Last night at Vespers we had a candlelit service, and as I watched all the little candles being lit one row at a time I started to think back to all the previous candlelit services I have sat through. Or stood through, because I guess typically by the time the candles are lit, you're usually standing. Anyways. I have several very clear memories of these services that really show I and my siblings and cousins got the most out of the candlelit services we attended.
Most of the memories I have of candlelit services come from my grandparents' church out in Phoenix, where I spent roughly half of my childhood Christmases. My mom's side of the family met at my grandparents' house every other Christmas, and every Christmas Eve we would all walk the couple of blocks up to their little church where we would join in the singing, and Bible reading, and of course, the candlelit service. After singing hymns and listening to others in the church sing their prepared numbers we would take the little candles we had been playing with all service and watch as one by one, row by row they were lit, making the whole sanctuary look like a little fairyland, with seemingly hundreds of dancing lights. After everyone's candles were lit we would march out to the lawn of the church where we would sing Silent Night and Joy to the World. And then as if on cue all the candles would be blown out...well not quite all. The Finger clan (with all 16 grandchildren) would still be running around playing with our candles as we tried to keep them lit as long as possible.
Memories I have of candlelit services:
1. A random kid blowing out one of my cousin's candles and the rest of us turning to glare at whomever would dare to blow out a candle that was not their own.
2. Using the candles as swords. The paper guards they put on so wax doesn't get all over you makes for a perfect hand guard in sword fights.
3. Trying to keep our candles lit the whole walk back to my grandparents house. (Only to blow them out as soon as we got back in their yard.)
4. Getting wax accidentally on our hands, and then proceeding to cover our hands with wax so that it could be pulled off later (we were weird kids.).
5. Seeing how small we could let the candle burn down to before it became too hot to hold.
Like I said, we clearly got a lot out of the candlelit services we attended as children. :)
Friday, December 16, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Mario Vargas Llosa
So yesterday I had a really cool and unique experience that I want to share with you a little bit! I'm taking a Latin American Literature course for my Spanish course this semester, and as of late we've been reading some of Mario Vargas Llosa's work. Mario Vargas Llosa is a pretty famous writer in Latin America and in Spain. He's been involved in the political scene in Peru (ran for president in 1990 and lost to Fujimori) and has recently re-become involved in Peru's political scene. Vargas Llosa also won the Nobel Prize for literature last year. And yesterday, he was in St. Louis! SLU (St. Louis University) awarded him their literary award, and my classmates and I got to go! It was pretty cool to get to see him, get his autograph and listen to this guy whose works we've been reading speak about some of his experiences! Not many people can say they've had that opportunity. So here's a few pictures from this unique experience!
Here he is signing someone else's book!
And here he is signing mine! SO cool!
Being interviewed!
So anyways. That was my cool experience yesterday! Not many people can say they've heard speak/ pseudo met a Nobel Prize winner! It was pretty exciting, to be sure!
“I learned to read at the age of five, in Brother Justiniano’s class at the De la Salle Academy in Cochabamba, Bolivia. It is the most important thing that has ever happened to me. Almost seventy years later I remember clearly how the magic of translating the words in books into images enriched my life, breaking the barriers of time and space...”
― Mario Vargas Llosa
― Mario Vargas Llosa
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Fair Trade
For my Social Theory class ( haha I don't know what it means either...I'm partially kidding...but seriously...) we have a paper due this week. For this paper, we had to pick a global issue and apply a specific social theory to that issue (exciting stuff, I know.). Anyways. The topic I chose to research and qualify from a structural functionalism perspective (Don't worry. You don't have to understand that to understand this post. :) ) is the how fairly traded products are helping to combat the issue of unfair wages and working conditions. I thought I'd share a bit of what I've found with all ya'll. I'll spare you the boring theory parts of my paper, but the gist of it is that throughout the world the working poor are exploited by the wealthy upper class. In order to provide cheap products to consumers (namely those consumers in the United States), millions of people are forced to work for wages that are barely enough to survive on (We're talking people living on a dollar or a couple of dollars a day. And we want to complain about our financial situations??). The idea behind the fair trade movement is purchasing products that have been traded in a way that gives the farmers and workers that provide these products a fair wage for their labors. It cuts out the middlemen involved in the selling process, allowing the farmers and workers to receive top dollar for their product. It's a movement that has been gaining ground in recent years, and has the potential to change the lives of the working population all around the world. And it starts with us, the consumers.
In researching for this paper, I came across some information via the largest certifier of fair trade products in the US (Many stores or church groups sell products that are based on fairly traded principles, but they may not have the certified label on it. This just means that they haven't gone through the certification process. It doesn't mean workers aren't receiving fair pay for their product. You just have to be careful because sometimes stores will try to say something is fairly traded, even though it hasn't been.). This certifier is called Fair Trade USA. In order for a product to be technically considered 'fair trade' it needs to have a label on it that looks something like this:
As I said, Fair Trade USA is the largest certifier of fairly traded products in the U.S. This means that most likely, for a product to be considered fair trade it has to get the stamp (or label) of approval from this organization. I've found a lot of information on Fair Trade USA's website, and I'll post some of their videos on this post to help you become more informed about your purchasing power. One of Fair Trade USA's key points is that every purchase we make matters. When we make informed choices in our purchases we can be making a difference in the lives of workers all over the world. By purchasing a product with this label on it over a product that hasn't been fairly traded, we can be assured that farmers and workers are getting the most money for their product (because they don't have to go through middlemen, brokers, exporters, and all these other people who would be taking profits from them). We can also know that the higher profits these farmers receive will be used to build better communities, as well as used to make better products. And who doesn't want to be buying a better product for their dollar? So take a minute (or many minutes) to browse through these videos and others on the site, and become aware of the power we have as consumers.
In researching for this paper, I came across some information via the largest certifier of fair trade products in the US (Many stores or church groups sell products that are based on fairly traded principles, but they may not have the certified label on it. This just means that they haven't gone through the certification process. It doesn't mean workers aren't receiving fair pay for their product. You just have to be careful because sometimes stores will try to say something is fairly traded, even though it hasn't been.). This certifier is called Fair Trade USA. In order for a product to be technically considered 'fair trade' it needs to have a label on it that looks something like this:
And there's a bunch more on Fair Trade USA's website. I'm not saying Fair Trade will completely revolutionize the economic disparity much of the developing world finds itself in. But it could help for sure! And think about it. Products such as coffee, tea, sugar, chocolate, and bananas are some common fair trade items. We buy these things every day! Why not make a conscious effort to look for a fair trade certified label and directly impact someone's life for the better? You're already going to be using these items, so why not look for a fair trade certified label and help improve someone's life? Yes, it may cost a little bit more, but honestly I think it's worth it. I fully believe in the power of Fair Trade. Sometimes it's not always realistic to buy everything I need fair trade (especially being a college student), and not everything I purchase is fairly traded. But since I started researching for this paper, it's made me think about how easy it would be to just look for that label when I go out and buy coffee, or whatever else. I don't have much money, but I for sure have more than a lot of the people who work to make the products I buy all the time. It's really important for us to be able to make informed choices about what we purchase, and I know the next time I go out to get groceries or whatever else, I'll try to find certified fair trade products. Every purchase matters. And we can make a difference in the lives of so many people. Seems like the right thing to do, yeah? Just take some time to become more informed on this movement, and I hope you will consider starting to purchase fairly traded items! How about starting with that cup of coffee you drink every morning? :) Ok. That's all I have for now.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Long overdue update
I sincerely apologize for my inconsistency in posting lately. I have been so insanely busy, and even now I have a hundred other things to be doing, but I'm taking a minute to post, for therapeutic reasons :). So here's just a little update on life.
