Hi guys!!!
Sorry I went AWOL for the summer, I've been teaching English Camps in Italy. And now that I'm here, I'm not sure exactly how to summarize the experience. I'll try to keep it brief:
My dear friend of 10 years, Ari, and I went to England for a few days before our week of orientation. While we were there we went to the British Museum and saw the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian hieroglyphs, and Greek statures. It was a good experience, but I'm not that into art objects and artifacts. My favorite by FAR was the National Gallery. There we explored the paintings of Van Gogh, Monet, Turner, Degas, Rembrandt, Seurat, and many, many others. (Ari and I had an art history class together in college and she majored in it, so I couldn't possibly have had better company!)
Orientation in San Remo (about a half our from the French boarder) was a lot of fun, meeting and playing camp games and activities with English speakers from England, Scotland, Australia, and New Zealand. It's amazing how we all speak the same language but how much we still have to translate what we are saying to each other. Slang, vocabulary, accents, and articulation all became huge topics of discussion. We learned that as US Americans, many of us turn our "t"s into "d"s...think about it: do you say "pretty" and "beautiful" or "pridy" and "beaudiful"? To give you an idea about vocab, in British English a "biscuit" is a "cookie" in American English, British "dummy" = American "pacifier", and British "pants" = American "underwear" (important difference, apparently). We learned songs and games and activities in a group of 150 college-aged kids. I know what you're thinking, and yes, it was awesome. :o)
After orientation, we spent one week each in Marcianise (Naples), Montecastello (Tuscany), and Pisa. We were then put on "hold" in Baiardo, which is a stone village in the mountains of San Remo where counselors are welcome to stay while waiting for more work to open up. (With hundreds of counselors in dozens of camps throughout Italy, everyone gets put in reserve sometime or another.) While staying in Baiardo, a group of us took trips out to see Monaco and Milan. Both very beautiful and incomprehensibly wealthy.
Next we were placed in a two-week camp near the Swiss boarder, and I absolutely fell in love with my family there. All of my homestays were incredible, but I think because I spent twice as long with this family and my "parents" were so young (31), I got very close to them. They also reminded me a lot of my family in upstate New York. I met all of their sisters, brothers, in-laws, parents' parents, and they own a restaurant right by the lake...it really felt like a little Trumansburg. Only you could see the Swiss Alps. :o) It was especially hard to say goodbye to them.
After that camp, Ari and I traveled to Milan, Venice, Florence, Cinque Terra, Nice (France), and then flew home from England. 22 hours after landing in SFO, I was back again to fly back to Honduras. There is soo much more I'd love to tell you about, like all the great conversations we had about faith and Jesus with coworkers and roommates in hostels, about how in Venice we wore Carnevale masks and ran through the streets at night pretending to be superheros, about the Uffizi and trying to go boho in Florence, about the INCREDIBLE pesto and seascapes in Cinque Terra, about hilarious Aussie roommates, about sleeping on row of metal chairs in Heathrow with armrests pressing in from all angles...but neither you nor I have the time for all that. And I still have to upload pictures.
So much for keeping in brief. Haha.
Thanks for reading! Ciao for now. :o)
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
An Abundance of Hope
The two boys who left Micah to return to the streets are both sincerely seeking help to be freed from their addictions: one is spending the weekend sobering up at his dad's house before returning to the Micah house, and the other is considering a drug rehabilitation program.
Just last Friday I was sitting on the ground with Marvincito's dirty head in my lap as he slept. It was one of the most maternal moments I've ever had (and I've had many, with three summers as a counselor and two classes of students). There's a lot I don't know about these boys: I don't know much about the families they come from or what family remains. I don't know their thoughts or feelings about the states of their lives. I don't know their desires for themselves or hopes for the future. But I know our Jehovah Rapha heals and restores, and I know the depth of the hope I harbor for them. It's moments like these, moments in which I am so clearly reminded that God is compassionate and at work in the lives of His children, that I have to stop and say thank you.
"The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made." Psalm 145:17
Just last Friday I was sitting on the ground with Marvincito's dirty head in my lap as he slept. It was one of the most maternal moments I've ever had (and I've had many, with three summers as a counselor and two classes of students). There's a lot I don't know about these boys: I don't know much about the families they come from or what family remains. I don't know their thoughts or feelings about the states of their lives. I don't know their desires for themselves or hopes for the future. But I know our Jehovah Rapha heals and restores, and I know the depth of the hope I harbor for them. It's moments like these, moments in which I am so clearly reminded that God is compassionate and at work in the lives of His children, that I have to stop and say thank you.
