Engaged! 2 years ago today!

Dave proposed 2 years ago today!! As we have been thinking about it this morning, we thought we'd share our engagement story again. It was such a special day!!!

Our Engagement Story

*written in Dec, 2010 after proposing

Proposing was a very visceral and exciting experience for the two of us.  Some would have you believe that proposing is laced with romance, rays of sunshine and melodies from fluttery classical tunes—but for us, it was a bit more concrete.  

God had been working in our friendship for over 5 years, and He brought our hearts closer on our road-trip this fall.  Upon our return, God placed marriage more certainly on my (David’s) heart and, the week after thanksgiving, opportunity’s doors began to open.  

It was a Saturday morning, and, after a very stressful and nervous week for Keri and me, the engagement plans were secretly solidified between David, Jono and Brendan.  Earlier I told Keri to plan on spending the evening at Biola, sipping hot chocolate and reminiscing like we did as friends.  After returning from a late morning of “alone time”, Keri and I went to Guitar Center to play around, and then ate an early dinner at Baja Fresh, as we did in Biola days.  
With my nerves going off the wall, and after a delicious burrito, we “calmly” purchased our Biola hot chocolate and began to walk around campus.  Each place we passed had a different memory, and since I didn’t plan every detail (as usual!), our conversation naturally flowed into relational reflection.  Many scenes came back, with reactions like, “Oh, do you remember sitting here?” and, “I can’t believe we stayed up talking like that!”   And others like “don’t remind me of that conversation…” or, “What were you thinking then?”  It was great to remember the past that we’ve had, and was surprisingly fortuitous, considering the end of this tale.

After many bathroom breaks (from my nerves and text-ing instructions), we eventually arrived at the Prayer Chapel.  Keri remarked, in surprise, “What? How could the prayer chapel be caution taped? It’s open 24/7!”  And indeed it was caution taped across the front (Jono’s and Brendan’s doing)—yet, I was convinced we should still go inside.

Walking up front, Keri conveniently pointed to her “old spot” in the chapel in the front corner (a place she often met with God during her Biola years).  There lay various, nondescript items, covered with paper—“What is that stuff?”  She quickly realized I knew what it was, and her head began to spin as she looked at me…

All chalked up on nerves, and without any lead in, I said, “Keri, I want you to be my wife, and, I think God is calling me to be your husband, so…will you marry me?”  In a state of shock, Keri had me repeat it and then promptly hugged me with a “Yes!” and a few tears.  

I then revealed the four things brought to the scene.  The first was four roses, three white and one red, symbolizing God’s Trinity with His Love at the center.  The second was a wash bin and rags to wash one another’s feet.  The third was a hunk of brown olive bread and a wooden goblet of wine, symbolizing sharing in Jesus’ death and resurrection.  And the forth was a small vile of olive oil, to anoint each other and ask God’s presence to rule our relationship.  Each one had a memory and a prayer that came with it, and after sharing each of these, Keri and I prayed in silence.  

` The strength of this moment together is one that will grow with time.  It was filled with laughter, nerves, confusion and, in the end, commitment.  God has shown Himself to us, and has led us to each other through His love.  The fluttery feelings came after, but first was two ordinary people committed to an extraordinary God, finding peace in His will—and so blessed to learn that obeying Him, means a lifetime, like this, together.

Poem of Dedication

I really like this poem. I read it again today and was encouraged by it. I pray that where ever you are at, God will be your "Place of Repair" today.

Place of Repair, O blessed place of refuge!

How gladly will I come to meet Him there,

to cease awhile from all the joy of service,

to find a deeper joy with Him to share!

Place of Repair, for tired brain and body!

How much I need that place just out of sight,

where only He can talk and be beside me,

until again made strong by His great might!

Place of Repair, when trials press upon me,

and God permits the unexpected test,

'tis there I learn some lessons sweet and precious,

as simply on His faithfulness I rest.

