Today I had an emotional breakdown. I was getting frustrated at work. We have had to make even more changes and today I had the biggest job all by myself. Then I was asked why it was taking so long and I was feeling frustrated. Usually I can keep to myself when I am feeling upset and I don't like to let anyone know or do any complaining. I was keeping quiet and finally we went on break. Everyone went to check their mail, so I naturally went as well. I don't usually get anything, so I wasn't expecting a letter. Amber, the mail lady, handed me an envelope addressed to me from Washington. It was my good friend Rebekah. Her letter was so encouraging and it was so refreshing to hear from her. Tears of joy began to flow. I was sitting with two other co-workers, and eventually I just had to go to my trailer. I could not hold in the tears; tears of both happiness and love and tears of frustration and built up emotion from the whole summer. It was unexplainable. Although, I am thankful that I have gone 8 strong weeks without having a breakdown. God is so good to me. There are only two weeks left of camp and Rebekah encouraged me so much. I am so blessed to have her as a friend. When I got to my trailer, Alexa and Marissa were in my room. They are so great. They heard me out and I had a good cry. I think everyone needs a good cry once in a while. I will miss those two so much. When I got to work, the rest of the night was great. I was more talkative than I usually am and everything went really well. I was in charge of the fruit - my favorite job. Also, I scrubbed and squeegeed the floor and did a lot of cleaning. My mom would be happy to know that I actually enjoy cleaning now. Then we got off early and I had an adventure around the lake with two of my roommates.
I am so thankful to God for the girls he has placed me here with. They have been such blessings to me. I am going to miss them so much!
I have much to talk about. Two weekends ago the Hall's came up to visit. It was so great to have them up here! Ryan and I hung out with them when we weren't working and had a really fun time just talking and spending time together. We got to chill at Joshua and eat some pretty good food more than once. It was refreshing to be able to spend time with them. I love them! Also, Mrs. Hall snuck me some supplies my mom sent up for Ryan's secret scavenger hunt. That's another thing I have not been able to write about. He reads my blog, and I have been planning it for the past month, but could never say anything.
I surprised Ryan on Saturday, August 1st for his 20th birthday. His birthday isn't until the end of the month, but I wanted to surprise him. I sent him on a scavenger hunt all over Hume and gave him clues and made a giant puzzle of a picture of the two of us looking out over the lake. It was so much fun to plan and try to watch him in secret as he figured out the clues. He went through the high adventure course, parts of Wagon Train, listened to my red-headed roommate sing about the security booth, did 20 pushups, got drawn on by a mime, rode a bike, had chocolate-covered strawberries, looked for a moose, and wandered around the lake in a canoe looking for me. It was so much fun, and I think he was pretty surprised, although I was afraid many things had given it away. People were telling him happy birthday before it was actually his birthday, he found my fire permit (for smores), a fellow cook almost gave it away, I told him what to bring for the day, and many others (so it seems). But thankfully, he had no idea and was surprised. Everyone who was involved was so great. People were so willing to help out. My friend, Chris, dressed up and cooked us hamburgers and curley fries, my friend Heather lent me a bunch of furniture and her tv and helped me decorate a deck behind the coffee shop so we could hang out, Alexa helped me plan and was a mime, Marissa made brownies and chocolate-covered strawberries, Snow, Jake, and Amanda ran the Pamper Poles and Rock Wall, Sbutter lent me her bike, Cheryl played her guitar and sang, Ruthie spied on Ryan for me, my mom sent up a bunch of sweet stuff, the Hall's snuck it to me, and everyone here kept a pretty good secret. Ultimately God is the one who made the day so great. We had so much fun and got to hang out just the two of us together. That is a rare occasion at a place like Hume where there are people around all the time. It was a great day.
Last night, a raccoon tried to get into our room. I saw it crawl up the stairs to our door which was wide open (for air). Ruthie and I screamed in fright and then it turned around and walked back down. It was a really fat raccoon. That was my first very close encounter with big wildlife. Tonight, I was walking along during our run/walk, and I saw a mother and baby dear about two feet away from me in the path. It made me think about bears and other wild creatures because it was getting quite dark. Thankfully, Marissa S. and Alexa caught up to me shortly after, and we finished our journey around the lake arm-in-arm so we were all less afraid. What fun.
I got to talk to my mom and Grandma today. That was really nice. I miss talking to people. I am looking forward to coming home. I am even looking forward to school starting again! I do love it up here though. There are so many great blessings here. There are blessings at home too, though, and I am excited to see everyone again. Two more weeks. Weird.
I work at 6 tomorrow morning, so I should get to sleep now. God has been so gracious to me. I gave blood last week and I just read from my paper that my hemoglobin was above 13.1! I was so excited to see that! My hemoglobin is rarely that high. Although my blood started pumping too slow and I had to stop before a full pint, I am happy to know that I am actually able to donate blood. I am excited to try it again as soon as I have the opportunity.
I pray for perseverance in these last days of work. I know it will be over all too soon. I will miss everyone a lot. God is so good.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Sleeping In
It is 8:30 on a Wednesday morning and I woke up only 15 minutes ago. The past four days I have gotten up at 5:30 so it was nice to get a few more hours of sleep. So much has happened since the last time I wrote, I am not sure if I can remember it all.
At work a lot has changed. There was a huge deal with the supervisers and board of directors and most of the summer staffers do not know the details. However, it involved a lot of staying overtime and many menu changes. There was a lot of stress in the kitchen. However, I think God used it to bring us all closer together and to teach us how to serve more efficiently. Most of the kitchen staff did not see how we could possibly work harder when we were already exhausted. Then God made it possible. The menu changes have been working out and the staff we are serving have appreciated the food.
