Learning to walk again

A little less than two weeks later, I'm guessing some people are probably wondering what ever happened to me after I got hurt. If not, well, just don't tell me, so then I'll think you have been.
I was in my giant, hideous blue cast for about a week, but after about 5 days I stopped using crutches and was putting some pressure on my left leg. Putting pressure on it wasn't painful, but I was starting to get restless from my giant cast. I decided to go to the doctor early to see if they could give me a smaller brace. My wish was granted the next day, and my other brace was a lot smaller. The nurse who gave me my brace asked if I would be interested in seeing the doctor earlier than my scheduled appointment. Of course, I said yes. I ended up getting to meet with my doctor the next day, and she checked my knee thoroughly. The main thing I was scared of was bending my knee. I had tried once, and didn't get very far before excruciating pain hit.  Of course, the first thing my doctor did was try to bend my knee. That was possibly scarier than my whole ER experience right after the injury happened. The fact that I was on a high dose of Percocet in the ER, so everything seemed fine, is beside the point. The doctor was able to bend my knee to more than a 90 degree angle, which I was shocked at. After checking to make sure I got my knee back into place correctly after dislocating it, she said she thinks I sprained my MCL, which is a large ligament on the right side of my knee. She said all my other ligaments and tendons around my knee are super strong, which is very encouraging to hear. The main problem, however, she thinks is in my meniscus, which is right under my knee cap itself. This is something that really cannot be fixed or healed over time like my MCL. This means that the increased risk of re-injuring my knee will always be there, unless I get surgery done.
After all of this news, the doctor said she no longer wanted me to use the brace at all, unless I found it necessary. She said I need to be using my leg normally, and that what has been injured is done, and will heal in time. I go back on May 4 for another follow up appointment, which she might then tell me to proceed with physical therapy or something, depending on how well I have been recovering this week.
In the past two days, it has been quite the adventure trying to learn to walk again. After having my knee/leg completely immobile for ten days, it was a little stiff. It also feels very vulnerable and at risk, so that stresses me out. I can pretty much walk normally now with only occasional pain. There is still swelling, but I am taking noninflammatory for it. I still can't do stairs very well, especially down; it is way too painful. I'm working on walking up stairs today, and will see if I can do that well in the next couple days. It's just little steps each day in this long recovery process. Going up stairs should be something I can get the hang of somewhat quickly, but going down might be a while.
Again, I cannot thank everyone enough for all of their prayers, support, and encouragement over the past couple weeks. God has been teaching me SO much through this difficult adventure.

Now  that we have all that health stuff taken care of, I'll post again soon with everything else that God has been doing in my life. Job beginnings, school coming to an end, friendships, provisions, hard times, and things to be thankful for.

For the Love of Sports...

If you know me, you know I pretty much live for being active. I take advantage of any and every opportunity I get to go outside, run around, play frisbee, volleyball, or any other active sport. This month, it's been indoor soccer. I joined my buddy's intramural team, and though I wasn't too into it the first game, I ended up really enjoying it. Our team did quite well, and was undefeated going in to the championship game last night. 

Being a girl who grew up with all boy cousins and lots of brothers, I don't like to be treated like a girl when it comes to sports. I want to be good and capable. (Yes, I can be competitive sometimes :P) Anyway. Last night those things kinda shined through and showed me the hazard side to this athletic part of my personality. During the last five minutes or so of our championship game, I was trying to get the soccer ball away from an opponent, and my leg moved a little under his in the process. He didn't know my leg was there, and abruptly moved his leg. Consequently, my leg went with his, dislocating my left knee super bad. I immediately straightened it, but was in serious pain. I grabbed my knee right away and shouted that it had dislocated. My friend Jarred was instantly at my side, picking me up off the court. Again, for those of you who know me, I have a pretty high pain tolerance, and hardly ever cry. The fact that I was immediately in a lot of pain, immobile, and crying, said a lot. I got some ice and advil, but the pain was still pretty severe. This had happened before to my right knee, but once I popped it back into place, I was good to go. The fact that I was still in so much pain told me that this was a lot worse. Jarred and Alec helped me down from the gym to my dorm, where Alisa and Eleanor were waiting for me. I made it to my room, but soon knew I needed to go to the ER. My RA Jen and Alisa sacrificed their night to take me. 

We got to the ER and the nurse could immediately tell I was in a lot of pain. She gave me "four stars", which I don't know what that means exactly, but it resulted in me getting back and cared for immediately. After some strong pain meds, making new friends with all the nurses and doctors I met, and a few X-rays, they told me I had not torn any major ligaments, or fractured any bones. I am extremely lucky this was the case. Nevertheless, I'm still injured badly. I have a giant, hideous leg stabilizer and crutches. I will hopefully just be on the crutches for a few days, and then slowly be able to hobble around on my own. It is too early to tell exactly what is stretched, damaged, or sprained right now. I go to a follow up appointment on May 4 when they will be able to hopefully tell me the answer to that mystery, and tell me what the next step in the healing process is, whether physical therapy, or something different. 

In the last 20 hours, I have felt more loved and blessed and cared for than I ever could have imagined. Alec and Aaron brought me a Slurpee and spend some time with me in the ER last night, which I really appreciated. Alisa and Jen stayed up late with me, and everyone else in my hall is constantly checking up on me. I am so blessed and thankful for all my friends who have showed so much love and taken such good care of me. Hannah taking me to get my prescription today, Alec taking me to the doctor, all the encouragement cards and candies...prayers, phone calls and texts. 

So now, for all of you who have heard about my injury, seen my hideous brace and crutches, or seen a comment on Facebook, you now know my epic battle story. 

Please continue to pray that I heal quickly and that nothing major is wrong; that it will heal quickly. Also that I will be willing to accept the fact that I need to take it easy, and that I can't be the independent person I naturally am. That it's okay to let people help and take care of me. =)

Today, I saw a quote on my friends phone that said, "I'm not telling you it is going to be easy, I'm telling you it's going to be worth it." Hopefully, somehow that is true for me in this situation. I'll be openly trying to find out what God is/will teach me through all this. 

Dear Spring, please stay forever.

