Love God Love People

in a nutshell...

2009-08-11T11:10:00.004-04:00

So, my life has been turned upside down since this time last year. It's been quiet an adventure too. I have learned that God takes our plans and turns them upside down sometimes...He is sneaky!

. Graduated from college!

. Decided not to do Journeyman ...

. Went to Costa Rica and loved it AND...

. Got ENGAGED! :)

. Started wedding planning...found a dress and I LOVE it!

. now just trying to see what God has in store next .... looks like Costa Rica in Sept. 2010 for language school with my Taylor!

2009-04-14T08:44:00.003-04:00

some of the past 5 years...

2009-04-02T23:29:00.002-04:00

Lately my life has been a whirlwind of emotions and everything else....So, here goes nothing about my life lately:

I graduate in 30 days...well, in 30 minutes it will be 29 days. Although I am super duper excited about graduating...I am also very concerned/nervous/sad/excited/every feeling you can ever imagine... about everything that is about to happen in the next 6 months of my life. I just recently got asked to go to the interview conference for Journeyman which has been a dream of mine for about 4 years now. I know that it is what God has planned for me and I am very confident in that. He has big plans for my life and I just have to completely drop everything and make sure that I am following Him at all times.

As I reflect on the past 5 years of college...Yes...5...don't judge...thats what happens when you change your major 3 times...I realize that I have grown up soo much. I cant even begin to explain how far I have come in my walk with Christ and how many relationships have changed since I have been in college. I would definately say that my mom is my #1 best friend and I could of never said that 5 years ago. I have met people that will be in my life forever and I am so excited that I will be spending eternity with them in heaven, too. God has placed many people along my path to challenge, encourage and love me in so many ways. Greenwood is my home and I am going to miss it dearly.

Okay enough of this mushy stuff....I have also experienced so many new things in the past 5 years.....TRAVELING! Wow, I have had some major experiences in my young life. First trip- Japan...totally changed my life forever ...What did I do in Japan? we went in schools and taught ESL (japanese kids are so beautiful) and we held a sports camp everyday ...plus tons of other things. One of the biggest things that impacted my life on that trip was seeing people worship another God. Most Japanese are Buddahist....it absolutely broke my heart when I saw them ringing a bell to "wake up their Gods" so that the God's will listen to their prayers. I made other decisions on that trip...like, break up with my bf because he was not in God's future plans for my life.....or the fact that I wanted to go overseas again....without a team that I knew....

So, thats when I headed to Laos for the summer. Talk about a life changing trip...this was THE one!!!! I was terrified. No kidding. When I got on the plane to leave I cried for about 4 hours....everyone must of thought I was insane because I could barely breath I was crying so hard. But the most amazing part is that this trip is when I knew that I was suppose to serve God overseas. I had many many experiences here too....like getting worms...yeah it's gross...I know but my whole team got them. And no...I never saw them...thats usually the next question people ask...but you know you have worms when the de-worming medicine makes you deathly ill...and believe me...I was deathly ill!! Another one....I went caving for the first time and loved it....I am not talking about caving like in America where you have head lamps and there are rails, walking paths, etc. etc. I am talking about...we climbed up a side of a mountain and literally climbed in this hole that the locals told us to climb in...well, motioned us to climb in....and we walked around. I did get scared when I saw that we could fall down the huge cave and never be saved because you couldn't see the bottom and there was no telling where the bottom led too. Another thing I experienced: Not getting along with the only other girl teammate....and I actually felt sorry for her because nobody got along with her. She was one of the hardest people to get along with that I have ever met....but I learned how to deal with her in tactic/loving ways. I learned that Laos is very hott and you NEVER know when your next shower will be or if you will get invaded on the bus by people who are against the government...yeah Laos was many of my first experiences. Oh yeah...by the way I stopped crying and didnt cry again until I was really sick and in pain and none of my teammates could help me b/c they all had the same thing I had. I absolutely loved Laos ...I felt in my element...I loved everything about it...even if I did smell like sweat and not take showers for weeks at a time b/c of no running water...or no water for that fact.

Next trip: Indonesia...

I knew that this trip was going to be a trip of a lifetime. So, before I went I thought I wanted to work in an orphanage....well, not any more. I love kids but I dont want to raise 20 or more by myself. So, I learned that....I also learned about Muslims and what they believe in...and that the girls are sooo cute and love flashy/pink things. Right up my alley, right? YES! I think I was suppose to be an Indonesian girl sometimes b/c I love pink so much and all the little cute kiddie things like them. it was amazing to work beside one of my best friends and see her life in Indo...and see what a missionaries life is really like. It's not all glamorous and fun like people think....it's actually way way harder that American life....but it's totally worth it if you're sharing Christ.

