Where Do I Begin???!!!

   I have been contemplating a title for the next -way over-due- blog post for a couple days and couldn't think of anything that was satisfying so I settled for the easy way out this time. 
    The last post was in early November and I am struggling to think of words to describe the length of time it feels like it has been since I posted it. I promised more pics and they never came- please forgive me? Thanksgiving was a week after that and I was so excited to be on the road to my parents house that was a fun dream! The days leading up to Thanksgiving break were very overwhelming but God brought me through it all. I was privileged to watch one of the professors daughter a couple times that week. The day I left for Ohio I watched her in the morning and did some laundry. I left around 2:30pm. I got directions and a concerned "be careful" from my daddy on the telephone minutes before I left. As I was heading out the door I stopped at the office at the bottom of the steps leading to the main floor of my building where the student center and one of the counselors offices is and got a hearty have good break from Mr. Paul. As I left Vancleve I stopped and got gas. Then was on my way. I set the cruise and off I went. It was such a beautiful day and I was on cloud 9! I had 3 fun-loving brothers and 2 sisters that are always ready to stay up and chat till- well to  late early to be talking about here. Not to mention my parents. There is something about being where your family is that is just  a comfortable feeling. I was anticipating seeing my grandpa who at the time was still in the hospital. All this and just the simple fact that I got to get off campus, didn't have any assignments staring me in the face, I was pumped! I was about an hour from school when suddenly the cruise control kicked off on its own, I pushed on the accelerator and the gas gauge when flying up towards 50 mph then slowly fell back down. I could speed the car up but the lights and the gas gauge wouldn't work. I pulled off at an exit and stopped at a gas station and used 3 dollars to use a pay phone that didn't do what I paid it to do. I was in tears trying to stay calm as I went into the gas station and as I tried to hide the fact that I was losing it I ask if there was a mechanic around. She proceeded to ask what was wrong and I told her I had no idea and she went out and looked at it. I couldn't start it now and I popped the hood for her and she jiggled the cables to the battery and she told me to start it- started right up and she said "oh it was just a loose cable- you should be good to go now". So quite relieved I went on my way thanking God she had been able to figure it out. I made it 12-15 miles- same thing only this time it just up and died and I coasted to the edge of the freeway. I sat there and looked around and tried to my racing heart to be still. I prayed that God would help me give it to Him and that I would be OK with staying on campus if it was His will. I then got out of my car and changed into my tennis shoes and started walking. It was going to be getting dark in an hour or so and I was trying to figure out how long it would take to walk to the nearest town- about 15 miles. I walked and tried to ignore the stares from those on the interstate who were FLYING past. I had walked about 5 maybe 10 minutes when a man pulled over and rolled his window down. He asked me what was wrong and I told him trying to keep the tears at bay. He asked if I had someone I could call and I said yes. He let me use his phone and I tried to call the school. I got someone on the line and I lost it. I couldn't even talk. It was a little lot humiliating!  The person on the other end thought someone had died. About that time a truck pulled over closer to where my car was and 2 men were walking  towards us. Turns out its people from the college. The men worked on the car and got it started and we were on our way. For 10 miles. It did it again. Finally we parked it in a empty lot and moved on to plan "B". I called my daddy as we were travelling North and he said that they didn't have time to come and meet us so I ended up in Paoli Indiana. I slept in a hallway behind a sheet for 5 nights. It was a warm and welcoming place to be I have no complaints but is was not the above mentioned dream. I still don't know what God was trying to teach me maybe submission. I am grateful to Pastor Bob England of Paoli Wesleyan Church and his wife and their family for taking me in and making me feel welcome. It was a Thanksgiving I will never forget. I spent a big chunk of the little bit of money I had to buy an alternator for my car and the guys fixed it on the way back to school on Monday morning- in the rain! 
  The weeks after Thanksgiving break were full with studying for finals and working to pay my bill at school off. Finals and Christmas parties finished off the semester. I got a Gummy snake that was 3 feet long and a cute little snowman made of a sock and some rice it really is pretty cute! He is adorable!
 Christmas break began and I spent it in Ohio. Mother was sick the entire time I was there and Kendall and Laban (my brothers) and Sarah and Carrie (sisters) took turns with it too. We had 2 funerals while I was there (no family- Church friends) and we celebrated Carrie (17) and Kendalls (8) birthdays as well along with Christmases. It was a fun time I got to spend some time with a couple friends and took all 3 of my brothers at home on a little fun trip to am Amish Store and then to Richmond Indiana for some window shopping. We went to the Library 2 times and we went mudding in my car- their idea all the way! It was a fun trip. I got to school last Tuesday and classes began on Friday. I am praying for a good semester! May God bless you all! 

