So I meant to give a post about flying. Though I do get nervous flying by myself for some odd reason, I really do love to fly. Ever since third grade and our trip to Ukraine, I've been flying many places which is a blessing! Friday I was able to fly home to Columbia. It was quite the experience as flying always is. I love seeing so many people and talking to complete strangers and yet you all seem to have a little bit in common. It's like a free chance to meet new people and share the love of Christ, I mean what else are you going to do for a few hours.
While I waited to board, I sat near a gentleman who sang to his ipod for a good while, he was a cheery man. There were two little ones who were full of energy, the little boy was trying to learn to count with his fingers and I think he was trying to figure out how to be spider man. His little sister just liked to jump around. Then there were the two young college girls who didn't know they were on the same flight but were able to catch up on anything and everything before take off.
On my first flight I met a gentleman who worked with cement. He was there taking a class but wished he could've been at the class in Hawaii or some other fun exotic place. Plus he was getting over a cold so what little MS had to offer, he didn't get to experience it.
Then I walked around the Houston airport for a while. It's quite big if you've never been. Thankfully we came in to gate B 20something but I had to go to gate B5. I kept trusting the signs and finally found it. Some mountain dew and a slice of pizza later, and I sat and watched a guy clean out an airplane and restock. Oh and on that flight, we saw two other planes flying about the same height. I'm so thankful for air traffic control because they help keep everyone in line :).
On my final flight home, I met a gentleman who actually knew some of the people we knew by way of church and school. It was sort of a 6 degree meeting, very small world. He worked with forestry and rivers I think and was coming from business meetings. Again, you talked about everything and anything and we introduced ourselves at the end.
Thankfully I got my luggage and yes my suitcase was more than half my size and I'm positive I looked really funny trying to get it off the conveyor belt especially since I kind of had to chase it. To the young guy who offered to give me a hand, I should've accepted your help, I'll take ya up on it next time! And to the soldier who was going to training I wish you all the best and thank you for your service!
During my last flight, the sunset on one side of the plane and the lightening storm on the other, only God can create such masterpieces! There's nothin' like flying!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Snellville. Yep we made the three and a half hour drive from Columbia, SC to Snellville, GA. We passed three old timey cars and had a whole lot of conversation. I wanted to look around at all the beautiful country side but as I was driving and mom didn't want us to become part of that country side, I was told to watch the road, but God got us here, so no worries! After going to our hotel before house hunting tomorrow we went to the Discover Mall. Let me tell ya we now know why it's called Discover....it reminded me of a cultural experience as there were so many unique stores and activities! Airsoft Battlefield, Skate Park, Spider Jump, Glow-in-the-Dark Putt Putt, Medieval Times Dinner Theater, Hurricane wind simulator, Coca-Cola polar bear, Massage parlor, and more! They even had one of those TV commercial stores and a lot of kiosks. The kiosks had nail designs, jewlery, phones, computers, sheets, proactive, and again more! There was a lot of restaurants too! We walked it twice and then ended up at Chilis. Now time for desert and a movie back at the hotel, girls' night out with momma! So good to be with family!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
So Excited!
I'm so excited about so many things! First I'm so glad that God made us with the capability of being excited. We watched Loui Giglio's new Video "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made." We only watched the first part but it is utterly amazing to look at Psalm 139 in light of learning about the complexity of the human body. To think that God made each one of us literally, uniquely hand crafted. There has never and will never be another you. The fact the God, who has the capability of such complexity not only in a human but in a universe loves us is beyond exciting! If you haven't seen this video, I highly recommend it!
I also only have one more class of PE and the test shouldn't be that hard.
I'm going home. The longer I am away the more I want to go home. There's just no place like it!
One of my friends is getting married Saturday! Though I won't be able to go to the wedding I am so excited for the happy couple and what God is doing in their lives!
Oh and I got a late bday present: Relevant Magazine. This is exciting for two reasons. One, I have wanted a subscription for a really long time and two, I now have reading material and a magazine no less. For the past week I have been in the mood to get a magazine but have kept thinking, I'll just wait 'till home. God is just so cool how He cares even about little things!