Place of Repair, to wait for fresh enduement,

I silently alone with Him would stay,

until He speaks again, and says,

"Go forward, to help some other sheep to find their way."

Place of Repair, O trysting place most Hallowed!

The Lord Himself is just that place to me,

His grace, His strength, His glory and His triumph,

Himself alone, my all--sufficiency.

Years together treasured

A sweet story to share.....

Young and carefree

we dance & play

sweetly like two butterflies

Your hair so soft

your lips so sweet

lost in your deep blue eyes

I feel safe in your arms

I feel loved by your care

you know my heart is yours dear sir

I will protect you, come close

I will love you, draw near

will you be mine for forever?

I swoon and sway

I do. I will. Okay!

mr and mrs together

I never knew God's love so deep

until He gave me you to keep

fall into my arms like a feather.

The years go by

we fight. we play

sharing each day anew

You are more beautiful then the day we met

you shine Christ to me

you are my blessing too.

I've been your bride these 50 years

while you have loved me like Jesus

with pure joy and without hesitation.

As your groom I wish we had 50 more.

your joy so tender, you sparkle so free

US unified as one again.

Confused a bit. Age has captured me.

I wonder. I question. I fear.

He is near.

My chest is aching

my body is shaking

the sirens surround me, oh my dear.

The phone rings, you are healed.

mild stroke, I will come

in my car that will take me to...

God chose to heal me. I am thankful.

you are on your way, together we shall be

I will wait for you.

On my way fear grips me. It's stuck.

i am accelerating!

the memories of you flood every pore.

Thankful to have you to come to me

as I reminisce our life together.

praise Jesus I get to see you once more.

Out of control. nothing to do.

goodbye for now my love.

Jesus is calling. I see him here.

I wait. I wait. She never comes.

oh my sweet wife was taken home.

did this really happen? tear.

I open the door.

bittersweet place of rest.

the walls echo. I groan. I ache.

I lay down on my bed.

turn my head.

and weep until I wake.

Now and then

Wow it has been ages since I've posted on my blog. Every time I think about doing it I feel like there is so much to say, so then I choose not to. That's silly, so here is some bullet points:

+Went to London near Thanksgiving to visit Havana. Huge blessing to get to see her & Ingrid while I was there

-Missed out on being home for Thanksgiving

+Redwood Camp Reunion took place. Loved reconnecting with our staff

+New Year’s Eve party in Moraga was so fun.

+Getting to know Dave more and more! Watching our relationship grow has been a joy and sweet blessing

+Moved into my own room in Evergreen. I have a beautiful mural and a space away

-Jono moved. I’m happy for him but I miss his company

+Danni came to visit. Loved having her here

+Lindsay got married! What a beautiful story of waiting on the Lord's timing and now experiencing His love in such deep ways

-Overwhelmed with work. I’ve had an abundance of things to do

+Climbed Trinity Trees. Wow, what great perspective to have at the top looking over Redwood

+Ingrid came to visit. So fun to have her and show her my life up here

+I’m learning so much about ministry & work! God is abundantly providing, drawing me near, and loving me tenderly

-A rat just scurried across my ceiling and I can hear it chewing through something :(

So, according to my November post, my goal was to “catch a wild turkey, chop off it's head, watch the phrase "a turkey running with it's head cut off" come to life, and have a free delicious meal. :)” There was a wild turkey at the lake in Lafayette the other day and I had every intention to kill it and achieve this goal. I was stopped from this endeavor by a certain individual. Being that I was not the driver, I could not accomplish it! Sad day. Goal still in place.

Theme of the week: Simplicity. I want to travel light. “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through.” God has been leading me in what areas He wants to simplify in my life. For me, it is simplifying at work and in play. Practically and in my mindset/perspective. He is wanting to be apart of every micro decision, so that I do not live into the way He has made me and my strengths without Him there. I can be good at something, but that doesn’t mean that’s what He wants me to be doing always. Even in how/when to care about people. We must discern His voice & His leading. This week, as interns, we went through our closets and got rid of a bunch of clothes. These ‘simple” disciplines help establish living the ‘simple’ life that He calls us each to in our own ways. Simplify. It may hurt a bit, but there is freedom.