Earlier this week, when I woke up and looked out my 3rd floor, south side, Balyo window, there was a thin layer of white snow covering the ground of our campus. This morning, I woke up to the brightest, warmest Oregon sunshine I had seen in a loonnnggg time. Dear Spring, please stay!
As I gathered my backpack, keys, and ID card to leave the room, I kept walking past my wardrobe where I usually grab a jacket before heading down the stairs. Though I hadn't been outside yet, I knew it was just too sunny outside to wear a coat; even if it was cold.
The sun got warmer and brighter as the day went on, and as a result, the exciting, lively and happy buzz increased around campus. Every time I walked around outside I saw shorts and frisbees, people studying in the lawn, classes happening outside, people carrying the first picked daffodils of the season, sunglasses and shorts, and LOTS of smiles. The atmosphere of campus was more chipper than I had seen it in a long time. It felt so good.
Through all my classes I couldn't wait to be done so I could go and soak up the sunshine. My friend Kayli and I decided to put on shorts and a t-shirt, grab our iPods and go for a jog. Though I've been trying to work out more, it's not been near warm enough for me to have enough courage to run outside. It felt so good to be out in the fresh air and enjoy the incredibly beautiful day God gave us while running and letting my body function and get in shape, just like God designed it to do. =) I LOVE that feeling.
I could go on and on about the blissful things that happened today, but I won't. Just know it was a beautiful day, and I love the sunshine, and love spring!

Time to Escape

{Escape} - To break away. Why? To remember you're alive. To take the time to perceive the beauty you're constantly surrounded by, but oh-so-often forget to take in; forget to enjoy.
 So much happens in a day. From the time you wake up, until the time you lay down to go to sleep tonight, countless, and I mean countless, thoughts, decisions, actions, movements, perceptions, people, sights, sounds, and feelings fill our day. Life in general, but I have found especially since I began college, is really busy. Classes, homework, eating, people, errands, reminders....so many things fill our day. Amid all this, how often do we take time to step back and soak in everything that's surrounding them? How often do we forget to remind ourselves not to stress or get too caught up in our "busy day" and enjoy and embrace everything that's going on. The sights, the smells, the feelings, the smiles, the trees, the wind, the lights....
IMPACT. Every little thing impacts our day, whether we take the time to soak it in or not. Whether we take the time to notice it or not, they impact us. WHAT IF we took the time to soak in all those things though. All those things that happen throughout the day that we don't even notice...what if we did? How much more would we take from each day? How would we be impacted? What more would God teach us? How would we grow closer to Him by it? Maybe we wouldn't...but knowing just the small bit I do about the God I serve, I am pretty confident it would make a big difference.

This weekend, I'm taking some time to escape. To break away. Not from anything bad, I love Corban, I love my friends and I love my life. But I need to take some time to reflect on all the things God has been showing me, that I haven't taken the time to notice. I want to see what more He has to teach me.
 Thanks to all of our great president's, we don't have school on Monday. I also only have one class on Friday's, which is quite nice, if I do say so myself. All that being said, tomorrow morning my buddy Meesh and I will pile our hats, gloves, sweats, scarves, hand warmers, and snow gear into the back of my cousin's classy Oldsmobile and head up to my grandparents wonderful cabin in the breathtaking Blue Mountains. Along with my cousin Kristin, along with her kids and a few other cousins, we'll enjoy a chill weekend snowmobiling, playing games, watching movies by the fire, snowball fights, taking pictures, and drinking hot cocoa. Not to mention eating my grandma's wonderful cooking, which will be extra glorious not coming from the school dining hall, just sayin'.
6 hour car drive? We're prepared. It's more like the Dutch Bros., stereo system, snacks and passing cars that should be prepared.

Peace. Sunshine. Contentment.

I was talking with a friend this week about sunsets. She's from Montana and gets the privilege of witnessing spectacular sunsets every night. Blues, pinks, purples and oranges fill the sky, filling clouds with luscious color as another day in this world comes to an end. She told me when she first arrived to Oregon, there was a "mediocre"  sunset one evening, but people were everywhere around campus stopped mid-step in wonder of the sky. Taking pictures, commenting, squealing, etc. At first she was utterly confused at what they were all drooling over. She found out the reason behind all the commotion was the sunset that she thought was nothing out of the ordinary, especially in comparison to what she was used to seeing ever night growing up.
Being the typical North-westerners we are here in Salem, Oregon, this time of year, if there's even one day without rain, and you can feel the tiniest bit of heat from the rays of sunshine, your day is instantly better. For some reason, God has decided to bring us a little bit of spring in February here in Salem this year. This past week we have had gorgeous weather, with sunshine and blue skies, as well as breathtaking sunsets almost every night. With the high of maybe 60 degrees, our college campus is still bursting with joy and energy from this irregular amount of sun this time of year. I have played Frisbee twice this week, which has made me happier than a puppy dog with a chew toy (you can ask my roommates!).
 Our long, relaxing days of Christmas vacation seem like they were forever ago, even though school has only been back in session for what, three and a half weeks? The first weeks were fun and easy, lots of catching up with buddies and goofing off. Those days are also, long gone now. Homework the past two weeks has been crazier than ever, and everyone seems to be exhausted. Beginning last weekend I found myself overwhelmed, tired, stressed, and unsure of how to handle it all. I think this is one reason God has given us the sunshine the past week. He knows how intense life can be, and He gave the beautiful spring weather as just one reminder that amid all the stress, homework, and restlessness, He is there. He's walking right with me. He's still providing blessing. He's still wanting me to draw near to Him.
Even though there are many many things that are overwhelming to think about in my life right now....finding a job for this summer, homework load, being away from my family, friendships at school, getting enough sleep, working towards my new years goals.....I am choosing to be at peace. I'm choosing to find contentment with where God has me right now, knowing that He will provide for my needs. He's walking by me every moment of every day, and He feels the same stress I feel. The same restlessness I feel.
The Scripture passage that has been on my heart lately is Proverbs 16.

Proverbs 16:1-4, 9:

 "To humans belong the plans of the heart,
   but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue.

All a person’s ways seem pure to them,
   but motives are weighed by the LORD.

 Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
   and he will establish your plans.

 The LORD works out everything to its proper end....

 In their hearts humans plan their course,
   but the LORD establishes their steps."