There has not been a day when I really dread going to work, and I am so thankful for that. The other day I heard someone say that she really didn't want to go. That made me think about my job. I love the people I work with, and we have a really good time together. I love working with food that brings nutrition and helping people get their fruits and vegetables. I love washing whole fruits and putting them out for campers and staff to enjoy. I really love it when people don't squeeze the peaches and nectarines because when they do that they are hurting the poor fruits and then they get bruised. Yesterday Courtney and I put out little labels which read "Please don't Sqeeze" on the peaches. I left early, so I don't know how effective it was, but I'll find out today.
One major thing that happened since my last post was that my friend, Kimberly, had to go home. She had family issues and a great job offer at home and only days to decide if she wanted to leave here. It was a struggle because she was doing so well spiritually up here at Hume and felt like her relationship with God was really growing. She knew that when she went home, there would not be many people in her life who could encourage her in her faith. I tried to give her godly advice. Her family really needs her and the job offer would not last. I told her she could contact me any time and I would be there for her. She made a facebook (although she never seems to use it) and got everyone's number and address. I love Kim and it was so sad to see her go. The Pantry Girls made a nice dinner for her and decorated a room for a goodbye party. She was so beautiful that day. The Saturday before she left, Ryan and I hung out with her and she and I took a picture with the Moose hanging on the wall in the dining room. That was what she wanted to do before she left. My friend Kim. It was really hard to see her go, knowing what she was going back to. I have messaged her, but still haven't heard back. If you remember, try to keep her in her prayers, that she would stand firm in her faith and that her family might come to a saving knowledge of Christ.
The Friday before Kim left, I knew Ryan wanted to hang out with me. He was so great, though, and was just there for Kim and I. She wanted to be with both of us. That is huge, because she doesn't like guys (bad past experiences). But she liked Ryan and wanted the opinion of us as a couple. That was pretty cool and it was neat to see the way God worked through the two of us to support Kim and be there for her. I saw a lot in Ryan and was so thankful and impressed at how he handled the situation when he really didn't know what was going on. I love knowing that I can depend on him in situations like that.
That weekend Ryan and I went boating again which was really fun. We love to go out on the water. Hume Lake is really beautiful. Then we had dinner and I discovered my love for mocha almond fudge ice cream. We also took some sweet pictures by the lake. Ryan is a computer genius, so he is doing all kinds of cool things with them. It was staff soccer night after that and I played with everyone. It was so much fun! I love soccer. It would be so fun to be on a team again.
I have been having such a great time with my roommates. I probably hang out with Alexa the most. The other day, we were walking around near High Adventure, and we saw a cushiony chair with a sign that said "free." This nice man named George was excited for us to have it, so we got a free chair! It goes great in our room and sits in the middle of it. We were so happy and he was so nice to drive us in his golf cart and carry it into our room for us. That was fun. We also have another new addition to our room. Her name is Rachel. She did the Joshua program and used to live in trailer 3, but they had black mold so they all got moved to new places. I like her. She has a lot of stuff, though, because she has lived here for over a year. Our trailer feels complete now, with 9 girls and all of our stuff, and our new chair. It is like having a family! I don't know if we can fit anyone else, though. Oh and one of our roommates, Marissa S., has been gone for a really long time and nobody knows why. We think when she went home, she got sick and that's why she hasn't come back yet. No one really knows. I think she might come back this Saturday.
Last Wednesday was the first time in a long time that I did not have to play for Overflow. It was nice not to have to rush over there right after work. The speaker talked about following God's will and trusting him in situations when we don't know what is going on, or we are scared. It was a good reminder to love God first in life, no matter what he is calling us to do.
I have been hanging out with Heather Sleezer, Ryan's boss Brendan's girlfriend. She is so cool. It is nice to have someone older to talk to and get perspectives from. She has been so welcoming to me and says I can come over any time. I really look up to her.
On Friday, I went to a girls' night "progressive house party." However, it ended up being at just one person's house. We had all kinds of fruit on kabobs (which I love) and guacamole with chips and salsa. We played games and watched Beauty and the Beast while eating cookie dough. It was so fun! I went with my friend Tamara who had been working in the pantry that week and I met 10 new girls. It was quite fun. I met this girl, Bree, who wanted to go running with me. So we went running at 6:30 the next day (my day off) and I discovered that she is super fast. She pushed me and I got around the lake two whole minutes faster than my previously fastest time. The next three days I had to work at 6, so I couldn't go, but I am planning on running with her again tomorrow. It was really fun.
Also that Saturday, Ryan and I hung out and went to go see School House Rock (which had a gorgeous view of the canyon) and we also visited Grant Grove. We saw some really huge sequoia trees. I really enjoyed it because I had wanted to go there with him ever since my Grandma came and we went there with Aunt Eleanor. God is so amazing to have created such beautiful and gigantic living things. For our barbeque that night we had steak, potatoes, and ice cream. Really healthy meal, I know. The only thing was that the steak was impossible to eat because we had plastic silverware. I couldn't eat it. I went back to my room and ate my roommate's organic power bars. After that, we had staff open mic night. The RDs asked me to play something, so I played and sang "Footprints in the Sand." It seemed to have gone really well and a lot of people told me really nice things afterwords. Some of my friends were surprised because they had never heard me sing before. The whole night was fun and we saw some talented acts. A lot of people from the kitchen performed. One group did a "stomp"-like act using kitchen cambros, spatulas, ice cream scoopers, and other kitchen utensils. It was really funny. That was a fun day.
