It's the end of 2007, and we're about 3,000 miles away from the party at Steven and Emily's where we thought we were going to be.
That's right, we're still in New England. This morning, Amy and I and her mom and John woke up at 3:30am to drive to Albany, New York to board our flight to Orange County. However, it had started snowing the night before and the snow had piled up. What's worse, many of the roads hadn't been plowed, so we 4x4'ed at about 30 mph until we got the Mass Pike where we still couldn't go full speed.
We arrived at the airport much later than we wanted to and Continental didn't have tickets for us! Our original flight to the OC had been canceled and I had rescheduled everything on the phone Sunday. So we were floating around in their network, but had no tickets! Next, we went on over to Delta and tried to figure out what to do. They offered us a trip home today, but it would have gone from Albany to Charlotte to Atlanta to Minneapolis to Orange County. In fact, as I write this (8:00pm ET), we'd still be in the air on the way to the OC.
Needless to say, we declined that option and decided to stay an extra day and fly from Albany to JFK to Orange County on New Year's Day.
Tonight for dinner we ate lobster, clams and shrimp. It was glorious! Bottomfeeders, dad!
Have a wonderful New Year's; I doubt we'll up for it since we have to wake up around the same time tomorrow morning.
Goodbye 2007.
12.31.2007
12.27.2007
Is Huckabee a fiscal liberal?
Don't believe everything you read, especially if it's the only thing you've read. Since this is the first presidential election that I've been fully plugged in for, I've been trying to pay attention to the media frenzy.
However, just when I think I wrapped my mind around the basics of understanding the candidates, I read some scathing articles that attack the guy I was pretty sure was "my guy."
So, if you've heard the news about Huckabee having a fiscally liberal bent ("Huckabee's Republicanism is even less orthodox than McCain's and seems unviable beyond Iowa,") then read this post to be even more confused!
However, just when I think I wrapped my mind around the basics of understanding the candidates, I read some scathing articles that attack the guy I was pretty sure was "my guy."
So, if you've heard the news about Huckabee having a fiscally liberal bent ("Huckabee's Republicanism is even less orthodox than McCain's and seems unviable beyond Iowa,") then read this post to be even more confused!
12.25.2007
Complaints for Christmas
Yes, you read that right. All I've got for Christmas is complaining. However, in this case, I think the complaining is warranted. This is only the second post in December 2007.
We're in Great Barrington, Massachusetts right now for Christmas. In fact, it's 8:21am as I type this. The first clock I saw this morning said 6:13am. Amy's little brother Dan woke everyone up to come downstairs to the tree to open stockings and presents. Yes, it was too early. We got many presents and enjoyed watching everyone open theirs.
Oh, and it was my first white Christmas! It hasn't snowed in three days, but the snow hasn't all melted yet. It's beautifully cold outside and we have five more full days to spend in Great Barrington. One day we'll spend partially in Connecticut at Amy's grandpa's house (we call him Pop-pop). We're hoping to maybe spend some time in Boston, since that didn't work out while we were with Amy's dad in southern New Hampshire.
Right now, Amy and Lisa are asleep on the couch; Mike and Raphaelle are asleep upstairs. Dan is trying to download ITunes and figure out his new IPod nano. John is asleep and I have no idea where Amy's mom is. That's all for now, and I will post again before we leave for home.
We're in Great Barrington, Massachusetts right now for Christmas. In fact, it's 8:21am as I type this. The first clock I saw this morning said 6:13am. Amy's little brother Dan woke everyone up to come downstairs to the tree to open stockings and presents. Yes, it was too early. We got many presents and enjoyed watching everyone open theirs.
Oh, and it was my first white Christmas! It hasn't snowed in three days, but the snow hasn't all melted yet. It's beautifully cold outside and we have five more full days to spend in Great Barrington. One day we'll spend partially in Connecticut at Amy's grandpa's house (we call him Pop-pop). We're hoping to maybe spend some time in Boston, since that didn't work out while we were with Amy's dad in southern New Hampshire.
Right now, Amy and Lisa are asleep on the couch; Mike and Raphaelle are asleep upstairs. Dan is trying to download ITunes and figure out his new IPod nano. John is asleep and I have no idea where Amy's mom is. That's all for now, and I will post again before we leave for home.
12.05.2007
The Golden Compass, Killing God and Huckabee
Unfortunately, there have been many "scare" e-mails about The Golden Compass being floated among Christian circles. I believe I've received two of them so far. Basically, they are screaming about the horrible message of the movie, the book it's based on, and most especially the author. I've learned more about this movie in recent days and also about Philip Pullman's trilogy, His Dark Materials, and I agree that the message is a terrible message that completely contrasts with my Christian worldview. However, I don't want to descend to the level of a boycott. Almost all boycotts seem to draw the wrong conclusions with how to deal with something that you disagree with. I would guess that most people who join a public boycott do so on hearsay and perhaps some false or distorted information.
I think it is the duty of a Christian to engage the culture and not shrink away in disgust, as if say that the culture is sinful and disgusting while ignoring my own sin. So, because I have not (yet) read Pullman's trilogy or seen the movie - which comes out in theaters nationwide on Friday - I want to give what I believe is a fair and knowledgeable review of the movie, the books and the man. Dr. Mohler has read the trilogy twice through and saw the movie at a special pre-screening recently. Here's his take.
Also, take a look at the hot-off-the-press Daily Presidential Tracking Poll from Rasmussen Reports. In a crazy development, Huckabee has surged in the last week, displacing Giuliani on top of the polls.
I think it is the duty of a Christian to engage the culture and not shrink away in disgust, as if say that the culture is sinful and disgusting while ignoring my own sin. So, because I have not (yet) read Pullman's trilogy or seen the movie - which comes out in theaters nationwide on Friday - I want to give what I believe is a fair and knowledgeable review of the movie, the books and the man. Dr. Mohler has read the trilogy twice through and saw the movie at a special pre-screening recently. Here's his take.
Also, take a look at the hot-off-the-press Daily Presidential Tracking Poll from Rasmussen Reports. In a crazy development, Huckabee has surged in the last week, displacing Giuliani on top of the polls.
11.30.2007
Quick Hits
I'm pretty sure I stole that title from a sports section or website. Unoriginal, I know, but it felt exactly like the title I needed.
Wednesday, Mike Huckabee passed Mitt Romney in the polls in Iowa. This is huge. Several months ago, Huckabee was in the neighborhood of one to two percent.
Yes, we did go to Santa Clarita for Thanksgiving, and yes, it was wonderful. Short version: Lots of traffic on the way there, basketball, great football game, amazing Thanksgiving dinner, lots of good time with family, watched good football, went on walks with Dad, laughed a lot and enjoyed the fastest drive time we've ever had from Santa Clarita to the OC.
Our senior pastor at Village Bible Church has announced his resignation and move to Tacoma, Washington, to direct the Doctor of Ministry program at Northwest Baptist Seminary. We are excited from him and for his wife Karen as they make a big transition in their lives. Their last Sunday will be January 27. Please pray for Village's unity and for wisdom for the elders as they decide on candidates for the senior pastor position.
Junior High basketball season started on Monday. I had 14 guys come out to the first practice and one quit on Wednesday. We have only four eighth graders and only two of them played for me last year. I'm really excited about this team and I hope I can inject some excitement into them.
Amy's going up to Ruth's new home in Fresno this weekend with Heather and Abigail. She's coming back by train Saturday night.
Well, I think that's it for now. Here comes December (and hopefully more consistent posting).
Wednesday, Mike Huckabee passed Mitt Romney in the polls in Iowa. This is huge. Several months ago, Huckabee was in the neighborhood of one to two percent.
Yes, we did go to Santa Clarita for Thanksgiving, and yes, it was wonderful. Short version: Lots of traffic on the way there, basketball, great football game, amazing Thanksgiving dinner, lots of good time with family, watched good football, went on walks with Dad, laughed a lot and enjoyed the fastest drive time we've ever had from Santa Clarita to the OC.
Our senior pastor at Village Bible Church has announced his resignation and move to Tacoma, Washington, to direct the Doctor of Ministry program at Northwest Baptist Seminary. We are excited from him and for his wife Karen as they make a big transition in their lives. Their last Sunday will be January 27. Please pray for Village's unity and for wisdom for the elders as they decide on candidates for the senior pastor position.
Junior High basketball season started on Monday. I had 14 guys come out to the first practice and one quit on Wednesday. We have only four eighth graders and only two of them played for me last year. I'm really excited about this team and I hope I can inject some excitement into them.
Amy's going up to Ruth's new home in Fresno this weekend with Heather and Abigail. She's coming back by train Saturday night.
Well, I think that's it for now. Here comes December (and hopefully more consistent posting).
11.07.2007
Randy Alcorn Jumps On The Bandwagon
Randy Alcorn, director of Eternal Perspectives Ministries, has decided to endorse Mike Huckabee. Here's why.
Pull The Plug?
From Al Mohler's blog:
As Wesley J. Smith explains, "the reigning cultural paradigm" holds that "a life with profound cognitive dysfunction is not worth living." The dominant assessment is that a person with a diagnosis of permanent unconsciousness should be allowed to die by withdrawal of food and hydration.But, as Smith reports in The Weekly Standard, this "reigning cultural paradigm" is colliding with medical reality.
Read the rest of the article here.
10.31.2007
Happy Reformation Day!
Today marks the 490th anniversary of Martin Luther nailing his 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. Although understandably overshadowed by Halloween, today is a far more important reminder of one of the greatest events in the history of the world. It brought about a "schism" or a "revolt" against the established Roman Catholic Church and forever changed the Church, learning, and the world.
Go here to find out more.
Go here to find out more.
10.26.2007
Things that Make Me Laugh
Is it mean to laugh at every person who insists on pulling a door that displays a clearly printed sign, such as the one above, telling them to PUSH? So, maybe they've never been here and it's their first time using that door, then I may be a bit more gracious. But what about the ones who try pulling the door every time they use it, every single day?? Personally, I find it quite hilarious. It's even better when they scold themselves for doing it. HA!
10.25.2007
Huckabee and Rasmussen
Apparently, I've jumped on the Mike Huckabee bandwagon. Go here for a recent evangelical endorsement of Huckabee.
Also, I discovered this site. Rasmussen Reports has all kinds of accurate surveys and polls from politics, business and lifestyle. Read some of the quotes endorsing the sites on top of the page.
Also, I discovered this site. Rasmussen Reports has all kinds of accurate surveys and polls from politics, business and lifestyle. Read some of the quotes endorsing the sites on top of the page.
10.23.2007
Thanks Terminator
California Senate Bill 777 was recently signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. It is a law that our "Republican" governor signed into law even though NO Republicans in the entire state legislature voted for. In fact, a few Democrats abstained from even voting. It passed the State Senate 23-13 and passed the State Assembly 42-19.
Monday's edition of The Albert Mohler Program discussed this bill. If you would like to listen to it, go here. Skip the first nine minutes and then listen to the rest.
Here's a scary scenario made possible by this law: Andrew doesn't feel like a boy today. In fact, although he has a boy's anatomy, he thinks that today he is actually a girl deep down in his soul. Therefore, he tells his teacher and asks to be called Andrea today. He is now a "she" and a "her" and must be referred to as such. However, the teacher cannot tell the parents this or refer to Andrew as "she" or "her." Also, because Andrew is actually Andrea, he/she can now use the girls' restroom!
I would like to state here that this is most definitely NOT an attempt to bash gays, lesbians, bisexual people and transgender people. However, I believe in the inspiration and infallibility of every word of the Bible and I believe that homosexuality and other forms that I don't know how to name (along with all kinds of heterosexual sins) are deviating from God's good and perfect order. To corrupt and defile God's created order is sin. I do not deny genuine feelings of attraction in same-sex relationships. Just because I do not experience that same attraction doesn't make me somehow a more righteous person than they. I am attracted to many, many other kinds of sin and I pray daily - no, hourly - that God would save me from those.
Therefore, I would like to point you to this website: Save Our Kids. This organization is trying to get enough signatures to force a referendum on the next ballot for the citizens of California to vote on this horrendous piece of legislation.
Monday's edition of The Albert Mohler Program discussed this bill. If you would like to listen to it, go here. Skip the first nine minutes and then listen to the rest.
Here's a scary scenario made possible by this law: Andrew doesn't feel like a boy today. In fact, although he has a boy's anatomy, he thinks that today he is actually a girl deep down in his soul. Therefore, he tells his teacher and asks to be called Andrea today. He is now a "she" and a "her" and must be referred to as such. However, the teacher cannot tell the parents this or refer to Andrew as "she" or "her." Also, because Andrew is actually Andrea, he/she can now use the girls' restroom!
I would like to state here that this is most definitely NOT an attempt to bash gays, lesbians, bisexual people and transgender people. However, I believe in the inspiration and infallibility of every word of the Bible and I believe that homosexuality and other forms that I don't know how to name (along with all kinds of heterosexual sins) are deviating from God's good and perfect order. To corrupt and defile God's created order is sin. I do not deny genuine feelings of attraction in same-sex relationships. Just because I do not experience that same attraction doesn't make me somehow a more righteous person than they. I am attracted to many, many other kinds of sin and I pray daily - no, hourly - that God would save me from those.
Therefore, I would like to point you to this website: Save Our Kids. This organization is trying to get enough signatures to force a referendum on the next ballot for the citizens of California to vote on this horrendous piece of legislation.
10.18.2007
Memories
I know, it's been a long time since we posted, and even longer since I've posted. I could write about what's been going on in my life, but I'd rather write about what's been going on in my head lately--memories.
About this time of year is my favorite time of year. Growing up in New Hampshire, this is the season when the leaves started changing colors and the temperature began to drop. The air smelled crisp and fresh and cool. I LOVED it. My mom once told me that she thought I was her most "New Englandy" child and was surprised that I've ended up in southern California. I think that some times it's good to recognize that the Lord has plans that may be different than what we want, and that's okay. But I do still get my "autumn fever" (it's a bit like spring fever, except I get it in the fall :-D).
On Saturday, Mike (my brother) came to visit and we drove to Oak Glen, in the mountains, to pick apples. Two weekends ago I went up to the mountains for the Ladies' Retreat with my church. I must say that the 45 degree evening that we found ourselves in when we arrived was simply delightful. The whole weekend was on the chilly end (upper 40s to lower 50s in the daytime and upper 30s to lower 40s at night) and while many of the women expressed their belief that it was freezing, I enjoyed being brought back to New England autumn weather. It was wonderful!