I have also had the privilege to work at North Side for the past year and a half. It's been such a God thing to work and see all of the things that go on at that church. It's amazing how much stuff goes on behind the scenes and I am so happy to be apart of that everyday. I am going to miss the staff there more than anyone can imagine. It's been a great honor to work there.

As for Lander...It has been an experience...going from being a horrible student to having over a 3.5 when I graduate is quiet an accomplishment. It has been so great to meet so many amazing people and share life with them.

It's kinda crazy to see almost all of my friends get married off or dating seriously/about to be engaged. It makes me feel like a grown up now that all of my friends are the teachers and not the students and they are starting families of their own. I pray for my future husband daily and for my kids. :D It's going to be quiet an adventure and I cant wait to take it.

Well, this is really the longest post I have ever typed...I just had to type some stuff out...so, good night.

Multimedia site....

2009-03-26T11:08:00.002-04:00

Go to YouTube and type in: Rio de Janeiro-Braving Bullets

or click here:

http://www.imb.org/main/downloads/flashvideos.asp?filename=/files/47/4704/4704-25042.flv

my 25 things...

2009-02-21T09:13:00.003-05:00

1. I want to be a missionary in a foreign country

2. I absolutely LOVE animals

3. I wish Greenwood was closer to the mountains so that I could hike more! I love hiking..

4. I crochet and love it...and I know that makes me sound like a grandmother

5. I love to read

6. I am one of the few people that NEVER had braces

7. I never meet a stranger

8. I love where I work and the people I work with

9. I think asians are the most beautiful people ever and I want to adopt one or two

10. Chick-Fil-A is seriously my favorite place to eat...EVER!

11. I love dancing...and could dance everyday!

12. I am probably the most observant people ever...most people don't realize that about me..

13. I talk to my mom a minimum of 2 times a day

14. I go to bed very early

15. I can't wait to be a wife and a mom!

16. Pink is the best color ever

17. I actually like cleaning...its like therapy

18. Caroline taught me everything I know about cooking

19. My sister, Amanda, is the funniest person I know

20. My grandmother can cook the best green beans in the world

21. I love reading blogs and I wish I was more disciplined with blogging...but I am not

22. I love old people..I think they have a lot of wisdom and great stories

23. I always think about 3 or 4 things at once and always have a song in my head

24. I am a white girl that loves rap music...and I can rap

25. I don't watch scary movies because I get night mares!

Converge

2009-02-10T10:31:00.005-05:00

Here are my roommates from the weekend:

Here is a bunch of us at Fudruckers: A beautiful pic of the beach:
We had a great time at Converge! It was great getting to know some of the freshman better and also sad to know that it would be my last time at Converge. Although, I am excited about graduating in 11 weeks! : D

2008-12-19T14:46:00.002-05:00

I got this from someone else's blog and loved it!! I changed a few things though...

He said to go

I felt the call, He said to go

But where I asked, He said to go.

I don't have skills, He said to go.

What about school, He said to go.

My family's here, He said to go.

I need a husband, He said to go.

The cost is much, He said to go.

------------------------------

Mi life is Yours, I had to go.

You love them all, I had to go.

For your glory, I had to go.

Because You care, I had to go.

Your grace abounds, I had to go.

So all might hear, I had to go.

Because You called, I had to go.

Merry Chrima!!

2008-12-16T17:29:00.002-05:00

Merry Chrima! I can't believe it's christmas time! It seems like it always sneaks up and then is over before you can blink an eye....I do love this time of year though! Spending time with family, Presents, and of course....It's Jesus' birsday! wahoo!! I love it!!!

Well, if you have known me for a while you know that I absolutely love Christmas and I absolutely love buying and receiving presents! Well, this year a few of those things have changed.....

Since spending last Christmas in an Indonesian orphanage and really living out what christmas is about....my views have changed! I think that presents are great and all but, they should be given in an honor of love for those people and in honor of Jesus' birthday. I think a lot of people just give presents because "It's Christmas" ....well, the next present you give....think about what Jesus did for us and give them in love.

what else....I love being able to spend time with my family and not having to work.....I love my job and I love school...but, it's soooo nice to have a break!

Well, im going to go off and spend some time with my bestest friend, caroline before I head off to small group.

Have a great day!

Happy Birthday Gran!

2008-12-12T09:13:00.002-05:00

Today is my grandmother's 80th birthday! She has lived an amazing and healthy life! Praise the Lord!! : D

So, I am going home for the weekend.....going to help my sister move out of Winthrop on Saturday and hang out with the family Friday and Sunday! Should be a busy weekend.

I am very excited that I have one more week to work and then 2 weeks off!!! Wow, I cant believe that I actually get 2 full weeks off!! YAY!!!

Well, I am going to take Pigeon on a walk now.....

Merry Christmas everybody!

Long Time....

2008-12-10T17:33:00.002-05:00

I will have to say that it has been a long time since I have blogged......

