go out of all I know and pushed me into a new and different place. It's been everything I knew it would be, and then about 10x more. I'm so thankful for all that he has set in front of me. All the friends, my church family, and the family I work for. They were brought to me, and the transition was hard, and challenging, but also a time of joy and excitement. I'm so excited to be here. I get the opportunity to see and experience all these different things.

I spent Thanksgiving in Florida with my work family. Henry's parents own a condo in West Palm Beach Florida. It was absolutely beautiful here, and an amazing weekend. The ocean was incredible, and I've never been in an ocean where it was worthwhile to put on goggles. Gigi and I swam along the beach for hours picking up shells and looking at schools of fish. I've never had so much fun in an ocean before. The water was so incredibly clear you could see forever. I felt like I was in some sort of movie. It was an amazing time. I woke up every morning and took pictures of the beautiful sunrise. I was amazed by the beauty every single morning. I would sit, and pray, and just thank God for that sunrise.

I'm thankful that I was able to come even though I was sad to miss my families traditions. I've never had a thanksgiving like this before. We didn't do any cooking, and we were on the beach most of the day.

We went to dinner at the Palm Beach Yacht Club which was very nice, and very fancy. It wasn't the same, but it was nice. I didn't make my famous coconut cream pie which is my thanksgiving tradition, but I might try to make it this week if I can find the time. I've been craving a bite of my decadent pie.

Well, I had a wonderful trip to Florida. I've taken a few pictures, but I wish I would've taken more. I just was captivated by the ocean and spent most of my time swimming.
I'm somewhere over Florida on my way to Atlanta then onto Baltimore. I gave up my seat on an earlier flight for two free round trip tickets. Although it was a pain to sit in the airport for 4 hours, I'm happy for the ability to go home once or twice this year for free. Airtran flies direct from BWI to SEA. So, it'll be free to fly home for Meg's wedding! Yay! Anyway, I'm excited to be on my way home, and I can't wait to get back to my normal routine. Making me even more happy then being home is the fact that I'll be flying back to Florida in a mere four days. This time I'm not flying to Palm Beach though, this time I'm flying to Panama City Beach to see my dear cousin Hilary and her husband Tim. O, I can't wait to see them. It's been months. Florida two weekends in a row. It's a tough life here in DC.
Sorry for so few posts this month. I'll try to make a video blog soon. No time, no time.
Love you all!

Smallz

2010-11-16T14:29:00.000-05:00

Molly came,

Molly went.

Joy and fun

tears and mess

eating cupcakes

eating cake

eating out, and

PF Changs(burr)

Drive downtown

Stress and joy

DC night

crazy fun

Down Independence

Turning on 7th

Up Constitution

to 17th

Skipping Movies

babysitting forgot

going at midnight

late night, too fun

Girls are crazy

my new life

Molly is patient

far to nice

Molly came

Molly went

tears, goodbyes

how time flies

So much happened

So little time

My dear sister

what a delight

November? Already?

2010-11-06T20:27:00.000-04:00

October 9th.

That is pitiful. I can't believe it's been nearly a month since my last blog post. Crazy.

DC has been lots of things, but mostly it's been fun. The weather is lovely, and it's finally starting to get cold and winter seems to be on its way. I'm starting to really get to know people, and I'm meeting new people all the time. I knew I was a social person, but it's interesting to see how my personality is manifesting in these new surroundings. It's hard to give an overview and also give details. So, for now, I'll just give you a few general things that have happened or are happening that you can grasp.

I started running. Well, I'm attempting to be a runner, but it's challenging. I've been just running a little and walking a lot. About 2 hours each day I spend walking the trail. I find that these hours are some of my favorite of the day. I'm often caught talking on the phone, but I also spend a lot of that time thankful for the beautiful landscape and praying. I'm flying to Florida to see Hilary in just a few weeks and while I'm there we're planning on walking a half-marathon. I'm excited, nervous, and realizing that 13.1 miles is a long way. Mostly, I'm excited to see my dear cousin. :)

I'll be in Florida the last weekend of November for Thanksgiving, and I'm going back the very next weekend to see Hilary, so I'm definitely looking forward to warm weather and the beach. (sigh) I'm really looking forward to the beach.

The girls are great. They continue to challenge me, but I love them so. I just enjoy being with them. The longer I'm here the more I love them. We're past the initial "new" phase which is so nice. They're beginning to understand me and my way of doing things, and I'm beginning to anticipate their moves and understand them a little better. I just love being here.

My room is starting to feel like my room. Sarah painted me some amazing flowers that now hang over my bed. I'll post some pictures of my bedroom soon(but if you come visit me you can see my room in person...haha). It's nice to have a place that feels like it's mine though. My room has really become my retreat.

Molly is flying to visit me on Wednesday night. I'm soooo excited, and can hardly wait for her to get here. My kiddos are excited too. Alicia talks about Molly visiting almost every day. She's so cute, and I know Molly and the girls are going to love each other.

Overall I'm still just amazed at my surroundings, and amazed at where God has brought me. He has taken care of me on a level that even I could not have been expecting. I'm living with an amazing family, and enjoy these girls so much. :) I'm so thankful.

Saturday

2010-10-09T21:12:00.000-04:00

Sorry I didn't find the time to type a real blog today. I had hopes, but it just never happened. I had a lovely week, and there were some real successes on the work front. We had not fight getting Alicia into her clothes both Thursday and Friday(we had screaming fits both Tues. and Wed). I know it could be worse, but I'm still not used to her getting so upset about clothes. She got a few new things shopping today, so hopefully she'll look forward to wearing those clothes. The week just went well. I was very active because of my new project Slipping into September. You can read all about my weight loss adventures with my best friend Kendra.
I hope you all had a great week, and maybe I'll find some time to type tomorrow.

Hmmm, Pumpkin Spice Lattes

2010-09-18T14:17:00.000-04:00

The beauty of moving to a location where not a single soul knows you is that you can be who you want to be without anyone having any preconceived notions or expectations of how I should act, feel, or be. Not to say that I've changed much, but it's like a fresh, clean slate. It's fun making new friendships. Letting people in on my life, learning about them. My small group that meets on Wednesday is fantastic. Less than two weeks I've known these people, but within the body of Christ they're my brothers and sisters and their love for Christ is evident in numerous ways. It has allowed me an ability to feel at home, finally. In some ways it feels like months, and in other it feels like I got on the plane yesterday. Already this has been such a great opportunity to grow, and I'm just getting started. What does the future hold for me? Well, I can safely say that it holds hours of driving two little girls all around DC and Maryland, early mornings, busy afternoons, and lots of challenges. I'm looking forward to it all.

I've taken to sitting at the Starbucks across the street from my house. I'm trying to get to know the baristas. There are lots of high school students here because so many families live in the neighborhood I live in. I've rediscovered that I LOVE pumpkin spice lattes. They're not low on calories, but they're definitely worth running off. :) So delicious.

I spend a lot of time reading. I'm enjoying it. If you have any suggestions for me to read....please, send them my way.

I wish you all could be sitting here with me. So many funny little things happen that are hard to explain, but funny none the less. People watching rocks my world. People here are vastly different, but similar all at the same time. This girl just walked in with 4 in heels, and could hardly walk, but right behind her was her mom......

after you see her mom you realize why this girl is wearing the most ridiculous heels and outfit.

Like mother, like daughter.

The mother looks like she could be on real housewives of DC(and maybe she is...I live in the right part of town).

Interesting

A High school teacher just sat at the table next to me, and he's grading his papers....boy I don't envy him.

An old man and woman are cute sitting in the comfy chairs having a happy conversation, and the weird man in the red hat is sitting in the corner...he's probably a spy or undercover, that's what I'm guessing. the spy museum said there is a ridiculous amount of people that are spies/undercover in DC. So, I'm always on the lookout(wink, wink). So, as you can see, these people are quite a bit different.

I love DC :)

5K

2010-09-14T10:57:00.000-04:00

So, I signed myself up for a 5K. It's to support the local crisis pregancy center and I'm really excited. My friend Sandra is going to do it with me. I can't wait.

If you want to support me just let me know. I can send you the link to my website that allows you to make donations to me without much hassle.

Blog's have been fewer lately mainly because things have settled into a bit of a routine. I love being here, and I love that my relationship with each girl seems to be growing stronger and stronger.

My church is fantastic, and I love that God has sent me to this church. What a great blessing it is on me.

I'll be writing more later.

Here is Love

2010-09-09T09:25:00.000-04:00

Discipline is love. A great love.

He disciplines and refines me.

Here is Love. By His mercy he shows me my faults and commands me to follow Him in all things, to turn from my sin and cling to His righteousness.

I often fail.

He loves me.

I was reminded last night that the ultimate sacrifice has been paid for me.

I'm free because when I stand before God my sins will have been atoned for.

"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation." Romans 5:1-11

Church

2010-09-05T18:38:00.000-04:00

I've been looking for a church since I arrived, and now that I've been here a month I was starting to feel a little lonely. Not knowing anyone is really a test of sorts. Trusting in God to supply my needs, leaning on Him in a new and different way then I've ever had to before. I don't know what He has in store, but I do know that He is my king, and anything He brings me He also brings me the strength to handle.

I think I've found my church. I've gone from SVC to SRC. Solid Rock Church was thee most inviting, encouraging, loving church I've ever entered. Very sincere people, and a very diverse group. People from every walk of life. This is just what I was looking for. I'm thankful for such a delightful Sunday. I'm going to try their Wednesday meeting this week. I'm excited to go.

"How precious is your steadfast love, O God!

The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

They feast on the abundance of your house,

and you give them drink from the river of your delights.

For with you is the fountain of life;

in your light do we see light."

Psalm 36:7-9

Brick, Brick, Brick

2010-09-04T14:54:00.000-04:00

Hello Friends,

I've survived another great week. It's wonderful how the timing of my new job has allowed me to ease into the routine. Gigi and Alicia go to two different schools that are quite a distance apart. So, I'll be taking Alicia to school dropping her off, then taking Gigi to school. However, Gigi was in school this week, but Alicia was not. So, I was able to comfortably drive to school without having to worry about one of them being late or traffic slowing me up, since Gigi's school is heading away from the District, not towards. I was thankful for my time with Alicia. She and I had a wonderful week of baking, playing, arts, and just errands. It's always good to have a little bit of direction too. When we went grocery shopping together she was able to tell me which kind they usually got, and things like that. She is a delightful, energetic, artistic child.

Gigi is quickly holding a very dear place in my heart as well. She is so smart, yet so unable to grasp what is right in front of her. She is troubled with doubt and insecurities, but she is a joy. She makes me smile, and we've had some really important moments. I'm loving her already.

My job is a delight, and living her is so very easy. They've done every thing possible to help me feel comfortable, and I do. I love my space and time, but I also love spending time with the girls.

Their piano has quickly become my favorite place in the house. Anyone who has ever lived with me won't be surprised by that(especially Kendra and Debbers). I play almost every night. It brings me a total sense of calm. I'm thankful for that more than almost everything else. God has given me that time to just think, reflect on him, and sing praise...even if I can't sing out loud, my heart is rejoicing.

Living in a Jewish household has been interesting, and I've learned a lot. I'm overwhelmed with all the traditions, commandments, and Hebrew, but I like learning about it. Gigi goes to a dual language English/Hebrew school, so needless to say I can't help her much with her Hebrew homework. :)

As far as finding a church goes, it has been a little bit harder than I thought. Although I knew it would be difficult, it's been more challenging than I could've imagined. There are SOOOO many churches here, but knowing which ones are even worth visiting is near impossible. I emailed one of the HUGE churches I visited and asked if they could make a recommendation to a smaller church. I wasn't sure if they would email me back, but they did. One of the pastors recommended a church about 30 min from here. I'm going to go this Sunday and see what I think. I liked their website, and it looks to be quite a bit smaller. I'm in need of some fellowship, and I would love to get plugged into a good church. I know my Savior knows my needs, and He will provide, so I'm going to keep trying churches and trusting in Him.

So, as for the "Brick, Brick, Brick" title I will now explain.

This will be my second installment of:

East Coast Oddities!

#3 Everything is made out of Brick here. We're used to seeing brick every once in a while, but here 75% of ALL things are made out of brick. And, we're not just talking houses. There are high-rise apartment buildings made out of brick. Businesses, churches, sidewalks, fences! So Much BRICK! Adding to the difference of the brick is that the style of buildings are different as well. The atmosphere is made so different by that one little thing.

#4. U-turns. Maybe this is weird to me only because I was born and raised in Yakima, WA, but having U-turns at all the lights is something I've had to get used to. I know they make sense since turning across traffic would be a nightmare, but they're just strange. I'm adjusting to the crazy driving, but I still think it looks funny.

#5. This one is similar to #4 in that it has to do with driving.