The events of the past two weekends has brought me to thinking about memories. I keep finding myself reminiscing about anything and everything in my past--from 8 years old to 23. Just a little while ago I was crocheting at my desk and watching a slide show of pictures run across my computer screen. There were pictures of my family visiting for Tom's graduation from boot camp in July. There were pictures from apple picking on Saturday. There were pictures from our wedding and several of the weddings we've been to over the past year. There were pictures of friends we still talk to and ones we've lost track of. But, they all made me smile as I thought about the memories.
What's the point of all this? I think I'm starting to realize that my memory is an incredible gift from God. Even if I can't list out the events of my life or tell you about each particular birthday or holiday, it's such a blessing to be reminded of some sweet memory and smile as I play it out again in my mind. I think of how the Bible talks about itself and how the stories of old are for us to learn from. They are examples for us to follow. We talked about God's faithfulness at the Ladies' Retreat and how it's good to look back and remember ways that God has been faithful in your life. We wrote out lists to help us remember and then spent time thanking God for all the ways He has worked in our lives. Since then I've been trying to enjoy every moment. Some days my focus is better than others, but today I was thinking how blessed I have been.
I grew up in a home with a mom and a dad who loved me and worked hard. We had a home and always had food to eat and clothes to wear. We went to excellent schools and each received a quality education. My siblings and I had fun together--playing "Clean-up Crew" and climbing trees, sledding in the winter and jumping in piles of leaves in the fall, playing tag with the neighbors' kids and waiting for the school bus in the morning. We grew up camping a lot, fishing with mom & dad in the canoe and finding earthworms and salamanders under damp leaves. We went to the beach and teased dad when he couldn't find the blanket without his glasses on. We visited cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents when we could and spent time with family friends. We had cookouts, pool parties and picnics, went on hikes, bike rides and hayrides and I loved it all!
Then I went to college all the way out in California. Every time I hear the song "Wide Open Spaces" by the Dixie Chicks (by the way, I'm not a big country music fan) it reminds me of my mom as I left for college because it was her song for me. College was another blessing as I met many Christians who had walked with the Lord longer than me and wanted to help me learn what I was doing. I had professors who invested in me both inside and outside of the classroom and new friends who wanted to love me and get involved in my life. I learned about and studied the Bible in class and on my own and the Lord has been faithful every step of the way. Then I got to spend an entire semester studying in Israel! What a blessing to read the Bible and be in the place where it actually happened! It was already an amazing semester, but God decided in His great grace to allow me to meet and get to know my husband during this time. I can confidently say that I wouldn't have picked Happy out of a crowd, but now I wouldn't trade him for anyone in the world! He has been the biggest blessing of my life (aside from the Lord saving me) and I couldn't find words to express how thankful I am that God brought us together. Happy continues to be a godly example to me on a daily basis as he seeks to serve our Heavenly Father in all he does. To top it all off, I've been a part of three church families that have loved me and encouraged me and given me opportunities to serve the body of Christ.
This post is getting pretty long, but I hope it has challenged some of you to look back over your life and thank God for all that He has done and continues to do. It's too easy to become focused on myself. It's too easy to forget all the ways I've been blessed and gifted. It's too easy to get comfortable and discontent and always want more. I hope you spend some time today thinking over your life and praising God for anything and everything you can. He truly is the Giver of all good gifts!
About this time of year is my favorite time of year. Growing up in New Hampshire, this is the season when the leaves started changing colors and the temperature began to drop. The air smelled crisp and fresh and cool. I LOVED it. My mom once told me that she thought I was her most "New Englandy" child and was surprised that I've ended up in southern California. I think that some times it's good to recognize that the Lord has plans that may be different than what we want, and that's okay. But I do still get my "autumn fever" (it's a bit like spring fever, except I get it in the fall :-D).
On Saturday, Mike (my brother) came to visit and we drove to Oak Glen, in the mountains, to pick apples. Two weekends ago I went up to the mountains for the Ladies' Retreat with my church. I must say that the 45 degree evening that we found ourselves in when we arrived was simply delightful. The whole weekend was on the chilly end (upper 40s to lower 50s in the daytime and upper 30s to lower 40s at night) and while many of the women expressed their belief that it was freezing, I enjoyed being brought back to New England autumn weather. It was wonderful!
The events of the past two weekends has brought me to thinking about memories. I keep finding myself reminiscing about anything and everything in my past--from 8 years old to 23. Just a little while ago I was crocheting at my desk and watching a slide show of pictures run across my computer screen. There were pictures of my family visiting for Tom's graduation from boot camp in July. There were pictures from apple picking on Saturday. There were pictures from our wedding and several of the weddings we've been to over the past year. There were pictures of friends we still talk to and ones we've lost track of. But, they all made me smile as I thought about the memories.
What's the point of all this? I think I'm starting to realize that my memory is an incredible gift from God. Even if I can't list out the events of my life or tell you about each particular birthday or holiday, it's such a blessing to be reminded of some sweet memory and smile as I play it out again in my mind. I think of how the Bible talks about itself and how the stories of old are for us to learn from. They are examples for us to follow. We talked about God's faithfulness at the Ladies' Retreat and how it's good to look back and remember ways that God has been faithful in your life. We wrote out lists to help us remember and then spent time thanking God for all the ways He has worked in our lives. Since then I've been trying to enjoy every moment. Some days my focus is better than others, but today I was thinking how blessed I have been.
I grew up in a home with a mom and a dad who loved me and worked hard. We had a home and always had food to eat and clothes to wear. We went to excellent schools and each received a quality education. My siblings and I had fun together--playing "Clean-up Crew" and climbing trees, sledding in the winter and jumping in piles of leaves in the fall, playing tag with the neighbors' kids and waiting for the school bus in the morning. We grew up camping a lot, fishing with mom & dad in the canoe and finding earthworms and salamanders under damp leaves. We went to the beach and teased dad when he couldn't find the blanket without his glasses on. We visited cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents when we could and spent time with family friends. We had cookouts, pool parties and picnics, went on hikes, bike rides and hayrides and I loved it all!
Then I went to college all the way out in California. Every time I hear the song "Wide Open Spaces" by the Dixie Chicks (by the way, I'm not a big country music fan) it reminds me of my mom as I left for college because it was her song for me. College was another blessing as I met many Christians who had walked with the Lord longer than me and wanted to help me learn what I was doing. I had professors who invested in me both inside and outside of the classroom and new friends who wanted to love me and get involved in my life. I learned about and studied the Bible in class and on my own and the Lord has been faithful every step of the way. Then I got to spend an entire semester studying in Israel! What a blessing to read the Bible and be in the place where it actually happened! It was already an amazing semester, but God decided in His great grace to allow me to meet and get to know my husband during this time. I can confidently say that I wouldn't have picked Happy out of a crowd, but now I wouldn't trade him for anyone in the world! He has been the biggest blessing of my life (aside from the Lord saving me) and I couldn't find words to express how thankful I am that God brought us together. Happy continues to be a godly example to me on a daily basis as he seeks to serve our Heavenly Father in all he does. To top it all off, I've been a part of three church families that have loved me and encouraged me and given me opportunities to serve the body of Christ.
This post is getting pretty long, but I hope it has challenged some of you to look back over your life and thank God for all that He has done and continues to do. It's too easy to become focused on myself. It's too easy to forget all the ways I've been blessed and gifted. It's too easy to get comfortable and discontent and always want more. I hope you spend some time today thinking over your life and praising God for anything and everything you can. He truly is the Giver of all good gifts!
10.08.2007
Back . . . due to popular demand! (Or because of two comments)
All right already! I'll attempt to post a brief update today.
Wanting to appease the Santa Maria contingent of our family - and the fact that it's one of my favorite places in California - Amy and I left Liberty Christian School at 3:33pm in an attempt to beat the traffic and get to Santa Maria before it got too late. Amy drove the whole way, and although we got stuck in the usual persnickety jam prior to and on the Sepulveda Pass, we made quite good time, arriving at the Parkers' around 8:00pm. We had a good time eating with the family and catching up with Grandma, Aunt Tracy, Uncle Mel, Aunt Kathy, Jess, and the Best Man, Mike.
The next day we went to the Harvest Festival in good ol' Arroyo Grande. Although nowhere near as good as the annual Strawberry Festival, it was still a fun atmosphere. Mike had gotten there earlier in the morning to work crowd control as part of a volunteer event for the Santa Maria Police Academy. Amy and I got some pretty good (overpriced) kettle korn and looked at a few of the booths selling the normal Central Coast fare. There was even a Ron Paul for President booth. Things wrapped up pretty quickly, and the wonderful matriarch of the Aris family treated us to Marie Callender's in Pismo Beach. Incidentally, that was where Amy and I ate on our honeymoon!
Mike and I drove back to Santa Maria, watched some of the Cal-Oregon game, read and then went golfing at Sunset Ridge. It was windy, some sprinklers were on and our golf games (as usual) were at top performance. I believe we only lost about eight or nine balls to the "lakes." It was good time for best friends to catch up and talk about life. For the first time in recent memory, no one had to climb over the barbed wire fence to retrieve a slightly mis-hit ball.
While we were golfing, Amy and the womenfolk enjoyed their time at an apple farm or two. Some apple cider was purchased, among other things.
That night, Uncle Mel barbecued ribs, and of course, dinner was amazing. We had another good night of talking and hanging out and watching TV.
Sunday morning we got up and drove to Grandma's for waffles and turkey bacon before heading over to Grace Baptist Church for the morning worship service. There was good music and a good sermon on Sabbath rest. Interestingly, the youth pastor, Pastor James Barr, was about to practice his preaching by taking two months off for some rest and for some observation of other local youth ministry departments. We didn't stay for Sunday School and headed back to Pleasant Place (the street the Parkers live on).
And then we watched most of the Raider game. It was a beautiful thing to watch, because Raider victories have been few and far between in the last four seasons. After that, we headed home, and made in just a little over four hours!
This last weekend was a busy one as well. Amy left on Friday afternoon with more than twenty other ladies for Idyllwild in the mountains (not sure which range) for the annual women's retreat. They had a great time, and Amy especially enjoyed the colder weather (lower 40s, upper 30s!).
While those shenanigans were taking place, I headed up to Santa Clarita after the Liberty Christian Homecoming football game (Score? 54-0. Yeah, they lost.) Anyway, the 405 was great and I got to Brian, Nick and Travis' apartment around 11:15pm. I stayed up and talked with Brian and Travis until about 1:15am. I slept in Travis' sleeping bag on the couch and slept hard until about 8:30am. On Saturday, we played video games, watched TV and had brunch at IHOP. Then, I visited my college RD, Siona Savini and just talked for about two hours in his renovated and spacious apartment. After that, I headed over to 18726 Wellhaven St. to see my dad and Trevor. My mom was at Hume Lake for a ladies' retreat, and Scott was in Ontario, CA, for TMC's Outreach Week. Trev, Dad and I ate at Baja Fresh and then went to the SCCS football game. I got to talk with a bunch of people and had a great time. I left near the end of the game and got back to Westminster around 11:15pm.
Amy got back on Sunday at about 4:15 (I think) and we went to Costco and Stater Bros. before going home and fixing up the apartment. We also put up a wall cabinet above the toilet that looks real nice and adds a little bit of storage.
And now it's a new week and God is still on his throne, so let everything that has breath praise the Lord! (Psalm 150:6)
Wanting to appease the Santa Maria contingent of our family - and the fact that it's one of my favorite places in California - Amy and I left Liberty Christian School at 3:33pm in an attempt to beat the traffic and get to Santa Maria before it got too late. Amy drove the whole way, and although we got stuck in the usual persnickety jam prior to and on the Sepulveda Pass, we made quite good time, arriving at the Parkers' around 8:00pm. We had a good time eating with the family and catching up with Grandma, Aunt Tracy, Uncle Mel, Aunt Kathy, Jess, and the Best Man, Mike.
The next day we went to the Harvest Festival in good ol' Arroyo Grande. Although nowhere near as good as the annual Strawberry Festival, it was still a fun atmosphere. Mike had gotten there earlier in the morning to work crowd control as part of a volunteer event for the Santa Maria Police Academy. Amy and I got some pretty good (overpriced) kettle korn and looked at a few of the booths selling the normal Central Coast fare. There was even a Ron Paul for President booth. Things wrapped up pretty quickly, and the wonderful matriarch of the Aris family treated us to Marie Callender's in Pismo Beach. Incidentally, that was where Amy and I ate on our honeymoon!
Mike and I drove back to Santa Maria, watched some of the Cal-Oregon game, read and then went golfing at Sunset Ridge. It was windy, some sprinklers were on and our golf games (as usual) were at top performance. I believe we only lost about eight or nine balls to the "lakes." It was good time for best friends to catch up and talk about life. For the first time in recent memory, no one had to climb over the barbed wire fence to retrieve a slightly mis-hit ball.
While we were golfing, Amy and the womenfolk enjoyed their time at an apple farm or two. Some apple cider was purchased, among other things.
That night, Uncle Mel barbecued ribs, and of course, dinner was amazing. We had another good night of talking and hanging out and watching TV.
Sunday morning we got up and drove to Grandma's for waffles and turkey bacon before heading over to Grace Baptist Church for the morning worship service. There was good music and a good sermon on Sabbath rest. Interestingly, the youth pastor, Pastor James Barr, was about to practice his preaching by taking two months off for some rest and for some observation of other local youth ministry departments. We didn't stay for Sunday School and headed back to Pleasant Place (the street the Parkers live on).
And then we watched most of the Raider game. It was a beautiful thing to watch, because Raider victories have been few and far between in the last four seasons. After that, we headed home, and made in just a little over four hours!
This last weekend was a busy one as well. Amy left on Friday afternoon with more than twenty other ladies for Idyllwild in the mountains (not sure which range) for the annual women's retreat. They had a great time, and Amy especially enjoyed the colder weather (lower 40s, upper 30s!).
While those shenanigans were taking place, I headed up to Santa Clarita after the Liberty Christian Homecoming football game (Score? 54-0. Yeah, they lost.) Anyway, the 405 was great and I got to Brian, Nick and Travis' apartment around 11:15pm. I stayed up and talked with Brian and Travis until about 1:15am. I slept in Travis' sleeping bag on the couch and slept hard until about 8:30am. On Saturday, we played video games, watched TV and had brunch at IHOP. Then, I visited my college RD, Siona Savini and just talked for about two hours in his renovated and spacious apartment. After that, I headed over to 18726 Wellhaven St. to see my dad and Trevor. My mom was at Hume Lake for a ladies' retreat, and Scott was in Ontario, CA, for TMC's Outreach Week. Trev, Dad and I ate at Baja Fresh and then went to the SCCS football game. I got to talk with a bunch of people and had a great time. I left near the end of the game and got back to Westminster around 11:15pm.