Pictures from Fall Break...

Hannah and Kendall checking out farm equipment

My brothers and Hannah- a college friend

This is Tisha the kitty that got abandoned at Grandpas my mother has been bottle feeding her so while she was away we took turns feeding her.

More pictures to come...

Life These Days...

How is life these days? Well rather uneventful unless you count the full schedule of classes and work and homework. It seems to set a pace of sorts! 

I SPY(campus recruiting event) went well. My sister Sarah and 2 cousins came for the weekend. It was about a month ago. Guests arrived on Thursday eve. and went to classes with us on Friday and spent the afternoon having fun. On Saturday most of the guests went home. My guests stuck around another day and my wonderful cousin helped get my car back up and running, it needed a new battery and had been sitting there for almost 3 weeks. God provided the means for a new battery and my cousin to help replace it. In the afternoon we all went to natural bridge and hiked up to the top and over to a lookout. It was a lovely afternoon. On the way home we had supper at DQ and then lounged in the Student Center for a little bit till curfew. 

3 days later I got to go up there for 5 days! It was a great break. I took a couple girls up from here and we helped my sister hold the fort down while my parents took the weekend away for some much needed R&R. They got home on Monday right before lunch and we lift right after lunch. It was great to have some time off campus. On Thursday (before we left) around 11:30am I went down to the Business Office for something quick and as I was leaving Mr. Paul was coming in. He said do you need some kittens to take to your mother? I told him no not really and he said well there are 3 of them at the end of the driveway in a box. So I ran ( literally) down the lane to get the dears, it was in the low forties and drizzling I thought at least I could warm them up and maybe find homes for them. When very much out of breath arrived at the end of the lane- I heard them whining and when I opened the box I got quite a surprise- Not 3 but 5 and not kittens- PUPPIES!!! =< I was irate, who could do such a thing? I was expecting kittens that were scrambling around in this box that would be all cute and cuddly and I could find home for them simply because they were so cute but what I found broke my heart- 5 one week old puppies almost frozen their eyes werent open and they had no teeth. The first little puppy I picked up was so could when I picked him up he didnt move he was stiff and I thought he was dead. As I put him down he whimpered a little. In the bottom of the box was a wet towel and the box was wet as well. I took my jacket off and picked them all up  and hurried up the hill to the  school. The staff wasnt to happy to see them there is a no animal on campus policy so I can understand. Students were calling home and asking if their mothers would be interested in taking a puppy. No they didnt want a puppy. One of the girls took one of them to Tennessee with her to give the people she was staying with. This was after Mrs. Marshall ( our financial aid lady) drove me to Jackson to see if the hardware/pet store would take them. The lady in there was almost in tears and wanted to help so badly. She wasnt allowed to take them and prayed for us right there. The remaining four went to Ohio my riders happily (kinda) obliged to feed them as I drove. We got a little lost as we crossed the Ohio river ( as is usual) and we stumbled upon a "no kill" animal adoption agency. They director didnt really want to take them but one of his volunteers took them. I was so glad to find a home for them! I have a reputation here now and I dont know if it is good or bad but I do know that people here will no longer inform me of poor animals dumped by the road anymore.=)

We are a week and a half away from Thanksgiving and something like 5 weeks away from the end of the semester. There is alot that will be happening between now and then. Right now my biggest problem is learning to trust. I know God will provide I know He will but I am getting better and better at getting myself all  stressed out about the little stuff. This is not something I am proud of by any means-  I am simply asking for your prayers as I continue to try to lean on HIM. School bills and gas to drive to Ohio on breaks or the funds to stay on campus if it doesnt suite to go up there- He knows where it will come from! 