"Photo Enforced" is a sign that has quickly become my friend, and my worst nightmare. All my friends that know me and my driving will definitely get a kick out of this. I've often boasted about my perfect driving record, but I'm sure that it is about to come to an end....thanks to traffic cameras. These pesky little boxes just take your picture and send you a ticket if you're caught speeding. There is no crying to get out of it, or arguing to be done. Pay up. They come in the mail without warning. Although I can say that I haven't received one...I must add a, yet. In the mornings I often catch my self just driving along thinking about 1,000 other things...and bam I realize I'm going 5mph over the speed limit. In a near state of panic I slow down and look at my location. Had I passed one of the cameras in my distracted state? This goes on all day while driving. I'm so paranoid about having to waste money paying these tickets, that I catch my self safely going 2mph under the speed limit, just in case my speedometer is a little wrong. O, those awful things.

Well, I hope everyone has had a wonderful week.

I love you all!

Ok, so I'm sitting in Starbucks

2010-08-28T19:26:00.000-04:00

I decided to start this post with the honest truth. I haven't found my "place" yet. You know, that place where you go to get away, get online, or just read and sip coffee. In Yakima it was a few places, like Northtown, Berts, or even Fresh Taste Meals(my favorite place to sit online and chat with my roomie). So, that means for now I've gone to a Starbucks to sit and read, chat, and write this blog. Please find it in your heart to forgive me for this. I'm working hard to find a place close to home. :)

As many of you know I spent 5 days in Rehoboth, DE with the family. It was a good time with the girls, and a joy to be at the beach. I was able to see the sunrise over the Atlantic which I was so excited about. It had never occured to me that people on the East Coast don't get to watch the sunset like we do on the West Coast. I have to admit, it was almost better. It is so peaceful in the mornings, and only the early birds get to enjoy the wonder. I could've sat out on the beach all day and prayed. It was inspiring.

My time in DC has continually been great. The family and kids are a lot of fun, and even though adjusting to a new job and living situation has had its challenges(and will continue to have challenges) for the most part it has been the adventure I was seeking. I have been acquiring different tales and happenings to tell you all and I had decided to do a video blog instead of writing it out....BUT I can't seem to figure out how to make my Acer Netbook take videos. I tried Youtube and Help, but can't figure it out(maybe one of my techie friends could help) Anyway, since I can't tell you all using my dramatic skills I've spent a life time perfecting, I'll have to rely on my mediocre writing skills.

So, I have more than one post worth of these stories that I'm going to call, "East Coast Oddities"

(Soon I'll have a camera, so I'll post pictures of some of these oddities). Some might not seem that exciting...but it is the all the little differences that contribute to the entirely different cultural experience it is living here in DC.

For your reading pleasure I present:

EAST COAST ODDITIES

#1. The first thing I'm going to share might not seem like a big deal, but everytime I drive by I laugh.

7 eleven's are everywhere, BUT they AREN'T gas stations. Yes, good ole 7-eleven. They are in strip malls, real malls, they are on street corners, or tucked in next a Macy's. It's so strange to me, because I instantly associate them with gas stations, but here they aren't. They are just convience stores where you can grab any last minute snack, magazine, or just in case you're in desperate need of a slurpee(Kurt). They are very similar inside. It is just bizarre to me, and I'm definitely not used to seeing them.

Yes, this is my the first of many that I have written down. I have a little journal that I keep in my purse where I write down things that happen whether it is major, or just a simple little story.

#2 I decided to post another quick story, Susan, my new boss, pointed out to me that both Cherail(the old nanny, and also a Washington State native) and I say, "these ones or these ones" when giving options. Whether it be, "these pants, or these" or "these socks or these". I pointed out that it is just the plural form, but she said they would refer to socks or pants in the singular form, for example "This one, or this pair". Now I realize that I often use the plural form when refering to food, objects, or lots of other things. I probably wouldn't have noticed but Susan did and I found that interesting.

Ok, that is all that I have the time to type up tonight. I've been enjoying all the museums and people. The metro is worthy of a story or two of its own, so be looking for that. My list of oddities is rather long, but tonight you'll have to get by with two. The stories would be that much better if you could here my fake east coast accent while telling...and a few of them require pictures for you to truly appreciate the oddity. I'll try to share again soon. I love you all!

Never went to print

2010-08-19T11:46:00.000-04:00

I love good stories. I love listening and taking in. I love watching the emotion play across their face like it was yesterday. Nearly 60 years ago they met. She a Newsweek reporter and he a public health engineer. She was writing an article, and he was the expert. It wasn't love at first sight or anything of that nature. In fact, he asked her where she lived and if she needed a ride home, but when it was in the opposite direction he told her just that. I laughed out loud. So chivalrous. A few weeks later they ran into each other at Safeway and he made her dinner. History. They were married, and two long careers and three children later they're sitting here at the dinner table telling me about their life adventures. He smiled the entire time he told this story. The smile was contagious. The best part is, her article never went to print.

So, I talk to God.

2010-08-17T22:21:00.000-04:00

God's control and timing of things is so perfect. He brought me here, of this I have no doubt. I sat outside in the ridiculously hot humid night thinking about what on earth I could possibly be doing in a DC suburb. I don't know or understand the local culture. I'm a farm girl from Wapato. I've always felt comfortable in cities, but I've never actually lived in one. Why did God bring me here? I sat in my room praying for peace and guidance. I've never felt more peaceful than I do about my decision to come. But now that I'm actually here I want to make sure I'm open to His leading. Having not met many people it's hard for me to actually know what the first step is. I went to church on Sunday, but now what? What is my next step of obedience? I spend a great deal of my days talking with Pop Pop and Grandma(they are currently living here since Grandma Karen fell and broke her arm) but that is about it. I can't give in and just do nothing(and shopping hardly counts as something). I've cleaned and rearranged my room, then rearranged it again...just for fun. I'm enjoying driving around and finding new places, but it's not the same without people. I've learned that almost everything I do has something to do with human interaction. I go places and do things for fun, but it's more for the people I'm doing them with. Starbucks isn't the same without some sort of conversation. What I'm trying to say is this: I'm realizing real quick that maybe I need to learn how to talk to God in a different way. A way that makes me less dependant on the people around me, and more dependant on my relationship with him. Now this might seem basic, but when I'm sitting here face to face with my new reality, it's seems more critical, more important than it ever has before. I'm enjoying this "alone" time with God, the forced solidarity isn't as bad as I would've imagined, but having patience is. God brought me here for a purpose...now what is it? I spent three years in Yakima before I really realized His plan in taking me there, so I'm thinking it could be a similar situation here. Trusting God's plan is easy, but also one of the hardest things.
Speaking of my reason for being in Yakima. Have I mentioned how incredibly amazing it is having your best friend trust in Jesus as their Savior? I've never been more encouraged by anyone as I have been by Kendra. Watching her learn lessons and trust and believe more every day touches me in such an amazing way. I'm so thankful for God's grace and mercy. I never even imagined I could be this blessed.
I'm headed for bed now. Pray that I'll find some way to employ myself tomorrow that blesses someone else.
Thank you all for your many prayers.

MARYLAND!!!

2010-08-13T08:13:00.000-04:00

So, for those of you that don't know already, I took a job nannying in Chevy Chase, Maryland right outside of DC. Tuesday night I arrived, and it has been a little bit crazy/busy since. I woke up early this morning to let you all in on the happenings of my new life. :) I feel very fortunate to have Cherail(their current Nanny that I'm replacing) for training. She is fun and easy to talk to. I'm getting a long really well with the girls, but I'm sure it'll become a little more difficult. The first few months are always the hardest while I lay down the laws and have to hold firm to them. But it's really been fun having girls rather than boys....I might change my mind about that later though.
We've had crazy thunder storms here, and that has been interesting. Our power was out for a day and a half, but it came back on last night in the middle of the night. I've never been more thankful for air conditioning than now.
I've been very encouraged this week by the outpouring of love and support, so thank you all for helping me be ready to take this giant step. I'm sure it'll become more difficult, but for now I'm loving all the opportunities I have before me. It sounds like my charges are up, so I'm going to have to write more later. I love you all!

His Death Has Paid My Ransom

2009-10-13T01:58:00.000-04:00

I love when God sends us something to encourage us. Something we needed at that very moment. Big or small, it's encouraging. I've had an encouraging weekend. Even with one or two small setbacks I feel like I'm finally Carrie again. Sunday proved to be another great day. For an extrovert and christian like myself Sunday is key for a few reasons. One, I need and desire fellowship with other believers. Not just socializing, but actual fellowship and encouragement. Two, I love the youth group. I love being in their lives, and desire to push them to truly trust and desire a real and genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. I want to challenge them to not just float through high school. Three, I love Kristen Pichura. I am encouraged by her on numerous levels. Being apart of her life, and her families lives is a joy, an honor. I'm thankful that God brought the Pichura clan here to Yakima. I'm thankful that we all got to come alongside of them during the adoption of their two precious boys, and I'm thankful for their faithfulness to obeying His direction for their lives. It was an incredible Sunday.
Today I happened across some old emails. Emails that I actually wrote to all of you last summer while I was in Europe. I started reading them, and couldn't stop until I had gotten through the last one. I have read through my journals many times since last summer, but reading the emails was a lot of fun. Remembering how God was using me, and how He was working in the children. It was an amazing trip, and one I'll never forget for quite a few reasons. :) I'm so glad that God sent me, and also that I obeyed His calling and went. I can think of so many things I learned while being away last summer. My relationship with the Lord really grew deeper as I met and talked with my brothers and sisters in Eastern European countries. I still pray for the churches there that God would continue to strengthen their leadership and that truth would be taught. The churches are so young, and oppression is so recent. It was an incredible thing to hear stories first hand. Those stories weren't from the History books, they were from these peoples lives. Incredible.
I've been singing my favorite song in my head all day today. A song all of you know, or should know. So, to finish this blog I'll post the lyrics to "How Deep the Father's Love for Us"
May God bless you and encourage you this week.

How deep the Father's love for us,

How vast beyond all measure

That He should give His only Son

To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,

The Father turns His face away

As wounds which mar the chosen One,

Bring many sons to glory

...

Behold the Man upon a cross,

My sin upon His shoulders

Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,

Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there

Until it was accomplished

His dying breath has brought me life

I know that it is finished

...

I will not boast in anything

No gifts, no power, no wisdom

But I will boast in Jesus Christ

His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?

I cannot give an answer

But this I know with all my heart

His death has paid my ransom

Changes

2009-10-10T14:07:00.000-04:00

Well, I don't have much time to write currently. Here are a few pics from the last few weeks. Some are of the bachelorette party, a few of the babies, and some just random. I thank God for a very busy, but great end to my summer. It has been a challenging year, but I would say that I've been learning a lot. God is amazing, and in the midst of my struggles I see his reign in my life more and more. Praise God.

2009-10-05T19:27:00.000-04:00

I apologize for the lack of attention to this blog. Saying I've been busy would be both an understatement and a lame excuse so I wont. I've had some interesting past few months which explains why I haven't posted. One of these days I'll post some pictures from my Europe trip. Also, Jane got married which was very exciting and beautiful.
Although I haven't kept up my blogging I hope to be doing more of it in the near future.
My life has been one of change. I moved out of my dear apartment, and now am indefinitely house sitting at my Grandma Doornink's house. It is incredibly beautiful here. Jane's wedding was held here on the lawn and it was a great experience. It was the first wedding held here at the "Hilltop Haus" as we call it. I enjoy being able to watch the sunrise and sunset everyday. When I look out over the Yakima Valley I'm just amazed at how beautiful it looks. I'm astounded by the view of Mt. Adams, intricate clouds, and infinite sky.
I think of God's promise to us that His mercies are new every morning and I'm thankful that God continues to poor His mercy on me even when I feel I don't deserve it.

Where to Start

2009-06-26T00:45:00.000-04:00

My Birthday was a fun day spent with my Mom, my sister Laura and her two kids, Veheir and Jheiryn, and my brother Kurt. We went on a little day trip to Seattle to visit a farmers market that Laura was wanting to check out. We made a few stops along the way, and overall it was a fun day.

It's fun watching Kurt grow up...and up...and up. The kid is officially taller than I am. He is witty, and fun to be around. I am excited to see him grow and mature. We always have a great time together.

When I see things as beautiful as the falls, I find myself thankful to live in such an amazingly beautiful state. So many things to see.

Fathers day was another working day for my dad. He did stop to have lunch with us though. Veheir was so excited about that hats. She kept asking us to take more pictures.

I'm thankful for Molly and what a fun she adds to our family. College is going to be so much fun for her. I can hardly wait to hear all of her stories.

I love summer. Yesterday when I was out taking pictures the growing apricots and peaches reminded me that summer is in full swing. Cherries are being picked, and soon we will move on to other types of fruit. Seeing the trees burdened with fruit is an amazing site. It is wonderful to think that God created those tree's just to provide us with something tasty to eat. It's awesome.

The cherry harvest has truly started. A whole years worth of work...that has to come off the tree within a few days, or it will just wither and die. It's fun to watch everyone work, and they taste amazing.

This summer is going to be something new and fun for me. It's the first summer in a few years that I'll be around for the 4th of July! I'm looking forward to my trip to Europe, but with new eyes and a new expectation since this trip will be vastly different from the last two. No one is going with me. Hilary wont be there to pick me up at the airport. There wont be any trio singing for money, or japanese exchange student. There wont be "the birdies" or taking side trips to visit people. No, this trip will be quick and purposeful. It will be a challenge, but for two different reasons. This trip will be a lot of work. The excitement of teaching these kids again is overwhelming. The responsibility that I feel is somewhat empowering. Knowing that God will supply all my needs. Not just monetary or stamina, but provide me with the ability to truly honor Him with this trip. To talk to those kids. To share with them the gospel. I'm so excited.