Amy got back on Sunday at about 4:15 (I think) and we went to Costco and Stater Bros. before going home and fixing up the apartment. We also put up a wall cabinet above the toilet that looks real nice and adds a little bit of storage.
And now it's a new week and God is still on his throne, so let everything that has breath praise the Lord! (Psalm 150:6)
9.25.2007
Magic Mountain
Saturday was my first trip to Magic Mountain. I know I went to college for four years just down the street from said theme park, but I was also a poor college student. So, it was my first time and it was so much fun! We met at church at 7 am and organized the caravan for the trip, leaving around 8:00. After the nearly 3 hour car ride up there, making our way through 2 major construction SIG alerts on the 5 freeway, we arrived at Magic Mountain at 10:45. I think we finally got in the park around 11:15. Despite my dislike of rush hour traffic, I was thankful for the nap on the way up! Once we arrived, bought tickets and organized groups, my group headed over to Revolution (at least I think that's the name of it). We waited in line for a while in the pouring rain and then the ride was shut down when we were about 25 feet from the front of the line. Bummer. We waited for a little while, thinking it'd be better to stay more dry and wait for the ride to re-open so we could be first... especially because most of the other rides were closed. Then we finally left for The Riddler's Revenge and the rain cleared up! The best part about standing in that line was finding a soggy $20 bill on the ground :-D After that was lunch and more rides. We went on Goldrusher, Scream, Colossus (I didn't go on this one), Goliath, Revolution, X.... and maybe some more... I really don't remember since the day was pretty crazy. But it was fun! And I think X is pretty much the most amazing roller coaster I've ever been on :-D Check out the pictures from our rainy day at Magic Mountain, if you feel so inclined, and have a lovely Tuesday!
9.24.2007
Confessions of a Recovering Feminist
Happy Monday! Today I will get my permanent crown at the dentist. YAY!
However, the real reason I was posting was not to keep you updated on my dental situation, but to point out that I added a new blog to our sidebar links. It is called CBMW (The Council on Biblical Manhood & Womanhood) Gender Blog and today's post is called Confessions of a Recovering Feminist. I thought it might be a good description (for those who may be wondering) of what I, and many other Christians, think about Feminism. I don't mean for this to be a jab at anyone, but I know I've had conversations with several people about this topic. Here is someone who is a bit more articulate than me, sharing her perspective on Feminism. Let me know what you think!
However, the real reason I was posting was not to keep you updated on my dental situation, but to point out that I added a new blog to our sidebar links. It is called CBMW (The Council on Biblical Manhood & Womanhood) Gender Blog and today's post is called Confessions of a Recovering Feminist. I thought it might be a good description (for those who may be wondering) of what I, and many other Christians, think about Feminism. I don't mean for this to be a jab at anyone, but I know I've had conversations with several people about this topic. Here is someone who is a bit more articulate than me, sharing her perspective on Feminism. Let me know what you think!
9.21.2007
Pedometer
For the last two weeks, Amy and I have been walking around with little pedometers clipped to our pants at the hip. Pedometers can measure steps taken (its original function), miles walked/run, calories burned, steps per minute, miles per hour and time spent walking/running. It's actually a pretty cool way to keep track of your general exercise throughout a given day or week.
This article is one of many detailing that 10,000 steps a day is probably a good number to take for "weight management." I think this one was only $15 through the President's Challenge website.
Even as a PE teacher, I struggle to get my 10,000 steps in every day. For instance, it's 8:25 am and I'm at 962 steps. I've gone 0.436 miles in seven minutes and 40 seconds for a speed of 3.26 mph. I've also burned approximately 48.5 calories. Since Tuesday, September 11, I've taken 81,667 steps, which has taken me about 37 miles!
For what it's worth, buy a pedometer and see how you're doing.
9.07.2007
Don't Get Cavities
Yesterday was phase one of a crown on my number 14 tooth (at least I think that's what they were saying). It's my second molar on the top left side of my mouth. For those of you who are familiar with my love of needles, I was more than a little nervous about all the Novocaine shots. In light of that, my dentist was made very aware of the fact that he must keep the needles out of my line of vision, which he did very well. It went something like this "Alright, Amy, close your eyes now..." Then I'd shut my eyes tight and open my mouth imagining I was in New England walking in the snow. I was even singing "I'll be Home for Christmas" in my head.
All in all, I had two long shots of Novocaine on the outer gums to numb the two major nerves that are connected to the tooth. Then I had several (I didn't count because I was trying to transport myself by singing the aforementioned song) smaller shots on the inner gums by the tooth just before he shaved the inside of the tooth. The shaving of my tooth was not a big deal, aside from the smell and little bits of silver flying all over the place. They took an impression, made a temporary crown for me, glued it on and sent me on my way. I'll go back on the 24th after work to get the real crown.
There was only one point at which I was concentrating on anything and everything to get myself not to puke, but I was thankfully already lying down. Leaving the dentist, I was shaky and still feeling a bit ill and traumatized so I was glad Happy was there to drive me home. Once the Novocaine wore off, the throbbing started and now my jaw is pretty sore on the left side of my mouth. But, I slept great and can talk without a problem, so answering the phones today is just like normal. I figure it probably would have saved me a bunch of hassle (not to mention a bunch of money) if I hadn't gotten a cavity in the first place. So that's the wisdom I have to share from this experience: Don't get cavities.
All in all, I had two long shots of Novocaine on the outer gums to numb the two major nerves that are connected to the tooth. Then I had several (I didn't count because I was trying to transport myself by singing the aforementioned song) smaller shots on the inner gums by the tooth just before he shaved the inside of the tooth. The shaving of my tooth was not a big deal, aside from the smell and little bits of silver flying all over the place. They took an impression, made a temporary crown for me, glued it on and sent me on my way. I'll go back on the 24th after work to get the real crown.
There was only one point at which I was concentrating on anything and everything to get myself not to puke, but I was thankfully already lying down. Leaving the dentist, I was shaky and still feeling a bit ill and traumatized so I was glad Happy was there to drive me home. Once the Novocaine wore off, the throbbing started and now my jaw is pretty sore on the left side of my mouth. But, I slept great and can talk without a problem, so answering the phones today is just like normal. I figure it probably would have saved me a bunch of hassle (not to mention a bunch of money) if I hadn't gotten a cavity in the first place. So that's the wisdom I have to share from this experience: Don't get cavities.
9.06.2007
School and Travel
Today marked the third day of school at Liberty Christian. But in reality, it was the second "real" day of school. Tuesday was only the first day of school for the secondary (7-12). Wednesday, the elementary (K-6) graced us with their presence (and the presence of proud parents and grandparents, snapping tons of pictures of their less-than-eager students).
Yesterday was also the first day I had to teach my Bible class (second period) and eighth grade homeroom class. I went over the PE syllabus with 38 junior highers this afternoon. That class is really going to test my patience and my classroom management skills. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I have at least 43 students signed up for junior high PE! AHHHHH!!! Yesterday I also went over some basic introductory rules and procedures with the high schoolers in PE. To end class, we played Big Booty. If you don't know how to play, then you need to learn. It's so fun!
Today was my first day of lecturing in Bible and I basically filled up the whole period lecturing on Bibliology, the origin of the Bible, the Canon, etc. It was fun. I learned a lot from it and figured out some things I need to do better. I'm really looking forward to the rest of year in that class.
Last, here's a random list of trips - in no particular order - we would like to go on in the coming years. It started as a way to figure out what we want to do next summer for vacation and expanded from there. What do you think? Any comments or questions?
1. Go camping with my parents and brothers.
2. Go camping with Emily and Steven at Buckeye Flats in Sequoia National Park.
3. Hike Half-Dome in Yosemite with Amy.
4. Climb Mt. Whitney with guys from Village!
5. Go to Monterey.
6. Visit New England in the Fall (Octoberish).
7. Visit Aunt Cindy in Colorado.
8. Take a road trip to Idaho.
9. Take a road trip to Seattle and visit Uncle Bob and Aunt Barbara.
10. Visit the UK.
Yesterday was also the first day I had to teach my Bible class (second period) and eighth grade homeroom class. I went over the PE syllabus with 38 junior highers this afternoon. That class is really going to test my patience and my classroom management skills. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I have at least 43 students signed up for junior high PE! AHHHHH!!! Yesterday I also went over some basic introductory rules and procedures with the high schoolers in PE. To end class, we played Big Booty. If you don't know how to play, then you need to learn. It's so fun!
Today was my first day of lecturing in Bible and I basically filled up the whole period lecturing on Bibliology, the origin of the Bible, the Canon, etc. It was fun. I learned a lot from it and figured out some things I need to do better. I'm really looking forward to the rest of year in that class.
Last, here's a random list of trips - in no particular order - we would like to go on in the coming years. It started as a way to figure out what we want to do next summer for vacation and expanded from there. What do you think? Any comments or questions?
1. Go camping with my parents and brothers.
2. Go camping with Emily and Steven at Buckeye Flats in Sequoia National Park.
3. Hike Half-Dome in Yosemite with Amy.
4. Climb Mt. Whitney with guys from Village!
5. Go to Monterey.
6. Visit New England in the Fall (Octoberish).
7. Visit Aunt Cindy in Colorado.
8. Take a road trip to Idaho.
9. Take a road trip to Seattle and visit Uncle Bob and Aunt Barbara.
10. Visit the UK.
9.04.2007
Labor Day Weekend
This was the sunset that Happy & I watched on Sunday night! It was BEAUTIFUL, even if the beach was the most crowded I've ever seen it. Our Labor Day weekend was relaxing, fun and REALLY STINKIN HOT! For those who live in Santa Clarita, I'm VERY sorry. We were in Anaheim on Saturday and it was around 100 degrees. I would much rather be absolutely freezing than hot, but I've heard the heat wave is supposed to be done soon. Is it dumb to pray that it doesn't get so hot? I'm seriously hoping that this winter is really rainy and cold. I'd love it!In other news, my boss had her baby yesterday! I heard he was 8 lbs. 8 oz. and 21" long. His name is Colton (not sure on the spelling of that) and I'm told he's absolutely adorable. It seems like there are a lot of babies being born around me right now. By the way, the baby in our web album is the one I held on Saturday. He was a week old! When he was born he was only 6 lbs. 2 oz. so he is still really tiny. SO CUTE! But don't worry, I'm not going to do the "I'm pregnant" joke again ;-) Seeing and holding babies makes me realize.... I can wait! Plus, hearing the stories of not sleeping makes me think... I can wait! For those of you who are so ready for Happy & me to start having babies... Hopefully you can wait too :-) Meanwhile, I'll just hold other women's babies and say how cute they are and then give them back when they start to fuss. But seriously, what's with all the babies?!?!
But, since I am back at work, I do need to get to my invoices. I hope everyone had a lovely Labor Day weekend, even if it was stiflingly hot. I'd love to hear any stories.... but since no one ever comments on my posts, perhaps I shouldn't get my hopes up (YES, that is a guilt-trip!). Back to work for me! Have an excellent short week!
8.27.2007
So cool
At times I look through my cell phone to see what random pictures I've taken and forgotten about. 
This one is a classic. As you can imagine, we thought we were SO COOL! By the way, in case you couldn't tell/didn't know... those are my feet and Happy's feet.
Thank you all for your prayers yesterday! We are told that "it went well" and the students seemed interested in how God has worked in our lives. Praise the Lord for that! We are very much looking forward to getting more involved with the youth group so I'm sure we'll be adding prayer requests here and there... along with sharing stories which should be interesting :-)
This one is a classic. As you can imagine, we thought we were SO COOL! By the way, in case you couldn't tell/didn't know... those are my feet and Happy's feet.Thank you all for your prayers yesterday! We are told that "it went well" and the students seemed interested in how God has worked in our lives. Praise the Lord for that! We are very much looking forward to getting more involved with the youth group so I'm sure we'll be adding prayer requests here and there... along with sharing stories which should be interesting :-)
8.25.2007
A WEEKEND POST?!?!
Yes, that's right, I'm posting on the weekend. The main reason for this being the prayer request that I have in mind. Tomorrow during Sunday school, Happy & I are sharing our testimonies in the high school class. We have about a half hour to take up between the two of us and would greatly appreciate prayers for clarity. Also, pray that God would receive the glory for the work He's done in our lives.
Happy is at a friend's house this morning as he needs to build something for the P.E. class he's been taking. I'm home alone this morning and hoping to be productive by cleaning and exercising! So, even though I'm pretty sure no one really checks our blog on the weekends (perhaps it has something to do with the fact that we've almost never posted on the weekend), I wanted to share the prayer request in hopes that some would be praying for us tomorrow! Thank you and have a wonderful weekend!
Happy is at a friend's house this morning as he needs to build something for the P.E. class he's been taking. I'm home alone this morning and hoping to be productive by cleaning and exercising! So, even though I'm pretty sure no one really checks our blog on the weekends (perhaps it has something to do with the fact that we've almost never posted on the weekend), I wanted to share the prayer request in hopes that some would be praying for us tomorrow! Thank you and have a wonderful weekend!
8.24.2007
Bored at Work
Yesterday I decided that I should carry my camera around with me more often because I frequently say "I wish I had my camera right now!"
The result of that is a BRAND NEW album entitled "Bored at Work."
I think it's pretty amazing. No, seriously, I do think it's amazing. And it has nothing to do with the fact that it's 4:00 pm on a Friday and I'm sitting at work with the three other people in the office, staring outside while the phone doesn't ring. You may think I'm exaggerating about the phone not ringing.... I've been counting... SIX times in the last hour and a half. If you average that out, it's one call every 15 minutes. I'm pretty sure my husband would say "Why aren't you reading???" But, I've already been reading Oliver Twist long enough that my eyes hurt so I needed a change of pace. Anyway, here is a taste of the album I just made. You should really take the time to browse through it.
The result of that is a BRAND NEW album entitled "Bored at Work."