On Sunday, Alexa offered to take my place in the opener so I could get some rest and relax. It was so nice just to have some time. We took a walk and hung out by the pool after work. Then I walked by the lake and just had some time to sit and think and write a letter to Tanners. I feel so aweful, I have not been able to write more letters. The time just goes so fast and there is so much packed in all the time. It is unbelievable that it is already the 22nd of July. It has been really good, though.
Monday afternoon Alexa and I went ziplining! It was super fun. I got a running start. We wanted to go at the same time, but one of the bungees broke, so we couldn't. Maybe next week. Then we went swimming. It was great. That was the first time I actually swam. It felt amazing. I went running with my friend, Amy, and then had dinner with her and Jackie. That night, Heather (Snow), had the girls over for a movie night in her new house. She had just moved in the Saturday before. It was so much fun. She is great.
Yesterday, I worked from 6 to 3 again and then hung out with Heather S. After that, I went paddle boarding with Amy and Austin and it was so great. That was my first time paddle baording. It has been so hot lately. I got dinner to go and then had Overflow practice with Katie and Matt. I love leading worship with them! It is such a blessing. I was hoping to see Ryan last night at Fireside, but he wasn't there. The girls and I wandered around looking for him, but I didn't find him any where. I was bummed. But what can you do?
I haven't seen him the past couple days. He has been working hard. I love that he is here. The Hall's are coming up tomorrow! I am really excited to see them. Oh yes, yesterday, I met Mrs. Erickson for the first time! I was putting out breakfast fruit and she was in the pantry getting some things ready for the pancake breakfast. We met each other and a few minutes later realized who the other person really was. It was nice to meet her. Her husband is Mr. Hall's business partner, and her daughter, Danielle, works up her this summer. She is a great girl. She puts on my mime face for me every week for the Opener as well. It was surprising to meet Mrs. Erickson, but very nice.
Well, now is is almost 9:30 and I am still in my bed typing. It feels nice to get some rest, but I kind of wanted to go running before work. Too late now. I should work on my theology reading. I am on lesson 4! Tonight there is Overflow after work and I am really hoping to see Ryan some time! Anyways, I love you all and I miss you all a lot. I pray for you and I am so excited to see you all at the end of summer. Have a fantastic day!
At work a lot has changed. There was a huge deal with the supervisers and board of directors and most of the summer staffers do not know the details. However, it involved a lot of staying overtime and many menu changes. There was a lot of stress in the kitchen. However, I think God used it to bring us all closer together and to teach us how to serve more efficiently. Most of the kitchen staff did not see how we could possibly work harder when we were already exhausted. Then God made it possible. The menu changes have been working out and the staff we are serving have appreciated the food.
There has not been a day when I really dread going to work, and I am so thankful for that. The other day I heard someone say that she really didn't want to go. That made me think about my job. I love the people I work with, and we have a really good time together. I love working with food that brings nutrition and helping people get their fruits and vegetables. I love washing whole fruits and putting them out for campers and staff to enjoy. I really love it when people don't squeeze the peaches and nectarines because when they do that they are hurting the poor fruits and then they get bruised. Yesterday Courtney and I put out little labels which read "Please don't Sqeeze" on the peaches. I left early, so I don't know how effective it was, but I'll find out today.
One major thing that happened since my last post was that my friend, Kimberly, had to go home. She had family issues and a great job offer at home and only days to decide if she wanted to leave here. It was a struggle because she was doing so well spiritually up here at Hume and felt like her relationship with God was really growing. She knew that when she went home, there would not be many people in her life who could encourage her in her faith. I tried to give her godly advice. Her family really needs her and the job offer would not last. I told her she could contact me any time and I would be there for her. She made a facebook (although she never seems to use it) and got everyone's number and address. I love Kim and it was so sad to see her go. The Pantry Girls made a nice dinner for her and decorated a room for a goodbye party. She was so beautiful that day. The Saturday before she left, Ryan and I hung out with her and she and I took a picture with the Moose hanging on the wall in the dining room. That was what she wanted to do before she left. My friend Kim. It was really hard to see her go, knowing what she was going back to. I have messaged her, but still haven't heard back. If you remember, try to keep her in her prayers, that she would stand firm in her faith and that her family might come to a saving knowledge of Christ.
The Friday before Kim left, I knew Ryan wanted to hang out with me. He was so great, though, and was just there for Kim and I. She wanted to be with both of us. That is huge, because she doesn't like guys (bad past experiences). But she liked Ryan and wanted the opinion of us as a couple. That was pretty cool and it was neat to see the way God worked through the two of us to support Kim and be there for her. I saw a lot in Ryan and was so thankful and impressed at how he handled the situation when he really didn't know what was going on. I love knowing that I can depend on him in situations like that.
That weekend Ryan and I went boating again which was really fun. We love to go out on the water. Hume Lake is really beautiful. Then we had dinner and I discovered my love for mocha almond fudge ice cream. We also took some sweet pictures by the lake. Ryan is a computer genius, so he is doing all kinds of cool things with them. It was staff soccer night after that and I played with everyone. It was so much fun! I love soccer. It would be so fun to be on a team again.
