August came and went in a hurry. Work was busy and fun...lots of new babies and I love holding them and cuddling them. We also started a new rotation of daily groups for the women, which means that I have a whole new class of women to teach parenting skills to.
This month, Megan turned 22 and Austin turned 7. It was weird being so far away from it all. I'm not used to missing birthday celebrations and have missed so many this year already.
In other news, my car was totaled this month. My dear roommate borrowed it for a road trip and crashed it on her last leg home. Thankfully, she is completely okay and was close enough to home to get someone to pick her up. Insurance has been great, but it has lead me to a whole new line of questions...
But I digress. I am working on figuring out my next steps and best financial decisions.
I spent the rest of the month working out logistics with insurance and anticipating a visit from Katie and the boys. I cheated and posted a few pictures from their trip (although it was technically in September).
As for last months update. Esther has completed 3 rounds of Chemo and it's been radio silence from her family. They appear well supported and I've become very necessary at my work, so all appears settled.
I am hoping to take a quick trip home in September to see family, but it's not looking good at this point with the way things are at work...Hopefully I will be able to leave early on a Saturday and fly home for my days off.
Church is going well, we were relocated for the summer due to construction, but we are finally back in our home location. The church has shrunk some since the beginning of the year and a few folks are moving away, so that's sad. But at the same time that we've shrunk some, we've also gained a few newbies. A couple has moved from home and another couple joined us from Hawaii. We also have a few men coming around. All in all it's encouraging and I love my people here :) grateful for this place and God's kindness in it all.
Not a whole lot else to report.
Song this month: 10000 Reasons by Matt Redman
Books this month: The Secret Garden, 1000 Gifts
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Monday, August 6, 2012
July 2012
July went by far too quickly.
My counter part started at work and we've still been unbelievable busy. I'm grateful to have her because I can't imagine how busy I would be with out her. I still really love my job, and will be grateful when we are finally caught up on all the assessments we need to get done.
The highlight of my month was getting to go on a trip with my mom and my Nana to Fargo North Dakota and then up to Canada to visit my great aunt. Living in the desert it was a great break to leave for a week in July and enjoy the cooler temperatures, rains and lovely lake up north. But it was also nice, because I now live over 800 miles from my mom and have never gotten to vacation with my Nana. I had fun being with my mom, reading, exploring, talking...and my family did a great job putting up with all my picture taking (only a few are to the side).
spendandbespent.blogspot.com
That's the link to Esther's family. I've been praying, and waiting. Still no decisions yet. But, I would appreciate others praying for them as well. I have seen it move mountains!
No big plans for August, just looking forward to digging in here for a while.
My counter part started at work and we've still been unbelievable busy. I'm grateful to have her because I can't imagine how busy I would be with out her. I still really love my job, and will be grateful when we are finally caught up on all the assessments we need to get done.
The highlight of my month was getting to go on a trip with my mom and my Nana to Fargo North Dakota and then up to Canada to visit my great aunt. Living in the desert it was a great break to leave for a week in July and enjoy the cooler temperatures, rains and lovely lake up north. But it was also nice, because I now live over 800 miles from my mom and have never gotten to vacation with my Nana. I had fun being with my mom, reading, exploring, talking...and my family did a great job putting up with all my picture taking (only a few are to the side).
spendandbespent.blogspot.com
That's the link to Esther's family. I've been praying, and waiting. Still no decisions yet. But, I would appreciate others praying for them as well. I have seen it move mountains!
No big plans for August, just looking forward to digging in here for a while.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
June 2012
This is an up then down post. It's one of my longest, but it was a big month...
This was a month of weddings! I am grateful to my friend Kelly Jean for hosting me so much of the month, as I had been joking that I should have gotten an apartment for the month...and really it wouldn't have been a bad idea if she hadn't hosted me.
I went to Colorado the beginning of the month to spend time with friends, family and help with any wedding prep necessary for my friend Helenka and my cousin Megan. Helenka got married on Saturday morning and the wedding and reception were beautiful. It was such a delight to see two people so in love, and so innocent in that love and knowing that they are making vows that they mean and that they are in it for life. They will be an excellent pair, great doctors, and a true city on a hill. I enjoyed every part of that day and my time with them. Congrats you two!
Then on Sunday, I went to church and then headed to Megan's salon (which is amazing!! All of you in Fort Collins, please look up and call Acacia Salon and make an appointment...hair, nails, massage...they are awesome at them all...Megan does massage there, and I am picky about massage...she is by far the best I have ever had and I highly recommend her)...but I digress....We had a blast getting ready for her wedding and it was beautiful and amazing. Her now husband, Jordan, is a great man and I am honored to have him in the family now and am grateful for such a man of honor to be the caretaker for my dear cousin. I couldn't have imagined a better man or a more beautiful wedding and reception for my girl.