I've now been in classes for a month and a half or something crazy like that, and am down to the final five games of regular season soccer. Time flies! And let me just tell you, it's been so busy. Good, but busy. I feel like I hardly have a chance to breathe! We've been traveling a lot for soccer lately, which tends to mean missing classes. I enjoy being a student athlete, but it can be hard to balance everything and stay up with all I need to get done. I'll be grateful for some time to just focus on classes when soccer is done for the year. That being said, I do really enjoy having the opportunity to still play the game I love, and love getting to spend time with my teammates on our trips out of Greenville. Our team has been improving steadily throughout the season, and I'm excited to see what all we can accomplish with the remainder of our season. We've been attending an all athletics Bible study that Rachel B and I have been leading the worship for. It's been really encouraging to be able to worship and grow with my fellow GC athletes. My classes this semester are challenging, but in a good way (for the most part). I feel like I've had a lot more homework, specifically reading, this year than in semesters past, but at the same time I find the subject material interesting. It makes it a little easier to do the work when I find it enjoyable. Save for a few classes, I am enjoying the material being presented to me in class. It's starting to turn into fall here, which might possibly be my favorite time of year. Of course, I say that every time the seasons change. I love it when summer turns into fall, fall into winter, winter to spring and spring to summer. Just that little change to break up the monotony. But I really do love fall, with all the trees changing colors, the air getting just a bit cooler and crisper, when I can pull out and wear sweaters and boots, and of course the appearance apples and pumpkin spice lattes. Mmmm. Yes, I love fall indeed. It hits a little later down here than it does back home and I've been ready for the seasons to change for awhile now. Case and point, I sent all my shorts and tank tops home with my parents when they were down here thinking it was about time for fall to start, and then it stayed in the mid 80s that whole next week. I'm hoping it starts to cool down for good soon. Fall just isn't the same when it's constantly hot. Gotta love Southern Illinois weather. At least in Wisconsin when it gets cold you know it's going to stay cold. None of this changing back and forth stuff. You know when you wake up it will be cold, it's just a matter of how cold and how many layers you need to put on. :) So yeah. That's been life since my last post, which was shamefully long ago. Sorry bout that!
I've now been in classes for a month and a half or something crazy like that, and am down to the final five games of regular season soccer. Time flies! And let me just tell you, it's been so busy. Good, but busy. I feel like I hardly have a chance to breathe! We've been traveling a lot for soccer lately, which tends to mean missing classes. I enjoy being a student athlete, but it can be hard to balance everything and stay up with all I need to get done. I'll be grateful for some time to just focus on classes when soccer is done for the year. That being said, I do really enjoy having the opportunity to still play the game I love, and love getting to spend time with my teammates on our trips out of Greenville. Our team has been improving steadily throughout the season, and I'm excited to see what all we can accomplish with the remainder of our season. We've been attending an all athletics Bible study that Rachel B and I have been leading the worship for. It's been really encouraging to be able to worship and grow with my fellow GC athletes. My classes this semester are challenging, but in a good way (for the most part). I feel like I've had a lot more homework, specifically reading, this year than in semesters past, but at the same time I find the subject material interesting. It makes it a little easier to do the work when I find it enjoyable. Save for a few classes, I am enjoying the material being presented to me in class. It's starting to turn into fall here, which might possibly be my favorite time of year. Of course, I say that every time the seasons change. I love it when summer turns into fall, fall into winter, winter to spring and spring to summer. Just that little change to break up the monotony. But I really do love fall, with all the trees changing colors, the air getting just a bit cooler and crisper, when I can pull out and wear sweaters and boots, and of course the appearance apples and pumpkin spice lattes. Mmmm. Yes, I love fall indeed. It hits a little later down here than it does back home and I've been ready for the seasons to change for awhile now. Case and point, I sent all my shorts and tank tops home with my parents when they were down here thinking it was about time for fall to start, and then it stayed in the mid 80s that whole next week. I'm hoping it starts to cool down for good soon. Fall just isn't the same when it's constantly hot. Gotta love Southern Illinois weather. At least in Wisconsin when it gets cold you know it's going to stay cold. None of this changing back and forth stuff. You know when you wake up it will be cold, it's just a matter of how cold and how many layers you need to put on. :) So yeah. That's been life since my last post, which was shamefully long ago. Sorry bout that!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Soccer Blog
Check it out! I'm going to be blogging for the Greenville College Women's Soccer team this season! Stay up on what's happening on my team by following the blog and liking us on facebook. Here's my first blog post. Enjoy!
Friday, September 9, 2011
Texas!
I am privileged to be a part of an amazing soccer team. I never dreamt of playing soccer at this level, but I am so glad that I still get to play the game I love. I am also glad that the team I play for gets to take super fun trips like the one we just took to San Antonio, Texas. Though the trip wore me out beyond belief, and though I missed a bunch of school right off the bat, I had a great time with my teammates and coaches and made a ton of awesome memories.
We left Thursday after our morning classes to play a game against Lindenwood-Belleville, which is just about an hour from Greenville. Put a win on the board from that game, woo woo! After the boys played (and showered!) we piled onto our bus and started the long trek to Texas. Well, I guess we technically started the long trek to Oklahoma, since we spent a few hours in a hotel there. Now as fun as all that time on a bus sounds, let me tell you. It really isn't all that fun. But at least that first leg of the journey wasn't too terrible. Friday morning we got back onto the bus and started the next leg.
Sunday we had the day off from soccer. We started off the day by going to church as a team. It is still awesome to me that I am part of a team where we can openly worship together. Once again I am reminded of why I chose a faith-based institution. We went to the Alamo United Methodist Church, and it was a different service from what I'm used to, but I think it's always good to be able to see how other people worship, and get out of our normal Sunday routines. After church we headed to check out the historic Alamo. I have to admit, I thought it would be a little more exciting. ;)
We left Thursday after our morning classes to play a game against Lindenwood-Belleville, which is just about an hour from Greenville. Put a win on the board from that game, woo woo! After the boys played (and showered!) we piled onto our bus and started the long trek to Texas. Well, I guess we technically started the long trek to Oklahoma, since we spent a few hours in a hotel there. Now as fun as all that time on a bus sounds, let me tell you. It really isn't all that fun. But at least that first leg of the journey wasn't too terrible. Friday morning we got back onto the bus and started the next leg.
She looks so good. ;)
This time...not so fun. Who knew Dallas traffic could be so terrible?! Turns out it can. And was. After a looooooonnnnnnnngggggggg time on the bus we finally got to our hotel in San Antonio, and it was straight to bed! (I don't think anyone was complaining.) We got up Saturday morning for a whole day filled with soccer. Girls played Mary Hardin-Baylor in the early afternoon, and it was so hot. My northern blood doesn't know how to handle heat like that...and I didn't even play in that game. Kudos to the girls who did! Though we didn't play well, we were able to pull off another win after going into double overtime. After our game the guy's team played Trinity. Trinity is a very good side for both guys and girls. Our boys did so good and held them to 1-0. Disappointing to lose, but they stayed competitive through the whole game. After the guys game (I told you it was a whole day affair) we were able to watch the Trinity girls play the Hardin-Simmons girls. Holy cow. That was some good soccer. Not only are these two teams huge rivals, but they are also two of the top teams in the nation. Hardin-Simmons won the national tournament last year, and as we sat there we watched Trinity (who we were about to play on Monday) beat Hardin Simmons 3-2 in double overtime. So stinking good. Even though watching that game made us slightly terrified to play Trinity on Monday, it was an awesome game to watch, and was seriously some good soccer. And that was basically Saturday.Sunday we had the day off from soccer. We started off the day by going to church as a team. It is still awesome to me that I am part of a team where we can openly worship together. Once again I am reminded of why I chose a faith-based institution. We went to the Alamo United Methodist Church, and it was a different service from what I'm used to, but I think it's always good to be able to see how other people worship, and get out of our normal Sunday routines. After church we headed to check out the historic Alamo. I have to admit, I thought it would be a little more exciting. ;)
There it is.
Alright, so not a super impressive building. But the history is still cool. After we took a picture in front of the Alamo we split off and had the rest of the day to walk around and shop at the Riverwalk area. I had so much fun with my girls. I seriously have the best teammates.
Gotta have a picture with all the soccer Rachels. Classic. :)
She's a little feisty sometimes. :)
Best shirt ever: Relax, Gringo. I'm leagal!