I have been having such a great time with my roommates. I probably hang out with Alexa the most. The other day, we were walking around near High Adventure, and we saw a cushiony chair with a sign that said "free." This nice man named George was excited for us to have it, so we got a free chair! It goes great in our room and sits in the middle of it. We were so happy and he was so nice to drive us in his golf cart and carry it into our room for us. That was fun. We also have another new addition to our room. Her name is Rachel. She did the Joshua program and used to live in trailer 3, but they had black mold so they all got moved to new places. I like her. She has a lot of stuff, though, because she has lived here for over a year. Our trailer feels complete now, with 9 girls and all of our stuff, and our new chair. It is like having a family! I don't know if we can fit anyone else, though. Oh and one of our roommates, Marissa S., has been gone for a really long time and nobody knows why. We think when she went home, she got sick and that's why she hasn't come back yet. No one really knows. I think she might come back this Saturday.
Last Wednesday was the first time in a long time that I did not have to play for Overflow. It was nice not to have to rush over there right after work. The speaker talked about following God's will and trusting him in situations when we don't know what is going on, or we are scared. It was a good reminder to love God first in life, no matter what he is calling us to do.
I have been hanging out with Heather Sleezer, Ryan's boss Brendan's girlfriend. She is so cool. It is nice to have someone older to talk to and get perspectives from. She has been so welcoming to me and says I can come over any time. I really look up to her.
On Friday, I went to a girls' night "progressive house party." However, it ended up being at just one person's house. We had all kinds of fruit on kabobs (which I love) and guacamole with chips and salsa. We played games and watched Beauty and the Beast while eating cookie dough. It was so fun! I went with my friend Tamara who had been working in the pantry that week and I met 10 new girls. It was quite fun. I met this girl, Bree, who wanted to go running with me. So we went running at 6:30 the next day (my day off) and I discovered that she is super fast. She pushed me and I got around the lake two whole minutes faster than my previously fastest time. The next three days I had to work at 6, so I couldn't go, but I am planning on running with her again tomorrow. It was really fun.
Also that Saturday, Ryan and I hung out and went to go see School House Rock (which had a gorgeous view of the canyon) and we also visited Grant Grove. We saw some really huge sequoia trees. I really enjoyed it because I had wanted to go there with him ever since my Grandma came and we went there with Aunt Eleanor. God is so amazing to have created such beautiful and gigantic living things. For our barbeque that night we had steak, potatoes, and ice cream. Really healthy meal, I know. The only thing was that the steak was impossible to eat because we had plastic silverware. I couldn't eat it. I went back to my room and ate my roommate's organic power bars. After that, we had staff open mic night. The RDs asked me to play something, so I played and sang "Footprints in the Sand." It seemed to have gone really well and a lot of people told me really nice things afterwords. Some of my friends were surprised because they had never heard me sing before. The whole night was fun and we saw some talented acts. A lot of people from the kitchen performed. One group did a "stomp"-like act using kitchen cambros, spatulas, ice cream scoopers, and other kitchen utensils. It was really funny. That was a fun day.
On Sunday, Alexa offered to take my place in the opener so I could get some rest and relax. It was so nice just to have some time. We took a walk and hung out by the pool after work. Then I walked by the lake and just had some time to sit and think and write a letter to Tanners. I feel so aweful, I have not been able to write more letters. The time just goes so fast and there is so much packed in all the time. It is unbelievable that it is already the 22nd of July. It has been really good, though.
Monday afternoon Alexa and I went ziplining! It was super fun. I got a running start. We wanted to go at the same time, but one of the bungees broke, so we couldn't. Maybe next week. Then we went swimming. It was great. That was the first time I actually swam. It felt amazing. I went running with my friend, Amy, and then had dinner with her and Jackie. That night, Heather (Snow), had the girls over for a movie night in her new house. She had just moved in the Saturday before. It was so much fun. She is great.
Yesterday, I worked from 6 to 3 again and then hung out with Heather S. After that, I went paddle boarding with Amy and Austin and it was so great. That was my first time paddle baording. It has been so hot lately. I got dinner to go and then had Overflow practice with Katie and Matt. I love leading worship with them! It is such a blessing. I was hoping to see Ryan last night at Fireside, but he wasn't there. The girls and I wandered around looking for him, but I didn't find him any where. I was bummed. But what can you do?
I haven't seen him the past couple days. He has been working hard. I love that he is here. The Hall's are coming up tomorrow! I am really excited to see them. Oh yes, yesterday, I met Mrs. Erickson for the first time! I was putting out breakfast fruit and she was in the pantry getting some things ready for the pancake breakfast. We met each other and a few minutes later realized who the other person really was. It was nice to meet her. Her husband is Mr. Hall's business partner, and her daughter, Danielle, works up her this summer. She is a great girl. She puts on my mime face for me every week for the Opener as well. It was surprising to meet Mrs. Erickson, but very nice.
Well, now is is almost 9:30 and I am still in my bed typing. It feels nice to get some rest, but I kind of wanted to go running before work. Too late now. I should work on my theology reading. I am on lesson 4! Tonight there is Overflow after work and I am really hoping to see Ryan some time! Anyways, I love you all and I miss you all a lot. I pray for you and I am so excited to see you all at the end of summer. Have a fantastic day!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Busy but Good
It is amazing how quickly these weeks are zipping by. I can't believe it is already July! It is partly good that everything is going so fast, but at the same time, it is weird to think about going back to school next month. I feel like it is going to be really different when I go back after having an experience like this. Being here is kind of indescribable.
Working in food service has really taught me to appreciate people who do jobs that may be "behind the scenes." We have been working so hard lately and when people are hungry, they are not always super nice. The pantry girls have also had to deal with one of the cook bosses when Heather is gone, and that has been a bit of a challenge to say the least. However, God has been teaching me what it is like to serve and even suffer for him. Even when we are treated unjustly, I am still called to live for him and serve him with the way that I act. I have been reading I Corinthians and God has been showing me a lot through Paul's life and teaching.
