Think Summer

I know it is still October, or as they say in spanish, Octubre, but I am already trying to hash out my plans for this summer. That gets me thinking about this past summer, which was one of my very favorites. I loved being an intern at Sawyer, it challenged me in ways I could never have thought of. I also liked having a real grownup job with an I.D. and time card swiper at the hospital. Waking up early and having breakfast with Dad was priceless. One evening i was working the 3-11 shift, and during my dinner break David, Mom, and Dad all came over and had dinner with me at the little hospital cafe. That was so fun. Its amazing what a difference it makes when you see someone who loves you and cares about you in the midst of an often unloving and difficult work place. Thanks guys, you made my night.
Since I stayed home last summer, I would love to go abroad somewhere, possibly a spanish speaking country to brush up on my espanol. Here are a few of my choices:
Ecuador to study spanish for a month with a program Taylor offers.
YHM- youth hostel ministry, i would travel around europe for the summer and help out at different hostels.
L'abri- perhaps in British Columbia?
So basically, i have lots of options and who knows what will happen between now and then, but I just love thinking up plans.

Fall Break Fiesta!

Last weekend I was with some of my favorite people in the whole world. Mom, Dad, and I flew out to visit Summer (http://moreh20.blogspot.com/) and Oliver and their little dog Una in New Mexico. Albequerque is the US headquarters for hot air baloons, and last weekend was their annual fiesta. Saturday morning we woke up before sunrise to see the balloons prepared and readied for takeoff.


They looked like giant glowing jellyfish. Due to high winds, their departure was slightly delayed, but finally they began to gracefullly rise off the ground.





Dad even got to help one of the crews set up their ballon.










We all got really excited when they started taking off.













Summer and I met the Governor.
















This balloon is for Baby Jack.













Mom and Dad.








After a fun morning of breakfast burritos, balloons, mountain sunrises, and family fun, we went back to S and O's house to rest.
That evening we took Una to the dog park to see her friends (she was the prettiest dog there). Then we went to a neaby mountain to see the sunset.

Una's support system.











Our sweet hosts.














New Mexico has the most beautiful sunsets.







Monday morning we had another balloon adventure. Dad took us on a hot air balloon ride! Mom, Oliver, and I had a lot of fun.





Daddy's Girl for life.

It was the perfect fall break.

Just Keep Swimming...

B-quad is almost over... and fall break is just three days away!! Crew is all done, we finished with a jubilant victory over the other 12 boats in our race. It was a bittersweet ending to a great season. I love crew. Now, however, it is time for studying. In the midst of midterms, I can't help but praise God for all the blessings he has put in my life in just a few weeks.

This is my room, there are two smaller bedrooms that branch off the "family room". On the right side is where Elizabeth and I sleep, and on the left is Andrea's room. During the daytime, the sun illuminates the changing leaves of the big tree outside our windows, and colorful sunlight floods in and dances on the walls.

I am so grateful for my family, a constant encouragement to me. I still can't belive that little Jack, who used to be that bump on kendall's tummy, is now a real person who will one day walk and talk and worship God.

I am so proud of David, who works hard all day long. Keep it up big brother, thanks for your calls. I wish i could be down there with you to go fishin' and sip on milkshakes.

And sweet Summer, who never fails to guide and encourage me, thank you. I know this is a hard day for you, but press on, fight the good fight, endure! Or as one little fish says, "Just keep swimming!"
Now I must be off to the books!

Who finds a faithful friend, finds a treasure. -- Jewish Saying

I have been blessed by a great many treasures in the forms of wonderful friendships, but now I want to post about one faithful friend of mine, Sarah. She has blessed me and encouraged me in countless ways, and we have been the closest of friends since art class in 7th grade. I can remember the first time we really connected. Her parents were over at my house for something, and Sarah and I went up to my room and sat on my bed, and began talking about how great God is. After that night, we were steadfast friends. We complained to each other about how we couldn't find long enough pants, played sports with each other (the twin towers), helped each other through rough waters, and sailed over smooth ones. We can be serious and yet hysterical with each other. After abandoning her at GCS, I rejoiced over our acceptance to Taylor U. We had a great year there. I can't belive how much happend there. I think she knows me better than I know myself most of the time.
Sarah, Thanks for your call today. I miss you.