I think that is all for now. Here are some pictures:

Perspective

Today we had mass cleaning in Evergreen. Last week we established one day a week where we will all clean the house together. The plan is to wake up Wednesday mornings and gather at 7:30 for 30 minutes of cleaning before staff breakfast. Every other Wednesday we will gather at 7:00 in order to eat together and clean before staff prayer. Today we gathered at 7:30. We each drew from a basket our task that we had to do and cleaned together. The house looks amazing and it only took us 30 minutes of cleaning! 11 people can do a lot! I already see this being a wonderful time for us to connect as an intern community, listen to music loud, and keep Evergreen ever clean! What a fun start to the day!

In staff breakfast the speaker briefly mentioned something about celebrating the gift of life at the passing of a friend's funeral. I think that is a great perspective to appreciate those we love. But what if we can rejoice in the fact of the ultimate final dying of ALL of self?! We are called to die to ourselves daily and what a victory it is when Jesus has more and more of our hearts and there is less and less of us. It is a daily commitment and prayer to die to ourselves. What a glorious thing to celebrate that there is no longer that struggle and a final dying of self (for whoever our loved one is)! Not only do they get to be in the presence of God, but God is fully reigning in them without that battle of self and sinful nature that keeps us from Him. What victory He has over death!

+New favorite food: dates!! Especially on cheese and toast or in a quesadilla like today :)

-My toes are freezing. This happens a few times a month and they can't get warm. Maybe I have bad circulation or it depends on the food I eat. I have had a space heater on my toes for the last hour

+Work is amazing! God is continuing to paint a picture of His plan and purposes here at Mount Hermon and for me here. All staff breakfast was focused on the process we get to be apart of in the Lord's ministry

+Spontaneous house dinner tonight! Bible study we are learning more about Jesus' mom!

+Jesus is seated at the right hand of God! He is seated on the throne, in our hearts!! gaahh praise the Lord for His finished work who Was and IS and IS to come! The Beginning, End, Now, and Then!

+I got a letter in the mail today!

-I have a secret, spontaneous attraction to flaming hot cheetos. My brain dislikes them, my stomach enjoys them, my digestion detests them, my mouth is still deciding the battle of taste and fire.

+packet peach tea--delicious!

+I'm going to london in 9 days

+ - out of the country, then out of the country....such adventures to share!

Wild Turkey

I saw a wild turkey today. It was just running around Mission Springs, the camp down the road, and thinking it owned the road. I hear that during this season wild turkeys run around this area. Quite a few were spotted around Mount Hermon this time last year. I wonder why we see them during this season? The season right before Thanksgiving.

Goal- Catch a wild turkey, chop off it's head, watch the phrase "a turkey running with it's head cut off" come to life, and have a free delicious meal. :)

Monday everyone got evacuated from our house (I wasn't there unfortunately). All of a sudden someone came into the living room where everyone was and told them to follow him out. They sawed through a gas pipe underneath our house as they were working on the foundation. No one could go back in until the evening.

+ Good thing no one was lighting a candle during that time! The gas was in the whole house!

+ Bonding time happened

- How are we living still in a house that needs a lot of work on the foundation?

+ Maybe the house will start collapsing, that would be an adventure!

Weak

Today I feel weak. There is much on my heart and much on my mind. 

I am speaking tonight in Piedmont for a donor dinner for Mount Hermon.  Supposedly some of the guests attending are some pretty big names of attendees that come here every summer. Something about fortune 500? It's going to be a long drive in traffic.  God has a purpose for me there. I pray His Spirit is moving through me tonight.  "Instead of speaking with conviction," I want to "speak my convictions." -the quiet poet

There are some hurting people in our house.  We are having a meeting today to talk through and address some of the hurt and discomfort of some of our housemates (from 3-5pm).  We are experiencing the picture of "bearing each other's burdens" and "rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." (Galatians 6:2; Romans 12:15) 

+Hard challenges. Sharpening experiences. Deepening friendships. God working.