After these weddings I returned to AZ and worked 8 of 9 days...It was full of trainings and was busy, but good...Have I mentioned that I love my job and am so grateful for my coworkers and all that I get to do?
On Monday the 18th, I received an email from the family I lived with a few years ago. I have adopted them as my own and adore each and every one of them (there are pictures of us dancing on the side). The email stated that they had just gotten an MRI on their youngest (the little one in the Cinderella dress and crown in the slideshow). The MRI had revealed a tumor on her head that goes through the skull. They family asked for prayers as she was to have a biopsy that Friday. I am thankful to God for his timing, because I was able to fly in that Friday (as already scheduled), and go straight to that biopsy. Unfortunately, God did not see fit to hear our cries for a benign tumor. Esther was diagnosed with Cancer on Friday. I went straight from the results of that to a wedding rehearsal, dinner, sleep over and then wedding. It was an emotional time, and I did all I could to put my deep sadness, questions and fears aside to enjoy another beautiful wedding. I was able to be genuinely happy for Amanda, as her and Matt were made for each other. It was a beautiful day
I flew home and caught up on housework and waited for the lab results of the biopsy to determine what kind of Cancer... Esther has stage IV Neuroblastoma, which will require chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, a bone marrow transplant and a new treatment called MIBG therapy. The decision is now to be made as to whether I stay here, or if I go back to help out. I admit that I am no longer really present here in AZ, so I am just waiting and trying to find ways to serve to help me be present and in the moment while I am here, especially as I wait (I'm horrible at waiting).
Not much else to report. I get to go to Canada next month (hopefully)...so tune in next month for pictures and another update.
This was a month of weddings! I am grateful to my friend Kelly Jean for hosting me so much of the month, as I had been joking that I should have gotten an apartment for the month...and really it wouldn't have been a bad idea if she hadn't hosted me.
I went to Colorado the beginning of the month to spend time with friends, family and help with any wedding prep necessary for my friend Helenka and my cousin Megan. Helenka got married on Saturday morning and the wedding and reception were beautiful. It was such a delight to see two people so in love, and so innocent in that love and knowing that they are making vows that they mean and that they are in it for life. They will be an excellent pair, great doctors, and a true city on a hill. I enjoyed every part of that day and my time with them. Congrats you two!
Then on Sunday, I went to church and then headed to Megan's salon (which is amazing!! All of you in Fort Collins, please look up and call Acacia Salon and make an appointment...hair, nails, massage...they are awesome at them all...Megan does massage there, and I am picky about massage...she is by far the best I have ever had and I highly recommend her)...but I digress....We had a blast getting ready for her wedding and it was beautiful and amazing. Her now husband, Jordan, is a great man and I am honored to have him in the family now and am grateful for such a man of honor to be the caretaker for my dear cousin. I couldn't have imagined a better man or a more beautiful wedding and reception for my girl.
After these weddings I returned to AZ and worked 8 of 9 days...It was full of trainings and was busy, but good...Have I mentioned that I love my job and am so grateful for my coworkers and all that I get to do?
On Monday the 18th, I received an email from the family I lived with a few years ago. I have adopted them as my own and adore each and every one of them (there are pictures of us dancing on the side). The email stated that they had just gotten an MRI on their youngest (the little one in the Cinderella dress and crown in the slideshow). The MRI had revealed a tumor on her head that goes through the skull. They family asked for prayers as she was to have a biopsy that Friday. I am thankful to God for his timing, because I was able to fly in that Friday (as already scheduled), and go straight to that biopsy. Unfortunately, God did not see fit to hear our cries for a benign tumor. Esther was diagnosed with Cancer on Friday. I went straight from the results of that to a wedding rehearsal, dinner, sleep over and then wedding. It was an emotional time, and I did all I could to put my deep sadness, questions and fears aside to enjoy another beautiful wedding. I was able to be genuinely happy for Amanda, as her and Matt were made for each other. It was a beautiful day
I flew home and caught up on housework and waited for the lab results of the biopsy to determine what kind of Cancer... Esther has stage IV Neuroblastoma, which will require chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, a bone marrow transplant and a new treatment called MIBG therapy. The decision is now to be made as to whether I stay here, or if I go back to help out. I admit that I am no longer really present here in AZ, so I am just waiting and trying to find ways to serve to help me be present and in the moment while I am here, especially as I wait (I'm horrible at waiting).