Last night Christian worship artist, Phil Wickham came to Corban and led our monthly worship night. During my time there, worshiping and connecting with my Savior, coming from some of Phil's lyrics from one of his songs, this is what He laid on my heart: Be ready. Be ready for when He comes again. Live in a manner that daily, momentarily prepares for His coming. 

This semester is only going to get busier, but I need to stay rooted in His word and love. I need to continue to build up my friendships with my outstanding friends here at Corban who encourage, inspire and motivate me. I also need to do my best to play an active positive role in their lives as well. I am so incredibly thankful for my AMAZING hall, my wonderful RA, and all the beautiful, life-long friendships I have developed with the girls I live with here. I am so blessed! 

How are you finding contentment? How are you finding God working in your life? Is it through the sunsets? Is it through what a friend is going through? Is it through going on a walk and just thinking about God, throwing all else aside? 

Whatever you do, live your life in a way that prepares you for when He's coming. We'll do it together. Let's go. 

Christmas Break, but don't worry, it's not a Break from Christmas

Here's one think I've learned since August. College REALLY DOES make you extremely busy! I heard those words said over and over before I began school myself, but I didn't actually believe it, until it hit me that it was too late. It had already happened to me. My life was, and still is, crazy busy. However, this paragraph does not make up for a valid excuse for my lack of posting on my blog. It's something I think about often, and my lack of more consistent posting is not due to a lack of interest or care, but rather because my life has become so incredibly busy, that I often don't even have enough time to sleep at night.


LOOKING BACK


Finishing my first semester of college as a full time student, here are a few of my thoughts in reflection:
I didn't realize how close 21 girls that just so happen to live in the same hall could grow so close in just three months. I figured that second semester we would get to know each other and grow closer, but already I feel like my entire hall has connected and all become good friends. I am so blessed to have such an amazing group of girls in my hall, and an absolutely incredible RA, Jen.
College professors, can actually be cool, and POSSIBLY even become your friend, once you get past the initial intimidation of them being your scary Professor that you must please 110% in order to receive an A on your transcript. I was blessed with some really awesome Professors that I have got to know, and gained a lot of respect and insight for/from. You learn more in college than just the materials your professors are required to teach you for each class. You learn so much more than that.
Next, I couldn't be more thankful that I attend a Christian University. Yes, there are some annoying things about it at times, but I am so thankful for things like Chapel, weekly Bible Studies, Outreach Events, Christian professors, classmates, and RA...etc.
I am in a quad this year, so I have three roommates, Becca, Ning and Hannah. It's 3x more fun, but it's also 3x more effort at times, especially when  trying to actually be productive and get homework down. Let's just say the library is a very homework-friendly place that get's frequent visits from me.

CHRISTMAS BREAK

Though it was a great semester in which I grew immensely, made several new, awesome friends, and had a good start to my college education, I was more than ready for the much anticipated CHRISTMAS BREAK. The first few days I spent in Salem, relaxing at my Auntie's house, and reconnecting with friends. After that, I made my way down to the much loved town of Thousand Oaks, CA. I enjoyed three absolutely wonderful days with my second family, the Wise's. It was so fun to be reunited with all of them, plus my other TO friends. Glen, Reilly, Harrison, mcKensey and I make quite the fun group of five friends, if I do say so myself. However, we always greatly miss our 6th member of our awesome group, Brent. Some of our events of the week included ice blocking, Santa Barbara, ice skating, shopping, movies, adventures in the airport, and fun car rides and many fun memories along the way. ("cool story bro!" "that is a FAT ticket" lol!) My next stop for Christmas vacation was none other than my beautiful home in Autlan, Mexico. I boarded my plane in LAX at 1:00am, and flew all night. Upon my arrival, I was a little tired to say the least. My tiredness however, did not surpass my excitement to see and be with my family again in any way. It was one happy family reunion, that's for sure.
I arrived in Guadalajara at 6:30am, and that same evening, the youth group in Autlan was having their Christmas party. Right away I was reunited with my family, home, friends, and constant fluent Spanish, all in one day. Let's just say, it was a lot to take in. My Spanish is coming back more and more every day that I'm here, and I realized that I forget how much I absolutely love speaking Spanish.
Seeing my friends again has been super fun, and I look forward to spending more time with them in the next couple weeks I'm here. Hanging out with Chavo, Vicente and Rosa is a blast; I miss them so incredibly much while I'm gone. Their faith is growing in ways that bring me more joy than I could ever explain in words. I'm speechless with gratitude before God for their faith and all He has and will continue to do in their lives. I believe this is exactly how God desires for one to feel when they can see His incredible handiwork played out in such indescribable ways. I can't wait, nor can I imaging what great things He is going to do, and how He will continue to change them in the future.