I think it's pretty amazing. No, seriously, I do think it's amazing. And it has nothing to do with the fact that it's 4:00 pm on a Friday and I'm sitting at work with the three other people in the office, staring outside while the phone doesn't ring. You may think I'm exaggerating about the phone not ringing.... I've been counting... SIX times in the last hour and a half. If you average that out, it's one call every 15 minutes. I'm pretty sure my husband would say "Why aren't you reading???" But, I've already been reading Oliver Twist long enough that my eyes hurt so I needed a change of pace. Anyway, here is a taste of the album I just made. You should really take the time to browse through it.
8.23.2007
Rescuing the Fish
I found this yesterday and realized I never put it on our blog. I think it's pretty hilarious.
8.20.2007
A Good Monday
Do you ever have one of those days where you are super-productive? Hopefully you have so that you can understand and appreciate this post. I'm only posting because I just finished all my invoices from Friday, Saturday and today! That NEVER happens. Usually I'm not caught up with invoices until Tuesday afternoon and I finished my invoices about a half hour ago. So, even though my eyes are playing funny tricks on me from looking at so many numbers, I'm excited to be done with invoices until the mail comes tomorrow :-)
Side note--it smells like onions in the office today. I'm not sure if it's because someone actually had something with onions in it, or if it's just some phantom smell wafting through the office for no apparent reason; but it's gross. For a while it was making my eyes water and my head hurt. I think I'm either used to the smell now or it's fading. Either way, it's not bothering me any more, which is great.
In other news, yesterday was Tom's 22nd birthday and Happy & I were able to go down to Camp Pendleton for a visit. We brought presents, cards and cheesecake for him, along with In N Out for his "birthday lunch." He'll be heading out to Florida probably on Wednesday for his next phase of training, which is school for 14 months as he trains to be an aviation mechanic. I'm glad he was out here for a little while, even if we could only see him for two days. Oh, and feel free to check out the pictures!
Side note--it smells like onions in the office today. I'm not sure if it's because someone actually had something with onions in it, or if it's just some phantom smell wafting through the office for no apparent reason; but it's gross. For a while it was making my eyes water and my head hurt. I think I'm either used to the smell now or it's fading. Either way, it's not bothering me any more, which is great.
In other news, yesterday was Tom's 22nd birthday and Happy & I were able to go down to Camp Pendleton for a visit. We brought presents, cards and cheesecake for him, along with In N Out for his "birthday lunch." He'll be heading out to Florida probably on Wednesday for his next phase of training, which is school for 14 months as he trains to be an aviation mechanic. I'm glad he was out here for a little while, even if we could only see him for two days. Oh, and feel free to check out the pictures!
8.16.2007
I caved. After much prodding from a few different sources, I decided to start my own Facebook account yesterday morning. Between now and then I've gotten back in touch with several friends that I'd lost contact with since leaving New Hampshire. Weird how certain things speak to my generation. Funny how I'm writing this on a blog...
So I'll be honest and say that since I started Facebook it's pretty much been on my mind constantly as I contemplate "I wonder who's my friend now... I wonder if anyone wrote a message to me... I wonder if someone wrote on my wall.... I wonder if there's a new graffiti yet..." The list goes on. I'm hoping that it only takes a little while for me to get used to the Facebook thing so perhaps I can actually focus on other things. Ok, so it hasn't been as much of an obsession as I'm making it sound, but I definitely spent most of yesterday playing around on Facebook while I was at work with nothing to do. It really did help my day go by much faster!
But, I'm still more of a blogger than a Facebook-er(?) at heart. Basically, I like to write and share pictures, which is what blogging is all about. Facebook has all these other cool things to distract from the writing that are too much for my technologically challenged self. Ok, I'm not that technologically challenged. I just like blogging. So, feel free to check out my new Facebook profile. Leave a message on my wall... draw some graffiti art.... share some pictures (only good ones though).... :-D But don't forget the blog either!!
So I'll be honest and say that since I started Facebook it's pretty much been on my mind constantly as I contemplate "I wonder who's my friend now... I wonder if anyone wrote a message to me... I wonder if someone wrote on my wall.... I wonder if there's a new graffiti yet..." The list goes on. I'm hoping that it only takes a little while for me to get used to the Facebook thing so perhaps I can actually focus on other things. Ok, so it hasn't been as much of an obsession as I'm making it sound, but I definitely spent most of yesterday playing around on Facebook while I was at work with nothing to do. It really did help my day go by much faster!
But, I'm still more of a blogger than a Facebook-er(?) at heart. Basically, I like to write and share pictures, which is what blogging is all about. Facebook has all these other cool things to distract from the writing that are too much for my technologically challenged self. Ok, I'm not that technologically challenged. I just like blogging. So, feel free to check out my new Facebook profile. Leave a message on my wall... draw some graffiti art.... share some pictures (only good ones though).... :-D But don't forget the blog either!!
8.13.2007
This Is A Two-Person Blog . . . I Think
Greetings from Planet Earth, where I still reside, contrary to much gossip and slander in the public mind. And by "public mind" I mean our faithful readers, all six of them!
Anyway, I know I haven't posted in a while and Amy has been dropping online hints that I need to update you people on my side of the story. But . . .
I'm not going to do that right now. There's no time. I've got to wash the dishes before Amy gets home! However, here's a few things I'd like to link to in the hopes that maybe one of you will read one:
Todd's commentary on the Old City shootings and links to the unbelievable video!
Mark Dever's series of posts entitled "Where Did All These Calvinists Come From?"
Raphaelle's blog is linked on the sidebar but I doubt you frequent those links, so here's some help. Oh, by the way, Mike and her are in Berlin, Germany and going to Prague, Czech Republic. Amy and I (and Heather and Ruth) traveled to both places in Fall 2004.
That's it for now. I'll update soon . . . I think.
Anyway, I know I haven't posted in a while and Amy has been dropping online hints that I need to update you people on my side of the story. But . . .
I'm not going to do that right now. There's no time. I've got to wash the dishes before Amy gets home! However, here's a few things I'd like to link to in the hopes that maybe one of you will read one:
Todd's commentary on the Old City shootings and links to the unbelievable video!
Mark Dever's series of posts entitled "Where Did All These Calvinists Come From?"
Raphaelle's blog is linked on the sidebar but I doubt you frequent those links, so here's some help. Oh, by the way, Mike and her are in Berlin, Germany and going to Prague, Czech Republic. Amy and I (and Heather and Ruth) traveled to both places in Fall 2004.
That's it for now. I'll update soon . . . I think.
8.10.2007
Reflections from Mexico
After the last few posts of our Mexico updates, it feels like I just got back from the trip! I've been re-reading my journal entries too, which brings me right back to when and where I wrote them. Plus, I finally finished writing the update letter which many of the people who read this will be getting soon :-)
Even though it's been more than a month since we returned, the lessons the Lord taught me are still in the forefront of my mind. Rather than make a list of things, I'm going to focus on a few larger points. First, our trip to Mexico confirmed in my own heart that God has given me the gift of encouragement. It feels a little weird to talk about this, but hopefully I can accurately reflect the fact that this is a gift from God. It's my responsibility and privilege to serve as an encouragement to those around me. I learned that when I see a person who needs encouragement (which happens a lot--I'm not sure if it's because I'm more aware of it or if God puts these people specifically in my path... or both?) and I don't do what I can to encourage them, I am telling God I don't want Him to use me. Essentially I am telling God that I don't want to be used the way He intended to use me (see 1 Cor. 12:15-17).
Second, I was encouraged greatly by the people in our team, the church in Bernal and the church/school in Mexico City because of their heart for God. I know that's a phrase that is used often in Christian circles, but let me define what I consider a "heart for God." Someone with a heart for God has God's Word hidden in their heart so they won't sin against Him. They seek to follow Christ's example of humility, serving rather than wanting to be served. They don't complain when they are tired, but persevere, praying to God for strength. Not only that, but they do all of this with joy. Now obviously no one will do this perfectly, and I'm not saying that any of the people I was with did all of this at all times. But it happened so much that I couldn't help but praise God for His work!
Third, it was such a blessing to get to know Richard and Starla Kull a little bit better! Happy had more of an opportunity to do this since he stayed at their home, but I think we both realized (again) that missionaries are regular people serving in another part of the world. They aren't super-Christians, immune to sin. They have a heart to serve where they are and they do it. Unfortunately, it's too easy to get comfortable in the Land of the Free and then we start to think we're entitled to things and then we want more. Richard and Starla were examples to me of contentment. They don't have a lot, but they are thankful for how God has provided for them--and they serve Him. It's pretty humbling to see that kind of example lived out.
I think everyone knows I could write a lot more, but I'll end with these three. Perhaps you've noticed that Happy hasn't posted in... a long time. He's been working at Liberty for the summer (when we're here) doing maintenance so he doesn't exactly have a lot of free time during the day. When he gets home he works on his class and soon will be preparing for the start of the school year. Perhaps with LOTS of comments to encourage him, he may take a short time to update you on his take on the Mexico trip... or Hawaii... or life in general, but he might need a good amount of comments........ hint... hint.... ;-)
Even though it's been more than a month since we returned, the lessons the Lord taught me are still in the forefront of my mind. Rather than make a list of things, I'm going to focus on a few larger points. First, our trip to Mexico confirmed in my own heart that God has given me the gift of encouragement. It feels a little weird to talk about this, but hopefully I can accurately reflect the fact that this is a gift from God. It's my responsibility and privilege to serve as an encouragement to those around me. I learned that when I see a person who needs encouragement (which happens a lot--I'm not sure if it's because I'm more aware of it or if God puts these people specifically in my path... or both?) and I don't do what I can to encourage them, I am telling God I don't want Him to use me. Essentially I am telling God that I don't want to be used the way He intended to use me (see 1 Cor. 12:15-17).
Second, I was encouraged greatly by the people in our team, the church in Bernal and the church/school in Mexico City because of their heart for God. I know that's a phrase that is used often in Christian circles, but let me define what I consider a "heart for God." Someone with a heart for God has God's Word hidden in their heart so they won't sin against Him. They seek to follow Christ's example of humility, serving rather than wanting to be served. They don't complain when they are tired, but persevere, praying to God for strength. Not only that, but they do all of this with joy. Now obviously no one will do this perfectly, and I'm not saying that any of the people I was with did all of this at all times. But it happened so much that I couldn't help but praise God for His work!
Third, it was such a blessing to get to know Richard and Starla Kull a little bit better! Happy had more of an opportunity to do this since he stayed at their home, but I think we both realized (again) that missionaries are regular people serving in another part of the world. They aren't super-Christians, immune to sin. They have a heart to serve where they are and they do it. Unfortunately, it's too easy to get comfortable in the Land of the Free and then we start to think we're entitled to things and then we want more. Richard and Starla were examples to me of contentment. They don't have a lot, but they are thankful for how God has provided for them--and they serve Him. It's pretty humbling to see that kind of example lived out.
I think everyone knows I could write a lot more, but I'll end with these three. Perhaps you've noticed that Happy hasn't posted in... a long time. He's been working at Liberty for the summer (when we're here) doing maintenance so he doesn't exactly have a lot of free time during the day. When he gets home he works on his class and soon will be preparing for the start of the school year. Perhaps with LOTS of comments to encourage him, he may take a short time to update you on his take on the Mexico trip... or Hawaii... or life in general, but he might need a good amount of comments........ hint... hint.... ;-)
8.07.2007
The Big Present
This video is 3 1/2 minutes long, but you do get to see the whole reaction of Andrew/Happy getting his first iPod. In my opinion, he doesn't seem all that excited, but he's gotten more and more excited as he's learned how to use it. I think it was a successful birthday :-)
p.s. I've added more videos to the sidebar (some were in older posts) and two more web albums were added as well. Congratulations to Jake & Amber!!! Pictures from the wedding can be found here and pictures of Andrew's Birthday are here.
8.02.2007
Bernal Update (Part III)
First things first: HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY/ANDREW!!!!! That's right, today is Happy's 23rd birthday. And I won't see him until tonight at Jake & Amber's rehearsal dinner in Santa Clarita. So, send him an email or give him a call to say happy birthday!
Alright, now I can move on to the Bernal Update. Friday was an early morning breakfast with Raul & Christina and then we went with Raul in a cab to the school. We arrived sooner than everyone else since Raul had to get to work before we were supposed to meet the group that morning. It was a good opportunity for Happy & me to spend quality time with the Lord, which we did before everyone else showed up a bit later. The plan for Friday was about the same as Thursday. The some of our team went to the park to play with the kids while the rest of the team stayed at the school to work. I went to the park to play with the kindergarteners again and we had so much fun! One thing I found a little more challenging with the younger kids was communication. Five year olds are difficult enough to understand when you are speaking the same language! But, it was a good opportunity to practice what little Spanish I knew (and remembered while I was there). I did a LOT of "Como se dice...?" and pointing at objects. That means "How do you say....?" I told Daniel that I have a brother named Daniel who is 11 years old and he seemed to think that was cool. We spent the day walking around nearly the entire park, which was HUGE. We played on a playground for a while, swinging, carrying the kids across the monkeybars and cheering as they went down the slide. Then we walked around a large lake and ended up giving the boys (Friday only Daniel, Elias and Eliseo were there) piggyback rides for a large portion of that time. Joelle, Brian and I had the help of two women from the church. I'm still not completely sure who they were related to, but the boys listened to them well, which made things a LOT easier for us. We stayed at the park until lunch time and escaped into the cars just in time to miss the pouring rain. After lunch at the school, everyone got back to work on painting and cleaning. Our goal was to paint several rooms before the prayer meeting that night and by God's grace and some serious hustling, we were able to do that! The prayer meeting was a rich time of fellowship across a language barrier. The pastor asked people to share prayer requests and offered a few himself, but in between each request he would choose someone to stand up and pray at that moment for the request. He even asked a few from our group to pray out loud. Nathan and Bekah, from our team, shared their testimonies, we sang some songs in Spanish and then the whole team got up front and sang a couple songs in English. Afterwards we had a huge potluck dinner. Raul & Christina took the opportunity to use a translator to tell us how much they loved having us in their home and how we were loved and how much it was a blessing for their children to see a young married couple living for the Lord. I was nearly in tears when they shared all that with us. Christina seemed to have more of an outgoing personality and giggled a lot, but she had such a kind smile and was so sincere in all they shared with us. Raul was more of the quiet type, but he too had a kind smile that you could tell was one of love for his brothers & sisters in Christ. That night at their apartment we again attempted communication with our Spanish-English dictionaries (another late evening) before going to bed.
