My Challenge

Today I am going to make a commitment to journal on a weekly basis. Somehow I am closer to God if I do that.
Next commitment... keeping my room clean ;)

Brokenness, Desire, Prayer

I should be thirsting for the touch of the Almighty.
I should be reading your word till I can no longer keep my eyes open.
Lord I want to desire you.
Heal me.
Heal my friends.
Heal a hurting nation.
Heal your people of a forgotten land.

You are sovereign because you are Lord! He goes out before us and is with us; he never leaves us nor forsakes us!
Do not be downcast my soul; do not be discouraged.

I am broken.

Lately, it feels like the world is being attacked…
Middle East fighting with little rest
Famine, plague and war in Africa
National Weather Disasters
Nuclear Threats
Virginia Tech.
Turkish Martyrs

It is a sin to be anxious and worry. How do I stop Lord?
PRAYER
Give me a heart for prayer

"It is what one does"

Living in a new culture calls for new rules and people do things because "it is what one does." Women wear head scarves because "it is what one does" to stay modest. At home is where most women live all day because "it is what one does." Cook, clean, make tea and tend to children because "it is what one does." As a single woman you do not go out alone except to school, the market or to a friend's home because "it is what one does." Men leave the home early and do not come home till almost midnight because "it is what one does."

I however, live outside the norm for the most part. Not out of disrepect for the culture. I try and do as much as I can to be respectful to all individuals I meet. Here are some problems.

You want to go eat some fast food. In America you can go anywhere... here not so much. There are only certain places where a single young woman is allowed. I learned the hard way. I went to a doner restaurant that I went previously with a friend. I thought I would be ok. I sat downstairs where only families and women can sit (only men can sit on the first floor) and took a table. Within ten minutes I had to leave because men were trying to sit with me at my table. That is a very shamful thing to do here. So I can only go to "nice" upscale places where I won't be bothered.

I need to get to the sixth floor of my apartment building. You usually take the elevator right? Well if a man gets in the elevator I must exit and walk up the stairs or wait my turn. You are seemed as an easy girl if you allow a man to ride in the same elevator with you.

I want to sleep in but I have to get up early and leave since my friend needs to go to town and I can't stay in the same apartment with her husband. The neighbors may see that I didn't leave. Oh and if I ride the same bus home with my friend's husband I must act as if I don't know him and walk home alone.

Men are pushy and hit on me and say very disrepectful things. Sometimes it is because I am a foreigner. Other times it may be because I can't speak the language. And unfortunately its because I am an American woman who doesn't know the culture or language and so the men think they can get away with it. Shame on them.

But "it is what one does" in these situations. "It is what one does" is a common response I get to just about any cultural norm.

What is an example of "it is what one does" in your culture?

I am HAPPY...

Ever been just TRUELY happy? So happy that you can't stop smiling?

That's not me today. There have been times where complete and utter happiness has stepped out onto my door step. My salvation day, Christmas, missions, JOSHUA, etc. God always has those certain days slipped in every once in a while to pick us up.

Have I been happy? No... not lately. Its not because my life stinks... my attitude just makes it stink. I like pitty parties and a bit too much I'm afriad. When things get me down well, the rest of the clan must follow. You must pitty my sorrows.

Change? YES!!! I want to be happy! Happy even when the skies are grey. Yes there are apporpriate days for pain and saddness but not everyday. I need to let go and be, just be happy in my Savior and King. Happy that God has allowed me to serve Him in Turkey. Happy because I am with a man of God who cherishes me and loves me as my mopey self. Happy because I have family and friends who would die for me.

So today I my not be in utter and blissful happiness but today I am saying that I am going to enjoy the life God has given me. I am going to extend that joy and grace to the world.

Blissful happiness is coming soon though... ;) (Joshua)

You are rich if you have $2,200

A recent survey posted these results regarding the world wealth.

The richest 2% of the world's population owns more than half of the world's household wealth.
You may believe you've heard this statistic before, but you haven't: For the first time, personal wealth -- not income -- has been measured around the world. The findings may be surprising, for what makes people "wealthy" across the world spectrum is a relatively low bar.

*The research indicates that assets of just $2,200 per adult place a household in the top half of the world's wealthiest. To be among the richest 10% of adults in the world, just $61,000 in assets is needed. If you have more than $500,000, you're part of the richest 1%, the United Nations study says. Indeed, 37 million people now belong in that category.