Although there is a lot of work and it is difficult sometimes, I really appreciate my job. God has blessed me so much with a great boss, awesome co-workers, and I always get to work with healthy food! (except for when we make pudding). Working in the pantry is a good job for me.
Since the last time I wrote, our trailer has had two new additions. Twins! Ruthie and Stephie arrived about a week ago (I think). They are sweet girls. They are tiny and adorable and I am so glad to have them. They fit right in with the rest of us and now there are 8 girls in our trailer: Alexa, Marissa W., Paige, Me, Cheryl, Marissa S., Ruthie, and Stephie. The funny thing is, all of us work food service except for Paige who works in Huckleberry day camp. Our trailer is a little tight, but I love it and it is definitely livable. It is a bit challenging to share a bathroom with so many girls, but we have survived so far.
There are a lot of sick people up here right now. Alexa, Marissa W, and Paige are all sick in my trailer. Two were missing from the pantry yesterday and many have been missing work because of their sickness. I am trying to stay healthy and stay out of my room as much as possible. I hope they all feel better soon!
Let's see, what has happened recently. Well, I have been playing for Overflow a lot. That has been a real blessing. It is so much fun, too. That is what will be happening tonight. Basically there is just a lot of work all the time. I'm so thankful that I enjoy my job. Last Saturday was so nice! Ryan and I decided to try out a row boat. I thought it was quite funny to watch other people do it and then we ended up doing it! haha. We make a pretty good team and didn't look as rediculous as I though (so I assume). After that, we went to the 4th of July Hoe Down with all the other staff and played a bunch of fun games with everyone. That night was the square dance in the Ark. It was so much fun! It was great to have everyone together for an event like that.
This week, Emanuel Faith Church is up here and Ryan's brother John is here! There are quite a few other kids from Escondido that came up as well. I tried to get a picture with them all yesterday, but I don't know if it will be possible in all this chaos. It has been nice to see them around, though.
I really need to work on my Theo II lessons. I keep thinking I'll do it before or after work, and then something else happens. Ahh! The summer is already half over. It is really interesting, though. I have learned a lot in the first two lessons. God has really been molding me since I got up here. He has used so many people and so many experiences to shape me. He is such a wonderful God and I am so thankful to him for blessing me in countless ways.
Well, it's off to work again for me. I pray that you are all doing well and having a great summer!
Working in food service has really taught me to appreciate people who do jobs that may be "behind the scenes." We have been working so hard lately and when people are hungry, they are not always super nice. The pantry girls have also had to deal with one of the cook bosses when Heather is gone, and that has been a bit of a challenge to say the least. However, God has been teaching me what it is like to serve and even suffer for him. Even when we are treated unjustly, I am still called to live for him and serve him with the way that I act. I have been reading I Corinthians and God has been showing me a lot through Paul's life and teaching.
Although there is a lot of work and it is difficult sometimes, I really appreciate my job. God has blessed me so much with a great boss, awesome co-workers, and I always get to work with healthy food! (except for when we make pudding). Working in the pantry is a good job for me.
Since the last time I wrote, our trailer has had two new additions. Twins! Ruthie and Stephie arrived about a week ago (I think). They are sweet girls. They are tiny and adorable and I am so glad to have them. They fit right in with the rest of us and now there are 8 girls in our trailer: Alexa, Marissa W., Paige, Me, Cheryl, Marissa S., Ruthie, and Stephie. The funny thing is, all of us work food service except for Paige who works in Huckleberry day camp. Our trailer is a little tight, but I love it and it is definitely livable. It is a bit challenging to share a bathroom with so many girls, but we have survived so far.
There are a lot of sick people up here right now. Alexa, Marissa W, and Paige are all sick in my trailer. Two were missing from the pantry yesterday and many have been missing work because of their sickness. I am trying to stay healthy and stay out of my room as much as possible. I hope they all feel better soon!
Let's see, what has happened recently. Well, I have been playing for Overflow a lot. That has been a real blessing. It is so much fun, too. That is what will be happening tonight. Basically there is just a lot of work all the time. I'm so thankful that I enjoy my job. Last Saturday was so nice! Ryan and I decided to try out a row boat. I thought it was quite funny to watch other people do it and then we ended up doing it! haha. We make a pretty good team and didn't look as rediculous as I though (so I assume). After that, we went to the 4th of July Hoe Down with all the other staff and played a bunch of fun games with everyone. That night was the square dance in the Ark. It was so much fun! It was great to have everyone together for an event like that.
This week, Emanuel Faith Church is up here and Ryan's brother John is here! There are quite a few other kids from Escondido that came up as well. I tried to get a picture with them all yesterday, but I don't know if it will be possible in all this chaos. It has been nice to see them around, though.
I really need to work on my Theo II lessons. I keep thinking I'll do it before or after work, and then something else happens. Ahh! The summer is already half over. It is really interesting, though. I have learned a lot in the first two lessons. God has really been molding me since I got up here. He has used so many people and so many experiences to shape me. He is such a wonderful God and I am so thankful to him for blessing me in countless ways.
Well, it's off to work again for me. I pray that you are all doing well and having a great summer!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
So Fun!