"The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made." Psalm 145:17
Friday, May 14, 2010
Creere ("I will believe")
I heard this song in church the other week, and I've been finding a lot of encouragement and comfort in its words. I realize I didn't tell you guys, but a few weeks ago two of the Micah boys left to return to the streets. It's been hard to watch the power their addictions have over them. There's a lot more that is on my heart, but in spite of everything, faith, hope, and love endure.
"Creere"
Cuandos sientas desmayar
Y que ya no hay fuerzas para cotinuar
has pensado abandonar
ese sueno, ese anhelo que en tu alma esta
La mente dice no nada puendes hacer
Pero tu corzon no para de
Y la montana se encruentra frente a ti
mas ya se que al cruz haras si lo puedes creer
Creere, creere, creere oh
cuando parazca como si no puedas pelear mas
y se ve como so el camino llego a su final
cuando nadie to crea, cuando te cierren las puertas
por favor no te detengas porque debes continuar
La esperanza te hara mirar mas alla
Y la fe te dara fueza de creer que venceras
ahora es tiempo de ananzar y del pasado olvidar
Y celebrar lo que vendra juntos cantar
Y las palabra qu vendran intentando apagar
Elfuega que hay en ti las debes olvidar
Y el viento sopllara pero no to detendras
si dios esta a tu lado tu tienes todo lo necessario
Para levantarte yu creer
Porque Dios es el que nos da las fuerzas
confia confia confia confia canto conmigo si
creere yo creere
"I will believe"
When you feel like you're about to faint
And when you don't have the strength to continue
You have thought about abandoning
that dream, that desire that's in your soul
The mind says that there is nothing that you can do
but your heart doesn't stop
And you find the mountain in front of you
but I know that you will cross if you believe
I will believe, I will believe, I will believe
When it seems that you can no longer fight
and it looks as if though the path is about to end
when no one believes you, when the doors are closed
please don't stop because you must continue
The hope will make you look beyond
and faith will give you the strength to make you believe that you will win
now is the time to move forward and forget about the past
and celebrate what will come, together singing
And the words that will come trying to extinguish
The fire that's inside, you must forget them
And the wind will blow but you will not stop
If God is at your side, you will have everything necessary
To lift you up and believe
Because God is the one who gives us strength
Trust, trust, trust, sing with me
yes I will believe, I will believe
Listen to it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PTuvs-5Fo0
"Creere"
Cuandos sientas desmayar
Y que ya no hay fuerzas para cotinuar
has pensado abandonar
ese sueno, ese anhelo que en tu alma esta
La mente dice no nada puendes hacer
Pero tu corzon no para de
Y la montana se encruentra frente a ti
mas ya se que al cruz haras si lo puedes creer
Creere, creere, creere oh
cuando parazca como si no puedas pelear mas
y se ve como so el camino llego a su final
cuando nadie to crea, cuando te cierren las puertas
por favor no te detengas porque debes continuar
La esperanza te hara mirar mas alla
Y la fe te dara fueza de creer que venceras
ahora es tiempo de ananzar y del pasado olvidar
Y celebrar lo que vendra juntos cantar
Y las palabra qu vendran intentando apagar
Elfuega que hay en ti las debes olvidar
Y el viento sopllara pero no to detendras
si dios esta a tu lado tu tienes todo lo necessario
Para levantarte yu creer
Porque Dios es el que nos da las fuerzas
confia confia confia confia canto conmigo si
creere yo creere
"I will believe"
When you feel like you're about to faint
And when you don't have the strength to continue
You have thought about abandoning
that dream, that desire that's in your soul
The mind says that there is nothing that you can do
but your heart doesn't stop
And you find the mountain in front of you
but I know that you will cross if you believe
I will believe, I will believe, I will believe
When it seems that you can no longer fight
and it looks as if though the path is about to end
when no one believes you, when the doors are closed
please don't stop because you must continue
The hope will make you look beyond
and faith will give you the strength to make you believe that you will win
now is the time to move forward and forget about the past
and celebrate what will come, together singing
And the words that will come trying to extinguish
The fire that's inside, you must forget them
And the wind will blow but you will not stop
If God is at your side, you will have everything necessary
To lift you up and believe
Because God is the one who gives us strength
Trust, trust, trust, sing with me
yes I will believe, I will believe
Listen to it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PTuvs-5Fo0
Friday, April 23, 2010
Near mutiny
Background: Students in the elementary are supposed to line up in boy and girl lines after recess and lunch for teachers to come and neatly collect them for class. A couple of my girl students like to fight over my left arm (which is the front of the girl's "line"), but seeing as how most of the fifth grade doesn't actually walk in lines (knowing they won't have to in sixth grade), both of my arms are usually occupied by these two girls. Over the last few weeks, more girls from my class have started to join in this race to me and my popular arms, and today things got a little ridiculous.
