A boy from Michigan...a girl from Tennessee ...coming together in South Carolina. This is the story of my roomie and her boyfriend (my "big brother") ...and it is finally official. Bekah and Eric are engaged ....so congrats to them!!

Here they are last year at "House 17" where the magic began.
I love you guys!

His mercies are new every morning. :)

So tonight I had yet another Southern experience. As if the driving isn't enough of an experience, tonight I got a taste of Southern cuisine. Yikes. Ever heard of "Cracklin' Cornbread"? Me, either. I had no idea what the man I work for was getting me into...but due to past experiences, I agreed to at least try this foreign dish. The cornbread part was rather normal...however, there is something a little "extra" involved...and I'm still not sure what it is other than it is some part of a pig in the cornbread that gives it the name "cracklin'". Appetizing, huh? Needless to say I gave it my best and after my stomach started churning, politely ignored its presence on my plate.

Ah, the South...as I live with this lovely family 2 days a week and get more into the Southern mind...the more I find my own mind spinning...we come from the same country, but are sooo different. :)

Sometimes a song just sings the words in my heart better than I can say them. God is still good and I am utterly blessed, but sometimes there are still rainy days...or rainy seasons. Norah Jones' just got these words right. I'm not up for an all out confession tonight, so suffice it to say God allows struggles and we get battle worn and bloody...but our reality is His grace, regardless of the war raging in our hearts and minds.

Wake me up when the skies are clearing,
When the water is still,
'cause I will not watch the ships sail away so,
Please say you will.

If it were any other day,
This wouldn't get the best of me.

But today I'm not so strong,
So lay me down with a sad song,
And when it stops then you know I've been,
Gone too long.

But don't shake me awake,
Don't bend me or I will break,
Come find me somewhere between my dreams,
With the sun on my face.

I will still feel it later on,
But for now I'd rather be asleep.

-"Wake me Up" by Norah Jones

Today I was kissed by the sun as I went back to Africa for the afternoon with my friends, Adam and Jennifer and their boys, who became part of my "family" in my time in Senegal.


See, Africa. I wasn't kidding.


Ok, so really it was just the Riverbanks Zoo. But we felt "at home" when we saw this tortoise who is Senegalese. :)


Though I lived in West Africa, East Africa has a special place in my heart...so when I saw this "twiga" my heart was warmed.


And as mean as these guys are...he was pretty cute...blinking his long eye lashes at me...charming me. :) It was a lovely day...sunny and warm...many animals...many Swahili and French words being tossed around...a scavenger hunt in the gardens...and sweet time with my friends. :)

...for a road trip. The sun is shining and it's warm...I've got on flip flops and a t-shirt...Jack and I both have this incredible urge to just get on the road and go. And really, what is it that's holding us back? This is the question I am wrestling with today...perhaps its just the lack of someone as spontaneous with whom to travel, someone with as open a schedule. People always have to have a destination in mind...I just want to go. Now.

I was watching the Gilmore Girls the other day...a buddy of mine bought me the second season for my birthday...something that Lorelai said about her and Roary's roadtrip just really struck me:

"We're almost there, yet we're nowhere near...all that matter's is that we're going."
-Lorelai Gilmore from the "Gilmore Girls"

Anybody up for a roadtrip to an unknown destination? Just give Jack and I a call...we're up for it most any day. :)

"...There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Galatians 3:28

Something I was amazed by and then took for granted in my two years in Senegal was the way the different denominations work together to reach the lost. And it wasn't just in Senegal...I've seen it everywhere I have gone outside of the US. Here is the thing they seem to really understand about God that I think we lack here in the States (granted, I'm speaking in broad terms here!)...that God doesn't look down and see Baptists, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Evangelical-Free's, or Methodists...He sees people who either love Him and are covered by the blood of His Son or those who do not love Him and have chosen not to be covered by His Son. So the thing that has been heavy on my heart is this: Why can't we celebrate what God is doing all around the world (including in the US) regardless of what denomination or group of people He is choosing to work through?

