(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. ;)
Thursday, 21 June 2012
Monday, 18 June 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, 16 June 2012
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:
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 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:
Graduation!!
And finally...we made it. Graduation: June 12, 2012.
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.
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. |
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. |
Monday, 11 June 2012
Friday, 8 June 2012
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 :)
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 :)
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
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. :)
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. :)
Monday, 4 June 2012
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...:)
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...:)
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