Not much else to report. I get to go to Canada next month (hopefully)...so tune in next month for pictures and another update.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
May 2012
Sorry for such a late update! I was busy the beginning of June with my cousin's wedding (pictures on the side).
May was slightly busy.
My counterpart at work quit, meaning I have almost twice as much to do in the same amount of time...so work's been a bit hectic.
I was blessed to get to housesit at the beginning of May about half an hour north of my house in a well-to-do neighborhood. It was a nice break and a good retreat...the stars are beautiful from up there (less light pollution).
In super exciting news: a dear friend of mine moved down in the middle of May, so once house sitting was complete, I spent my free time making room in the apartment for her.
I spent the second half of May settling in with my new roomie, Andrea, and then packing and preparing to head back to CO for a good friend's wedding and for my cousin Megan's wedding (I'll update on those next month).
I've been looking into going back to school for nursing and will hopefully have some more information and maybe even a plan next month.
June is wedding month, I go to CO twice for 3 weddings. Hopefully, I will have good news about my job, adventures to tell of my travels and if I get my dream, another woman or few will move out here.
Thanks for checking in :)
May was slightly busy.
My counterpart at work quit, meaning I have almost twice as much to do in the same amount of time...so work's been a bit hectic.
I was blessed to get to housesit at the beginning of May about half an hour north of my house in a well-to-do neighborhood. It was a nice break and a good retreat...the stars are beautiful from up there (less light pollution).
In super exciting news: a dear friend of mine moved down in the middle of May, so once house sitting was complete, I spent my free time making room in the apartment for her.
I spent the second half of May settling in with my new roomie, Andrea, and then packing and preparing to head back to CO for a good friend's wedding and for my cousin Megan's wedding (I'll update on those next month).
I've been looking into going back to school for nursing and will hopefully have some more information and maybe even a plan next month.
June is wedding month, I go to CO twice for 3 weddings. Hopefully, I will have good news about my job, adventures to tell of my travels and if I get my dream, another woman or few will move out here.
Thanks for checking in :)
Monday, May 7, 2012
April 2012
This month was adventurous and fun!
my "niece" (really second cousin) Talia flew out for her spring break and on April 1-3rd we went to San Diego. We explored, we rested, we ate good food...and we sat on the beach. It was so much fun to have that time with her and to get to see the ocean. I've only seen it on one other trip before, and now living so close it's something I think about much more often and am going to attempt to enjoy much more often.
After Talia left I worked a week and a half and flew out to Colorado for a weekend to visit family. My great Aunt Jeannie flew out as well and all of the ladies on my mom's side of the family enjoyed our traditional, annual lunch together. I spent the weekend catching up with friends and seeing my family...my "nephews" are getting so big and I miss them so dearly! I also got to attend/host a bridal shower for one of my dearest friends. It was such a short weekend, but it was much a much needed reprieve of the hardness of the desert. I loved getting to see everyone and enjoy the view of the lovely Rocky Mountains!
I returned to Arizona and worked and worked some more. I am looking at online classes and the possibility of a graduate degree, or a nursing degree, but all the programs are expensive and full-time thus far, so the search continues.
This month I got great news! A dear, lovely, beautiful and wise woman I know and love will be moving in with me sometime in May. She too will be making the leap from Colorado to the desert to help with the church plant. I am excited to have her join and wish it was the end of May already!
I also celebrated my 26th birthday. My friend Abra knows my love of people and tradition and worked with my friend Jen to give me the best birthday party a girl could ever have away from her family. They made me my own themed cake, we played in the pool (a delightful perk of the desert is the abundance of outside pools). We also played a game my friend invented and just had fun together. Most of the church was able to attend and that was probably the best part of all...being with people!
I was busy this month with travels and loved ones, but still managed to read a bit Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter is a fun book and I am enjoying it still...hope to have it finished soon.
Not much else to say. May has some fun things in store as well, so tune in next month for hopefully another exciting and fun post...and I will hopefully have some birthday pictures up on there too.
my "niece" (really second cousin) Talia flew out for her spring break and on April 1-3rd we went to San Diego. We explored, we rested, we ate good food...and we sat on the beach. It was so much fun to have that time with her and to get to see the ocean. I've only seen it on one other trip before, and now living so close it's something I think about much more often and am going to attempt to enjoy much more often.