New in my life:

I am teaching the gospel tomorrow to my ESL students.....

School is finished for 1 month....hallelujah!

Ready to spend Christmas at home (last summer I spent it in Indonesia on a "M" trip)

Trying to finish my JMAN application! : D

Thats about all right now....Oh and I am sooo loving Christmas music!!! (even though I listen to it all year long...hehe)

Stressed...

2008-11-10T11:34:00.002-05:00

So, my grandfather is doing horrible. The only thing working in his body is his heart...

I have 2 test, a project, a presentation, and a ton of other school work this week.....

I gave my apartment the wrong check and had to pay a $50 late fee....

All of this stuff makes me sad and stressed!!

What a BLAH day!!! : (

90 Minutes In Heaven... and the election....

2008-11-05T21:38:00.006-05:00

So, I just finished reading the book "90 Minutes in Heaven" and it was wonderful! I absolutely loved it! Well, I will have to say at the beginning of the book I was very skeptical but, I really do believe everything that Don Piper says. So, everyone go and read it!!

It was good reading this book considering that my grandfather is in the last stages of his life here on earth. The doctors don't give him but 2 more days to live. I am so excited for him though because I am really sure that he will be in Heaven with my grandmother praising God for eternity! So exciting....oh and he is excited too!! : ) Even though it will be sad for us who are still on Earth but I know he will be so happy up there!!

So, about this whole election thing. It is driving me nuts that people are going crazy about it. Barak Obama is president of the USA so, support him, pray for him and stand by him. He needs our support and prayers! Stop bashing him and stop being critical!!!

So, thats about all that is going through my head right now. I am about to start reading the book, Twilight, and I am very excited....bye! : ) Here's a new pic of me and Pigeon:

I have not posted in a while...

2008-10-19T08:53:00.002-04:00

It's been a very busy weekend so far....yesterday two great friends got married. I am so excited for them! They are really perfect for each other and God is clearly the center of their relationship! What a wonderful thing!

For some reason I cannot upload big pictures on here and it makes me sad.

It's finally getting cold here and I am so excited. I am ready to wear sweaters, scarves, and gloves! Can't wait!!

I have been very busy lately with school and work. A good busy though. Even though I am ready to graduate and be out of school! : ) Oh well, it will come soon enough I guess! : )

car blues

2008-09-24T19:09:00.001-04:00

So, my car broke. Please pray it's not much money and it gets fixed fast. Ohhh...I hate not having a car! : (

2 in 1 day

2008-09-19T21:59:00.002-04:00

I really wanna know how to do cool things to my blog....I want a new background and know how to add bigger pics....Please help me ..

Thought I was almost finished... and what I love...

2008-09-19T21:16:00.013-04:00

So, I thought I was almost finished with my Jman application but, to my surprise ....I have 2 more things to do. My Christian beliefs and a Life Sketch...So, it looks like atleast another month of going at that application.!! It's going to be a glorious day when I get the e-mail saying that it is all turned in and finished!!

I love her...

This weekend Care is gone so, it's me, Pidge, studying and sleeping in. I am so excited that it is the weekend. I am also excited that I get to spend it with Pigeon.... YES, I know I might be a little obsessed with her...oh well, she is a great dog!!

Things that I love:

Animals especially sweet ones
Holidays and fun things that go along with them
Christmas Music all year long...thats right....don't judge!
Blankets - especially ones that are homemade
Learning more about Christ!!
Talking to my mom everyday even if we don't have anything to talk about
When my sister talks my ear off (doesn't happen much...so I treasure it when it does)
Traveling.... anywhere...especially with people

Good friends
Hearing about people's lives
telling people about my life
Smiling

Hearing other languages being spoken...oh this makes me sooo happy!
: )

Meeting new people

Fall - especially after a long hot summer!
new makeup...even though I dont use much...i still love buying it
flowers

gospel music that reminds me of my childhood
hearing people's testimonies
Grey's Anatomy even though I use to be totally against it

Greenwood
north side
people at north side
my fish, doo doo
old people
kids
freckles
tall people....i feel like so much of their life is different than mine...
diet dr. pepper
My Birthday!!...the BEST day of the year!! YoU KNOW!
Pictures
Pigeon
reading blogs
my job

test

2008-09-16T18:44:00.002-04:00

So, I had a POP TEST this morning in class...isn't that crazy?? a freaking POP test! What teacher does that? freak.

I also have a test tomorrow which I found out about yesterday!!!

I am glad my small group starts back tonight! :-D yay

I finished my autobiography for jman yesterday!! :-D yay

Sick of School Already....

2008-09-09T22:15:00.002-04:00

So, yeah the title explains it all. I am already sick of school and have been there 1 week. craziness.... but, from what all of my friends say.....it's pretty normal to already have "senioritis." I still plan on making all A's though so, I need to buckle down and get over my senioritis...

