Here is Love

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

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

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

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.