be still and know.

You all know that verse. that phrase. "Be still and know that I am God."
You've probably heard a sermon on it. done a devo on it.
This is something I'm working on. As a college student, this is definitely a challenge.
And sometimes we kind of have no choice but to be.
More like in a world of craziness, being overwhelmed and frazzled all you can do IS just stop.

Today was one of those days where I had sooo much to get accomplished. I had meetings and application deadlines, homework assignments and chapel requirements. Projects hanging over my head.
Today I was going to get a lot accomplished. I could do this. I was ready to conquer Thursday.
Yeah. I. But the thing is I can't do this by MYself.
Things started off ok, and I even got out of class early which allowed me time to both get breakfast that I missed AND go home to get notes I forgot. But when I lost my lanyard (meaning I got a *miss* for Chapel, despite sitting through the whole thing) things began to unravel. I didn't have time for this. I had to miss lunch, because they wouldn't let me in with out my id. I missed my friend's "surprise" for me. When I went to meet my professor for our meeting he had to run out and told me to come back later. Campus safety hung up on me after they told me "no!" they didn't have a lanyard. The Conn Center hadn't seen it.
I was on the edge of tears, with no where to turn, and an empty stomach growling.

So as quickly as I could I walked over to the little church reserved for students to pray in. (It's absolutely gorgeous in that building.) I put aside all my meetings and homework. I HAD to make time to go before my Lord. I had to be still. In all honesty, I just sat there and cried. Once again, I tried to do this all on my own. Yeah, I would send up a quick prayer each morning asking Him to help me that day...but I hadn't earnestly seeked Him each morning.

Well long story short, I gathered myself and went and finished my app, attended my meeting, and finally went back to the Conn Center, in faith that my lanyard was there. And it was. I was SO releved. And tonight I got more homework done then I could have hoped for.
No, I'm not saying that if you take time before God that everything will be magically healed...but when I left that place He had given me a peace. His presence was enough to calm my spirit and keep me focused. I realized, once again, that I really really really do need to be still. and KNOW. that HE is God. (and I am not).

me.

So I realize as I personal blog I often, if not like always talk about me. How selfish. (and here I am talking about me, talking about me.) But I think for once in my life I'm tired of talking about me.
I understand that new friends and teachers want to get to know me. How nice.
But for classes I have to write an autobiography for my class Gateway (freshman orientation course), a "Where I am From" paper for College writing, a personal calling paper for my Missions of the Church class AND do a presentation of my life in a class.
 
You'd normally think that all these papers would be simple to write, but I'm personally finding them hard. I'm not trying to forget my life in PNG, but as I'm transitioning and starting a new life here I'm trying to focus on the here and now. Be content where I am. I'm excited to be here and I don't want to look back to much and remember all I miss. But these papers are forcing me to go back there. Relive the memories and the scenery. To be back in that moment and grasp that emotions. It's honestly...draining. I'm so emotionally tired and don't know how I'll have the strength to write the Where I'm From one this weekend.

And with friends...The first question after you get someone's name is either "what's your major?" or the MK's least favorite question, "where are you from?". There is really no way around it. I can't lie and say from Ohio, cause then they ask where, how long, why, highschool etc. And they'll find out sooner or later - we do have 4 years together. So I tell them...then they ask a million other questions. PNG is a HUGE part of my life, it made up who I am...but there is more to be then the country. --Do you play sports? Yeah soccer. -Well did you have a team over there? who'd you play? --It's so complicated just to answer simple questions.

So for once in my life I'm exhausted of the "simple questions", of talking about me. I'm tired of thinking about the "good ol' days" and putting my life out there for people to try to understand. So why am I doing exactly that by blogging? Cuz I just needed to get it off my mind and I don't have to answer any questions here. And there isn't a syllabus or outline I have to follow for this. But anyways...venting session. Off to work on my paper. Have a great weekend everyone!!! :)

Couldn't be happier...

Life's jogging along at a pretty fast pace here at college, and my little freshman legs are doing all they can to keep up. But I'm loving it.
I told my mom the other day that I feel like I should be concerned how easy it has been on me. I absolutely love my roommate and we are more than compatible. She is so out going that every-time I go out with her I make a new friend. People here are so friendly, nice and easy going and I feel so comfortable. I've laughed so much the past week that my abs hurt if I laugh. I went to a church with friends this weekend that I really enjoyed and could see myself getting involved with. My professors are funny and caring. My homework is interesting *gasp* and though there is a lot I get it done. And having a Chick-fil-a, Subway & Dunkin' Donuts on campus doesn't hurt. Friends with a car allows for random adventures down town. And there are so many good programs that I'm already getting involved in.