*Half live on less than $2 a day Sure, you can now be proud that you're rich. But take a moment to think about it, and you'll probably come to realize that the meaning behind these numbers is harrowing. For if it takes just a couple of thousand dollars to qualify as rich in this world, imagine what it means to be poor.

*Half the world, nearly 3 billion people, live on less than $2 a day. The three richest people in the world –- Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, investor Warren Buffett and Mexican telecom mogul Carlos Slim Helú -- have more money than the poorest 48 nations combined.
Even relatively developed nations have low thresholds of per person capital. For example, people in India have per capita assets of $1,100. In Indonesia, capital amounts to $1,400 per person.

You can read the rest of the article here: http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/News/StudyRevealsOverwhelmingWealthGap.aspx?GT1=8816

Thoughts?

I realize that I'm blessed beyond my needs...

You?

New Year Means Craziness

So it has been a while since my last posting... I am sorry. I was busy but who isn't?

Since November my life has gotten a bit nuts. I went to Colorado for to weeks during Christmas and New Years. My boyfriend Josh and I made it in the night before the first blizard... the first of many. My family and I got snowed in for three days got out just before Christmas activites started. Joshua left the day after Christmas, just before the second system of snow... lucky him, not for me. Praise God though that the roads were clear enough for me to drive up to Blue Sky Church in Loveland, CO to talk about my experiences at Hillside and the upcoming travels to Turkey. It went well. The trip was fun but a bit limited to visits and seeing all the people I wanted to. So sorry to those I could not go see and sorry to Joey & Robin and Kyle & Miranda for missing your weddings. I hate that I missed the biggest day of your life. Please forgive me and the snow!

What am I doing now? Getting ready for one of the biggest life changing experiences ever! I am going to be living in Turkey for three months doing God's work by showing His love to the Muslims. It is going to be hard but worth every sacrifice that I will have to make. I bought my tickets already. I will be gone March 13th to June 11th.

My biggest block that stands in my way right now is finances. I need $3,000 more in order for this to be possible. If you know anyone who would like partner in this amazing outreach for God's Kingdom let me know.

God is good and He is GREAT!

Old School Lifehouse wrote this song called "You Can Shake the Mountains" and I wanted to share the lyrics:
Freedom comes in the morning time
As the sun begins to shine on my face
And even in the dark i'm not alone
You guide me by the hand, You won't let go
And i know you'll carry me when i can't walk

And you can Shake the mountains with a whisper
And you, you speak And i fall at your feet again
You burned the chains off of my feet
That held me to the ground
You let me rise
Don't ever let me come back down
Or even live a day apart from you'
Cause you lifted me
Higher than my doubts and fears

And you can Shake the mountains with a whisper
And you, you speak And i fall at your feet
And you are so beautiful
And i am so in love with you
You, you lead
And i will follow close behind

Now i'm waiting here for you
And don't be far away tonight
Lead me to the place where i can go and find rest
'Cause i'm so tired And now let me feel your breath on my face

And you can Shake the mountains with a whisper
And you, you speak And i fall at your feet
And you are so beautiful
And i am so in love with you
You, you lead
And i will follow close behind

What do I know differently now?

What do I know differently now?

I have now interned with Hillside for five months. During that time my life as a Christian has changed dramatically. Before coming to Hillside, I was ready to make a change in my life. I had been a Christian for fourteen years with parents who are both believers. I thought that I knew a lot of information and beliefs on being a believer of Christ. Once I began my internship, I began to think that maybe I was living in a closet all these years. I see many views in a different light now such as predestination, God’s glory, salvation, etc. All of these topics are great to understand and form your own opinion on after extensive study on the bible and discussions with others. However, the most important view that I see and know differently now, is the importance in knowing how to defend your faith. I remember having to memorize bible verses in Sunday School and going to Dare to Share conferences. I have attended Christian concerts and gone on short term mission trips. Do you know what the theme in each of those activities; sharing your faith. That’s why I wanted to come to Hillside so that I could share my faith to people around the world. But could I defend my faith before I came to Hillside? I thought I knew all the things it meant to be a believer but I could not defend my beliefs. I couldn’t answer questions on the textual authenticity of the Bible, the Christian doctrine of God, the deity of Jesus Christ in the bible, and historical and spiritual issues. Knowing all of this information is very important in defending you faith. In addition, it is also important to know not only your own religion but your audience as well. We did very intense study of the Muslim faith for almost four months. We read the Qur’an, studied to history of Christianity before Muhammad, the life of Muhammad, history of Islam since the death of Muhammad, and the differences between Muslims and Christians. I learned to defend my faith with Muslims. I am so excited to go to Turkey and have discussions with Muslims and build relationships with them. Even if they never accept Christ, I can demonstrate a Christ like love to the Turks. Knowing the Muslim faith will allow to tear down some of the boundaries that separate Islam from believers. Coming to Hillside has changed my life and I pray that my next four months are just as amazing! What I am learning here will impact the rest of my life.