As I look into the short weeks ahead, and then the short weeks of my trip, I thank God for His provision.

Way to Long

2009-06-16T17:07:00.000-04:00

My sincerest apologies....I can't believe how time has gotten away from me. I've seriously neglected this blog, but I hope it has all come to an end.
It's 4 weeks and a day until I leave for Europe. My third trip, and the second one this year. Only 3 weeks this summer, but still the excitement of an adventure has not eluded me. I'll be teaching two week long camps. One will be in Cieszyn, and the other in Dzierzoniow. I'm so thankful that God has provided me a way to be able to go. Camp will be busy and exciting, but I'm also really excited to see all my friends in Poland, many of whom I wasn't able to see on my trip in March.
Time has gone by so quickly. I've been busy with work and church. This Friday marks my 23rd birthday. Although I can remember the days when I would dream about what my life would be like at 23....I must admit that the real things isn't anything like I imagined. Although I'm completely content with my life, I just never imagined myself living in Yakima.....and loving it. I always pegged myself as a big city sort. Not living in a relatively small town...especially not the one I grew up in. I really can only attribute my love of Yakima, to my love for Sun Valley Church. My church family is what makes my stay in Yakima incredible. When I think of why I've stayed here....that is one of the few things that comes to mind. I thank God for bringing me such amazing people.

A LONG time!

2009-02-25T18:32:00.000-05:00

Wow, time flies right by! These last three weeks have been really busy, but fun and exciting. I have nothing smart, witty, or exciting to say today....but I will think of something soon.

I had a rather sad thought today. This weekend will most likely be Molly's last basketball game ever. I love basketball, and I love watching Molly play....so that makes me sort of sad. It is weird to think that she is my last sister in high school, so even though I'll get to watch Kurt and Brian play it just isn't the same as watching my sisters. I'm excited for Molly. She will have an awesome time at WSU next year, and I imagine that she will kick butt in intramurals.

This was in Venezuela....riding to one of our clinics....
Well, that is all I have for now, but I will try to update soon.

Venezuela

2009-01-29T03:01:00.000-05:00

I was looking through my Venezuela pictures tonight. I was taken back to a wonderful time spent with my sister, and an amazing time showing God's love to so many children. Here are a few pictures. I was struck tonight by the beauty of the South American people. What a great experience. All of these pictures were from the 2007 trip.

These pictures were so fun to look through. So many incredible times.

It was such a pleasure getting to take my little sis along the second time. She was a joy to have on our team. She was more of an asset then we could have ever expected. I love her so much, and it took a trip around the world to see what an incredible human God had made.

Craft time

Jaireh was one of the kids we spent a lot of time with. She was over at the pastors house often.

WARNING! These Next photo's are Gross.

I just found these photos of my spider bitten, horribly infected legs. I didn't even realize I had these pictures. I find it so funny how quickly I forgot how bad my legs were. I remember the pain, and I remember what I was thinking, but I had forgotten how bad they really looked. The pictures don't really do it justice, but they were example enough. I didn't let people take pictures of my legs because they looked so bad, but I guess there were a few. I'm so thankful that I made it back safely and that my legs healed. Even now nearly two years later just looking at the pictures make my legs ache, and if the pictures aren't enough, I still have some wonderful scars to remind me. We joked around that they are "the scars of the gospel"....that is a bit of an exaggeration, but I'm so thankful that God protected me. I hate spiders.

The first day they started to swell. These two pictures were taken the day that everyone prayed for me on the drive off the mountain. Although I was in terrible pain, having everyone pray over me was an incredible experience.

The next two pictures are side by sides of the same leg, but a few days apart. The last photo was right after we had landed in the U.S. It isn't very focused, but I don't think it matters....what you see is enough. The photos aren't that great....but I think they are interesting.

Not Again

2009-01-28T18:47:00.000-05:00

So, none of my blogs have been very upbeat lately. Unfortunately, neither is this one. A girl that used to worked at my parents restaurants died this past weekend from a drug overdose. The news was shockingly sad for me. I'm a sensitive person, so hearing things like that automatically cuts straight to my core, but what brought on the tears was the fact that she had a three year old son. This child will never know his mom. He will have to live his whole life with the knowledge that she died of a drug overdose. And, who knows what sort of life he will have now that both of his parents are gone. As hard as it is to believe that she is actually gone, it is almost harder for me to imagine the life of this child. It is definitely a different type of pain then any of my other friends that have died since I know that she didn't believe that there was a God. When Chelsea died I was secure in the fact that she was in Heaven, so this is so different. Today I have taken to praying for the child, Jaedyn. I know that God can change his life. We don't know all that God could have planned for that little life. He is still here and I know that situations like these can definitely be used for God's glory.

When I picked Tre and Maggie up from school yesterday I told them what had happened. And although this situation is not funny at all, Tre's response was. He said, "Carrie, your friends die a lot". I wanted to deny that statement, but I couldn't. Although very few of my friends have died, to a 9 year having 3 people die in a 4 month period is probably a lot. I was thankful for his statement though, because it reminded me again how precious life is. We don't know when anyone will die. I am so thankful for the time I have, and I pray for my friends and family that don't know of the saving blood of Christ.

One day at a time

2009-01-27T02:26:00.000-05:00

I'm up tonight. I can't sleep. I have to work early tomorrow morning. My alarm is set for 4:45. I hate when I can't fall asleep the night before I have to work. I'm sure if I didn't think about it I would fall asleep quickly, but because I'm trying to fall asleep my mind runs over everything that has happened in the past week, or so.

I reread my Europe journal, and went through this blog and read some of the things I posted while I was away. It is funny how quickly I was taken back to some of the feelings and emotions I was experiencing at the time. The homesickness, the joy of teaching, the thrill of singing in the streets, the wonderful people, all the incredible things that happened.

I was again realizing how thankful I am that I was able to go, but one thing bothered me. Why don't I have those same emotions here? Why isn't my life in Yakima viewed with that same intensity? Why don't I wake up every morning ready to share Gods love with someone new? Why don't I dwell on what my objective of the day will be? Shouldn't I be ready for all that God can do through me right here in Yakima? I think I am being used here, and I know that some of those things happen just because I am growing and learning through Him, but I want to be prepared to think of Yakima as my mission field. I want to wake up tomorrow ready to show God's love to Tre and Maggie. Ready to help them grow in their relationships with God. I want to love and serve the people around me. I want to truly be selfless. Ready to help at a moments notice. Ready to do whatever needs doing. I want to be a tool that is used, not one that just watches. I want to truly desire Gods will for my life. It is easy to say that I want His will to be done, but am I OK when something doesn't go the way I thought it would? Am I really ready to follow Christ at any cost? I want to be. I want to live a life in absolute submission to His will.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:15-21

Forgiveness

2009-01-23T01:29:00.000-05:00

I was sitting on my bed tonight contemplating the term/action of forgiveness. It is a word that is said quite often in our vocabulary, but perhaps one that should be acted upon more regularly. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I have said to Tre or Maggie, "you need to go apologize and ask for forgiveness." It is common for us to speak of the forgiveness we have received from Christ through His death on the cross. I John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Forgiveness. We need it. We can't live without it. And yet sometimes we assume we have received it, when in fact we have not asked for it. Or, we think we have forgiven someone who has wronged us, but time and time again we cannot stop it from clouding our perception of that person. I am guilty. I am the worst offender. I often forget to stomp down my pride and admit my wrongdoing. I regularly assume that my family will automatically forgive me, even when I don't ask. How prideful! How wrong of me!

That pride, that admitting of wrongdoing, is hard, even when it is just a confession to my God.

The real reason I was thinking of forgiveness tonight is because I hate how pride plays a roll in my forgiveness of others. I like to think that I am quick to forgive. I think most of the time that I am. But every once in a while I find myself remembering sins that people have committed against me. Why, if I have truly forgiven, do I continue to harbor the memory?

Somethings will never go away, some memories will never fade, but I need to make sure that I carry no bitterness or resentment. I need to always remember that no matter what was done to me, it did not happen by mistake. God is in control of everything that did, is, and will happen in my life. I don't deserve the forgiveness and grace I was granted through Jesus' death on the cross. So I need to remember that I need to grant forgiveness, and ask for forgiveness even when my sinful pride says that they don't deserve the same grace. It is a life long battle, but one I will fight.

Direction

2009-01-08T22:28:00.000-05:00

If you know me at all, or have spent any length of time with me in the past few months, then you know that I've had quite the time deciding whether or not to go back to school. I wanted to, then I couldn't get the money, then the money came, and then I had to actually decide whether or not I felt like God was telling me to go back or not. It is a weird thing, waiting on the Lord. Trying to be patient, but feeling stressed. I didn't feel directed one way or the other. I got to a place where I knew that if God told me to go I could. I was ready. Ready to go and leave behind all things dear to me to embark on another adventure we call college. I knew that I would be able to leave my dear friend, Becky. My incredible kids. My youth group kids. My job. My family. My church. My church family. My small group. My apartment. Everything I love about Yakima. I got to a place where I would have been able to go. I was ready to go.
I thought I would go. I decided to go.
The agony that followed was unlike anything I have ever experienced. I couldn't sleep. I felt sick. Not physically sick, but just mentally bogged down, almost depressed. I didn't understand it though. I couldn't quite figure what was causing it. I was ready to leave. I was willing and excited to go. I started packing.
Something just wasn't right. I knew it. I wouldn't feel this way if I had made the right decision. The two days that followed were spent almost solely in prayer. I read my bible and prayed. I spent hours seeking, reading, and praying for help and guidance. I knew that I wanted to do the right thing, not just about school, but I want to be where God wants me.
So, I changed my mind. The peace that followed the decision to stay was more than enough confirmation. I actually feel excited.
So much good has come out of all that agony. I now just feel an ability to follow God, a new ability, one I haven't had before. I think I needed that thought process. To prove to myself that leaving Yakima wouldn't be as bad as I thought. To fully understand that no matter my circumstances God is in control. I think I understand that now.
Obeying God is far more important than any college class, or education. Being where He wants and needs me is more important then anything else. I want everyone to understand that staying in Yakima was almost harder then going back to college. I wanted so badly to go back and to prove that a.) I will go back to college, and b.) that I'm not just staying in Yakima because I'm stuck in a rut that wont allow me to leave.
I know this is where I'm needed. I don't want to be here forever, and I do want to finish my education, but for now I know that God wants me here. We'll see what happens in the coming year, but regardless I know I can trust that God will continue to take care of me.

An Exciting Weekend

2009-01-05T13:51:00.000-05:00

Sorry it has been so long since I last posted. This will be my first post of the year 2009....how exciting! New Years was fantastic, as usual. I was at the Boothmans annual shindig. It was great fun to see my college friends. I was able to catch up and talk with many of them. We sang, and sang, and there is nothing more joyous then ringing in the new year surrounded by your favorite people.

Well, to start off the new year I drove to the Westside to see my good friend Katherine marry her beau JD. It was an incredibly beautiful wedding. It was awesome to be able to see so many people that I haven't really seen since I left WSU.

The drive over was a little crazy, but I'm glad I took the time to drive. I had to drive through Portland since the Pass was closed. It turned a 3 hr. drive into a 6 hr drive....but I didn't mind. I was able to stop in Vancouver and have coffee with my best bud, Alison. It also gave me a lot of time to pray, think, and yell at stupid drivers.(seriously people....just because there is snow on the side of the road doesn't mean you need to go 30mph under the speed limit)... Ok, Ok, I tried not to yell to often, but when you've been driving for as long as I had, the other drivers start to get on your nerves. It was a pleasant drive though. I had a really good time.

Here are a few pictures from the wedding.

I'm sad that this picture didn't turn out a little clearer....but you get the idea. The church looked beautiful.

These were my bible study girls.

Katherine and I

Katherine as she walked down the aisle.

Mr. and Mrs. Weitzel

Dreams of an Insomniac

2008-12-22T01:40:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been months, many sleepless nights, endless pondering, some tears, lots of stress, and only one decision that needed to be made. I think I've made my decision. Think, being the key word in that sentence. I have felt torn between two things that are both good. It is not always easy to choose between right and wrong, but it is nearly impossible to choose between good and good. I've been trusting that God would show me the way, and though I don't know that I'm 100% decided, I do know that I feel that I'm being lead towards one of those paths. God has truly taken the burden of my decision, and I'm still trusting Him to shut that door if it isn't the one He wants me taking. I'm a little scared that some people will be disappointed, but if I know that I'm doing the right thing, then nothing else really matters. I feel like a very mean person for not posting here what my decision is, but until I know if I'm for sure going, or for sure staying I'm not going to tell. I'll post as soon as I'm sure(which knowing me, could be Jan. 7th. which is the day I have to be in Pullman if I'm going to return) :) Please continue to pray.

2008

2008-12-15T14:49:00.000-05:00

2008

I can hardly believe that the year is almost over. Every year we seem to think that the current year has passed faster than the previous year, and yet time continues on as it always has. As I get older I appreciate more and more the time we have. Time to serve and glorify our Lord, time to serve and love one another.