This past week of work was good. I am really enjoying the time I've spent with my co-workers. Heather let us go swimming twice when we had time off. The work has been strenuous, though. We had so many kids this week! On Wednesday night I played in the band at Overflow again. It went really well. Dr. Thoennes spoke this week at the preaching series and I went almost every night. He spoke about the doctrine of humanity. It was really interesting. On Saturday, Ryan and Chris were kind enough to let Dr. Thoennes and his wife (who is awesome!) and I do high adventure. It was so much fun! I had the day off and it was great to get to know them better and have fun in the trees. After that, I just relaxed by the lake and read. Ryan and I had lunch and then we went kayaking on the lake in lovely yellow kayaks. It was really fun. We raced. I have been wanting to go out on the lake ever since I came here, so it was nice to be able to do that with Ryan for the first time. When we were done, we headed over to the staff BBQ on the lawn and played volleyball for a while. We were both on teams and there was a tournament. It was super fun. Later, we all watched Aladdin on a screen on the lawn. It was cold, but really fun. Then today I worked and went to church and soon I will be heading over to do the opener again. I have been having so much fun with my roommates! We all get along so well. Right now there is a huge purple cake sitting on my dresser in my room. Well, there's half of it left. We've been eating it. Marissa made it for Cheryl's birthday. It is so yummy! Well, a lot of campers are here already to start this week of camp again. God has been teaching me so much up here. He is so amazing.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Weekend Away
On Friday morning, my family and I left Hume and headed for Reno, Nevada. It was my first time in Reno and it was pretty exciting to go road tripping with my family. My Uncle Gordon and Aunt Jenny got married. We went to the rehearsal dinner on Friday night and it was so much fun! It was great to hang out with my wonderful cousins again. We all had a good time together. And now I have three more cousins! Chris, John, and Manny. I am so excited about that. Later that night, we had a bridal shower for Lisa and Sheri because they are both engaged. It was really fun. They are the first of the cousins to be married. It is so exciting!
On Saturday morning, Laura and I went running around Reno. It was pretty exciting. We found a bunch of cool places to go, a police man, and a lovely Wholefoods market. They gave free samples of canteloupe and strawberries! It was great. We then had breakfast with family and went swimming. We were having an imaginary volleyball tournament with more cousins and our Uncle Darrel and Aunt Diane. It was my first time wearing my new target one-piece. All the ladies on the side were laughing at me! Oh well, I don't care :-) haha. The sun came out and then it rained. Weather in Nevada is crazy.
I got Listerine pocket packs! My favorite. It was nice to be down the mountain. At 4:30, the wedding began. It was a beautiful wedding and my uncle and aunt both seemed so happy. The reception was great. I have never had such a wonderful time at a wedding. I have also never had so much fun dancing. If you ask anyone who knows me, they would probably say that I do not dance often, or well. But I have realized that the reason for that is because I have never had such fun people to dance with. I love my huge family! My cousins are awesome and it was so much fun just to go crazy with them all. The food was delicious and the company was great. It is so amazing to see what God can do. He brought Gordon and Jenny together in such a beautiful way.
Yesterday, we all had to say our goodbyes. It was such a quick trip. However, it was so nice to see everyone, especially my own family. The last time I wrote, I was a little sad. But now I know that everything will be fine. God is with me, and he is with them. I was reading Hosea the other day and for a long time I did not like reading it. The people were so disobedient and God was not with them. In the end, though, God brought them back to himself and was still their God despite their sinfulness. It is so beautiful to see God's unconditional love. Last night I was reading 1 Corinthians and I am so thrilled to read what Paul has to say there. God is so clear in his word. He tells us exactly what we need to know. I am so humbled when I read it and then look at my own life. I want to please him, yet I know that I am so sinful and do not try hard enough. But then I read in his word that he is merciful and gracious and will work in me to grow to know him more.
My Grandma and Aunt Eleanor brought me back up the mountain last night. We got a little lost because we did not turn where the signs told us to. It was quite an adventure. We got here just in time to listen to Dr. Erik Thoennes preach at night. I am excited to hear him this week. I met his wife as well. I stayed in Blackoak lodge with Gma and Aunt Eleanor. It was nice. This morning we had breakfast and I showed them around Hume. Then we went to go see the General Grant sequoia tree. There were so many huge and gorgeous trees!!! We had a great time. I hope to go there again with Ryan some time. After we got back we toured around the gift shop and clothing company and had mint chocolate chip shakes. They were delicious!
Now I am chilling in my room downloading pictures and catching up with people. Alexa just woke up. It is her day off today. I hope to go running and possibly practice piano. I should really work on my homework too. I am officially enrolled in my theology II class from Moody Bible Institute. Oh! I almost forgot, we have two new roommates. I have only met one so far, Cheryl. She's great! And she is going to Biola next fall. I am excited. Anyways, it is time for me to go. This weekend has been great and I am so thankful to have been able to spend time with my family. Until next time.
On Saturday morning, Laura and I went running around Reno. It was pretty exciting. We found a bunch of cool places to go, a police man, and a lovely Wholefoods market. They gave free samples of canteloupe and strawberries! It was great. We then had breakfast with family and went swimming. We were having an imaginary volleyball tournament with more cousins and our Uncle Darrel and Aunt Diane. It was my first time wearing my new target one-piece. All the ladies on the side were laughing at me! Oh well, I don't care :-) haha. The sun came out and then it rained. Weather in Nevada is crazy.
I got Listerine pocket packs! My favorite. It was nice to be down the mountain. At 4:30, the wedding began. It was a beautiful wedding and my uncle and aunt both seemed so happy. The reception was great. I have never had such a wonderful time at a wedding. I have also never had so much fun dancing. If you ask anyone who knows me, they would probably say that I do not dance often, or well. But I have realized that the reason for that is because I have never had such fun people to dance with. I love my huge family! My cousins are awesome and it was so much fun just to go crazy with them all. The food was delicious and the company was great. It is so amazing to see what God can do. He brought Gordon and Jenny together in such a beautiful way.