So why am I ranting and raving about my school? Because I feel all this is a sign that God is faithful. I left PNG with so many fears. with anxiety of big college looming over me. with the stress to be a certain way so I could make friends. But God gently wrapped me up and said, "you know what. You'll be alright- I'll be with you. Dare to dream of a good time. I've got you." And I know that I have so many prayer warriors on my side going into this, and I'm grateful to each and everyone of them.

I love being here...yes in a Christian bubble, because this bubble doesn't squish my faith- it inspires it.
I love being here at a brand new place, with brand new people and I'm able to be whoever I want to be. So guess who I chose to be? ME. :) I feel like God has empowered me from day one to have the confidence in Him to be just who I am. I don't have to impress anyone. I don't have a past to make up for or a name to live up to. 

Of course it hasn't been all smooth sailing and I know there are bound to be many, many rough days ahead. But I know He WILL be my strength if I look to Him.

Thank you all for caring. Like everyone has said to me many times, "College is so much fun, and such a great part of your life." I've only been here for 2 weeks, and already am loving it. Just can't get enough. 

A giant step in a new direction...

So here I am again, back in the blogging world with renewed writing energy, new stories and probably-not-but-hopefully more time.
I realize I haven't blogged this entire summer and there is really no way I can catch you all up. I didn't put that pressure on me to try to keep up and at this point it's too much to think about to go all the way back, so I'm just picking back up right where I am, in the here and now.

The here and now is college. :) Yes. I am all moved into to my dorm room (which I lucked out and is one of the larger ones on campus.) I've met my roommate, who is a perfect match for me (so far). We've played capture the flag with our brother dorm. Watched movies. Gone to orientation seminars. Had chapel servives with awesome worship. Heard from the president. Gotten 2 free t-shirts. Free pizza. Free lunches. Free dinners. I stood in the 1 hour line to get my ID...which the photo is about the size of my thumbnail and was taken while the police office inhaled his Famous Amos cookies. We've had a surprise birthday party. Ran to Walmart for snacks. Watched a man twirl fire. Gone for walks. And then there was Deke Day.
And yes, this was all this weekend, as I moved my boxes of essential junk in on Friday.
It's been a crazy weekend, following a crazy summer, but I really couldn't be much more happy where I am.
I knew God called me to this place but He's been making that even more clearly evident to me as time goes on here. As I walk the sidewalks and smile at friendly places. As I meet sweet girls, and connect with random strangers. As speakers speak words of truth and the congregation I'm worshiping with is larger then any other I've been in. As I see godly men and women want to do the Lord's will and encourage each other. God is here. I am here. and that's all because of Him.

Yesterday afternoon we went on what Lee calls Deke day. Deke comes from a Greek word which means "to serve." And that is one of the things I love about this school. Last year alone they outputted over 72,000 hours of service. So as part of your orientation all the freshman kick off the year with a service project.
We split into groups and went and visited a total of 41 nursing homes. My group was bussed off to an Alzheimer's unit where we sat with, colored for, played Janga with, tried to talk with the patients. It was actually a really special time in which I was able to get over many of my fears or stereotypes I had of super elderly/alzheimers patients. And believe it or not, I would love to go back. Yes, it took unbelievable amounts of patience to repeat the same thing over and over again. and to be told the same thing over and over again. At times it was hard to get through to them. But they loved having us there. One lady thought we were spending the night and it made me so sad when she realized we wouldn't eat breakfast with her. I'm so ready to get out serve. Bring it.

This is stepping into something completely new, away from anything and everything that is familiar to me but I'm excited to see where God takes us. I know it's not going to be all smooth, happy sailing, but then how am I to grow? So here's to new beginnings. A direction. Another giant step forward.

Above and Beyond...

The Lord blessed me immensely with some great last memories during my final days in Ukarumpa. You could say He kind of went "above and beyond" what I could have hoped for. I had a "bucket list" of things I wanted (or needed) to do before I left and I was able to check off almost every single one of the things, plus do tons more. There were things that I didn't think were going to happen, but spur of the moment changes in plans made the opportunities fall into place.

