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.... ;)