"And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weakness, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.   Knowing these truths God, leads my heart to this desire and prayer, that I may be "well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong!!" (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

Rejoice with me, and may we boast in the Lord and in our weakness for Christ to be known, seen, and glorified!

Long post, short post

I realized that long posts are fun, but not the easiest to read or sit down and write.  I think I am going to try to write short posts from now on.

So here's to the first of short posts! :)

first day of fall

Yesterday was the first official day of fall here at Mount Hermon. The air was brisk, the wind was blowing hard, and all the leaves were falling from the trees. Redwood trees smell incredible already, but something about the wind blowing them around made their fragrance even more distinct and glorious. This sweet smell will be quite enjoyable this fall season.

Fun happenings: We don't have a kitchen table or chairs yet, so we all ate on the floor last night. Kate cooked a cornbread/chili/cheese dish that she copied from trader joes and it was so delicious. We drank raspberry iced tea and had some salad on the side.

+Sunday night we had a bonfire at the beach. It was Dayna's first bonfire at the beach ever! That was exciting. We brought djembes, a guitar, and a harmonica to play. Roasted some mallows, drank sparkling lemonade, and used piles of wood as seats.

+Two little birds landed on my porch while I was reading my bible during lunch. They were singing a delightful melody together. Then they started flirtin' a bit and flew off :)

+My job today: Preparing camp for the weekend. Part of that is organizing and going through all the games to see what we have and what is missing. I think I am good at this, for I acquired skills from my dad of all the times we had to clean out our game closet, organize them by shelf, and keep inventory :) Thanks dad!

Word: John 15 sticks out to me today...some of Jesus' words: "“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

+We can do nothing apart from Him. May we abide in Him as we work and serve Him today. Jesus was a carpenter for many many years and served the Lord diligently in His work before His ministry with His disciples began that we read about in the Scriptures. I'm sure pounding in a nail to make a bench didn't always seem significant, but it was what the Lord called Him to do to serve Him and be a light to others. --May it be more than a job Father. May it be another way to glorify You in all I do, as an act of serving You alone.

+Keeping His commandments is abiding in His love. An act of obedience to Him. Following His Word that He has given to us. We must strive towards simple obedience to the Father in all that He is so that we might abide in His love....our wants are then fruits of His wants for us.

Road to Redwood--First fall day

A house of 13

Living in Mount Hermon now....what a joy and blessing to be here.  Though it may seem overwhelming, I live in a house of 13 other interns. We share 1 living room and 1 kitchen.  There are 6 bathrooms and 2 porches. Our house is called Evergreen, which I just recently learned means "something that perpetually renews itself, or otherwise remains steady and constant (it does not suddenly halt or 'die off', as leaves on a deciduous tree)."  It is neat to think about this definition in terms of our community here.  We are all looking forward to the relationships we will be building this year. Each of us have such unique, different personalities, so I anticipate great challenges and being apart of a community that the Lord has put together.

Romans 12 comes to mind. A good chapter to live by:

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God,which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. 3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. 4 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. 20 “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 
Here are some brief, generalized descriptions of my housemates to get to know them just a bit. I could say a lot, but I will give you just a glimpse.

Upstairs:

Room 1:

Dayna- From Minnesota. Works at the ropes course. Short hair, tom-boyish, super sensitive heart. Fun to jam with on the djembe, guitar, harmonica, and her beautiful voice!

Kate- From La Mirada. Works as a Host at Conference Center.  Graduated from Long Beach state, first time away from home, in the adjustment stage.

Kelsey- Returner. Works in the program department for Pondy. Has a fohawk. A little quiet, artistic, and super sweet.