And some of the greatest, most memorable moments in my final week were made when I literally went above and beyond. 
As a teen girl, I didn't really get the chance to get off the center very much. It's just unsafe, takes a lot of work to get organized if we are even aloud, and is a lot of responsibility on the guys to protect us if something does arise. This was always a very disappointing fact for me because I love getting off center. A 1 mile wide circle gets real small, real fast. And PNG is filled with SO much beauty.

So the boys graciously agreed to take Kaela and I on one last motorcycle ride. A real treat. And it was so spectacular. I love the feeling of zooming off center and being surrounded by the grassy valleys and mountainous horizon. Wind in hair. Open road. Setting sun. Perfection. I was taken back by the beauty once again. As we went through the little villages we were greeted by little kids on the sides of the roads with flowers in their hands that they wanted to give us. They were so priceless. PNG gets a lot of crap for it's problems and the people are not as civilized as the rest of the world, but I was reminded how beautiful and precious they are in God's sight. We rode up to the top of one of the ridges, farther then I had ever gone before and I loved the scenery. Ukarumpa was just a small lump of buildings in a sea of green. Just so gently tucked in the middle of the mountains. The feeling of being on top of a mountain with nothing but God's serene beauty surrounding you for as far as your eye can see, wind gently blowing, perfectly quite and peaceful with no worries of the world. It's close to perfect...Many more handfuls of flowers, racing the boys back to center, wheelies and jumping bridges topped of the exciting adventure perfectly.

Little ol' Ukarumpa nestled in the valley.

Looking the other direction...

So there is this unnamed tower at the unnamed location in PNG that is always a popular place for unnamed teens to "be rebellious", jump the fence, and climb. So we decided we were going to climb it before we left (since we couldn't really get in trouble...). Well we definitely went above. I actually managed to climb ALL the way to the very tippy top of this tower and touch the very last rung and when I managed to catch my breath, it was taken away again. We were doing this lateish at night and the sky was smothered in stars. Looking down you could see a whole display of the center's and valley's lights. And if you looked up you felt like you were in the middle of the Milky Way. Clear in every direction. There is no feeling like it. It wasn't necessarily an easy climb to the top, but the view was amazing. And that's like life...sometimes we got to do the hard, scary things in order to get the most rewarding awards. (I'm not endorsing being "rebellious"...just going along with the fitting analogy ;) )

Lastly, I had always wanted to go up West Ridge because the boys always talk about going up there and I wanted to go on a hike before I left, but neither seemed like they were going to work out. But on my very last day in Ukarumpa I was texting a friend (who was leaving the next day as well) and soon discovered the boys were going on a hike to West Ridge! I quickly got in on the action and after rallying some friends up, we were on our way. Well the hike was...just that- a hike, and rather far. Rather steep too. But I enjoyed every bit of it. The freedom. The views. The company. And when we got to the top, I was once again surprised. You could see the whole center from up there...and more specifically, my house. And I realized we were on the mountain that I always looked at from my window. And the fence we are leaning against- the tiny little sticks I've looked at for years. It was so great seeing everything from another angle. And it was so fitting to stand there, on the outside, taking a moment, and looking in on that place I had called home for 15 years. It truly was the perfect way to end my time in PNG.

I seem to feel that God often shows his unfailing love to me through the beautiful sunsets he displays, and that last night was one of the brightest, most intense skies we had had in a while. I sat on my porch, thinking of the scenes I had just taken in, thinking of the chapter that was beautifully coming to a close. The last time I'd see the sun sink behind those mountains, yet God was practically screaming his love, comfort and faithfulness at me.

And as I look back on all this I am reminded of the verse my mom so often quotes:  
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)


"Beyond all we can ask or imagine"...in other words- our God goes above, and beyond!

Chopsticks optional.

I couple days before I left Ukarumpa I was invited over to my Korean friends house because his family was having a "house warming party" thing cause they just moved. He said that it started off as a small party, but then "like everyone on center" was invited and so we can come to. Plus, his dad had bought 30 kilos of meat (that's like 66 pounds!!!) so there was plenty to go around. Kaela and I decide to go a little late, just to make sure Seung Jun (our friend) was home from soccer and all but when we showed up we...hid. We quickly diverted the back porch party and hid at the front porch trying to get Seung Jun out of the house. There was only Koreans in the back, having a grand ol' Korean time...it was intimidating. Kevin showed up and we finally worked up the nerve to go to the back. Quickly they forces us all to grab a plate but as we would go for different foods we'd get "oh oh oh spicy!" so we would quickly change our options. The meat was amazing! Lamp chops, ribs, chicken lets, and I don't know what else. Korean food has a great reputation for being ah-maz-ing among us in Ukarumpa - and it all lived up to it. A couple more friends came and Seung Jun eventually made an appearance asking us "Feel awkward yet?". Considering the fact that the chairs where aligned in a giant circle and so everyone could see everyone. Yes. Considering that we had no clue what they were saying when they asked Seung Jun a question and then all would start laughing. Yes. But it was fun. Mr. Lee just kept bringing around more meat, heaping it on our plates.