A friend of mine recently relayed a story to me about a church who has seemingly fallen into the trap of being caught up with their name rather than that of Christ and I was really saddened because of two things. First, there was a huge opportunity missed for God to be praised by that congregation. Second, I fear they are walking on dangerous ground when drawing such divisions. I say this not to judge them, but to realize my own responsibility to be praying for the leadership of my own churches.

Hear what I am not saying...I am not saying that denominations are bad, I realize that there are small differences that our consciences allow for. I'm simply saying that regardless of what "subtitle" we call ourselves, our primary title is that of "Followers of Christ"...we are sisters and brothers if we share that saving faith in Jesus Christ. So why can we not seem to get beyond all the names and pull together in order to bring the maximum glory to God that we can? That's what it is all about. It's not about us...it's about Him. If God is working, people should be made aware, regardless of who He is doing it through, so that He may be praised and we may be encouraged and pull together as His children more strongly.

I will get off my soap box now, please forgive me...this is just something that has been glaring at me since I returned to the States in '05 and has recently been brought to the surface. There is too much work to be done in the world for us not to pull together as believers and encourage one another and to learn from one another...and to praise God in whatever He is doing. We in the West get so caught up in titles and divisions...which God doesn't even recognize...I just long for our churches and our people to see it through His eyes...and to bring Him the glory He deserves.

“The wise woman builds her house,
but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.”

Proverbs 14:1

When I first read this Proverb, I was struck by it because it really does show the woman as somewhat of a cornerstone for her household. With God as the foundation, she builds her house. And at first glimpse, it would be easy to cast this off for the married ladies in the world while we single ones get to escape responsibility once again. However, a deeper probing reveals to me that this Proverb is meant for me as well. Though not married, I still have a “house” of friends and family…so what is the atmosphere that I project to those around me? Is it one that a wise woman would choose; one that builds up this house? Or is it one that a foolish woman would build; one that is in a state of destruction?

Which of these women am I? This is the question that is prancing around in my mind tonight…I see the one I want to be, but I know my tendencies. So what does the wise woman look like? James 3:17 gives a very clear definition of the wisdom that comes from heaven. The words that would describe the wise woman would be: pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, merciful, yields good fruit, is impartial, and is sincere. So the questioning begins…are my thoughts and deeds and words pure? Do they build those around me up or do they tear them down? Am I stirring up strife or am I trying to step in the gap and promote peace? Do I think of those outside of myself? If I see someone in need, am I willing to reach out to help them? Am I willing to lay down my own self-interest for that of another? Can I submit to the authorities over me? More importantly, will I submit to whatever God wills in my life…be it rain or shine? Am I merciful to those that wrong me? Will I forgive them and instead of payback, choose to love them with the love of Christ that pours through me? Is my faith contagious? Am I willing to share it and when I do, is a difference being made? Are my prayers effective? Am I praying? Do I show favoritism? Am I willing to be impartial and to trust God with the judging? Am I genuine? Do I do things with all sincerity and people can see my heart in the matter?

It seems to me that the wisdom that comes from heaven rests quietly in the hearts of people. Our actions and words are an outpouring of what resides in our hearts; so I come again to the question: Which of these women am I?

What does the flip side of this wisdom look like? It is impure, conflict-loving, inconsiderate, disobedient, merciless, yields bad fruit, is partial, and is insincere. It paints an ugly picture for the foolish woman. She seems to be a woman who lacks self-control, is self-centered and selfish, who will not submit to authority (including that of God Himself), who, when she sees a need will not step in to fulfill it, keeps her faith to herself, shows much favoritism, and dons a mask.

The foolish woman seems to have a callous heart that is not moldable. She may know the religious jargon, but her actions will betray her words…and if her actions are commendable, her heart will eventually shine through for what it is.