After lunch I had a swarm of girls flock to me with big grins, hands reaching out towards me from all sides. There were at least two or three girls trying to get ahold of each arm. One of the girls who feels closer to me (she usually stays after school to do homework, help me clean, and play games with me) reached for a leg, and another started for the other. I evaded the second girl, laughing and hopping unsteadily, towards the classroom. There was talk of carrying me down to the room. I realize I was entirely unprofessional in my demeanor, but I know I have their respect. I could have stopped the fun with a look, but I think I'm feeling more sentimental as summer is approaching. I'm trying to prepare my heart to say goodbye (to my students, to the Micah boys), and it's going to be rough.
After lunch I had a swarm of girls flock to me with big grins, hands reaching out towards me from all sides. There were at least two or three girls trying to get ahold of each arm. One of the girls who feels closer to me (she usually stays after school to do homework, help me clean, and play games with me) reached for a leg, and another started for the other. I evaded the second girl, laughing and hopping unsteadily, towards the classroom. There was talk of carrying me down to the room. I realize I was entirely unprofessional in my demeanor, but I know I have their respect. I could have stopped the fun with a look, but I think I'm feeling more sentimental as summer is approaching. I'm trying to prepare my heart to say goodbye (to my students, to the Micah boys), and it's going to be rough.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Guatemala Semana Santa
Hi guys!!!
As you may or may not know, for Semana Santa (Holy Week) some friends and I went to Guatemala. It was absolutely fantastic: rich in culture, vibrant colors, and, let's say...a diversity of experiences. :o)
We took a bus from Tegucigalpa to San Salvador, El Salvador, then took a second from there to Guatemala City. We stayed the night at a hostel (Quetzalroo, owned by a Guatemalan and an Aussie couple), and the next day took off (by chicken bus) for Panajachel. Panajachel has an ENORMOUS lake surrounded by volcanoes, and the community has a very islandy/hippie feel to it. It was, by far, my favorite part of the trip. We took a boat to see other little towns across the lake, too. After a few days we headed over to Antigua for the sawdust carpets and Easter processionals. All gorgeous, but also crowded. Somewhere in the midst of the week we also went salsa dancing, I got left on a chicken bus by myself for a terrifying 5-10 minutes, and I developed a deep love for the national bird of Guatemala, the quetzal. (Quetzals symbolize freedom because they can't survive domestication.)
I put my pictures together in an album on facebook, which you can access here (even if you don't have a facebook account):
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2038178&id=65800756&l=3cf7cd822b
In closing, here is a quetzal for your enjoyment:
As you may or may not know, for Semana Santa (Holy Week) some friends and I went to Guatemala. It was absolutely fantastic: rich in culture, vibrant colors, and, let's say...a diversity of experiences. :o)
We took a bus from Tegucigalpa to San Salvador, El Salvador, then took a second from there to Guatemala City. We stayed the night at a hostel (Quetzalroo, owned by a Guatemalan and an Aussie couple), and the next day took off (by chicken bus) for Panajachel. Panajachel has an ENORMOUS lake surrounded by volcanoes, and the community has a very islandy/hippie feel to it. It was, by far, my favorite part of the trip. We took a boat to see other little towns across the lake, too. After a few days we headed over to Antigua for the sawdust carpets and Easter processionals. All gorgeous, but also crowded. Somewhere in the midst of the week we also went salsa dancing, I got left on a chicken bus by myself for a terrifying 5-10 minutes, and I developed a deep love for the national bird of Guatemala, the quetzal. (Quetzals symbolize freedom because they can't survive domestication.)
I put my pictures together in an album on facebook, which you can access here (even if you don't have a facebook account):
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2038178&id=65800756&l=3cf7cd822b
In closing, here is a quetzal for your enjoyment:
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Micah 6:8
I'm not exactly sure where to begin. I mentioned street kid soccer in my last post, but I'm going to need to go into further detail.
