Most Eventful Summer of my Life (part 2)

(this is a continuation of the last post which you can read here if you like, but a quick summary…Allan and I drove across beautiful lands, saw lots of cool things, then got engaged! Now you’re all caught up!)

 

…and plan we did. In fact, that is all we did. We’ll not really.

We also took a trip to Honduras for a week (!!!) It was the 20th anniversary of Mayatan so we went back to celebrate with our students and friends. It was a blast! I love that place so much! Our students were so much bigger! I couldn’t believe how much older they looked in just one year! Other than that, nothing about Honduras had changed! and I love that! 

 

We also spent a week at the beach with my family and got to hang out with these cuties the whole time. Their cuteness is almost too much for anyone to handle. 

 

Oh, and I started a job at College of Charleston.Thanks to Jesus. It is quite a miracle how it happened. Short story version (Kinda) …I didn’t qualify for in-state tuition because CofC does things weird. I would only be able to qualify for Spring semester. I missed all the deadlines for scholarships and graduate assistantships (where they pay for your school if you work 20 hours), so I was basically SOL in terms of reducing my out-of-state tuition to go to CofC, meaning the different of $18,000 as opposed to potentially free the next year because of in-state, an assistantship, or scholarships.

I was calling the School of Education to see if there was someone I could talk to about deferring my acceptance. I explained the situation and the person on the other line got quiet and said…”well, I think there is actually one assistantship left, but its competitive.” “WHO DO I NEED TO TALK TO?!” I was so excited!

So I immediately called the woman and explained the situation to her voicemail. Then, when I hadn’t heard back from her a few hours later, decided to go by her office. She was so nice but told me that she didn’t know what would happen.

So I waited. About 2 weeks later, I received a call from them asking if I would be interested in starting a job for them during the summer, and that it would guarantee the assistantship in the Fall. Um…YES! And even better, they would pay me for working in the summer! Holler.

Pretty crazy huh? Yea, I thought so too. Thank you Jesus.

 

Whew.  What a whirlwind!

But a really fun whirlwind!

So in the midst of those things….

… we took Save the Date pictures (maybe with such short notice this wasn’t necessary, but hey, that’s okay)…

and we registered….

and planned, planned, planned!

and had amazing showers thanks to some awesome friends and family who really showered us with love and gifts to help us start a home. It was such a blessing and we are so grateful for everything! …

 

and then August was here, meaning it was almost time!

 

More on that in the following posts : )

The Most Eventful Summer of My Life

Well, it’s been an eventful summer to say the least!!

After packing down my car…(I wish you could tell how full it really was!)

and leaving the Dale House, Allan and I journeyed across this beautiful country we call home. Man, it is just beautiful!

Our journey took us through Durango, CO, with a stop by the Sand Dunes. Those things are just incredible. and so random! It’s just a small mountain range of lots and lots of sand, right in front of HUGE 14,000 feet mountains. Where did all that sand come from? I have no idea, but it was still really cool and fun. We got to climb to the (almost) top of this huge pile of sand with bare feet and jeans rolled up. It was so neat.

After our small detour to the Sand Dunes, we settled in Durango, CO for the evening because I wanted to visit one of my old primaries, S, who had been transferred to the jail there.

It was such a good yet hard visit with her. I hate seeing people I know in places like that, but I also love the conversation and emotions that are felt in the visiting room. She cried talking to me about how she had ended up back in jail and cried telling me how lonely and angry she was and how she didn’t want to open herself up to anyone because she was afraid of friendships. It is just not fair. It really isn’t. I will not and never will understand why some people have to grow up in terrible living environments. Her own mother is the one who turned her into the cops and sent her back to jail, but not because she was trying to help her. 

It was hard to leave that jail knowing that I may never see S again. We have written letters this summer and she is still in the jail until at least October. She has hopes of going back to the DHP, which I hope that too. I hope she can be somewhere where she feels cared for and valuable.

After visiting with S, Allan and I started a long drive towards the Grand Canyon, with a stop by the 4 corners, of course!