So, ITunes has this new thing called Genius....which is really awesome! I am loving it. It takes your songs and makes playlists out of them. It's awesome!

In my voice and diction class I am going to get slaughtered because of my southern accent. I had to buy a "southern accent reduction tape" ...can you believe that? I really do not mind my accent....

Oh and I might sound like the biggest dork ever...but, I am officially addicted to crocheting and Grey's Anatomy.

I bought my plane ticket to Illinois yesterday. I am going the week after christmas and I am so excited. I am going to visit my best friend and her family. Might be the last time I see her family before I leave America....how exciting ! Oh, and I will be going snow skiing for the first time!! : )

Jman and school

2008-09-09T22:14:00.001-04:00

So, I have not been really working on my Jman application lately due to school. I am already so sick of school...which is so bad because it started last tuesday. So, I have officially be in school 1 week today. boo. 1 more year until I am out forever...I hope! :-D

I'm glad

2008-08-28T21:30:00.002-04:00

A very dear friend of mine died today. She was 81 years old and lived a great life. It's crazy to say that I am glad that she is in heaven but I truly am. She has suffered for the past 3 years with many health problems which is so sad. As a young girl she taught me many many things. She taught me many things that I will teach my children one day and hopefully they will teach their children. She was a woman who followed Christ very closely and it showed in every way. She was a light for Christ and will be missed very much. I am very happy that she was a big part of my childhood as well as the woman of God that I am today.

This weekend I am helping with move-in day and I am excited to meet the new, scared and excited freshmen!! Should be fun! :-D Oh and people do read this blog...so surprising!

does anyone read this?

2008-08-26T16:28:00.002-04:00

So, I dont think that people really read this but that is okay! :-D

It's raining so bad today and there are tornado warnings everywhere. craziness!

:-)

Im Not a surgeon

2008-08-25T11:36:00.002-04:00

So, since I have been watching Grey's I think that I am some super surgeon. This morning in our staff meeting someone started talking about a friend having open heart surgery and I had a picture in my mind of the surgery. Like I was doing it or something. Yes, this sounds so stupid- I know. But it really does go through my head! Weird!

I have one more week of no school and it's going to be great! I don't need to take it for granted because next week I will be super stressed and busy as anything...no fun!
I am ready to be done with school forever!!

So, here's a shout out to Shane and Shane...I still love them after all these years!! They just make worship so much more amazing! I am currently listening to them!!

Go to www.Rei.com for some good stuff! :-D Love that website!!

Greys Anatomy

2008-08-22T20:12:00.003-04:00

So, recently I started watching Grey's and I am so addicted. My roomie, Sandy, had the first season on DVD and so, I decided to watch that which was mistake numero uno. I went to blockbuster yesterday to rent season 2 and 3 ....not knowing that it would be 12 different dvd's. So, I am having to rent them a few at a time....boo. Well, today was my day off which was wonderful considering that it was raining and it was just a dreary day. So, I ended up watching Grey's all day long except for the few hours that the power was out.

It was a wonderful restful day full of hanging out with Pigeon, Care's dog, and laying around. What a great day! :-D Loved it !!

"Tears of the Sun"

2008-08-21T17:06:00.002-04:00

Here is a picture from the movie!

So, last night one of my best friends, Emily, came to visit. We were roommates our freshman year and then she moved back home. It was great because we hung out with other great friends (dawn and powell) and watched one of the best movies ever, "Tears of the Sun." I absolutely loved it and I think that everyone should watch it. It shows how men have huge hearts even if they try to be all tough. :-) great movie....rent it!!

I will say that I am exhausted today because I stayed up too late watching the movie and woke up early for a run.

blog stuff

2008-08-19T20:17:00.004-04:00

I love reading blogs and I want to be a blogger so I am going to try to make myself blog. I think random thoughts though so, watch out!!
The Olympics have been amazing ..I am going to be sad when they are over!
So, I am trying to figure out how to upload my own skin but, I can't so I will be working on this!!

2 Things that my pastor spoke about on sunday that really stuck with me:
Trust in the Lord always
Never give up!

I have not been working on my Jman application lately and I feel like a slacker. I have to start working on it before school starts. I am very ahead of the game which makes me feel really good but I wanted to be finished with it by now. Oh well, we will see when I finish.

My grandmother turns 80 this year so we are having a huge party for her. I have crocheted her a blanket. I will post a picture when I finish it in a few months. I hope she likes it.

work

2008-05-27T10:08:00.001-04:00

Well, I am working this summer and it's quiet different so far. I work 20 hours at the church and at Chick-Fil-A drive thru some. I am starting to get a little sad that I will not be traveling out of the country any this summer but oh well, life goes on! Life has been pretty good lately other than a few mishaps with my car....boo! Just busy with life and ready to get my last year done at LU! I can't believe I have been in college 4 years already...it seems just like yesterday that I was graduating high school!!! :-D Well, have a great day everyone! :-D

prayer

2008-05-05T17:21:00.003-04:00

One of my best friends is having surgery this week. Please pray for her as she is so far away from home and loved ones. Also, a lot of things have been going on in my life recently. I dont know where I would be without Christ...He is Amazing!