Earlier in the year, I went to an outreach referred to as "street kid soccer," which is exactly what it sounds like: playing soccer with kids who live in the streets of Tegus. I didn't play because 1) I'm non-competitive by nature, 2) I value my life, and 3) I like talking with the others on the bleachers. A couple of weeks ago my friend Michelle asked if I wanted to go again with her, and I'm forever grateful she did. I met and made friends with Hannah, who was working as an intern with the Micah house for a couple of months. As we were talking, and she mentioned she would be leaving to go back to the States in a couple weeks, so I made it a point to go back to street kid soccer the next week. Hannah warmly welcomed me to visit her and the boys at the Micah house that night, and my experience there was (and continues to be) a huge eye-opener for me.
The Micah house is a group home for boys who were once street kids. Growing up in the streets of Tegus, many of these boys were once heavily addicted to glue to numb their hunger and pain. But now! Now these boys are learning about God's deep love for them, taking formal classes, and they are absolutely radiating joy and sweetness. It's unbelievable.
As I said, I wasn't sure exactly how I felt about street kid soccer. It's uncomfortable and sobering to look poverty and abandonment in the face, and it's so much harder when the faces are so, so young. But my experience at that Micah house gave me hope. Because many of these boys were once just the others, bleary-eyed, incoherent, and hurting. But they have been rescued from that. They are clearheaded and playful and affectionate and they understand that they are deeply loved.
This has changed my way of looking at things; to witness the radical difference in these boys' lives gives me tangible hope for those who are still hurting. I can go to street kid soccer with a clearer vision and prayer to our Lord who is mighty to save.
Visit www.micahcentral.org to learn more
Earlier in the year, I went to an outreach referred to as "street kid soccer," which is exactly what it sounds like: playing soccer with kids who live in the streets of Tegus. I didn't play because 1) I'm non-competitive by nature, 2) I value my life, and 3) I like talking with the others on the bleachers. A couple of weeks ago my friend Michelle asked if I wanted to go again with her, and I'm forever grateful she did. I met and made friends with Hannah, who was working as an intern with the Micah house for a couple of months. As we were talking, and she mentioned she would be leaving to go back to the States in a couple weeks, so I made it a point to go back to street kid soccer the next week. Hannah warmly welcomed me to visit her and the boys at the Micah house that night, and my experience there was (and continues to be) a huge eye-opener for me.
The Micah house is a group home for boys who were once street kids. Growing up in the streets of Tegus, many of these boys were once heavily addicted to glue to numb their hunger and pain. But now! Now these boys are learning about God's deep love for them, taking formal classes, and they are absolutely radiating joy and sweetness. It's unbelievable.
As I said, I wasn't sure exactly how I felt about street kid soccer. It's uncomfortable and sobering to look poverty and abandonment in the face, and it's so much harder when the faces are so, so young. But my experience at that Micah house gave me hope. Because many of these boys were once just the others, bleary-eyed, incoherent, and hurting. But they have been rescued from that. They are clearheaded and playful and affectionate and they understand that they are deeply loved.
This has changed my way of looking at things; to witness the radical difference in these boys' lives gives me tangible hope for those who are still hurting. I can go to street kid soccer with a clearer vision and prayer to our Lord who is mighty to save.
Visit www.micahcentral.org to learn more
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Church and Firedancing
At the risk of contrasting two oddly symbolic events...
A couple weeks ago we had a four-day weekend (our spring break had a few days cut out because of our unexpected days off). Lots of people traveled, and I ended up sticking around Tegus. It turned out to be an incredibly relaxing weekend, which was just what I needed. We spent a day hanging out at a hotel's pool on a gorgeous, 90 degree afternoon. Swimming, reading, napping...oh, it was luxurious.
We also checked out the Basilica de Suyapa, which was beautiful. We actually sneaked out onto a ledge overlooking the city. Then we were told not to. (Oops.)
The second event happened just last Friday night. I went to street kid soccer, which is an outreach for homeless boys addicted to glue. I don't play because, honestly, I'm terrified of getting bulldozed. But I sit on the bleachers with some others and talk with Hondurans and gringos. I really enjoyed my conversations that night. Afterwords, some of us went to the farmer's market downtown. There was incredible, rich homemade food being sold at stands, and absolute mountains of produce. Cucumbers and peppers and tomatos and mangos and avocados and...I can't even describe it. Everything so fresh! Later that night, a couple friends and I stumbled upon some fire dancers. Unfortunately, there are more pictures that won't upload right now. But here's the best one:
*Lots of these pictures are thanks to my roommate :o)
A couple weeks ago we had a four-day weekend (our spring break had a few days cut out because of our unexpected days off). Lots of people traveled, and I ended up sticking around Tegus. It turned out to be an incredibly relaxing weekend, which was just what I needed. We spent a day hanging out at a hotel's pool on a gorgeous, 90 degree afternoon. Swimming, reading, napping...oh, it was luxurious.