We then drove back into Colorado to get this following picture because we didn’t get one when we drove out there last summer!  

After our short visit to Four Corners and the Welcome to Colorful Colorado sign, we became slightly obsessed with a game on Allan’s phone called Angry Birds. So, let me paint a picture for you. Our GPS is on Allan’s phone, but we also are using a map. I am driving, Allan is playing Angry Birds, on the phone, therefore not looking at the GPS. We come to a split in the road and I have to make a quick decision to stay straight or go left. I ask Allan. He looks at the map quickly (because he is in the middle of Angry Birds, of course) and says, “Go left!” So I did.

About 3 hours later and after driving through no-mans-land, literally, (we were the only people we saw that entire time), we decided to look at Allan’s GPS on his phone. We were not even on the map. It turns out that the “go left” turn I made took us onto an uncharted Indian Reservation Road. Now, it was a beautiful drive, but we were SO FAR from where we were trying to go! There were even wild horses (not just dead ones!)! It was so crazy!

We drove about another hour and finally arrived to some civilization where we stayed for the night.

The next day we headed to the Grand Canyon. There is a reason it is called Grand. Holy cow.

Then it was off to Flagstaff, AZ. This is one of the crazier towns I have ever visited. It was super neat though. They were having a festival called Hullabaloo and man, was this a weird festival or what! People of all ages were dressed in the strangest costumes..I’m talking babies, toddlers, all the way up to older adults. It was neat to experience though!

Our next stop took us to Amarillo, Texas. Now that is a strange place. You start smelling the cows about 30 miles out of town and the billboards only advertise eating a 72oz steak. We were there on a Sunday night and it took us about an hour to find an open restaurant. It was just crazy. Amarillo does have a pretty good country song by George Strait about it though, so I guess it has something going for it.

Memphis, TN was our next stop. That was a really fun place. While we only got to spent about 12 hours there total, including sleeping time, we did get to go walking in Memphis with our feet 10 feet off of Beale. It was like a dream come true.

Our next stop took us to Augusta, GA where we got to celebrate the life of Allan’s Ging-Ging. While in Flagstaff, we got the call the she had passed away. She was 95 years old and her health had been failing. It’s never easy when someone dies, but I really enjoyed watching Allan and his family deal with this loss in a positive light. It was a beautiful ceremony and honoring to Ging-Ging and the amazing life she lived. It’s crazy to think about 95 years on Earth! Wow!

After Ging-Ging’s funeral, Allan and I headed to Charleston to be with his family.

and that’s where it happened.

We went out on a date. We were hanging out on a dock. We were just talking like normal.

Then I was tired and it was time to go.

Then Allan was asking me to marry him!

I was confused and I didn’t believe him, but it was real.

We were engaged!!

p.s. This is where it happened. Cool, huh?

It was awesome and exciting and unbelievable.

That was June 12, 2011.

We set the wedding date for August 14, 2011, leaving us 2 months to plan…

Daddy’s Girl

I’m going to tell you guys a secret.

One reason I love going to weddings is because I know I am going to get to dance with my dad.

and all little girls like to dance with their daddies, even 24 year olds.

If any of you at all know my father, you know he is quite the character. You never really know what he is going to say, and you never really can believe he said it when he did!!

What you may not know about my dad, however, is that he is one of the most faithful men on earth. He is faithful to my mom. He is faithful to his family. He is faithful to his friends. He is faithful to his work.

If I have learned one thing from my dad, it is how a man should love a woman. He cherishes my mom. He adores her. He wants to go grocery shopping just so he can be with her. He loves her as if they just started dating. He still has that excitement for their relationship and wants my mom to feel cared for. I think this is rare in relationships these days, especially for people their age, and I am so happy that I got to grow up under that example. I know how I should be loved and didn’t settle because of my father’s example.

