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!

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.

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!

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!

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. :)

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!

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 :) ).

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.

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!