This is a cool picture of some turtles at the lake last week. I walked up and they were all just laying on the log- How Tender! :-D

Who AM I?

2008-04-21T18:47:00.002-04:00

So, today in class we had to write sonnets about African American lit and things we have learned in there...so, I have been thinking about all of the things that people wrote and decided to share some thoughts...

I am a girl, christian, friend, daughter, sister, follower, leader, happy, friendly, white, lover, disliker, observer, neighbor, student, teacher, cousin, niece, encourager, confused, and the list goes on...

It's so cool that God made all of us different but also many of us have the same traits but we use them in different ways...

Persecution

2008-04-15T10:00:00.003-04:00

So, I was reading Francis Chan blog and it was speaking about persecution and I thought I would share it here...

Hebrews 13:3-”Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”

What does the word persecution mean to you?

Take a moment to think about it. What does it look like for you? What does it taste like? What do you see? What do you hear?

Do you have that feeling?
Good.

Remember it.

It is a fact that 1 person every 3 minutes dies because they will not deny Christ.
16,000,000 REPORTED die each year.
It’s more then just statistics. These are fellow brothers and sisters in Christ we’re talking about.

These are men and women with family, and dreams of having Grandchildren. These are youth who alongside Grandfathers refuse to deny their Father.

We think we have to have faith in America. People call us names. OH NO. How dare someone call us a “bible lover.” We’re dying here in America, it’s true, but we are dying from a dry faith. Why is the church overseas so strong? Persecution. Through the testings and trials, they do not stop proclaiming the grace and love of Our Father.

Open your eyes today. Realize how blessed you are to live in a country with rights and freedoms to profess your belief freely
and openly.

The Story

2008-03-31T11:21:00.002-04:00

So, I got this great book called, "The Story." It is basically the Bible in one big story and I love it. I have already learned so much from it and feel like more people should read it.

School is pretty good for me this week. I have a few projects due but other than that I am going to have a great week. Although I do have a huge paper due next week that is stressing me out a little bit.

So, tomorrow I have to get 2 passport pictures take so that I can send it in to IMB for my jman application and then my application will be reviewed. I wish I could send in just 2 pics of me but they are specific...so, I am going to CVS today to get passport pics taken.

So, I got a rice cooker and I love it. I love sticky rice and I cant believe that I havent bought a rice cooker before. What a great invention!! :-D

So, I love reading this one blog that cnn did a story on ...it ishttp://maxthegoldenretriever.com/ ...you should try it out! It's quiet hilarious!!

Well, I have to go read before my next class...until then....maybe think about buying "The Story"!!!

So, I decided to keep updating this....

2008-03-27T15:38:00.002-04:00

Today I was just reading the Compass., my church's magazine they send out and something really touched my heart....It was talking about how Saul changed so drastically and made a HUGE difference for the Kingdom. It's so sad how so many people say "I am the way I am and I can't change that" or they say "my momma/daddy is like this and thats why I am"....well, you get the point. So, what I am saying is...YOU CAN CHANGE!!! Just think about Saul and how at the beginning of his life He killed Christians but God chose Him and CHANGED him so that he can be one of the most important people carrying the message of Christ around the World. He was able to change because Jesus came alive after being dead and His Spirit lived in Saul's heart. So, You can change!! It might take time but with God's help all things are possible!! You just have to be a willing vessel to Him!

So, I started applying to Journeyman this week and it is crazy to think that in a little over a year I will be leaving for life overseas. It is a little scary but more exciting than anything. I am so excited to see what Christ has for my life and how He is molding me into the woman of God that He wants me to be. I am so ready for this summer too. Everyone keeps asking me, "Where are you going this summer, or this year." haha...I am not going overseas this year ...surprised? Yeah well, Indonesia broke the bank for me ..It was definitely worth it though!! I am just going to do local things in Greenwood this summer and spend time with friends and family because this will be my last summer as a college student and probably last summer in Greenwood. Although, I am going to go visit my sister in Italy next year. Yep, I am going overseas soon, just not anymore this year. Amanda will be studying abroad next year and I am going to use my Spring Break and visit her and Italy.

So, there is some things going on in my thoughts...and now I am going to go visit my cousin ....Have a great day!!

Home safe...

