...Her Journey Is Over...Her LIFE is beginning!

with her cat. :)

this is the way I live...

 A few things:

1) I haven't been on here in forever and regrettably so I must say.  It's a good outlet.  I sorta miss it, maybe I'll start using it again...we'll see.

2) Camp just ended this last Friday.  It was the best summer of the four that I've worked at Beechpoint.  I know I probably say this EVERY summer, but seriously...amazing. 

The staff was one of my favorite parts.  I can honestly say that I care about those people more than any whole group of people I've met..ok well, I don't mean that in a mean way to anyone because I love pretty easily, but as a WHOLE group, not just individuals, but as a WHOLE unified group, I love them all with my whole heart pretty much...I hope that semi-conveys how great the staff was this summer, but I know it really doesn't.

The campers were my other favorite part...go figure...since that's why we all go to camp!  It was great seeing so many of the same campers return and so many new ones to start building relationships with.  So many children decided to give their lives to the Lord..124 to be exact.  I know, I know, it's just numbers they aren't important, but you know you can gauge it somehow and that's how we do it, who knows if they were ALL sincere, but you know, that's not for us to judge anyhow is it?  But some were definitely for real and for that I am so thankful to be a part of camp.

I was in a different position this summer, it was really great for me, a real learning experience.  A lot was learned in the ways of leadership, humility, myself, godly friendships, communication, and more about the Lord.  Pretty much everything you could learn I learned this summer in some capacity.  It was so great to see how the Lord uses us even when we are not the most "complete/able" vessels to carry out His work...it's a lovely, humbling thing.  He is so good.  Camp was AMAZING.

3) this summer has also been a trying one for my family.  as I think most of you know, my mom is struggling with cancer.  she was diagnosed back in August of last year so almost a year from now and it's been an ongoing struggle ever since then.  her condition has not improved and in fact it has gotten much worse.  it's weird to think that just a short year ago "nothing" was wrong and she was perfectly normal, taking me to school in the fall, laughing the same as always, loving me the same as always...she still loves me, but it's become complicated because of her disease.  She has slipped into a more critical condition and, not to give the Lord deadlines because He doesn't exactly operate on them, we are all guessing it'll only be a few more weeks before she is brought home to the Lord...we're not entirely sure of course because after all the Lord could even heal her in these advanced stages, but it's not looking super promising at this point.  It's been a rough last week coping with the idea of her passing away, but we are all getting through it as a family (my sibs and I at least) ...it's hard to think about losing my mom, but I know things will be ok no matter the outcome.  I've cried many tears...more than I thought I had inside me...but God is sovereign and this is all going to work out for His greater plan..I know this, it's just still hard to think about all the stuff she'll miss and I'll miss her for...like weddings, graduations, children, everything...but I am ok. I AM OK. I will be OK. 

sorry to end on this semi-depressing point, but all the more reason for you to pray for my mom, my family, and me...that'd be so amazing and I'd be so thankful...this is who you're praying for...

much love.  

Currently Listening Brother, Bring the Sun By Dave Barnes Nothing Fancy see related

Philippines Update Coming

hey guys, I know you want a Philippines update, or maybe you don't but I will end up giving you one anyhow...

I still have been processing everything, but coming back right into school and whatnot makes it hard, so I have to read through my journal I kept and really hone in on key points and whatnot to try and tell the most important of my trip that I can without boring you with 94 little pages of my journal...

so I will do that and get back here and let you know as soon as I get some free time..maybe this weekend...maybe before, we'll see

But to brief you a little:

It was absolutely AMAZING, the kids were BEAUTIFUL, the team was WONDERFUL, and the experience was LIFE-CHANGING.   

and here's a pic to whet your appetite.  maybe I'm definitely thinking you want to hear about this more than you do....oh well:

Currently Listening Supply And Demand By Amos Lee title track see related

Philippines!

My SCHEDULE

Philippines and the motherland (aka S. Korea)...SATURDAY

Hermeneutics Midterm (NERVOUS)...TOMORROW - TUESDAY

Radio Show...TOMORROW - TUESDAY

PACK for Philippines...BEFORE SAT.

Bible Study for Philippines...BEFORE SAT.

80's RAD night!...WEDNESDAY

Homework...ALL. THE. REST. OF. THE. WEEK.

oh my gosh.  I know this looks like you know manageable, but each part has its own worries and responsibilities.  if i can make it to Friday it will be a miracle.  nah I will, but whoa I'll be busy.

I hope everyone is doing well.  I am.  Just got done watching first season of 24...bad idea I know...and now i have a BUTT TON of homework to do before I leave to go back to school tomorrow (or today...Tuesday). 

yikes. gotta go.

Currently Listening Ghosts By Sleeping at Last Trees (Hallway of Leaves) see related

A Few Good Observations

1) Grey's Anatomy is..the bomb. ---- lame but very true phase.  I think I love it.  As my friend pointed out..very addicting.

2)Sleeping At Last is a GREAT band.  Saw them last night with some friends and it was a lovely show.  great instruments (with a string quartet), great singing (ryan's high voice), great company (a mini bro-sis)  all of these = a great night.

3)Babysitting is a super source of income.  advice #1: quit your job if it stinks, move to Chicago, babysit for rich(and nice)people, you won't regret it.

4)it's 3 in the morning       I should go to bed...and should have long before.