China Greetings

Well its 9:15pm in China and I'm sitting in a "interent cafe." Its kinda gross needless to say. China has been amazing! I would tell you specifics but well... there's lots to say. Having fun with meeting tons of people here in China. The flight here was LONG but we made it shorter by playing tag on the plane. The plane left two hours late so got into Beijing really late. Plus the city is about an hour from the airport. Beijing was cool.. very big and busy. The hotel room was interesting. Susie and I slept with cotton in our ears to keep the cockroaches out; yes we had cockroaches!!! Guiyang was really neat as well. We ate at a nice restaurant and went with our friend Rebecca to do an English Conor with her friends. It was fun to talk with Chinese people who are learning english. Most of them spoke very good english. We went to the night market and walked around. I didn't buy anything but had fun. Haven't ate too many weird things other than duck hot pot that still has the head, neck, and feet in it and water buffalo. Man my tummy hurts!!!! In Kaili we checked into our VERY NICE hotel, ate lunch, and went to the batik factory. There we got our first time to see our "friends" who make the batiks. Needless to say I was really excited to see and meet them. I got very sick at the end so Kris rushed me back tot he hotel where I laid for the rest of the evening... I used the bathroom a lot! (I missed out on a buddist temple and Maio traditional dancing at the arena :( I met two American Olympians at a kayak race in Kaili, Red and Scott. That evening we went to a kareoke bar. This week in China is National Week and Friday was Autumn Day where people eat moon cakes. They are ok. Now we are in the rural parts of China visiting "friends" and getting lost trying to find their houses. No street names out here... lol we will be out and about for four days and then leaving to another provence to visit different friends. Last night we did a english corner at a local school. Gaby and I played hang man and taught twinkle twinkle little stars to the students. Today we had breakfast, visited with a American family who teaches with the school and works closley with our company. Then we went out to visit some "friends." Such a life changing experience. This evening we had english corner in the court yard with about 100 students, dinner and then presented money to orphans at the school so they can stay there. In China, you have to pay to go to any school, even primary. We will be going more into the mountains tomorrow for three days to see more "friends."

My Testimony

God has blessed my life by allowing me to grow-up in a Christian family. There is nothing sweeter than having both parents love and fear the Lord. I came to know Christ at the age of five, in a small Southern Baptist church in Phoenix, Arizona. Shortly there after I was baptized in front of the whole congregation, proclaiming my decision to be a servant of God. When I think back on that day I smile and praise God for seeking me at such a young age. The coolest thing about my baptism is when I got out of the water, all I could see was a bright light that shone from the window in the back of the sanctuary. I fell that was the Holy Spirit confirming my dedication and God’s blessing on my life. Finding Christ at a young age is amazing but my life has been extremely difficult. A few years later my parents went through a messy divorce, leaving my sister and I torn between two households. It’s hard as a kid to respond to divorce, especially myself. I suffered from really bad stomachaches and depression. I was no longer the blond haired, happy girl who spent her days swimming and playing with her friends. I became instead aggressive, chubby and kept to myself. Slowly things started to change. My father remarried a year later; a marriage that was loveless and difficult. My sister and I became to despise my step-mother and step-sister, along with her family. On top of it, my mother moved to Colorado, leaving my sister and me without support. My mom remarried as well to a wonderful man and eventually my sister and I moved to Colorado at the age of 13 in the middle of my eighth grade year. Soon after, my father moved to Texas, divorced his wife and remarried three years later to an amazing woman of God with two kids. God was always present in those situations. Divorce is something I wish no one as to experience but I was given relationships with two fantastic servants of God who have changed my life. High school came and went quickly. During that time I became active in my family church and build some of my closet relationships there. My senior year of high school my stomach pains returned, along with extreme nausea. I can’t remember a morning where I wasn’t sick. I was angry with God, why would he allow me too feel this way? Gradually I lost my appetite all together, eating only a little at every meal. After graduation I went on a Christian leadership trip through Europe, and one night I felt the touch of the Holy Spirit, healing my body. On that trip God taught to me to walk by faith, trusting that He has everything under control. I took that knowledge with me to college. I loved college and the Godly relationships I built there. This past year though until a month or so ago has been the most difficult. Within that time, I ended a serious relationship, had surgery, got diagnosed with both severe acid reflux and ovarian cysts on Christmas Day, and moved to a part of America that is hostile to the Gospel. A week before Camp Gilead I fasted for four days, along with some close friends, asking God to reveal His will here in Connecticut. I was starving for REAL friendships and a purpose. God heard my cry and blessed me with more than I asked. He healed my stomach problems and heart burn. God gave me strong Christ centered relationships. God gave me a hope with my future at Hillside. I no longer desire to retreat back to Colorado; God only knows where I will end up.