2008-01-13T16:08:00.000-05:00

Well, I am home safe and sound. It is weird that I havent even been home a week and a ton of stuff has already happened. I have adjusted to everything without any problems. There have been a few push backs such as being sick but it has been really good to talk about my trip to people. Thanks to everyone who prayed for me and who help support me. I learned more on this trip about living the life of an m more than ever before. It was awesome and I really would love to go back in the near future.
I am praying about going back there and working. It touched my heart in a way that no place has ever before. I loved every minute of my trip. I miss Indonesia!

last day in Indo

2008-01-05T02:32:00.000-05:00

Today is my last day to be in Indonesia and I have to say I am sad. I have had a great month here. A bunch of us met up at Starbucks this morning and then had some lunch at the mall. I ate McDonalds because I am not sure how much I will be eating in the next few days due to nasty airline food.

Pr*yer Request:

My luggage will NOT get lost.
No delays with my planes.
Safe travels.
Friend who is feeling lonely in this country (american)
Not too exhausted because I start school right when I return and to get over jet lag soon.

OKay, thanks!
I will try to update when I return to the states.

my new nickname: "Griffindor" its from Harry Potter....lol

rainy season songs are in the air....

2008-01-03T20:53:00.000-05:00

Well, its still rainy season and will be for a while here in Indo. It rains everyday. The other day Boyter and I decided to go to the mall on her motor bike. It was so beautiful on the way there and the wind felt so nice on our faces. Well, low and behold the bottom dropped out during our time in the mall. We decided we would wait a while and see if rain would slow down some or stop....but of course it did not. So, we had a fun ride in the pouring down rain. (2nd time to be stuck in the rain in 1 week)

I cant believe that I have 2 more full days here. Everything has gone by so fast. I am pretty sure that I have grown more in this month than in the last 6 months. I have learned soo much and it has been one of the greatest experiences of my life.

Yesterday we hung out at a University with a bunch of girls. It is pretty cool to see their campuses and to see how everything runs (especially b/c im still in collge). The first full day that I was in Indo we hung out with a lot of University girls. Some of the girls asked me what my faculty was. I was thinking in my head...."why do they want to know who the faculty is at my school, they dont even know which school I go to." hahaha....yeah well, I asked Boyter what they meant and they meant what is your "major." So, Hannah when people ask you "what is your faculty" just say communications. lol

Today we are going to church and then we are having dinner with a friend. I am excited about this dinner because its a huge buffet and everyone says that it is soo good. We are all 3 excited because we have never been there.

Okay I am going to get ready for this wonderful day.

It's 2008, wow!

2007-12-31T22:00:00.000-05:00

It is already 2008 here! I can't believe that 2007 went by so fast. I only have 1 more week here which is crazy.

In Bali we went with the girls from the orphanage to a monkey park. It was crazy because these monkeys will just walk up to you and steal things from you. It was a lot of fun for us and the girls.

For New Years we went over to a friends house to celebrate. Some of the Indonesians brought some fireworks and we ate dinner. We stayed up past midnight just watching a movie and hanging out. It was fun to have New Years in another country. Last night we came to the realization that Indonesians just drive around at midnight. The traffic was crazy and funny.

I have a friend who is not a believer but is so close to becoming one. Please pray for her to know the truth and for the HS to speak to her in many different ways.

Have a Happy New Year!! :-)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2007-12-30T23:22:00.000-05:00

Sorry that I havent updated in a while...I have been on another island for a week. Christmas was a lot of fun. It was great to hang out with people and see how Christmas is in another country so far away from families. It was really great! On Christmas day we went to another island to work with an orphanage for a week. It was a huge learning experience for me and I loved it. The kids were absolutely amazing and were the most selfless people ever.

Today is New years eve and I cant believe my trip is going by so fast. I will be home next week!! I am going to miss this island a whole lot!! My stomach is doing better and I havent had any skin irratations since my last update. PTL!
Okay well, I cant update much more because I dont have time...maybe tomorrow! :-)

HAPPY NEW YEARS!!

Red Letter Day

2007-12-20T11:37:00.000-05:00

Today was a Red Letter Day...which is a holiday. Today was the holiday of sacrificing animals so they can give meat to the poor and take away their sins. They already pray 5 times a day on loud speakers but last night it was all night for most neighborhoods. Boyt and I were thankful because they stopped last night around 10pm! It has been really cool to see this culture and how they handle things....especially holidays like today. It is always a good conversation to bring up the reason why we dont have to sacrifice animals anymore. I will have to say that I did not attend this morning because I am an animal lover and it was enough to see all of the animals waiting to be killed. I did not feel the need to go so, I didnt....I think I would have nightmares for a while if I did.

Since it was a holiday we all went to a really nice water park and hung out all morning. It was really nice to relax and be in the sun for a while. Although it was really weird to be at a water park 5 days before Chrima though!! :-)

Tomorrow we have church and then we have a game night tomorrow night. It shall be fun!! haha

Well, it is rainy season...and it rains A LOT! The streets flood really bad and taxi's wont even drive down them. It's crazy how everything floods so bad! One of our friends couldnt even get to their house because of the flooding so, they had to spend the night with a friend. It is nice to have rain because it cools this city down!