Yesterday, we all had to say our goodbyes. It was such a quick trip. However, it was so nice to see everyone, especially my own family. The last time I wrote, I was a little sad. But now I know that everything will be fine. God is with me, and he is with them. I was reading Hosea the other day and for a long time I did not like reading it. The people were so disobedient and God was not with them. In the end, though, God brought them back to himself and was still their God despite their sinfulness. It is so beautiful to see God's unconditional love. Last night I was reading 1 Corinthians and I am so thrilled to read what Paul has to say there. God is so clear in his word. He tells us exactly what we need to know. I am so humbled when I read it and then look at my own life. I want to please him, yet I know that I am so sinful and do not try hard enough. But then I read in his word that he is merciful and gracious and will work in me to grow to know him more.
My Grandma and Aunt Eleanor brought me back up the mountain last night. We got a little lost because we did not turn where the signs told us to. It was quite an adventure. We got here just in time to listen to Dr. Erik Thoennes preach at night. I am excited to hear him this week. I met his wife as well. I stayed in Blackoak lodge with Gma and Aunt Eleanor. It was nice. This morning we had breakfast and I showed them around Hume. Then we went to go see the General Grant sequoia tree. There were so many huge and gorgeous trees!!! We had a great time. I hope to go there again with Ryan some time. After we got back we toured around the gift shop and clothing company and had mint chocolate chip shakes. They were delicious!
Now I am chilling in my room downloading pictures and catching up with people. Alexa just woke up. It is her day off today. I hope to go running and possibly practice piano. I should really work on my homework too. I am officially enrolled in my theology II class from Moody Bible Institute. Oh! I almost forgot, we have two new roommates. I have only met one so far, Cheryl. She's great! And she is going to Biola next fall. I am excited. Anyways, it is time for me to go. This weekend has been great and I am so thankful to have been able to spend time with my family. Until next time.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Settled In
We are half way through week 2 now up at Hume. Things are beginning to seem normal and not feel so new anymore. Things have been going well. I am so excited that my family could come up here to see this place and visit me! I do wish I had more time to spend with them, though. I feel like I'm working all the time! It's ok though, this weekend will be great. They are taking me to go to Gordon and Jenny's wedding with them! I am really excited. Right now, I am about to go watch my siblings and Dad do the High Adventure Ropes course, which Ryan will probably be doing with them. Last week, Heather took all of the pantry girls to go do it because she and Courtney are certified. It was awesome. I did things I never thought I would do!
One of the cool things about working in the pantry is that Heather thinks up activities for us to do on our down time. She took us to high adventure, off-roading, we did a Bible study, and all the kitchen people played catch-phrase on Thursday. She is keeping us accountable in our spiritual lives as well. I really appreciate that.
Right now I am kind of feeling like I am seeing the same people quite a bit. There is nothing wrong with that, but I just feel like I am with the pantry girls all the time and there is not always something new to talk about. I don't know, I'm praying about it. I kind of just want to chill when I'm off work, but then there are other activities and things to go to. We'll see.
Last weekend was really fun! I hung out with Ryan for a while. I also got to hang out with Alexa and the three of us went to a skating party on Saturday. It ended up being really great. I love my roommates! They are so awesome. Anyways, I should go now, although there is more to say. In summary, I guess being with my family again is starting to make me want to be with them more. I still have the whole summer! I know God is good, and I am thankful and happy to be here. I just hope he strengthens me to continue to serve with my whole heart and not feel too homesick. I love you all and would continue to appreciate your prayers! Have a great day!
One of the cool things about working in the pantry is that Heather thinks up activities for us to do on our down time. She took us to high adventure, off-roading, we did a Bible study, and all the kitchen people played catch-phrase on Thursday. She is keeping us accountable in our spiritual lives as well. I really appreciate that.
Right now I am kind of feeling like I am seeing the same people quite a bit. There is nothing wrong with that, but I just feel like I am with the pantry girls all the time and there is not always something new to talk about. I don't know, I'm praying about it. I kind of just want to chill when I'm off work, but then there are other activities and things to go to. We'll see.
Last weekend was really fun! I hung out with Ryan for a while. I also got to hang out with Alexa and the three of us went to a skating party on Saturday. It ended up being really great. I love my roommates! They are so awesome. Anyways, I should go now, although there is more to say. In summary, I guess being with my family again is starting to make me want to be with them more. I still have the whole summer! I know God is good, and I am thankful and happy to be here. I just hope he strengthens me to continue to serve with my whole heart and not feel too homesick. I love you all and would continue to appreciate your prayers! Have a great day!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
First Week
Wow, it is already Thursday! I cannot believe how quickly the time has gone. There has been so much packed into every day that being here almost feels normal. After a crazy weekend of little sleep, Sunday finally arrived and we could sleep in a little bit before going to church. The church service was really good. Every week, there will be a pastor coming up here to preach to all the staff and any guests who are here. The main theme I took from the message was that the gap between God and humans is so huge. The more I come to know God, the bigger the gap must seem. The more I see my own sin and his greatness the more thankful I am for my Savior Jesus Christ. It is so amazing to be around so many Christians who want to grow closer to God and help others grow closer to God. I have never felt such a hunger to spend time with God. When I don't do it, I just know something is missing. The only way I can keep going is by depending on him and I love that I can talk to him at any time.