Life and Mexico

Wow, everyone! I'm so sorry for slacking on my blog. I wrote a huge blog right before I left for Mexico but forgot to post it so... MY BAD!

Wednesday June 28th was my 20th birthday. Thank you for the cards, phone calls, and presents everyone! As intern tradition continues, I got a celebration birthday breakfast at Kris and Yurihn's. Dorothy made some amazing dishes and we had strawberry rhubarb pie (that I made) and tiramisu for dessert. It was fun and I really appreciated it.

Mexico was AMAZING! I can't wait till the next trip. I wish I had time to tell the whole trip but I will share a few fun stories later tonight. I have to get back to work. We are preparing for Camp Gilead this week. Camp starts Sunday and I will be leading the Missions Skills Class and also beachguarding. I love you all and miss everyone home.

God is moving here and changing my life. Its hard but there is no other place I would want to be than in His arms.

Check out my pics from Mexico. No captions yet. Sorry time is precious and I am already only aleeping about five hours per night cause I have to finish to Koran by Thursday... I'm a walking zombie. LOL

Stac

Aquila and Priscilla

For homework one night last week, I had to read the whole book of Acts- Abi is a slave driver ;) In Acts 18 reveals the story of Aquila and Priscilla. I love reading this chapter! Talk about some major helpership! They practiced hospitality in Corinth after being expelled from Rome. Together they built tents and hosted Paul, a stranger, for 18 months. Within that time, Paul was their guest. Aquila and Priscilla not only opened their home to Paul, they opened up their work to him as well, so that Paul was able to support himself while he ministered at Corinth before the arrival of Silas and Timothy (ACT 18:5). Priscilla and Aquila accompanied Paul from Corinth to Ephesus. In the synagogue of Ephesus they met a man Apollos, whom they discipled. This couple served God at risk of their own lives. ROM 16:4 "They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them." They hosted a house church (1CO 16:19; ROM 16:5)in Ephesus and Rome. In ROM 16:3 says "Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus." They were considered by Paul to be his equals.

So what can we learn from them? One that God give us appropriate mates with which to minister and work. God's desire is for us to reach the world with His love. I believe that God will bless me with a mate that we can work side by side for His kingdom. Out of all of the couples in the bible, Aquila and Priscilla's marriage is something I pray God will bless my marriage with. How amazing would it be to minister to others as a team with your spouse! "Bloom where you are planted" was the motto Priscilla and Aquila lived by; they were faithful in serving the LORD wherever they were. God bless me with a servants heart such as that. Make me a Proverbs 31 woman. PRO 31:30 "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."

Missions vs Evangelism

Have you ever stopped to ponder the difference between missions and evangelism? Today I was introduced to a new view I have never heard. Evangelism is witnessing to unbelievers who are "like" you. So lets say I share the gospel with my co-workers or peers at school--> that would make me an evangelist. However, missions is when you minister to unbelievers who are "not like" you. So going to Mexico to spread the gospel would be missions.


My question is then, "What does missions mean?"

