Katie's Kaleidoscope

Thanks, Heidi!

2011-07-01T06:36:00.001-07:00

I can't wait to leave on my mission adventure. But I can because I love my family and friends that I will be parting from for a while. In regards to blogging, however, I'm hoping it will get me on some sort of schedule where my posts won't be so random. At least that's the goal for the next blog.

Today's goal is to give a huge shoutout to my friend Heidi. She is a much more motivated blogger than myself as you can see here. I've been so inspired by her blog that I've been a little crafty myself lately.

First, I took her advice and bought some cardstock and made these cards:

I also pre-decorated the envelopes with stickers and stamps, but they're kind of boring so no picture. I've also made envelopes out of magazine pages before, and really need to start getting back into the habit of that, because they're awesome.

Last night I went out with my two BFFs from high school and one of their guy friends to celebrate Mary passing her defense and getting her Master's degree. I thought this was an occasion for flowers, but because I am trying to save money for my upcoming world travels I was thinking of something creative and thoughtful that I could put together at home.

This was the result:

Folded Origami Lilies!

I even glued them into green straws as stems:

This was the finished bouquet:

I think they were a success for a first time Origami flower folder. So in conclusion, Thanks, Heidi for inspiring me. You're awesome :)

Evil makes my tummy hurt.

2011-06-02T06:12:00.000-07:00

I re-watched The Diary of Anne Frank over the past couple of days. The one done by ABC several years ago. From the moment they were taken from the Annex, and even more so from the moment Anne and Mr. Frank were separated upon stepping off the train my tummy hurt. Literally.

Although I was feeling completely outraged at what was happening on the screen I was even more upset knowing that there is still evil going on right now. I was only watching one depiction of it.

It made me start to really think about what I've signed up for for the next 3 years. (If you haven't heard I've been accepted as a Mission Intern through GBGM. You can find more information about the program here.) Since it is a social-justice ministry program I know I'll be working in some way with people who are working toward social justice. Which means I will be working on the opposite side of some kind of evil. Why shouldn't unfair housing issues be any less angering to us than genocide? Evil is evil is evil, is it not?

Some of the questions that came up were things like "What kind of program might I be working with?" "What if I have to face an oppressor and completely lose it?" "Will I even be able to relate to the people I'm supposed to be helping (I've never felt all that oppressed...)?" "What if there are children involved, will I just want to cry all the time?"

It's a big deal. But then I remember I'm going to be trained. And I remember that the world isn't overtaken by evil, that there is a good side. I remember that the reason I wanted to watch Anne Frank in the first place is because I just finished reading The Freedom Writers Diary There are people making a difference. I hope I'm about to become one of them.

On a more fun and exciting note, I also realized this week that I have brothers and sisters all over the globe. I sat at a table last Thursday or so with Franzi from Germany on my left and Kate from Thailand on my right. Franzi was here as an exchange student my junior year of high school and is visiting for a few weeks during one of her school breaks. Kate is a current exchange student finishing up her year here and is living with the same wonderful woman who hosted Franzi.

As I sat there the three of us talked about cultural differences and similarities. I watched as Kate asked Franzi if it was ok for her to eat with her fingers and Franzi as Kate if it was ok for her to use her knife. We talked about the silly things Americans do, how Kate's year here has been, what Franzi remembers most about her year here. It was so enjoyable that I actually lost track of the conversation at one point because I was thinking abou thow international my afternoon seemed to become.

So inconclusion I guess that I would have to say that although I am saddened by the injustices that I know have gone on and will continue to go on in the world they move me to action. That I am very blessed to have so many friends around the globe and that I am anxious yet very much excited about what the next 3 years will bring.

Franzi and I after WWHS Graduation.

P.S. Once I find out where I'm going with GBGM I will be starting a new blog and/or website. Check back for details.

4 Months Later...

2011-03-17T10:53:00.001-07:00

So about 4 months ago I promised 3 posts on the recurring themes popping up in my life. I only wrote about one. Unfortunately I don't have any intention of actually writing three seperate posts, mostly because I know I'll never get around to the third, so I guess two will have to suffice. But on the bright side it means those of you reading will get LOTS of information on what's been going on in my life lately.

First things first:

The next two things I planned to write on were 1) Matthew 25, the sheeps and the goats passage and how "Christians"* need to be able to live with other "Christians" as well as those who are not. And 2) the quote that goes something like "Your are ment to live where your greatest passion meets the world's greatest need."

As for #1
The Matthew 25 passage just keeps coming up. Well at least it came up a lot in Nov/Dec and now that the 30 Hour Famine for my youth group is this weekend it's come up again. The passage is all about the sheep and the goats and how God will seperate them. It's also the passage about when I was hungry you gave me something to eat, I was thristy and you gave me something to drink, etc. And how if you did any of these things for "the least of these" you actually did them for God Himself.

I don't remember the exact quote from the book I'm reading through, but the author said some very profound things about how although we will be seperated in the end, while we are here we must live together (the sheep and the goats that is). I really liked that because I had also just watched Amish Grace which is a beautiful story of forgiveness but did not like the idea that the Amish were living completely seperated from the rest of their surrounding community. (I really don't have a huge issue with Amish people, please don't read to much into this. The movie really just got me thinking about how I should live in this world.) It made me reflect on myself and my values and how I want to live. I came to the conclusion that I don't want to be sectioned off from other people. I want to get to know people, I want to help them, I want to be able to be there for all people. I believe that that is what I and all people who believe are called to do.

In December I also went on a few dates with a guy who was a self proclaimed atheist. We had fun, it didn't go anywhere, but we enjoyed each others company and had some good discussions. If I were still in high school I would have NEVER gone on a date with someone who didn't have the same faith values I do. However I learned I could have fun and although in the long run and in my heart of hearts wish to finally end up with someone with the same faith values as me I didn't need to completely shut out the option of those who don't. It was a good growth experience for me.

The moral of this tale, in short, is that the idea of being able to live with all people whether they believe the same things I do or not has finally settled into not only my head but my heart as well. God can do the dividing when it needs to be done, but until then I am meant to live with all people and strive to live my life and serve God to the best of my ability no matter what.

Now, thought #2 (which I guess is technically thought 3)
The idea that "you are meant to live where your greatest passion meets the worlds greatest need."

I love this idea. Too many people I think believe that to truly be serving God you have to be completely out of your comfort zone, be willing to do things that you don't necessarily think you are good at and work where God tells you to no matter what. However this idea is that, yes, God WILL call you. And He may call you out of your comfort zone. You may be equipped by him to do things you never thought you could. But at the end of the day you are called to serve where your greatest passion lies.

For someone who loves camp and the outdoors this is a wonderful thought. For years I thought summer camp was just something fun to look forward to when school was out. Then I decided to major in recreation in college and was bombarded with people telling me there was no livlihood to me had from such a career path. Well I am here to tell you that I truly believe that people need to get outside more. I wish church people would read the creation story again and realize that God is not only a Father but a CREATOR and that He created nature and wants us to enjoy it. I want to help people learn how to take care of our world. I think the world needs to learn to be more responsible with what we've been given and thus my greatest passion meets with what I see to be one of the world's greatest needs. Voila!

*I put "Christian" in quotation marks because I am really trying to not refer to myself as a Christian anymore. Not because I have stopped believing in God and Jesus or gone off and started my own thing, but becuase I've found that that term holds a lot of negative feelings for a lot of people. I don't want to immediately have people write me off or be concerned that I'm going to judge them when they find out my religious affiliation. At points I have started saying I'm a follower of The Way, in reference to the story of Paul when he was still Saul and how he said that he would kill anyone who was a follower of The Way. There are a few other prospective terms, but I haven't really found one that I really like yet.

What does all of this mean for me?

Well it means that I started thinking really hard back in the fall about what I really wanted to be doing with my life. Was I truly happy where I was? Did I think I was following God fully? Was I on the right path to getting to where I ultimately want to be someday?

The answer was a little bit of yes and no all mixed together.

I know that the past 2 years I have been where God wanted me to be. The children and the youth I serve in Eaton are great. I would have never put myself there. We've come along way together to build a great program, and they even took their first mission trip last summer. However I felt that perhaps God was now calling me to a different place.

After much prayer and introspection and conversations with amazing friends and family I came to the conclusion that perhaps it was time to start looking for something else.

So I started applying to many camp jobs and then found a 3 year mission program through the United Methodist Church.

Right now I am finishing up at the church who has recieved my notice and will be there through the end of April. Then I will go back to camp for the summer and be the Program Director, a position I have wanted for a while.

I also just recieved word that I've been invited to New York to interview for said Mission Program. (VERY EXCITED I AM.) If I get into the program I will be placed abroad for 18 months with a faith-based social justice organization and then placed for 18 months with a faith-based social justice organization here in the U.S.

My long, long term goal is to eventually find a way to merge my passion for recreation/nature with my passion for serving others. I think that a long-term mission experience will be invaluable on my way to doing that. Mission trips that incoporate camping/adventure elements is just one possibility. We shall see what we shall see I suppose.

The exciting part of all of this is that I finally just let go. I took some giant leaps of faith in applying for various positions and am very excited/anxious to see where the next adventure is going to be.

I'm also greatful that I am getting both of my feet operated on and healed NOW so that when I do find this next great adventure I will be ready to run, jump, play, hike, climb, walk and dance relatively PAIN FREE.

It almost feels symbolic to me to have my feet corrected right before this next adventure, it's like they are being prepared to "be the feet of Jesus." Not that they couldn't be before (or haven't been), but this way they won't hurt as much. Maybe it's just me being silly, but the timing seems just about perfect.

Hope you made it all the way through. Even if you didn't I feel better that I've gooten that all out. Whew.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

On Earth.

2010-11-26T17:00:00.000-08:00

Alright, here it is - the first of my three promised posts. I hope you who read this did not expect these to come in any kind of timely manner. Because of course this one has not, and neither will the other two if I'm any guesser. And, knowing myself pretty well, it's safe to say they won't. I would apologize, but I just don't feel that bad. haha. Anyway, here it goes.

My mom has a friend who is ordained in the Methodist church, not the United Methodist church. She chose the Methodist church because she knew that she probably wouldn't get ordianed by the UMC. Or at least that's how I understand it. She figured she wouldn't get ordained because she has an interesting theology. She doesn't believe in heaven and hell. She believes these two places are what we make of our lives here on earth. I'm not going to say I necessarily agree, but it is quite an interesting concept to me.

I've said before that I think that heaven is "just like earth, but without the stupid." I say this because, really, I like life quite a lot. I realize that I have been blessed beyond measure, and that others are not so fortunate. However there are many who, even in the worst circumstances, seem to enjoy life a lot as well. For years I've had this idea that heaven won't be all that much different than here, but it'll be a whole heck of a lot more safe and less stressful. Of course I've never been to heaven, so I can't say for sure.

Recently the phrase "on earth as it is in heaven" has been popping up in my life. In the high school Bible Study I lead, in my thoughts when I'm driving, in the book I'm currently reading (The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns), just to name a few. With this thougth stuck in my head it's taken me back to thinking about my mom's friend and her idea that heaven may be on earth, it just depends on what you make of it. In looking at that idea in light of the Lord's Prayer I have to say I think she may not be too far off. We really are supposed to strive to make earth "like it is in heaven."