After we were done eating we had what Mrs. Lee told us was a "Musical concert". There is a Korean man in Ukarumpa who is a professional opera singer- and he's amazing. So we formed another circle around a campfire and he played his guitar and sang songs. I tried to sit on the outside of the circle cause I was still finishing my plate, but they all had to move their chairs to fit mine in. *awkward.* And somehow all the boys ended up on the other side of the circle, laughing at me. (Kaela had to leave so I was the only non Korean girl).
But it was such a odd but special moment sitting in that circle. Here I was surrounded by like 30 Koreans in Papua New Guinea, listening to a Korean sing English....then Pidgin...then Korean. The moon and stars where out above us and the fire was crackling. My favorite part was when he sang "How Great Thou Art" in Pidgin.
It was such a beautiful song and I loved hearing it in Pidgin. It truly was a blessing and a special honor sitting there worshiping with the Korean community.

After the "concert" they served us up huge bowls of cake and icecream that we had to force down and us teens just hung out by the fire. The boys played capture the flag with the little kids for a bit and we just hung around talking and laughing.

It really was a special and relaxing evening and I was reminded what a privilege it was growing up in a diverse, multicultural community. Koreans are such hospitable, generous, generous, generous, fun people and it's always enriching and humbling spending some time around them. Their Korean community in Ukarumpa is founded so strongly in God and always a blessing to the center. It makes me realize the importance of finding a community to fit into that will keep me rooted where I need to be as I go forth into the world.

So if you get a chance, spend sometime with a different culture and see what you learn. :)

M.I.A.

Hey everyone who actually reads this blog! :)
Sorry I've been "MIA" lately. The past month has been absolutely crazy and draining and busy and overwhelming and by the time I landed in Cairns on Monday- I crashed. We've been living here with a lovely family for free for 3 nights and I'm still trying to catch up on my sleep!
But I've been having a great time being back in civilization after over 2 years, and also just enjoying a vacation with my parents. Because of the way our flights worked out, we're here for 2 whole weeks! This actually ended up being a blessing, because even though I'm antsy to get back to the States- it gives me a chance to have some time with my dad before he goes back to PNG in July.
SO...We have: eaten, gone to the mall, eaten, explored the esplanade, enjoyed FREE internet, gone for long walks, eaten, visited Palm Cove beach, jogged, swam, eaten, shopped, tv and eaten some more. :)
Some of that may seem like boring, everyday, whats-the-big-deal? things to you, but these are luxuries to us and just down right fun and relaxing!! 
It has been so nice and though it's winter here, the weather is still great. Shorts and t-shirt everyday! 

Yet, as great as this all is, my heart is still recovering from the heartbreaking experience of saying good-bye to my home and dearest friends. It's going to take a long time to process this all and the transition isn't and won't always be easy. I've gone through my share of culture shock, and I even came two tears from breaking down in the middle of the over crowded food court of the mall in my exhausted, overwhelmed state. But I know that God is walking along this little MK's footsteps as I try to walk on my own in the intimidating "real world". I'm still drained and it'll take a bit of time to regain my strength, but I know "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." God's got my back. :)

I have some stories I'd love to share with you from my last couple weeks in PNG and I'll put those up soon.
But first: a quick picture re-cap of our first couple days in Cairns. :)

First fast food in 2+ years. Yum.

Oh, how PNG is missing out...

First time I've actually been to a real Aussie beach (and we've been here 6+ times!)

Love birds. :)

Love the relaxing feeling of listening to ocean waves and having sand between my toes.

Cairns. One of my favorite places in the world.

As I just said, Cairns is one of my favorite places in the world...and it was #1 until PNG just pasted it by a couple weeks ago.

