Answered Prayer

God is so awesome! I don't want to jump ahead of myself, but I have a really strong feeling that He has been preparing me for this new adventure for quite a while now... I'm helping out with the Athey Creek high school group!! This is terrifying and exciting all at once, and I can't wait to see where it leads. I have a few short weeks to get to know people, and then we're off to The Mission in Mexico! When the offer was thrown my way to help out with the trip, I thought the answer would probably be yes, but wasn't sure. I prayed about it and have gotten confirmation after confirmation from God. The final answer came tonight at The Shed. I was thinking back to the college group trip we took to The Mission in 2004 and the day we were packing up to go home. I was giving one of the full time staff a hug and saying we'd miss everyone, and her words were, "You'll be back." In my mind I didn't see much chance of that happening, but here I am, counting down the days until my return! I'm so excited, and can't wait to get to know the high schoolers and let the Lord use me in whatever capacity He will. This is an answer to prayer, and a huge blessing for me. Yay!!

Another Birthday

Well, another year of my life has begun. This birthday wasn't nearly as introspective for me as the last, and I'm hoping that's a sign of maturity in my relationship with the Lord. I've learned a lot over the past year, and many changes have taken place. God has blessed me with a great new job, and I've spent more time developing friendships (though I do need to work on this one more). I can't wait to see what He has in store for me this year!

Elissa planned an awesome evening a couple weeks ago to celebrate. We got pedicures, had a gourmet dinner prepared by Adam and Elissa, and then went out to Pix for dessert.

Mom and I took a four day trip down to Southern California to goof off, visit my aunt, and do the tourist thing. The highlights were definitely getting to spend some time with my aunt (dad's sister) who I rarely see, and also taking a tour of the Warner Bros studio. Here are some pictures (yes, I did remember my camera!):

Mom and me having lunch at Laguna Beach

My aunt and me at the Montage Resort in Laguna

Mom on Venice Beach (crazy hippie place!!)


The first crosswalk signal in Stars Hollow in front of Luke's (Gilmore Girls fans, anyone?)

Recognize this place? Central Perk, on the set of Friends!!

Rodeo Drive. Do people really pay $10,000 for a pair of shoes??!

It was a really fun trip, and I wish we had more time to venture down to San Diego and maybe check out the California Adventure at Disneyland. Maybe next time...