We also checked out the Basilica de Suyapa, which was beautiful. We actually sneaked out onto a ledge overlooking the city. Then we were told not to. (Oops.)
The second event happened just last Friday night. I went to street kid soccer, which is an outreach for homeless boys addicted to glue. I don't play because, honestly, I'm terrified of getting bulldozed. But I sit on the bleachers with some others and talk with Hondurans and gringos. I really enjoyed my conversations that night. Afterwords, some of us went to the farmer's market downtown. There was incredible, rich homemade food being sold at stands, and absolute mountains of produce. Cucumbers and peppers and tomatos and mangos and avocados and...I can't even describe it. Everything so fresh! Later that night, a couple friends and I stumbled upon some fire dancers. Unfortunately, there are more pictures that won't upload right now. But here's the best one:
*Lots of these pictures are thanks to my roommate :o)
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Um...
Today I was putting together science stations during my students' Spanish class, so I was half-listening as they read their descriptions of each other.
One boy, who happens to be one of my favorites, wrote about me. He said:
"Miss Johnson tiene pelo liso y cafe. Tiene un cuerpo delgado y con buena textura."
(Miss Johnson has straight brown hair. She has a thin body with good texture.)
Although I'm not sure what he meant, I think I'm flattered.
One boy, who happens to be one of my favorites, wrote about me. He said:
"Miss Johnson tiene pelo liso y cafe. Tiene un cuerpo delgado y con buena textura."
(Miss Johnson has straight brown hair. She has a thin body with good texture.)
Although I'm not sure what he meant, I think I'm flattered.
Monday, January 25, 2010
On love and acceptance
What is it in us that makes us desire love and acceptance from others, when we already have it in abundance, even beyond all we could ever want or need, in Jesus? Mother Teresa calls the greatest poverty that of "being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for." That is a devastating poverty, an existence in which you are told you are undeserving of love. We are made in the image of God, and as such, we are deeply loved as His children. We are considered precious by the Creator of the universe, the One Who knows every star by name, Who shaped Mount Everest and filled the seas with vivid colors and shells. He formed rolling hills and staggering redwoods and is the Originator of everything that is Good and Beautiful; He is the source of all love and compassion. And even knowing this, many of us still seek the approval of men. Men who are as the grass, here one day and gone the next.
The head and the heart really are two separate beasts.
The head and the heart really are two separate beasts.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
"Give Me Your Eyes"
"Give me Your eyes for just one second
Give me Your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me Your love for humanity
Give me Your arms for the broken-hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me Your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me Your eyes so I can see"
~Brandon Heath
Give me Your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me Your love for humanity
Give me Your arms for the broken-hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me Your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me Your eyes so I can see"
~Brandon Heath
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Tía
Today, my friend Kaytie and I went to IHNFA (an orphanage) to volunteer. We're hoping to go once or twice per week (depending on the week) to spend time with the kids there.
We showed up just in time for the babies' dinnertime, so we helped feed and love on them before they went to bed. There were maybe 8-10 little guys between the ages of 2 months to a couple of years, all being looked after by two women. My thoughts were on the futures of these babies: what would happen to the ones who don't get adopted? Are these future street kids, with their enormous black eyes and big innocent smiles?
After they went down for the night, Kaytie and I wandered around looking for the older kids. We found a group of kids hanging out, most of which were pretty small and younger-looking. They were between the ages of 7 and 11, but the 7 year-olds looked more like 5 and the 11 year-olds could pass for 16. All the kids were friendly with us, but we saw a lot of violent aggression come out in their "playing" with each other. One tiny girl (Faviola) kicked another girl in her spine (hard), and a couple got into pulling each others' hair.
I feel like a lot of the violence comes from the "fight for survival" mentality, the only one they've ever known. The most vocal 11 year-old girl told Kaytie they have their own gangs they've established inside the orphanage, and they fight and hate each other in the ways they've learned on the streets. They curse (in English and Spanish) and a few like to provoke a girl with mental special needs (Cindy) to physical aggression. The 7 year-old mute girl (Caty) also showed some anger/aggression, and another tiny one with a huge grin put her hands around our necks and choked us between hugging us goodbye. Already these kids have starting calling us "Tía" (Aunt).