 

One of my favorite parts of being home with everyone is getting to see how Honey Cate and Kessler just LOVE pops. They say his name and just start laughing. They love him because he loves them so well. He plays all sorts of games with them and tickles them and head bangs with them until they are shaking with laughter. I don’t know how a 60 year old man has that kind of energy, but it is to fun to watch! I think his love for his grandkids is just a small example of the man he is.

 

I realized over the past year that I take my dad SO for granted. Not only was I surrounded by residents who had never met their fathers, seen their fathers, talked to their fathers, or who even knew who their fathers were, I also had 2 co-workers who lost their fathers at young ages. I am so blessed to know my dad, talk to my dad, be loved by my dad, and have my dad around, in my life, part of my life, sharing my life, wanting to be in my life

I heard this cheesy saying once, but I like it…

“Everyone has a father, but not everyone has a daddy.”

I have a daddy…a great daddy…for whom I am very thankful.

I love you daddy. Happy father’s day.

It’s a rap

So…I left the Dale House…after a week of crying.

It was really tough for me to leave. It is still hard for me to realize that I am not going back there. This is not just a vacation. I already miss the community so much. I lie awake at night thinking about it. I am constantly subtracting 2 hours now to see what they are doing at the DHP instead of adding 2 hours to see what the East Coast is doing. It’s a weird switch.

One great thing about leaving the DHP is that they are SO good at goodbyes! They want to make sure each person feels appreciated, valued, and like they are leaving well. I really am thankful for that because it gave me sufficient time to say goodbye to people I love so much.

My goodbye process started about 2 weeks before I actually left  

Here’s the way it started…

The last weekend my team was off, we took a weekend get-a-way to a beautiful cabin in Breckenridge. We just wanted some time to be together and away from everything else. It was so much fun just sitting around, eating, playing the same “guess who is written on the piece of paper stuck to your head” game, relaxing, and really just doing nothing together. I feel so blessed to have gotten to work with these people. It’s just such a gift. I was really happy that Allan got to be there as well because I wanted him to get to know people I love so much and I wanted to people I love so much to get to know the man I love so much.

Sunday morning was an extra-special time together. We each went around and shared about “our next step” and then each of us prayed for one another. Man, did the tears flow then! It was incredible the spirit of love that was in the room.

(side note: while we were in Breck, we found out the DHP office, mainly our secretary and George, had been robbed at gun point. The DHP has been robbed before but never an armed robbery. They took about $7,000 and the guy was caught later on that day. The guy was an accomplice to an old resident who knew George kept money in the office. Very sad, but we were thankful everyone was okay.)

After that incredible weekend, Stephanie and I spoke at my last Sunday night family night. Of course, I cried, but it was just a really special time to be with the kids and get to tell them something that I believe with all my heart: that they are valuable, worth it, and loved. I just so badly wish I could make all of them believe it!!

After Steph and I spoke, something crazy happened: a resident named D raised his hand from the back and asked if he could say something. This never happens. It’s normally we pray, then the kids disperse immediately. But not tonight. He came to the front behind us and proceeded to thank all the staff for what they do. He was grateful that we stick with them through the thick and the thin. He as thankful for the times we make him mad because we are just trying to make his life better.

I was blown away. What a gift from Jesus that was. If nothing else great would have happened all year, that one little speech from D would have made everything, every fight, every annoyance, every frustration, worth it.

Wednesday night family night was set aside for the kids to get to say goodbye to us. I think this is HUGELY important for these kids because goodbyes are things they are used to, but things they hate. They are used to people walking out of their lives for no reason or explanation. I’m really grateful the DHP recognizes this and wants to help make a smooth transition and also teach the kids how to say goodbye well.

All of the “leaving” training staff set up front while the kids went around and shared memories of each of us. It was so sweet to hear the kids talk and hear what they remembered about the year. One girl, B, who seemingly hated the DHP the entire time she was here, cried her eyes out as she talked about how Stephanie had cared for unlike anyone in her life. It was awesome.

After the “talking” part, we had a small celebration with sparkling cider and cookies! I also used the time for some last minute photos! Here are all the female staff with Kevin and George, our fearless leaders!