And I get to see my roommate tonight!
Do you have anything you are excited about because if you don't you should find something and get on the train!
I also only have one more class of PE and the test shouldn't be that hard.
I'm going home. The longer I am away the more I want to go home. There's just no place like it!
One of my friends is getting married Saturday! Though I won't be able to go to the wedding I am so excited for the happy couple and what God is doing in their lives!
Oh and I got a late bday present: Relevant Magazine. This is exciting for two reasons. One, I have wanted a subscription for a really long time and two, I now have reading material and a magazine no less. For the past week I have been in the mood to get a magazine but have kept thinking, I'll just wait 'till home. God is just so cool how He cares even about little things!
And I get to see my roommate tonight!
Do you have anything you are excited about because if you don't you should find something and get on the train!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
I'm a big fan of tag...
Who knew there could be so many versions of tag?
Tag
Freeze tag or Virus (which Tanya and I came up with, well mostly Tanya its pretty fun!)
Chinese Freeze tag
TV tag
Line tag
Amoeba tag (probably the hardest version I've ever played!)
Hospital Tag
Toilet Tag (it's not really bad, I promise!)
Dark Tag (kind of a mix of hind and go seek and tag, I'm not sure if this is a real game of tag but it's really fun!)
And of course laser tag but that requires equipment
As of today, I have officially played all of the above versions and my new personal favorite is line tag.
Here's some more I found online:
Zombie Tag
Sitting Tag (you can tag people once your tagged from your sitting position)
Tag
Freeze tag or Virus (which Tanya and I came up with, well mostly Tanya its pretty fun!)
Chinese Freeze tag
TV tag
Line tag
Amoeba tag (probably the hardest version I've ever played!)
Hospital Tag
Toilet Tag (it's not really bad, I promise!)
Dark Tag (kind of a mix of hind and go seek and tag, I'm not sure if this is a real game of tag but it's really fun!)
And of course laser tag but that requires equipment
As of today, I have officially played all of the above versions and my new personal favorite is line tag.
Here's some more I found online:
Zombie Tag
Sitting Tag (you can tag people once your tagged from your sitting position)
Saturday, May 15, 2010
A week in May in Jackson, MS
It has been quite the week. Made it half way through my two week crash PE course and ended it with bowling. Now that was quite the experience. We played along side senior citizens who were competing in their very own Olympics! I was taught a few techniques:
1. the dots on the floor boards and the arrows on the pins are helpful hints.
2. Count the floor boards if you want to adjust your throw.
3. To put a spin on the ball, follow through like you're shaking someone's hand.
Let me just say I'm not the world's best bowler. These tips didn't help so much. I'm going to vouch for myself and say I may have needed a lighter ball. I managed to get one strike that was really a spare and maybe two spares? We discovered that slow and steady was my most beneficial method. I still got smoked. 54 and 64 for bowling scores, oi vey, I think I could use some practice but it's still tons of fun!
When we came back, the Bowl was full of kid activities! It was First Pres's Field Day! Complete with pizza, music, and games, it looked like a blast! I think Allison and I wanted to be kids again. I remember field days at BL and we always enjoyed it. No school and you get to play all day, now that's a kids' finest dream come true!
Well Allison (my temporary roommate and wonderful friend) and I managed to make two halfway decent meals (spaghetti and honey mustard chicken). I also learned that its a whole lot faster and easier to make food if the chicken is thoroughly thawed. There's a tongue twister for ya, try saying it three times fast!
I have come up with oh maybe 150 oh i don't even know how many, but about five months worth of activities for students to do outside of school (promoting a healthful lifestyle which includes spiritual and relational aspects, physically fit activities, and healthy eating habits). I thought I was half way but, not quite, I've got to have 365. I also made up a one year PE curriculum for fifth graders and we're still working on the catching, fleeing, an dodging lesson. Welcome to the world of Education!
It hasn't been all work though, we managed to fit in some play (movies and games!) Saw Princess and the Frog and enjoyed some cookie dough! MD made us delicious tacos and we caught up with some of the girls still around in Jackson. It was neat to watch the Disney movie because I've been to New Orleans and they did a great job of depicting it. I knew some of the names and cultural aspects so that's always exciting! I have to say there's still nothing like the original Disney movies.