I'm now going to share the section of the book The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns that is found on pages 54-57. You really all should go and find this book and read it. I'm not even a third of the way through and I love it. Of course I can only read a chapter at a time because I have to spend 3 to 4 days digesting everything, but that's the mark of a truly great book in my opinion. Anyway, here it is:

Isaiah 58

The following passage from Isaiah is almost breathtaking in its splendor, its vision of God's kingdom, and what that vision might look like manifested in the lives and communities of His people. Written in the seventh century BC, Isaiah's book was addressed to a people in captivity, a chastened people who had been brutally conquered by Assyria as God's punishment for centuries of unfaithfulness and idolatry under a succession of corrupt kings. They were a nation at the end of their rope, desperately trying to "get right with God." Yet God juded their attempts at holiness to be shallow and insincere. They were just going through the motions of faithfulness - by praying, fasting, holding religious observances and cerermonies, and so on. God first derided their hypocrisy and then cast a soaring vision of what true faithfulness would look like:

Shout it aloud, do not hod back.
Raide your voice like a trumpet.
Declare to my people their rebellion
and to the house of Jacob their sins.
For day after day they seek me out;
they seem eager to know my ways,
as if they were a nation that does what is right
and has not forsaken the commands of its God.
They ask me for just decisions
and seem eager for God to come near them.
"Why have we fasted," they say,
"and you have not seen it?
Why have we humbled ourselves,
and you have not noticed?" (vv. 1-3)

God here acknowledged that the people appeared to be seeking His will and His presence. Their self-image was that of a nation "that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God." They even "seem[ed] eager for God to come near them." In fact, they were actually a bit angry with God, who appeared to be ignoring their fasting, worship, and prayers. But God saw through their veneer of religiosity.

Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please
and exploit all your workers.
Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife,
and in striking each other with wicked fists.
You cannot fast as you do today
and expect your voice to be heard on high.
Is this the kind of fast I have chosen,
only a day for a man to humble himself?
Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed
and for lying on sackcloth and ashes?
Is that what you call a fast,
a day acceptable to the LORD? (vv. 3-5)

Yes, God was wise to Israel's superficiality. On the surface, they may have looked godly. But they hadn't changed their underlying behavior. God is never satisfied with rituals and liturgies when the hearts of His people remain corrupt. So He suggested in this passage something that ought to stun our own beliefs about prayer - that because of their hypocrisy, He would not even listen to their prayers! We take it as foundational that God will always listen to our prayers, but this passage suggests that we should not expect God to listen to prayers offered by insincere hearts. So, if God is not pleased with man's prayers and veneration, what does please Him?

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to lose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter -
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? (vv. 6-7)

These words describe a people and a society characterized by justice, fairness, and a concern for the poor. They portray not just a personal ethic but also a community ethic. The reference to "break[ing] every yoke" suggests that any system, law, or practice that is unjust must be broken - whether personal, social, political, or economic. This sounds a lot like what I described earlier as the "whole gospel," the good news inherent in a kingdom based on the character of God rather than of men. And for this kind of kingdom community, a people whose actions demonstrate this level of authentic personal and social change, God offers this amaazing promise:

Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say; Here am I.
If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail. (vv. 8-11)

What a promise! These words requre a little explanation. God will delight in His people when they obey Him. When the hungry are fed, the poor are cared for, and justice is established, He will hear and answer His servants' prayers; He will guide them and protect them, and they will be a light to the world. This is a vision of God's people transforming God's world in God's way. There is no hole in this gospel. This is what Jesus ment when He prayed, "Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." Charity, equity, and mercy are the marks of the kingdom of the Messiah, and Christ wanted it to begin on earth.
Later in Jesus' public ministry, even John the Baptist began to doubt that Jesus was actually the Messiah, so he sent some of his own followers to Jesus for reassurance. they said, "John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?'" (Luke 7:20).
Jesus answered by listing the signs that heralded the coming of the good news (the Messiah): "go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor" (v. 22). Jesus encouraged John by pointing to the tangible evidence of the coming of God's kingdom through Himself-the Messiah.
If we are to be part of this coming kingdom, God expects our lives - our churches and faith communities too - to be characterized by these authentic signs of our own transformation: compassion, mercy, justice, and love - demonstrated tangibly. Only then will our light break forth like the dawn, our healing quickly appear, and our cries for help be answered with a devine Here am I.

Wow. How great would it be if everyone did just that - showed their faith in tangible ways? Don't get me wrong, I think most people do in small ways, but what if we all did it just a little bit bigger? I really want to spend some time thinking about how I should change my life in subtle and not-so-subtle ways to strive toward a life more like the one described above.

I also find the thought that if God finds you insincere He won't listen to your prayers. Something else I've thought about a lot about since reading this passage. I'm always afraid that even if I think I'm sincere I'm not. What is the defining difference?

What if earth really was like heaven? Certainly sounds like a good way to try and live to me. This is something I will continue to think about and chew on. And I'll definitely be looking into careers where I can implement this. Richard Stearns is definitely making me want to work for World Vision. Of course there's still Play for Peace and other organizations of the like. So many options!

You know God's trying to teach you something when...

2010-11-15T07:45:00.001-08:00

Ideas, thoughts, and other things start showing up in your life in multiple places.

Sometime when I'm more awake I hope to write 3 entries on the three things that seem to be coming up in multiple places. They are:

- The phrase "on earth as it is in heaven" from the Lord's prayer
- Matthew 25, the sheep and the goats passage
- This quote "the place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet." -Fred Buechner

Hopefully they will be entries worth your time to read. They've certainly be ideas worth taking over all of my thoughts for the last few weeks of my life.

Mission Trip Report.

2010-10-04T09:21:00.001-07:00

I wrote this letter last week to the members of the committee that gave my youth group a grant for our mission trip. Rewriting details of the trip reminded me what an awesome week that was.

To whom it may concern:

Words cannot possibly describe how thankful I am that the First Presbyterian youth group was a recipient of one of the Northminster Mission Grants this past summer. I am a first time Christian Education Director and although I knew that taking the youth on a mission trip was something I desperately wanted to do, I had next to no clue how to go about it.
I began planning the trip early in the year but seemed to hit a lot of speed bumps along the way, organizations that were too expensive, trip logistics being changed without notice, parents who were unsure about the trip, and a lack of chaperones just to name a few. Another large hindrance was the fact that this trip was planned after the church budget had been set for the year, so students would have to pay out-of-pocket for the trip and fundraise most of the funds.
In the spring we held several fundraisers, but none of them seemed to bring in more than 200 dollars at a time, and many students and parents were expressing concern that they would not be able to afford the trip, no matter how much they wanted to go. Fortunately another Christian Ed. Director within the presbytery informed me about this grant and gave me the information to apply. On a whim, without knowing what to expect, I applied.
As I'm sure you can guess I was ECSTATIC when I received a phone call telling me that we had been approved for a $1,500 grant. I've never won the lottery, but that day it sure felt like I had. We used that money to assist all of the youth going on that trip, making the total cost of our weeklong trip $70 a person.
On June 20, 2010 I loaded 7 youth, 2 other chaperones, myself, and all of our luggage into a 15-passenger rental van and we headed off to Ronceverte, West Virginia for First Presbyterian's FIRST ANNUAL Youth Mission Trip. We arrived at Ronceverte Presbyterian Church at about 3pm. We had about 2 hours to get settled in before jumping feet first into the week. Their Vacation Bible School - our main project - began at 5 that evening.
Each evening Sunday-Thursday we assisted with their Vacation Bible School. Our students did everything from helping with crews of children to taking main roles in the Bible Story presentation every night. Since Ronceverte is located in a very impoverished area of West Virginia Ronceverte Presbyterian's VBS was a way for them to reach out into the community to minister to many children who were not members of their congregation. They served a full dinner as a part of their program, not only to help our group, but to make sure each of the children who came would get at least one warm meal each day they participated in the program. Having to interact with the children of Ronceverte definitely opened up the eyes of our students and put the luxuries they enjoy every day into perspective.
On Monday morning our group was taken on a hike by a Ronceverte native who taught us about the area and history of the town. Tuesday through Thursday mornings were spent at a variety of locations. The morning projects we worked on consisted of: Helping Linda, a member of Ronceverte Presbyterian with some home repairs and yard work (Linda has some developmental disabilities), volunteering at the local Women's Domestic Violence Shelter and cleaning at the local food bank.
Each of these projects provided our students with more eye-opening experiences. Every day they had something new they wanted to discuss or an epiphany about how different life was for most of the people of Ronceverte than it is for their families in Eaton, OH. They also made fast friends with everyone they met throughout the week, especially the children at Vacation Bible School.
On our last full day in West Virginia we went to ACE Adventure Resort and had a full day of whitewater rafting down the New River. Even on our "fun day" I saw growth in our students. Our group was asked to split between two rafts in a group of 3 and a group of 7. The youth decided to pile all into one raft, leaving us adults to fend for ourselves. They worked together as a team, listened to their raft guide and supported each other throughout the day. A few of our students jumped off of "jump rock," a rock about 30 feet tall, even those who are afraid of heights. A week or so after our trip I even received a Thank-You card from the raft guides on that trip thanking us for such an awesome day on the river. I've rafted with that company numerous times before and have NEVER had that happen.
By the end of the week my group was already discussing the possibility of returning to Ronceverte next summer. Many have stayed in touch with the pastor of Ronceverte and other members of the church through the social networking site, Facebook. Just moments before we rolled out of town they asked if they could deliver all of our left over breakfast and lunch food to one of the groups of children they had met earlier in the week.
When we returned to Eaton all 7 youth piled out of the van all smiles and laughter, bubbling to their families about the week they had just had. We returned Saturday evening and on Sunday morning the youth took over the morning worship service in order to witness to the congregation about the mission trip. 4 or 5 of the students spoke during 3 different "reflection" times which took the place of a normal sermon. A few talked about what they felt like before the trip, being nervous and not knowing what to expect. A couple described to the congregation what we did on the trip, detailing all of our work projects and what it felt like to be in such an impoverished area. Finally 2 of the youth stood up and told the congregation what they planned to do with the experience now that they were back home, they blew me away by saying that they were planning to start a service organization right in Eaton. The 2 of them said that they realized on the trip that everything they had done there (cleaning, working with kids, volunteering at the food bank) they could do right in their own town.
Since we returned home our youth volunteered to help with our own Vacation Bible School, which happened to be the same program, the 2 who wanted to start a service organization have done so, and the 7 youth who went on the trip have become some of the closest friends you'll ever see. Happily, their excitement to hang out with their church friends has spread to many of our other youth. Some of them have even begun planning youth events by themselves and then ask for them to be placed on the calendar. We've also begun a Sunday Night Youth Program which is steadily growing in number and our mission projects have doubled since last year.
The momentum that this youth program has gained from one week in West Virginia is incredible. I definitely credit much of that to the grant we received, which made the trip possible in the first place. A million and one THANK YOUs to those of you who made it possible.

In HIS service,
Katie Steele

Joining Journeys

2010-09-26T19:19:00.001-07:00

Last Wednesday was the 2nd gathering of "Faith Cafe," the Bible Study that my high school students and I are working through this semester. The course comes with a DVD with different clips on it. Last week's clip was an interview with Dr. Larry Crabb.

During the course of his interview he said something that really hit me. He was talking about how most of us don't go to a professional counselor when we need to talk to someone, we go to a friend. He talked about how there's usually some desire on the part of the listener to fix the problem of the speaker.