Reasons why I love Cairns:
1) It's touristy, but not. It has a lot of things for tourists to do, but it's not all just "fake" and over run by tourists. It's nice and built up but still has a small town feel.
2) Practically everyone is really nice.
3) Great malls.
4) The Esplanade. A boardwalk full of shops, snack spots and music (& great people watching!!). The atmosphere is always fun to be around.
5) The night market. After the Esplanade you can hit up the night market, full of little shops with random souvenirs and cute little treasures. Cheap massages. Food. and again, a great atmosphere.
6) It's well kept. Like really...it's nice.
7) It has great weather. Warm, tropical, great for swimming and frozen cokes. (and it's really pretty)
8) It has a loooot of variety of things.
9) Just a down right relaxing place to be!! :)
10) It's almost meant something happy for me- either re-entering civilization, or going back home to PNG or family vacations!

I'll be back soon. :)

X marks the spot

(lets take a break from the depressing subject of transition and I'll tell you a story about my random awesome adventure I had today! ok? ok. ;) )

Today I went on a treasure hunt!!
Let me start at the beginning...a while back a friend of mine collected photos from everyone and compiled a cd so that we could have it as we go forth in the world. As people headed out this friend burned the cd and gave it them. Well, it was time for this friend to leave this morning and no one who was going to be left on center had a cd, so I asked her to burn me one. Which she did.
But come 7 o'clock this morning, in the teary farewells this cd did not make it into my hands.
I was disappointed and wracking my mind on how to get a copy sometime in the future when I got a text.
It's from my friend and she tells me that she forgot to give me the cd and so she hid it. Yes, hid it.
She went into great details exactly where I could find it. I could not believe my eyes when I read it.
This is PNG for goodness sakes, the chances of it still being there is slim to none.

But when I saw some of my guy friends at the store I asked them, though it's crazy, to drive me off center and look for it. They finally agreed so we were off on a little treasure hunt.

Once we got to the spot which best fit her description we looked all around, (ignoring the confused onlookers) and I tried to call her a couple times...no answer. I was just about to give up when I read the text one last careful time, really thought and glanced at the best potential spot...and guess what? Something white caught my eye.

I grabbed the cd and held it up triumphantly! The boys could not believe it!! (Come to find out, they used my text I forwarded them and went to look for it before they picked me up because they wanted to "prank" me by moving it...after not finding it they thought there was NO WAY that I was gonna get it. In yo' face, boyz! :P)

Every-time I think about this I still think it's ridiculous. It makes me laugh and I'm appreciative of the unexpected adventure I got to have today. This is definitely a memory I will never forget. ;)

am I ready for this?

"A whole new adventure is out there waiting for you."
I heard those words once again tonight. And I know it's true, and it's not that I don't appreciate the optimism and encouragement, but at this point...they aren't the words I really want to hear.
I want to be here.
I'm not ready to move on and start that adventure yet. I don't want to go or give up this life I have here. And I bet God is up there looking down kind of shaking His head at me because I probably look like that pathetic little kid who is throwing a temper tantrum for not getting a lolli-pop when really, if they just wait 5 minutes- they'll get a full blown dinner. (I've used this analogy before...)
But then I ask myself...will I ever be ready? Like really, Leslie. You've lived here for 15 years. More of your life has been spent on PNG soil then in civilization. I don't think you should be ready to move on.
But that's the thing about life...we often gotta do what we don't want to. It's not always going to be easy, but that doesn't mean it still isn't what's best.

You know how when you're playing hide-and-go-seek the counter often says "ready or not, here I come!!!!"? I feel like that's how it is right now. I've run off to hide and whether I'm ready or not, it's coming. I don't have a choice, so I better either jump in and do my best given the opportunities rather then just standing there dumb, stunned by the fact that I wasn't ready.

So ready or not, here it comes. Hold on tight cause it's time for a whole new adventure just around the bend.

High School?...been there, done that.

The past weeks have been crazy as I finished up my High Schooling and start to pack up my life here in PNG.
I've hit milestones and made memories. I laugh, I cry. I pinch myself and pray that I won't miss one moment of this.


Here is a recap of how my last moments of High School went down.

Senior Prank:

Kristin caught in action -covering youth pastor's floor with cups full of water.

We put banana tree's everywhere (including Vice Prin. office) to "protest" against all the trees they cut down this year. ;)

Frank! We put fish in all the sinks and beakers.

We did so much more, like writing random things with chalk everywhere, putting tree huger signs everywhere, taping, hanging boxers in the quad etc. :)

Grad Dessert Night:

A special evening for Graduates & their parents.