Thursday morning was the goodbye time with all of the staff! Another time to cry! YAY!  

We all showed up sporting our George t-shirts as a surprise! It was great!

This was also a really special time together. Memories were shared, I cried, and then they prayed for each of us. We also each got the coveted Dale House Project coffee mug and bookmark!! I was so excited : )

 

Whew…that’s a lot of goodbyes! and that wasn’t even all for me! I worked the last weekend and had to say final goodbyes to all the kids and Kallie, Mike, Annie, Andy, and Travy as they all left for camp on Sunday. That’s when reality really hit.

I spent the next two days packing up my room before Allan and I headed out on Tuesday.

Lots more tears were shed that day as I said final goodbyes to the people who were still around and drove away from that place I grew to love so much.

I can’t describe it exactly, but, man, it’s going to be an adjustment.

so that’s the end of my journey in CO.

but it’s the beginning of my journey in SC. It’s the beginning of taking what I learned from the DHP and living it out. It’s the beginning of answering the call in a different location with different people.

I’m excited and nervous all in one.

The Last Month: 10 month update!

 

I think I have been avoiding the reality that I am leaving this place that has become so dear to me.

I have 2 weeks left. That means I actually have only 7 days on duty.

Thursday, as I sat in George’s office before we discussed what I was going to talk about at family night, I just began crying.

No real reason. He just asked me what I thought about my time here and if I thought it had been a good year.

Tears of joy and sadness were all that I could answer.

Let me tell you a few reasons why.

1. This place is a glimpse of heaven: I am truly convinced of this. It radiates Jesus. It radiates Jesus message of love for all creation. It radiates acceptance, honesty, vulnerability, healing, growth, goodness. It is such a gift to be a part of this. I’ve never experienced something so close to heaven. It is my prayer to carry this “heaven” with me. It’s not just a place, which is awesome, because I can take it wit me.

2. The community: I have talked about this so many times, but I don’t think I have even been more content with myself and the people I am surrounded by. This is the first time in my life I have not felt pulled by spreading myself too thin. I have made great, loving, honest, caring friends. Who knew you could hang out with the same 5 people all year and be so joyful? I will miss the laughs, the games, the $2 Tuesdays, being faced, the outfits, the trips to chic-fil-a, being on duty, the inside jokes, the serious conversations, the conversations about Jesus and how to love well.

3. The Leadership: Man. I wish I could learn from George and Kevin for the rest of my life. Their knowledge, insight, wisdom, harsh love, gentle love, and faith is something for which I strive. They are amazing examples of Jesus. I love that they don’t claim to know all the answers, yet provoke such thought in me of all things: from how to deal with a kid to my faith.

4.The kids: This might seem like an obvious reason to miss this place, but work here for a little while, and one might change their mind. I have wrestled with this one too…will I really miss the kids and all the absurdities that come along with them? Oh yea.  Life will seem so simple without the daily craziness. I will miss their smiles, I will miss the conversations we have after arguments, I will miss seeing them sing at family nights, I will miss seeing kids emancipate and be so proud of themselves, I will miss celebrating kid’s birthdays for maybe the first time in their life, I will miss seeing them play games and get to be kids, I will miss bedtime in girls and telling them that I love them, I will miss family dinners with 17 people around the dinner table, I will miss those small glimpses of hope that I see in each of them.

5. The beautiful view: I just love seeing those mountains! They are incredible.

It is going to be super hard to leave this place, my friends, the kids, etc. I am so thankful for the time I had here to learn about Jesus, myself, loving others well, challenging others, being open with people, and so so much more.

Thank you guys so much for your support of me over the past year! Please don’t stop once I leave here! Please continue to pray that I can carry this “heaven” with me and remember all I have learned here. Please pray that I can love others well in SC, that I can find a group of friends similar to here, and that I can continue to be pushed towards Christ and not get comfortable in my pursuit of Him.

 

 

One thing that makes this easier is that I get to see this man in 2 days! no more video chatting! Praise the Lord!