Saturday morning was like Friday, we got up early and said goodbye to Christina so we could take a cab with Raul to the school. We already felt incredibly blessed by them and so thankful that Andrew & I were able to stay together; but they went even further and gave us a key chain from when Mexico won the World Cup. It was actually a coin that Raul had fashioned into a key chain. We learned that he is a mechanic and does welding for cars (at least that's what we understood). They also gave us a picture frame, which he had made, held up by two figures made of car pistons. After hauling all our stuff down to the cab and shoving it in the trunk and back seat, we squeezed in and headed over to the school. We said goodbye to Raul, had breakfast, loaded up the bus and went to the marketplace for some shopping before our flight back to California. After about an hour of shopping we got back on the bus to brave the Mexico City traffic to the airport. Marcos & Aubrey, the couple who runs the school with the help of several others, gave us money for lunch at the airport and then we said goodbye to them too. They gave Andrew & me a little painting of Mexico as a thank you, which was very kind of them. Every time I see it I think of them now and am reminded to pray for their school. We got on the plane with only minor mishaps (one of the guys left his passport on the bus, but Marcos was able to call the bus driver, who graciously drove back with it). We arrived in LAX around 7 pm and after a debriefing at the church with the team, Andrew & I got home close to 9 pm.
Side note: We each got a salad from Jack-in-the-Box on our way home and both got food poisoning from it. That night Andrew was throwing up and I had a high fever. We stayed home from church on Sunday (we were pretty upset about that!) resting off the food poisoning. I went to work on Monday with a slight fever that went away completely about halfway through the day. Andrew stayed home, but also began feeling better around the same time as me. Tuesday we both went to work and then went back to LAX to fly to the Bay Area (near San Francisco, for those who aren't familiar with the California lingo) for the Gilmore Fourth of July reunion/celebration. It was a lot of fun, but I was starting to get a cold which got worse just as we got on our plane on Thursday from the Bay Area to Hawaii for our first anniversary trip. But that's all I'll say about Hawaii for now.
The final part of the Bernal series will be coming probably next week (since we'll hardly be home for the next four days). It was requested that I share some reflections on the week in Mexico, which I am very excited to do. Thank you for reading all about this and for all your prayers before and during the trip. We saw the Lord work in SO many ways and I'm looking forward to sharing more about that in my next post. Have a wonderful rest of the week and weekend!
Alright, now I can move on to the Bernal Update. Friday was an early morning breakfast with Raul & Christina and then we went with Raul in a cab to the school. We arrived sooner than everyone else since Raul had to get to work before we were supposed to meet the group that morning. It was a good opportunity for Happy & me to spend quality time with the Lord, which we did before everyone else showed up a bit later. The plan for Friday was about the same as Thursday. The some of our team went to the park to play with the kids while the rest of the team stayed at the school to work. I went to the park to play with the kindergarteners again and we had so much fun! One thing I found a little more challenging with the younger kids was communication. Five year olds are difficult enough to understand when you are speaking the same language! But, it was a good opportunity to practice what little Spanish I knew (and remembered while I was there). I did a LOT of "Como se dice...?" and pointing at objects. That means "How do you say....?" I told Daniel that I have a brother named Daniel who is 11 years old and he seemed to think that was cool. We spent the day walking around nearly the entire park, which was HUGE. We played on a playground for a while, swinging, carrying the kids across the monkeybars and cheering as they went down the slide. Then we walked around a large lake and ended up giving the boys (Friday only Daniel, Elias and Eliseo were there) piggyback rides for a large portion of that time. Joelle, Brian and I had the help of two women from the church. I'm still not completely sure who they were related to, but the boys listened to them well, which made things a LOT easier for us. We stayed at the park until lunch time and escaped into the cars just in time to miss the pouring rain. After lunch at the school, everyone got back to work on painting and cleaning. Our goal was to paint several rooms before the prayer meeting that night and by God's grace and some serious hustling, we were able to do that! The prayer meeting was a rich time of fellowship across a language barrier. The pastor asked people to share prayer requests and offered a few himself, but in between each request he would choose someone to stand up and pray at that moment for the request. He even asked a few from our group to pray out loud. Nathan and Bekah, from our team, shared their testimonies, we sang some songs in Spanish and then the whole team got up front and sang a couple songs in English. Afterwards we had a huge potluck dinner. Raul & Christina took the opportunity to use a translator to tell us how much they loved having us in their home and how we were loved and how much it was a blessing for their children to see a young married couple living for the Lord. I was nearly in tears when they shared all that with us. Christina seemed to have more of an outgoing personality and giggled a lot, but she had such a kind smile and was so sincere in all they shared with us. Raul was more of the quiet type, but he too had a kind smile that you could tell was one of love for his brothers & sisters in Christ. That night at their apartment we again attempted communication with our Spanish-English dictionaries (another late evening) before going to bed.
Saturday morning was like Friday, we got up early and said goodbye to Christina so we could take a cab with Raul to the school. We already felt incredibly blessed by them and so thankful that Andrew & I were able to stay together; but they went even further and gave us a key chain from when Mexico won the World Cup. It was actually a coin that Raul had fashioned into a key chain. We learned that he is a mechanic and does welding for cars (at least that's what we understood). They also gave us a picture frame, which he had made, held up by two figures made of car pistons. After hauling all our stuff down to the cab and shoving it in the trunk and back seat, we squeezed in and headed over to the school. We said goodbye to Raul, had breakfast, loaded up the bus and went to the marketplace for some shopping before our flight back to California. After about an hour of shopping we got back on the bus to brave the Mexico City traffic to the airport. Marcos & Aubrey, the couple who runs the school with the help of several others, gave us money for lunch at the airport and then we said goodbye to them too. They gave Andrew & me a little painting of Mexico as a thank you, which was very kind of them. Every time I see it I think of them now and am reminded to pray for their school. We got on the plane with only minor mishaps (one of the guys left his passport on the bus, but Marcos was able to call the bus driver, who graciously drove back with it). We arrived in LAX around 7 pm and after a debriefing at the church with the team, Andrew & I got home close to 9 pm.
Side note: We each got a salad from Jack-in-the-Box on our way home and both got food poisoning from it. That night Andrew was throwing up and I had a high fever. We stayed home from church on Sunday (we were pretty upset about that!) resting off the food poisoning. I went to work on Monday with a slight fever that went away completely about halfway through the day. Andrew stayed home, but also began feeling better around the same time as me. Tuesday we both went to work and then went back to LAX to fly to the Bay Area (near San Francisco, for those who aren't familiar with the California lingo) for the Gilmore Fourth of July reunion/celebration. It was a lot of fun, but I was starting to get a cold which got worse just as we got on our plane on Thursday from the Bay Area to Hawaii for our first anniversary trip. But that's all I'll say about Hawaii for now.
The final part of the Bernal series will be coming probably next week (since we'll hardly be home for the next four days). It was requested that I share some reflections on the week in Mexico, which I am very excited to do. Thank you for reading all about this and for all your prayers before and during the trip. We saw the Lord work in SO many ways and I'm looking forward to sharing more about that in my next post. Have a wonderful rest of the week and weekend!
7.31.2007
Hawaii Videos
Newly uploaded Hawaii videos can now be found in the sidebar below the Bernal videos. Hawaii videos include tours of the main house, Bamboo house and Pool house. Along with some other ones just to spice things up :-)
Bernal Videos
I just wanted to point out that I've added ALL the Bernal videos to the sidebar below the other videos. Some of them are pretty funny. Others.... not necessarily. Anyway, ENJOY!!
Un Pollo
Ron (our fearless leader), the chicken. I would translate the song for you... if I could... Perhaps someone who knows Spanish and can understand what everyone is yelling would care to translate. For some reason Enrique (Juancho) decided to pull out this chicken suit one night and thoroughly distracted the team for at least a half hour pulling people up in front to wear the chicken suit. It was really fun!
Musical Lighted Fountain
This was quite amazing in real life! We have several videos of it, but this was my favorite. Hopefully more will be added to the sidebar soon.
Bernal Update (Part II)
Update to Back to Mexico (Part I):
I forgot some important details about the soccer tournament on Sunday (since I now have my journal). Apparently the mayor of Bernal started this soccer tournament but wanted someone to run it. Several months before that Richard and Gadiel had expressed an interest in starting their own soccer tournament and the mayor had said no because he didn't like the church. By the time the mayor wanted to start up a different soccer tournament and Richard & Gadiel expressed interest in running it, the mayor said it would be alright. While we were helping at the tournament the mayor showed up to watch! Ron was able to talk to the mayor who was so excited to have our group there that he invited us back again and offered his house for the team to stay in!!! It was quite encouraging for us, as you can imagine, to hear how the Lord had changed the mayor's heart.
Now on to the second installment of the Bernal Update. Wednesday, June 27th, the whole team went to Gadiel's house to pour his concrete roof. After nearly 8 hours of sleep the night before, I was feeling a little more rested but still pretty tired. I think everyone was feeling the same way because Ron challenged us to be bouncing golf balls and sink drains (This was part of a series that week of "Tales from the Garage." He had already challenged us to be nails, used by God as we were meant to be used; floodlights, allowing our light to shine without holding back; and penguins, encouraging one another and guarding against sarcasm). Our goal for the day was to get our energy from the Lord and let things drain off us, even if something bothered us. I clearly saw the Lord use that message to get the students (and me!) focused and working hard. Several times throughout the day students could be found taking a short break to pray for strength. Pouring the roof consisted of serious work. We had a cement mixer (thankfully) which mixed one bag of cement with two buckets (5 gal. each) of water, one bucket of sand and one bucket of gravel (our pictures include at least one of the cement mixer). Then the cement would be tipped out onto the ground where men would shovel cement into more 5 gal. buckets and our group (along with some neighborhood kids and church members) carried the buckets about 20 feet to an assembly line standing on a ramp to the roof. The carriers would hand their bucket off to the assembly line and the line of 3-4 people passed the bucket up to be handed off to the guys on the roof who carried buckets to the pourers. The pourers... poured the buckets... obviously... and sent the empty buckets back to another line which handed empty buckets to the guys bringing the cement from the mixer to the assembly line. Occasionally the buckets would begin to collect cement at the bottom and need to be rinsed out, so we had people doing that too. Then you had the groups of people who shoveled gravel and sand and carried water to the cement mixer. Now this may or may not sound like a huge job, but we figured at the end of the day (we were there from about 10 am to 3 or 4 pm) that the group carried approximately 12 tons of cement up to Gadiel's roof. It was an amazing testimony of God's grace that we finished in one day!
Well, Wednesday was longer than that. After Gadiel's, a small group of guys along with Joelle and I, went to meet some Bernal guys for a basketball tournament. Joelle and I walked around looking for kids to play with (jump rope and catch with a playground ball) while the guys played basketball. (The rest of the team went door-to-door again and I heard that at least five people prayed to accept Christ!) We walked up and down a few streets asking kids if they wanted to play and none did so we went back to the court. Eventually a few kids showed up and pretty soon we had about 7-8 kids. We played for a while, but had to get back to Enrique & Yolanda's house for the Mexico vs. Brazil soccer game. Part of our door-to-door visits consisted of inviting people to watch the game on a projector outside of Enrique & Yolanda's house. For those of you who don't know, fútbol is SERIOUS in Mexico. When there is a game on, everyone is watching it! Unfortunately, it started to pour while we were playing with the kids so it turned out that everyone was inside Enrique & Yolanda's when we got there. But, we were able to invite the kids to come with us and their families. We ended up bringing three kids with us when we left the basketball court. Once we arrived at Enrique & Yolanda's we found out that the mayor was going to turn on this musical lighted fountain in honor of the visiting Americans! Hopefully I'll get the videos of that up soon. It was quite amazing and it's expensive to run so it was a huge honor from the mayor. Again, what a blessing to see the Lord working in his heart! As you can probably guess, it was another late night.
Thursday morning was the earliest morning as we met for breakfast at 7:15 so we could pack up the bus and leave by 8:30 or 9 am to drive to Mexico City. We arrived around 12:30 pm at a small Christian school (with 10 students this year and 20, I think, already registered for the fall!) and a group of us went to a park to play with some of their students (four were between 5 and 6 and the rest were junior high-high school aged). I played with the kindergarteners (twins Elias & Eliseo, Samuel and Daniel) with three others from our team. We came back to the school (which is also where the church meets) for a 2 pm lunch, which was wonderful, and then began working on the school. Some cleaned the massive tarps that protect the outdoor patio area where we all ate meals and met for church (later); some helped wash & prepare the walls for painting; some organized a whole room filled with donated books; and others began painting. All that was done until about 8:30 or 9 pm when we met our host families and went to their houses for dinner. Happy and I were incredibly blessed to be together! We were expecting to be apart the whole week so this was wonderful! We stayed with Raul & Christina who have three kids (ages 20, 18 and 16), but only the youngest still lives with them in their apartment. We had dinner together and tried to communicate (both couples with a Spanish-English dictionary in hand) for a little while before they brought us upstairs to show us around. They gave up their room for us and we still aren't sure where they slept! Downstairs there was a small eating area that connected with a tiny "living room" area. The kitchen was attached, although we couldn't see in there because there was a curtain in the doorway. Some creaky boards served as stairs up to the second floor which had two small bedrooms, another room where Christina did her sewing (she's a seamstress) and a bathroom. We were completely blown away by their hospitality and love as we stayed there!
I think I shall end here since most of our readers would need to read this in more than one sitting :-) The third update will be later this week so keep checking for it. Hopefully I'll be able to add some videos as well, but we'll see if the computer decides to cooperate (since it hasn't been lately). Thank you for reading all of this and have a wonderful Tuesday!
I forgot some important details about the soccer tournament on Sunday (since I now have my journal). Apparently the mayor of Bernal started this soccer tournament but wanted someone to run it. Several months before that Richard and Gadiel had expressed an interest in starting their own soccer tournament and the mayor had said no because he didn't like the church. By the time the mayor wanted to start up a different soccer tournament and Richard & Gadiel expressed interest in running it, the mayor said it would be alright. While we were helping at the tournament the mayor showed up to watch! Ron was able to talk to the mayor who was so excited to have our group there that he invited us back again and offered his house for the team to stay in!!! It was quite encouraging for us, as you can imagine, to hear how the Lord had changed the mayor's heart.