After a day of shopping, taking pictures, and otherwise enjoying each other's company we headed to dinner and then back to the hotel. Sunday night was perhaps my favorite part of the trip. We played games as a whole team (guys and girls) and then had a worship session. And here's what was so cool. B and I led the team in some worship songs, and then we had asked Dan Taylor to pray when we got done. But instead of just pray he took a moment and completely laid out the gospel for the team. I go to a faith-based institution, and am part of a "Christian team" but that doesn't mean everyone is on the same spiritual level. And it was SO awesome for him to spell out, in clear and simple terms, exactly what it means to be a Christian. I don't know if anyone's lives were changed that night, but I hope and pray that some seed was planted. And I know we didn't get together that night to have the message of the gospel spoken to us, but God is so good. And he can move in any situation. He can take a simple team meeting time and turn it into something so much more than that. As the Trinity girl's coach would tell us later, there is no greater victory than salvation. In the end it's not about score boards and wins and losses. It's about the love of Jesus Christ, and accepting that gift of love he so graciously offers. So yes, we did get up the next day and play Trinity (remember how I said they were stinking good? I'll leave it at that. ;) ) and yes, we did get on a bus and drive straight through to Illinois. But honestly, that's not what is most important. What is important, is the victory we have in Christ Jesus. There is no victory, no wins after a soccer game that could ever be more important than that. Amen!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Night Before Classes
Twas the night before classes would start, and all through the dorm the college kids were sleeping...except for me. Because I (stupidly) drank caffeine too late in the evening and then proceeded to watch an intense action thriller (but it was with Mark Wahlberg, so it's ok!). I didn't even drink that much, but I've practically cut it out of my system the past two weeks, and so now my body doesn't know what to do with this strange substance that is coursing through its veins. And to top it off I'm like a 4th grader all nervous and excited for the first day of school tomorrow. I mean, it's not like I'm about to start my junior year of college or anything... And yet, I keep having all these thoughts run through my brain as I try to sleep like, "Wait, did I buy enough notebooks?" or "Where is Marston again?" (kidding...) or "Oh no. I haven't packed my backpack yet. What if I don't have time in the morning? Maybe I should get up even earlier..." See? Just like a little kid. So instead of sleeping guess what I'm doing...You are so smart. Blogging. Rachel's cure for the "I can't sleep blues." (Not entirely true. I'm not really sure that staring at a computer screen helps, but it at least keeps my thoughts from bouncing all around my brains.)
But seriously. How crazy is it that I'm about to start my junior year of college? Let me just tell you....SO crazy. I'd say that it seems like yesterday when I was about to start my freshmen year, but I'm not sure that it really feels like it was yesterday. Yesterday kind of seems like yesterday, if that makes any sense. And freshmen year kind of seems like a long time ago. But at the same time I'm sitting here thinking, "Where did those two years get to?" I don't know what to tell you, Rachel. But you are, in fact, half-way done with college and about to start the other half. And it's time to stop dwelling on how crazy this all is and start focusing on the task at hand. That being school. (Actually it's time to sleep, but hopefully after a few more minutes of typing I'll get sleepy enough to do so.) Time to jump in and tackle this year. Make the most of my classes, apply myself, focus. Learn. Grow. And have some fun along the way. Of course. :) I can't possibly study all the time. I'd go absolutely mad! Well...a little mad at least. Alrighty then. 12:12 and I think it's high-time I got to bed. Goodnight, world!
But seriously. How crazy is it that I'm about to start my junior year of college? Let me just tell you....SO crazy. I'd say that it seems like yesterday when I was about to start my freshmen year, but I'm not sure that it really feels like it was yesterday. Yesterday kind of seems like yesterday, if that makes any sense. And freshmen year kind of seems like a long time ago. But at the same time I'm sitting here thinking, "Where did those two years get to?" I don't know what to tell you, Rachel. But you are, in fact, half-way done with college and about to start the other half. And it's time to stop dwelling on how crazy this all is and start focusing on the task at hand. That being school. (Actually it's time to sleep, but hopefully after a few more minutes of typing I'll get sleepy enough to do so.) Time to jump in and tackle this year. Make the most of my classes, apply myself, focus. Learn. Grow. And have some fun along the way. Of course. :) I can't possibly study all the time. I'd go absolutely mad! Well...a little mad at least. Alrighty then. 12:12 and I think it's high-time I got to bed. Goodnight, world!
Monday, August 1, 2011
August 1st
How in the world is it already August 1st?! I could hardly believe it when I saw that this morning. August 1st means my summer is far too rapidly coming to a close, as in I now have to be back at school for soccer in 18 days. 18 days. And classes start two weeks after that. That is ridiculous.
I never really feel like I accomplish everything I hope to on these breaks. This summer vacation was no exception. That being said, I've been so busy I feel like I had to have accomplished something, right? So let's see...I worked two different jobs this summer, those being Media Specialist at camp until Daniel could take over and working as a nanny, which I still have this week and next to finish out. Can't say that I was meant to take care of other people's kids for the rest of my life, but it has been a decent job. Not too terribly difficult, pays decently...
I saw my two best friends safely married off to two amazing guys. I am so happy for these dear friends, and glad that I was able to share their special days with them. I also was able to attend the weddings of two cousins, two good friends from Greenville, and the wedding of a family friend, bringing the grand total to six weddings I attended, two of those I was in. Whew! Talk about summer of weddings! (There were even a few more weddings that we just weren't able to attend, as much as we wanted to.) It was so good to be able to share in the joy of all these couples as they start their new lives together. In each one of these weddings I was able to see the love each couple had for each other, but more importantly the love they all have for God. I have been blessed with family and friends that love the Lord, and that love was made apparent in all of the weddings I attended this summer.
There have been many games of mini golf, watching movies with friends, morning runs, and pick-up soccer games this summer. A trip to Door Shakespeare with Samantha, Good Eggs, Wilson's ice cream and boat rides. Dinners with family, and many meals at camp. A trip to the Farm and hanging with my friends. And reading! Many trips to the library later and for the first time, I read the Lord of the Rings. They were excellent. Boat rides, trips to the beach and swimming in the lake. Coffee and skype dates. Time in the sun. Summer.
I am glad for the 2+ weeks I still have left, but all in all it has been a good summer, albeit perhaps not as productive as I would have liked it. :)
I never really feel like I accomplish everything I hope to on these breaks. This summer vacation was no exception. That being said, I've been so busy I feel like I had to have accomplished something, right? So let's see...I worked two different jobs this summer, those being Media Specialist at camp until Daniel could take over and working as a nanny, which I still have this week and next to finish out. Can't say that I was meant to take care of other people's kids for the rest of my life, but it has been a decent job. Not too terribly difficult, pays decently...
I saw my two best friends safely married off to two amazing guys. I am so happy for these dear friends, and glad that I was able to share their special days with them. I also was able to attend the weddings of two cousins, two good friends from Greenville, and the wedding of a family friend, bringing the grand total to six weddings I attended, two of those I was in. Whew! Talk about summer of weddings! (There were even a few more weddings that we just weren't able to attend, as much as we wanted to.) It was so good to be able to share in the joy of all these couples as they start their new lives together. In each one of these weddings I was able to see the love each couple had for each other, but more importantly the love they all have for God. I have been blessed with family and friends that love the Lord, and that love was made apparent in all of the weddings I attended this summer.
There have been many games of mini golf, watching movies with friends, morning runs, and pick-up soccer games this summer. A trip to Door Shakespeare with Samantha, Good Eggs, Wilson's ice cream and boat rides. Dinners with family, and many meals at camp. A trip to the Farm and hanging with my friends. And reading! Many trips to the library later and for the first time, I read the Lord of the Rings. They were excellent. Boat rides, trips to the beach and swimming in the lake. Coffee and skype dates. Time in the sun. Summer.
I am glad for the 2+ weeks I still have left, but all in all it has been a good summer, albeit perhaps not as productive as I would have liked it. :)
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Midnight (nearly) Storm
It is just a weensy bit too hot and sticky to attempt to sleep at the moment. And I figured that now was as good as any time to write, seeing as how I'd just be laying here otherwise. There's a bug crawling about my screen, and a beautiful lightning display out my window, my window which is closed tonight due to the inconvenience of rain, and would be, in part, why I cannot sleep as of yet. And whilst I do enjoy sleeping (especially when I have to get up early to go to the dentist), I also enjoy watching the lightning of this fine summer storm light up the woods around my house. So for a bit I shall pass the time looking out my window, blowing the bug off my screen and typing up some thoughts for you, my dear reader.
I'm always fairly amazed by storms. Such an amazing display of power. The storm tonight is rather mild, as far as storms go. Lightning aplenty, but rather more like heat lightning than the huge bolts we sometimes get. I don't imagine there will be much damage from this storm, thankfully! Just a good hard rain. It's like a strobe light is on outside of my window, and I'd be half tempted to have a dance party outside, if I weren't vaguely frightened of being struck by said lightning. The occasional giant bolt that lights up the woods like it's midday is enough to remind me that this is still a storm, and not a time to play in the rain. The thunder is rumbling gently, and would be a soothing sound to fall asleep to if it weren't so hot in here! My ceiling fan is on, but it's just moving the hot air around. I've kicked all the covers off my bed and am just laying on top of my bottom sheet, but I'm still sweating and sticking to myself. I shall try not to complain too much, because it could be worse. The power could go out and I would have no air movement at all. The storm could be much louder making it ever so much harder to sleep. I could be camping right now and be absolutely miserable as rain pours into my tent. The internet could be down as it is at camp (and then I wouldn't get to write to you!). And there could be so many things that would make this night worse than it is. So I shall try not to complain, and rather enjoy the lights display from the comfort of my bed. And I shall fall asleep to the sound of rain hitting my roof and the thunder rumbling in the distance and be grateful that I have a house and electricity and all the wonderful things the Lord has provided me with. Amen. And Good Night!