JUSTINIANO 

Today we got to go out to the Media Luna Migrant camp. I had been waiting for this activity since I arrived in Autlan. Okay, actually, for months, but especially since I got to Autlan. haha. Why have I been wanting to go there so bad, you might ask? Well, if you have read some of my previous blog posts, you will know that one of the children closest to my heart lives there. Justiniano. Just before we went to the camp, my friend Barbara, who knows just how much I really love this kid, told me that he talks about me often, and had been asking when I would be coming for quite some time. This just boosted my excitement to finally see him even more. I hadn't seen him since July; it had been far too long. A reunion was a necessity. The past couple times I have gone to visit, he has been quite timid and hesitant in giving me affection, partly, I think, because he knows how much I really like him, and the other part, because the other kids tease him for getting so much attention from me. I try to be chill and low key about it, but I only have so much time that I actually get to spend with him, so I have to make the most out of it.
 Once we got to the camp, Rosa and I headed straight toward the column of houses is that he lives. He was already out playing, but I knew I would get to see him too. Children began running up to me yelling, "Yessi! Yessi!" and began following us to the playground. I heard one girl in the background say to her friend, "Yessi is here! She has come back!" I didn't even know they knew who I was, let alone remember me so well, and be excited to see me! God gave me instant joy.
Instead of Justiniano being timid this time, HE came running up to greet ME! He gave me a big hug and we began to talk. Other kids swarmed around us and began to say things, but he didn't seem to mind this time. I told him I had brought a Christmas gift for him, but I wanted him to take it home so the other kids wouldn't take it away from him. He took the bag with a smile on his face, and much protection in his eyes. With the bag almost dragging on the ground, due to how short he was and how the bag hung when he held the strings in his hands, he began walking toward his house. I asked him if he wanted me to go with him, and he said "si". We walked together to his house, and he cautiously opened the door, walked in, safely placed the back in a corner, and secured the door on his way out, the bag safely in his house. He told me that he didn't know today was the day I was going to come, but that he was happily surprised. We chatted throughout the afternoon, with pictures, piggy back rides, and fun little conversations scattered through it all.
After the activities were over, he came to find me once again. He said he was leaving, and without me even having to ask, clutched onto my knees, giving me a big hug that instantly warmed my heart to an even higher level. I told him Merry Christmas and that I would see him next week.
About five minutes later, I was standing in a circle of friends talking. Suddenly Justiniano was right by my side. He patiently waited for Chavo to finish talking, and then got my attention. He said, "I went home and saw the note you wrote me on the little paper." Talking about the tag on the gift bag I had given him. I asked him if he liked what it said, and he smiled and said yes. My little note that said, "Merry Christmas, Justiniano! I love you and think about you every day! Hope you had a good Christmas! Love Yessi" really meant a lot to him. And he had come back just to tell me that. It really touched me that the little note that I had written, not knowing if he would even notice it on the side of the bag, meant so much to him. More than the toys  that were inside for him.
When I asked him how his Christmas was earlier in the day, he said good, but that he didn't get any presents. The gift I gave him, with some cars toys from the dollar bin at Target was the only Christmas present that he received. The only one. Yet, he appreciate the note the most. This little 9 year old boy, never ceases to inspire and amaze me. My love for him just continues to grow. Sometimes, I wonder why God has given me such a great love for this little boy. He's not someone I could adopt...he has a family. I get to see him twice a year and attempt to bring some joy and love of Christ into his life, but is that really fulfilling the amount of compassion God has given me for Justiniano? I don't have the answer to theses questions. But I know for sure that I care about him and love him so much. He makes my day in a way that no one else ever could. I'm going to keep trying to express to him in the ways and few times a year that I get the opportunity to. I will continue to pray for him and his family, and think about him often. And I will continue to trust in God, that he will fulfill his purpose for this little boy that he has placed specifically on my heart.

This makes day four or five of my time in Autlan over break....who knows what God will do by the end! I love being home. Can't wait to see what awesome stuff happens during the rest of break.

The Duke Family

From teaching me piano lessons, to babysitting me and my siblings, to bringing us candy or taking us to the park just because, the Duke family has been a special part of my life, as far back as I can remember.
As I grew older, and they began to get married and move away, we became less connected, and didn't see each other much, especially after my family moved to Mexico.
However, this past summer, I was blessed with the opportunity to reconnect with Sherri Duke (now Wilson), and ended up living with her and her husband, Thomas in Trout Lake.
Last weekend, Sherri called me informing me that the entire Duke family, save just two people would be together for the afternoon to celebrate a few of the cousins birthdays. She asked me if I would like to come and see everyone for the afternoon. Of course, I was ecstatic at thought, and accepted right away! Though I had reconnected with her, I hadn't seen some of her other siblings since before I moved to Mexico.
Sherri asked me to bring my camera and take some pictures throughout the afternoon. This just added to my excitement of going.

Driving down the Duke's farmhouse driveway last Saturday brought back many childhood memories. It was so fun to see and catch up with all the Duke kids. I was blessed to meet their spouses and children, as well as simply be a part of their precious family reunion.

I love the Duke family so much and they have played such an important part both in my childhood, as well as into my adult life.

Here are a few of the pictures from the afternoon I spent with them:

Thomas and Sherri

I've mentioned in many blog posts now, what an incredible blessing Sherri and Thomas have been in my life.
While at the Duke's house on Saturday I was able to take a few pictures of Sherri and Thomas, and they are just too precious not to share!!
Love you "ba-way-oh", Sherri and Thomas! =)

College Students and Coffee Shops

Whether on campus or downtown, close to the school, or a little ways away, college students now flood coffee shops which seem to be located on every street corner.
With text books, laptops that beckon papers and assignments to be completed, college students trug their Jansport backpacks and warm vanilla lattes to a cozy table to conquer their dreary homework assignments that separate them from their social availability on school campus.
 As I write this, I just so happen to be one of these people. However, I have learned to incorporate this study method with my social life. My friends Katie and Sam sit across from me at the table, with their laptops and text books at work.
 There's something about Mumford and Sons playing in the background, and the other fellow "Corban-ites" we encountered upon our arrival tonight that makes homework not so dreadful.
 Needless to say, I am neglecting my open College writing book to write this, but I couldn't help but document the essence.
Soft lights, the smell of coffee beans, and the warm company of friends as I study.
For any of you who have once wondered why college students find studying and hanging out at coffee shops so appealing, I hope I have enlightened you to some extent.
Back to my homework I go...

College....Say What?!

I can't believe it's been six weeks since I've posted on here!
It has been a crazy six weeks, to say the least! I'll give you all a little re-cap of what's been happening, to get everyone caught up. =)
I moved from Trout Lake back to Salem on August 23rd, the same day my family arrived to the U.S. from Mexico! They actually came up to Trout Lake directly from the airport, ate dinner at the Cafe, and then we left as a family back to Salem.
Just three short days after arriving to Salem, I moved into the Balyo Dormitory at Corban University. I have three AMAZING roomies, Rebecca, Hannah, and Ning. We have all grown close, and really live well together. Our room is quite loud and crazy most of the time, and our hall mates often come to visit, just to see what's going on in our loco room. It's hard to focus and get homework done sometimes...okay, most of the time!
I am taking 16 credits this semester, and definitely have my time filled up to the rim. (hence the reason for taking so long to post) Every waking moment that I'm not in class or doing homework, I'm spending with my family. There are here for just a week and a half more, and I want to spend as much time with them as I possibly can! They fly out on October 6th. Please pray for them as they head back down to Mexico. Pray that this next year of ministry will be rewarding for the Kingdom of God, and they will be blessed. God is using them in so many ways!
Also, my dad has been very sick this furlough. He goes back to the doctor on Wednesday for some further testing. I have been very sad that he has been sick on this precious six weeks of rest they have each year. I love my dad very much, and want him to get better!
It is going to be extremely hard for me once they leave in a couple weeks. My family and I are extremely close, and I have loved more than anything having them close by all the time, during this time of transition into "the college life". Please pray that you would be will all of us when we are separated for another season of time.
I'm playing ultimate frisbee on an intramural time, and I am just loving it to pieces! If I get to choose one thing to do, it's ALWAYS frisbee, hands down. It's my favorite thing to do..ever! I didn't get to play much this summer because of work, but after our first game a couple weeks ago, I was ecstatic! I love frisbee so much!