Now on to the second installment of the Bernal Update. Wednesday, June 27th, the whole team went to Gadiel's house to pour his concrete roof. After nearly 8 hours of sleep the night before, I was feeling a little more rested but still pretty tired. I think everyone was feeling the same way because Ron challenged us to be bouncing golf balls and sink drains (This was part of a series that week of "Tales from the Garage." He had already challenged us to be nails, used by God as we were meant to be used; floodlights, allowing our light to shine without holding back; and penguins, encouraging one another and guarding against sarcasm). Our goal for the day was to get our energy from the Lord and let things drain off us, even if something bothered us. I clearly saw the Lord use that message to get the students (and me!) focused and working hard. Several times throughout the day students could be found taking a short break to pray for strength. Pouring the roof consisted of serious work. We had a cement mixer (thankfully) which mixed one bag of cement with two buckets (5 gal. each) of water, one bucket of sand and one bucket of gravel (our pictures include at least one of the cement mixer). Then the cement would be tipped out onto the ground where men would shovel cement into more 5 gal. buckets and our group (along with some neighborhood kids and church members) carried the buckets about 20 feet to an assembly line standing on a ramp to the roof. The carriers would hand their bucket off to the assembly line and the line of 3-4 people passed the bucket up to be handed off to the guys on the roof who carried buckets to the pourers. The pourers... poured the buckets... obviously... and sent the empty buckets back to another line which handed empty buckets to the guys bringing the cement from the mixer to the assembly line. Occasionally the buckets would begin to collect cement at the bottom and need to be rinsed out, so we had people doing that too. Then you had the groups of people who shoveled gravel and sand and carried water to the cement mixer. Now this may or may not sound like a huge job, but we figured at the end of the day (we were there from about 10 am to 3 or 4 pm) that the group carried approximately 12 tons of cement up to Gadiel's roof. It was an amazing testimony of God's grace that we finished in one day!
Well, Wednesday was longer than that. After Gadiel's, a small group of guys along with Joelle and I, went to meet some Bernal guys for a basketball tournament. Joelle and I walked around looking for kids to play with (jump rope and catch with a playground ball) while the guys played basketball. (The rest of the team went door-to-door again and I heard that at least five people prayed to accept Christ!) We walked up and down a few streets asking kids if they wanted to play and none did so we went back to the court. Eventually a few kids showed up and pretty soon we had about 7-8 kids. We played for a while, but had to get back to Enrique & Yolanda's house for the Mexico vs. Brazil soccer game. Part of our door-to-door visits consisted of inviting people to watch the game on a projector outside of Enrique & Yolanda's house. For those of you who don't know, fútbol is SERIOUS in Mexico. When there is a game on, everyone is watching it! Unfortunately, it started to pour while we were playing with the kids so it turned out that everyone was inside Enrique & Yolanda's when we got there. But, we were able to invite the kids to come with us and their families. We ended up bringing three kids with us when we left the basketball court. Once we arrived at Enrique & Yolanda's we found out that the mayor was going to turn on this musical lighted fountain in honor of the visiting Americans! Hopefully I'll get the videos of that up soon. It was quite amazing and it's expensive to run so it was a huge honor from the mayor. Again, what a blessing to see the Lord working in his heart! As you can probably guess, it was another late night.
Thursday morning was the earliest morning as we met for breakfast at 7:15 so we could pack up the bus and leave by 8:30 or 9 am to drive to Mexico City. We arrived around 12:30 pm at a small Christian school (with 10 students this year and 20, I think, already registered for the fall!) and a group of us went to a park to play with some of their students (four were between 5 and 6 and the rest were junior high-high school aged). I played with the kindergarteners (twins Elias & Eliseo, Samuel and Daniel) with three others from our team. We came back to the school (which is also where the church meets) for a 2 pm lunch, which was wonderful, and then began working on the school. Some cleaned the massive tarps that protect the outdoor patio area where we all ate meals and met for church (later); some helped wash & prepare the walls for painting; some organized a whole room filled with donated books; and others began painting. All that was done until about 8:30 or 9 pm when we met our host families and went to their houses for dinner. Happy and I were incredibly blessed to be together! We were expecting to be apart the whole week so this was wonderful! We stayed with Raul & Christina who have three kids (ages 20, 18 and 16), but only the youngest still lives with them in their apartment. We had dinner together and tried to communicate (both couples with a Spanish-English dictionary in hand) for a little while before they brought us upstairs to show us around. They gave up their room for us and we still aren't sure where they slept! Downstairs there was a small eating area that connected with a tiny "living room" area. The kitchen was attached, although we couldn't see in there because there was a curtain in the doorway. Some creaky boards served as stairs up to the second floor which had two small bedrooms, another room where Christina did her sewing (she's a seamstress) and a bathroom. We were completely blown away by their hospitality and love as we stayed there!
I think I shall end here since most of our readers would need to read this in more than one sitting :-) The third update will be later this week so keep checking for it. Hopefully I'll be able to add some videos as well, but we'll see if the computer decides to cooperate (since it hasn't been lately). Thank you for reading all of this and have a wonderful Tuesday!
7.25.2007
Back to Mexico (Part I)
I'm sorry it's been so long that we haven't updated you on our trip to Mexico! This post is an attempt to cover the basics of the trip because obviously I could write MUCH more. I think most of our readers know how long-winded I can be.
I was planning to bring my journal to help me get the chronology correct, but I forgot it so this is my attempt to remember as much as possible with only our pictures to guide me. That said, we began our trip to Bernal, Mexico on Saturday, June 23rd at 5:30 am at Village Bible Church. Joelle successfully handed off all "Items to go to Mexico" to the team. Some people had an extra checked bag while others added smaller items to their own suitcases. After a challenge/reminder from Ron of why we were going, we prayed and left for LAX around 7 am for our 10 am flight. Getting through the airport with a group of 25 was a bit of a challenge, but we all made it safely to our gate (despite the fact that the departure gate changed when we were nearly all checked in and about half the group was at the wrong gate). Happy & I were able to sit together, which was nice, and we also were served lunch--a HUGE blessing since we didn't have time to get food and were all quite hungry.
We arrived in Mexico City around 3:30 pm (I think), got our bags, and loaded up the bus for our 4 hour drive to Bernal. After getting gas, we were on the road around 4:30 pm and arrived in Bernal around 8:30 or 9 pm. Everyone was really hungry and some were feeling carsick from the long, bumpy bus ride. We had an authentic Mexican dinner of tortas (at least I think that's what they were), got our housing assignments, unpacked a bit and went to bed. I stayed at the house where we ate all our meals (owned by Enrique--who insisted on being called Juancho for some unknown reason--and Yolanda) with 6 other girls, split up in two rooms. Happy stayed with two other guys at the house of our missionaries Richard and Starla. The rest of the team was split up into three other homes. All the people who housed us were part of the church that Richard and Starla planted.
Sunday morning (June 24th) we had breakfast and began setting up for church on the front lawn of Enrique & Yolanda's house. The new sound system that the team brought from the U.S. was set up and used for the first time. With minor glitches and getting used to how it works, the system worked great. The service was a wonderful time of fellowship, as we sang in English & Spanish and we were able to listen to Gadiel (he & his wife Marta assist Richard & Starla a GREAT deal) preach in Spanish and then hear his message translated to English. After church, we prepared some skits (which we never ended up performing) because we were going to go watch and help at a soccer (fútbol) tournament that afternoon. We had a little free time in between though and many of us got ice cream in town :-) The tournament was lots of fun and nearly everyone ended up playing, even me!
Monday began with an 8:30 am breakfast at Enrique & Yolanda's house and then we split up into two groups. Most of us, including me, went to Richard & Starla's house to help with construction there; while about 8 or 9 others went with Gadiel to prepare his new house for it's roof. Happy went with Gadiel. I spent the day grouting the tile in Richard & Starla's new house with Stephen, Stacia and Nathan. We didn't finish before lunch, which was our goal, so several people went back to complete the task once they'd eaten. I didn't return since I had raw fingers, but joined the rest of the team visiting door-to-door to share the gospel and invite people to a social at the new church (the church will be the second floor of Richard & Starla's new house) that night. We split into groups of 3-6 and had several of the kids from church come with the team to help translate. My group was me and 4 guys and we spoke to people at 4 different houses. At one house Ron shared the gospel with an older woman while her daughter (we think) listened behind her. The older woman politely listened, but wasn't really interested in accepting Jesus as her Lord & Savior. Her daughter, however, jumped at the opportunity and prayed out loud right there! Ron & I shed some tears of joy as we walked away. What a blessing to witness the start of a new life lived for the Lord! When everyone met back up again at the church for a social that night, we heard that several groups had people pray to accept Christ that day. The social was filled with songs in English & Spanish, a couple testimonies (mine & Enrique's), games, food and lots of fun.
Tuesday after breakfast we hiked up la Peña. The real top of the mountain is not easily accessible, but a small group of us attempted to climb up after we'd reached the "top" that most climbers stop at. I joined a bunch of guys and, after climbing for a while, we realized that it was unwise to go any higher without ropes so we turned around. Still, it was pretty amazing. I turned around at one point to look out over God's creation and quickly realized that it wasn't the best thing for me to do at that moment. Apparently I have a slight fear of heights :-) After a little time to shop at the base of la Peña, we got back on the bus and returned to the house for a later lunch. I think we had some down time in between lunch and the volleyball tournament scheduled for that evening, but I don't really remember (and I don't have pictures of anything in between la Peña and the volleyball tournament). We spent the night playing/watching volleyball in the pouring rain which came about halfway through the first game and lasted maybe an hour or two. Needless to say, once the sun set, many of the wet people were pretty cold, but it was definitely a fun memory and provided opportunity for our guys to invite some of the Bernal guys to a basketball game the next evening. Plus, many of those watching the game were able to meet some of the Mexicans and help open doors for Richard & Starla. Another late dinner and we were all off to bed. I heard everyone slept pretty well on the trip--imagine that!
This is where I'll end for now. The second (and perhaps third) part of the Mexico trip will be coming soon, especially since I have now caught up with the invoices that had piled up at work while I was gone! It really is one of the most satisfying feelings to move the invoices off my desk because they're DONE. Have a wonderful Wednesday!
I was planning to bring my journal to help me get the chronology correct, but I forgot it so this is my attempt to remember as much as possible with only our pictures to guide me. That said, we began our trip to Bernal, Mexico on Saturday, June 23rd at 5:30 am at Village Bible Church. Joelle successfully handed off all "Items to go to Mexico" to the team. Some people had an extra checked bag while others added smaller items to their own suitcases. After a challenge/reminder from Ron of why we were going, we prayed and left for LAX around 7 am for our 10 am flight. Getting through the airport with a group of 25 was a bit of a challenge, but we all made it safely to our gate (despite the fact that the departure gate changed when we were nearly all checked in and about half the group was at the wrong gate). Happy & I were able to sit together, which was nice, and we also were served lunch--a HUGE blessing since we didn't have time to get food and were all quite hungry.
We arrived in Mexico City around 3:30 pm (I think), got our bags, and loaded up the bus for our 4 hour drive to Bernal. After getting gas, we were on the road around 4:30 pm and arrived in Bernal around 8:30 or 9 pm. Everyone was really hungry and some were feeling carsick from the long, bumpy bus ride. We had an authentic Mexican dinner of tortas (at least I think that's what they were), got our housing assignments, unpacked a bit and went to bed. I stayed at the house where we ate all our meals (owned by Enrique--who insisted on being called Juancho for some unknown reason--and Yolanda) with 6 other girls, split up in two rooms. Happy stayed with two other guys at the house of our missionaries Richard and Starla. The rest of the team was split up into three other homes. All the people who housed us were part of the church that Richard and Starla planted.
Sunday morning (June 24th) we had breakfast and began setting up for church on the front lawn of Enrique & Yolanda's house. The new sound system that the team brought from the U.S. was set up and used for the first time. With minor glitches and getting used to how it works, the system worked great. The service was a wonderful time of fellowship, as we sang in English & Spanish and we were able to listen to Gadiel (he & his wife Marta assist Richard & Starla a GREAT deal) preach in Spanish and then hear his message translated to English. After church, we prepared some skits (which we never ended up performing) because we were going to go watch and help at a soccer (fútbol) tournament that afternoon. We had a little free time in between though and many of us got ice cream in town :-) The tournament was lots of fun and nearly everyone ended up playing, even me!
Monday began with an 8:30 am breakfast at Enrique & Yolanda's house and then we split up into two groups. Most of us, including me, went to Richard & Starla's house to help with construction there; while about 8 or 9 others went with Gadiel to prepare his new house for it's roof. Happy went with Gadiel. I spent the day grouting the tile in Richard & Starla's new house with Stephen, Stacia and Nathan. We didn't finish before lunch, which was our goal, so several people went back to complete the task once they'd eaten. I didn't return since I had raw fingers, but joined the rest of the team visiting door-to-door to share the gospel and invite people to a social at the new church (the church will be the second floor of Richard & Starla's new house) that night. We split into groups of 3-6 and had several of the kids from church come with the team to help translate. My group was me and 4 guys and we spoke to people at 4 different houses. At one house Ron shared the gospel with an older woman while her daughter (we think) listened behind her. The older woman politely listened, but wasn't really interested in accepting Jesus as her Lord & Savior. Her daughter, however, jumped at the opportunity and prayed out loud right there! Ron & I shed some tears of joy as we walked away. What a blessing to witness the start of a new life lived for the Lord! When everyone met back up again at the church for a social that night, we heard that several groups had people pray to accept Christ that day. The social was filled with songs in English & Spanish, a couple testimonies (mine & Enrique's), games, food and lots of fun.
Tuesday after breakfast we hiked up la Peña. The real top of the mountain is not easily accessible, but a small group of us attempted to climb up after we'd reached the "top" that most climbers stop at. I joined a bunch of guys and, after climbing for a while, we realized that it was unwise to go any higher without ropes so we turned around. Still, it was pretty amazing. I turned around at one point to look out over God's creation and quickly realized that it wasn't the best thing for me to do at that moment. Apparently I have a slight fear of heights :-) After a little time to shop at the base of la Peña, we got back on the bus and returned to the house for a later lunch. I think we had some down time in between lunch and the volleyball tournament scheduled for that evening, but I don't really remember (and I don't have pictures of anything in between la Peña and the volleyball tournament). We spent the night playing/watching volleyball in the pouring rain which came about halfway through the first game and lasted maybe an hour or two. Needless to say, once the sun set, many of the wet people were pretty cold, but it was definitely a fun memory and provided opportunity for our guys to invite some of the Bernal guys to a basketball game the next evening. Plus, many of those watching the game were able to meet some of the Mexicans and help open doors for Richard & Starla. Another late dinner and we were all off to bed. I heard everyone slept pretty well on the trip--imagine that!