In other news, I am becoming more and more like my mom, not a bad thing mind you. I just can't make it through a movie without falling asleep, no matter what time of day. KimJo, I did it with poor Allison too, we stopped half way through. Guess I'm getting to be an old lady. After you hit 20, man things change!
One week until I'll be back in my hometown, good ol' South Carolina. Oh how I've missed your smiling faces and beautiful places! A friend asked if SC is really pretty and I don't always think of it in that light, though I've had a few people ask that question. I suppose we don't have a whole lot we are famous for but our area is beautiful in its own way. It's just home to me!
1. the dots on the floor boards and the arrows on the pins are helpful hints.
2. Count the floor boards if you want to adjust your throw.
3. To put a spin on the ball, follow through like you're shaking someone's hand.
Let me just say I'm not the world's best bowler. These tips didn't help so much. I'm going to vouch for myself and say I may have needed a lighter ball. I managed to get one strike that was really a spare and maybe two spares? We discovered that slow and steady was my most beneficial method. I still got smoked. 54 and 64 for bowling scores, oi vey, I think I could use some practice but it's still tons of fun!
When we came back, the Bowl was full of kid activities! It was First Pres's Field Day! Complete with pizza, music, and games, it looked like a blast! I think Allison and I wanted to be kids again. I remember field days at BL and we always enjoyed it. No school and you get to play all day, now that's a kids' finest dream come true!
Well Allison (my temporary roommate and wonderful friend) and I managed to make two halfway decent meals (spaghetti and honey mustard chicken). I also learned that its a whole lot faster and easier to make food if the chicken is thoroughly thawed. There's a tongue twister for ya, try saying it three times fast!
I have come up with oh maybe 150 oh i don't even know how many, but about five months worth of activities for students to do outside of school (promoting a healthful lifestyle which includes spiritual and relational aspects, physically fit activities, and healthy eating habits). I thought I was half way but, not quite, I've got to have 365. I also made up a one year PE curriculum for fifth graders and we're still working on the catching, fleeing, an dodging lesson. Welcome to the world of Education!
It hasn't been all work though, we managed to fit in some play (movies and games!) Saw Princess and the Frog and enjoyed some cookie dough! MD made us delicious tacos and we caught up with some of the girls still around in Jackson. It was neat to watch the Disney movie because I've been to New Orleans and they did a great job of depicting it. I knew some of the names and cultural aspects so that's always exciting! I have to say there's still nothing like the original Disney movies.
In other news, I am becoming more and more like my mom, not a bad thing mind you. I just can't make it through a movie without falling asleep, no matter what time of day. KimJo, I did it with poor Allison too, we stopped half way through. Guess I'm getting to be an old lady. After you hit 20, man things change!
One week until I'll be back in my hometown, good ol' South Carolina. Oh how I've missed your smiling faces and beautiful places! A friend asked if SC is really pretty and I don't always think of it in that light, though I've had a few people ask that question. I suppose we don't have a whole lot we are famous for but our area is beautiful in its own way. It's just home to me!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Tears
Today has been an unintentional day of tears. Tears do not always have to be bad or tears that are shed because of pain or sorrow. These tears were because of powerful stories. In our PE class we watched a video about
Dick and Rick Hoyt. The story of a father and son (who has special needs) and how they compete in races together. Their dedication and joy was incredible. We also wrote letters to people who have greatly impacted and made an investment in our lives. We started with a student who wrote it to his mom, who is battling a life threatening disease and still raises 3 kids with a smile on her face. Another wrote a letter to her two year old daughter who is teaching her more than she ever expected.
Then I watched Extreme Makeover Home Edition for the first time in a long time and was reminded perhaps why I haven't watched it in so long. I just can't keep it together. This story was about a family who adopted many kids from China, some who have special needs. Their father was diagnosed with some form of brain cancer if I remember correctly. Having seen my grandfathers fight the battle and knowing the hardship of losing a loved one, is so difficult. The dad took a turn for the worst and couldn't come to the final showing. It ended with the mom bringing in a display of the house and the words came up that three days after they moved in, he passed away.