We <3 PNG.

A special evening filled with appetizers, funny stories, a slide show, Graduate Trivia, delicious desserts, pictures, devotional, letter sharing with our parents, and just down right good fellowship.

The last day of school:

The last day of High School. Ever. :D

Passing over my powers to Seong Eun!

Graduation!!
And finally...we made it. Graduation: June 12, 2012.

Class of 2012.

It's legit.

Super excited!

Praying.

Reception.

I feel like this is just kind of the cliff notes because there is so much more I could say or post, but didn't want to bore you tooo much.

Q.O.D.

(Question of the Day)

(I'm starting to wonder...)

Pinch me.

This can't be real life. I'm like...graduating!

I can't believe that this weekend is already here! New Years was hard enough to believe- how did we get to 2012 so fast?! Weren't we just in the 90's? But now...it's June?! Already.
June 2012 was a month that has been a big milestone mark we've had in front of us for like...ever. And it seemed so far away, but here I sit in it!
Yes, this time of year feels familiar, cause I've done it several times before- but what I can't wrap my mind around is that this time...it's me. I still go through out my day, hanging with my friends, feeling like it's just another day in the life of an MK until I stop and realize...this time next week, she won't be here any more- yikes!
Yesterday I went to the river...no, it can't be my last time out there.
Tonight is Grad dessert night...that dress hanging there can't possibly be for ME.
Tomorrow is Tissue Sunday at Soul Purpose...it can't actually be my last one ever.
Tuesday is Graduation...I'm just confused thinking that I'll be the one on that stage.
Wednesday the goodbye's begin...nope. This must all be a dream. Wednesday morning as that plane takes off, someone will pinch me and I'll wake up before the nightmares begin...right? Please?

In all seriousness, the reality of all this really isn't sinking in. I know it in my head, but right now my heart won't accept what this all means.
I did go through a grieving stage a couple weeks ago, so I don't know if I'm at peace now because I've already been through this, or I'm just still in denial.
I havn't really packed up my room yet, like most of my friends, cause I'm staying here longer after grad, so this all feels normal to me. I pulled out a suitcase and put it in my room, just so I could start getting the idea.

But I know there are still lots of fun things going on the next couple weeks...and great things waiting in the States. I'm just not ready to have to face all these goodbyes.
 I'm trying to live as much as I can in this very moment. Drinking in every ounce I can. Capturing memories and living all 60 seconds of each minute.
We're in a race against the clock and we just can't run fast enough.

I don't know when it will hit, but I know when it does...it'll hit hard.
Prayers appreciated :)

Count your blessings.

On the very first day of the this last term, waaay back in April, I came home to find a letter and calendar from my dear mom on my bed.
Here's what she said..."I wanted to give you this calendar, not to count-down-the-days, but to encourage you to write in the square one little something to be thankful for each day...one little (or big) gift that God gave you that day...I think it can be a very precious memento of this this last term and be a reminder that it was filled with extraordinary and ordinary gifts. They are there every day if we just look for them and unwrap them."

I loved the idea and enjoyed reaching the end of my day so I could write down all that I was thankful for or achieved. Some days were easy, with just simple blessings. Others were filled full with fun adventures and memories. And yet some, where rather hard to find things to write down...but those were the days that I really dug and realized that we can find blessings in everything. I didn't just write one thing each day, like my mom suggested, but packed the boxes full sometimes. I can't believe that I'm already standing here at the end of the term, all these weeks later...yet whenever I feel like I'm dreaming this- I can just look back at the calendar and see how full it is.

I know you can't really read them, but you can see that it's like solid text.
oh yeah...and today's says "Finished High School" umm yeah...no biggie. ;)

This is the weirdest, most exciting, scariest, confusing, sad, emotional, happy time of my life...ever. I appreciate having this calendar to be able to look back, and not have to remember all the times of tears and fears, but look back and remember all the great things I was able to do and how God blessed me.

You might consider having one yourself, or a thankful journal you write in each night. It's a great way to end the day positively and have record of God's great faithfulness. :)

Steals or Deals?

Yesterday afternoon I skipped studying and went into town with some girlfriends for a quick shopping trip.
Yes, we often talk about missing the mall and how excited we are to go shopping in the States, but yesterday I was reminded of the beauty of second hand shopping.
Well yes, you have to look real close because half the lights are burnt out, you have to sift through aisles of the randomest stuff, like fat people's pre-used leotards, and ignore all the people watching you. Most clothes are wrinkled and dirty, but a little washing and a fixing of a button is not to hard. So why is this so great? Because you can get great clothes for cheaper then anywhere else.

