bittersweet...

I don't like goodbyes. I have said way too many goodbyes to way too many wonderful people this past week. I mean, it was wonderful to see so many lovely people all in one week, but still, its rough. God has been gracious to me because I'm still partially in denial and it hasn't fully hit me how long it will be until I see these people again.


But, on many many more positive notes...
I'm currently in a bunk bed at Bethel. A girl who went with on the same DR trip last year offered to let me stay in her apartment until we start orientation tomorrow. And she is such a sweet and wonderful person. I've only been with her a few hours but she's already made me smile repeatedly with her amazing Dominican stories. I. am. so. pumped. 


Also, today I got to go to the Hohm's church in Rochester. I couldn't have picked a more wonderful place for my last English church service for a good long while. And pizza this afternoon was delicious. You all are wonderful.


Also, I need to back up even further to 3 am when my amazing family woke up to get us to church and to drop me off this afternoon. Wow, I'm going to miss you all so much. Maria, thanks for that notebook, it is super cute. I love you guys.


Also, I need to back up even further to my date with Megan Jane. I'm gonna miss you chica. Also, I need to back up even further to the incredible surprise party Jordan and Sarah threw for me and before that to watching the sunset with Hannah and Sarah and before that to double skiing with Jordan and before that to the picnic and before that to thai chicken dinner with the fam. Its just been an amazing last week at home. My life is filled to overflowing with wonderful people and happenings.


Also, I need some sleep for orientation tomorrow. So peace out. 

Wonderfulness IS a word...

I kinda love thunderstorms. That kinda is mostly in there for my mother who is probably reading this (love you momma ;) But seriously, I have a window right next to me in my bedroom, and the other night we had an amazing storm and I love watching the brilliant lightning fill my dark room and hear the thunder roll and be reminded of the awesome power of my God. Wow.
I have lots of great memories during storms. I actually used to be really afraid of storms, so just hearing about Hannah and Sarah admiring them out on Sarah's porch swing was inspiring. Out on Rachel's deck with a bunch of friends after a delicious meal. Walking through the rain to Adam Bros with Megs. AND walking barefoot to the park with Jordan during sweet lightning storms. Wonderfulness. Jordan, I'm going to think of you every time it storms in la Republica Dominicana.


You know what else is wonderfulness? Laughing until your sides hurt. I LOVE it when that happens.

I have never felt such a crazy mix of emotions before I don't think (which is saying a lot, considering I'm a female). I'm SO excited, a little nervous occasionally, and I can't help feeling a little sad about not getting to see the people here I love until December, but most of the time I'm just super excited. And lately, I've also been in denial about what's about to happen. Probably because my inner self is just not sure how to respond to such an extensive range of feelings. 
Anyway, because of that denial, I could use some prayer. I want to soak in all the time I can with loved ones before I leave, which in and of itself is wonderfulness, but I feel like I haven't gone out into the wilderness with God and spent enough time being still before my Maker and preparing my heart for this incredible journey. 


Here's the verse on the cover of the beautiful journal Hannah made for me:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine."
-Isaiah 43:1

You're my brother, you're my friend...

I can't believe my little brother is going to college.
We just drove 14 hours down here to the middle of the desert where its like 108 ridiculous degrees outside. And on Monday, I'm going to leave him and not see him again until Christmas. And, even though that thought makes me want to cry, I'm super excited for him. He is one of those kids who was made for college and he's already got a part in Titanic in the fall musical (just wish I could see it) and he will love it down here. So, you better skype with me bro when there's an ocean between us.

"Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope." 
--Maya Angelou


I love that quote. Actually, I really love Maya Angelou in general. I just rediscovered my admiration of her at work the other day so I checked out a book of her poems to read on vacation. It was wonderful. Some poems were a little depressing, but overall the collection was extremely inspiring and thought-provoking.


Speaking of that quote, its growing on me more and more because I get to look at it all the time on this cute little notebook one of my best friends painted for me.

She's the best, you should probably go buy some cards or something from her shop sometime.


peachypress.etsy.com/


So, I leave for the Dominican Republic in 3 weeks, which is craziness. I've dreamed about studying abroad for a long time now, and I can't believe its almost here. I'm the most excited to be hanging out with the kids down there again, and to meet the other people from Bethel on my team, but so far, I haven't been the best at the prep stuff that needs to happen. First of all, we're supposed to drink 64 ounces of water a day. Ridiculousness. I'm carrying a water bottle around with me all day, but I just don't get thirsty that often. Also, I'm supposed to walk half an hour a day and I haven't exactly made time for that yet. But I bike to work which has got to count for something. 


I'm also starting this blog now so I can practice and get my less-than-exciting posts out of the way before I get there. Because, once I get down there, I'm going to have amazing pictures and stories and not a lot of time to blog, so I need to get my act together. Luckily, I took a class from my grandpa and Rick McPeak this past semester and I'm hoping their phenomenal story-telling abilities have rubbed off on me just a little bit.


Also, I just got to skype with Jordan for a little bit. Which is always wonderful. Tonight we were both tired, so we didn't say a whole lot, but I love it when you're so close to somebody that you can just hang out and enjoy each other's company and the silences aren't awkward. 


I just wrote the check yesterday to finance my portion of this study abroad, and I just feel so blessed that this is an affordable option for me. And I want to do my best to make the most of it.


God is good. Today has been such a great day and I'm really lovin life right now.