I am hoping to go to Ohio for Thanksgiving. I will be up there from 11.23-11.28 Lord willing and then we are in the home stretch for finals. 

If any of you in Ohio know of anyone looking for help over our Christmas break from December the 17th to January the 11th or something like that I would be happy to know about it. If not that ok too! But please pray that Gods will would be done and that I can accept it!
May you all be blessed as we Journey Heavenward!

The last Young Folks gathering before I moved....

One last young folks gathering at the river before I left Washington.

Pie Irons over the fire for supper!

DELICIOUS!

Singing around the fire as the sun went down...

In my kitchen...

Cherry Seed spitting contest.

The Changes Haven't Stopped

Wow! Another month has passed! It is incredible how time is flying! So much has happened in the last month that once again I have no clue where to begin!
We just got back from DQ! We were given a trip to DQ with extended curfew as an incentive to invite people to an event we will be having on campus in October. Lord willing at least one of my sisters and one of my cousins will be coming down for the weekend. I am so looking forward to seeing them. 

The weeks seem to be speedily escaping the calendar but I don't have a lot to show for.

Mondays I have the morning free. I help serve dinner at 11:20am. After lunch I have a class at 12:20. The afternoon is free. Usually the best time to do laundry and clean up my room. Supper is at 5:30pm then I help with dishes. At 7 we have campus study hours which means everyone is required to be studying till 9 pm. Curfew is at 9:30.

Tues am Chapel is at 9:20am then class till 11:30. After lunch I am free till 5pm which is P.E. Then supper at 6. Study hours from 7-9 curfew at 9:30.

Wednesday Class @ 7:55am! Chapel at 9:20 am. Class till 11:40 then class. 

Thursday is the same as Tues except no P.E. and Friday is like Wednesday. Chapel is Tues - Fri. I help with dishes on Mon,Wed,Thurs,Fri,&Sun. I also help clean guest rooms and will maybe start helping cook. On Thurs I help serve dress-up supper. Between working and school work and keeping my dorm cleaned, I have little time left over but now and then (when my car works which it doesn't right now) I will take some girls to town. We have some fun! Its nice to get out and get some fresh air!

I have been extremely grateful for the mail I have received. I greatly anticipate mail time!

On Sundays I have been attending a small church that is nearby. In the evening we all go to Mount Carmel. It is the high school version of KMBC. In the evenings sometimes we have an afterglow. 

Each class (freshman, sophomore...) has a sponsor. The sponsor is usually a couple that lives on campus and they will have their class up to their house for devotions and refreshments. Its a good fellowship and a good way to end the weekend. It is about 1 time a month.

I have tried to upload pictures with no success I will continue to try!
I hope to do better at posting more than once a month but around here we take life a day at a time or less so no promises!
Gods richest to you all!

Life has Changed!