Time for dinner, and some more homework, but update part two will be on the way soon!!

So Much Happens in so Little Time

Well blog world, I suppose you would like to know what has been going on in my crazy life the past month or so...

Are you sure you're ready for this? A LOT has happened, and I haven't exactly had time to process and organize it all, since it all came at me, happened, is coming at me still, and will be happening very soon. So bare with me as I categorize my life, share all my dreams, passions and experiences with you about this summer and upcoming fall. 

When I last posted, I shared with you all the incredible blessings,experiences and friendships Jonah had began to bring to my life. Those only continued to accumulate as the summer went on, and when the staff left Trout Lake two weeks ago; it was the ending to one of the best summers yet. I have learned so much this summer, it truly has been incredible. 

I took a trip to Mexico to visit my family in July. I was there for two weeks, the first 10 days on a missions trip with my home church in Salem, and the last five days just spending quality time with my family. Going to Mexico this summer was definitely different from when I lived there, and when I visited in December. I saw it a little differently, it felt a little different to be there, and my family and friends had changed more. I was told that each time I go things will feel a little different. I can't decide how I exactly feel about that, but am trusting that God will reveal both the good and bad in that to me, making me stronger through it. 

It was so encouraging to see how much of a difference my parents and siblings are making through the furthering of their ministry in Autlan. The growth is incredible! God is using them in numerous ways, and I am confident that His kingdom is being glorified as a result of their service and passion. 

 Another super encouraging thing was to be blessed with seeing the growth in the lives of my dear friends Rosa, Chavo and Vicente. Two years ago, these friends of mine and Brent's we lost in a world of pain and poverty. They had no hope or joy. Two years later, they are all completely different people. Chavo and Rosa became Christians before I moved, and Vicente became a Christian earlier this year. Chavo has recently preached his first sermon in La Roca Church, and all three of them have been baptized. I was blessed with the opportunity to be there in July for Chavo and Vicente's baptism. It is so encouraging to see the leadership role Chavo and Rosa have taken in the youth group, as well as other ministries. They are living examples of what missions is all about. The fact that God used me in a few small ways to be a part of their lives and their faith, gives me chills and brings tears to my eyes every day. When my mom was telling me about everything that has been happening in their lives lately, I couldn't help but get choked up. They are now inviting friends to youth group, and sharing the love of God with their unsaved friends and family. That is EXACTLY how the Lord wants missions to work. Chain reaction- we share our love for Christ with someone, they share it with another, and so forth.. God is using people and one by one, the people's lives of Autlan are being impacted. 

I returned to work and my life and friends at Jonah towards the end of July- during the craziest part of summer. In no time, I jumped back in, pushing past the things that I had missed while I was gone, and immersed myself as much as I could in the "here and now". I had missed Trout Lake. Missed Sherri and Thomas, missed my friends at Jonah, and missed seeing Mt. Adams every day. By day three of getting back from Mexico, I was right back to my schedule of working full time, 8 hour days at the cafe, spending every waking moment not at the cafe at Jonah, sleeping there most of the time, and getting maybe 6 hours of sleep a night. Plus trying to stay caught up on things like communicating with friends and family outside of Trout Lake, getting ready for school, etc. etc. It was a CRAZY busy summer, but I wouldn't have changed it for anything. I have made so many new friends. I get along really well with my co-workers, and have become really good friends with some of them. We spend time together outside of work, and float the creek and stuff, which is really cool and fun. I wasn't expecting to become friends with many of my co-workers this summer. I thought that they'd be co-workers and nothing more. I'm very thankful God showed me otherwise, just like He did with what how I'd be involved with Jonah, the relationships I'd develop in both places, the things I'd learn and the experiences I'd walk away with. It's been such an eye-opening, amazing summer. Going into it, I never would have imagined it would have been so amazing. The God I serve and love gives me so much more than I deserve!

Now, my summer is coming to a close, and in just a week I will be with my family again, back in Salem, getting ready to move into the dorms at Corban. My family arrives next Tuesday for their annual furlough, which I am super super excited for, by the way! I move into the dorms at Corban with my three roomies who I have never met, and become a full time student at Corban next week. I'm super excited, but nervous at the same time. It's going to be another big transition, and it's coming up super fast. 

I will miss Trout Lake, and Yaritza, Stephanie, Meghan, Corey, Jana, Jeff and Beki, and all the other friends that I've made here this summer. I'll miss the simple atmosphere of life here, and I'll miss the gorgeous creation that I've been surrounded by up here. However, I won't have to miss Sherri and Thomas, because they're moving to Jefferson for the school year! I guess now that I've lived with them for a summer, they figure they better stay close by! ;)

                                            Precious little girl, Lupita, at the orphanage in Autlan

                                  Group (minus my Dad, Dane, Morgan, & Uncle Tim) in Guadalajara

Siblings....where's Brent?! In front of our house in Autlan

                                     

Life at Jonah... =)

End of Summer Cabin trip with Justin, Daniel, Ellie & Alyssa! 

                                               

                                  Two of the biggest blessing in my life this summer! Love you guys!!

Best Summer Yet- Jonah 2011

Every transition I’ve been through, if I trust in the Lord through it, He has done things and blessed me beyond anything I could have ever imagined. The past couple weeks, I’ve been in a place of awe, taking in all God has done in my life.

Three weeks ago, the summer staff arrived at Jonah. Even though I have a full-time job, I wanted to be connected at Jonah, but didn’t know how. I didn’t know how to immerse myself and get to know the staff in a way where I wasn’t the awkward tag-along. I began hanging out with my cousin Justin, who’s on staff this summer. By simply hanging out in the evenings, I began to get to know the staff a little more, and would help out in whatever areas I could. Before I knew it, I found myself overwhelmed by the love, acceptance, and incredible people that surrounded me.