Room 2: 

ME!!

Rachel- Graduated from UC Santa Cruz.  Works at the Bookstore. Loves to read. Blunt and fun.

Nicole- Returner. Oldest of 9 children. Works as the Audio/visual tech. Loves to ask questions and be with people. Likes sarcasm. 

Kelly- Graduated from Westmont.  From San Diego. Works as a host at Pondy. Shares the top bunk bed with me. Sings, thinks, and has fun a lot. Shared many laughs with her, to tears already!

Room 3:

Emily- Returner. From Ohio. Works in program for Redwood. Worked with her on staff a few summers.  Great conversationalist. 

Ali- Long red hair. Graduated from APU. Works as a caterer. Very smiley and real with her feelings.  Fun to be around.

Downstairs:

Dustin and Amber- Young married couple. From Arkansas. Have a little dog name Moosie. Ropes Course and Accounting interns.  Enjoy being involved with all of us.

Around the corner:

Shane- Works in marketing. Has to wear wild colors to feel comfortable. Funny humor. 

Tyler- Works in programing for pondy. Quiet demeanor. Deep thinker.  House president.

That is our house, but there is one more intern! He lives with his wife and baby Sadie down the way. They are just as much apart of our community as the rest of us.  Moved here from Walnut Creek.  We are with them most every day and baby Sadie is just one of the girls :) She is 7 months old, so we get to see her learn to walk and talk this year! She is our little joy :)

Hope that paints a little picture of my community so far.  The Lord has blessed me with an incredible supervisor, Shami, who is committed to being attentive to the Spirit's leading in her daily life.  I know that this is where the Lord wants me. That in and of itself is a blessing to know.   Having Shami as a supervisor already has been incredible to experience, be encouraged by, and be poured into.  

Here is a pic of Kate, Kelly, and I on our first day of work. This pic is taken in our room :)

Quirky things about Evergreen:

-Smoke alarms go off often (like right now)

-I have locks on my dresser drawers, so I can keep things safe....hahaha!

-We have a toilet and shower in our kitchen, but we don't have a stove or a table with chairs

-Our closet door is locked, it can't be unlocked, so we have to keep the door open

-There is a hidden closet underneath the stairs...our harry potter closet

-We have a secret storage place next to the fire place underneath the bookshelf. We hide old picture frames we don't like in there

-Our room used to be a porch, so it is leaning a bit. It's right over the boys room, so you can see the walls leaning down

-We have an icky smell that protrudes through the walls some days

-In our closet, there is a window, but a wall covers it so it is pointless

Just a few quirks and I'm sure more will be found. It makes it an adventure every day. Living in a small town community, I feel like we are living a book or something (you've got mail quote?)

Journey continued

Spokane-Omaha-Iowa-Illinois-Spokane-Sequim-Leavenworth-Seattle

Yep, it's true! This was the rest of my journey. Here are some highlights after I left Spokane:

I flew to Omaha and got to spend time with Erica and Ryan! Oh so fun!

Hooked up with these peeps and drove through Iowa to Chicago

Chillin' at Sharky's- last bowl of frosted mini-wheats together :)

My cousin in Chicago!!

Visited Ditto in Seattle

View from the telescope

Mish in Sequim!

Birdie in Leavenworth at Estrella's wedding

Mango & Birdie...what a beautiful maid of honor

Driving back to fly home :)  A reminder of God's promises

from one place to the next

Itinerary so far:  Seattle-Leavenworth-Spokane-Idaho

Here are a few highlights:

Always a time to pray!

I saw Alayna before she left for Africa

Wild Thang at Starbucks in Greenlake

Reminiscing from my childhood with the life vest at this very spot :)

Lunch with my mom at the Space Needle

Whoa, we are in Spokane at the same time! Preview of adventures to come :)

Windy on the boat in Idaho

In the river on the boat on our way to the lake

What fun adventures so far. Although my mom is leaving tomorrow, we have had such a wonderful trip spending time together and catching up together. This trip has been so incredibly worth it and definitely worth the many years of wait.  The Lord has blessed us immensely during our time here...with each other and with things that we have learned. I'm so thankful for her!