This year has been one of much adventure, fun, growth, and learning.

Becky and I on our way to the store.....good times.

God again has blessed me with the presence of my incredible roommate Becky. She has been so patient and kind, such a willing friend, and the most encouraging person in my life. She has always been available to listen to me, even when we both know I'm not being logical. She puts up with my crazy adventures and ideas. I couldn't be more thankful for this incredible person that God has created. A child of His that I've had the opportunity to know.

Tre, Maggie and I

I was able to continue on in the most fun job I've ever had. Being a nanny is not only a great experience, it has given me the ability to get to know two very complex little beings. I love these kids, and I'm glad that God sent me to their family. What a gift.

I can't believe how much God has given to me this year. He has been very generous in his dealings with me. This definitely hasn't been the easiest year of my life, but God has shown me His presence in ways I had never noticed before. He has shown me areas of my life that needed to change, and then helped me to remove those idols. I've failed in ways I didn't know I could, but I always knew that God was showing me something through my sinful stupidity.

Getting Heidi ready

God allowed me to see my beautiful cousin Heidi marry an incredible, godly man. I'm so thankful and glad that I got to be a part of that.

Chelsea's car at the scene

God also took two of my favorite people to heaven this year. Through it all I have seen God work, and felt His presence in my life in ways I couldn't have expected. I've never felt more at peace then I do about Chelsea's death. I haven't questioned for one second God's control of all situations, including these. I'm so glad that God brought her into my life, and even though it feels like she had her life cut short it isn't true. She is in Heaven......I'll just have to wait a while to see her again. I definitely miss her.

My dear grandfather was an incredible man, who leaves behind him a legacy of godly children and grandchildren. I hope I can be remembered as he was. I'm so thankful that God placed me in his family, but even more thankful that I will see my grandfather again one day.

At my grandfathers funeral we each got to put a handful of dirt onto the casket.

In October I was able to go hunting with my dad, brothers and sisters. We had a wonderful time, and I got to see all kinds of incredible scenery. It was so much fun to be in the mountains and have time to be away from civilization and our normal routines. I'm so thankful for those two weeks.

Up hunting I got to see the sunset behind Mt. Rainier every night....It was incredible every time.

I had one of the most memorable summers of my life. I got to go and do things most people will never get the chance to do. It was awesome seeing God provide a way to Europe for me, and then being able to see His work being done in all of these countries. We were able to hear stories and be encouraged. I think I gained more then I left behind. What can I say? I do not deserve all that God has sent my way.

In front of Bojnice Castle in Slovakia.

Slovakia was a time of encouragement and fun. Being with the church family was one of the highlights of my summer.

I could not have asked for a better team. Our ability to work together and get along was uncanny. It was a gift from God that I got to spend time with these awesome brothers and sisters.

Maggie and I reading the twilight Saga.....we had way to much fun together.

God has also given me time with the kids in my youth group. Time to get to know them, and also allow them to know me. I have been told that spending time with middle school aged kids isn't easy, but I have found otherwise. I have realized this year what a gift it is to be with these kids. They are so impressionable, yet eager to learn and do what is right. They have taught me a lot, and challenged me in ways they couldn't even understand.

I was able to stay with a few different of these families while their parents were out of town. Maggie and I(picture above) found many ways to spend our 10 days together, but mostly we just had undescribable fun. I was blessed by getting to know those kids on a different level. I've also been able to host numerous girly sleep overs, and I've realized what a blessing it is to be single and living on my own. There is nothing stopping me from opening up my apartment to these kids.

Tre and I one morning with a beautiful sunrise.

I can't believe what a blessed life I have. Not only do we not deserve all that is provided for us, we don't deserve the sacrifice He made on our behalf by sending us His son. I pray that in 2009 I am able to glorify God with my life, and that I will continue to grow and change for His glory.

One of my favorite pictures of my brother Tim. This was taken opening morning of hunting season.

Thursday

2008-12-11T10:03:00.000-05:00

I was driving to work this morning at 5:45 and saw the most incredible moon. It was nearly full and there was a thin layer of clouds illuminated by the bright reflection. I just sat in my car for 10 minutes and stared at it before I went into work. I am so thankful that I had that time just to appreciate God's creation and thank Him.

I know I haven't posted much lately. A lot has been going on with my grandfathers funeral, and I was house sitting for three different families over the Thanksgiving holiday. I was staying all last week with Maggie P, a girl from my youth group, while her parents were in Costa Rica. We had the most amazing time together, and I must admit that I miss hanging out with her this week. I'm thankful that my world is finally getting back to somewhat of a "normal" routine.

I have a few pictures I'll try to get up here soon. Nothing to exciting but pictures from this and that.

A Strange Sort of Day

2008-12-08T19:00:00.000-05:00

I'm in a strange sort of mindset today. One where all you think you can do is listen to music and dialogue with ones self. I have felt very little need for interaction today, which is strange for an extrovert like me. I spent hours sitting in a coffee shop writing in my journal and reading a few different books. I think that the other people were confused at what I was doing since I sat there for so long going back and forth between writing in my journal and reading my books. I'm sure it looked strange. I was so focused, yet distracted by my need to just spend time alone. I contemplated life, hard work, school, all the while listening to some really good music.
I couldn't stop thinking about the fact that my life is cruising by and I'm just waiting for something to change. I'm not sure what I'm waiting for, but I must be waiting for something since I'm not moving forward with my goals and ambitions. I'm definitely happy right now, and I love living in Yakima, but I think I'm limiting myself. I don't want to be someone that gets stuck not because they have to be, but because they allow themselves to be. I am not a lazy person, and I know that I can accomplish anything, yet I can't seem to find the necessary motivation or peace to proceed forward. This is so unlike me I can hardly process my thoughts. Decisions are always stressful for me, but I don't want to compact that by making a poor decision. I want to make the decision that is pleasing to my God. I want to truly be in submission to His will. But am I? Is not being in School where God wants me? How come I don't have peace about ANY of my options? I don't know if I'm supposed to stay here, but I also don't know if I'm supposed to be back at WSU. It is definitely hard to think of anything else with all these things bouncing around in my head. What to do, what to do.

Twilight

2008-12-01T11:52:00.000-05:00

I wasn't a fan. Yet, I was convinced by three very convincing girls to go with them to see the movie. I was very apprehensive, especially considering my absolute abhorrence of scary movies. However, I went and actually enjoyed the movie. Yes, even I was drawn to the creepy, pale, yet somehow handsome Edward and the beautiful, strange, and slightly crazy Bella. I liked the movie. Although it isn't an Oscar contender it does hit a nerve with the romantic types. I mean what girl doesn't want to have some guy so drawn to her that he is willing to expose what he really is to save her life? Every girl wants a handsome guy to be protecting her, someone to stand up for her.
The movie is no doubt a ploy to get every person who watched the movie without reading the books to run to their nearest Borders or Barnes and Noble with the intention of buying and reading all four books in the next five days without putting them down. I wont knock it though, even I must admit that reading the books doesn't sound as painful as it did a few days ago. I guess even I'm a sucker for cheesy, vampirey, teen romances.....
But, even though I liked the movie one thing bothers me. Now, I know that I can't expect Hollywood to uphold my Christian beliefs, but for some reason I'm a little disappointed in their portrayal of this teen romance. I'm not against teens dating but I do worry that every girl's ideal of the perfect guy might be tainted by the dangerous, handsome, yet again creepy Edward. Sure, its a movie, but I know from spending time with lots of young teens that these girls do emulate what they see in movies. Where else could they possibly learn about the does and don'ts of dating(unless, of course, parents really do their job). They want an ending like in Twilight. These girls want or think the want a guy with whom they are "unconditionally and irrevocably in love".
Yet, These teens aren't just falling in love. They are talking about forever, and not a marriage sort of forever. She was ready for forever even before she really knew Edward. Even before she had spent much time with him she was "in love". Is that what I want my 12 yr. old Maggie thinking is the proper course of action? Fall in love first, figure out if you like the guy second? No, but then there is another question. Am I reading into nothing? Am I trying to find a reason to not recommend this film to my young friends? Honestly, I'm not sure. I have so many teen girls around me that it makes that last question a little hard to answer. The movie was entertaining and I'm glad I was able to see it, but these are still very impressionable girls. Is my recommendation of this film in their best interest? I guess it depends on the girl but it's a hard question to answer.........

Singing

2008-11-23T20:02:00.001-05:00

I'm going to tell you about something that has been in my life, on my mind, and somewhat unknown(well, at least to some of you). Now, this issue might seem so very small, but to me it has been a small battle waged between my sinful desires to quit and God's calling me to serve. I knew God wanted me to serve in my church. I was already involved in the youth group and knew that there weren't very many other ministries that I could be a part of. Then one Sunday, while I was reading through the bulletin, it hit me. God wanted me to sing. I wrestled with this realization for some time before actually going and talking to the music pastor. The day I went and sang for him, I felt a certain peace, and I knew that I had done the right thing in my obedience to God. So, I started singing in church every other Sunday. I have never done anything like this in my life. I've sang in choirs, and I've sang all over the state of Washington, but never with a mic directly in front of me, on a stage with only one other person. Needless to say it took me a while to get comfortable on stage. I spent a lot of time in Prayer, and as time passed I started feeling more comfortable. After I got back from Europe our music pastor, Jared, asked me to lead sing a song. I did it. I survived, but I was so very nervous. I've done it a few times now, and each time I'm surprised that I make it through the song since I can't really feel anything but my heart beating out of my chest. I've messed up. I've really messed up. And this morning when I was getting ready to sing again I had a lot of questions running through my head about my motives for singing. Why can't I just sing, instead of constantly worrying about making mistakes? Why does God want me singing on stage if I can't seem to do it without feeling like a failure.
Failure? Seriously? How can I fail these people? Does making a mistake on stage really add up to failing? It did in my mind until this morning. A sermon I listened to once said that serving is about obeying God, and we can't consider what people will think of us, we must only consider our obligation to obey. I can't stand on stage worried about what these people will go home saying when I totally mess up a song. I can't because I know that by being on that stage and singing, with pure intentions, to my Lord and Savior because HE asked me to is me fulfilling my obligation to obey.
So I will continue to sing. I will enjoy being able to serve the people of my church and my God in this way. I might not be the best, and I will probably make more mistakes, but I can look at those mistakes in a new light. God has given me this opportunity to show that I am a human who makes mistakes, but one that is willing to obey Him regardless.

Psalm 30:4

"Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name."

Psalm 68:4

"Sing to God, sing praises to his name"

Psalm 145:1-3

"I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable."

Psalm 150

"Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!"

I'm Thankful For..............

2008-11-18T16:39:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year where we all tend to vocalize everything that we are thankful for. Thanksgiving will soon be upon us, and as I thought of that, I too thought of everything I was thankful for. Now, the list is extensive and even though I wont post everything I've decided to follow, a little belatedly, in Hilary and Tim's footsteps. What a great year I've had, and I am so thankful for everything....even the things I forget to post.

I'm Thankful For.........

God's provision

Friendships

Getting reacquainted with old friends

Making new friends

Belgium Chocolate

Sunsets

Hilary

Warm Showers

Horse Back Riding

Jane

Jane's art in my apartment

The Dowling Family

Classic Literature

Hilary's ceaseless friendship

Coffee

A good conversation over a cup of coffee

The Fries Family

Tyffany's ability to listen to all I have to say(and there is a lot)

Pride and Prejudice

Reduced Fat Wheat Thins

Music

My Piano

that Hilary was brave enough to go on the slingshot

Tre's joke titled "A tall, blond Polish man"

Campfires and Roasting Marshmallows

Haribo Marshmallows

My sister Molly

her laugh and her sarcastic humor

my time in Venezuela with Molly

The Boothman Family

that I always feel welcome at 3805 Webster

The generosity of others

Spring Rain

In-flight movies

My family

Hunting

Time with Dad

Godly Grandparents

Reading my Bible in Starbucks

Pastor John's Preaching

My youth group kids

An extended family that trusts and obeys God

My Bible

The night sky

Early mornings

The book of Romans

Kittens

Hannah

Hannah's ability to work hard, really hard

"My" KidsSnow

God's Mercy

A comfortable bed

My Car

An incredible roommate

Becky's example of discipline

Sunrises

Chilly Mornings

New running shoes

Skype

Poland

Slovakia

early morning walks with friends

Paul and Betty Weresch

The Hospitality of our Church Family in Europe

Walking through the fields above Pech

Laura and Tony

that I get to see Laura be an incredible mom

A great small group

Forgiveness

The Pichura family and their example of trust

Nap Time

VeheirJheiryn

Summer

Safe Travel

Family Poker nights

Kurt

that Kurt ONLY links fingers

A Heavenly Father

My Mother and her constant love

Jane's ability to take nothing and create something incredible

Singing in Bad Godesberg and making money

Encouragement

Emails

Burt's Beeswax

Neighbors that subsidize our heating bill

Peaches straight from the tree

Fresh Fruit

Fall

Thunder Storms

Rain

Brian

his sensitivity and eagerness to please

Long walk's with Annie in the Rain

Scarves
Bright Colors

My incredible cousins

My time at WSU
Living with Hilary

Cheese Toast Tuesday

Talks that go until 3 in the morning

Socks that don't have holes

My brother Tim

Tim's ability to work long, hard hours with a good attitude.