I am very thankful to be here and working with some amazing people. I have learned a whole lot and I cant wait to see what else I learn!

Wedding Bells

2007-12-18T04:15:00.000-05:00

Well, a few of us traveled to another island to go see a wedding. The wedding was Arab/Indonesian. It was very interesting to see how the women and men are separated the entire time. The groom and bride also met for the first time after the man signed the wedding agreement. It was very sad to me to know that they met for the very first time on their wedding day. I cant even imagine knowing that I would be with a man for the rest of my life and I know nothing about him. Very very different.

The island we went to was also very different. It was very rural. The island was also very conservative. There are no "buele's" or white people who live there so we had a WHOLE lot more staring and yelling. It was a little frustrating but oh well...I got over it.

Right now it is rainy season so, it rains a lot. Yesterday everything flooded because it was raining so much. Some of the team members houses flooded or lost electricity. We were very lucky that we still had electricity through the entire storm and no flood in our house! :-D PTL

Today I taught about Chrima to preschool and Kindergarten kids. It was very fun. I also went to 3rd grade for about an hour and all they wanted to hear about was Santa Clause...I laughed and answered all of their questions. I met a teacher there who got her masters in the states and it was very nice to talk to her about life there and here. I had a very meaningful conversation with her.

I went to a University today to meet a girl with Boyt.....she was a really nice girl. She asked me some deep questions though.

One PR:
My skin is not doing to well here. I have very sensitive skin and keep getting random rashes. The 2nd day I was here I had small rashes pop up all over my arms and back and then one on my arm today for about 2 hours. I am still using the same soap but the detergent is different so I am a little worried. Please keep this in your thoughts that I would be healthy. I dont think it is the food but I am not sure. Everytime this has happened it has been something different that I ate that day. I also got bit last night by some ants so, I have like 5 bites on my arms.

I am not sure if people are reading this....I hope so, but nobody has left comments. I am wondering if you are able to leave comments?!? okay have a great day!! :-)

Christmas time....

2007-12-14T22:40:00.000-05:00

It is Christmas time around the world. Yesterday we had church and a Christmas party and it was amazing to sing some Christmas songs. It is so hott here which is very unusual for Christmas time but, it is very nice to see how people celebrate in another country. I Love Christmas !!!

I absolutely love this country. I am picking up some words but, I wished that I could understand everything...maybe one day?!! I have met a lot of really awesome people here!

Tomorrow Boyter another friend Kate and myself are traveling to another island for a wedding. The wedding is an arab indonesian wedding. Its funny here because even if you dont know the people that are getting married you still attend. I am excited to get this experience though.

Two days ago we went to the Red Light District. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I will write about it later when I have more time.

I love this hot country and the amazing people here.

motorbikes, food, and more

2007-12-12T18:59:00.000-05:00

So, most people get around here by motorbikes...Its actually a lot of fun and I enjoy it. The first day on the back I wasnt too sure of myself and almost fell off once because I wasnt holding on good. There are cars but, you get around a whole lot faster if you have a motor bike because you weave in and out of everyone.

The food is actually really good. Everything I have had has been delicious!!

Yesterday morning we got up early and went with one of Jessica's teachers to an elementary school to be the "guest speakers." When we first got there we met everyone on staff and told them about ourselves.....well, Jessica's Indo teacher translated everything for me. She sat beside me and translated everything that they said too. It was nice to have a personal translater but, I would love to know the language even more. After meeting the staff we went outside and sat at a table. We said a few things about ourselves and then the kids performed for us. It was really cute to see the kids speaking in english and singing. After the performances we took a few pictures and ALL of the kids wanted our autographs. It was so funny to sign my name a million times like I am some movie star. I liked it...hahaha.

We went to McDonalds to get some ice cream after the school and hung out with Jessica's teacher...which was really cool because I really liked her a lot. She was fun to be with and her english was perfect.

They have a Wendy's and an A & W here too!!

It is quiet funny to introduce myself to people here because me and Jessica have the same name and they automatically say "twins" ....and we just laugh and say "yes, because so many people with twins name them the same name."hahaha no, we don't really say that but, it is really funny.

Last night we did some karaoke with some of Jessica's students. It is really cool because you go into this room with the people you are with and there are 2 microphones and you start singing to what you want. I had a blast doing this!! The girls we went with were tons of fun and we danced and sang for about 2 hours.

I finally got a full nights sleep last night for the first time. I am also excited because I didnt wake up until 6:30am instead of 4 or 5 am. I am really getting adjusted to the days here and no more jet lag!! PTL!!!!

Today we are going a little bit slower than the past week. We have not stopped any of the days that I have been here so, today is going to be good. I love it here and I am having a great time.

first day in Indo...