Cool story: I was walking along a path that was just up from the river today in Spokane.  If I strained my eyes through the trees I could see the beautiful river below, but only if I turned my head in just the right angle.  I kept trying to take a picture of it, knowing that it was just such a beautiful display of the Lord's creation.  Hence the picture below:

As I was taking the picture, I thought that it was simply amazing and really couldn't imagine it getting any better.  I stopped and admired it for awhile, still trying to get a little bit better of a view, but was thankful for where I was at.  Then I decided I probably should keep walking along the path.  Little did I know that just around the river bend (beyond the shore!) there was a break in the trees. I then began to anticipate a better view of the river! Within moments I then saw a spectacular view of this river, simply breath taking to me.  A better view than I could imagine! There was even an area where I could walk down the hill of rocks and actually go down to feel the water and enjoy it close up!  Here is the picture below!

How I feel at times this can be similar to my walk with the Lord.  He will ask me to follow Him, just a bit further and further because He knows what is even better than the best that I think I see.  Father DOES know best :)  I hesitate because it just seems so good from my perspective, even if there are trees in the way.  I don't know any different.  But as I trust, or have no choice and turn the corner anyway, He leads me to an even more beautiful view with no trees in the way.  Just a glimpse of some of my thoughts....

End of Summer

The end of summer has come! So many lessons I've learned, new experiences I've had, and challenges that the Lord has brought me through.  I still have yet to process through it all, so for now I will just give a quick update...

I got the job at Mount Hermon!! I will be the Redwood Camp Host for the year, which means I will welcome guest groups that come every weekend and be there to support them during their stay.  During the weekend I will probably help with the food, any little needs that they have, and most importantly be there to build relationships and pray over their group as they are there.  I am soooo looking forward to this experience! It has been neat to see the Lord's faithfulness to me in providing this job after He asked me to quit at Biola.  I know He has brought me here and am looking forward to seeing what is in store.  From what I know, a typical week will be as follows: Wednesday-Spiritual formation day. I will get together with the rest of the interns and go through a spiritual formation type class. Thursday- prep for the guest group to come (put together any specific needs that they have and get the grounds ready for them).  Friday-Sunday-- be the host!! Sunday-Tuesday-- enjoy a few days off!

I have yet to move in anywhere, so right now my stuff is loaded in my car in Moraga as I am enjoying a little vacation up here in Washington with my mom.  I have quite the adventure ahead, so I thought it would be fun to update a bit as I am away.  I got to see my friend Linnell today before she is off to spain and tomorrow I get to see Alayna before she goes off to Tanzania.  We had dinner with my mom's sister's family and now are back in the hotel.  I best be off to bed, but here are a few pics from the end of the summer.

Graden and I (Men & Women's Staff)

My partner and huge blessing of the summer!!

Program Staff Women

My girls! All the girl Counselors and ME

my director Papa K  :)

Soaking it in

Wow, it is already our fourth week of campers here in the beautiful Redwoods of Mount Hermon.  Last week we had a short week because of 4th of July.  Wednesday I was able to hang out with Uncle Paul, Aunt Pam, and Tyler and meet my 2nd cousins for the first time! It was so great to spend time with them. They were so hospitable and I hope to visit them again soon.