My brother's godly wife

Justification

Musli with fresh Fruit

Godly Women

Mrs. C

The wisdom of others

Wise advice

The Family Reunion
singing "A whole new world" with Peter

Digital Cameras

Hilary's Facial Expressions

Trials

Friends that I wont see again until Heaven

God's sovereignty

Hilary and Me

2008-11-13T03:21:00.001-05:00

These are pictures of Hilary and me from the past few years.
Isn't it incredible that God put my best friend right in my family?

Hunting Video

2008-11-11T14:05:00.001-05:00

I am having so much fun with these videos. This is one of photos from our weeks of hunting. Enjoy!

Japanese Exchange Student...again

2008-11-10T19:26:00.001-05:00

Annie and I had the most incredible summer. We got to know one another even better then we ever thought possible. I loved being able to be in Europe with her, and I'm so thankful for the time God gave us together.

An Adventure.....a little unexpected.

2008-11-04T00:41:00.000-05:00

I've decided to tell this story. One that God brought my way for two reasons(probably more, but I haven't learnt them yet) 1.)To help me get over my fear of asking for help(I truly think this is a pride issue) 2.)To spend some time really praying.

I'll call this adventure

THE DAMSEL IN DISTRESS

Everything was fine and dandy in the world of Carrie, until this morning at 7am. I am currently house sitting for a family from church while they are on vacation in Mexico. They have three dogs, and two cats, and they live in a house in town. My morning routine is that I get out of bed, let the dogs out, brush my teeth, let the dogs in, feed them, and then get on with my day. This house is a two story house and there is a balcony that runs all along the second story. We feed the dogs on the balcony. I let the dogs onto the balcony, and followed them out. I shut the door behind me because I didn't want them to get back into the house. I fed them, and played with them for a minute before turning to go back in. Well, a pulled at the sliding glass door, and it was locked. I chuckled a little knowing that the door couldn't be locked because I had just walked out the door, so I tried again, but this time harder......no, it was really locked. My mind sort of stopped. WHAT??? How is this possible? I just came out that door, how could it be locked?
This is when I decided that calm was the best. I tried every sliding glass door along the balcony(there are 5)....no luck.....I went to the kitchen window.....also no luck. This is the moment I started to cry. OK, what do I do? This is seriously funny....I'm trapped on a balcony. Well, I start to think of my options, and none of them are good. 1. Stay on the balcony(where is this going to get me.) 2. Jump off the balcony. The trouble with option two is that once I'm off the balcony what do I do? I don't have shoes on, and I'm in my basketball shorts and a sweatshirt. My hair is a mess, and I'm sure that crying helped my appearance a lot. My phone is in the house, along with my key's and everything else. So, I keep trying to get the door's and window open....again no luck. I tried everything. I searched the balcony for anything that might help me at all. Well, at some point I decided that I really needed to pray. So I prayed for a while. A long while.

I decided that waving down a passing car for help would be a good idea. I stood at the street end of the deck for a long time, waving at every passing car. Now, this wasn't pageant waving, this was fierce, "I need help", waving. No one would stop. I started to really get worried. I'd been trapped on this balcony for some time now. I sat down, and started to really cry(added to this was my extreme fear of heights). All of a sudden I heard a car coming, so I jumped up. It happened to be their neighbor, so when she got out of her car, I started yelling, "Excuse me, can you help me?" She finally heard me and walked over to the fence. I told her my situation, and asked her if she could call my dad. She was very kind, and got a hold of my dad straight away. So, my dad came to rescue this damsel in distress.....serious distress. He helped me jump off the balcony, and took me to work with him(in my bare feet, basketball shorts, sweatshirt, with disheveled hair). So now that the first problem was solved.....we had to figure out how to get back into the house.
I tried calling the family and seeing if they had a spare key hidden somewhere, but they didn't return my call. So then we tried calling the locksmith, but they told us that they couldn't help us at all, even if the family called from Mexico. They said that their insurance only allowed them to open the door if the property owner was present. Great....now we are really stuck.

*Note* I'm afraid of being in strange houses alone, so prior to this incident I had personally made sure that every window and door was securely shut and locked around the entire house.**

My brother Tim came and got me at the restaurants, and we headed back over to the house together to see what we could do. I broke into the garage somehow and we found some old metal coat hanger. Now, I mentioned before that there are 5 sliding glass doors around this house, so we tried each one again. One of the doors wasn't locked, but had a metal pole in the sliding path. So we started using the coat hangers to try to remove the metal pole. Two HOURS later Tim somehow used the hanger to lift up the pole and we walked into the house. It was incredible. I don't think these people have much to worry about. It was nearly impossible to break into their house. Praise God! It ended up being a pretty good day when we finally got back into the house. I got locked out of the house around 7 am, and got back in around 3.......now that really is an adventure.

The Adventures of Sprig

2008-10-30T14:25:00.000-04:00

Well, Elk hunting was work, but not all work. We would often head off on adventures during the day time when you can't hunt. Because elk are nocturnal the best hours of hunting are in the early morning, and right before sunset. Yesterday Hannah and I went on a little walk up the road. We found a broken off branch, and promptly named him sprig. He then came with us on our walk, and we would stop and take pictures with him when we thought of interesting things. We are definitely silly, but it was an incredible amount of fun. Most of these pictures are unexplainable, but please enjoy.

THE ADVENTURES OF SPRIG

(and a few other photo's)

by: Carrie and Hannah Calhoun

Now, Sprig wasn't found yet in this one.....

Or this one.......aren't we HOTT?

Mountain Women at their finest.

Hannah

Me

Hannah and the fallen tree(sprigs previous home)

Meet Sprig.

"There she weaves by night and day

A magic web with colours gay.

She has heard a whisper say,

A curse is on her if she stay

To look down to Camelot."

I didn't want to drop him.

He doubles as a duster.

We were having a blinking contest. He won.

He knew the way home.

Hanging out in the truck

He then headed over to his family reunion

He took a look through dad's binoculars

On the walk home.

Hannah and Sprig in the tree.

Hannah, a little jealous that I had him.

I guess I was jealous too.

unexplainable.

Jake liked Sprig.

He was helping out with dinner.

A Week of Hunting

2008-10-24T20:16:00.001-04:00

Hunting! What a great week. For all of you that don't know, my siblings Hannah, Molly, Kurt, and I were all drawn for Branch Bull tags this year. I got the happy news while I was in Europe, and we have all been anxiously awaiting October 20 since then. We went up last Sunday(dad and Tim went up on Thursday to set up camp) and got all ready to start hunting on Monday. There were six of us in total, the four hunters and the two guides, my dad and brother Tim. We hunted all this week. Although I haven't brought home an animal yet, it has been one of the most fun weeks. I will admit that I was a little afraid to spend so much time alone, crammed into two little tents, with five other people, but we had a fantastic time. We got up every morning at 5:30, ate breakfast, and started walking. Some of us had farther to walk then others, but we all saw lots of incredible views, and lots of elk. Every morning this week I've watched the sunrise while sitting on the edge of a cliff looking for elk. It was so much fun.

I have all of next week to hunt as well, but my chance of seeing a bull could drop excessively since all the regular season spike hunters will be roaming around my mountains looking for a spike(a spike is a young bull with only one horn on either side, for all you non-hunter types). I don't know if I'll see a bull, but I haven't given up yet.

I took lots of pictures, and here are a few for you to enjoy.

This was the view I had every morning this week. I'm not sure that pictures really do it justice.

Kurt and I hunting right before sunset.

My view of Mt. Rainier

Brian and I

Believe it or not this picture and the one right below were taken approx. 1 hour apart.....the weather can change really quickly.

Before the storm blew in.

(*note* when sitting on the edge of a cliff for hours and hours it can get boring, and taking pictures of your shoes becomes common place. I have so many....but I'll spare you. I'm not the only one either, my sister Hannah has quite a few of her boots as well.)

Kurt packing out his bull.

All the boys walking home after the long, but successful, hunt.

All the girls

Tim looking for elk for me to shoot.

The Great Escape

2008-10-16T13:27:00.000-04:00

The SAGA

Carrie and Hilary's Escape.

Having just escaped from all responsibility.....we gaze at one another.

When I said escaped.....I meant escaped.

Seriously!

We made it through the Jungle!

After surviving the jungle....I made sure I could see properly...

so that I could ward off any scary men(or beast....or both)

Hilary was there to look cute.....as always.

As you can see in this photo......the excitement was overflowin(We don't get out very often).

We saw interesting things along the way..

I spotted some thievery

But O So glamorous.

I pondered.......

And mulled over options.

And then I scoped out our situation......

And so did Hilary.....

And we decided on some drinks....

Now, as you can see in this next photo......

We decided on drinks without caffeine(for good reason).

The drinks were definitely dance worthy.....

but, all good things must come to an end.

so we gadded our way home(That one's for you).

Though complete.....never forgotten.

The End.

(P.S. Hilary may have remembered our day going a little diffently.....but don't believe her.....I am always right.)

What a Week

2008-10-15T18:25:00.000-04:00

It's only Wednesday, and yet I feel as if this week is never going to end. Not only has it been emotionally challenging, I was sick all day yesterday with a fever and an inability to keep anything in my stomach including water. Today I feel much better. I feel like sleeping all day, which is neither possible, or a good use of my time. I cleaned my room though, which was necessary, because some High School friends that now live out of town are going to be staying with me this weekend so that they can attend the funeral. Although this is the worst of circumstances, I've been talking to people that I haven't talked to in years. It is so good, and I need to make sure that I am sharing the gospel with them when possible. Well, I'm off to accomplish more, but I just though I would update on how I was doing. Thank you all for your prayers and support. It is so special that I have people that truly rally around me in the midst of difficult times. Thank you all.

Life

2008-10-12T17:54:00.000-04:00

For those of you that don't know, my friend Chelsea Garner was killed in a car accident this morning. As I was sitting on my bed, tears in my eyes, thinking of all the times she and I did fun, crazy things together in High School, I couldn't help but sit down and start typing. The first person I talked to said that even though this is a terrible thing, death is a part of life. I was thinking of that, and wondering at it's validity. Yes, death is a part of life, but what a small part. My friend Chelsea, who I've known ever since I was little, became a Christian last year. She and I talked extensively about how God came into, and changed her life. She truly was a new person in Christ. As I praise God for her friendship, and what a bright and sunny person she was, mostly I praise God that He saved her. I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I will see her in Heaven. She has died, but not a permanent death. Because Christ died for our sins, she now lives. I can sit here and smile knowing that God is in control, but mainly that Chelsea isn't dead, she lives in Heaven with the Most High King. What a privilege.

Wonderful Weekends

2008-10-07T15:01:00.000-04:00

Pullman is a town full of incredible people. If I had to decide to come back to school at WSU solely based on my opinion of the People in Pullman, I would move back and never leave. We had such a great time at the highland games, watching the men compete, and enjoying the fellowship that comes so easily to a group of true, bible believing, Christians. Not only did we get to celebrate Heidi's upcoming marriage in style(aka our "Game Over" shirts), we got to spend time with some of our closest friends. What a great weekend.

Here are some pictures of the festivities. Some are of the Bachelorette party, and some are of the games.

Hilary didn't make it in this group photo(she was taking the picture). This was right before we left for the Wine Cellar. We had a lovely time, and we shared a bottle of some very good wine. Hilary learned a few things about wine etiquette, and I thought that was great. She did a fabulous job ordering our wine.

This is the whole group at the Highland Games. We had matching shirts that said "Game Over" with a picture of a Bride and Groom. We got the shirt idea while we were in Europe(it's a European tradition for Bachelorette Parties). One night, while walking down the streets of Bonn, we saw a shirt hanging in a print shop window with this design on it. Jane, of course, re-did the design, and I made the shirts. I thought they looked great.

This is the cake I made for the party. I am having so much fun making these fancy cakes. This was the best one so far. The cake was dark chocolate with Nutella between each layer, and then a chocolate frosting underneath the fondant. It traveled very well, and it was so much fun to finally eat. It's great when things look beautiful AND taste delicious.

Hil and I together at the Highland Games. It was fun to be back at the Pullman house, but at times a little strange. The two of us lived in that house for nearly two years, and in many ways it still feels like home even though none of our stuff is there. I love being in Pullman with Hilary, it is always a delight.

O these strong, strong men. That was one of the most intense tug-of-wars of ever seen. These guys really go all out.

O Yeah!

2008-09-30T02:03:00.000-04:00

My uncle paid for us to ride this, mostly just to dare Hilary. She was so nervous, it took me nearly 30 minutes to convince her to go. Well, in the end she had the time of her life. It was awesome! I would go again in a heart beat(and so would Hilary!)!