In the past three weeks, I’ve made some of the best friends, had some of the most incredible experiences, and been embraced with such loving arms. I stand speechless at all that has happened. God has blessed me more than I could have ever asked for. Jeff and Beki, the owners of the camp, have been so loving, and treat me like any other staff member. They are such a blessing in my life! I love them so much!

After I began to connect with Jonah and the people there God showed me he had just got started...

Two weeks ago I was given the opportunity to co-direct Primary Camp with Sherri and Daniel. God taught me SO much that week. I was able to do things I had never done before. I connected with the kids, and was able to be a help to both Jonah and the campers. It was so great to work alongside Sherri and see her passion for Jonah play out through every detail. I got to know Daniel really well too, which was super awesome. We spend every waking moment getting stuff ready, planning, joking around, running errands etc. etc. His love for the Lord shines so vividly in everything he does. He is willing to do anything and everything to serve. His faith is so inspiring to me, I'm very blessed to have become good friends with him.

I’m still trying to process how God has blessed me with such incredible, deep, lasting friendships in such a short amount of time. Right away he gave me a connection with two girls on staff: Alyssa and Ellie. God knew we needed each other in our lives, and that this summer would be that much more incredible because of our friendship. God knew we could build each other up, have great memories together, and glorify Him to his fullest by being there for each other each step of the way. It feels like I’ve been close with them for years, but I only started to get to know them a month ago. So crazy! I’m thankful beyond words. Love you, Jazz and Ish! =)

Maybe it’s a camp thing, maybe it’s a Trout Lake thing, but it’s DEFINITELY a God thing that he brought each of the staff to Jonah this summer. Not just Ellie, Alyssa and I are close. All the staff are. We all just connect. Every night I lay in bed and think about the countless things I’ve seen God do in that day alone. There’s so many incredible people at Jonah this year, and I’m thankful beyond words to be a part of it! Countless lives are being changed because of this summer. We serve an awesome God!

In May when I moved to Trout Lake, I prayed for a good summer. Three weeks later, with it only half over, I’ve already had one of the best summers of my life. I can’t wait to see what happens during the rest of it, and the time after this summer too! I know that the Lord is going to continue to work, and that I have a whole new group of incredible people in my life, who will be important to me for a long time to come.

Cheers to an unforgettable summer!!

Here are a few other more specific highlights that have happened the past couple weeks:

• ·          Jet Skiing on July 3^rd with the staff on the Columbia River
• ·          Alyssa and I having our own church service at the Hood River Marina
• ·          Being “Surfer Girl” along with “Scuba Bob” (Daniel) during Primary Camp
• ·          Floating the creek
• ·          Seeing how God fits accidents and bad things into His perfect plan
• ·          Being disciplined in spending time with the Lord each day
• ·          Seeing first-hand how effective and powerful prayer is
• ·          Pushing Prophet into the creek
• ·          Riding in the New Truck, which was donated to Jonah last week!!
• ·          Developing a relationship with a co-worker who isn’t a Christian, trying to reach out to her
• ·          Sleepovers at Jonah
• ·          Being the “Jonah Photographer”, taking pictures of all the great camp memories
• ·          Setting up a scavenger hunt for the boys, giving them a surprise apple pie dessert.
• ·          4^th of July at the Marina with the Jonah Staff..seeing an epic fireworks show; because God blessed me by letting me get off work a couple hours early!
• ·          Quality talks with staff about life, getting to know each other; investing in each-others lives.
• ·          The opportunity to serve in whatever way possible.
• ·          Enjoying the beauty of God’s creation I’m surrounded by in Trout Lake. 
• ·          Being accountability partners with Alyssa.
• ·          All of the inside jokes and funny quotes with staff…
• ·          Watching 24 with Thomas and Sherri
• ·          Talking with Sherri about anything and everything
• ·          3 hour long conversations by the creek = the best!
• ·          Chasing Alyssa around the building, into the sprinkler
• ·          Tractor rides
• ·          Hood river Walmart/ ice cream trips
• ·          Singing…all the time.
• ·          Not having to worry about what anyone thinks…Jonah is a place where you can be yourself- your real self. No disguises and you’re accepted and loved just as much as anyone else.

The list goes on and on of all the great things that have happened in my life the past couple weeks! I’m thankful God placed me in Trout Lake this summer, and do not come anywhere near deserving all the Lord has blessed me with and given to me already. Can’t wait to see what the rest of the summer has in store.

Colossians 2:6-18

Chicle (my camp name =)

92 & 96

   Working with the general public, I've already dealt with quite a variety of different people. Different cultures, personalities, customs, manners and ages. From the cute babies, who smile every time I approach the table, to the same man that comes in at least once, usually twice a day for coffee, I enjoy just about all of them. It's been fun getting to know the regulars, and also getting to visit with other customers as they travel through town. 

Yesterday was a quiet Monday afternoon in the cafe. My co-worker was doing some maintenance outside, as I cleaned up the kitchen. As I washed the dishes, a white car pulled into our small, three space parking lot in front of the cafe. As I watched through the window, after a few seconds, an older man began to exit the drivers side door. He slowly stood, and walked to the passenger side, opening the door for his wife. The couple slowly made their way to the entrance. I greeted them with a smile, as they walked in. Asking if they wanted menus, they said no. They were just in for some milkshakes. He wanted peanut butter, and she vanilla. The couple found their seats at the table furthest to the wall; close to the cash register. I began to make their milk shakes, and smiled to myself at how cute of a couple they were. 

We began a conversation, of which the man generally carried on. The woman was very quiet and thoughtful. I gave them their shakes, and began to clean up my mess. After a few minutes, we continued chatting, and I found out it was the mans 92nd birthday, and they had come to celebrate. I congratulated him enthusiastically, and he cheerfully shared with me about his life. He told me of his work, where he grew up, and what Trout Lake used to be like. He was so kind. Always smiling, and very genuine. His wife stayed quiet, enjoying her shake. 

As they finished up their shakes, I was almost sad that they would be leaving soon. It was so great talking with him, and learning about his many life experiences. After we exchanged names, and they cleared their own table very efficiently, they began to make their way to leave. 