Another nice thing about Sunday was that I got to see Ryan for a little while. That afternoon and night all of the opener people were working on the opener and then put it on for the very first campers of the summer. It was so crazy! Clowns and mimes dancing and "fighting" all over the place. Hume is so much more alive with all the people everywhere. Anyways, it went really well. After that, I rushed back to my room to take off my mime face and then headed over to the chapel to audition for a Wednesday night worship time called Overflow. I was the last person to go and I played/sang the "Footprints" song. I was so blessed and was priviledged to play with three others for the first Overflow last night. It went very well and it is such a blessing to be able to play music and worship God with my new friends.
It has been great to be able to hang out with friends who I feel like I have known for so much longer than a week. Ashley is so awesome! She is working in the pantry with me and we have major plans to run around the lake many times this summer! Her roommate, Sarah, is also a really neat girl. She is tall and fun to be around. We went running on Monday together and it was so much fun! I love running with people. Then there are Alexa and Marissa, my roommates. These two girls are both working here for their first time just like me. We have a great time together and I love hanging out in my room, which I am very very thankful for. If I never did anything else, I think I would be content to just hang out in my room. Weird. And then there are all of the kitchen people: pantry girls, dishboys, cooks, bakers, commisary guys, hostesses, and others. It is so much fun to work there! The work is really hard, but when it's with such great people, it is a good time.
Heather, my boss and friend, is a great Christian example for me. The other day, she took the pantry girls off-roading and we went up to this huge rock on top of the mountain. We talked about our relationships with God and prayed together. When would that happen in a regular job? I was stoked. We are also planning weekly get-togethers with just the girls. It's great. Last night, while we were working we had quite the adventure. The commisary guys built a fort out of cardboard and they would not let the girls join their fort. Therefore, we decided to decorate it for them when they got off work. Hahaha.... We spraypainted it pink and it is now the sigma chi girls fort. I haven't gone to work yet today, but I can't wait to see their reactions.
Tuesday night, there is an even called Fireside where everyone goes to this cabin and just hangs out and talks/eats by the fire. It was so fun. I got to hang out with Ryan again and a bunch of other new friends. We played spoons with forks and the game got pretty intense. I have some bruises and many people fell off their chairs. Then we played another game until we got kicked out. It was probably the most fun yet.
This is getting kind of long, but I just have to share what's been happening up here! God has blessed me so much at Hume Lake already. I miss my family and friends back home and love you all very much! I am so thankful, though, for the way God has allowed me to settle in here and make friends and get involved with the activities in this place that is new and exciting for me. Please pray for me that God would continue to give me energy as we are putting in long hard days of work and that he would keep me disciplined to stay in his Word daily and be an example for the people that I meet up here. I pray for all of you and I hope you are all doing well and enjoying summer!
Another nice thing about Sunday was that I got to see Ryan for a little while. That afternoon and night all of the opener people were working on the opener and then put it on for the very first campers of the summer. It was so crazy! Clowns and mimes dancing and "fighting" all over the place. Hume is so much more alive with all the people everywhere. Anyways, it went really well. After that, I rushed back to my room to take off my mime face and then headed over to the chapel to audition for a Wednesday night worship time called Overflow. I was the last person to go and I played/sang the "Footprints" song. I was so blessed and was priviledged to play with three others for the first Overflow last night. It went very well and it is such a blessing to be able to play music and worship God with my new friends.
It has been great to be able to hang out with friends who I feel like I have known for so much longer than a week. Ashley is so awesome! She is working in the pantry with me and we have major plans to run around the lake many times this summer! Her roommate, Sarah, is also a really neat girl. She is tall and fun to be around. We went running on Monday together and it was so much fun! I love running with people. Then there are Alexa and Marissa, my roommates. These two girls are both working here for their first time just like me. We have a great time together and I love hanging out in my room, which I am very very thankful for. If I never did anything else, I think I would be content to just hang out in my room. Weird. And then there are all of the kitchen people: pantry girls, dishboys, cooks, bakers, commisary guys, hostesses, and others. It is so much fun to work there! The work is really hard, but when it's with such great people, it is a good time.
Heather, my boss and friend, is a great Christian example for me. The other day, she took the pantry girls off-roading and we went up to this huge rock on top of the mountain. We talked about our relationships with God and prayed together. When would that happen in a regular job? I was stoked. We are also planning weekly get-togethers with just the girls. It's great. Last night, while we were working we had quite the adventure. The commisary guys built a fort out of cardboard and they would not let the girls join their fort. Therefore, we decided to decorate it for them when they got off work. Hahaha.... We spraypainted it pink and it is now the sigma chi girls fort. I haven't gone to work yet today, but I can't wait to see their reactions.
Tuesday night, there is an even called Fireside where everyone goes to this cabin and just hangs out and talks/eats by the fire. It was so fun. I got to hang out with Ryan again and a bunch of other new friends. We played spoons with forks and the game got pretty intense. I have some bruises and many people fell off their chairs. Then we played another game until we got kicked out. It was probably the most fun yet.
This is getting kind of long, but I just have to share what's been happening up here! God has blessed me so much at Hume Lake already. I miss my family and friends back home and love you all very much! I am so thankful, though, for the way God has allowed me to settle in here and make friends and get involved with the activities in this place that is new and exciting for me. Please pray for me that God would continue to give me energy as we are putting in long hard days of work and that he would keep me disciplined to stay in his Word daily and be an example for the people that I meet up here. I pray for all of you and I hope you are all doing well and enjoying summer!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