He then made the point that "we don't need to be in the business of fixing problems, we need to be in the business of joining journeys."

wow.

I really like that. He also talked a lot about his desire to see the church - i.e. REGULAR PEOPLE step up to the plate and join the journeys of other REGULAR PEOPLE. That's not exactly super hard homework.

It's made me think this week about how many people have joined my journey and how many journey's I've joined. Lots, in other words. I only hope that I've been a good addition to most people's journeys, I for one feel incredibly blessed by all the people who have been placed into mine.

I apparently don't care...

2010-09-25T16:31:00.001-07:00

.... about making money.

Because all the jobs that I really want at the moment aren't really jobs at all. They are volunteer positions or educational opportunities that offer extensive travel.

And the job that I eventually want to have will have me working at a camp for the rest of my life. Not exactly high class living.

But I can't complain. My life is going to be more exciting than most.

The joy of summer

2010-06-06T07:23:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to my cousin Zach's graduation party. There were people there from both sides of his family and a bunch of friends and church people. So I only recognized a third of the people there. But it was a good time anyway.

There were a bunch of people playing in the pool last night and there were also a fair amount of water balloons floating around. As I was sitting in a ridiculously comfortable lawn chair watching the party I kept being drawn to one particular little girl. I don't know if she was a cousin from the other side or a neighborhood kid, but she couldn't have been more than 7 or 8, if that. She was wearing water wings and a little kid innertube around her waist.

At one point she got out of the pool, ran to the back corner of the backyard and got a water balloon, all while wearing the water wings and trying to keep the inner tube around her waist. After getting the water ballon she ran back to the pool while letting go a screetch of pure delight. And she had a look of pure joy on her face while she was holding that water ballon.

It was a good reminder that while I may not be at camp full time for the first time in MANY summers, summer is still a magical time of year, filled with surprises, adventures and joys of all kinds.

Even if this summer is starting out with taking care of my brother who currently has a temp of 103* and wondering if we'll even leave for our first family vacation today. (Prayers appreciated)

Oh! And my cousin Zach's girlfriend asked about my Stop Sex Trafficking tshirt so I got to educate a few more people about the devastating reality about modern day slavery. Go to www.oasisusa.org if you haven't yet already!

If I am so blessed

2010-05-24T19:35:00.000-07:00

If I am so blessed as to have children they will be going to a school like this one.

STOP THE TRAFFIK!

2010-05-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

This morning I had this email prayer request sitting in my in box:

Dear All

Tomorrow, Oasis India will be conducting a raid to rescue young girls who have been trafficked into prostitution. Please join with us to pray, especially for:
- The logistics will go smoothly and we'll be able to rescue the girls
- Safety of the team
- Good cooperation with the police
- Those we rescue will trust Oasis and work with us

Thanks so much
God’s peace
Andy

For those of you inclined to do so, please pray that this operation goes smoothly. This human traffiking has got to STOP. Let's be the generation that brings about the end.

If you'd like more information take a few minutes and go check out the Oasis Website.

Death by Nutella

2010-05-04T19:11:00.001-07:00

Nutella is delicious. It is. I really enjoy it.

Today, however, my Nutella committed a crime. It killed.

Actually it was kind of amusing. I needed a snack halfway between lunch and dinner and made myself a piece of toast and then spread Nutella on it. (If you don't know what Nutella is, stop reading this, go buy some, eat a spoonful and then come back. I can wait.)

While I was eating my Nutella I decided to go and ask my dad if there was anything he needed me to do. Since he was in the back yard grilling the ENORMOUS turkey we were going to eat for dinner I took my Nutella goodness out back with me.

As I was walking down the driveway a moth or something flew full force toward my face as I was taking a bite of my snack. At first I was startled and then very afraid it had flown into my mouth. As I was making sure I hadn't eaten the bug I pulled the Nutella bread away from my face and immediately noticed that the bug was stuck to my toast. Wings stuck with the body out, legs flailing trying to get free.

So I did my best to try and free the poor thing. Transferred it from the toast to the grass and then tried to clean it up with the napkin I was holding. Which was difficult because that stuff is STICKY.

However I went back to check a while later and although at first I thought it had survived due to a bug-sized Nutella track I found it motionless a few inches away, still covered in Nutella.

I'm sorry little bug for your unfortunate run-in with my midday snack. I have a feeling you didn't enjoy the Nutella today as much as I did.

Accountability

2010-05-02T19:32:00.000-07:00

Tonight my mom and I went to an event to bring awareness to modern day slavery. There were speakers, musicians, and a small market selling fair trade items. You should probably check out Stop the Traffik: http://www.stopthetraffik.org
and Oasis: http://www.oasisusa.org/ for more information.

The entire event was moving and informational and thought provoking.

One of the musicians spoke at one point about how he came to be involved in activism toward informing the public about this tragic reality. He said something that really struck me. He mentioned how at the beginning he always turned away from the information. That although he knew a little of what was going on, he tried to avoid finding out too much. That might sound awful, but then he made this really good point: He shied away from the information because he knew that as soon as he heard it he would then be accountable for it.

Wow.

What an amazing point. And how convicting.

How many times have I heard something and then thought "gee, that's really bad, and it needs to be stopped," or "geez, that really needs to get done." But then instead of doing something about it, instead of jumping in with both feet I turn away and hope that someone else will just take care of it.

How many times have you?

Now, I know it's unrealistic to think that I can go ahead and jump into total activism on every single huge issue I hear about. I mean, how many are there? World Hunger, Modern Day Slavery, Cancer Awareness, etc, etc, etc, and so on and so on. You get the idea (I hope). No one can do it all. But there are small things that I can do. For each of the causes.

That statement also just hit me on a personal level too. There are things that have come to my attention in my own life that I need to acknowledge and attend too instead of walking away from or turning my back on. They aren't going to go away, and I am accountable to them.

He also made the point that these things will just keep tugging at you, or that they will keep coming back into your life over and over until you have no choice but to acknowledge them.

What have you walked away from or turned away from recently?

Let's hold ourselves accountable.

Pick up your garbage.

2010-04-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

Chances are if you've ever walked with me outside for more than 5 feet you've seen me stop to pick up a piece of trash. Here is a video and a slide show that show just a few of the reasons I do.

I'll also never, ever willingly just let a balloon drift up into the air and out of reach if it can be avoided.

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/videos/g-word-shorts-plastic-vs-plankton.html

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/travel-outdoors/chris-jordan-midway-birds.html

This is our planet, people! Let's take care of it, shall we?

IT'S SPRING!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-04-06T06:14:00.000-07:00

After going to my car just a few minutes ago I turned around and discovered that last nights rainstorm was indeed a magical one. No joke, that rain had magic powers. Yesterday all the trees and bushes surrounding my house had buds, but were still pretty wintry-looking. But today there was GREEN. Little grean leaves beginning to poke out of all those buds.

(Random story: one time when I was really little I remember sitting in the backseat of my car as my parents talked. At one point I was pretty sure they were admiring all the "bugs" in the trees. It was probably a bit earlier in the year than April, so there wasn't any green. I remember looking out the window to try and see all the "bugs." But I couldn't. Yet my parents kept talking all about these "bugs" and made it sound like there were a zillion of them. I'm sure I spent the year thinking my parentals were crazy. Then the next year I realized they had been saying BUDS, not bugs.)

I even made my dad come outside to admire all the green with me. He was a good sport and did, but did give me that "why are you so surprised?" look. Which is fine. I just can't help it. This is my favorite day of the year. The first day of the year where it's sunshiny, warm, clear, you can go out without a jacket and be perfectly comfortable and everything, for the first time you can remember since last September is GREEN. It is my favorite.

There is something a little different about it this year though. Usually for me this is the beginning of the countdown to camp. The beginning of the countdown to the day where I know without a doubt I will pack all my belongings up and move into camp. This year, that is not the case. At least not yet if it's going to happen at all. I have a job at a church and will be leading a mission trip and VBS so two weeks of my summer are going to be spent doing those things. My family has something like 3 or 4 trips planned. I'd like to keep doing things with my youth if at all possible throughout the summer like Wednesday hang times or frisbee nights or something.

But with all of that there's not much room for camp. At least not full time, live in every week kind of camp that I'm used to. This might be my first summer in 8 summers that I'm not at camp. I never thought that that would be me. I'm so used to watching other people come to camp for a summer or two and then moving on. But I've always gone back. Not necessarily to the same camp, but to camp. Since '03. I guess I'm just not really sure how I'm feeling at this moment. I know camps will (hopefully) always be around (support them!!!!). And I know my degree is in camping and so is the majority of my work experience so jumping back in next year or the year after or whenever I finally do shouldn't be a problem.

But.... I love camp. Even when I have a less-than-desirable summer. (Like the last two.) I know I'm going to miss it. Actually, it's funny to me that I do miss it so much when the past two summers were so crummy. But I suppose that's how you know you're where you're supposed to be, and know you're doing what you love. When you love it even when it's not the best.

Anywho, this summer is going to be great anyway. I have lots of travel opportunity. I'll be going on (not to mention leading) a mission trip and will be learning tons. Perhaps this will be a good thing and not a completely terrible one. Who knows?! All I know is I'm going to make the most of it no matter what happens.

And perhaps find a camp or two to let me volunteer for a few weeks :)

"Girly"

2010-04-05T20:16:00.000-07:00

I painted my toenails and fingernails tonight.

Doing so just reminded me how un-"girly" I really am on a regular basis.

The jury is still out as to whether this is a good, bad or indifferent thing.

An Idle Mind

2010-03-31T21:17:00.000-07:00

First let me say that all in all I'm pretty pleased with life at the moment. My last post pretty much sums up the majority of my mental health, and I'm so greatful.

Today when driving home by myself, however, I found my mind wandering to my ever predictible single status and I had one of those "poor me, poor me" moments. Is it spring? I'm not sure. But I need to find something to do during my long drives by myself other than dwell on what doesn't make me happy. I need to learn to story tell or something.

Because we all know an Idle Mind is the devil's playground. And he will wreck havoc with my mind if I let my mind wander when I'm alone.

It's that moment....

2010-03-28T21:11:00.000-07:00

It's that moment when you're just standing there and then all of a sudden someone is hugging you, and then before you know it someone else yells "me too" and makes it a group hug....

It's that moment when you finally pull up to the spot you've been looking for to pick up your friend and can hand over the keys of your car and they will drive you to your next destination....

It's that moment when you think you won't be able to laugh any harder then you are at that moment, and you're laughing with someone you just really got to know the day before....

It's that moment when someone asks you to share about your life and then just sits and listens because they truly want to know the answer....

It's that moment when you can walk into a group of people you haven't seen for months or years and pick up as if no time has passed at all....

It's that moment when you have to end a good phone conversation but the person promises to call back as soon as they can because they know there's even more to talk about....

It's that moment when you realize you're only going to have 40 minutes to visit, but it's enough because that's 39 more than you really needed....

It's that moment when the rainbow pops out of the sky, as vibrant as can be....

It's that moment when you realize that life is, really and truly, good.

Only Almost a Month Late

2010-03-08T19:43:00.000-08:00

Hey. So this post was supposed to be written on Feb. 14. However, being the huge slacker I am, it's just been sitting in my brain for almost a month.

ANYWAY...

Valentine's Day.