I'm always fairly amazed by storms. Such an amazing display of power. The storm tonight is rather mild, as far as storms go. Lightning aplenty, but rather more like heat lightning than the huge bolts we sometimes get. I don't imagine there will be much damage from this storm, thankfully! Just a good hard rain. It's like a strobe light is on outside of my window, and I'd be half tempted to have a dance party outside, if I weren't vaguely frightened of being struck by said lightning. The occasional giant bolt that lights up the woods like it's midday is enough to remind me that this is still a storm, and not a time to play in the rain. The thunder is rumbling gently, and would be a soothing sound to fall asleep to if it weren't so hot in here! My ceiling fan is on, but it's just moving the hot air around. I've kicked all the covers off my bed and am just laying on top of my bottom sheet, but I'm still sweating and sticking to myself. I shall try not to complain too much, because it could be worse. The power could go out and I would have no air movement at all. The storm could be much louder making it ever so much harder to sleep. I could be camping right now and be absolutely miserable as rain pours into my tent. The internet could be down as it is at camp (and then I wouldn't get to write to you!). And there could be so many things that would make this night worse than it is. So I shall try not to complain, and rather enjoy the lights display from the comfort of my bed. And I shall fall asleep to the sound of rain hitting my roof and the thunder rumbling in the distance and be grateful that I have a house and electricity and all the wonderful things the Lord has provided me with. Amen. And Good Night!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Wedding Weekend!
Ever since we were little, Kirsten and I dreamed of being in each other's wedding. I don't know that I ever really pictured what that day would be like, however. And then, before I knew it I was standing up in the front of CCC as my best friend walked down the isle to meet the Prince Charming we used to dream about. To describe it in a word, I would say something along the lines of...surreal? I am incredibly happy for Kirsten and John, but I'll admit it was pretty strange! Beautiful, fun, joyous...but surreal.
I don't know that I ever realized how much work it takes to put a wedding together before this past weekend. I've often heard "it takes a village" and in this case a church. It was amazing to see so many people come together to make Kirsten and John's wedding a beautiful event. Work started early on in the week to transform an otherwise ordinary gym into a gorgeous reception hall. I joined the festivities Wednesday afternoon, and the ladies worked hard all the way up until the wedding (there may have been a pedicure break somewhere during that time too :) ).
I don't know that I ever realized how much work it takes to put a wedding together before this past weekend. I've often heard "it takes a village" and in this case a church. It was amazing to see so many people come together to make Kirsten and John's wedding a beautiful event. Work started early on in the week to transform an otherwise ordinary gym into a gorgeous reception hall. I joined the festivities Wednesday afternoon, and the ladies worked hard all the way up until the wedding (there may have been a pedicure break somewhere during that time too :) ).
Beginning stages of decorating. Yards and yards of tulle and Christmas lights, candles, lanterns, flowers, pinecones, trees, ribbon, tables and so much more transformed the gym into a "fairy-land" as it happened to be called at one moment that weekend. :) It was truly beautiful.
Berries that were supposed to go into ice cube trays, but inadvertently landed on the ground...
Getting there! (above) Jess hung pinecone garlands on all of the lattices. (below) Christmas lights being wrapped in tulle and hung all throughout the gym.
Thursday night (after more decorating and errand running) was our Ladies' Night! We started off the evening at Tsukasa of Tokyo in Vernon Hills. Despite our somewhat unenthusiastic responses, we really did enjoy the tricks our chef performed while cooking the food. The cracking the egg bit was my personal favorite.
Getting ready!
Our personal chef. Though somewhat cheesy, it was fun watching him flip bowls of rice without spilling, flip broccoli at us to try and catch it in our mouths, and light stacks of onions on fire to look like a volcano.
Best friends forever life!
After dinner we headed back to Anna's house to shower our friend with some special gifts. :)
I had a great time talking and laughing with these ladies, as well as spend some time with the bride before she would become Kirsten Langley! (Still seems a little strange to say that!) Friday we spent most of the day decorating and then Friday night was the rehearsal and a cook-out dinner at the Langley's. And then it was wedding day!
All the girls got ready at the Richards' house Saturday morning. There was hairspray and curling irons and bobby pins everywhere! (Thanks again Melissa, Hannah, and Morgan for doing everyone's hair!) Kirsten looked like a princess all morning as she got her hair done, and as Karen did her nails (a few times!). We were all excited, but Kirsten was especially radiant as she got ready to walk down the isle. A few hours, pancakes, and cans of hairspray later and we were ready to head to the church.
Lots of hair to curl and pin up! The girls did a great job getting everyone looking beautiful.
Look at her getting all done up!
Hah! Classic. :)
Love these girls. Jess was having some problems with straps and her bracelet, but like true bridesmaids and friends we got her all straightened out.
We headed up to the church around three for final touch ups and pictures. Kirsten was absolutely stunning in her dress!
Reading a letter from her beloved.
Getting some help from the soon-to-be-bride Anna!
The beautiful Jess and I before the ceremony started. So glad I got to spend some time with her and catch up a bit! (We for sure need to do that more!)
The wedding ceremony went off without a hitch. Pastor Ken officiated, and we all had an awesome time of worship as we watched these two join their lives together. Kirsten and John stood before all of their friends and family and promised to love and support each other till they are parted by death.
I am so glad I was able to be a part of this special day, and celebrate with my best friend. John is the prince we always used to dream about, and I know he will always be there to care for Kirsten. I look forward to continuing my friendship with Kirsten now with the addition of John. I'm also excited to see how God will use these two on their new journey. Like we promised each other so long ago, I was there as Kirsten's maid-of-honor, and I know someday she will be there for me!
Congratulations and God Bless! Love you both dearly.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Summer Begins!
Sorry for the lack of posts lately! Just a quick update on life since being home.
Finals got done almost two weeks ago now. My parents came down that Friday and we managed (somehow!) to get all my stuff packed into the car and leave enough room for ourselves! It was a tight squeeze for sure. And once again I was reminded that I have way too much stuff! So one goal for this summer is to go through everything and clean it out. After getting everything packed in tight, my parents and I headed to Peoria for my cousin Joanna's wedding. And thus began the summer of weddings! We had a great time getting to see and spend time with family that we don't get to see all the time. Joanna and Matt's ceremony was beautiful, and I'm so glad to have been able to celebrate with them! I've been blessed with a big extended family that loves each other and more importantly loves God! It's always good to be with family.
After the wedding reception it was time to head back to Door County. Many hours in the car later, and I was home! Then began the task of unpacking, which I'll admit was a slower process than it should have been. I wanted to start the cleaning out process as I went, but there was so much to go through that I'm still not completely done...also probably because I get bored of working on it and typically fail at trying. :) Don't worry, someday it will happen. Someday...
The rest of my time home has been spent by doing some odd jobs, watching many episodes of Project Runway, and otherwise bumming! It's been too cold to do much outside, until today that is! Looking forward to getting some sun now for sure. Saturday my mom and I made a quick trip down to Zion for wedding #2 of the summer, and then headed over to Lake Geneva area for my cousin's graduation party. Again, it was great to see some friends and family that we don't see all the time. Julie and Jani are the last to graduate from the Finger clan. It's been fun to be able to celebrate several graduations between the Gregorniks and the Stewarts in the last several years.
We drove home that night making for a long day and a late night, but there's always a lot of stuff to do and it's hard to be gone for too long when we're just about to hit the busy season, which will (very) soon be upon us. Church on Sunday, and an 30th anniversary party for Rick and Joyce Johnson that night. I'm grateful for the influence these two wonderful people have had in my life for the past...I don't know how many years. I always feel welcomed from the moment I walk in to their home. They always make me feel like I'm just another part of their family! Monday was Memorial Day, which was spent (as per tradition) at a Fish Boil at the Weborgs. Love me a Door County fish boil! I also got to spend a little bit of time with my dear friends Jeni and Bonnie getting coffee at Brew Monday morning. So good to be able to catch up with these ladies for a bit! Today I spent the afternoon doing mulch for a camp neighbor. It was hard work, but I'm glad for the cash and a bit of sun I was able to get!