 I don't even know where to begin! So much has happened since I left Washington that it would take days to record it all! It was sad to leave but Gods plan in my life is more important so I will try to accept it and move on.
 On the first day of my trip East I enjoyed the scenery and view many wonderful things. In the morning my parents house to let them know I was on my way. My sister answered and said they are on their way to Grandpa Strikes, Grandpa is having his second stroke for the day. (He has strokes quite frequently and they are always followed by a seizure that last longer than it seems they should. Many times they squad will come and take him to the hospital now they know what is going to happen so they make him comfortable at home unless it gets to bad then they will take him to the hospital if it gets to bad.) So in the evening I called to see how he was and mother answered this time. We talked about Grandpa for a little bit then she has been diagnosed with Lymes Disease and Lupus. She has been testing with a medical doctor for some time trying to get top the bottom of some health issues she has been having. She is now taking it a day at a time and reading up on these things and will soon begin treating them. It was good to hear the diagnosis finally but that is not what we wanted to hear. God knows best and Lord willing she can treat it and it will go away and get to feeling better but, it is a long grueling process.
 I stopped around 1 am to sleep a couple hours I was part of the way through Salt Lake City and I had thought I would try to get all the way through before I stopped for the night. My goal when I stopped was to be on the road by 6 or 7 in the morning. That was not what happened- I woke up at 8 am :( Oh well I got on my way by 9 and went to Subway for breakfast. I drove all day and had hoped to be in Quinter by bedtime. I ended up deciding to stop in Denver when I got on the east side and traveling the rest of the way in the morning. Well - I got to Denver around 11 pm and stopped at a motel that looked clean and well kept and went inside. I asked the man at the front desk how much a room with one bed was and he said it was $150.00 and he only have one left. I didn't want to pay that much and told him I was looking for something a little cheaper- he looked at me and said good luck. I thought he was just saying that because he wanted to sell his room. I thought nothing more of it until I had been searching for 2 hours all over Denver to find a room. I went posted on FB and a dear friend  started calling and after much searching found a room an hour or so east of Denver. I slept till 9 am and then went on m y way and got to Quinter around 3pm. I stayed  until Tues. then went to White Pines in Wis. I got there on Wed morning around 10 am. I left Quinter at 4 am and ended having to stop and sleepa couple times so I to get another motel room for Tues night. Between Quinter and Wisconsin I stopped at Dows Iowa and when I went in the gas station I was on the phone when I got to the car I laid it on top of some papers and a gust of wind came and blew them all on the ground. I picked up the papers and somehow missed my phone. So an hour later when I went to call my cousins and let them know where I was I couldn't find it! WOW!!! I was not impressed, but I turned around and went back and got my phone.
 I stayed in Wisconsin till Saturday. I enjoyed seeing Aunts, Uncles and cousins. On Saturday I went south to Indiana. Spent till Wednesday and then went to my parents. While I was there I put a little bit of food in the freezer and canned Cherry Pie filling and Tomato Juice and froze applesauce. One day I spent with my sister in law and her boys. Another day my mother took me shopping in Dayton area for my birthday (which was in June). I had a good trip and feel blessed to have been able to go that far safely. God is good!
  It is time for me to go I will post again soon about KMBC and all that has happened here so far.
May God bless you all!
P.S. Pictures later!

Change Is On The Horizon!

  WOW! I knew this would be a sporadic endeavor but honestly I wasn't expecting a two month gap between posts!
  When you are living life a day at a time sometimes it seems hum drum and boring, but when you look at the overall last week or month you realize more has happened than what you see when you are focused on the here and now.
  I am feeling an ocean of emotion if I may call it that. Much excitement, a lot of sadness, and more fear than I would like to admit to feeling. Excitement for the new chapter in my life and all the adventure and growing it is sure to bring, sadness because I am removing myself from all that is comfortable to me and the people that have been such an important part of the chapter that is closing. Lastly fear of a new home, new people, financial mountains, and a long trip across country - just me and God. I am excited about the trip and I am looking forward to the sights I will see and experiencing more of Gods amazing creation- but that's A LOT of miles and  it looks like a lot solo driving. God is good all the time so I am trying to trust that He will take the wheel and pilot this trip.
  So, what has been happening? Well, I have been working 36 hours a week. On the 24th of June I turned 26 so some celebrating in the midst of sorting and packing has been done :). The Young Folks girls came on Wednesday the 29th and we had a campfire and played games and they spent the night. Thursday we all went swimming. Kind of a going away/birthday party.
  I am hoping to leave on the 20th spending some time in Quinter and with family  scattered along the way as I head on East.
  It looks huge in every sense... Please pray that I will trust the One who knows tomorrow before it gets here!
God bless you all!~