I have a love/hate relationship with Valentine's Day. I love it because I love love. I love the idea of being in love. I love brotherly love. I love romantic movies, watching cute couples, showing love to my friends and family. Really, I love love. But I also kind of hate Valentine's Day because there are so many people who don't like the holiday and try to make it "Singles Awareness Day," and instead of alieviating the singleness issue, seem to highlight it. Like I don't struggle with those depressing thoughts enough already. Sometimes I actually hate cute couples instead of liking them like previously stated. (If you're new, which I don't think many are, I am single. And have been for 23 years as of the 19th of this month. (But, really I guess less than that because, honestly, who dates when the are 2?))

Well, let me tell you what I did this Valentine's Day. I took communion. Three times.

First at the church where I was speaking about camp (something that I love).
Next, at a retirement community where my mom was telling Bible stories for their evening worship. (Being with my family is something I love).
And finally at a Candlelight service for the Greater Cincinnati Young Men's Chrysalis. (A program that I have been involved in for many years and have come to love, and love all the people involved with it).

Communion. Three times.

Communion for me reminds me of the greatest sacrifice ever made. The fact that the Creator of the Universe loves me to make that kind of sacrifice.... It floored me this Valentine's Day.

And in the light of that LOVE, why would I worry about being single?

I wouldn't.

And it was a great day.

I know it's belated, but: Happy Valentine's Day!!

A Mix of Emotions

2010-02-08T19:03:00.000-08:00

Today was such a strange day emotionally for me. I woke up this morning and did my usual online email checking, facebook checking, blog reading and more email checking routine. During this, however, I was stopped cold in my tracks because the handy little birthday reminder thing on my homepage of facebook told me that to day was Philip's birthday. Normally I find the birthday reminder thing helpful and a great way to remember to wish someone a happy birthday.

This reminder was different though. My friend Philip was not happy on this earth and decided to take himself off of it back in the fall of 2008. What made this even harder for me, was the fact that I did not hear about his passing until 2 weeks after the fact and did not get the opportunity to go to his funeral because I was on my backcountry trip at the time. The birthday reminder was strange to see.

I spent considerable time today thinking about Phil. He was a friend from my youth group and we spent considerable time together on things like confirmation trips, mission trips, playing ultimate frisbee, and everything youth-group oriented. He was undoubtably one of my favorite people at church and hanging out with him was always fun, especially with his incredibly dry sense of humor.

I am still sad that he apparently had more stuggles than anyone knew about, but I have no doubt that he is now partying it up up in heaven and is considerably happier than he ever would have been here.

I was also happy today because it was sunny and snowy and the woods on the drive back to my house today were gorgeous. I wish Phil had been around to see it. And to celebrate his 24th birthday.

So I was happy, sad, and a whole lot of other things today. But mostly, I just want to wish my friend Phil, wherever he is today, a very happy birthday. And to tell him that I miss him. Oh so much.

Just $1 a day

2010-01-23T09:21:00.000-08:00

That's the average amount it takes, worldwide, to feed a child for an entire day. My breakfast alone usually costs between $3-5.

I've been learning recently that world hunger isn't in anyway a lack-of-food problem. In fact there's more than enough food on this planet to give each person something like 4.5 pounds of food a day. And that's quite a bit of food if I'm remembering correctly from the time when I backpacked carrying all my food for the week around on my back. No, world hunger isn't a shortage of food problem, it's a distribution problem. And in many cases a political problem.

Food is used as a weapon. But who are the ones suffering the most? Women and children. And what is your country gaining by letting your women and children die from malnutrition and all that comes with it? It's infuriating.

26,000 children die EVERY DAY from this problem. 1 child EVERY 7 SECONDS.

When I decided to set up the 30 Hour Famine event through World Vision for my youth group I thought I was just giving them a sweet new free-for-them activity and would open their eyes to the needs of the world. And sure, I am doing that. But I've also rediscovered my own passion for this problem, and my longing to see the day when it ends. There's a part of me that thinks this is the start of something new in my life. I've always known I wanted to work for a mission organization in some capacity. Perhaps this is the beginning.... who knows.

While I figure that out, though, do me a favor and go to this page and donate to World Vision to help end world hunger. And tell all your family to go and do the same. And then tell all your friends, teachers, classmated, whoever to visit too. TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Eeeeeeeeeeeek!!

2010-01-12T10:29:00.000-08:00

I just booked a mission trip!!!!!!!!!!!

So excited/nervous about this. Who wants to help me figure out how to come up with cost/person and other logistical things?? (coughjoelharbargercough)

Christy

2010-01-05T19:11:00.000-08:00

My parents bought me a new copy of Catherine Marshall's book Christy for Christmas, and also the complete series that once ran on television. Needless to say I've spent a good bit of time since Christmas watching some of the episodes.

I'm not sure when I'll re-read the book again but I'm glad I got a replacement, I've read my original copy enough times that some of the pages are falling out.

The main point of this though, is that I love the story and the characters. It's set in the mountains of Cutter Gap, TN where a young girl moves from her home in Ashville, NC to go teach the children of Cutter Gap. It's like it's own universe. It's like Christy (the young school teacher) has stepped back in time.

In reading and watching this story I realize how strongly I myself seem to be called to the mountains. Just the outdoors in genearl. The families in Cutter Gap live day to day, moment to moment.

Winter Camp was a great week. Perhaps it's the kairos kind of schedule still wearing away after last week, or perhaps the foothills of South Eastern Ohio that tugged so strongly at my spirit but I long to live where I can be in the mountains, just living moment to moment.

I think I'd fit in well in West Virginia.

Thank goodness I was a Rec Major. We're much more kairos time scheduled people than the strict chronos schedules of a classroom.

Oh what great adventures lie ahead.

Undying Love.

2010-01-04T19:46:00.000-08:00

When I first started this blog I had named it Please Explain. I would pose a question to whoever might be reading and hope for an answer. When I didn't recieve many responses or comments at all, not to mention thinking that my blog title was dumb I renamed it and stopped trying to think of things that baffled me and started to just write whatever I was thinking at the time of posting.

The first thing I'd like to do (well, second I suppose since I just explained some back story) is ask a "Please Explain" question with the hope that perhaps someone out there has a good answer. My question is this: why must I try and figure out new ways to meet people, hoping that one day I'll meet a lovely eligible bachelor who will then fall head over heels for me and I for him. It seems to me that I already know a ton of eligible bachelors, have a fair share of crushes and gentlemen I pine over. Why can't any of them just go ahead and express their undying love for me. It would certainly make my life a whole lot easier. I could just stop looking, work on an already exisiting relationship and carry on with my life. Someone please explain.

Now that that's out of the way I feel like it's time for me to say a few words about 2009. Everyone else seems to be giving end-of-year or beginning-of-year reflections or so I might as well do the same.

Here are some things that happened:
+ Finished one last quarter of classes, including a bowling class.
+ Lived off campus for the first time in my college career.
- Felt hurt and betrayal like I've never felt before.
+ Went to my first camping conference and visited family in Chicago.
+ Survived my internship.
+ Graduated.
+ Celebrated with multiple friends on their wedding days.
- Changed summer camps after 4 summers.
- Got my heart more or less broken, again.
+ Went whitewater rafting multiple times and got paid for it.
- Got asked where my counselor was by a raft guide.
- Learned how to drive a mini bus without a CDL.
+ Got my family to go whitewater rafting.
+/- moved into an apartment.
+ Started a new job as a part-time Christian Education Director.
-/+ Got my substitute teaching license.
+ Co-planned the 3rd annual Camp Otterbein Winter camp.
- Went on a couple of extremely awkward dates.
+ Got to spend sometime with my IWU in both August and December.

Overall it was a kind of so-so year. Not one that I'd relive. I believe the last year that I'd want to realive again is 2007. That was a great year from what I recall. Or at least the latter half of it was.

I'm really looking forward to 2010. Maybe that's just because I read a horoscope that lead me to believe that it's going to be a great year. If only I put a lot of stock into horoscopes, you know. But I suppose there's nothing to lose looking into the new year with an optimistic spirit. Yet I really am. Hopefully it'll be one of those "I'd relive that!" kind of years.

So, cheers and here's to a new year! One that will be altogether re-livable.

2009-12-14T20:56:00.000-08:00

I should take guitar/ukulele lessons from this kid.

New Dream.

2009-12-12T20:12:00.000-08:00

I have a new dream. I want to star in a movie (or t.v. show) about myself. I know this sounds selfish, and it is. But, after the finale of Glee, I feel as though fictionalizing my life and then playing the part of myself is the only way that my life will seem super romanticized/cute/whathaveyou.

I'm not going to say that I wish that real life were just exactly like a romatic comedy or anything like that. I'm also not going to say that I hate romantic comedies or the super-cutsy love-interest storylines in most t.v. shows/movies because they aren't just like real life. Because I don't. In fact my girly side really enjoys those storylines.

I'm just saying that it would be interesting and fun to see my life portrayed in that kind of light. But I wouldn't want to give the leading lady part up to anyone.

Just thought you all should know.

Once Upon a Time....

2009-11-30T08:54:00.001-08:00

...... and that's all I've got so far.

I'll let you know when the fairy tale happens.

promise.

The Stubborn Little Tree

2009-11-16T20:04:00.001-08:00

If you haven't met my mom, or don't know my mom very well you may not know that she's a storyteller. And a very good one I might add. This is nothing new for me, however, who has had the opportunity to listen to and learn from and be entertained by her stories for many years.

When I was younger I can remember on long car rides (which probably weren't really all that long, but felt long to me) sitting in the backseat and saying "Mom, tell me a story!" and she would. Right there in the car. And not just any stories, but ones that she would make up on the spot. Even today it strikes me as rather impressive. I'm not sure I could be that creative on the spot.

Well, recently one of the stories I remember her telling me has been brought back to the forefront of my mind and been retelling itself in my head for the past few weeks. This weekend I asked her to remind me exactly how the story went and will now do my best to relate it to whoever is reading this, because I for one think it's pretty relevant.

So here it goes: The Stubborn Little Tree

There once was a stubborn little tree who stood in the middle of a great wood. He was much more than a sappling, but much smaller than a Great Oak. He was surrounded by much older and much wiser trees, and would converse with them throughout the his days in the wood.

As the weather got colder, and the days became shorter the stubborn little tree began to notice all of the older and wiser trees beginning to let go of their leaves. He, however, loved his leaves. Their color had turned golden and they were extremely beautiful. There would be no way he would be letting them go.

"You must let go your leaves!" Said one of the older trees one afternoon. But still the stubborn little tree did not listen. Whose right was it to tell him what to do anyway?

For days the stubborn little tree clung to all of his leaves with all of the surrounding older and wiser trees advising him to "Let go your leaves!" claiming that it was "all for the best."

Then, one day, a stiff wind came. It beat against the stubborn little tree, bending it back and forth and side to side. All the while it just blew past all of the other trees without difficulty for there were no leaves on their branches. "You must let go your leaves!" cautioned one of the older and wiser trees once the wind had gone.

And so with a great amount of effort, for he really did love his leaves, the stubborn little tree gave a great shake and many of his leaves fell to the woodland floor. Yet he clung stubbornly to a majority of his leaves. "Really, you must let go your leaves!" said all of the wiser trees, but still the stubborn little tree did not listen.

Again a stiff wind came, this time giving the stubborn little tree no choice but to let go of a few more of his leaves. And although all of the other trees advised him to drop the rest, he refused.