And that is life so far! Looking forward to wedding #3 this weekend!
Finals got done almost two weeks ago now. My parents came down that Friday and we managed (somehow!) to get all my stuff packed into the car and leave enough room for ourselves! It was a tight squeeze for sure. And once again I was reminded that I have way too much stuff! So one goal for this summer is to go through everything and clean it out. After getting everything packed in tight, my parents and I headed to Peoria for my cousin Joanna's wedding. And thus began the summer of weddings! We had a great time getting to see and spend time with family that we don't get to see all the time. Joanna and Matt's ceremony was beautiful, and I'm so glad to have been able to celebrate with them! I've been blessed with a big extended family that loves each other and more importantly loves God! It's always good to be with family.
The rest of my time home has been spent by doing some odd jobs, watching many episodes of Project Runway, and otherwise bumming! It's been too cold to do much outside, until today that is! Looking forward to getting some sun now for sure. Saturday my mom and I made a quick trip down to Zion for wedding #2 of the summer, and then headed over to Lake Geneva area for my cousin's graduation party. Again, it was great to see some friends and family that we don't see all the time. Julie and Jani are the last to graduate from the Finger clan. It's been fun to be able to celebrate several graduations between the Gregorniks and the Stewarts in the last several years.
We drove home that night making for a long day and a late night, but there's always a lot of stuff to do and it's hard to be gone for too long when we're just about to hit the busy season, which will (very) soon be upon us. Church on Sunday, and an 30th anniversary party for Rick and Joyce Johnson that night. I'm grateful for the influence these two wonderful people have had in my life for the past...I don't know how many years. I always feel welcomed from the moment I walk in to their home. They always make me feel like I'm just another part of their family! Monday was Memorial Day, which was spent (as per tradition) at a Fish Boil at the Weborgs. Love me a Door County fish boil! I also got to spend a little bit of time with my dear friends Jeni and Bonnie getting coffee at Brew Monday morning. So good to be able to catch up with these ladies for a bit! Today I spent the afternoon doing mulch for a camp neighbor. It was hard work, but I'm glad for the cash and a bit of sun I was able to get!
And that is life so far! Looking forward to wedding #3 this weekend!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Wo-ah! We're halfway there!
Before I begin this post, I would like to give a shout out to Joel Robinson and Jenny Suszek, because every time I hear the aforementioned song, I think of them. :)
But for real! I'm halfway done with college! Woo woo! I officially finished at approximately 2:15 this afternoon, after completing a strenuous exam (False. Not strenuous! Wonderfully short and easy, made better because of the open note option). Since then I've been packing up the room even though I'm not leaving till Friday. Now I get to spend a few days just hanging out in Greenville with my dear friends Jenny and B. And whomever else might find themselves still in Greenville. :) My parents are coming down Friday and it's off to my cousin Joanna's wedding on Saturday! Then it's SUMMER! So very excited.
Let me break down this school year for you quickly:
-Got to Greenville in August for soccer
-Played soccer, lots of soccer
-Started classes
-Spoke Spanish, lots of Spanish
-Played some more soccer
-Took a trip in November to California to hang with the bestie (and John!)
-Soccer team made it to Christian Nationals, first time ever!
-Finished up first semester, headed home for Christmas break for six weeks
-Spent a wonderful time at home, doing some work at camp and otherwise just bumming
-Headed back to school for second semester at the end of January
-Started classes again
-Spoke more Spanish
-Played soccer (indoor)
-Declared a second major (!)
-Changed my semester abroad plans, found a much more exciting and better option for me! (Guatemala here I come!)
-Spring Break! Turned 20!
-Back to classes
-Coached a team of four and five year olds in the beautiful game
-Played soccer again (back outdoors)
-Parents came down for a weekend, and to watch our outdoor tourny
-Played in said outdoor tourny in miserable weather
-Went on an epic camping trip over Easter
-Volunteered and got my worship on at AgapeFest
-Finished up my first coaching gig with a carnival to raise money for the girls going to Italy this summer
-Did tornado clean up with my soccer girls in STL, realized how blessed I am
End of the year stuff:
-Group project/presentation for Anthropology
-Group debate for Policies and Agencies
-Spanish Final (10 minute presentation)
-Paper for Marriage and Family
-Fine Arts Final online- 2 hours, worst test format ever
-Paper for Policies and Agencies
-Presentation for Tesol, including 6 interviews
-Finished up the year with a final for Anthropology
-Breathed a sigh of relief!
That was my year in a nutshell! Crazy that it's already halfway over. Also crazy that this year is already over! Seems like just yesterday Kayla and I were setting up the room. It was a great year, but I'm ready for what's next! Here's to the next two years! :)
But for real! I'm halfway done with college! Woo woo! I officially finished at approximately 2:15 this afternoon, after completing a strenuous exam (False. Not strenuous! Wonderfully short and easy, made better because of the open note option). Since then I've been packing up the room even though I'm not leaving till Friday. Now I get to spend a few days just hanging out in Greenville with my dear friends Jenny and B. And whomever else might find themselves still in Greenville. :) My parents are coming down Friday and it's off to my cousin Joanna's wedding on Saturday! Then it's SUMMER! So very excited.
Let me break down this school year for you quickly:
-Got to Greenville in August for soccer
-Played soccer, lots of soccer
-Started classes
-Spoke Spanish, lots of Spanish
-Played some more soccer
-Took a trip in November to California to hang with the bestie (and John!)
-Soccer team made it to Christian Nationals, first time ever!
-Finished up first semester, headed home for Christmas break for six weeks
-Spent a wonderful time at home, doing some work at camp and otherwise just bumming
-Headed back to school for second semester at the end of January
-Started classes again
-Spoke more Spanish
-Played soccer (indoor)
-Declared a second major (!)
-Changed my semester abroad plans, found a much more exciting and better option for me! (Guatemala here I come!)
-Spring Break! Turned 20!
-Back to classes
-Coached a team of four and five year olds in the beautiful game
-Played soccer again (back outdoors)
-Parents came down for a weekend, and to watch our outdoor tourny
-Played in said outdoor tourny in miserable weather
-Went on an epic camping trip over Easter
-Volunteered and got my worship on at AgapeFest
-Finished up my first coaching gig with a carnival to raise money for the girls going to Italy this summer
-Did tornado clean up with my soccer girls in STL, realized how blessed I am
End of the year stuff:
-Group project/presentation for Anthropology
-Group debate for Policies and Agencies
-Spanish Final (10 minute presentation)
-Paper for Marriage and Family
-Fine Arts Final online- 2 hours, worst test format ever
-Paper for Policies and Agencies
-Presentation for Tesol, including 6 interviews
-Finished up the year with a final for Anthropology
-Breathed a sigh of relief!
That was my year in a nutshell! Crazy that it's already halfway over. Also crazy that this year is already over! Seems like just yesterday Kayla and I were setting up the room. It was a great year, but I'm ready for what's next! Here's to the next two years! :)
Monday, May 2, 2011
Do we rejoice?
The question has been posed to me a couple of times now. How do we respond to the death of Osama bin Ladin? Do we rejoice? Should we rejoice?
Facebook is filled with cheers and parades and gloating as if the entire internet world was the one to have pulled the trigger. I do not know what I feel, what I should feel. As an American, shouldn't I be jubilant? That this man who has caused so much heartache in our country got what he deserved? Shouldn't I feel as if justice has been served? Shouldn't I feel safer, because this threat to our very existence has been taken out? I should. But I don't. I feel sadness.
Sad.
That I would even want to feel jubilant at a man's death. I don't know that we should ever rejoice at death, regardless of the life that was lived.
Sad.
Because I know where he is now. You may say he deserved it, and this is probably true. But I am not the judge. Thankfully so. And as hard as it is, I have to believe that God's offer of salvation really does extend to the worst of these. Shouldn't we mourn every time someone rejects his offer of salvation? It's not an idea I necessarily enjoy, or fully understand. Salvation for someone whose life was filled with so much evil? Doesn't seem to be right.
I've lived my whole life as a Christian. And you want to tell me that had he confessed with his mouth and believed in his heart that he would be in heaven with me someday? I deserve it. Don't I? Nay, friend. Nor I or he deserve salvation. But the offer extends to us both. I'm not saying he is in heaven. No, I do not think there were virgins and a land of paradise waiting for him. I think he found out that Hell is very real. But do I rejoice over this? Facebook seems to tell me I should. Many of my fellow Americans are.
