Ok, so I'm sitting in Starbucks

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

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.

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!!!

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

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.