Finally, one morning after a long, cold night, the stubborn little tree awoke to a blanket of snow. The whole wood looked as though someone had come along and covered it in powdered sugar. The other trees, however, awoke to a terrible noise and a loud long cry. For one of the top most branches of the stubborn little tree had snapped under the extra weight of the snow on top of all of the leaves it was still clinging too and the stubborn little tree had let out a long cry of pain.

As the stubborn little tree stood there the oldest and wisest tree whispered "Let go your leaves" and finally, the stubborn little tree listened, and let go all of it's leaves. Then he, along with all of the other trees in the wood, went to sleep for the winter.

In the spring the stubborn little tree awoke, and felt a very strange sensation toward the top of his branches. He looked up to see new shoots growing up out of the place where his branch had broken in the winter, and was also delighted to see that he was beginning to be covered in a whole new set of green leaves.

"You see," said one of the older and wiser trees, smiling down upon the stubborn littel tree, "in order to have new growth, ,you must be willing to part with the old."

The stubborn little tree was not so stubborn any more.

Ok, so I probably just butchered that story for you all, but you get the point, right? You should probably just come to my house and ask my mom to tell it to you in person. But there was a stubborn little tree who refused to let go of his leaves and paid the consequences for it, but then got wiser.

I love this story. And the fact that my mom made up such a great story with a really great lesson in it on a moments notice just because I was bored way back when.

This story really resonates with me. Mainly because I'm more or less that stubborn little tree. I really dread change, and it takes me a while to just go ahead and take the advice of those older and wiser than myself. I always seem to need a stiff wind or two to nudge me in the right direction. And I've even had my share of broken branches when I've proved to be too stubborn for my own good.

Yet at the moment I'm looking forward to all of the changes I see coming or already in place in my life. A new apartment, a new roommate, a new job. New friends and aquaintences and new opportunities for growth. I guess there's just been a lot of change going on in my life at the moment and the most relateable way to share it was through the story of the stubborn little tree.

So, there you go, a new story to tell next time you have a whiney kid in your backseat who needs to be distracted :)

Thank you for echos.

2009-10-28T08:22:00.000-07:00

I took a walk on Monday.

The trail I walked is a little over a mile long. If I had been walking for exercise I would have completed the loop in about 20-30 minutes. Instead it took an hour.

I was walking around a lake in a wooded area (Winton Woods for those of you around here) and it was absolutely gorgeous. It was an unusally warm day - I didn't even take a jacket, and the colors on the trees were phenomenal.

At first I had planned on it being an exercise walk. But after about half a second it turned into a prayer walk. I just couldn't stop thanking God for how beautiful it was. Or how warm it was. Eventually I just decided to stop whenever I felt like I should to thank God for something else. So I went through things like thanking Him for my family, my friends, the outdoors, education, etc. But then I started getting really creative with some of the stops and started thanking Him for things like reflections, echos and bubbles.

It was just really nice and really refreshing. And I was very excited to be able to do a whole prayer walk centered all around thanks and not once start asking or complaining or whining to God about anything. It was purely Adorations that were sent up.

I think I might finally be getting back into being myself. And that's a really great feeling.

NOV. 4th is coming!!

2009-10-23T11:24:00.000-07:00

VOTE YES ON ISSUE 55 (if you live w/in the WWCS district)

http://www.fox19.com/global/Category.asp?C=151146&clipId=&topVideoCatNo=15048&topVideoCatNoB=109491&topVideoCatNoC=104760&topVideoCatNoD=141804&topVideoCatNoE=142722

I know I say it a lot, but imma say it again - I'm SO PROUD of my lil bro :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw_XGrA5J2o

Jesus Loves the Little Children.

2009-10-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

Probably because they make Him laugh.

I sat with the Pre-K and K kids tonight during dinner at church and now have a new favorite verse to the song "Down by the Bay." (You know, the bay.... where the watermelons grow, back to home I dare not go, for if I do my mother will say: have you ever seen a whale with a polka dotted tail/fly wearing a tie/llama eating pajamas.... yeah, that song.) Well the girls I was sitting with graced me with their rendition. During which my new favorite verse was created.

Here it is:
"Down by the bay, where the watermelons grow..... ..... ..... have you ever seen a pig..... ...... driving a JEEP?!"

hahahahahahahaha. it was too cute. This was also after 5 or 5 "correct" verses were sung and after I even suggested that the pig be wearing a wig. But no, that pig was driving a jeep. And then we had the sheep who ate a salad.

What a good night. I love my job :)

Hiatus

2009-10-18T19:16:00.000-07:00

Sorry for such a long absence. I've been spending the last few weeks pondering on something that I ponder on quite often, which is: why did I attempt to re-start a blog? I'll be the first to admit that my blog posts never really seem to make sense, and also that my blog as a whole (at least at this time) doesn't seem to have much of a point. Then I read my friend Joanna's blog entry entitled why? in which she linked to this article which was very thought provoking indeed.

Now, of course my response to this article is no where near as wonderful as Jo's (girl, you're awesome!). In fact after reading that I almost came right back here to shut my blog down at once. However, I feel as though this blog is going to go somewhere. I don't know when or how, but it will.... eventually.

I just need to figure out a way for it to have a point, a way for it to direct glory upward and not me-ward, and to spread light and truth in a way that is fun and not too preachy. I'll probably ponder on it lots more and then be back.

As a closing thought, though, I really like what the article's author's daughter had to say about spending time - if you've got some spare time for crying out loud do NOT come here to read my blog - go do lots of wonderful, more productive things and then come by for a visit. I promise, it'll be here waiting for you whenever you come around.

I remembered!

2009-09-14T08:08:00.000-07:00

As promised, here is the thought that I knew I had a great post for last night but forgot.

Yesterday morning I was introduced at my new church. I have been hired part time as their Christian Education Director and will be planning/helping with programs for all children and youth (4yrs-senior high). I'm quite excited albiet nervous about the whole thing. It was nice because after the service there was a carry-in (potluck) after the service and I was finally able to start meeting some of the kids and youth. I think overall it will be great fun.

Because yesterday was kind of the kick off day for everything (Sunday School started, LOGOS starts Wednesday, choir is back, etc.) we had communion. This church does communion a bit differently than I'm used to. This church is Presbyterian and I have almost always attended a United Methodist church. The differences are fairly miniscule.

Anyway, the communion that I have experienced the most has been that of intinction (spelling?) where everyone walks to the front of the sanctuary and rips off a piece of a real loaf of bread and dips their piece in the cup. My new church, however, serves it in the pews where you pass the bread and the cup and everyone stays seated. Usually when this is done churches use wafers or crackers or some other unpleasent bread option. Yesterday, however, there was real bread and you still had to tear a piece off, it was just done in your seat. That makes me hopeful that that is how this church does it, because I honestly do not enjoy the little cracker things.

The bread you ate when you recieved it and then the members of session who were serving came back around and passed around the little cups of juice. The cup we took all together.

What was most striking to me, though, is what was going on throughout the congregation as communion was being served. Whenever I've seen this done in the past whatever congregation I've been in has sat there almost silently, listening to the music, waiting for everything to get passed and it almost always seems like an eternity. Yesterday was not like that at all. When the bread and cup were being passed there was definitely a twitter around the sanctuary. Heads turned, conversations were whispered, and the pastor even went around and talked to a few people. There was music playing that we all enjoyed, and people were quiet and respectful when the pastor was speaking and when we took the cup in unison.

At first I didn't know how to react. It was completely different from any communion I had taken. I wasn't sure whether to be upset that people didn't appear to be giving it the reverence it deserved or to start a conversation with the people around me too. It was strange. But once I thought about it for more than a milisecond I realized that I really enjoyed it this way. I liked watching and listening to the fellowship that was going on around me. I like that it seemed as though everyone knew how important communion was, but that they weren't going to be awkardly silent during it.

Besides, isn't communion from the last supper, the sharing of a meal. I'm sure that if I were having dinner with Jesus we wouldn't be sitting in silence, awkardly waiting for everything to get passed and consumed before we talked. In fact I'm pretty sure that we would have a lot to talk about and that it would feel rather comfortable. Just like communion did yesterday.

I really am looking forward to serving this church and having fun with their kids and youth. I'm still nervous, and I definitely have my doubts and struggle more often than I'd like to admit with my own faith, but yesterday reminded me that it's ok. We all struggle, but that's why we have each other. And besides if God is for us, who can be against us. He'll definitely be with me as I walk into this new chapter of my life and my faith and I'm pretty exited about that.

This was going to be deep....

2009-09-13T20:17:00.000-07:00

But honestly, I forgot what I was going to say today. There was a moment earlier today where I remember thinking "that would make the best blog post ever!" since then, however, too much has happened and I've forgotten what it was going to be about. Perhaps after a good night's rest I will remember and have something amazing to write tomorrow or in a few days.

Other than forgetting my surely awesome blog post I went to ikea today, met my roommates two very good friends from Wooster, was introduced (officially) at my new church/place of employment and attended my welcome potluck after the service. All in all it was a fantastic day with perfect weather - so perfect that I know exactly what kind of weather I want this coming Saturday for when I (hopefully) go to the Renaissance festival with my good friend Tony.

Speaking of Tony, although I have forgotten what my orginal post was going to be I've created an entirely different one including some pictures and blurbs about some of my favorite gentlemen. So enjoy.

This is Dave and Tony. (Well, Tony and Dave actually.) This pic is a few years old, but I don't think they've really changed much nor has our friendship. They both came to visit me a few weeks ago and Tony and I are planning to go to RenFest this weekend. I really don't know where I'd be without these guys, they are great.

Here's Mike and Zach. They aren't twins, so don't let the picture confuse you. They are, however, in the fam, as are Dave and Tony above. These two, however, I see less often and that greatly saddens me. Although one of them may be moving closer here in the next few months so hopefully that will more or less solve that issue ;) Altogether these 4 guys some of my favorite people of all time. I am blessed indeed to have the friends that I do.

This is Nathan. Or more rather, G.B. He was my co-counselor over the summer. He was great to work with and I miss him. Especially his ridiculous over-sensoring. He was even more intense than I was! But seriously he is fantastic and I hope he's doing well in Texas.

SCOTT SEESE!! I recieved a surprise phone call from this guy today and it made me super happy. Not just because I got to talk to one of my all-time favorite co-camp-staffers, but because it means he survived his treak along the Appalachian Trail. I missed working with him this summer an incredible amount and do sincerely hope that we can get together soon so I can here all his adventure-filled stories.

And last (for tonight at least) but certainly not least is perhaps my FAVORITE gentleman of the times - my lil bro. I love this kid. He just got a part in the Fall Play and is already rockin' his Junior year of high school. Expect amazing things from this guy.... amazing.

I think that's it for now. I'll work on remembering the other stuff. But for now, goodnight!!

Creative People

2009-09-01T20:02:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy being around creative people. Being friends with them, working with them, observing them, learning from them.

I love when I can call a friend and say one idea and she'll run with it, planning a whole week long event in 30 seconds. I love meeting with good friends to brainstorm ideas and coming up with one of the best events/fundraisers I could have asked for. I love hearing about my friend who's travelling the country teaching theatre to kids who wouldn't have that opportunity otherwise. I just love creativity and people who are creative and liking to think I myself can be creative.