My heart does not rejoice. I don't know if it should, but it does not.
Sad.
That there would be a life so evil I would even consider rejoicing over its ending. Be glad heart! A man is dead, and beginning an eternity of torment and being separate from God! Be Glad! No, heart. It does not feel right to even pretend to tell you to be glad. I do not rejoice. But he caused so much pain and suffering. He was truly evil. Mourn then, heart, not for a life lost to a bullet, but for a life lost somewhere along the way. For what must have happened in that life, for a mind to become so twisted and evil? That it could justify the heinous acts it committed? Mourn, for the broken life that would lead to so much death and destruction.
No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. -Nelson Mandela
But why was it hate and not love that was taught? Love comes more naturally. Why wasn't it love? Why was this man so filled with hate? Where is a life lost along the way? And why was it not helped?
Safer. They say we should feel safer. Safer because of one man's death? In a world filled with violence, and evil, and hurting? Look around you. We live in a broken, twisted, evil world. You don't even have to look much beyond your front door to see pain and suffering and unspeakable violence. And one man's death will save us? I don't think I believe that. One man's death already saved us. Perhaps we are safer from the harm one man could cause. But there will be another. And we will grieve some other tragedy. Evil is in this world. It did not leave with the death of Bin Ladin. Some evil did, yes. But Satan is still fighting. He will find another foothold somewhere.
No, I do not feel safer. There is evil all around us. At no cause of Bin Ladin.
No, I do not rejoice. Heart, what do you feel then? Sadness. An incredible depth of sadness, for all the broken lives in our world. Grieve, heart. For all of them. For everyone who rejects His gift. For every broken heart, life, community. For a broken world.
Nay, I do not rejoice.
Facebook is filled with cheers and parades and gloating as if the entire internet world was the one to have pulled the trigger. I do not know what I feel, what I should feel. As an American, shouldn't I be jubilant? That this man who has caused so much heartache in our country got what he deserved? Shouldn't I feel as if justice has been served? Shouldn't I feel safer, because this threat to our very existence has been taken out? I should. But I don't. I feel sadness.
Sad.
That I would even want to feel jubilant at a man's death. I don't know that we should ever rejoice at death, regardless of the life that was lived.
Sad.
Because I know where he is now. You may say he deserved it, and this is probably true. But I am not the judge. Thankfully so. And as hard as it is, I have to believe that God's offer of salvation really does extend to the worst of these. Shouldn't we mourn every time someone rejects his offer of salvation? It's not an idea I necessarily enjoy, or fully understand. Salvation for someone whose life was filled with so much evil? Doesn't seem to be right.
I've lived my whole life as a Christian. And you want to tell me that had he confessed with his mouth and believed in his heart that he would be in heaven with me someday? I deserve it. Don't I? Nay, friend. Nor I or he deserve salvation. But the offer extends to us both. I'm not saying he is in heaven. No, I do not think there were virgins and a land of paradise waiting for him. I think he found out that Hell is very real. But do I rejoice over this? Facebook seems to tell me I should. Many of my fellow Americans are.
My heart does not rejoice. I don't know if it should, but it does not.
Sad.
That there would be a life so evil I would even consider rejoicing over its ending. Be glad heart! A man is dead, and beginning an eternity of torment and being separate from God! Be Glad! No, heart. It does not feel right to even pretend to tell you to be glad. I do not rejoice. But he caused so much pain and suffering. He was truly evil. Mourn then, heart, not for a life lost to a bullet, but for a life lost somewhere along the way. For what must have happened in that life, for a mind to become so twisted and evil? That it could justify the heinous acts it committed? Mourn, for the broken life that would lead to so much death and destruction.
No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. -Nelson Mandela
But why was it hate and not love that was taught? Love comes more naturally. Why wasn't it love? Why was this man so filled with hate? Where is a life lost along the way? And why was it not helped?
Safer. They say we should feel safer. Safer because of one man's death? In a world filled with violence, and evil, and hurting? Look around you. We live in a broken, twisted, evil world. You don't even have to look much beyond your front door to see pain and suffering and unspeakable violence. And one man's death will save us? I don't think I believe that. One man's death already saved us. Perhaps we are safer from the harm one man could cause. But there will be another. And we will grieve some other tragedy. Evil is in this world. It did not leave with the death of Bin Ladin. Some evil did, yes. But Satan is still fighting. He will find another foothold somewhere.
No, I do not feel safer. There is evil all around us. At no cause of Bin Ladin.
No, I do not rejoice. Heart, what do you feel then? Sadness. An incredible depth of sadness, for all the broken lives in our world. Grieve, heart. For all of them. For everyone who rejects His gift. For every broken heart, life, community. For a broken world.
Nay, I do not rejoice.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
An Easter Weekend Adventure!
Once upon a time, there were five beautiful girls who lived in Greenville. Early in the semester, these girls decided that a road trip was a must sometime before the end of the semester. As the semester progressed, these five girls turned the road trip into a camping trip to be had over Easter break. A fantastic idea to be sure. They planned, and arranged, and got ready for what was sure to be an exciting adventure. After weeks and weeks of waiting FINALLY the time arrived!
"Tennessee, here we come!" they shouted joyfully as they set off.
Thursday before Easter, they packed themselves as tightly as they could into the ever-reliable Eileen and off they went!
With TWO sources of navigation, the girls were sure not to get lost. Rachel B became the navigator for the first leg, and what a fine job she did.
The five girls were Tennessee bound. Nothing could possibly dampen their spirits (not even threats of a weekend filled with rain). Songs on their lips, pillows on their laps, and laughter filling their conversations, these girls from Greenville were more than ready for a weekend away. First stop on the way: the bustling city of Metropolis! And look who flew in for a visit!
Superman and Wonder Woman! Sent to Earth to save us all! So nice of them to stop for pictures too. After stretching their legs a bit, the girls piled back into Eileen. The next stop would be their hotel for the night in Kentucky. "Why would they not set up camp the first day?" you might ask yourself. But let's face it... Do you really see these girls setting up a tent as darkness quickly approaches? They didn't either. So it was a hotel for the night, and camping would start on Friday.
Turns out, a hotel with a pool and cable was the perfect way to start a relaxing weekend. Though, I think the girls were more excited about the cable. It's hard to tell though.
Thursday night came and went, and Friday morning soon arrived. After casually taking some plastic forks, knives, and spoons from the breakfast line (you can never have to much of these things) it was off to Tennessee. For real this time. The girls arrived at Land Between the Lakes Camp Ground to find the most beautiful view from their site they could have ever imagined, and even more amazing weather.
Then it was time to set up camp! The tent setting up went off without a hitch. They're basically professionals.
Here it is! What would be the girls' home for a few days at least. Pretty good job, don't you think?
A trip to Walmart later, and the girls had plenty of food to last a weekend. Plus enough Easter candy to keep their tummy's full for the entire trip. Two of the girls set off to buy some fire wood and ice, but quickly realized they should have brought the car. The wood was far too heavy to carry without. Luckily, a nice man gave them a ride on the back of his truck. It would have been a long walk otherwise! Here they are showing off their muscles.
Campfire and s'mores would conclude the evening. The five girls successfully built a fire, even though the wind tried hard to keep them from doing so. Let me add, these were not your typical s'mores, for these delicious creations were made with giant marshmallows and Nutella and love. ¡Que delicioso!
After much giggling, talking, reading out loud, and calling the park ranger on the noisy neighbors, the girls drifted off into dream world, snuggled tight in their sleeping bags.
They woke up Saturday morning to the still beautiful view, and the sounds of said noisy neighbors trying to get their jet ski to work (which they worked on all weekend, and only got going a few times). It was ok though, the combination of beautiful weather and beautiful view made up for the noisy neighbors. And they really weren't that bad, just kept music playing from their truck the whole time they were there. That and the jet ski. The five girls spent the day cooking brats and hot dogs, basking in the sunlight, laying out on the beach and otherwise just enjoying the beautiful day God had blessed them with.
As the day progressed, the girls decided that for dinner they would try to find "The World's Biggest Fish Fry" that they had been seeing signs for, and hearing about on the radio. However, shortly before leaving a HUGE wind rose up and nearly took off with the tent and Rachel B in tow! Luckily, the girls were there to literally hold it down. Don't worry, Rachel B escaped alive and unhurt. Unfortunately, however, the rain flap was badly ripped. Nothing a little duct tape and a few more tent stakes can't fix, right? So the girls thought. A roll of duct tape, some rope and a few more tent stakes were purchased and the girls set off to fix their little home. The result was what Dubs would call "Ghetto fabulous." Macgyver would have been proud.