Fall

2008-09-23T14:16:00.000-04:00

I love Fall. I think that these cooler days, which beckons me to retrieve my sweaters and gloves from storage, are my favorite of the year. I am not always a fan of the very chilly early mornings where getting out of bed is almost impossible, but after my day has begun I realize why I love this time of year. Harvest is nearly over, so the stress of summer life on a farm is starting to ease. I missed most of the summer, and in many ways it doesn't feel like it's time for summer to be over, but it is. All my siblings are back in school, and along with them went my mom this year. I have began to realize how often I called her for little questions and/or favors. No longer. I now pick up the phone to call her right about the time I realize that she isn't going to pick up.
My life is slowing down, but not as fast as I would like. With many events and other commitments filling up my time fast, I'm busier then I would like to be. I'm extremely excited for Heidi and Luke's Wedding which is now less than three weeks away. I'm so thrilled for them, and it is fun to see them prepare for this next huge step.
I know it has been a while since I've posted on this blog, and I am going to try to follow up soon with some pictures of everything that is going on.

Congratulations

2008-09-13T22:22:00.000-04:00

We had a great family dinner last night celebrating Hannah's Graduation from Cosmotology school. We are so proud of her, and excited for her. It is such a big accomplishment. Well, here are a few photo's from the evening.

Jheiryn, my super cute nephew

The family getting ready to eat.

The chef!

The graduate

Me and Hannah

Good Morning, Good Morning

2008-09-09T08:21:00.000-04:00

Well, I am up early this morning for another great day of work. I am going to be at the Dowlings today and my niece, Veheir, will be hanging out with me all day. It is 5:22 in the morning and I can hear a ton of Police cars, I wonder what happened. Anyway, I am excited for the day, and happy to be able to get things done.

My camera was broken in Europe, but I got the new one yesterday so I've been taking lots of pictures. I decided I would post a few.

Maggie on School Pictures Day

Maggie and Tre together

Veheir jumping onto the bed....she is SO cute

Maggie relaxing before school

Maggie and I

Tre and I

Me with Tre and Veheir

Tre being cute

Tre being super sweet to Veheir.

Becky's incredible Flowers. This is our balcony. They are so beautiful.

Veheir jumping onto the Bed. Earlier she was standing on the foot board and actually jumping onto the bed, but in this video she mostly just falls. She definitely has the Calhoun/Williams fearlessness.

Amazing Race

2008-09-08T02:05:00.002-04:00

So, I am totally aware that it has been a while since I updated. Well, my life hasn't changed to much, I go to work, I sleep, I eat, I go back to work and so on. The only thing that changes is where I go to work. Some days at the restaurants, some days at the farm and some days as a nanny. I do enjoy working though. It's great earning money after not working for two months.
Our youth group did the Yamazing Race today all around Yakima. It was pretty great, and the kids seemed to have had a good time. I'm glad that we did it, even if my team didn't win. I love the Amazing Race, and I'm so competitive that even just being a taxi driver was fun for me. I love my youth group kids, they are incredible people.

Ummmm

2008-08-27T01:05:00.003-04:00

Well, after being gone for so long, and having so many incredible things to tell everyone on this blog, it's kind of hard to think of interesting things to write. I could tell you all my everyday little occurrences......but they really aren't that exciting. I could try to jazz them up, but even then......boring. Like today, for example, I woke up early. My sister brought my niece over. Then I was down at my parents before 8:30. I started working at 9 and worked until 3:30. Then I drove home, quickly picked up the apartment, then drove to the airport to pick up my roommate. Then I walked to Franklin and back. I decided I wanted to bake something so I made a small batch of cookies. I decided Becky could take them to work with her tomorrow. Then I burned the entire batch because I was talking with Becky.......and now I am sitting in my big chair, writing on this blog. I guess things are only as exciting as you make them. There are a few fun things that happened in the in between time, but nothing as exciting as singing on the streets of downtown Bad Godesburg for money. I'm not complaining, I got a lot accomplished today, but it isn't that exciting to talk about. I'll try to update this blog every once in a while though. I do want everyone to stay connected into my life, even if it is boring.
I've been having a good time being back in Yakima. It's great to see everyone and to get back to my day to day life. It is so exciting to look at my closet every morning. It gets a little hard to live out of a backpack for a whole summer. Every time I opened my bag I was hoping to spot a shirt I hadn't seen in a while, but time after time the same 4 shirts were residing in my backpack.....it gets unfortunate after awhile. I had a great time this summer though, even if I did get tired of my clothes. It was totally worth not having much luggage. Having a small bag was really nice, you could take it with you everywhere.
Europe is great, I think everyone should go! I think the great thing about Europe is not the sight seeing, or the beautiful architecture. It's not seeing things you've never seen before, or traveling around. The incredible thing about Europe was getting to meet and get to know our church family there. Getting to hear their stories, being a part of their lives. My favorite part about Europe wasn't the teaching, or the fun, crazy, middle of the night walks with Annie(even though those were great), my favorite part was seeing, experiencing, encouraging, and being encouraged by the body of Christ. Being loved and embraced by the different church bodies was encouraging and also a good challenge. I think that I have learned so much about hospitality, and cheerful openness. It isn't an inconvenience to serve others, it is an opportunity. I hope that I take up the opportunity every time it presents itself.

Home Again!

2008-08-18T15:26:00.002-04:00

The best thing about going away, is coming home. I loved being overseas and I have SO many great stories about Europe, but coming home has been really great. I was getting pretty homesick being away for so long and now it feels great to be home. I finally got some good sleep last night. I think the jet lag is wearing off! Praise God. I am so thankful for all my wonderful friends and family, nothing makes you feel more loved then going away for a few months. Well, thank God for such an amazing trip and life experiences.

I'm Coming Home

2008-08-12T10:45:00.003-04:00

Ok, well I will be leaving Bonn for Dusseldorf tonight around 7 pm, then tomorrow morning at 7 am my flight leaves. I'll be back in Yakima at 7 pm Wednesday night. I can't wait to see you all. Please Pray for my safe travel.

Germany, France, Switzerland, and the BFA

2008-08-10T18:09:00.003-04:00

Well, I had an amazing weekend with the Howe's. It was like getting a taste of home. We had a good time seeing things all around the area. The Black forest is beautiful, and the area is spectacular. We walked across the border into France, and then we drove into Basel, Switzerland. Basel is also beautiful. The old city has some very cool buildings. We had a wonderful time walking around. We also drove up to the top of a mountain, and then climbed a lookout tower. The view was breathtaking. I couldn't believe how far you could see. I am so glad I went down there and spent the weekend with them. It was wonderful to just get out and see more of Germany. It was definitely different from the city. The small villages were exactly what you would expect, and some of the buildings are so old. The dorm building that the Howe's live in is older then our country....now that is weird to think about. The villages were very quaint and very cute. The Black forest Academy is very cool. It is hard to imagine what it's like when there are kids everywhere, but it was definitely fun to see the school and to hear about how things work. I thank God for such an eventful weekend, and I'm so glad I was able to go.
Please Pray for Jane and Ray as they will be traveling back to the States tomorrow. We are going to drive them to the airport at 5:30, which is aproximately 5 hours from now.....so I'm going to go to bed.

Germany!

2008-08-06T17:44:00.003-04:00

"How Great Thou Art" is such an amazing hymn. I am listening to a live performance of it right now, and no matter how you sing that song, the lyrics are really good. Thought I would share that with you all......Well, only one more week until I come home. I'm really excited to get back and to see everyone. Having so much downtime has made me miss home quite badly. I'm doing much better this week compared to last. I'll be leaving Bonn/Pech on Friday to go to Schliengen, Germany to visit Calvin and Joan Howe. They are a couple from Westside Baptist that have been living in Germany, at the Blackforest Academy, as dorm parents for the past few years. I'm really excited to go and see them, and also to be on a real adventure by myself. I'm a little nervous, but totally ready. I'll be with the Howe's until Sunday afternoon, and then I am coming back to Bonn. My flight leaves out of Dusseldorf Wednesday morning at 7 am and I land in Yakima at 7 pm. I can't believe how quickly the summer has passed, and I'm totally looking forward to being home.

Occupying our time.

2008-08-02T10:33:00.002-04:00

So we are hanging out in Bonn now. Everyone is a little low on cash, so we are trying to find things to do that don't cost anything. We had been talking about using our singing for a few days now, and today we finally did it. We sang in two different spots in Bad Godesburg. We had a sign that said "Berlin or Bust" and Ray's hat out front. Ray played a bucket which gave us a beat, and we sang 7 or 8 songs over and over. People loved it! You wont believe how much money we made singing about a total of an hour and 15 mins. 48 Euro's! That is a ton of money. We are all proud of ourselves, and we are looking forward to future singing in Bonn and other outlying communities. That was our fun for the day. I'll keep you updated if we do any other crazy fun things.

Japanese Exchange Student

2008-07-31T15:45:00.006-04:00

Well, I just decided to post some of the funny photos from my trip. Annie and I, inspired by a photo of Uncle Rodger, spent the entire trip acquiring pictures of us acting like Japanese exchange students. We, therefore, have thoroughly enjoyed all of the different photos. There are SO many but I'm only going to post a few of our favorites. We have had an amazing time so far on this trip. I talked to Annie today and she made it home safely, Praise God.

This was on our way to Belgium

Bojnice Castle in Slovakia

One random night.

Face Maskes at the church in Cieszyn.

In Cieszyn

Our last night in Cieszyn

The fountain in the market sqaure in Cieszyn.

In the airport right before Annie left.

Nearing the End

2008-07-29T11:10:00.002-04:00

How time has flown this summer. I can hardly believe I've been gone almost six weeks now. So much has happened and I've been so many places. I've seen God do many things, and I've worked really hard. God has shown me many things and has blessed me with the friendships of many of my brothers and sisters in Europe. I'm excited to come home and share with you all about my summer.
We are now back in Germany. We drove 13 hours starting at midnight in Cieszyn, Poland and ending up in Bonn, Germany. We drove Annie and Alana to the airport and said our goodbyes. It really felt as if the mission trip had ended when we bid them farewell this morning. Pray for safe travel for them the rest of the way home. They have a lot of travel ahead of them. Efraim, our fearless driver, drove the entire way and I'm thankful that he survived. I'm sure it is hard to drive for 13 hours straight when the rest of the people in the car are sleeping away the time. It was a long drive and we greatly appreciate his sacrifice of time and energy.
Please Pray that we will find somethings to do to fill the time these final two weeks. I know we have a few things planned but for the most part we are free. Thank you all for praying for me this last month and a half. I miss you all.

Train, Bus, Train, Bus, Train

2008-07-25T16:25:00.009-04:00

Here are some pictures!

Our team with Alma, a missionary from Mexico City.

She was great and we had a wonderful time talking with her.

Me, Hilary, and Annie in front of the castle.

We were actually in a Zoo that had a vantage point up to the castle.

Bojnice Castle.

In the train. It was our final train ride of the day.

The team in Slovakia

My trip has been going so incredibly great! Praise God because the ease of our trip is due to Him. We came back to Cieszyn today from Partizanske, Slovakia. Our trip into Slovakia to see Mata was great and we had a fun time being with her church and getting to know her church family. They were great and loved to hear us sing. We have sang SO much on this trip. It's a good thing I love to sing. We not only sang for the church, but we were often caught singing in the train stations or anywhere there was good acustics(spelling?) God blessed all of us with an ability to sing. We had Jane and Hilary singing harmony while me, Carrie, the rock, Calhoun(nickname given by Jane) lead the rest of us on Melody. Anyway, we have been having a wonderful time. We walked all through an old castle. It is pretty amazing to think that some of these things just sitting right in front of me were made before Colombus even sailed across the ocean blue. Slovakia was a great experience and a good wind down time. We needed that time as a team to not be running around trying to figure out how to teach kids English.

I am glad to be back in Cieszyn. Out of all the places we've been, Cieszyn has been my favorite. Our friends here are great, and in some ways coming back to the church today felt like we were all coming home. I missed being here while we were gone.
Today was an adventure. It all went well, but it was a bit scary. We rode back from Slovakia on the public transportation(gasps, awe, scary screams, gasps.......etc.) When you say that to people here you almost always get that reaction. The Slovak and Polish transportation is not as reliable as the German or any other European public transportation for that matter. My title is because we literally went from train to bus then to train then another bus and finally we got on our final train. Then we had to carry our luggage from the train station up the hill to the church(1 mile or maybe a little further) It wasn't that bad, but it was definitely an adventure.
Meeting our brothers and sisters here in Europe has been very encouraging. I'm thankful that we were able to pray for them, and I hope that someday I can come back and help them again. Teaching English is a great way to share the gospel. People here of all ages are excited to learn English, so what an opportunity to teach them about things that really matter. Praise God for all He is doing in the churches here in Poland and Slovakia. They are all quite young since Communism fell less than 20 years ago. Please Pray for them as they share and grow. God is doing much here and I pray that the opportunity for my return is not to far off.