These kids have some huge needs that really only Jesus can fill. We're confident that the Lord will be at work in their lives through His Holy Spirit, and we're excited to see what that is going to look like. Please be praying for them.
We showed up just in time for the babies' dinnertime, so we helped feed and love on them before they went to bed. There were maybe 8-10 little guys between the ages of 2 months to a couple of years, all being looked after by two women. My thoughts were on the futures of these babies: what would happen to the ones who don't get adopted? Are these future street kids, with their enormous black eyes and big innocent smiles?
After they went down for the night, Kaytie and I wandered around looking for the older kids. We found a group of kids hanging out, most of which were pretty small and younger-looking. They were between the ages of 7 and 11, but the 7 year-olds looked more like 5 and the 11 year-olds could pass for 16. All the kids were friendly with us, but we saw a lot of violent aggression come out in their "playing" with each other. One tiny girl (Faviola) kicked another girl in her spine (hard), and a couple got into pulling each others' hair.
I feel like a lot of the violence comes from the "fight for survival" mentality, the only one they've ever known. The most vocal 11 year-old girl told Kaytie they have their own gangs they've established inside the orphanage, and they fight and hate each other in the ways they've learned on the streets. They curse (in English and Spanish) and a few like to provoke a girl with mental special needs (Cindy) to physical aggression. The 7 year-old mute girl (Caty) also showed some anger/aggression, and another tiny one with a huge grin put her hands around our necks and choked us between hugging us goodbye. Already these kids have starting calling us "Tía" (Aunt).
These kids have some huge needs that really only Jesus can fill. We're confident that the Lord will be at work in their lives through His Holy Spirit, and we're excited to see what that is going to look like. Please be praying for them.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
:o)
Today:
- There was a GORGEOUS sunrise behind tattered clouds.
- One of my students gave me a BEAUTIFUL red rose.
- All my students did all their homework.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
10 Jan. 1987
I think it's best if I update my blog now because it's my birthday and I can't be (further) reprimanded for my tardiness.
Christmas Break was an absolute blessing in every way. It was so refreshing to be with my family, and my cousin and his husband came out from New York for New Years, too. I so appreciated my time and conversations with them. I'm trying to talk Chris and Craig into visiting me in Honduras. (Then Craig can help me decorate on a budget!!)
While I was home, I was further blessed by all my friends who were home or came to visit. I got to spend time with friends from middle school, high school, and college.
One of my closest friends and her young family drove up from Santa Barbara and we spent a few days enjoying each others' company.
On my last night home, a couple good friends and I went linedancing. As if that wasn't enough...we also rode a mechanical bull. Yeah, that's right. And I'd do it again.
This weekend some friends and I celebrated my birthday. Last night, my friend Kaitlyn organized a group dinner and movie, which was really sweet of her. After the most terrifying taxi ride of my life (brake lights in front of us incited this guy to go faster), I realized I had locked myself out of my apartment, so I spent the night at a friend's house. That was probably the best conclusion to the evening I could have had, because we just thought out loud together about faith and heaven and humanity and aliens (we saw Avatar, ok?).
This morning (on my real birthday) some friends and I had breakfast together, went to church, and spent the afternoon lesson planning. I really enjoy my friends and am so thankful for them. Life may be hard, but it is also definitely good.
Christmas Break was an absolute blessing in every way. It was so refreshing to be with my family, and my cousin and his husband came out from New York for New Years, too. I so appreciated my time and conversations with them. I'm trying to talk Chris and Craig into visiting me in Honduras. (Then Craig can help me decorate on a budget!!)
While I was home, I was further blessed by all my friends who were home or came to visit. I got to spend time with friends from middle school, high school, and college.
One of my closest friends and her young family drove up from Santa Barbara and we spent a few days enjoying each others' company.
On my last night home, a couple good friends and I went linedancing. As if that wasn't enough...we also rode a mechanical bull. Yeah, that's right. And I'd do it again.
This weekend some friends and I celebrated my birthday. Last night, my friend Kaitlyn organized a group dinner and movie, which was really sweet of her. After the most terrifying taxi ride of my life (brake lights in front of us incited this guy to go faster), I realized I had locked myself out of my apartment, so I spent the night at a friend's house. That was probably the best conclusion to the evening I could have had, because we just thought out loud together about faith and heaven and humanity and aliens (we saw Avatar, ok?).
This morning (on my real birthday) some friends and I had breakfast together, went to church, and spent the afternoon lesson planning. I really enjoy my friends and am so thankful for them. Life may be hard, but it is also definitely good.
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