I got into an interesting discussion with other interns in the office. This week we are learning about Missions in the Church. We had to read the five purposes of your life within Rick Warren's best-seller Purpose Driver Life. The last purpose is missions. In Rick's terms it was said "You are called to a mission". When you think of missions, what do you think of first? Most I think would say that missions is reaching out globally, to preach the gospel... something to that effect. My argument would be missions can be any where. Why restrict missions as an overseas, drop everything, and raise support deal? I believe you can be a missionary in your home town. What if I was a CEO of some Fortune 500 Company and spent a lot in the office? I could make a "global impact" by donating funds to an organization. With every church that gets built, school setup or individual missionaries living abroad, finances are needed. Am I a missionary for God in a sense? I would say yes. More importantly, if we are all "called to a mission" can't my mission be the corporate world. Business people need to hear the word of God. In retrospect, I could start up a Kingdom Company, that makes global impact yet has a business core. God has put a desire in my heart to reach out into the corporate world. I pray that God will use me to further his kingdom through business. If a company is built on solid, ethical standards and morals and incorporates a Christ like environment, could you just imagine the impact. Some of the most influential and powerful people are business men and women. Someday I pray God can use me in this way. Missions doesn't have to be restricted. God allows us to reach unbelievers who are unlike ourselves, in ways we couldn't even imagine. Operation Christmas Child, adopt a child, donate shoes for kids in Jamaica, money to build a home for a family in Mexico, missions opportunities are all around us. What is your mission?

Inspirational Thoughts from Mr. Chambers

No one likes change. We all like the familiar things in life. Whether its friends, places like the mountains, a way of doing things, or perhaps your choice of cereal. As I read my devotion from "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers the last sentence caught my eye. Beware of paying attention or going back to what you once were, when God wants you to be something that you have never been. “If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know...”(John 7:17)

Now I don’t think that it is saying that I have to change everything in my life but I need to embrace change. More importantly, to embrace God’s will. His will may call us to be uncomfortable. God’s will could change our lives so rapidly. Instead of working an amazing job that pays the big bucks, you could find yourself unemployed, moving into a smaller house, and selling your Porsche. I don’t want my life to be focused on what I once was but becoming something I could never imagine being.

What is God’s purpose of me being here in Connecticut? I have yet to see it. I find myself upset everyday… NOTHING is the same. My expectations have flown out of the window along with my dreams. I am left with a blank slate. God do with me what you will. Make me into something I have never been.

Misson: The Crazy Cat Ladies

Well, I thought garage sales in Loveland, CO were strange. Naive me! So my director Kris owns a three story home, where each floor is an apt. Behind his home is a small two bedroom cottage that his brother's mother-in-law Dorothy lives. Before Kris aquired the home, two older women lived in the cottage. They had 14 cats!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They got kicked out of their home due to the stench and filth of the place. Kris had to replace not only floor but the subfloor, cabinets, etc. Very gross to say the least. Well, apparently wherever they moved to, cats were not allowed so they let all of the cats go free on Kris's property. The cats live underneath the cottage. Now the EXTREMELY strange part of this ordeal. Directly behind the cottage is a small cemetery. These two crazy cat ladies come around 11pm into the cemetery right behind and bring TONS of dried food, canned food, and water. They place all the food and water right behind the house in the baby section. Oh then they begin to call out ALL of the cat's names. The ladies then leave and come back one or two more times.
So last night Vanne and I had some fun with them. When they pulled up into the cemetery we sneaked into the cemetary and hid behind a giant tombstone. We hopped around to a couple of them untilwe were close. Vanne began to make cat noises and spooky noises. One of the ladies said I hear noises and the other said, there are always noises is the cemetary. But the scared lady turned off the car and took a flash light and shined the light in our direction. Thankfully we were behind a big tombstone. I about died of laughter! So as we were planning on how to scare the ladies, the "scared" crazy lady kept shining the flashlight at us. Kris yelled at from his lawn and the mission bomed! We got caught by the light as we crawled back. Needless to say it was really funny and those ladies are completely crazy. They came back two more times; once at midnight and then again at two.

Be Strong and Courageous

Adjusting to a new place can be difficult. For me it has been hard. The language barrier probably is the biggest obstolcal. I get so frustrated with myself, when I can't remember all the vocabulary and I live with native Spanish speakers! I love the people here to death but I can just get so bogged down.
Plus my apartment was supposed to be ready on the June 1st but now it won't be until the 9th, so I'm still living out of my suitcase.
I decided to do my personal reading out of Joshua. The first chapter keeps repeating the phrase "be strong and courageous". That phrase is truely a God send. During this time, I need to be strong in God and courageous in whatever is set before me.