I told them thank you for coming in, and how nice it was to meet them. As the couple walked across the small dining room toward the door, arms linked, the gentleman turned toward me and said "and she's 96!" "She beats you then, I guess!" I playfully replied. The woman smiled. 

As they arrived to their car, the man opened the door for his wife, and made sure she was in safe and sound before closing the door, making his way to his own car door. As I watched him so carefully take care of his wife, and took in how much I enjoyed the small conversation I had with this couple, made me realize how wise living life makes you. Based on your experiences and years of observing, learning, seeing etc. make you the incredible person you are. incredible people who have had many years to enjoy living, not taking it for granted and wasting it are such good examples of role models. Don't waste your time here. Embrace it. Enjoy every moment, take it ALL in, and help it mold the person you are. 

A New Transition

 I was talking with my mom on the phone tonight. It's always so good to hear her voice! I love catching up with her, and telling her all about what's going on in my life. She's probably a little bit overwhelmed when we talk because my mouth always starts going a mile a minute. A couple times tonight  I caught myself amazed at how fast I was talking. It's great to hear about my family's life in Autlan and everything going on there too. Talking with my family on the phone always lifts my spirits, no matter what kind of mood I'm in. They are such an encouragement!
As I talked with my mom tonight, we had a conversation about transitions. Just a couple days ago, Wednesday, I moved up to the little town of Trout Lake, WA to work for the summer. I'm working full time at the local Cafe, as well as helping out at Camp Jonah Ministries on my time off. As my mom and I talked, she told me that from the time I was young, transitions have always been especially hard for me. I love excitement and adventure, but big transitions like moving, beginning something that I know will take sacrifice and effort, is always hard for me at first. Moving to Mexico, starting a new sport on a new team with people I don't know, beginning to play on worship team, moving out of the house and away from my family....these are all things that have been new, hard transitions in my life over the past couple years. With each one I have been incredibly blessed and seen the many ways God has used and desired these things for my life, but they have not been easy transitions; especially in the beginning. I understand that for everyone transitions can be hard, but for some reason, they really hit me hard.
The first couple days here in Trout Lake have been a bit scary as I begin my first full time job, move in to a new place, meet new people, and try to "find my place" as I try to make friends and get plugged in. I know that in no time I will feel at home, and have a fantastic summer. I just have to push through this adjustment time.
I'm staying with my friend Sherri, and her husband Thomas. They are so incredibly nice, and I'm thrilled that they have so kindly offered for me to stay with them for the summer. They are so fun, nice, and encouraging to be around.
All the people here are super friendly, and I'm excited to get to know everyone better as time goes on. Working at camp will be a blast, and I'm excited to do odd jobs, hang out, and hopefully be an encouragement to both the staff and campers this summer.
Sherri and I are going to begin training, and hope to conquerer Mt. Adams this summer. We have an absolutely breath-taking view of it from the kitchen window, and pretty much everywhere you go in Trout Lake, you can see the Mountain. We also have a river that flows right behind the house, and I get to fall asleep to the flow of it at night. The air here is crisp and fresh, and everywhere you look and go you're surrounded by nature, and the beauty of God's creation.
That's as far as I've been immersed into life up here in Trout Lake so far..but I'll keep you posted on what else I learn and experience as the summer unfolds.


The Cafe:

 My Room: It's so cute!

California Girl at Heart

 Every time I go to visit my friends in Thousand Oaks, CA, it gets harder and harder to leave. This can be both a good thing and a bad thing. I'm so incredibly thankful for their friendship, and the close bond that God has blessed us with. Every time I go there to visit, I find myself wishing I had chose to stay longer. I meet new people that I didn't know very well before, and we become close friends. This has happened the past couple times I have visited, and I absolutely love it! With my friends from Bethany in TO, you don't have to have grown up with them, or known them for a long time to become close friends. We just almost automatically connect and become friends, even though we've spent such short time together. The only explanation I can give for this kind of friendship is this: "it must be a God thing". With mcKensey for example, we've spent a total of 28 days together in  our entire lives, but yet she is one of my very best friends. You're probably thinking 'that just doesn't happen..it can't be that deep of a friendship'. All I can say to that is, I don't know either, but God gave us this blessing of an awesome friendship. And if you don't believe me, just spend a few days with us together. You'll see right away what I'm talking about. I go down there to visit as often as I can, and each time I grow closer and closer to both the people that I've known since we met in Autlan in 2009, and my new friends too. I'm so thankful for the Lord putting these people in my life...I can't even explain to you, nor thank HIM enough!
 I was talking with one of my friends from down there shortly after I left about how sad I was to have to leave. They said "you're a California girl at heart." I'm sure tons of girls and guys alike say this about themselves...probably most people that DON'T live in California can say this about themselves, but I think it's legitimately true for me. When I visit there, I feel this desire to never leave, and to grow in my relationships there as much as possible. I have a desire to come along side the people there and serve with them and the ministries they have. I'm a very relationship-oriented person, so maybe that side of things is just coming out strongly, since I've grown to love the people there so much. ;)
Alright, enough of this "I love my California friends sooo much and can't get over it stuff"...I'm not going to be one of those crazy bloggers.... ;)

SUMMER- Phase 1

 To kick off my summer, in two days, Wed. May 11, my cousin Jarren and I will wake up very early and begin our 14 hour road trip down to Thousand Oaks, California. We're planning on spending an extended weekend with my friends down there, hanging out, and enjoying some time away to relax and have fun; while soaking up the warm California sun of course, before we begin our full time summer jobs.
 I became connected with this amazing group of people in California when they came to Autlan on a short term missions trip each summer. My brother Brent and I really connected with the teens, and our family was very blessed and encouraged by this team; making good friendships. I've visited LA with both my family and by myself a few times, wanting to spend more time with these great friends than just one week a year. I stopped by for a couple days on my way to Mexico over Christmas break, but jumped on the opportunity to go again this summer when the chance came up. I can't wait to see all my friends there again and enjoy a fun weekend with them! I. Love. Summer.

It's Been A Whole Year?!