Feeling confident that their tent was as secured and fixed as it would ever be the girls headed out to eat some fish. After driving around for what seemed like hours (slight exaggeration...) they found the place. Much to their disappointment, the fish fry did not start until Wednesday, and no. They really didn't want to go to a demolition derby if there was not any fish there. It was extremely disappointing. The girls headed back to camp, and were delighted to find their tent still standing. They made dinner at the camp site, chatted around the fire for a bit, and then headed into the tent to snuggle and read some more. Easter church service in morning!
As these adventures go, things do not typically work out as planned. The girls were awakened several times throughout the night to storms, wind, lightning, and rain. Lots of rain. And their patch up job on the tent didn't last long. In the early morning, poor Jenny woke up soaking wet! The rain continued to get worse, and the amount of water inside of the tent continued to grow.
"We're taking on water!" the girls yelled (this may have been putting it lightly). There was, in fact, a lake in the tent. Not exactly good for sleeping. Unless you are a duck. Which the girls were not.
When it came time to head to church, the rain had still not abated. So the girls decided to stay in the tent, with the hope that the rain would let up so they could try to refix the tent. After a call to Rachel Irwin's mom, their hopes of the storm clearing out were dashed and the five girls had to make a decision. Stay through as planned and deal with being wet? Or make a dash for it and head out a day early. Had the tent not been broken, I'm sure they would have stuck out the coming storms, but since they weren't overly enjoying sitting in a lake whilst in their tent, the girls made the decision to head home. A quick break in the storms gave the girls enough time to pack Eileen with all their wet things. And let me tell you, their things were soaked. They piled everything on the picnic table, rolled up the tent, and shoved it all back in Eileen. Just as they were getting into the car, the heavens opened up and it began pouring once more.
Several hours, and one McDonald's stop later the girls were back in Greenville. It wasn't quite the adventure they had planned on, but it was an adventure nonetheless. They made memories to last a lifetime and can't wait for the next time when they can tackle the Great Outdoors again! And that, my friends, was an Easter Weekend Adventure! So until next time...
"Tennessee, here we come!" they shouted joyfully as they set off.
Thursday before Easter, they packed themselves as tightly as they could into the ever-reliable Eileen and off they went!
Superman and Wonder Woman! Sent to Earth to save us all! So nice of them to stop for pictures too. After stretching their legs a bit, the girls piled back into Eileen. The next stop would be their hotel for the night in Kentucky. "Why would they not set up camp the first day?" you might ask yourself. But let's face it... Do you really see these girls setting up a tent as darkness quickly approaches? They didn't either. So it was a hotel for the night, and camping would start on Friday.
Thursday night came and went, and Friday morning soon arrived. After casually taking some plastic forks, knives, and spoons from the breakfast line (you can never have to much of these things) it was off to Tennessee. For real this time. The girls arrived at Land Between the Lakes Camp Ground to find the most beautiful view from their site they could have ever imagined, and even more amazing weather.
They woke up Saturday morning to the still beautiful view, and the sounds of said noisy neighbors trying to get their jet ski to work (which they worked on all weekend, and only got going a few times). It was ok though, the combination of beautiful weather and beautiful view made up for the noisy neighbors. And they really weren't that bad, just kept music playing from their truck the whole time they were there. That and the jet ski. The five girls spent the day cooking brats and hot dogs, basking in the sunlight, laying out on the beach and otherwise just enjoying the beautiful day God had blessed them with.
As these adventures go, things do not typically work out as planned. The girls were awakened several times throughout the night to storms, wind, lightning, and rain. Lots of rain. And their patch up job on the tent didn't last long. In the early morning, poor Jenny woke up soaking wet! The rain continued to get worse, and the amount of water inside of the tent continued to grow.
"We're taking on water!" the girls yelled (this may have been putting it lightly). There was, in fact, a lake in the tent. Not exactly good for sleeping. Unless you are a duck. Which the girls were not.
When it came time to head to church, the rain had still not abated. So the girls decided to stay in the tent, with the hope that the rain would let up so they could try to refix the tent. After a call to Rachel Irwin's mom, their hopes of the storm clearing out were dashed and the five girls had to make a decision. Stay through as planned and deal with being wet? Or make a dash for it and head out a day early. Had the tent not been broken, I'm sure they would have stuck out the coming storms, but since they weren't overly enjoying sitting in a lake whilst in their tent, the girls made the decision to head home. A quick break in the storms gave the girls enough time to pack Eileen with all their wet things. And let me tell you, their things were soaked. They piled everything on the picnic table, rolled up the tent, and shoved it all back in Eileen. Just as they were getting into the car, the heavens opened up and it began pouring once more.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Afterall, He's not a tame lion...
Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight,
At the sound of His roar, sorrows will be no more,
When He bares His teeth, winter meets his death,
And when He shakes His mane, we shall have spring again.
-The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
Revelation 21:4
Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One: I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
Revelation 1:17-18
Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:55-57
Look to my coming on the first light of the fifth day, at dawn look to the East.
Gandalf, Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
At the sound of His roar, sorrows will be no more,
When He bares His teeth, winter meets his death,
And when He shakes His mane, we shall have spring again.
-The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
Revelation 21:4
Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One: I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
Revelation 1:17-18
Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:55-57
Look to my coming on the first light of the fifth day, at dawn look to the East.
Gandalf, Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS
Revelation 19:11-16
"Please, Aslan," said Lucy, "What do you call soon?"
"I call all times soon," said Aslan.
Yes, I am coming soon.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Revelation 22:20
Death could not hold him down. He has triumphed over the grave. And one day, He will return, and spring will come again. Oh what a glorious day that will be!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
The mind of a five year old...
This spring I've been coaching a soccer team made of 11 four and five year olds, and let me tell you, they have quite the imaginations! It's a challenge to keep them all interested in what I'm saying and what we're doing, but we're all (the other girls on my college team each have their own team as well) having so much fun with our itty bitties, though I'm not sure how much soccer we're actually learning. :) When I get back to my room after coaching, I try to remember some of the high quality statements they make at a given practice/game session. Like I said, quite the imaginations. So I've written down some of my favorites, and am now sharing them with you! I'll add more later as they occur so be sure to check back later in the spring! We're about half way through the season now, and I expect there will be MANY more funny things my kids will have said as we finish out. So enjoy these ones for now!
-Rachel: Who can tell me one thing we learned on Monday?
Kids: NO PICKING THE GRASS!!!!!!!!!
Rachel: ....yes....we did discuss this.
*disclaimer. I did not tell them they could not pick the grass. They brought it up. I merely enforced it after it was brought up.
-Gavin: Mom! How many did I score??
Gavin's Mom: Three! One for us and two for the other team!
*we don't actually keep score. Which is good. Because they usually don't score on the right goal. It's a work in progress.
-Kids: Are we done yet??
Rachel: Um no. It's halftime...sorry.
-I can go 500 fast in these shoes!...I can go 5 million fast...I can... (you get the idea, and yes, they do phrase it just like this. 500 fast.)
-Nico: My mom is 40 now. Her birthday was last month. Before Trent and Tanner's. They're twins.
*I'm sure her mom was thrilled that Nico told me several times her mom is now 40.
-Boy: You know, we have to wait for my birthday. Because it's February 15th!
Rachel: Wow! You do have to wait for your birthday!
-Rachel: Audrey, why are you crying?
Audrey: I'm not crying. I just have some tears that wanted to get out.
*I understand, Audrey. I understand completely.
-Gavin: What's this? (Pointing to the bottom of his shoe...in the middle of a game.)
Rachel: It's a Puma.
Gavin: What's a Puma?
Rachel: It's a cat. A big cat.
Audrey: No. It's a tiger.
*this is the second time we've discussed the bottom of our cleats. The first time involved me describing the different brand symbols we find on our cleats. It also involved explaining what the pokey parts of are cleats are. As in...the cleats. Rachel B was told that the cleat part keeps our shoes clean, because it keeps them up off the mud.
-Trent: I got new shoes at home. Not soccer shoes though. Just shoes.
-Audrey: I think I must have earrings in. I can feel circles.
*she doesn't have her ears pierced.
-Gavin: Why do you have short pants on?
*I was wearing shorts. The same as all my kids. You just can't tell on them because their shorts come down to their cleats.