Cieszyn and Slovakia

2008-07-22T12:57:00.003-04:00

Well, it has been quite some time since Ive been able to write on this blog. Im on a weird keyboard, so somethings might be typed wrong. Cieszyn was amazing. Camp was so great. I learned to love all the boys and by the end of the week I was sad to see them go. One of my favorites, Toby, came to the church to say goodbye to me since he wouldnt see me in church and I almost wanted to cry. I had an amazing time teaching those kids. The week went really well even though there were so many of them. We had a total of 48 kids. That is a lot considering there were only 5 of us. We had lots of help from the Polish church members and translators which was amazing. We were in Cieszyn until Sunday night. Then two cars from Slovakia drove and picked us up. We are now staying at the mission house of the church here in Paratznske, Slovakia{I know I spelled that wrong, but I gave it my best shot}. It has been great seeing Mata again, and her family has been working really hard to take care of us. We are hoping to help them in any way why we are here, and so far it has been mainly in the form of singing. God put together a great group of singers, so we basically sing all the time, anytime, anywhere. It has been really fun, and on more then one occasion I have been thanking God that I really dont have much stage fright since Ive been singing at church in Yakima. God has really been taking care of us, and we have had a great time as a team so far. It is so great to meet our brothers and sisters over here, and I have been really encouraged by all the people I have met. One of the other missionaries staying here in Slovakia is an amazing woman from Mexico city. It is funny because the Slovak people have a hard time understanding her accent, but because we are around Mexican people all the time, we have no problems what so ever. She is great and talking with her has been really fun. She is a true woman of God. I have a line of people waiting to get on, but Ill try to write more later. I love you all, thanks for praying.

Camp!!!!

2008-07-16T10:32:00.002-04:00

Wow, what a week! This week has been absolutely fun, and I'm totally enjoying my new group of kids. It's funny that I'm having such a great time since this week has been much more challenging then the last camp. I have 11 kids 8 of them are boys and all of them range in age from 14 to 16. The first day I just wanted to curl up into a ball and die. They all sat there, staring at me, and didn't want to participate at all. I turned to Efraim with a look of, "what do I do" and he just shook his head. The first day was hard, but after it was all over I was ready to make yesterday better. And better it was. The deal with boys is that you just have to get to know them. Again, telling them that I can play basketball always increases my notches on there respect chart, and some of them hang around the church afterwards and as I get to know them the better things go. Today was a little harder, but still it went really well. I'm having a wonderful time with this group of kids. Sure, it's busy and my mind is always trying to come up with new games to play, or vocab words to use, but for the most part it is going really well. I thank you all for praying, and please continue to pray for all of us as we continue on through the week.

Cieszyn

2008-07-13T06:55:00.002-04:00

Hello all, sorry it has been so long since my last post. We have moved cities, and now we are staying at the church in Cieszyn. The church is beautiful and really fun because it has a crazy layout. It is hard to explain, but we are staying in the loft, which has a spiral staircase from the basement up to the loft. It is very cool, and even though I loathe spiral staircases, and things that make me feel as if I'm going to fall all the time, I've come to love this church and our little staircase up to our loft. I'm not quite sure what Poland has with spiral staircases. I know they are practical and take up a lot less space, but they are scary. We went up two different church towers, both with the steepest spiral staircases I could ever imagine. I'm just glad we are done with the super steep ones.(sorry If my spelling is bad.....I just tried to spellcheck and it did it in Polish so almost every word was "wrong" according to this computer)
Cieszyn is a beautiful city. The weather here is very similar to the weather in Yakima, just not quite so hot. The city has a very interesting history. Yesterday we had a private tour of the museum, which was extremely informative. The city is located right on a river. Some of the city is on one half, and some is on the other. The city basically goes right up to the river on both sides. We were walking around the market square, and we saw this bridge across there farely small river. Curious, we asked them what the funny looking bridge was for. They informed us that it was the Czech Rep. Border. So half their city is in Poland and the other half in the Czech rep. This is really funny to us. On the other side of this little bridge, they speak a different language, they have different laws, and they have a completely different currency. How Crazy! It would be as if Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington were completely different including languages and currency(Of course the river is A LOT smaller).
We have had a pretty relaxing week here so far. Tomorrow we start our next camp, and we are all eagerly awaiting Monday's arrival of camp. As much as I have enjoyed this week of down time and getting to know our new Polish friends, I truly cannot wait to get started. Camp is hard. The work isn't easy and at times I can get completely frustrated. I have learned though that since teaching English is really our second reason for being here. Focusing on the first tends to get me through. The first, of course, being the gospel. I'm excited to meet the new kids. I'm really glad that I have the oldest group, and therefore a greater ability to just talk and chat instead of teaching. We will probably have more guided discussions instead of me teaching, which is great. Pray for my kids, and pray for our week of camp. I don't know when I will have internet again, but I'll try to keep you updated, and get some pictures up here!

Praises!

2008-07-09T02:26:00.001-04:00

I felt last night that I didn't spend enough time in that blog really praising God for all He has accomplished this last week. One thing after another fell into place last week, and without God's guidance and counsel the camp wouldn't have been successful.
First off, God allowed opportunities for there to be many spiritual conversations. We didn't have very many kids in our group that were saved, but I know they all her the gospel a number of times. One kid, Casper, came to church for the first time. A number of the kids were very moved by our conversations. I know that the conversations could not have been good without the Holy Spirit in Alana, Efraim, Lukash, and me.
Secondly, my allergies were horrible. I eluded to there severity, but didn't give the whole story. I couldn't breathe at night, I was sneezing almost constantly, I had a constant headache, I couldn't go anywhere without feeling horrible, and my whole body was tired from sneezing so often. God just worked it out that Paul would have an extra container of medicine. I am so thankful.
Thirdly, Camp went so smoothly. Beyond just spiritual conversations the rest of the camp was great. It was fun to get to know the kids, and everything always just seemed to fall into place.
Fourthly, the tent crusades went very well every night last week. Some nights there were more people then others, but for the most part they all went very smoothly. I was thankful to get to here Paul preach on so many occasions. He is encouraging to listen to. Even though we were beat every night from camp, it was good to hear the gospel and all of Paul's stories.
There is so much more to tell, and if I can think of more praises I will post them soon. What a mighty God we serve!

Leaving

2008-07-08T18:25:00.000-04:00

Tonight is our last night in Dziezoroniow. We will leave tomorrow night for Cieszyn(the spelling of both of those places could possibly be questionable). I am excited for the move, but also sad to leave this church. We have had the most amazing time staying here with the church and with the Weresch's. Next week is going to be a busy week, so the more time we spend getting ready the better.

The end of camp went well, and our weekend was nice and relaxing. We still went here there and everywhere, but the stress of preparing for the next day was taken off our shoulders. I have really been enjoying our late night walks around the town. It is really beautiful here, and walking is a really great way to see everything.

Saturday they took us to this really great swimming pool. We had so much fun. It was just us and most of the people our age from the church. Since we had spend all week working with them at the camp, it was fun to have a final group hang out time together.

Sunday we sang in church. The church service was really great. Sasha, a Russian pastor that stayed the week with us, preached and he did a really amazing job. We had an amazing time getting to know Sasha and I have to say, that he is my favorite Russian!(not to mention the only Russian I really know)

We have been having fun at every turn, and Poland is great.

Thank you all for praying for my allergies. I don't know if I had told you yet, but Paul gave me some different allergy medicine that has been completely amazing. I finally feel like my normal self.

Thank you all for continuing to pray for me. I will definitely need them this next week. Camp is going to be twice as big as this week, which means twice the challenge. I am up for anything. Besides, God will give me all the strength I need. I will write about our trip to Cieszyn when I get the chance.

P.S. The Polish people have this thing for crazy steep spiral staircases. Which if you know me at all, are really scary to someone who is completely afraid of heights. Lets just say everyone has one more thing to make fun of me for. I was entirely afraid.

I'll get some pictures up here soon. We have some really good ones!

Camp and the 4th of July

2008-07-03T17:07:00.000-04:00

Hello All! Happy 4th of July! We are almost done with our first week of camp! Although the ending is a little bittersweet, I think I am leaning towards the bitter end. I've grown to love my kids. We have had some amazing conversations, and God has really blessed our time together. Alana and I realized farely early on that almost all of our kids spoke good English. Some were hesitant to use their English but we have slowly but surely gotten them to talk to us. Yesterday we started a new morning routine where instead of teaching we just have a discussion for our first session. Since they all speak good English this is a more practical way to get them to use there language. They were all good about talking. Wednesday we talked about Polish and American cultures and asked them to talk about different stereotypes. It went over really well, so today we decided to ask them Who God was to them. They all gave us an honest response. It was some of the best discussions of my life. Some told us they didn't think that there was a need for God to be a part of our lives, and some told us that God was the only person in their life they could trust. The entire time was amazing, and we were able to give them the gospel and talk about living our lives for Christ. I am so glad that Alana and I thought about doing this, and really that can only be attributed to God. I am sure there is no way we could have thought that up on our own. In the afternoon session Efraim, our translator, and Lukash, our Polish helper from the church, got into a really deep conversation with them that went on for over an hour. By the end all of the catholic girls asked for a bible and we gave them one. It was great and I am so thankful for all that God did for us this week. Alana and I have pretty much been on our own in the teaching department. It has been challenging because we have to come up with more complicated activities so that they aren't bored. We learned really quickly that they understand almost everything, and that kid games aren't really that much fun. So, it has been entertaining and we've learned to push through the awkward silences. It is funny, now that we finally know our kids, what to expect, and the things they like or don't like to do, camp is over. We are having a special 4th of July party tomorrow for all the kids, and we are really excited for the big party we are throwing for them. It is going to be a great end of camp. I thank God for this amazing week. It has been one of the most challenging of my life, but it has been a blast. God has been good. He has provided everything we could possibly need and more. Here are some pictures. We haven't taken very many since we've been so busy, but I'll try to take more and get them up.

Playing an intense game of spoons.
Two sisters, Hola and Ula, with Alana and Me
This is a wierd Polish game......I could never win but I always tried.
We taught our group how to make Brownies. Then we ate them. They were delicious.

P.S. God is good! Paul got me some new allergy medicine that has been working better! It is still pretty bad, but I am doing much better. Thank you all for praying.

Camp

2008-07-01T17:53:00.000-04:00

Camp has been great. Over all our time together with our "kids" has been fun. The reason I say "kids" is because they probably would like to be referred to as kids. I have all the people age 12 and up. Some are fluent, some can hardly speak. Our time together has been good, and God is using it to teach me many things. I have come to realize that His timing is the only that matters. As long as we are listening to what He wants us to do, things tend to go well. Today was way better then yesterday, and I am learning how to effectively roll with the punches. Yesterday was pretty rough, but I think that I needed that to really put me into challenge mode. God is good, and I know He will sustain us, and provide exactly what we need. Please continue to pray for my teenagers and that I will be a light in their lives.
P.S. I am having horrible allergies, so please pray that either they will stop or we will find some medicine. I'm not worried about this, but I constantly am having a horrible headache. Thank you all, and I love you all!

Poland!

2008-06-29T17:09:00.000-04:00

We made it to Poland safely! God was so amazing today. We traveled to Berlin via train and we were all a little worried about getting on the right bus after getting off our train in Berlin. Mind you the Berlin train station is the largest in Europe.(Its the one from the Bourne Supremacy if you want to get a good look at it) WE found the information center but the line was huge, and we knew we didn't have that much time. Then, out of no where, a man walked over to us and asked if he could help. We asked him how we got on the bus and he promptly told us where to go, and what bus to get on. We walked across the street, and right then our bus pulled up. We made it to the train station just in time to see Jane and Ray walk off there plane. Then 3 minutes later Ephraim walked into the airport to get us, and off we went to Poland. The timing was amazing, and can only be attributed to our great God. We had a pleasant drive, most of us slept. Tonight we had a tent crusade where Paul preached, and at the altar called 4 people came forward. It was amazing, and the prayer time was great, and much needed. I am so thankful for our amazing trip and am really looking forward to starting camp tomorrow. Tonight they decided that my group is going to be the oldest and farthest along of all the kids. I'm really excited because I'll be working and teaching alongside Alana(I only met her on Tuesday, but we were fast friends) and Ephraim will be one of our translators. I'm excited to get started. Please pray for our kids. I think that they will be fun since we will have a better ability to communicate. Everything has been so wonderful so far, and the people are great. I have been feeling a real need to make sure that when I get home my home is a place of hospitality, and that I am open to people coming and staying and serving them in any way. We have been served in so many ways and I hope that if real hospitality is the one thing I learn, that I instantly put it into practice when I return. Well, I need to go to bed morning is coming quickly. I thank you all for your prayers. I can only praise God for letting today go as well as it did.

On to Poland

2008-06-28T16:32:00.000-04:00

Ok, my time here in Germany has been a blast. We have walked A LOT and have seen so many beautful things that I can't even begin to start to list them all. For example, today we were driving to Trier, and along the highway was this beautiful castle ruins that were up on the hill. It looked straight from a movie. This huge castle completely in ruin, up on a hill, over looking the valley and town. It was breathtaking. Seriously though, the list goes on and on.
This week with the Von Bibra's and Hilary have been great. There family is really fun, and the children are very cute and get along(which makes a huge difference) I'd forgotten how much fun Hil and I have together. I have tried new things, and had the most amazing week here. Tomorrow morning we leave at 5:44 am on the train from Bonn to Berlin. It is a 5 hour train ride, but we have a table so we can write, or play games. Please pray for safe travel for us, and for Jane and Ray who we will be meeting at the Berlin airport. Also, we have to get from the train station to the airport on our own and we are a little nervous. I am praying that God will give us wisdom, and someone that will know the way. We have decided we are asking the first person that works at the train station that we see. We will be picked up at the airport by pastor Daniel, then we will drive for a few hours into Poland( I think around 5, but I'm not sure)
Monday we start our camps, and I'm am really looking forward to all that God is going to do. As fun as this last week has been, I am most looking forward to the camps. I can't wait to see the children and get to know them. I have been praying for them for so long that actually meeting them will be a joy. I am trusting that God will bring everything together, and I am excited for everything to really get started. Please continue to pray! I know you all are, and I am so thankful for your prayers and support. Everything has gone smoothly so far, and I think that is a testament of all your prayers. I love you all.