 I can't believe that the school year has come to and end already! It seems like just a month or two ago I was in Mexico trying to figure out what life would be like moving back to Oregon, leaving Mexico, and beginning my college experience. Now I find myself finishing up my last high school math class, and finished with finals from Corban. The year has definitely been full of adjustments and challenges, as well as great growth and joy. As I shared in the past blog post, I'm excited for summer God has laid ahead, and very excited for my first semester living on campus, as a full time student at Corban. Summer time, here I come!!!

Walk of the Cross

 Each Thursday and Friday before Easter, Pastor Joe puts on an event called "The Walk of the Cross".
People in the Church can sign up to go through this hour long journey which allows you to reflect on the crucifixion  of Christ, and his astounding love for his people. There are several rooms throughout the church which lead from the last supper, to the empty tomb. Families go through together as they take communion, wash each others feet, watch a clip of  "The Passion of The Christ" movie, meet Pilot, and reflect on the empty tomb, worshiping Christ for his unfathomable love.
This is a very visual, hands-on journey that really brings to light the story of Christ's death on the cross for our sins in a very powerful way.

This event is not something that comes together easily. There is a lot of effort, thought, and detail that goes into this great event. Tonight I hung out at the church, helping PJ with odd jobs, as people from the church steadily flowed through in their groups every twenty minutes. It was very cool for me to be able to pray for the people that came to do the journey, seeing the crucifixion come to life for them.
If you live here in Salem, I hope you were able to take advantage of this awesome "Walk of the Cross" experience; it truly is moving. If not, that's okay too. You can still take time to reflect on the true significance of the sacrifice God made by giving his son up because of his love for his children; you and I. I hope you take a few minutes, or maybe even an hour or so to think about this absolutely marvelous event that took place 2000 years ago. Read your Bible and pray, reflecting on this by yourself, with your family, or even with some close friends. Thank the Lord for his inexplicable amount of love for his people, and all he has sacrificed for us.
Happy Easter, everyone! Have a wonderful time celebrating the death, burial and resurrection of our Savior who died for our sins.

Audience of One

 Tonight the Lord opened my eyes through a very unique first time experience in my life. My youth group band and I had prepared a 25 minute set of worship songs to play for a weekly hour long study session we have each Saturday night from 9:01-10:01 pm. (Based off Matthew 9:1 in the Bible). As we stood in the foyer of the church before the activity began, our youth pastor asked us to all put blind folds on. We put the blindfolds over our eyes, and darkness was the only thing visible.
 As Pastor Joe led me into the auditorium, he asked me what instrument I was playing. I said the piano, and he led me to where it was on the stage. As my hands found the keys, I immediately felt for familiar keys and positions. The room was silent and panic began to creep up on me. As more people began to enter the room silently, I began to think I would be playing our set with the blindfold on. I had seen the chord progressions for the first time just two hours before to a few of these songs. Pastor Joe told us that we indeed would be playing with our blindfolds on, and the reality of this began to settle in. I tried my hardest to remember the notes position of my fingers for the first song. 'take it one song at a time' I told myself. At first I was consumed with the thought of how everything would sound, and how I would do the job right. Then realization came that no matter what I did, it wouldn't be perfect. In addition, I realized it didn't matter. I realized that this time was to worship my Savior, not worship what I was doing, how it sounded, or who I was playing for. Because I was only playing for One: my Savior. It was all in worship to Him.
As we played our set, I definitely didn't play perfectly. I missed many chords, and struggled to find my position on the familiar keys. However, I did my best, and I was proud of my band, and friends. Because even though it wasn't perfect, we had the right mindset, and we really did do a good job. We really did do it in worship of God instead of to impress others. No distractions from our surroundings, just worshiping our Savior with all that was in us; from our hearts.
After the time of worship, we gathered around a candle in the dark auditorium with our Bibles. We talked about how we felt as we played. PJ told us that there was only one person in the audience. This was to represent the fact that in ALL we do, we do it for one person, and one person only. The other three people that had come to 9:01 were sitting across the stage as they worshiped the Lord as well. It was cool to see their perspective as they listened and in their own position, worshiped God.

As a result of this incredible, eye opening experience, I am reminded that in ALL I do I need to do it not for my surroundings, not being distracted by them either, but rather for the only audience that matters: my Father, Jesus.

Psalm 86:12 " I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever."

Revelation 5:12 "saying with a loud voice. "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!".

Update

Hello again, blog friends!
 This past month or so has sure been a crazy one! Since my mom and sister came, I was very consumed with spending every waking moment I possibly could. After I had some intense catching up to do on homework, and cleaning my room! HA! I had such an amazing time with Morgan and my mom. I am thankful beyond words that they got to come. All the catching up to do afterwards was totally worth it. They were such an encouragement to my spirits, and it was a blast just giggling, talking, and hugging them!
Now that I had to say goodbye to them until July, I'm just counting down the days until school is out, it stops raining, and I can go running outside.
 When the year began I had absolutely no idea what I would do with my life this summer. I knew I wanted to spend as much time in Mexico as possible, but realistically it probably wouldn't be much time, because there's this thing called tuition that needs to be paid for this fall.
After much prayer and patience, God has laid out the perfect plan for me, and I stand in awe of how incredible he has laid this out for me in the perfect time in the perfect way of every detail.
After God laying some incredible opportunities in front of me, I will be spending my summer up in the tiny town of Trout Lake, Washington.
 My friend and her husband are living up there, where their relatives run a Christian Bible camp that I went to when I was younger. In the town there is just one coffee shop and one Cafe. I have been given a full time summer-long commitment job at the cafe/coffee shop. I have also been given a room to stay in, which is connected to my friend Sherri and Tomas' apartment. I will be working at the cafe full time, but I will also be helping out at camp whenever I can.
I'm very excited for this summer and all that it has in store. I am so thankful God has blessed me with a great job, place to stay, and opportunity to serve Him all at the same time!
 I am sad that I don't get to spend my whole summer in the country that pulls so hard at my heart; Mexico, but I trust in the Lord's plan. My boss has also given me two weeks off so I can go to Mexico to visit my family. I will go down in July with a missions team from my home church, Bethany, and then stay a few extra days to be with my family.
I know that was kind of a scattered update, but hopefully it gives you all a little insight to some of the crazy stuff God has been doing in my life!