Since I have blogged a lot has happened. I went to Massachusetts to the Yankee Candle Co. and the Butterfly Museum on Sunday with a woman I met at church. Iris brought her cute little duaghter Isabel. Monday, Memorial Day, all the interns went to Kris's mom and step-dad's home for an all day BBQ. Very relaxing and fun. Tuesday and Wednesday we worked all day at the office. Sonya, the new intern, came on Wed. night along with John the missionary from China. Kris and Bob had to stay overnight in Chicago due to weather so they did not get back until Thursday morning.

John is really cool. He does missions work in China. All day Thursday, he taught us about Chronological Story Telling. This method uses reaching people by telling sotries, starting from creation all the way up to Jesus. 2/3 of the world prefer oral communication verses written. I hope that someday I can experience this kind of ministry. Friday we spent the day learning about China and John's ministry there.
If you have never watched Ee-taow watch it now. Every Christ follow should watch this!
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2167162629886718161
It's just a small segment cause I couldn't get the other to work but go to brianturner.org to watch the whole 20min video. So amazing!

Well, I am going to go get ready for church. This week we will be working on camp and class time will be on "missions in the church." Thanks for all of your prayers! Miss you all!

Professional Wood Chopper ;)

As I begin to get settled in here in beautiful, I can't forget how I decided to join this organization. It blows my mind away that I didn't even plan on this six months ago! God is GREAT and Faithful.
My first full day was fun. It was Susie's 18th birthday and so we made a big breakfast. Many people came to wish her blessings at breakfast at the Keatings.
In the afternoon we went to the Rocky Neck National Park aka the beach! My favorite place to go :) The sand was so soft, the weather was amazing, but the water was freezing. After spending four hours at the beach we all went home for "home groups." Since the season finale of American Idol was on, we didn't have bible study. I enjoyed meeting women from the church. I'm excited to get to know them better. Yesterday was a semi-normal day. We all met at the office at 9am for devotions, a lesson on a country, prayer for that country and whatever else needs prayer, and projects for the rest of the day. I found out that Sonya and I are in charge of writing chapel sermons for Camp Gilead this year. Um... HELP! Not only that, but we have to create fun activities within the sermon and ideas for the Missions Class. After working for a little bit the server went down and we couldn't get it back up. We went back to Yurihn's house for lunch and watched the camp video.
Ok so now for the fun part... guess what I spent the rest of my day doing. You guessed it, Wood Chopping! Yes I took an ax and chopped wood. I was ok at it; Vanne was the best out of us four girls (Susie, Vanne, Vanessa, and I plus three guys Chris, Jordan and Jr.) We also tore down a shed... That took a while and a few truck pulls before it was finished. That shed was built very well. The reason we were doing all of this work is because a man Bob from our church is paying us money to go towards our trip to Mexico. There are a total of 14 people going, mostly Jr. High kids.
Today we will be working on camp stuff again.

Prayer Requests:
-A creative mind for designing camp chapel services and the missions class
-Continued prayer in financial support
-Discipline with my Lord
-Getting back into the Spanish speaking groove

Three things I'm thankful for:
-Meeting people from Hillside
-Continued increase of health
-Patience from Vanne and Vanessa in helping me with my Spanish

I'm here... FINALLY!

Well ladies and gentlemen, I have finally made it to the luscious green state of Connecticut! I am so tired still (time change is two ahead Colorado time). This is how yesterday went down. I got up at 4am so we could leave my house at 4:30am. Around 4:25am I felt very sick... why? Don't get travel immunization shots the day before you travel, especially yellow fever, hepatitus A and typhoid. So needless to say the restroom was my friend for most of the day. My mom and I arrived at DIA around 5:45ish. None of my bags weighed over 50 pounds!!! I said goodbye to my mom (so sad, I love you and miss you mom) and went through security. Nothing beeped and my big bag of magic tricks did not raise any suspicion. The first flight left at 7:20 and arrived in Midway Chicago around 10:20am. I had a couple hours to kill so I ate half a sandwitch and watched the local news. At 12:50ish my flight took off for Hartford. During the flight a gentleman named Dane sang us a song about how much he loves Southwest Airlines. Now its been a while since I have flown SWA but for the most part it is pretty good. The only thing that I dislike is that there is no assigned seating. Because of this, everyone stands in front of the gate like cattle in there sections of either A,B or C about an hour before departure. I just want to say people should relax and not worry where they are sitting. I was at the end of the B section each time and I still got a window seat.
Yurihn, her little daughter Anna, and Suzie picked me up at the airport. We gathered my bags and went to Yurihn's house. the rest o of the evening was relaxing and getting to know part of the group. I met Vanne, Vannessa, Abby, Terry, Yurihn's mom and Melissa from the church. Today is Suzie's 18th birthday so we are going to have breakfast together, possibly go to the beach if it is warm (it was freezing yesterday!!! Its May 24th!), and watch last years camp video so we can start planning this years Camp Gilead.