Here's what I got yesterday:
(I was mostly looking for summer clothes, so I don't look like a bum burning up in Texas when I land in mid-July). 
2 tank tops. Cute swim shorts. Sun-dress. A couple cute tops. Aztec skirt. Sleeveless cardigan. A nice formal dress for sometime in the future.
They look a bit frumpy now, because they need washed and are just strewn on the couch- but I have some great I'm-attempting-to-somewhat-fit-in-and-be-somewhat-trendy-non-MK-outfits planned. Exciting stuff. :)

Guess how much I paid for all of this?

$10. Yep. I'll give you a chance to collect yourself...

That's more then the average person spends on sunglasses. Or on a lunch. Or on a t-shirt for sale...ok I could be totally wrong here...it's been a while since I've seen "real prices".

Oh second hand shops, how I'll miss you...but don't worry- I'll visit you again before I go to the land of expensive clothing...:)

So...

...you wanna know what actually has been keeping this girl from blogging?
It can pretty much be summed up in the fact that these are my last couple weeks with my class. For like ever.
Well yes, I'll see some of these people again...but not all of them, and not all like this. *tear*

So here's a quick glimpse into all that has been going on in my life lately to make these past couple weeks...what they were. Fun. Bittersweet. Memorable. Adventurous. 

"President Snow" cake Kaela and I made for our Hunger Game viewing party!

Taking like 20 people to JG cliff.

Spontaneous class BBQ's

Nerd day.

Saying good-bye to Daphne. The first of many...

Special Bible Study times with my girls.

Class of 2012 Senior Pranking. :) (more later)

We also :
-randomly went fishing in Tim's river. We started with hooks and string, and left the rest up to nature.
-ran around center getting flowers to deliver to Adrienne for her anniversary
-drove out to the fish hatchery to buy fish for our senior prank.
-invaded friends houses to talk and hang out
-made random food at those invaded friends house

-had "study parties" where there is 0% progress made on actual school work
-girls sleepovers.
-class movie nights.
-girls "picture walk".

...and we still have 2 weeks. :)
It's amazing how much people are willing to do when they realize that time is ticking. Wish they noticed the clock a little sooner, but better late then never, right?

The other big thing is...I have a new pet. Now I'm usually not really a pet person, but I always have said that someday I'd get a fish because they are easy (ier then a cat, dog, hamster etc) so after our snr prank (which included putting fish in all the different sinks/toilets/science beakers) I brought one home.
Mario. He's "cute", I care for him and we're soul mates.haha
The plan is to keep him until grad, and then let him go free in the wild. Kinda like me...

THE after party.

So here's that post I promised about what happened after 2:00 am.
Our totally awesome Bible Study leader, along with some other ladies and alumni planned us a great afterparty!
At 2 they blindfolded us and ushered us into the middle of the empty meeting house where they completely splattered us all in glow stick-ness so we all glowed. We ripped off our blind-folds the beats started and they party began. We just played with glowsticks and danced. The stage was filled with couches and food. The back of the meeting house had a nice little cafe complete with a whole plethora of drinks (all named after seniors!). There was also ping pong, glowstick bowling, karaoke and sumo!! Just dance later, and lots of people just played random games. In one corner there was a photo booth thingy that I had fun in.
It was a fun fun night. And they had tons of food!! :)

At 6:00am I loaded up a truck-full of girls and we drove to the top of a hill to watch the sun rise. It didn't really rise, it just was. But we had fun talking and reflecting back on the fun filled night. It was a great end to a long night. Just quietly sitting with these dear girls watching the fog roll through the trees on the mountain and see our amazing community slowly wake up.

The awesome master minds of the party.

We're Princesses :)

no lie.

the Senior drinks.

Sun"rise"

The lovely ladies.

Banquet 2012

[Sorry this has taken a while to get this out...I have been a tiny bit busy this week, being a senior and all...]
I traveled the world in 8 hours this weekend.
Well...sort of. I had my Senior banquet and the theme was "Around the World in 8 hours".
It was truly a magical night.  