Imagination is such a wonderful thing. I hope it's not something being lost in this digital age. And if so, I hope that I can some how help kids find theirs again, even if for only a moment.

1913

2009-08-12T13:07:00.000-07:00

I got my diploma in the mail today :) I'm still undecided as to whether I want to frame it and hang it or keep it safely tucked away somewhere, but it's nice to finally have either way. It's also good to know that I actually DID graduate with honors, so my graduation announcements and fake business cards aren't telling a falsehood. I never thought that not going back to school would feel so.... normal. We'll see how I feel halfway through Septemeber though, I suppose.

Anyway, I went to visit my grandpa in the hospital the other day. He fell out of his wheelchair last week and ended up with a hairline fracture in his pelvis. The resaon he fell: he was leaning over in order to try and clean up a "spill" in the bathroom so housekeeping at his nursing home wouldn't have to do it.

While I was at the hospital with my dad the nurse came in to give my grandpa his medicine. Before she did though she had him tell her his name and birthdate. His name is John and his birthdate was 23 October 1913. 1913. My grandpa is very close to being 100 years old. And that's pretty sweet if you ask me.

During the visit and after the visit I thought a lot. I thought about my grandpa being thoughful enough to try and clean up after himself and how he's just always been that thoughtful. I thought about how it must be hard to have to give up the ability to truly care for yourself after a certain point. I tried to imagine the bruised pride many elderly people must have. There were many thoughts I had about how much my grandpa has experienced after being alive for 95 years. Then I of course wondered how much I will get to experience and see change if I am lucky enough to live that long. It was a good day for contemplation.

One thing is true though, I love my grandpa and really do hope he makes it to 100, because I know that's a goal he has for himself. And more power to him, really. I guess the visit just also made me really glad that he's my grandpa. He really is a pretty neat person and I'm glad I get to be related to him.

As promised....

2009-07-28T10:04:00.000-07:00

An update! I'm not sure how exciting that really is because I have no idea who might actually try and keep up with me and who doesn't. (That's a hint to start leaving comments ;)

Anyway! Camp. That's where I've been. The LIT group was large and crazy and hormone-riddled but over all a great group of kids. Then we had Teen Extreme which was a week long camp in West Virginia. It was pretty sweet. A little sad that the mountain biking people didn't know we were coming but hey, it all worked itself out. Or maybe I worked it out, I am the coordinator after all. Plus the climbing/rappelling and rafting were all stellar so no complaints. Right before getting on the highway to head back to Ohio the bus did start to freak out, but not for long and we all got back safe and sound so it's all good.

Then this week's trip to WV got cancelled because there were only 3 kids signed up for the trip, which a super big bummer because it was easily the sweetest trip we had scheduled - Rock and Raft - a whole week of rock climbing and rafting. I know I was looking forward to it, but alas. It's actually a good thing though because it gives me time to continue the job hunt and attempt to get things in order for a supposed move next month.

Next week is Saddle Paddle (Rafting and horseback riding) which has potential, although I think Rock and Raft would have been sweeter. The good thing is going to be that I'm not going to have to buy and cook all the food all week, the ranch is feeding us. Although that is kind of sad because I like cooking and I like being in charge of food so that I'll know it'll be good, but it was a drag to be the only counselor who knew how to cook. It's been interesting. But after Saddle Paddle I'm done because I won't be staying for the ADA camp. Although I'll probably need the money I feel as though the time to get things even more squared away will be more valuable, especially since my family is headed out on it's first FAMILY VACATION in a very long time shortly after camp wraps up. And I'm uber excited about that - my family is pretty cool and I like hanging out with them.

Other than camp life has been pretty decent. I'm keeping in touch with people fairly well, although that's not too huge a change. I feel as though it would be harder if I hadn't transferred a few years ago. As in if I had spent the full 4 years of my college experience in one place I would probably be freaking out right now because I would know that I wouldn't be rejoining all my friends next month or the month after at school. However I've done that and I've been talking to people constantly. And in doing that have already become super excited for the next few months ahead. I'm really going to try and make it out to Seattle to hang out with my very best two man friends - Mike and Dave - since Mike lives there and Dave will be there on tour in October, so that could be a lot of fun if I can scrape enough money together to actually go. Then there's a student show at IWU also in October that I'm going to try and hit up. Finally I have a few more friends planning on moving to Chicago to join the friends and family I already have up there, so I'll probably try and go up eventually, again all of it depending on how my bank account is looking.

And that, my friends, is going to depend on me finding a job. Fortunately I apparently look really good on paper because I've heard back from every place I've applied and the only "no" answers have been because they've filled the position and forgotten to take the posting off line. Everyone else has asked for more information/references and/or invited me for an interview. I had an interview yesterday actually and it was my second one for that position and it's now between me and one other person. So although the hunt continues it's looking rather promising and I'm so grateful for that.

I think that's about it from this corner of the universe....

Until next time: stay in school, do your homework, paddle more whitewater and whatever you do, don't feed the small children copious amounts of sugar!!

Update coming....

2009-07-27T19:01:00.000-07:00

Just not tonight because I'm sleepy. But fear not, one is coming.

Vampire Mosquito

2009-07-04T20:33:00.000-07:00

I think I got bitten by a vampire mosquito. No joke. The right side of my neck has a small, extremely itchy bump and it's been there for over a week. I might just turn into a mosquito tonight myself and go and find someone to bite. That's how the whole vampire thing works, right? I get bitten and then am eternally doomed to do the same to others. Maybe that's werewolves. Either way my neck itches and it's annoying.

I've had the entire week off and I'm currently having incredibly mixed feelings about going back to work come tomorrow afternoon. This week has been pretty good. I went and volunteered at the camp I worked at for the past three summers and got to hang out and be a fairly helpful extra set of hands for the first half of the week. It was great getting to see everyone, and I was there when quite a few campers I knew were around too so that was especially nice. Then some of that camp staff came to Cincy and we went to the rainy Red's game this afternoon.

Other than that the week has been spent chillin', sleepin', and getting schedules ready for the next group of kids that come my way. I also got to hang out with some friends from high school, ended up having a DTR conversation with a friend and spent entirely too much time on the internets.

The kids I get Sunday will be staying for two weeks and we're going whitewater rafting over the weekend. It should be a good time. Kind of bummed about the working weekend, but since I'm getting paid to whitewater raft I think I'll take it. I have plenty of weekends ahead of me. The other change is that I'm going to have two co-counselors instead of just one with me which should be interesting but a nice change of pace.

OH, and I had an incredibly promising interview on Wednesday evening and got told on Thursday morning by my eye doctor that my vision has actually IMPROVED over the past year. The past week has been full of things and I'm pretty excited to see where the next few weeks takes me (besides whitewater rafting that is).

Staff training 7.0

2009-06-10T19:26:00.000-07:00

Halfway through staff training for the summer and where am I?

At home!!

Oh the joys of being only a half hour away and having such a chill training schedule.

I think it's shaping up to be a pretty great summer.

I'll keep you all as posted as I can.

But that's it for now.

2009-05-24T09:39:00.001-07:00

Still Alive!

2009-05-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

Hey there! Didn't realize I'd been gone so long. Hopw you all didn't miss me too much ;)

I've been busy the last week and a half or so job hunting/applying. I'm trying to find something for when camp ends. it's been going fairly well actually, I've already heard back from a bunch of people and have a phone interview this afternoon.

Of course everything I'm applying for is entry-level so I'm going to have to get really good at keeping an incredibly close eye on my finances for the next few years, but that shouldn't be too huge an issue. It's not like I'm a shop-a-holic or anything.

The search also could become much more narrow by the beginning of next week. I went apartment hunting yesterday with my best friend and we put a hold on a place until next Tuesday. So I have less than a week to decide if I want to commit to staying in this general area for at least a year or if I want to set off on my own right away. Or if I want to stay in my parents house.

So it's been going well, but there have been more important things vying for my attention than blogging. But that, anyway, is what's up with me!

Happy Mother's Day!!

2009-05-09T12:05:00.000-07:00

Moms are so great :)

And God said let there be...

2009-05-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

... understanding.

I had a GREAT weekend both visiting with people and being tapped on the shoulder by God. Many things were crammed into three days including, rummage sales, dinner dates, concerts, CPR training, church going and movie watching. I saw people from New Lex, Athens, Logan and even IWU (go figure). So I'm feeling both incredibly blessed in that I have that many people to visit as well as excited that God not only spoke but that I heard it as well.

In an attempt to not sound too preach-y or whatever I'm going to just say again that it was great. If you want details just get in touch.

Also thanks to Joel for being willing to talk Friday and to Mary Jo for a wonderful church service on Sunday.

:)

Will Starve for Food.

2009-04-25T17:34:00.000-07:00

That was the slogan for the 2009 30 Hour Famine.

I was excited to be able to be a chaperone this year for my home church's youth group. I was especially impressed today with the number of donations that they got during our door-to-door canned food drive.

It's always sort of a bittersweet event though in the fact that I'm reminded of how huge the issue of world hunger really is, but great to see that people are taking a stand.

Now to figure out how to be more involved.

Things I've Learned from Middle Schoolers*

2009-04-24T07:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of things that I have learned from middle schoolers in the past few weeks:

- It's still cool to dress like twins or triplets, even if you're a dude.
- Insanely bright, day-glow nail polish is still the best option.
- Who cares if they're an adult, go a head and ignore them.
- Saying "no offense" before a potentially offenisve statement makes it all ok.
- Even if you can't do something it's alright to tease others until they do the thing that you can't.
- Looking cool always comes before being safe.

Actually I really like middle schoolers, we've just had some interesting ones come through camp in the past few weeks. These were the funniest observations I made.

*Learned as in observed. Please don't miss the sarcasm!!

Rainbow!!

2009-04-20T19:38:00.001-07:00

Today was wet and gross and cold. Until of course all our campers were one their bus home after one whirlwind day of ropes course activities. I hate Ohio weather.

Then it started to rain again after dinner. My mom and I had some shopping to do so we braved the icky-ness and went any way.

As soon as we stepped out of the car I looked up and noticed that half the sky was cloudy and the other was really sunny. I immediately yelled "Where's the rainbow?!" because I knew that there were perfect conditions for one.

Both my mom and I did a quick scan of the sky and almost simeltaenously exlaimed "THERE IT IS!!" and both pointed to the sky. When I went to look where she was pointing she was pointing in the complete opposite direction of where I was.

We had found both ends.

I went into the store where we were and there were 2-3 workers and 2 customers in there. I made an announcement to all to immediately stop what they were all doing and go out and look at the rainbow. One of the customers was especially excited, rather quickly got up from where she was seated waiting for her friend and went outside.

Rainbow are not only pretty, but a great reminder that rain isn't all that bad. Even if it makes for an icky day on the ropes course. Not to mention a great reminder of God's promise to us and all that jazz.

Good day overall.

Gray Squirrel, Gray Squirrel, swish your bushy tail!

2009-04-08T19:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I don't usually post twice in one day let alone in one week. However today was quite an exciting day.... sort of. Right after I finished my previous post and turned off my laptop I accompanied my dad on his daily walk around the neighborhood. Right around the corner from our street we came upon a baby squirrel in the middle of the road. We figured that we could probably shoo him back onto the grass by the road and hoped that he would find his way back to the tree where his home and perhaps his mom were waiting for him. Yet when we walked over to him he didn't move at all. Thinking that perhaps he was just too young to be afraid my dad picked him up and carried him back over to the closest yard.