Campers left on Thursday, so our staff was able to have a few days off before campers arrived again on Sunday.  It ended up being a great time to hang out as staff away from a normal schedule and also a time to process the summer so far.  The first day we went to Carmel and hung out at the beach and had a bonfire.  It was such a neat time getting to know the staff in a different context.  We spent the night at one of the counselor's houses in Carmel. My roommate for the night was one of my favorite staff members :). We stayed up a bit chatting and laughing a lot as usual.  The next day we drove off to Moraga, where one of our staff members, Jono, lives.  Another dinner of free food and fun fellowship.  The Lord was really at work in the different conversations I was able to have with some of the girl counselors and He continues to direct my path in how to be a support and encourage them.  I spent the night in Moraga at Sprite's house, which was so great to catch up on how she is doing (since she just recently got back from living over in Costa Rica student teaching for a semester).  4th of July was a fun day.  We went to breakfast together where we joined up with Dave.  Sitting around at a coffee shop, drinking tea, and talking about the Lord together was so uplifting.  The rest of the day we spent lounging around, relaxing, and enjoying just being able to "be" and not "do" anything.

Being away from camp for a bit was something I didn't realize I needed so badly. The Lord blessed me with a break from it all in order to process through some of how camp has been going and also to refill me in order to keep giving from His strength.   I felt an uneasiness in going back to camp on Friday/Saturday morning, but any effort I made to try to figure out what He wanted to be teaching me during my time away or how He wanted to fill me wasn't working.  There was a moment though where I was able just to lay out on the grass by myself, immerse myself in the Lord's presence, and let Him do His work. My heart was longing for Him and He met me in so many different ways.  It was such a neat experience that He had pre-planned and was exactly what He knew I needed.  It may seem silly that it was just a random moment, laying out on the grass, listening to the quietness of the breeze and the bird's singing, but how profound is it when we listen to the Lord as He leads us into those unexpected moments?  He is at work and He is revealing Himself to us in more moments then we probably realize!  Our challenge is to live in this reality, dedicate our moments to Him, be attentive to His voice, listen to Him, obey Him, step into what He is calling us to, trust His love without fear, so that we can experience His greatness and His glory in whatever circumstance He lays in front of us. 

Overall, it was a refreshing break, filled with conversations and times with the Lord that keep pointing me back to Him.  We have lots of campers from years past that are stoked to be here at camp. Being surrounded by people would love kids is such a fun thing to experience. The kids brought so much energy this week, which has impacted all of us who just adore kids and has hyped up all of our energy as well. It is an awesome picture just to watch all of the staff loving on the kids with such a joy and passion.  Walking around camp yesterday and having a conversation with one of the members on staff was a neat moment just to soak in everything that was going on around us.  God has brought us here to this place this summer and it is seriously an incredible place to be.  We were reflecting that we are at a place in our lives where we don't feel rushed, taking one day at a time, and truly are enjoying where the Lord has us at, knowing that the future is under control and there is nothing to fear.  What a freeing joy it is to live in the moment, being open to where the Lord is leading, processing through things of the future when HE sees fit, and in the mean time experiencing HIM here in this place.  What a blessing it is to dwell in His presence!

Out of Control!

First of all, this is a phrase that can be used to describe something as so incredibly cool, it is "out of control!" This is how I feel about my job. I can hardly believe that I get to be here and serve the women's staff all summer! I have been enjoying my time with them, investing in their lives, and spending a lot of time this week listening to all of their stories.  God has been supplying them all with continual energy, enthusiasm, and excitement this first week of camp.

Second of all, I think the Lord is teaching me again that I am "out of control" or rather that He is the one in control of my life and wants to be the one in control of my life. How you ask? Well, right when I had my time off for the week last night, I got a pinched nerve in my back. All of a sudden it started hurting and got worse through the night. This morning it was a challenge to get out of bed and now I am on medication hoping for the pain to go away soon.  This happened to me two years ago at camp and it really was a time where He was teaching me that He is the one in control.  I desire so much for Him to be the one moving and working this summer, so it's been cool for Him to remind me that I just need to trust, release, and surrender to what He wants to do through me this summer.  Such a cool lesson of the day.

Here are some fun pictures from training week!

Lisa came to visit on Saturday!

I brought all the girls to the chapel and had a special time being vulnerable and open with each other on fears of the summer. It was such a sweet time.