Cyclone

Do you hate packing? Cause I loathe it! Its all I did yesterday and I'm still not done. Someone save me from this disaster! If anyone were to start a professional packing service I would be the first to use them. (This is NOT my room but you can just imagine my mess. In fact my mess consumes two rooms completely, plus the storage and laundry room. Needless to say my mom is less than pleased with my territory overhaul...)

I need REST!

SO tired! I can't even start to express my exhaustion.

Tuesday was fun! I got to wash my puppies (well one is small but the other is a beast!). I love washing them; the way their coats feel and smell brings back good memories.
My step-dad Greg and I went downtown to see the Body Works exhibit of Plasticized human bodies. Very neat- anyone who loves biology, museums or weird things in general should take the time to see it.
Oh, then I got to go to my last TNL experience for awhile. The band played the song 40 by U2. While I was singing the song, I had a conversation with God.
The lyrics go like this:
I waited patiently for the Lord He inclined and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit. Out of the miry clay. I will sing, sing a new song. I will sing, sing a new song. How long to sing this song? How long to sing this song? How long...how long...how long...How long...to sing this song?

God(to me): Sing a new song
Stacey(me): How long my Lord?
God: As long as I call you.
Stacey: But how long must I sing.
God: My child, just sing and find joy in Me.

Going to Connecticut will require a new song. What kind of song? Well it depends on the season (Ecclesiastes 3) which won’t be revealed for a while. However I think it will be a song of the present. Being joyful for the 24 hours of today; nothing more, nothing less. I know I need to be present on what is at hand. I tend to think ahead way too much. God help me “be present.”

Mute Math was pretty much AMAZING! Loved it! Thanks Bennett for bugging me enough to go. The drummer is sick! He is so crazy he has to tape his head phone to his head. Afterwards, the gang and I walked down SCARY Colfax to Pete’s Café (I don’t recommend sitting on the porch if you are allergic to cig smoke).

I didn’t get home till almost 2am so least to say I was late for my 11am teeth cleaning. I bought stationary and stamps at Michael’s where my sis works. That evening my best friend/mentor Desera and I made cards for people and chatted. I am really going to miss her!

Well I need to pack and then I am having dinner and chilling with Rachel Love.

Three things God has blessed me with today:

• A brand new hair-do (it’s short but cute!)
• I got to visit my sister Steph at her apt. and see her kitties
• Getting to hang with Rachel

One More Week... Saving Goodbye Stinks!

One more week of Colorado Bliss and then I’m headed off to the East. Sorry for not blogging much this past week; life gets crazy as we can all attest to.

Lets recap this past week…

• I moved out of the Greeley house and back in with the parents
• Finished my last day of work at Crow Creek on Wed.

  

• Saw Nick’s last TNL gig
• Had dinner with Robin
• Attempted to fly fish but ended up hanging out in Old Town Ft. Collins due to cold weather
• Spent my last night at Natalie’s house for gal’s bible study
• Had the most amazing Going Away Party at the Asher’s home (Thanks John, Veronica, Jake and Austin… I am blessed to have you)
• Sadie's first Bridal Shower at the park
• Went to Blue Sky Saturday night for my last time till I return
• Spent Mother’s Day at Cherry Hills, the Outback, and watched Extreme Makeover: Home
• Edition, Desperate House Wives, and the season finale of Grey Anatomy.
• Had coffee at Starbucks with Bree and Shamus O’Brian
• Saw Mrs. Yancy and let me tell you, she looks fabulous!
• Shopping and funny pics with Kowalski (Good times, good times)
• Visiting Jake and Austin at DU (I am going to miss these boys badly!)

Today will be washing the dogs Sammie and Porsche, going to see the Body Works Exhibit with Greg, TNL, and Mute Math.

Three ways God has blessed me this past week:
-Friends who love me and care what’s going on in my life
-Family who supports my decisions
-Quality to spend with my loved ones

Prayer Requests this Week:
-Packing- The basement is a mess and I can’t figure out what to keep and leave behind
-Finances- I’m a 1/3 way there! Thank you to all who are in this with me! Praise God!
-Saying Goodbye- peace and comfort