Zambia

I'm in Zambia as I write this, it's incredible to think that technology can make me so close to home. I only have about five minutes on the computer so I'm typin' fast and will get out what I can. Everything's going great, I'm an Missionary Adviser this year and the girls in my group are wonderful. It's wild to think that 72 people from different backgrounds can come together and unite in the one true gospel message. We're here to share the good news! VBS just finished up this week and I already miss the dirt stained clothes and joy stained faces in my group of adolescent orphan girls. Please continue to pray for me and the team, many of us are sick with stuffy noses and a stomach virus has been going around. Pray the full armor of God over us, and that the armor wouldn't be a heavy burden but a privilege to wear. Thank you for your support, I miss and love you all!

Home-making skills

I've recently had the time to work on some basic home-making skills. Going fishing with Jaden was fun, I enjoy some basic fresh water fishing every now and then. I've also attempted to find something I'm good at and am half an hour into drawing an African child -- more to come on that! Attempting to draw today has really made me admire the talents that some people have, it's incredible what God can put into a person. The third picture is of me, Skylar, and Jordan making stuffed mushrooms. I'm not too into mushrooms but it's neat how something that's so icky filled with something yummy can turn out to be barrable -- sort of like a yucky sinful me can be filled with the Holy Spirit and become a daughter of the Most High King, thank you Lord! The final picture is of cupcakes that immitate pool balls, Hannah and I did a darn good job on them. Yum... the point is that I'm working on these homemaking skills and am in awe of what several women (and men) have put into making a home for their families. Thank you to all of you out there who know how to bake, cook, clean, cut hair, and simply love like Jesus within your home -- not to mention doing it all with joy!

Clean Up

I enjoy babysitting, I've had the opportunity to babysit more lately because I'm finished with school and done working at childcare. I especially enjoy silly children songs including "I'm a Little Teapot," "You Are My Sunshine," and "Clean-Up Clean-Up Everybody Everywhere." Speaking of cleaning up, I want to encourage all of you to not litter. Pick up after yourselves, we've been blessed with this planet an should maintain it. It's God's job to destroy it, not ours. Here's some pictures of lovely children I like to spend time with and one of James and a reporter from The Albuquerque Journal picking up trash by the river with me.

Graduation and Invisible Ink

A few updates for ya! I graduated from both high-school and nursing school over the last week. Both graduations were too long, but I was glad to be there. It was especially exciting that my grandparents pinned me at my nursing graduation, we're all nurses now and it was just a fun kodak moment... even though I didn't get a picture! I didnt' get much of a high-school experience; never went to any dances, played sports, or joined many clubs. I didn't know many of my classmates very well. What was a bit stranger to me was that I didn't regret not being more involved in my high-school.
Michael (friend's son) squirted me with invisible ink today. I had on a fresh new blouse and he ran up to me and got this icky wet purple nonscense all over it. I freaked out a bit at first; more than I should have. It was only a second before I realized it was that silly prank invisible ink. It's too often that I get worked up over silly things like that. I'll go on thinking it's terrible that something so aweful could happen then realize that it'll work out for the better. In case you haven't cought on, I'm not just referring to an outfit crisis. I'll sit there and sinfully worry about situations and be all worked up over them when in reality the whole thing is like invisible ink! It'll all work out for His glory.

No Pictures, Read Anyway

Here's an analogy regarding recent events in my life - It's as if I've been standing outside of an exhibit, a museum if you will, for the last several years. I've been patiently waiting in line for my turn to go inside, and I've met some interesting people in line along the way. Some of these people have taken cuts, some have tried to stay behind in fear of what dwells within the museum. Though the line has been moving slowly, I've finally made my way to the door and inside to see the incredible exhibit I've been looking forward to. I'm glad to finally be inside. Upon finding the exhibit I'm slightly disappointed... it's behind glass. Though I can certainly see it, I'm unable to touch it, to taste it, to smell it, or anything of the sort.
It's mildly disheartening to keep waiting for the next stage of life. I feel as though I've been waiting for adulthood for too long. I do so want to graduate, to start a career, to move out, to get married, to start a family, but it seems as though there are a few more experiences to complete before then. Perhaps if I worked at the museum... or maybe this is it. Maybe I can gaze at the beauty of the sweet life He's granted me and chat with some others looking at the same thing. Maybe someone will care to hear my interpretation of the piece of art called life.
For now I will rejoice in what I have and be excited about what's coming next. I am not only waiting for what's to come but enjoying what I have while I can. Living life to the fullest for the glory of His name. Change will come in His timing, I will not only wait for this change but also upon my Lord. I choose to serve Him in frustration, in joy, and in a longing to love.

Kite Runner

I have not seen the movie Kite Runner yet, but I've read summaries on the book. I'd like to see the movie, but I haven't gotten around to it. In the mean time, I've decided that it's time to learn how to fly a kite. I'm nearly certain the movie doesn't revolve around kites, but it's windy here in Albuquerque and it seemed like the appropriate thing to do. That's what Stephanie and I did today, and boy did we enjoy it. It gave me the opportunity to meet a few neighbors at the park, try out some kite-flying skills, and have some quality time with a friend. The end.

I - 1

As exhausted as I am, I decided it was time to spend a little more quality time with my youngest brother, Jaden. He asked me to play Battleship with him. I was hesitant at first because Jaden is frankly a doddler. He takes a long time to do simple things including tie his shoes, answer questions, and play Battleship. I told him I'd play if we went super speed, he gladly agreed. As we were quickly calling out various places, hit, miss, and all sorts of other nonsense, he shouted "I won!" I was caught off guard by this statement and firmly asked
"Won what?"
"No, I won!" said Jaden
"No, we're not done yet." I stated with confusion
"I 1!"
Now I got it, I felt silly and we had a good laugh. Thanks Jaden. I'm off to bed.