Here is our Program staff dressed up to hide around Santa Cruz

for the staff to find us on the scavenger hunt.  Most of

us blended in though, which tells you something about Santa Cruz :)

Beaker, Timon, and Me...haha, scary huh? I was a french goth :)

Rascal (lifeguard) , Plummy (Primary Director), 

Magic (Music), Cheddar (Nurse), and Daisy (Me!)

Fun Happenings: Program staff had to do skits all week. I am not a big fan of being in skits, but since we wrote them we had to present them this week. Haha, the "poncho, jump on it" song skit was my favorite :)

Cool Story: We went to the beach on Saturday and as we were leaving, fireworks started going off at the boardwalk. It was so fun to sit on the beach and watch a firework show.

Prayer Request: Next week we have such small numbers! 26 girls and 31 boys. That means we will have 4 counselors that will not be able to counsel.  We will be sending them up to Conference Center to have to work as dining serving staff for the week. Luckily we will house them here at Redwood. Pray that they will still feel apart of the community and that the Lord will be using this time for them to be bonding together. They are going with open willing hearts.

One week down, a whole summer to go!!

Here is a quick video I took with my phone showing my first night in the cabin :) Luckily the guys came and saved the day and killed them all! Since then, there has only been a few more spiders, one or two slugs, and a few snakes (just kidding, no snakes :)

Things have been going great! Counselors arrived yesterday and we are busy doing Counselor Training this week.  We have a surprise night tonight planned for them to get to know Santa Cruz.  All of us Program Staff will get to dress up and hide ourselves around downtown Santa Cruz.  It actually is a nice relaxing few hours as we wait for them to follow the clues and find us.

For those of you that don't know, my partner for the summer, the Men's Staff Counselor, is Graden. His camp name is Space Cowboy, so I will probably be referencing him a lot.  We are a team this summer and I am already so thankful in how the Lord has been working in our dynamics as the Staff Counselors.

This week we will be training the counselors in ALL they need to know and be prepared for for the summer.  We have a staff of 9 guy counselors and 13 girl counselors.  We woke up at 5:30am and went to the tide pools.  I was challenged to touch an anemone (an amenonenome..hehe) so I did!! Ahh! It was all sticky and made my finger feel numb.  We saw starfish and the end of the sunrise. Then we went up to Pondy (the highschool camp) and had a morning of reflection, alone time, worship, and a hike up to the cross at the hill.  It was such a neat time as a staff.  We ended the time all putting a hand on the cross where we went into a time of thanksgiving, praise, prayer, and singing to our Father.  What a neat time bonding as staff.  I gave my testimony at lunch and it was neat to be able to share with the staff some of what the last year has been like and where I am at now.  

The Lord has been good and is so at work in this place.  Thank you for all your prayers! I will post pictures soon!

Cool Story: One morning I woke up to my alarm. I set it to wake up to "sunrise" setting, which is simply the birds chirping.  I went to go shut off my alarm, and it was not my alarm!! The sun was rising outside and the birds had been awakened! It was the coolest thing because it was way before my alarm was actually going to go off.  Definitely made my day and was a way the Lord was showing Himself to me :)

Prayer request: 3 Counselors are arriving late on Thursday, so they will miss most of the Counselor Training week.  This will mean we will have to figure out time to train them quickly when they get here.  I am a little unsure how this is going to go.

Going back to my Mount Hermon home!

Well, this week is my last week at home and I am spending the day getting ready and packing up all my stuff.  It has sure been a whirlwind and I can hardly believe I will be driving up to my new home for the summer on Sunday!  The Lord has so much in store and I feel on the edge of my seat. I am anticipating such great adventures ahead and I can hardly wait!

Last night my biblestudy girls threw me a surprise going away party and it was so incredibly sweet! They made me feel so special and I am going to miss them dearly.  Here are a few pictures from our time.  In the second pic, the ice cream cake started melting because the jacuzzi was so hot  :)