2007-12-10T20:44:00.000-05:00

Well, yesterday was my first full day in Indo and it was great!!! We stayed very busy so that I can get over the jet lag!my day went like this: I went through orientation and then we went to the malll....which the mall was Very western and huge!! I was amazed at the mall!!! In the mall we did some grocery shopping and got starbucks (yummy!). After that we came home and rested a while and then i went with boyter to teach and then we had a chrima party with some girls....

Things about this culture:
-The girls are soo cute! They just giggle and laugh about everything! oh and they LOVE pictures!! Lets just say....we get along very well!!
-Everyone stares and they ask me if I speak Indonesian
-The driving is crazy ...just like most asian countries!
-There are these horse like things in the mall which are electronic and kids just ride around the mall on them....this is the funniest thing I have seen so far!!!
-They LOVE Japan and ask me all about when I went....I have met like 4 or 5 Japanese majors... last night this girl asked me how to say some Japanese so, I told her "Hello" and she said that I said it wrong. I just laughed it off ...

Well, thats about all that I can think of now! I am having a GREAT time and I love it here!! I feel so welcomed and loved!! thanks for all of the *thoughts!!
Love, Griff

Safe Arrival

2007-12-09T14:12:00.001-05:00

Caroline again...Griff has safely arrived in Indonesia. She called her home when she got there, safe and sound. Thanks for the thoughts!

Almost There...written from Hong Kong

2007-12-09T00:44:00.000-05:00

**This was in an email I received from Griff at 11:25 pm on Saturday. She asked me to post it on her blog for her. ~Caroline

Random things that have happened:

Asian guy winked at me....that has NEVER happened to me before...lol i thought it was funny

I had two Indonesians sit beside me on the 18 hour flight...we had nice conversations along with sleep!

On another flight, a guy asked if I wanted to sleep on his shoulder. I think he was in the army or something. He seemed nice, but still a little sketch!

I met two Thai girls in LA who were so amazing and sweet as pie ...they had the cutest dog EVER he weighed 5 pounds!! He loved me and kept jumping out of his bag to come to me! The dog had a pink collar but it was a boy..I love Asians!!

I helped another family find their little girl who wandered away to the bathroom...they didnt even know she had wandered away but, I told them in as many ways as I could...they didn't speak a lick of english so, I just pointed and guided them!! lol

I have also met some sketch people...like the guy who stood right behind me while I was about to type my first email. I walked away and came back later (there are 4 other computers who were NOT occupied and were in GREAT condition).

Another lady walked up to me and kept asking me all these questions and I just shook my head because it freaked me out.

I have met a good bit of people but, I would have liked to meet more because I am getting so bored with myself....oh well, I will be with Boyter and the others soon! PTL!!

I cannot believe that I am in Hong Kong though ...its like a dream! I have been planning this trip for so long and it is finally here! I cant wait to see what my Daddy has in store for me!!

I have just been people watching the whole time and it has been quite hilarious! I love people watching especially to see the most beautiful babies and little kids EVER!

The only really other exciting things that have happened are the chinese girls and how they are stuck in the 80's ..I think its so cute!

Oh, and I get really funny looks because I am white....at least I hope thats the reason...maybe because I look rough as anything...who knows! lol

Well, I am really looking forward to getting to Indonesia!! please keep Boyt, me and the others in your *thoughts. My next flight is 5 hours long...which is a long time for someone who has already been traveling 2 1/2 days...so, I am hoping that it goes by fast!!

OKay, I hope all is well with everyone!

p.s. I love you mom!!!

Thanksgiving

2007-11-23T09:12:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was Thanksgiving and it was so wonderful to spend time with family and friends for the day. I am so thankful for many things. The thing I am thankful for the most is that we can worship in America freely and not get persecuted. I am so thankful for a country where we are free to do what we want. I am also so thankful for the food that we have in America and that my family can afford the food we need (and more). There are many families in Greenville and Greenwood who go without food. Many people do not realize that people who live in the same community as them do not have food on the table at night. I have about 2 families in the afterschool program I work at who do not have food at home and they live in Greenwood. We should all be thankful for what we have. We are so blessed here in America.

So, I leave for Indonesia in exactly 2 weeks from today. I am so excited to be spending the holiday season in another country. I am also really excited to see my dearest friend, Boyter, and spend some quality time with her. I am praying for safe travels and that my luggage does not get lost (although I am bringing a lot of carry on stuff in case that happens). Please be praying that I can make some lasting relationships with the Indonesians.
Thank you for praying for me on this amazing journey I am about to take.

Getting Ready...

2007-10-21T08:50:00.000-04:00

Well, I leave soo soon! It is crazy how it's so close...I have been planning for this trip and anticipating for a year now and it's finally less than 2 months away!! :-) !! :-)