This is where I'll end for now. The second (and perhaps third) part of the Mexico trip will be coming soon, especially since I have now caught up with the invoices that had piled up at work while I was gone! It really is one of the most satisfying feelings to move the invoices off my desk because they're DONE. Have a wonderful Wednesday!
7.24.2007
Tom's Graduation Weekend
What a crazy weekend! Tom is officially a Marine and I have TONS of pictures from the weekend. I'll also be adding video as I get a chance (meaning, once my computer cooperates).
Meanwhile, I'm quite busy at work after being gone Thursday and Friday, but I PROMISE to update on Mexico, Hawaii and all the happenings of our lives very soon. Bob, I will be sure to let you know when I finally write about Mexico. There is much to write about and we saw the Lord do some amazing things while we were there! I can't believe July is almost done. Time flies when you are ridiculously busy. Weird. Have a lovely Tuesday!
Meanwhile, I'm quite busy at work after being gone Thursday and Friday, but I PROMISE to update on Mexico, Hawaii and all the happenings of our lives very soon. Bob, I will be sure to let you know when I finally write about Mexico. There is much to write about and we saw the Lord do some amazing things while we were there! I can't believe July is almost done. Time flies when you are ridiculously busy. Weird. Have a lovely Tuesday!
7.17.2007
After Mexico...
We've been a little bit busy lately. I know I've said that before, but this time tops all the rest. We left for Mexico on June 23rd and returned June 30th. After getting some salads from Jack-in-the-Box on our way home, we arrived around 9 pm and went to bed shortly thereafter. Sunday morning found us both sick (Happy vomited twice that night and I had a pretty nice fever) and unable to do much of anything. I literally slept almost all day. Monday I went to work with a low fever and feeling much better, but not 100%. Happy stayed home since he now had a higher fever. By the end of the day we were both feeling better and figured we got food poisoning from our first dinner back in the United States. Welcome home!
We both worked on Tuesday, July 3rd, and the office closed early for me. So I got a manicure and a pedicure before heading home to finish packing and leave for the airport around 4 pm for our 7 pm flight to Oakland. We arrived in Oakland that night, were picked up by my mom-in-law and headed over to Grandpa's house. The next day was the Gilmore 4th of July "Family Reunion," which I attended for the first time! Thursday, the 5th, we left from Oakland for Hilo, Hawaii, around 3:30 pm. We arrived around 6:45 pm (Hawaii is three hours behind California), rented a car and began our two hour trek across the island to Kona, where we were staying. We were in Hawaii until Thursday morning when we drove back across the island for our 8:45 am flight. We were back in LA around 7 pm and back home around 9 pm. Friday we both went to work, Saturday we unpacked, cleaned, visited some friends and their new baby, grocery shopped and prepared for Vacation Bible School the next day at church. Since Sunday and Monday were basically more of the same (cleaning, cleaning, more cleaning.... you get the point), I'll just move on.
The reason I was updating, aside from the fact that we haven't in a LONG time, was to point out that there are pictures from Mexico and Hawaii on our web albums. I must warn you now that there are over 300 from Mexico and almost 200 (I think) from Hawaii. Thank you for all your prayers and for bugging us for pictures :-D More updates will come soon!
We both worked on Tuesday, July 3rd, and the office closed early for me. So I got a manicure and a pedicure before heading home to finish packing and leave for the airport around 4 pm for our 7 pm flight to Oakland. We arrived in Oakland that night, were picked up by my mom-in-law and headed over to Grandpa's house. The next day was the Gilmore 4th of July "Family Reunion," which I attended for the first time! Thursday, the 5th, we left from Oakland for Hilo, Hawaii, around 3:30 pm. We arrived around 6:45 pm (Hawaii is three hours behind California), rented a car and began our two hour trek across the island to Kona, where we were staying. We were in Hawaii until Thursday morning when we drove back across the island for our 8:45 am flight. We were back in LA around 7 pm and back home around 9 pm. Friday we both went to work, Saturday we unpacked, cleaned, visited some friends and their new baby, grocery shopped and prepared for Vacation Bible School the next day at church. Since Sunday and Monday were basically more of the same (cleaning, cleaning, more cleaning.... you get the point), I'll just move on.
The reason I was updating, aside from the fact that we haven't in a LONG time, was to point out that there are pictures from Mexico and Hawaii on our web albums. I must warn you now that there are over 300 from Mexico and almost 200 (I think) from Hawaii. Thank you for all your prayers and for bugging us for pictures :-D More updates will come soon!
6.22.2007
Going Places With God
I've been wanting to do this for quite a while, but it just hasn't happened. However, now is finally the time for (insert triumphant music here) my first book review on this blog. That's right, I've stuck my big toe into the vast ocean of online book reviews. You can find my review here at amazon.com (why? because it's kind of cool to see something from someone you know on a major website. that or I'm just really conceited.) or posted below. 
Please let me know what you think and please point out any mistakes or things I could work on as I plan on doing this on a more regular basis.
Please let me know what you think and please point out any mistakes or things I could work on as I plan on doing this on a more regular basis. I love talking to people about international travel. Many people have been to places that I have never been to and it is always an enlightening, educational and entertaining experience to listen to the tales of their journeys. However, there is just something even more exciting and refreshing about reminiscing with someone - whether or a close friend or even a complete stranger - about a place in the world that you have both visited. These kinds of shared experiences provide for sharing fond memories, lessons learned, dangers averted (or not!), anecdotal stories, cultural faux pas and much more.
This is how I felt reading through Going Places With God. In the fall of 2004 I spent a semester studying in the Judean Hills of Israel, some 15 miles west of Jerusalem. So as I read one or two pages each morning in early 2007, I was taken from my apartment in Orange County, California and transported back to the Middle East, a place that I came to love and still am learning to love even more.
Wayne Stiles has a God-given ability to take - sometimes in just a sentence - a piece of biblical geography and fire an arrow of application directly at the reader's heart. For example, on Day 64, Stiles applies the idolatry that King Jeroboam set up in Dan in northern Israel to our easy, convenient and recreation-centered American lives. With four crisp and precise paragraphs, he gives a brief summary of Jereboam's sin and then transitions to how a wicked king of the northern kingdom 2900 years ago and his treacherous syncretism in Dan and Bethel can be relevant to today's reader: "Ease must never determine our spiritual priorities."
Stiles makes a typically boring subject to most evangelicals a way to relate God's truth to a generation desperately in need of it. The maps and pictures throughout are very helpful, but they could have been referenced a little better than the tiny font at the bottom. Most days, I forgot the references were even there. I also enjoyed the travelogue at the end of the book. It was very interesting and allowed Stiles to meander through a more specific and touching tribute to the land he has grown to love more after every visit.
For the experienced traveler and for the homebody in Somewhere, America, this devotional will allow you to see the "boring" details of the Bible in new and refreshing ways. You can see Stiles passion for the gospel of Jesus Christ in his attention to the meaning of inspired geography. It is a very different but very solid way to spend your quiet time with God. I highly recommend Going Places With God.
We're going to Mexico!!!!
Tomorrow morning at 5:30 am, we'll meet the group and head over to LAX for our 9:55 am flight to Mexico City. From there we'll take a slow bus to Bernal, which apparently is about 3 hours (by slow bus) north of Mexico City. I thought this would be a GREAT opportunity to share some prayer requests because I know many of you are praying for us as we serve the Lord alongside the Kulls (missionaries our church supports). These are in no particular order:
1. Pray for unity in the team. So far the Lord has greatly blessed us in knitting our group together, but there is still so much more we can do to grow in this area.
2. Pray for focus for the team. This is a HUGE one because it's so easy to get distracted with other things. And we all know the attention span of high school-aged boys, even though they are great guys! :-)
3. Pray for the team to be unaffected by the elevation (i.e. elevation sickness). This is, specifically, a concern of mine. Pray that even if anyone does experience it, they are still able to participate in the ministry with a good attitude.
4. Pray for the people we will meet.
5. Pray for clarity in sharing the gospel.
6. Pray for our interpreters. Some of them are a little rusty with their Spanish, but they are all working hard at it.
7. Pray for the Kulls and their on-going ministry.
8. Pray for the various aspects of our ministry. We may or may not be helping build their church and house, participate in sports ministries and children's programs, perform dramas (mimes) and who knows what else!
9. Pray for our leaders. They are doing an excellent job, but it's always easier to lead people who are willing to be led.
10. Pray for flexibility! If you haven't figured this out yet, we need to be ready and willing to serve in any way. That's why Mexico's nickname is Flexico.
Now that it's been approximately two hours since I started this post, I'll leave the prayer requests at ten. We will be back pretty late Saturday night (I believe our flight lands around 7 pm). Thank you so much for all your prayers! Have a wonderful week!
1. Pray for unity in the team. So far the Lord has greatly blessed us in knitting our group together, but there is still so much more we can do to grow in this area.
2. Pray for focus for the team. This is a HUGE one because it's so easy to get distracted with other things. And we all know the attention span of high school-aged boys, even though they are great guys! :-)
3. Pray for the team to be unaffected by the elevation (i.e. elevation sickness). This is, specifically, a concern of mine. Pray that even if anyone does experience it, they are still able to participate in the ministry with a good attitude.
4. Pray for the people we will meet.
5. Pray for clarity in sharing the gospel.
6. Pray for our interpreters. Some of them are a little rusty with their Spanish, but they are all working hard at it.
7. Pray for the Kulls and their on-going ministry.
8. Pray for the various aspects of our ministry. We may or may not be helping build their church and house, participate in sports ministries and children's programs, perform dramas (mimes) and who knows what else!
9. Pray for our leaders. They are doing an excellent job, but it's always easier to lead people who are willing to be led.
10. Pray for flexibility! If you haven't figured this out yet, we need to be ready and willing to serve in any way. That's why Mexico's nickname is Flexico.
Now that it's been approximately two hours since I started this post, I'll leave the prayer requests at ten. We will be back pretty late Saturday night (I believe our flight lands around 7 pm). Thank you so much for all your prayers! Have a wonderful week!
6.15.2007
Paul Potts
This certainly is unlike me, but someone at work pointed this out to me because we both like Andrea Bocelli. If you know who Andrea Bocelli is (and like his voice) then you should DEFINITELY watch this video. If you don't know who Andrea Bocelli is, you should still watch this video. This is Paul Potts. It's seriously amazing!
6.14.2007
Some guy at Disneyland :-)
As promised, here is the video of Kobe Bryant at Disneyland. You can see his wife walking ahead of him once they turn the corner. She's pushing a stroller. I didn't notice her until I watched the video later. Then again, I didn't even know that Kobe was married.... I'm so on top of things like that.
I've also added pictures to our web albums from our day at Disneyland and our afternoon at the beach on Sunday with some of the couples from our young married Sunday school class. Oh, and there will be more videos on the sidebar as Happy tried to get out of the hole he was buried in. Quite hilarious.
p.s. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!
I've also added pictures to our web albums from our day at Disneyland and our afternoon at the beach on Sunday with some of the couples from our young married Sunday school class. Oh, and there will be more videos on the sidebar as Happy tried to get out of the hole he was buried in. Quite hilarious.
p.s. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!
6.13.2007
Discerning Reader
This is a site I highly recommend for good book reviews from a Christian perspective. Most of them are on Christian biographies, Christian living or theology. However, other books are also reviewed. You can find the link to Discerning Reader on the sidebar now. So go and read!
MacArthur Awarded Runner-Up
Last Friday, the bastion of truth on television, Keith Olbermann, declared Dr. John MacArthur the runner-up for "worst person in the world." That's right. Dr. MacArthur is now only "worsted" by the "worstest" person in the world, Bill O'Reilly. Give me a break.
Here's the actual transcript if anyone's interested.
Here's the actual transcript if anyone's interested.
6.12.2007
Disneyland and Kobe!
Saturday was the Third Annual Safety Picnic held by the company where Amy works at Disneyland. Basically, all employees get to go to Disneyland for free and enjoy a buffet-style lunch at the Festival Arena, which is a fenced off location for special occasions in Frontierland behind Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Amy and I wanted to be able to see and do more of Disneyland than we did a couple of months ago, so we got up a little bit earlier than usual for a Saturday morning - 6:20 am. Preparation for the day took a tad longer than expected, but we got going a little after 8:20, parked our car in the Target parking lot at the intersection of Harbor and Chapman, jumped on the bus for about five minutes, and got off right across the street from the entrance to Disneyland/California Adventure.
Our tickets were scanned, our maps were in hand, and we headed down Main Street U.S.A. to rent a locker for a ridiculous $7 fee. After that, it was straight to Tomorrowland and Space Mountain, the best ride at Disneyland. The wait was posted as only 15 or 20 minutes (I can't remember which), which was quite a bit better than 110 minute wait last time we were there! Man, I really love Space Mountain. The darkness is great because you can't tell where you are going or where the track is going to turn. I suspect if the ride was outside, it probably wouldn't be as enjoyable. Next was Star Tours, a must for any Disneyland visit!
Then, Amy convinced me that it would be fun to go out to the large courtyard in between Disneyland and California Adventure and get a picture taken in front of the last "A" in the huge "CALIFORNIA" that stands in front of California Adventure. I didn't think it was wise to leave the park and miss out on getting in short lines for popular rides. I wanted to make it to Pirates of the Caribbean before the famous ride's line got ridiculous. Amy said it would be quick and that she really wanted to do it, so I acquiesced.
We left the park, got our hands stamped and started across the courtyard. I was busy talking (no big surprise) and asking which side of the "A" we wanted to take the picture when I noticed my mom and dad and my two brothers standing up ahead of us! At first, I thought, "Why is my family here?" Smart, I know. Then it dawned on me. It was a surprise! Ah yes, I get it now.
So Amy had worked it out that my family could come down and spend the rest of the day with us at Disneyland. It was fun. We went on Pirates and Space Mountain (again), Star Tours (again), watched the Jedi Training Academy (which was hysterical again), went on the Matterhorn, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain Railroad and probably some other things that I'm forgetting right now.
My dad mentioned that we were going to try and go to the ESPNZone at Downtown Disney (which is a slew of shops, restaurants, a theater, etc., open to the public outside of Disneyland) for dinner. As we made our way (oh yeah, we went on the Indiana Jones Ride!) from Adventureland to Main Street U.S.A. on our way out, my brother Scott grabbed me pretty hard to turn me toward the street and half-whispered "Andrew, Andrew, Andrew, ANDREW!"
I didn't appreciate this, so I let out an annoyed "What?!" I stopped, looked: "Oh."