For all of you who aren't familiar with UIS' banquet ways- it's like prom...on steroids. Or more like it's an evening put on by our parents for juniors and seniors to show us that they love us and to give us a special night before we grow up and leave. And they always out do themselves. The theme is (supposed to be) secret and they work for months ahead of time. The community comes out and watches all the couples get announced as they walk in. They completely transform our Teen Center/gym into another world. There is always a hilarious play filled with Senior's inside jokes and the whole night is based around us. The guys go all out asking girls, getting rides and all. There is nothing like it. End of nutshell.

So this is how my Banquet weekend went. Thursday night we had the traditional Jr./Sr. girls nail party. We had a great time getting pedicures, painting nails, face masks...it all. Giggles, excitement, talking, dancing to music.
Friday we didn't have school because there was a sports tournament (that the boys went to)...but it was nice because I was able to sleep in and just relax. Us senior girls got together also, to have a nice relaxed brunch together.
The afternoon was primping time. Make-up. Hair. Dress. Shoes. Flowers. :) 
And at 5:00 my escort picked me up. Several pictures later, we were in line to drive up to a magical evening.

This year my dad walked me in. And it was so special. I always thought I would have a date my senior banquet, and often pitied people who had to get their dad to do it, but once I realized that no guy was going to ask me, I realized it was a blessing, because I had the best start to the evening ever. I realized that my parents had poured so much love and energy into that evening for me, that it was fitting thing to do.
When I was 3 I watched my very first banquet walk in and I went home and said my dad would walk me in...little did I know, 15 years later I lived that little girls dream.

I walked in and was taken back. It was gorgeous inside! I was completely surprised with the theme and it was great. We walked into a Japanese garden area, complete with ponds, a bamboo fountain and garden tea house. Upstairs we were greeted by "Immigration workers" and there was many little booths you could do.
Abbey Road recording studio. PNG bow & arrow shooting. Polish ping-pong arcade. Around the world put-put. Netherlands Wii station. Flight simulator so you can "fly" over Paris. Moroccan candle dipping. And lots of appetizers. Down the back steps was "snowy" Finland that spit you out into a Russian cafe, or a place out back were you could roast your very own coffee. Sushi and tea were offered along with origami and calligraphy in the Japanese tea house and there was a "Cloud 9" see-saw too!
So much to do, so little time.
And lets not forget the bathrooms. Gorgeous. They were completely transformed into a Japanese wonder. Ever last detail was perfect- including the Japanese cartoon tp. The boys had balloon ninja's in their stalls that would move when you closed the door. haha

Dinner. It was amazing. We sat under a "hot air balloon" that "over looked Paris". The tables were gorgeous and the food...to die for. Dessert = marbled brownie pie with ice cream stacked to the sky floating a perfect cherry on top. Yum.
I sat at a table of girls with the host and hostess (Mr. & Mrs. Barkman). They were so funny and I thoroughly enjoyed their company.
They traditionally have senior girl's fathers waiter tables, so we had my dad. He was the best waiter ever!
The play was funny and we all had a good time.

After dinner we had until 2 am to continue doing booths, taking pictures and just relaxing in the beauty.

I spent the night hanging out with a small group of girls. We had a blast. It was so nice, actually, not having a date, because I didn't have any commitments to anyone. I could do what ever I liked. I also enjoyed being with these girls, because they are special ladies I don't get to spend much time with. It was a good night of memories. 
I think what I love about banquet is that you're transported into this other world. Nothing at all matters. There is really no time...you lose track of it. It's magical & I never feel more loved by the community than banquet nights. Everyone looks to beautiful and content and there is just an uplifted feeling floating through the air. And it's always a good sign when your cheeks start hurting from smiling too much. ;)

It's sad, though, how it all flashes by in overly mascaraed blink of an eye. It took a bit of time to just let it all sink in.

There is so much more I could say, but I've already said a lot. I'll fill you in on what happened from 2 on ward next time. So stay tuned.
BUT  Thanks to everyone who made banquet possible. I had a fairytale evening that I'll always hold dear.

Now for picture over load time! 
There is SO many more I could up, but this should do it for now. :) Enjoy!

Thanks mom for doing my hair!

My ride.

"Aunt" Becky made this gorgeous dress for me. Love it!

Me and my bestie! <3

The girls.

With my hansom father.

Love love love this picture.

Enjoying our tea and sushi.

Emma Grace.

Upstairs.

Bathroom party!

Banquet's best waiter ;)

Dinning area. Paris is on the left.

Floating through 'Cloud 9'

Love her (& those bathrooms!). She's so cute ;)

All our loot! :)