We began to continue our walk. For about two steps when....

Baby squirrel followed us. We stopped and tried to shoo him away again but instead he got onto my left shoe.

And then proceeded to climb up my left leg.

No joke.

Realizing that he was not at all afraid of us, that he was shivering like crazy and that he would be far safer with us than left to fend for himself we took him on our walk with us. Upon returning home we did a bit of research and called a few rehabilitation places and figured out what we needed to provide to get the little guy through the night. We should be able to take him some place tomorrow but for now he's in a tub asleep on our kitchen table.

It's not everyday a baby squirrel climbs up your leg.

Fresh cut grass

2009-04-08T12:38:00.000-07:00

I love the smell of fresh cut grass. It has to be in the top 10 of amazing smells. I'm excited that it's finally getting warm enough to where this might be a much more common sent in my life. I'm also excited to be working at a camp for my internship with lots of grass. That might make it even more likely that I will get to smell the fresh-cut smell even more often than I might otherwise. :)

Spring Quarter

2009-04-03T05:01:00.000-07:00

G-O-O-D-M-O-R-N-I-N-G
Good Morning, HEY HEY, Good Morning!!

Almost time to head out for day 3 of my internship. I feel like I've been there a week already and it's only been 2 days. That's just usually they way camp works though. If you only have campers for 3 or less days you gotta cram as much into that time span as possible. In the short time I've been there I've already learned just about everything that makes up the Challenge/Adventure program. I think that learning the OE (Outdoor Education) half of it might take just a bit longer. I'm especially excited to learn more about the Living History/Underground Railroad program and start working/acting for that.

It's fun and a little strange to be back in the Cincinnati camping scene. I'm working with two people that I've worked with before and getting all the updates on people I used to work with but am also meeting a ton of new people. I already have a great feeling about how the next two months are going to go and then I'm sure I'll be totally ready to tackle the summer. There's a good mix of familiarity and new stuff to keep me interested in what's going on at all times.

And with that I should probably finish my breakfast and get moving since I'm not yet living at camp and have to commute. Lata!

Spring Break

2009-03-31T07:47:00.001-07:00

Wow what a spring break. I love having time off to be able to travel and visit with people. This year's spring break started in New Lexington, OH then took me to Cincy for a day then I was off to Marion, IN and a whirlwind tour of Illinois.

The majority of my time was spent in Illinois where I got to do a bunch of sweet stuff. I spent the first few days hanging out at the ACA Midstates Conference taking in some awesome keynote speakers and tons of educational sessions all on one of my favoritest topics - CAMP! Yeah, I chose to spend my spring break in a bunch of lectures and presentations, but it was fun to be surrounded by so many camp people from so many different places and I definitely got some good networking in. The keynote speakers were great, especially Scott Arizala. I also went to one of his smaller sessions as well as a session with Michael Brandwein and one with Jim Cain all of which were incredibly valuable learning opportunities. It was also really good to see ACA from a different perspective than being at camp when it just seems like ACA is a lot of rules. Now I definitely see it more as people and as a growing organization with lots of room to grow and expand the ministry of camp. Which is especially exciting for me, someone who is just getting started in the field. I like that it seems like there are places to go :)

During my time at the conference I stayed with my Uncle Joe, Aunt Judy and cousins Jon, Matt and Zach. I haven't seen them since I was in 6th grade. I was worried at first that that might make it awkward, but it was totally great. I felt right at home and have discovered that my dad and my Uncle Joe are practically the same person. It was a fantastic visit and I'm so glad that they offered to let me stay with them. Hopefully we won't wait another 6 years before hanging out again.

After the ACA conference I headed into actual Chicago (all of the above was in the western 'burbs) to visit my friend Emily who just moved there. It was a super short visit but it was well worth having to drive through Chicago traffic to get there. We didn't really do much of anything, but it was good.

Then finally on my way home to Cincinnati yesterday I went to Champaign for about 2 hours to take a walk and visit with my friend Amy. She's from the youth group I was in way back in the day and she and her husband have been living in Champaign for about 5 years. This was the first I've made it out there. Amy was an integral part of my spiritual formation growing up (she's got about 5 years on me) and being able to talk and relate as adults was fun. Plus I love the fact that she understands the importance of talking or having a meal or taking a walk when you get together instead of just going out to a movie or watching t.v. We had some good chats and then I was off again.

All in all I would say it was an incredibly successful spring break and I feel refreshed and relaxed and ready to take on my next challenge: my internship - starting tomorrow!! :)

At least I didn't burn down the house....

2009-03-18T11:57:00.001-07:00

So the other night when I was working on my laptop when all of a sudden it went to battery power. This was strange because I knew for a fact that my computer was plugged in. I went to double check all the connections and everything was indeed plugged in. Then I started hearing a static-y noise coming from behind my computer. I tipped my laptop forward to find that my computer cord had torn (?) and there were blue sparks coming out of it. I quickly unplugged everything and was very grateful to not have burned down the house in which I've been residing a week before I leave.

In any event I have been trying to use my laptop as little as possible so if you don't hear from me or I don't respond to things such as myspace, facebook or other such messages in a timely manner I apologize. You are more than welcome to call me or talk to me in person though. Which, in all honesty, I prefer better anyway. Just thought I should let you all know what's up.

And throw out the praise that my house is still standing :)

What a weekend

2009-03-15T11:42:00.001-07:00

What a good weekend.

Thursday: Applebee's with Cassie, Heather and Jaime.
Friends make college what it is. I'm love these three girls. They're fun. We spent most of the evening trying to figure out where we knew our waiter from but never really figured it out. We also tried to figure out what this decade will be called once it's over. The '80s and '90s were easy but the '00s? Nothing sounds right. We also stayed up and watched Good Luck Chuck at my place. It was good times.

Friday: TNFN show, running ing to chrysalis girls, sleepover at Faith's in Pickerington, good car and falling asleep conversations with Molly.
I was sorry for Jami that not more people showed up to the Charity Gig she set up. I think most of it was probably due to timing, but she did a phenomenal job putting it together. And the bands were fun, although I will probably never be a big fan of loud concerts. I was excited to see some of the girls from the Chrysalis Flight I helped with back in January there. I love Chrysalis, but it's true that you don't really see the people from the weekend again very often, so it was fun to see them and catch up.
Of course spending time at Faith's was fun. How could it not be? We watched How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and I don't care what the other two tell you, it's still funny to me. There's just something inherently fun about staying up way past your bedtime with close friends, eating junk food and watching movies. Sharing secrets or whispered conversations in the dark while drifting off to sleep will always be one of my favorite things to do. It's comforting to know that no matter what ups and downs my friendships go through there's always going to be times when you can just talk, chill, do whatever and have fun.

Correction from above: Friends don't just make college what it is, they make life what it is. Or at least for me they do.

Saturday: more good car conversations with Molly, African Children's Choir concert in A-town with Joel and Wendy, impromptu overnight at my other home.
I love good conversations :)
The African Children's Choir was fun. Their faith and their joy astound me, especially after hearing some of their stories. I'm a so incredibly blessed to live the life I do. Yet I feel as though they feel the same way.... sort of. I really want to strive to know joy and hope like that. What a show it was.
Since I was feeling too tired to drive I ended up car pooling with my fellow show-goers as well as spending the night at their place. I love having a home away from home, and it being an actual home, not just a house with other college students but a home with a family. It's nice. I like it.

Sunday: still goin'!
So we'll see where it goes. Then it's paper writing and take-home-final-finishing so I can really be officially done with this quarter and get on to chillin', relaxin' and hangin' out before leaving town next weekend.

If you wanna hang before the end, hit me up!

Winton (ah ah) Woods!!

2009-03-11T12:39:00.000-07:00

So if you've been here a time or two before you may notice that I've changed the heading of my blog. I tried the "Please Explain" thing which was fun for a while but sometimes there were days where I just wanted to write something and didn't feel that anything needed explaining. I'll try this new theme, of "Today's Praise...... or Concern" and see how it works for a while. Who knows, I'm bad at coming up with these kinds of things. I'm just trying to be clever.

Anyway, today's post is really both a praise and a concern and perhaps the reason I chose the new title. Yesterday I drove home to Cincinnati both to pick up my new license plates from mi padre and to hear my lil bro's "Tune Up" choir concert. All of the choirs at my high school are headed for contest this coming weekend and they always hold a concert right before in order to prepare.

Now, let me brag for just a second.... my brother is in Varsity Ensemble at Winton Woods. In case you don't know our V.E. is kind of a big deal. They went and sang in China for the Olympics last summer. They sing with the Cincinnati Pops almost every year. They've recieved compliments from some of the best choir directors in the country. Last night they performed a rather difficult a cappella piece that they learned just last week. (Link to Video Below) Oh, and my brother's a sophomore.... there are something like 4 sophomores in that entire 40+ person choir. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czQTvKTTMmo

Last night was FUN. The choirs were great, as usual and both Counterpoint and Harmony sang. Counterpoint is the new a cappella women's small ensemble and Harmony is a long standing student run men's a cappella group. When Harmony sang I had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard, they sang 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight' and had so much fun with it. One of my brother's friends was the "lion" and.... maybe you just had to be there, but it was a good time. Finally Gospel Keys (another long standing student run group) finished out the night with high energy and enthusiasm.

It was great to see that the spirit is still there at Winton Woods. It's just as much fun to be a part of the choral program as it was when I was there. The student groups that either my friends or my friends' older sibilings started are still alive and kickin'. I went over and thanked Mr. Bell and Mr. Spaulding the directors after the performance and told them that it was well worth the 3 hour drive to get there for it and told them to wish all the groups good luck for me for this weekend.

I love my high school. I know I didn't always realize or admit that when I was there, but Winton Woods is truly a unique place with an incredible amount of spirit and..... I don't know.... dedication? determination? Diversity for sure. I'm not sure what other word I'm looking for, but it's a special place and I'm so greatful to have been able to spend 4 years of my life there.

The concern, however, is that there's another levy coming up in May. The last levy for the district failed back in November. I know that times are hard, but education is something that MUST be invested in. I can't wait until Ohio comes up with a new way to fund its public schools. Until then I guess I just have to pray and help in the fight to get the next levy passed. I'm glad I'll be home in April.... you'll definitely be seeing me going door to door or volunteering in any way I can in order to assure the levy passes. It needs to. "There's too much at stake if it doesn't."

Today Was a Beautiful Day

2009-03-09T19:25:00.001-07:00

Today was a beautiful day. I spent a majority of today on my back porch and outside in general. I actually got too hot at one point and had to come in because it was so warm out. Therefore I had the audacity to hope that for once I wouldn't seen any Uggs. Alas, I attend Ohio University and without fail, I saw a pair.

I hate Uggs.

Chacos, on the other hand = LOVE

And it makes me happy that I can wear mine again.

NOLS moment

2009-03-06T20:42:00.001-08:00

Tonight as I was walking home I looked up at the sky and was amazed. I love the sky. I love cloud gazing, star gazing, and even just looking up into the giant expanse of blue. The sky is awesome.

Anyway, when I looked up there were clouds, but the moon was shining through them and it was just pretty neat. Of course I was walking so I couldn't look up for more than a few seconds at a time, but I loved it anyhow. Because I always do.

