Some Hard Goodbyes

I leave for YWAM on a flight to Hawaii at 8:34 tomorrow morning. To be honest, I'm shocked that I have a moment to blog some thoughts. This week was filled with the hustle of last minute errands and visits with friends. Shelly and I spent an afternoon together in Santa Barbara and Rea Mae joined us. About a year ago, Shelly and I were admittedly glad that neither one of us had to shop with a small child in arm. When Shelly found out she was pregnant lets just say I wasn't entirely stoked on the idea but after looking at this adorable face, I've changed my opinion. It will be hard to leave Shelly and Rea Mae knowing that so much will happen in little Rea Mae's life while I'm gone.












Another hard goodbye is reserved for my grandparents. We are a very tight family. Considering their are only six in our immediate family that may not be a shock. I am fortunate to have grandparents that I love to spend time with. They are always supportive and encouraging. I couldn't ask for a more loving family. With Grandma's recent lymphoma diagnosis and Chemotherapy treatment, it will be hard not to be around for them. However, God is good and mighty to save! Both my grandma and I feel completely at peace as I go off with YWAM. I know she is in His hands and I am so glad that I can share my experiences with her.
Good night from California. I'll write to you next from Hawaii!

Amazing Mondays

So even through all the running around to shop for gear, cleaning out my storage unit, and having two garage sales, I've managed to squeeze in two amazing Mondays. I know, Monday? How can Monday be amazing? While usually it marks the beginning of another hectic work week, for me, the last two mondays have been time to play! First, was a trip to Disneyland. It was just me and my mom and it was so fun. The biggest highlights for the day? Going on our favorite rollercoaster seven times. It's a new record for us!












And being entertained by this adorable four year old as we waited in line for the Toy Story ride. She asked us very tough questions like "who's your favorite character?" When I answered with Donald Duck she looked puzzled and restated the question to get at the heart of the issue. "Who's your favorite Princess?" While I answered Ariel she was quick to admit that she loved Sleeping Beauty. She's also a wonderful photographer (she took the picture of me to the right).

This last monday might have been just as much fun as Disneyland. My friend Kelly and I planned on hanging out. She's a teacher and out of school so her days are free now. After talking a while I thought it would be fun to watch a Chick Flick (even though it was noon). We tried calling our freind Katee who recently began her photography business and also has random afternoons free. So we whipped up some guadamole and chips and had a "girl's night" in the middle of a rainy Monday afternoon. It was awesome! I love this retired lifestyle.


What has struck me is just how amazing a Monday can be. I am almost embarrassed by the blessings the Lord has given me during this season. To be able to spend time with my mom and friends on a Monday seems like such a rarity that it can only be a wonderful gift from a Father who loves to see his daughters smile and hear the laughter from deep in their belly. As my friend Shelly would say "Today, I'm incredibly grateful..." to have time to spend with the ones I love. I pray I never take that for granted. Amen

Preparing to Go

Preparing to leave for six-months is a bit of a challenge. This week was filled with those little details that you don't think about. I've been shopping for sleeping bags, backpacks, and other camping gear (which I know nothing about). I've sent out about 40 letters and emails to friends and family. And today, I had a huge garage sale with all the belongings I've accumulated over the last 10 years. That part of preparing is weird. It's kind of a bittersweet feeling. This week as I sorted through all my belongings, I was sad to see it go, although it's been in storage for nearly 9 months and I forgot I had it most of it. I can obviously survive without it but I still didn't want to see it go. Once the sale started and things started disappearing, I forgot what it was I didn't want to part with. It's funny much of what we own, outside of the small amount of family heirlooms, are out of mind when they are out of sight. Tonight, I don't even remember half of what I sold. Now, I'm spending the rest of my time until June 25th with friends and family that I'll miss deeply when I'm gone. I will admit, though, it's awesome having a reason to visit with friends that you've been trying to spend time with for months. It's amazing how schedules open up when you are leaving in a short amount of time.
P.S. Thank you mom, dad, Katee Grace, Dale and Jewls for your amazing help with the sale!
18 Days and counting...