Again, my grandfather's death is fresh on my mind, though I know he is alive and well with Jesus. Just watching that family go through the time period where every day is a gift that you praise the Lord for, it's so hard but God is good. I will always remember going to my grandma's house after my grandfather passed away and hearing her say 'God is good all the time, all the time God is good.'
It was also really neat to see one of their daughters, who is blind, get so excited over having the whole Bible in brail! That was quite convicting as well. We even played a game today where you have to close your eyes and find your partner by matching sounds. I remember thinking, its scary to not be able to see and just be led. There's so much to learn from this image. One to not take things for granted and also to know that to have complete faith in Christ, by letting go of everything and giving complete control to Him, though it may be very scary, you are in the best hands!
Dick and Rick Hoyt. The story of a father and son (who has special needs) and how they compete in races together. Their dedication and joy was incredible. We also wrote letters to people who have greatly impacted and made an investment in our lives. We started with a student who wrote it to his mom, who is battling a life threatening disease and still raises 3 kids with a smile on her face. Another wrote a letter to her two year old daughter who is teaching her more than she ever expected.
Then I watched Extreme Makeover Home Edition for the first time in a long time and was reminded perhaps why I haven't watched it in so long. I just can't keep it together. This story was about a family who adopted many kids from China, some who have special needs. Their father was diagnosed with some form of brain cancer if I remember correctly. Having seen my grandfathers fight the battle and knowing the hardship of losing a loved one, is so difficult. The dad took a turn for the worst and couldn't come to the final showing. It ended with the mom bringing in a display of the house and the words came up that three days after they moved in, he passed away.
Again, my grandfather's death is fresh on my mind, though I know he is alive and well with Jesus. Just watching that family go through the time period where every day is a gift that you praise the Lord for, it's so hard but God is good. I will always remember going to my grandma's house after my grandfather passed away and hearing her say 'God is good all the time, all the time God is good.'
It was also really neat to see one of their daughters, who is blind, get so excited over having the whole Bible in brail! That was quite convicting as well. We even played a game today where you have to close your eyes and find your partner by matching sounds. I remember thinking, its scary to not be able to see and just be led. There's so much to learn from this image. One to not take things for granted and also to know that to have complete faith in Christ, by letting go of everything and giving complete control to Him, though it may be very scary, you are in the best hands!
Monday, May 10, 2010
I like to type.
I like to type. Both of my college degrees are in yahoo's list of the worst paying: Elementary Education and Fine Arts (minor) but that's ok because I'm doing it for the love of it/i want to make a difference/God's given me a gift...not for the money.
This PE class is really interesting. The prof is Coach White, one of our Football coaches. He's got some great stories and teaches like a coach which is always fun. Today we played two icebreakers. The first was climb through the hula hoop as you pass it around the circle with linked hands. Then instead of clockwise, go counterclockwise and beat your time. We were a few seconds off :). The next was between two teams the 'Celtics' and the 'Caveliers'. The first two people call heads or tails and when you see tails, squeeze the hand of the next person, then the last person grabs the eraser. Again, my team lost but it was still fun.
We also observed a gymnastics class and learned how to do a little bit of spotting. I highly respect the knowledge, strength, and patience of those coaches. It's a whole other world that is very exciting, challenging and rewarding. Ya gotta love the sport, the kids and the job, just like teaching and it also needs to be a calling.
There are still a lot of difficult things that my friends are going through and it leaves one with a heavy heart, just got to keep bringing it before and giving it up to the Lord.
This PE class is really interesting. The prof is Coach White, one of our Football coaches. He's got some great stories and teaches like a coach which is always fun. Today we played two icebreakers. The first was climb through the hula hoop as you pass it around the circle with linked hands. Then instead of clockwise, go counterclockwise and beat your time. We were a few seconds off :). The next was between two teams the 'Celtics' and the 'Caveliers'. The first two people call heads or tails and when you see tails, squeeze the hand of the next person, then the last person grabs the eraser. Again, my team lost but it was still fun.