In order to be wise, one must have a heart that is soft and penetrable. Due to its vulnerability, it can easily be broken, but because it is not rigid, it will not be shattered. The Potter can put it back together in a design that He knows fully.

I think the beauty in this whole Proverb is that it is not one of hopelessness. If I find myself falling into the trap of the foolish woman, James 1:5 assures me that I can ask God for wisdom and He will give it to me. And where does wisdom start? It starts with the fear of God (Proverbs 1:7). When we come to grips with our place before God, we will be humbled…and that is where wisdom takes root. In recognizing who God is, we can better see who we are and be in awe of the way He has covered us with the blood of His Son. We know we are undeserving, but loved with a reckless abandon by the One who with wisdom placed the stars in the sky and knows each of their names, who told the oceans they could only go so far, and who created the intricacies of the human body. When we get to that place, the calluses will be removed and our defenses torn down…and wisdom can take root in our hearts. Then we can begin building up our house. A house that will be a secure fortress and will be a place of refuge for our children…or in the case of a single…a place of refuge for those in your “house” (Proverbs 14:26).

I was informed today that I indeed forgot a birthday question...

What are 3 highlights from the past year?

1) Living with my current roomie, Bekah!
2) Going to Tanzania/Zanzibar, I love East Africa!
3) The time spent with my friends and family....nothing in particular...just all of it. :)

And last night, my roomie planned for everyone to bring a quote to write in a "journal" that she got for me...I want to share some of those with you later...there are some good ones! But as for now, I have to go home and get ready for work tomorrow through Wednesday...I would appreciate your prayers...I'm really tense about it! Thanks...see you on Wednesday. :)

Here is the evening last night...in a nutshell....more to come later, but for now...I simply have the most awesome roommate and friends. More later...


Dr. Bob...a "South Carolina" thing...I couldn't resist when I saw it in the store...yes, I bought it for that very reason...Dr. Bob. :)

My "cake" that Bekah tried to keep "top secret" from me...but spilled the beans when I we were in the car and I was looking for my new shampoo...hehe. She knows me well...a frog with a book. :)

The "makeover"...not the greatest pic, but maybe you can get the idea anyhow. Needless to say, the make up came off before the party...I figured of all nights that I should feel like "myself", it was last night. :)

So Bekah had us each make our own pizza's...it was a pizza theme night. YUM! My friend Steph came over from August and my friend Karin had a hand in this party as well. :)

The gang who came over to celebrate with me. I am so utterly blessed.

Probably a funnier point in the night when Bekah came to "serenade" me with a couple of renditions of "Happy Birthday"...no, she doesn't play guitar...at ALL...and then tried to get someone else to play by saying, "Come on, guys, surely I'm not the ONLY one who can play guitar!" Hehe...yeah, the first time around was painful, hence Mon Amie's hand over the strings...then Bekah discovered my favorite chord, E minor, and they sung happy birthday in E minor. It was a little depressing but quite hilarious because that's the only chord she played through the whole song!

Chatting it up. :)


My buddy Christ trying to rid the earth of me...

Bekah and Chris claiming victory in the defeat and demise of me. :)

My buddy Paul, who took over my classroom had "our" kids make bday cards for me...they were pretty sweet! :)

After the party, we had a House 17 reunion and caught up with Steph by putting her in the "hot seat" while we all had "remote controls" to pause and play whenever. :)

It was late...Tom, Mon Amie, and Bekah...what a great night. :)
More to come later....



Ok, and this morning on the way to church, Steph and I got passed by this guy...yeah, SC plates that say "IM4IOWA"...so I caught up with him and waved in true geek fashion...:)

Tomorrow is a big day in my world. In the morning, Bekah and I are going to go the mall...where we will buy a few things, get makeovers, and just be girly. (Something I don't often do!) If it is nice in the afternoon, we have planned to go to the park and toss the disc or rollerblade/bike. Tomorrow evening she is banishing me from the house for a little bit and when I come back, Lord willing, there will some of my close friends from CIU in our home.