A young, tall black man was towering above a Disneyland security guard and a Frontierland worker. He was holding his little daughter's hand. It was Kobe Bryant, number 24, shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers! He has been my favorite player for years on my favorite team and he was walking down the street in Disneyland no less than 3o feet from me! Scott and I both freaked out, ran ahead to my parents where Scott got mom's camera. Amy handed me our (her) camera, and like any level-headed, intelligent, white, middle-class, college educated young men would do, we followed after Kobe.
I never realized it until Scott told me, but Kobe's wife was in front of him, pushing a stroller. I took a video (which we'll post here soon), took some pictures and then circled around almost to Pirates of the Caribbean. I took a pretty good picture of Kobe and then began walking toward him. No one else was "tracking" (I refuse to say stalking) him so I didn't really want to be a jerk and announce to all of Disneyland that Kobe and his family were here, so I said as I got close, "I love you Kobe!" Now, I'm convinced that I said "We love . . ." but Amy says I said "I." Anyway, Kobe said, "Thanks man."
So there you have it. My brush with greatness. I have a feeling that because of this, Kobe will stay a Laker and the Lakers will win it all next year.
On a more serious note, I think it's hysterical what celebrities do to us. I mean, one minute I'm headed for the exit of Disneyland, the next I'm trying to catch up to a 6'6" guy that makes millions and millions of dollars playing a game and doing commercials. I wonder if at any other point and place in history if this kind of celebrity-obsession existed. See, I don't think I've ever written a post this long, but Kobe says two words to me and suddenly I'm inspired to write a long post explaining how great it was and how privileged I am, etc., etc. Anyway, before I begin to wax eloquent on any number of bunny trails, I'm going to sign off and get back to real life.
Go Lakers!
Amy and I wanted to be able to see and do more of Disneyland than we did a couple of months ago, so we got up a little bit earlier than usual for a Saturday morning - 6:20 am. Preparation for the day took a tad longer than expected, but we got going a little after 8:20, parked our car in the Target parking lot at the intersection of Harbor and Chapman, jumped on the bus for about five minutes, and got off right across the street from the entrance to Disneyland/California Adventure.
Our tickets were scanned, our maps were in hand, and we headed down Main Street U.S.A. to rent a locker for a ridiculous $7 fee. After that, it was straight to Tomorrowland and Space Mountain, the best ride at Disneyland. The wait was posted as only 15 or 20 minutes (I can't remember which), which was quite a bit better than 110 minute wait last time we were there! Man, I really love Space Mountain. The darkness is great because you can't tell where you are going or where the track is going to turn. I suspect if the ride was outside, it probably wouldn't be as enjoyable. Next was Star Tours, a must for any Disneyland visit!
Then, Amy convinced me that it would be fun to go out to the large courtyard in between Disneyland and California Adventure and get a picture taken in front of the last "A" in the huge "CALIFORNIA" that stands in front of California Adventure. I didn't think it was wise to leave the park and miss out on getting in short lines for popular rides. I wanted to make it to Pirates of the Caribbean before the famous ride's line got ridiculous. Amy said it would be quick and that she really wanted to do it, so I acquiesced.
We left the park, got our hands stamped and started across the courtyard. I was busy talking (no big surprise) and asking which side of the "A" we wanted to take the picture when I noticed my mom and dad and my two brothers standing up ahead of us! At first, I thought, "Why is my family here?" Smart, I know. Then it dawned on me. It was a surprise! Ah yes, I get it now.
So Amy had worked it out that my family could come down and spend the rest of the day with us at Disneyland. It was fun. We went on Pirates and Space Mountain (again), Star Tours (again), watched the Jedi Training Academy (which was hysterical again), went on the Matterhorn, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain Railroad and probably some other things that I'm forgetting right now.
My dad mentioned that we were going to try and go to the ESPNZone at Downtown Disney (which is a slew of shops, restaurants, a theater, etc., open to the public outside of Disneyland) for dinner. As we made our way (oh yeah, we went on the Indiana Jones Ride!) from Adventureland to Main Street U.S.A. on our way out, my brother Scott grabbed me pretty hard to turn me toward the street and half-whispered "Andrew, Andrew, Andrew, ANDREW!"
I didn't appreciate this, so I let out an annoyed "What?!" I stopped, looked: "Oh."
A young, tall black man was towering above a Disneyland security guard and a Frontierland worker. He was holding his little daughter's hand. It was Kobe Bryant, number 24, shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers! He has been my favorite player for years on my favorite team and he was walking down the street in Disneyland no less than 3o feet from me! Scott and I both freaked out, ran ahead to my parents where Scott got mom's camera. Amy handed me our (her) camera, and like any level-headed, intelligent, white, middle-class, college educated young men would do, we followed after Kobe.
I never realized it until Scott told me, but Kobe's wife was in front of him, pushing a stroller. I took a video (which we'll post here soon), took some pictures and then circled around almost to Pirates of the Caribbean. I took a pretty good picture of Kobe and then began walking toward him. No one else was "tracking" (I refuse to say stalking) him so I didn't really want to be a jerk and announce to all of Disneyland that Kobe and his family were here, so I said as I got close, "I love you Kobe!" Now, I'm convinced that I said "We love . . ." but Amy says I said "I." Anyway, Kobe said, "Thanks man."
So there you have it. My brush with greatness. I have a feeling that because of this, Kobe will stay a Laker and the Lakers will win it all next year.
On a more serious note, I think it's hysterical what celebrities do to us. I mean, one minute I'm headed for the exit of Disneyland, the next I'm trying to catch up to a 6'6" guy that makes millions and millions of dollars playing a game and doing commercials. I wonder if at any other point and place in history if this kind of celebrity-obsession existed. See, I don't think I've ever written a post this long, but Kobe says two words to me and suddenly I'm inspired to write a long post explaining how great it was and how privileged I am, etc., etc. Anyway, before I begin to wax eloquent on any number of bunny trails, I'm going to sign off and get back to real life.
Go Lakers!
6.07.2007
My Birthday Celebration Extraordinaire!
My wonderful husband did an excellent job on my 24th birthday! I've added the pictures to our web albums, for those who are interested. I was told I couldn't come in the apartment until 5:15 so I sat in the car for a few minutes when I got home. When I came upstairs there was a sign on the door that said "Wecome to Amy's 24th Birthday Celebration Extraordinaire! Please come on in!" So, I did.
There was Happy, in the kitchen, dressed as my waiter and cooking our spaghetti dinner as "I Will Be Here" by Steven Curtis Chapman played in the background. He had emailed his mom to get her recipe for meat sauce and had that simmering as he was cooking the spaghetti. However, when I walked in, he had a large pot nearly filled with water on a small burner with the noodles already in the water (which had not yet boiled). I asked if the water had boiled yet and he said, "No, that's not what the instructions said to do." Perplexed, I pulled out the instructions which read "Bring 4 quarts of water to a rapid boil" as the first step. I read it out loud and he explained that he thought that meant it wouldn't take that long for it to come to a boil... Like.... it would boil in hardly any time at all. After a long, hard laugh, we removed the noodles, moved the water to a larger burner and covered the pot. From then on, things went pretty smoothly.
As we waited for the water to boil, I opened my present--a craft organizer! I had mentioned that I wanted to get one of these a while back and Happy remembered this. There is a compartment for paper which Happy filled with some Hawaiian-designed papers and stickers for me to use for our Hawaii anniversary trip in July! It was wrapped in some lovely sports-themed wrapping paper (from Happy's birthday in August), and placed on our coffee table.
Dessert was strawberry shortcake (YUM)! Happy pulled out the shortcakes (bought pre-made from the grocery store) and the container of whole strawberries and the Cool Whip. Holding up the strawberries, he said "I'm probably supposed to do something with these, huh?" So he held up the strawberry and pointed the knife at it in a position that inspired me to offer to cut up the strawberries for our shortcakes. They were delicious and I even got to blow out a candle. Below is the video of that.
After dinner, Happy cleaned up and we got ready for Bible study where they sang Happy Birthday to me (for the fourth time yesterday), had cupcakes (made by Emily) and gave several cards with kind words and a gift card to Olive Garden! Emily also gave me a scrapbook with a palm tree on it for our trip to Hawaii :-) Apparently she and Happy had been conspiring for a couple weeks! Oh, and of course my sister sent me some beautiful yellow flowers at work :-) I got phone calls and e-cards and cards in the mail and even a letter from my brother in boot camp! I had a great birthday! Thank you to everyone for making me feel so loved!
There was Happy, in the kitchen, dressed as my waiter and cooking our spaghetti dinner as "I Will Be Here" by Steven Curtis Chapman played in the background. He had emailed his mom to get her recipe for meat sauce and had that simmering as he was cooking the spaghetti. However, when I walked in, he had a large pot nearly filled with water on a small burner with the noodles already in the water (which had not yet boiled). I asked if the water had boiled yet and he said, "No, that's not what the instructions said to do." Perplexed, I pulled out the instructions which read "Bring 4 quarts of water to a rapid boil" as the first step. I read it out loud and he explained that he thought that meant it wouldn't take that long for it to come to a boil... Like.... it would boil in hardly any time at all. After a long, hard laugh, we removed the noodles, moved the water to a larger burner and covered the pot. From then on, things went pretty smoothly.
As we waited for the water to boil, I opened my present--a craft organizer! I had mentioned that I wanted to get one of these a while back and Happy remembered this. There is a compartment for paper which Happy filled with some Hawaiian-designed papers and stickers for me to use for our Hawaii anniversary trip in July! It was wrapped in some lovely sports-themed wrapping paper (from Happy's birthday in August), and placed on our coffee table.
Dessert was strawberry shortcake (YUM)! Happy pulled out the shortcakes (bought pre-made from the grocery store) and the container of whole strawberries and the Cool Whip. Holding up the strawberries, he said "I'm probably supposed to do something with these, huh?" So he held up the strawberry and pointed the knife at it in a position that inspired me to offer to cut up the strawberries for our shortcakes. They were delicious and I even got to blow out a candle. Below is the video of that.
After dinner, Happy cleaned up and we got ready for Bible study where they sang Happy Birthday to me (for the fourth time yesterday), had cupcakes (made by Emily) and gave several cards with kind words and a gift card to Olive Garden! Emily also gave me a scrapbook with a palm tree on it for our trip to Hawaii :-) Apparently she and Happy had been conspiring for a couple weeks! Oh, and of course my sister sent me some beautiful yellow flowers at work :-) I got phone calls and e-cards and cards in the mail and even a letter from my brother in boot camp! I had a great birthday! Thank you to everyone for making me feel so loved!
Happy Birthday - a day late!
It was Amy's birthday on Wednesday. She's 24! Happy birthday!
We have some good pictures, videos and stories coming soon.
We have some good pictures, videos and stories coming soon.
6.05.2007
Last thing, I promise!
I'm sure you've heard enough from me today, but I wanted to point out the new item in the sidebar--Home Videos! Click on any link and it'll take you directly to the video. At least, that's what it's supposed to do. From now on I'll periodically be adding videos over there instead of putting them in a post... unless it's a REALLY good one :-)
p.s. Can you tell I don't have a lot to do at work today?
p.s. Can you tell I don't have a lot to do at work today?
Mini-golf with Raphaelle
Mike got a little more exercise than the rest of us as he often was the one retrieving Raphaelle's ball. Like she said, it's been around 22 years since she's played.
More mini-golf
This was actually one of Happy's worst holes. Fortunately, I was able to record it!
Mike, on the other hand, didn't have as much of a problem with it. But, Mike did only win by two shots. It was a close game!
My mini-golf skills--LIVE!
It may be important to note that Happy was unaware that the video feature on my camera doesn't switch the view if you record it, as he did, holding the camera on it's side. Don't worry, the video is very short so it won't hurt your neck for long.
I didn't notice...
This picture in our web albums from our honeymoon isn't actually a picture. It's a video. Now I'm curious why none of my other videos worked but this one did. Weird. Does it work for everyone else too?
p.s. Do you ever watch yourself on video and think "I am so strange!" I thought that when I watched this short video. I guess it's sort of like listening to yourself on an answering machine and thinking "Do I really sound like that?" I do that ALL the time! Anyway, there's my random thought for the day.
p.p.s. My random thought for yesterday came when Jack T. came back from a quick (about 20 minutes) trip to a job site. He always "checks in" with me, but yesterday asked "Did anything exciting happen?" This, as I told him "Not much," is what ran through my head: "Well, I was just sitting at my desk when this woman, who was walking by outside on the sidewalk, fainted. I ran out and found her still unconscious so I called 911 and started CPR. Meanwhile, some guy went into the office and started beating anyone he came into contact with for no apparent reason! It was crazy!" But, that didn't actually happen and I didn't say any of that to Jack T. So, everything is just fine here in the office.
p.s. Do you ever watch yourself on video and think "I am so strange!" I thought that when I watched this short video. I guess it's sort of like listening to yourself on an answering machine and thinking "Do I really sound like that?" I do that ALL the time! Anyway, there's my random thought for the day.
p.p.s. My random thought for yesterday came when Jack T. came back from a quick (about 20 minutes) trip to a job site. He always "checks in" with me, but yesterday asked "Did anything exciting happen?" This, as I told him "Not much," is what ran through my head: "Well, I was just sitting at my desk when this woman, who was walking by outside on the sidewalk, fainted. I ran out and found her still unconscious so I called 911 and started CPR. Meanwhile, some guy went into the office and started beating anyone he came into contact with for no apparent reason! It was crazy!" But, that didn't actually happen and I didn't say any of that to Jack T. So, everything is just fine here in the office.
6.04.2007
Miniature Golf
Yesterday afternoon Mike & Raphaelle came over and we all went mini-golfing! It was really fun, even though I think we all realized that we weren't as "good" as we may have thought. I took some videos which will hopefully cooperate with me soon so I can share them on here. Meanwhile, enjoy the pictures in our web album!
There are also pictures of Happy's first softball game which turned out to be a practice since the other team didn't show up. Bummer. Anyway, we still had a lot of fans come to cheer the team on and it was good for the guys to get together and practice hitting slow-pitch. More pictures will be coming now that summer is here! Have a wonderful Monday :-)
There are also pictures of Happy's first softball game which turned out to be a practice since the other team didn't show up. Bummer. Anyway, we still had a lot of fans come to cheer the team on and it was good for the guys to get together and practice hitting slow-pitch. More pictures will be coming now that summer is here! Have a wonderful Monday :-)
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