We also observed a gymnastics class and learned how to do a little bit of spotting. I highly respect the knowledge, strength, and patience of those coaches. It's a whole other world that is very exciting, challenging and rewarding. Ya gotta love the sport, the kids and the job, just like teaching and it also needs to be a calling.
There are still a lot of difficult things that my friends are going through and it leaves one with a heavy heart, just got to keep bringing it before and giving it up to the Lord.
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Just Think
It is quiet. Too quiet. Summer is here but it doesn't really feel like summer just yet. It will in two weeks! Today was bittersweet. I watched one of my best friends graduate. I helped people pack and watched them drive away (well not really but the parking lot is empty).
I also went to a Belhaven Baseball game, my first one! I know, I've been here for two years and should've been to a few more but this was interesting. The umpire quit in the middle of the game after a fan made a comment and the coach talked to him. One of the strangest things, but you never know what a person is going through and words can be powerful. I still think it's weird that he would just leave in the middle of it. It's the line between compassion for whatever he's going through and completing a job to the best of your ability. Sticky situation. And it affected a whole lot of people (fans, players, coaches, himself, his family). Just some food for thought.
I also have a heavy heart for some friends who are going through difficult times, but I'm learning to trust God with them. And prayer is powerful.
My friend started a blog: Hello Sunshine, she says I'll be for rainy days and she'll take the sunshiny ones :). I like it! Speaking of rain, boy did we have some thunder last night that brought in a beautiful, breezy, sunshiny day! I like how God works those together, the powerful and scary brought beautiful joy!
I also went to a Belhaven Baseball game, my first one! I know, I've been here for two years and should've been to a few more but this was interesting. The umpire quit in the middle of the game after a fan made a comment and the coach talked to him. One of the strangest things, but you never know what a person is going through and words can be powerful. I still think it's weird that he would just leave in the middle of it. It's the line between compassion for whatever he's going through and completing a job to the best of your ability. Sticky situation. And it affected a whole lot of people (fans, players, coaches, himself, his family). Just some food for thought.
I also have a heavy heart for some friends who are going through difficult times, but I'm learning to trust God with them. And prayer is powerful.
My friend started a blog: Hello Sunshine, she says I'll be for rainy days and she'll take the sunshiny ones :). I like it! Speaking of rain, boy did we have some thunder last night that brought in a beautiful, breezy, sunshiny day! I like how God works those together, the powerful and scary brought beautiful joy!
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Thoughts of the day
-I need to pack
-everyone is leaving :(
-summer is here :)
-why did I want to do summer school? because it starts Monday (at least its health and pe, oh the irony of me being in health and pe)
-no matter how hard you try to sleep in at a college dorm, something inevitably happens (and that's ok)
-did I mention I love books?
-Little Caesar's best invention was $5 pizza
-it is quite hot in MS...sweating is not an option it just happens, conversations about sweat also happen (warning it can be gross)
-being 20 I still feel the same, but it's amazing what can happen in a year
-some decisions are hard to make
-God is good all the time
It's Thursday!
-I need to pack
-everyone is leaving :(
-summer is here :)
-why did I want to do summer school? because it starts Monday (at least its health and pe, oh the irony of me being in health and pe)
-no matter how hard you try to sleep in at a college dorm, something inevitably happens (and that's ok)
-did I mention I love books?
-Little Caesar's best invention was $5 pizza
-it is quite hot in MS...sweating is not an option it just happens, conversations about sweat also happen (warning it can be gross)
-being 20 I still feel the same, but it's amazing what can happen in a year
-some decisions are hard to make
-God is good all the time
It's Thursday!
Monday, May 03, 2010
Two years
It's been two years in Caldwell Room 112.
Everyone is moving out and we all wanted to mark the end of an era with a photo shoot.
Next year many changes are happening, friends are moving off campus, others are becoming RA's, and still others are switching buildings.
Hard to believe how much we've grown up in those two years; no longer shy little freshmen.
Love you girls,
we'll always have the memories....
Everyone is moving out and we all wanted to mark the end of an era with a photo shoot.
Next year many changes are happening, friends are moving off campus, others are becoming RA's, and still others are switching buildings.