But this big day has brought with it so many thoughts...I guess this really happens every year, so I shouldn't be surprised. My friend, "Mon Amie", asks a few questions every year at this time and I know tomorrow I will have to answer them, so I have been trying to prepare for this.

*What 3 things are you thankful for from the last year?
*What 3 things do you hope to see happen this year?
*What 3 things have you learned in the last year?

So, since this is my site and I can bore you if I want, I'm going to indulge:

3 Thing I'm thankful for from this past year:

1) God putting people in my life who helped carry me through the dark times.
2) My dad buying a canoe this past summer...some of my favorite days this past year were spent in that canoe out on the Res in Iowa.
3) The time I have had with my friends and family...the laughter and smiles still echo in my mind.

3 Things I hope to see happen this year:

1) Graduation and moving back home!
2) To see my loved ones love Jesus!
3) To find that "someone special" in my life!

3 Things I have learned:

1) I have limits...I am not Superwoman!
2) Its ok to cry when you hurt, but its also ok to talk about it with a trusted friend.
3) Swahili...well, at least a little...but I have wanted to learn it for soooo long!

I tried to post an update with pics.
It didn't work.

So instead I'll just say...
To those of you up north who are freezing and taking much time getting to and from work due to snow.

Come and visit me.
It's warm here. :)

Perhaps I am the only one who has ever done this...
You make a decision.
But then you become uncertain.
So you change your mind.
Only later to realize that it had been a good thing.
But its too late.
The chance is gone.
Like a leaf blown away by the wind.
Never to return.

So you pray for comfort.
Ask God to be the arms around you.
You cry a little bit because of your mistake.
And you keep breathing in and out.
You continue onward.
Because really, there is nothing else that you can do.
Wishes don't make it happen.
Memories in your mind won't bring it back.

But you can continue to hope that somehow God will pass on your prayers.
That the chance might hear them.
But walk on.
Knowing that His grace will sustain you in your present reality.

"If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?"

It's a common, get-to-know-you type of question...but people always get upset with me when I give them my answer. The Grand Canyon. Apparently, they mean to ask the question "Where, outside of the US, would you like to go?" I've been a few places, and granted its a big world, but this is the one place I would really love to go.

So last semester I decided that THIS Spring Break it was finally going to happen...and I found a couple of people who may just be crazy enough to do it with me. Just last week, I went to my friend "Map Quest"...I'm not so sure that he's my friend anymore.

30 hours.

Did anyone hear a heart breaking? I did. It was mine. So I think it might not happen this time around...but Lord willing, in the next couple years...before I head overseas long term, I desperately want to make it there. Some dreams just have to be put off a little longer than we would like them to be...thankfully, though, this is one dream that I can do something about...eventually. :)

I feel like I should really care about the Superbowl with two Midwest teams playing.
But I really don't.
The only time I ever cared about the Superbowl was when I lived in Senegal.
And then just because it was something American.
Or a reason to stay out insanely late.
Freezing to death.
In Senegal.
But I'm going to do my duty and "watch" it.
I think I'm mostly going for the company and the food.
Isn't that the best part afterall?

Proof of the snowfall...I think Jack liked it. :) It's just a little, but the point is, its there!

And no, that's not bird poop on our bike seats...that, too, my friends, is snow!! :)

...Christmas. I'll just say it. Today I woke up a little late and had to go hop in Jack to run down to school...and what was on my windshield but what looked like a little bit of snow!!! Imagine that, I was devestated when I went home for Christmas and didn't see any...never thinking that God might bring it here to SC instead!! Ha. God certainly does have a sense of humor. And granted, there is none on the ground, but its the principal of the matter - there was snow! Anyhow, I got back home and turned on the news to find out that indeed it had snowed...and along with the pictures of snow were many cars in ditches, many cancelations of everything...ah, the South. They started delaying events yesterday in the afternoon for the snow that fell in the wee hours of this morning. Pics will come hopefully tomorrow. :)