More Lovely Pictures........

2008-06-27T18:45:00.000-04:00

Being Silly in the Cafe
Einstein Kaffe
Annie and I
BBQing at the river
These are the funny slippers they made us wear around the small castle. The lady yelled at us for slidding around in them. They were really slippery and it was fun to run and slide. Good times...........

We had a great day today. We slept in late, so I'm almost entirely over my jet lag. Then we went and saw these two beautiful castles today. They were fun to walk through, and the grounds were magnificient. I can't even begin to tell you how beautful they were, and the pictures hardly do them justice. We had a great time eating down at the river tonight. We had a big BBQ with the whole family and the food was great. After a long day of walking around it was fun to just hang out and play soccer at the park. This family is great, and they are so generous and open their home to us. It's late for me, so I am going to go to bed. Perhaps I'll get up some more pictures later.

More Pictures

2008-06-27T18:20:00.001-04:00

An amazing BBQ for dinner on the Rhine River

This was a beautiful Castle, but I can't remember the name.
We hiked out to this point on the river
This was as we were leaving. If you look straight out, those were the rocks we walked out on.
The gardens at the castle.

Pictures

2008-06-26T05:12:00.000-04:00

Our Zippy little rental car.

Eupen, Belgium

In front of the Cathedral in Cologne.

Three countries, One Day

2008-06-26T05:07:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we went to Belgium and the Netherlands, all in one day! It was so much fun. I was driving our little rental car all over the countryside. All we had was this little map and a car full of girls. We had so much fun. Eupen, which is a beutiful town in Belgium, was great fun. We walked all around the city and gained some interesting stare's from the locals. We definitely enjoyed our time and have some good pictures to show for it. I'll try to get some up for all of you to see. Well, thank you all for praying, and I am looking forward to next week when we will be in Poland.

Germany

2008-06-25T01:41:00.001-04:00

I Made It Alive! God was good to me, and my flights all went really well. I missed my flight from London to Dusseldorf but it went ok, and they got me on the next flight. I was praying for people that I could talk to while I was traveling alone, and God provided many such people. First, a family traveling from Seattle to London saw me many different times and always talked to me and were very nice. We sat and talked together while we waited for our flight in Vancouver. They saw me again in London and waved me down just to say that they, too, had made it. I can't even begin to explain how nice it was to have someone to talk to me in London after such a long flight. They invited me to eat lunch with them, but I was stressed because of my missed connection and knew that I needed to find a phone to call Hilary. I was greatful for their kindness and praised God for sending someone to me that day. Secondly, a little spanish boy named Xavier(he was five) talked to me while we were waiting to board. He was so incredibly cute and he spoke perfect English even though his parents couldn't. He talked to me for nearly 10 minutes and was so much fun. I'm pretty sure that if they would have asked me to move to Spain to be his nanny I would have agreed on the spot. Thirdly, a girl that sat next to me in the Vancouver airport was crying, so I talked to her for quite a while trying to encourage her. She was a 20 year old from Canada moving to Italy for a year to be a nanny. She was sad to leave her family and friends. I talked to her for quite a while and helped her out as best I could. She was really nice and talked to me again after our flight in the London airport. She said she had traveled lots, but she must have been directionally challenged because I had to help her find her way four times. She always seemed to be lost. Other then that my flights were all normal. I didn't sleep a whole lot, but it was ok. The adrenaline kept me going. When I got to Dusseldorf it was so great to see my cousins and Alana. Hilary came running up to me when I came through the doors, and I was so excited to see her. The last time I saw her was in February when she left. It was quite the reunion. Anyway, I am here safe and sound. I didn't sleep very long last night, but we were up early today because we are leaving to rent a car and go to Belgium and France for the day since Hilary doesn't have classes. I'm thankful to be here safe, and I praise God for all the people He sent my way during my many hours of travel. Pictures should follow in the near future.

Off to the Airport!

2008-06-23T16:08:00.000-04:00

I'm ready to go!

Off I go!

2008-06-23T11:44:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm ready to leave! My bags are packed, and everything is as ready as it's going to be. I wanted to just ask again that everyone pray for my trip, our team, and especially for the hearts of the people that will be hearing the gospel. So much can happen in 8 weeks, and I am looking forward to seeing everything unfold before me. Thank you all, and I will try to get this updated as often as possible.

Kurt James

2008-06-15T21:16:00.000-04:00

Hilary, this post is merely because I know that you will appreciate this as much as I did. While Kurt and I were eating dinner tonight he asked me if I could find him some spices to make his dinner a little spicier. I looked through the cupboards but found nothing that would work other then pepper. Then, to my astonishment, he responded, "O, drat". I continued to look but quickly asked him, "did you just say drat, as in d-r-a-t?" and he said that he had and then laughed like everyone uses that word all the time. I couldn't believe it. My little brother had possibly used our most favorite boggle word(other then gad) in context, in a sentence. I'm so proud! Anyway, I thought you would enjoy that little story!

A Week and A Day

2008-06-15T19:31:00.001-04:00

It's exactly one week and one day from when I take off(almost to the minute since my plane leaves Yakima at 4:30 next Monday) I'm so excited and I can't wait to see Hilary and for all the fun we are going to have! I've been thinking about the mission trip a lot lately and have been praying for the children and the people we will be with. It is important that there hearts be ready to hear the gospel. I pray daily that the Lord will send people with a listening ear and that He will use me as a tool to spread the gospel. I'm so excited! I love working and serving our Lord. I can't wait to see all that He is going to do this summer, whether it be big or small. I'm so happy to see more of the world and truly cannot believe that in One week and One day I'll be in Europe! AHHHH!!! Sweet!!!

Sweet Girls!

2008-06-12T17:44:00.001-04:00

Yesterday my youth group girls had a sleep over, so I was there to make sure that everyone had fun! When I got there they all jumped out and yelled surprise. Those sweet girls had thrown me a surprise birthday party. They had cake and food, and even presents. They were so cute and I love them all so much. I can't believe how quickly these girls have grown so dear to my heart, and I'm so sad to have to be gone all summer. We'll have to make up for lost time when I get back.

Today(or rather yesterday)

2008-06-10T03:00:00.000-04:00

I'm posting twice in the same sitting, but they will have been posted in two different days. Ha, that kind of cracks me up. I look so dedicated to my blog but really I just wait until midnight to post so it looks like I post every day........... Ok, moving on.......... My day today was strange. First off, I went to work but wasn't exactly needed because my boss was only on call, not at the hospital working. So, I did my normal routine with the kids but there mom was at the house all along(this felt really strange since I'm just not used to her being there). After I took the kids to school my boss, Mary, invited me to go to Costco with her since she would rather have someone to talk and hang out with versus going alone. Since I rarely pass up a trip to Costco, I agreed. We had a good time walking around talking about Europe, and the rest of my summer plans. After we got back from Costco and a few other errands I left there house and headed to my apartment where I thought about cleaning my room but opted instead to play my piano and bake cookies. I had a joyous afternoon and was climbing into bed to take an hour long nap when my boss called beckoning me back to there house since she got called in to work. Tired, but smiling, I left my apartment to go pick up my kids. We had a fun afternoon down at my parents farm.

At five o'clock I had a call from my roommate who informed me that a friend of hers was killed in an airplane accident. I sat in the car, with my two kids and my little brother in the back seat, trying to think of the right words to say to comfort my dear roommate. Talk about a day switch. All of a sudden my mind was constantly trying to evaluate Becky's emotions. Where is she? Does she need me? Do I need to talk or listen? What do I say? How can I help her? I did the best I could on the phone, praying for his family, and trying to get a feel for how she was doing. I knew she was taking this hard and being stranded at work with three kids was probably the worst place I could have been. There was nothing I could do to get away but I wanted so badly to just give her a hug, sit on the floor next to her and just listen to all that was going through her mind. I am praying that the Lord will give us some time in the morning to just be. I really want to spend time in prayer for his family, friends, and all the relatives that will be devastated by this news. It was a sad way to end my day, but I'm so very thankful that I have God to lean on, or I'm sure I would go crazy.

Mediocrity

2008-06-10T02:26:00.000-04:00

I had one of those days. You know, the ones that aren't exactly bad, but aren't exactly good. The ones that keep you up at night pondering whether or not you should even try to remember the details, or whether you should file them away with all the other mediocre days. Today was one of those days. I want to file my thoughts away for a rainy day but I know that most of what needs to be dealt with will have to wait until morning.

So, that brings me to my next thought. Morning. The bible talks a lot about the morning. My concordance has over 200 references to the word morning. God ceases to amaze me with His endless artistic ability in creating beautiful mornings. Since working this year as a nanny I have learned to enjoy and appreciate my early morning hours where the world is silent but my mind is eagerly stumbling over it's thoughts. Yet tonight, as I was dwelling on my mediocre day, and wondering what I was going to say to my roommate in the morning, a verse jumped into my mind. Lamentations 3:22-23, a verse many of us know by heart and almost everyone knows by song, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." I couldn't help but humbled by the grace of God. His love for me never ceases. His mercies are new every morning. Daily I can be renewed in spirit by the power of the almighty God, and whether or not I had a mediocre day should definitely not send me into any kind of worry mode. I have a Father who provides everything I need and I am sure that He will provide just the words that my roommate needs to hear in the morning. I am so thankful that I can turn to my Father in Heaven and know that He hears me, He loves me, and He is going to help me do what needs to be done for His plan to work. So at the end of this mediocre day I leave you not with negative thoughts but a joyful spirit. Tomorrow morning as I'm getting out of bed I can turn to my Lord and thank Him for the mercies He has already sent my way.

Thoughts

2008-06-06T10:38:00.000-04:00

You know the Casting Crowns Song "Praise you in this Storm"? Well, I was thinking of that song today and what it really looks like to Praise God in the midst of everything and anything that is happening to you. I don't claim to be in the middle of any huge storms in my life, but some days I do feel challenged as to whether or not I will choose to glorify God even when things aren't going as planned.
To explain myself I will relate to you today's interesting happenings. First off, it was the second morning this week that I woke up throwing up. I was sure that I was already done with this little flu bug that I caught from Tre, but it seemingly reappeared inside my stomache. Nothing to me is more misserable then being sick to ones stomache.

The worst part of the story is that for the second time this week I had to call into work and tell my dad I couldn't come. If it were any other boss he would understand but because I work part-time for my dad it's difficult. I know he know's I'm not lying but the insinuation that I just need to suck it is more then I can take. But even beyond that is the fact that I want to work. I'm leaving the country in 2 weeks and any extra money is absolutely wanted. I would go into work if it were at all possible. Yet I know that going in would not be good for me, or anyone else.

So, I have to trust that A.) God will provide the money I need for this trip. and B.) that He is still in control.
Even though I don't claim to be in any real storm right now. I do think that choosing to praise our God is a daily task. A task which becomes challenging when we are sick, but one that definitely brings glory to God.

Psalms 37:5

2008-06-05T02:07:00.000-04:00

"Commit your way to the Lord;

trust in him, and he will act."

I'm feeling much better about Europe. I'm really looking forward to all that God is going to do this summer, and I seriously can't wait to get started. I'm anxious to start to serving oversea's and meeting my brothers and sisters there. I have concerns and worries, but letting them cloud my mind is a sin. I serve a God that controls the Universe, that Created the Universe, and a God who is completely Sovereign. Why do I worry? Why can't I be completely trusting in His power and faithfulness? I now pray that I'll be in the right mindset, and that God will use me however He see's fit.
Pray for me, Pray for our team, and please pray especially for everyone who will hear the gospel. That the Spirit would move inside of them and that there would be a deep and far reaching spread of the gospel.

Almost ready for Europe

2008-06-05T01:31:00.000-04:00

I have been thinking of making myself a blog for a few weeks now, but tonight a real reason for needing one happened upon me. I was sitting in my living room tonight pondering how few weeks/days remain until I leave for Europe and I decided two things. One, I needed to make a photo diary/journal of what I was thinking. Two, I needed to somehow get it to Hilary.

So here is my first entry, and for your viewing pleasure a small photo journal of my thoughts this evening. I hope you enjoy.

Basically Freaking out.

I wish I could make facial expressions that even compared with Hilary's

Knowing that I shouldn't be freaking out, and trying to get over it.

Coming up with a seriously bright idea.

Hey, reading my Biblio might help!

So I read a few chapters........and

Then I felt much better but was humbled by the fact that I am still a stupid, sinning, human being who needs to be reminded that she is not in control(nor wants to be).

The End