-Grady: What's this? (Pointing to the Kingsbury Park District on his shirt)
Rachel: That's for the Park District.
Grady: Why's it there?
Rachel: ....So we know where you play?
-Rachel: Ava, do you want to come play now?
Ava: No. I have to balance.
*balancing means walking along the sideline without falling off.
-Gavin: C'mon man!!
*while nearly tackling Trent to the ground
-Carolyn: Nico, what kind of gatorade is your favorite?
Nico: Yemon Yime.
That's all I've got for now. But like I said, we're only half way through! So be sure to check back. As I get to know my kids better, I'm enjoying so much seeing their different personalities come out. They are all so stinking cute! And I'm having so much fun being their coach, teaching them (hopefully!) a little bit of the game I love, and hearing the wonderful things they say. The mind of a four or five year old is a beautiful thing. They aren't afraid to say exactly what is on their mind. They aren't afraid of what anyone thinks. They just say and do whatever it is they want. True, this does cause problems when I have to constantly remind them to get out of the puddle, or that we can't play on the playground till later. But they don't let fear of what someone else will say or think keep them back from just... being. I love it! And I don't even mind having to keep reminding them of things when I see how excited they get every time they score a goal, even if it was for the other team. ;)
-Rachel: Who can tell me one thing we learned on Monday?
Kids: NO PICKING THE GRASS!!!!!!!!!
Rachel: ....yes....we did discuss this.
*disclaimer. I did not tell them they could not pick the grass. They brought it up. I merely enforced it after it was brought up.
-Gavin: Mom! How many did I score??
Gavin's Mom: Three! One for us and two for the other team!
*we don't actually keep score. Which is good. Because they usually don't score on the right goal. It's a work in progress.
-Kids: Are we done yet??
Rachel: Um no. It's halftime...sorry.
-I can go 500 fast in these shoes!...I can go 5 million fast...I can... (you get the idea, and yes, they do phrase it just like this. 500 fast.)
-Nico: My mom is 40 now. Her birthday was last month. Before Trent and Tanner's. They're twins.
*I'm sure her mom was thrilled that Nico told me several times her mom is now 40.
-Boy: You know, we have to wait for my birthday. Because it's February 15th!
Rachel: Wow! You do have to wait for your birthday!
-Rachel: Audrey, why are you crying?
Audrey: I'm not crying. I just have some tears that wanted to get out.
*I understand, Audrey. I understand completely.
-Gavin: What's this? (Pointing to the bottom of his shoe...in the middle of a game.)
Rachel: It's a Puma.
Gavin: What's a Puma?
Rachel: It's a cat. A big cat.
Audrey: No. It's a tiger.
*this is the second time we've discussed the bottom of our cleats. The first time involved me describing the different brand symbols we find on our cleats. It also involved explaining what the pokey parts of are cleats are. As in...the cleats. Rachel B was told that the cleat part keeps our shoes clean, because it keeps them up off the mud.
-Trent: I got new shoes at home. Not soccer shoes though. Just shoes.
-Audrey: I think I must have earrings in. I can feel circles.
*she doesn't have her ears pierced.
-Gavin: Why do you have short pants on?
*I was wearing shorts. The same as all my kids. You just can't tell on them because their shorts come down to their cleats.
-Grady: What's this? (Pointing to the Kingsbury Park District on his shirt)
Rachel: That's for the Park District.
Grady: Why's it there?
Rachel: ....So we know where you play?
-Rachel: Ava, do you want to come play now?
Ava: No. I have to balance.
*balancing means walking along the sideline without falling off.
-Gavin: C'mon man!!
*while nearly tackling Trent to the ground
-Carolyn: Nico, what kind of gatorade is your favorite?
Nico: Yemon Yime.
That's all I've got for now. But like I said, we're only half way through! So be sure to check back. As I get to know my kids better, I'm enjoying so much seeing their different personalities come out. They are all so stinking cute! And I'm having so much fun being their coach, teaching them (hopefully!) a little bit of the game I love, and hearing the wonderful things they say. The mind of a four or five year old is a beautiful thing. They aren't afraid to say exactly what is on their mind. They aren't afraid of what anyone thinks. They just say and do whatever it is they want. True, this does cause problems when I have to constantly remind them to get out of the puddle, or that we can't play on the playground till later. But they don't let fear of what someone else will say or think keep them back from just... being. I love it! And I don't even mind having to keep reminding them of things when I see how excited they get every time they score a goal, even if it was for the other team. ;)
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Sometimes, I just love the weekend!
This was one of those weekends that was just fun and wonderful and relaxing! There should be more weekends just like this one.
Friday-
After classes and soccer, I hung out with my girlies. We made egg rolls (from scratch!) and did not burn any this time. The first time we made egg rolls, we burnt one and set the fire alarm off. However, this time they were completely successful. Then we watched some episodes of Glee and stayed up late just laughing and talking and having fun.
Saturday-
Slept in. Well, somewhat. I'm not very good at sleeping in. Never have been. Got up only to realize our bathroom ceiling was pouring on us...never a good sign. Luckily maintenance came and took care of it relatively quickly. Went out to the baseball game, in shorts! The weather was perfect this weekend! Unfortunately, the Panthers lost by one at the end. But it felt so good to be out in the warmth! Oh sunshine, how I've missed you! Went with Jenny and Annie to Dairy Queen for pre-dinner. Then we had a bonfire in the gullies to celebrate Rach's birthday. Roasted hot dogs over the fire, then sat and talked until long after the stars came out. Headed back to tower and watched Robin Hood, Men in Tights. "Hey Blinken!" "Did you say Abe Lincoln?" Ah, I love that movie. And that was Saturday. As Saturdays should be. :)
Sunday-
Spanish church and regular church at FM. Enjoyed getting to worship in Spanish and English, and was grateful for the reminders from both services. Lunch in the DC with the girls. Long nap. Felt so good! Got up, did a bit of homework. Put on some shorts, because it's currently 81 degrees. Though with the wind it feels colder. And now I'm about to go for a walk with my friend Jenny! I love me some spring time, that's for sure! No plans for the rest of the evening, though unfortunately it will probably include some homeworks. We'll see...
And that is how a weekend should be. Relaxing, warmth, spending time with good friends, a touch of excitement (that would be the bathroom deciding to rain on us...), and some great worship. Looking at my calendar for the next several weekends, I'm not sure that I'll have a free weekend for a while. I'm grateful for this time to just relax and have fun with my friends (I'm sure I'll still have fun even though I'll be busy the next few weekends!). Sometimes, I just love the weekend!
Friday-
After classes and soccer, I hung out with my girlies. We made egg rolls (from scratch!) and did not burn any this time. The first time we made egg rolls, we burnt one and set the fire alarm off. However, this time they were completely successful. Then we watched some episodes of Glee and stayed up late just laughing and talking and having fun.
Saturday-
Slept in. Well, somewhat. I'm not very good at sleeping in. Never have been. Got up only to realize our bathroom ceiling was pouring on us...never a good sign. Luckily maintenance came and took care of it relatively quickly. Went out to the baseball game, in shorts! The weather was perfect this weekend! Unfortunately, the Panthers lost by one at the end. But it felt so good to be out in the warmth! Oh sunshine, how I've missed you! Went with Jenny and Annie to Dairy Queen for pre-dinner. Then we had a bonfire in the gullies to celebrate Rach's birthday. Roasted hot dogs over the fire, then sat and talked until long after the stars came out. Headed back to tower and watched Robin Hood, Men in Tights. "Hey Blinken!" "Did you say Abe Lincoln?" Ah, I love that movie. And that was Saturday. As Saturdays should be. :)
Sunday-
Spanish church and regular church at FM. Enjoyed getting to worship in Spanish and English, and was grateful for the reminders from both services. Lunch in the DC with the girls. Long nap. Felt so good! Got up, did a bit of homework. Put on some shorts, because it's currently 81 degrees. Though with the wind it feels colder. And now I'm about to go for a walk with my friend Jenny! I love me some spring time, that's for sure! No plans for the rest of the evening, though unfortunately it will probably include some homeworks. We'll see...
And that is how a weekend should be. Relaxing, warmth, spending time with good friends, a touch of excitement (that would be the bathroom deciding to rain on us...), and some great worship. Looking at my calendar for the next several weekends, I'm not sure that I'll have a free weekend for a while. I'm grateful for this time to just relax and have fun with my friends (I'm sure I'll still have fun even though I'll be busy the next few weekends!). Sometimes, I just love the weekend!
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