Mother’s Daughter

Working at the DHP has taught me a lot, one of the most important being how important family is and the huge impact and influence it has on a person.

I can honestly say that is the truth. Almost daily I catch myself doing something just like my mama.

I use coupons now (when she sends them to me, of course)

I can’t sleep unless all the girls are home and asleep in girl’s residence.

I read people’s blogs that I barely know.

I take naps on the couch after work.

I talk on the phone in the bathroom (maybe she just does this with me? Sorry for sharing the secret…)

My car is messy.

I like to tell people what the food is that they are looking at before we eat it.

etc.

etc.

etc.

Not only did I learn these things mentioned above from my mom…she also taught me about Jesus, and others, and how those two go together.

She’s the reason I love hurting kids. She’s the reason I want pregnant teen mom’s to have diapers, and formula, and support. She’s the reason I am saddened when children are not taken care of. She’s the reason I like the “inner-city.” She’s the reason I want people to know the hope of Jesus.

because that is how she raised me. She put me first so that I would know to put others first. She took us to her work so we could see the hurting people she was helping. She entertained and cooked for all of my friends and made them feel welcome so I could learn hospitality. She gave me a safe place to live so I could feel secure. She washed all my clothes so I could feel clean and cared for. She fixed all my lunches in school so I could be nourished. She waited up for me to come home so I could know I was important to her and it mattered where I was. She took me shopping so I could feel pretty. She came to events as my school so I could feel supported. She prayed with me so I could learn to pray. She took my to church so I could learn about Jesus. She modeled Christ to me in the home so I could learn how to model Christ to others.

I am thankful for my mom today and the woman she is and the way she constantly pours herself out for her kids.

It amazes me when the residents never hear from their mom. I have met around 6-7 of the 40+ residents that have lived at the DHP since I started working her. 6 or 7 out of 40? And of those 6-7, I have only seen them 1 or 2 times at the house. They just don’t care, and it breaks my heart. No wonder these kids live at the DHP. I cannot imagine what it is like to be one of the residents. I know if I have a bad day or need to cry, talk, complain, vent, anything…I can call my mom and she is guaranteed to answer, with a smile, ready to talk regardless of what she has going on. I have seen kids call and call and call their moms with no answer.

I wish they all could have my mom.

I could write so much more about my mom and the way she loves the kids at the DHP because I love them, the way she continues to support me and help me financially, the way she loves her grandkids so much, the way she gets excited every year for our beach trip because we will all be together, the way she cooks and cook and cooks for Christmas so we can relax and feel cared for, the way she still tells me every time we talk that she is praying for me, the way she….

Thanks for loving me so well Mama! I love you!

Hoppy Easter!

Easter is a special time here at the DHP as well as for believers everywhere.

It’s the day we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior.

It was a really cool experience to get to celebrate Easter with the residents. It was hard to be away from my family and Allan, but I am so thankful that I got to spend it with my DHP family. They are just such special people and have such a  special place in my heart.

Isn’t Bella just adorable?

Before Easter dinner, we had an Easter service where we sang some songs and then Kevin, Bella, and Grace (Kevin’s daughter) shared the story of Jesus’s death and resurrection with us. It was just precious to see little Bella hold up the different props as Grace told about Jesus dying and raising again for our sins! They told the story just the way I was taught as a little girl..with the props inside the eggs inside the egg carton. I loved it!

After the service, we had a good ole fashion Easter egg hunt!!

It was so hilarious to see these 17, 18, 19 year old “hard core” kids running around the yard looking for brightly colored eggs!

I’m grateful for the sacrifice the Jesus made for us. I am grateful for the chance I have to share that with these kids. I am thankful that Easter is more than just bunnies, eggs, and candy. I am thankful that I was justified by his blood.

The Monday after Easter, my friend Lauren shared a devotion out of Romans 5, talking about the freedom we have because of Jesus. I think you should go read it right now. It’s a great reminder.

I hope everyone had a great Easter and really was able to think back on what Easter really means! May we live in that daily!