What I didn't expect, however, was to be hit with what I shall now call a "NOLS moment." You know, a brief second when you just wish you were back somewhere where you had been before. And you know that the only people who will understand are those who were with you there in the first place. Yeah, one of those. I definitely had a NOLS moment when I looked into the sky. Because no matter how cool the sky is to look at nothing, nothing, NOTHING will ever beat star-gazing from inside a sleeping bag while lying on a slab of slick rock in Grand Gulch. And if something ever does beat that, I will be amazed.

So of course I sent a quick text to my friend Felicia who was there with me, knowing she would understand and then went on enjoying the sky here and now. It did make me happy, however, to realize that there are definitely some great memories from the three months I spent at NOLS, and now that my knee is feeling better and that the experience is a bit further out I'm really beginning to remember the great parts. Of all the places I went and saw Grand Gulch was most assuredly my favorite and I kind of can't wait to go back sometime. Really. And realizing that is the best part of all.

No More PT!!

2009-03-04T12:14:00.001-08:00

I just got done with my very last Physical Therapy session for my knee. This is fairly exciting seeing as how it means that my knee has regained almost all of it's strength back. The therapist I've been working with encouraged me to continue doing my home exercises but said that I won't have to go back in. I suppose that's both great and kind of sad because I really enjoyed talking to the people who work there. But now I feel as though one big hurdle has been surpassed and that makes me even more ready to tackle the next.

The common cold

2009-03-02T16:04:00.000-08:00

Why does the common cold always decide to hit at the most opportune time? Like during the last two weeks of the quarter when everything is due. It's really not enjoyable :( Someone please explain this to me.

Besides waking up with a cold this morning I also found out that my email is on the fritz and I can't open up any new messages. So if you email me and don't hear back soon that's probably why. Feel free to give me a call or hit me up on Facebook.

Singing Men

2009-03-01T21:23:00.001-08:00

I went to the Singing Men of Ohio concert on Friday night and it was fantastic. I don't know what it is but there is just something inherently amazing about the male singing voice, and even more so about an entire choir full of them. The only thing to beat those two things out are men's a cappella groups and fortunately there was one of those there too. It was quite an enjoyable two hours of my Friday night and I have decided that wherever I end up after graduation I need to look into the area's performing arts groups. I love concerts and shows and live performances and am glad I was reminded of that this weekend.

On a completely unrealted note the wind outside my house is ridiculous.

Have a good night!!

Reiteration

2009-02-28T20:41:00.000-08:00

I would just like to take this moment to reiterate what I said yesterday.... if you haven't seen Gran Torino yet please go out and do so. You can thank me later.

Gran Torino

2009-02-27T21:06:00.000-08:00

If you haven't already go out and watch Gran Torino. I wish I were smart enough or deep enough to write more about it, but I feel as though anything I would say just would not measure up to everything I'm feeling due to this movie, nor would I do it justice.

I will say this, however, not many movies make me tear up in the way this one did tonight.

Go see it, it will be well worth your $6.50 or however much you pay and the 2 or so hours of your time. Really, go. Then come back and tell me what you thought.

Ash Wednesday

2009-02-25T18:41:00.000-08:00

I just got home not too long ago from my church's Ash Wednesday service. Well, one of my churches.... this one being First UMC in Athens where I go to school.

It was good. I'll admit that usually every year I go to an Ash Wednesday service but it never really clicks with me what I'm doing or what I'm preparing for. It's just something that I've always done since I was little and went to church whenever my parents said we were going, you know? But tonight was different. Not in a huge, life changing, blinding light sort of way. But in a quiet, small, heart-changing kind of way. I have a serious feeling that this Lenten season will be one like no other for me, and I'm excited. A bit scared, but very excited.

My favorite part was when we were saying the Lord's prayer. There was an elderly gentleman sitting behind me and he had a very low, grandpa-like voice. Next to me were my friends Jess and Cat who both have rather sweet sounding higher-pitched voices. All around me were different people in different stages of life with different voices all repeating the same prayer. It reminded me that no matter who we are or what walk of life we are in or what kind of voice we have we all essentially believe in the same thing. There was no doubt about it - God was there tonight.

It was good.

2009-02-24T18:37:00.000-08:00

I applied for graduation today.

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!!

This kid....

2009-02-23T12:55:00.000-08:00

And why is he so amazing?

Meet my little brother: Kevin.

I love this kid. A lot.

And I'm really proud of him, and really impressed with the way he's growing up. When we were younger we fought a lot and he was little more to me than the annoying younger sibling. We definitely had our rough patches and some days I swore that as soon as I moved out I'd never look back.

Today, however I am happy to say that Kevin is probably not only one of the best brothers I think I could have asked for but one of the greatest friends I think I have. I was lucky enough to get to spend some time with him this weekend, just some brother-sister time even since the reason I was home was that my dad was off working and my mom was at a retreat. We spent a great deal of time just chillin' on the couch bed and watching hours of Arrested Development together. I love that we can hang out like that now. It doesn't hurt that he cracks me up like no one else can and is also already scheming ways to "check out" any future boyfriends that might come my way too. Oh Kevin.

I kind of forget when he turned into a human ;) but I'm so glad he did. I'm so excited to see where he goes in life and am super excited to get to be a part of it.

Please explain to me siblings.... and how they can go from annoying alien turd one second to actual human being and formidable scrabble opponent the next.

2009-02-22T20:59:00.000-08:00

"But I want to be real
I want to find out who I am
And I will find my way to heal
And I will find my voice my stand"

- From the song Real by Superchic[k]

I love when I listen to a CD that I haven't listened to for a really long time and then it speaks to me in new ways. I had a really kind of blah week last week but after a meeting Thursday, an amazing conversation with a friend from home on Friday night, hanging out with my lil bro (more on that tomorrow hopefully :), an overnight at home and listening to this CD I feel like I've moved to an entirely new place.

The chorus above pretty much sums up my life at this moment. I long to be real and I defintely want to find out who I am. Over the past year I feel like I have a lot of healing to do, but am currently still struggling to find the way to do that but I know that it will all lead to me finding my voice and where I stand. That's a lot for four little lines to be saying, but I feel like it's all so true for me in this moment.

I'm not sure if it's my upcoming birthday or being on the brink of graduation, but I do indeed believe that I'm comming up on a huge new and exciting phase of life but am totally aware it's gonna be tough. Who knows maybe it'll be great too.

In other news I got a free t-shirt and a sweet new book for $4 on clearance this weekend. What couldn't be great about that, right?

Relationships

2009-02-16T08:21:00.000-08:00

Please explain to me relationships and how these people:

Have come to mean so much to me in such a relatively short amount of time.

Friends truly are the family you choose for yourself. I think I've picked pretty well.

The weather

2009-02-12T06:03:00.001-08:00

Someone please explain to me the weather. Especially the weather in Ohio. And how it can go from ice storms and school closings to 65 and gorgeous and back to snow/rain showers and grossness so quickly.

I got to play in the park with my favorite 2 year old, her 4 month old baby sister and their mom yesterday. What a wonderful taste of spring that was, and it was oh-so-good for my soul. I hope that just as yesterday was a small taste of spring that this world is just a small taste of something better yet to come. Wouldn't that be nice.

The 2nd time 'round.

2009-02-09T15:07:00.000-08:00

Please explain.... throwing up and why can't food taste as good coming back up as it did going down the first time. I guess it's because if it did there would be people throwing up everywhere all the time and that would just be gross.

Today was a good day... and then I got to taste my breakfast again. I'll kill my brother for leaving germs around our house and making me sick. Actually I won't, but being sick is no fun. None at all.

Used Car Salesmen

2009-02-08T13:18:00.000-08:00

Please Explain.... Used Car Salesmen. Why do so many of them have to actually live up to the stereotype? Greasy hair, stupid ties, fake smiles. People who don't listen to the customer and are more interested in selling anything than making sure you get what you really want/need.

I met Flint this weekend. I never want to be like Flint. Nor do I ever want to shop at Kerry Ford again.

Surprises

2009-02-05T08:20:00.000-08:00

My dad certainly knows the way to my heart. I knew I was to be expecting a package from home with a picture printer ink cartridge and a pair of pants, but the extra goodies were great surprises. My dad (who works at the post office) likes to find creative packaging material. This time he used a bag of marshmellows, some chocolate and an early Valentine's Day card. Perfect surprises for a girl with camp in her blood and a s'more addiction. It was quite the nice surprise.

I hope that all those that I know have people who are thoughtful enough to surprise them. It certainly is nice every once in a while.

I love my daddy.

Builder/Negotiator

2009-01-31T17:57:00.000-08:00

"You are a wonderful friend and colleague. You are generally calm and entertaining, and always dedicated and reliable. Just about everybody likes you. You have a traditional streak. Home, family, job and community are all central to you. You like being firmly embedded in your social groups and you feel deeply responsible for just about everyone around you. You can be fiercely protective of those you love. You are skilled at managing people. You are sympathetic and cooperative; you are also hard working and display a good deal of common sense. And you can be very patient. So you can complete detailed, painstaking jobs more easily than most people. You enjoy building social relationships. And you are skilled at achieving solutions to sticky problems so that all involved feel fulfilled. You tend to be cautious but not fearful. You have a genuine sense of community. So you seek projects that enable you to contribute to a more stable world."

Nothing like a personality test to make your day.

I'm a snob

2009-01-30T22:50:00.000-08:00

Today (well yesterday) I heard 3 people talk about "camping." I put camping in " " because each of them talked about it in the sense that they do so in campers or trailers. I can't help but think, after years of vacationing with my family staying in nothing but our two room tent and years staying in platform tents and brushshelters with my girl scout troop or as camp staff, that trailer "camping" can't possibly be real camping at all.

Tents. Fires. Non-running water. No electricity. That's camping.

Ground pads. Sleeping bags. Camp stoves. Camping.

There are art snobs, theatre snobs, music snobs. I think I'm a camp snob. How oxymoronic.

Winter Doldrums

2009-01-29T19:21:00.001-08:00

The past few days have been bittersweet. On the sweet side my friends Cassie and Heather came over for dinner on Tuesday and we spent 5 hours hanging out, I had my first PT appointment for my knee, OU closed for a snow day on my busiest day of the week and I have been in touch with more friends than usual thanks to Facebook. On the bitter side there have been 5 missed or cancelled lunch/hangout dates, a ridiculous amount of ice and a settling in of what I like to call the Winter Doldrums into my system.

On a completely unrelated note it's hard for me to watch ER and see John Stamos on it. For me he will always, always be "Uncle Jessie."

I'm still not enitrely sure what this weekend has in store, but I'm hopeful that I will be able to go to Columbus for the Superbowl and hang out with some awesome camp friends, especially my dearest Taboo who I have not seen in close to 5 months now.

Watch out Doldrums.... you can't stay for long. There's fun to be had!

2009-01-27T18:58:00.000-08:00

"Your blog is whatever you want it to be. There are millions of them, in all shapes and sizes, and there are no real rules."

This, found on the first page of the blogger.com tour in combination with a slight nudge by a friend have convinced me that I should once again venture into cyberspace with my own personal blog. I was leary at first, especially in thinking about all the people I know who are actually good at writing who might happen across this, but I'm sure they'll bear with me. Plus I'd like a place to chronicle all of the exciting events coming up (such as graduation!). So we'll see where it goes. Perhaps some places exciting, and perhaps some not. Either way, feel free to join me on the ride :)