Hard to believe how much we've grown up in those two years; no longer shy little freshmen.
Love you girls,
we'll always have the memories....
Twent years old...that's a little weird
I am 20! I can't believe it! Along with all the bday wishes and songs, I loved eating watermelon (the first of the summer!), seeing a baby birdie, witnessing a beautiful whole rainbow, phone calls, texts, and eating cake, ice cream, and frozen yogurt. Finishing up Anne of Green Gables marathon was also quite memorable. Bethany's expressions, guesses, and excitement for seeing it for the first time were priceless! It's the little things in life!
Summer breaks are wonderful. I know it will soon be busy but right now God blessed us with some relaxation time and of course hot sunshiny MS weather! It's been so great to just hang out with friends. Today we enjoyed some coca-colas and movies!
The day started with an open dance class and a good reminder that I need to keep dancing this summer. It's amazing how much a week off can show. It was also quite humbling as the guest teacher was very gifted. God was having a conversation with me this morning!
Dearest Emily: work hard for me and enjoy it, don't worry about what others think, just try it!
Twenty years old and I have a whole lot to learn, excited to see where God will take me!
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Sleepy Time Musings
Instead of a lock-in, our Youth group decided to do their annual lock-out at Insomnia V, cowboy up! Some friends from Belhaven and I got to help out but because a lot of us had exams on Saturday, we only stayed 'til about 1:00. We still managed to fit in a few line dances, a relay race (that involved barrel racing, pie eating, moonpie eating, banana eating-through pantyhose I might add, seed spitting, and chugging coke), some karate games, and mechanical bull riding (I enjoyed watching that one). Sometimes you wonder why those relays are actually fun but the bonding is priceless. The moon pie eating was enough for me, I remember why I used to not like them. We came back 'round 1:00 a.m. and even though I thought I could pull an all-nighter and take an exam, I'm glad I got some sleep. It was so hard to wake up. In between sleeping I had three fun encounters. The first was my roommate who actually pulled the all-nighter because she was done with exams. The plan was to end Insomnia with a boat ride but because of weather they came to Belhaven for dodge ball. My roommate was getting tired and decided to stop in for some coke and chips. I woke up to crunching and a light. I was like, "I"m so confused." She explained and then shut the door just like that. Then Katie, who is leaving, came in to say goodbye and see if she should wake up SG to check her out of her room. The third visit was from Kimber. She came in and flicked the light on/off, squealed, and ran away. She forgot I was there, had studied in our room the night before, and was looking for her ID. It was quite the hour in room 112.
Well I am officially done with my Sophomore year! Grades are still coming in but all the tests have been taken! My last exam was at our profs house and some of the girls made pancakes for us! Mmm, chocolate chip with whipped creme, a great way to end the semester! After two years at Belhaven, I think I have my worldview pretty secure. There's no getting around it, Capstone and worldview will haunt us the rest of our lives! It's a blessing though; makes you think.
Strange feelings on my last day of being a teenager! I feel so old. Can you believe I've been around for just about 20 years?
People are moving out of the dorms and once again Mississippi brought in the rain just for our special occasion. Seems like every time we move in or out, it rains. Thankfully I just get to enjoy this sleepy and steamy (bleck humidity!) weather with movies and a good book. Yep, even get some thunder today! I am sticking around for a short two week Maymester so I'm even waiting to pack.
Well I am officially done with my Sophomore year! Grades are still coming in but all the tests have been taken! My last exam was at our profs house and some of the girls made pancakes for us! Mmm, chocolate chip with whipped creme, a great way to end the semester! After two years at Belhaven, I think I have my worldview pretty secure. There's no getting around it, Capstone and worldview will haunt us the rest of our lives! It's a blessing though; makes you think.
Strange feelings on my last day of being a teenager! I feel so old. Can you believe I've been around for just about 20 years?
People are moving out of the dorms and once again Mississippi brought in the rain just for our special occasion. Seems like every time we move in or out, it rains. Thankfully I just get to enjoy this sleepy and steamy (bleck humidity!) weather with movies and a good book. Yep, even get some thunder today! I am sticking around for a short two week Maymester so I'm even waiting to pack.
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