After Talia left I worked a week and a half and flew out to Colorado for a weekend to visit family. My great Aunt Jeannie flew out as well and all of the ladies on my mom's side of the family enjoyed our traditional, annual lunch together. I spent the weekend catching up with friends and seeing my family...my "nephews" are getting so big and I miss them so dearly! I also got to attend/host a bridal shower for one of my dearest friends. It was such a short weekend, but it was much a much needed reprieve of the hardness of the desert. I loved getting to see everyone and enjoy the view of the lovely Rocky Mountains!
I returned to Arizona and worked and worked some more. I am looking at online classes and the possibility of a graduate degree, or a nursing degree, but all the programs are expensive and full-time thus far, so the search continues.
This month I got great news! A dear, lovely, beautiful and wise woman I know and love will be moving in with me sometime in May. She too will be making the leap from Colorado to the desert to help with the church plant. I am excited to have her join and wish it was the end of May already!
I also celebrated my 26th birthday. My friend Abra knows my love of people and tradition and worked with my friend Jen to give me the best birthday party a girl could ever have away from her family. They made me my own themed cake, we played in the pool (a delightful perk of the desert is the abundance of outside pools). We also played a game my friend invented and just had fun together. Most of the church was able to attend and that was probably the best part of all...being with people!
I was busy this month with travels and loved ones, but still managed to read a bit Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter is a fun book and I am enjoying it still...hope to have it finished soon.
Not much else to say. May has some fun things in store as well, so tune in next month for hopefully another exciting and fun post...and I will hopefully have some birthday pictures up on there too.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
March 2012
March was a blur as I spent it recovering from gall stones and in anticipation and preparation for Talia coming out for her spring break trip.
Sorry, not much to report again...I should get a more exciting life ;)
I started reading Cold Tangerines and am really liking it, and they finally hired my counter-part at work, who will work on the days I am off. This will hopefully mean I won't be so busy all the time at work...but really I think it will mean someone else will be just as busy. I am excited though, it's nice to have someone who can help with my work load and with the care and support of the women in the program.
April will be a month of travel, San Diego, Colorado and house sitting about 30 minutes North of here. I will enjoy time with Talia on the beach, eat lunch with all the women in my family, "host" a bridal shower for one of my best friends and I will turn 26.
Tune in for a guaranteed more exciting post next month...
Sorry, not much to report again...I should get a more exciting life ;)
I started reading Cold Tangerines and am really liking it, and they finally hired my counter-part at work, who will work on the days I am off. This will hopefully mean I won't be so busy all the time at work...but really I think it will mean someone else will be just as busy. I am excited though, it's nice to have someone who can help with my work load and with the care and support of the women in the program.
April will be a month of travel, San Diego, Colorado and house sitting about 30 minutes North of here. I will enjoy time with Talia on the beach, eat lunch with all the women in my family, "host" a bridal shower for one of my best friends and I will turn 26.
Tune in for a guaranteed more exciting post next month...
Friday, March 9, 2012
February 2012
Well, February was a bit more of the same old same old. Grocery shopping on Mondays with some of the women at church, Bible study every other Tuesday with a group from church and then work Wednesday - Saturday.
I am really loving this job. Was sworn in to court and testified for the first time this month...weird experience. Still going through that hard thing that happened...and am praying for resolution in March.
Excitingly though, not all of the month was same old, same old...I had some good friends visit for a weekend and had a chance to catch up with them for a bit (even hit my first AZ brewery).
And then two weeks later, my PARENTS CAME TO VISIT! They stayed with family friends, spending Saturday with them...Then on Sunday they joined me for church and my adventures, joining me in re-potting and planting, and game night. My dad joined the men folk and entertained them greatly with his character and my mom was amazing at Apples to Apples, among other games. Then on Monday, my folks met me for breakfast and we went to the zoo, then out to lunch, then to a movie and finally to dinner. It was REALLY GOOD TO SEE THEM!
The day they left town, I woke up at 7:15am with a gall bladder attack and haven't been the same sense. Prayer for health and wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
Check in next month to see how things are progressing with health and work. Not a whole lot planned for March, but I am taking 2 trips in April.
Love ya!
I am really loving this job. Was sworn in to court and testified for the first time this month...weird experience. Still going through that hard thing that happened...and am praying for resolution in March.
Excitingly though, not all of the month was same old, same old...I had some good friends visit for a weekend and had a chance to catch up with them for a bit (even hit my first AZ brewery).
And then two weeks later, my PARENTS CAME TO VISIT! They stayed with family friends, spending Saturday with them...Then on Sunday they joined me for church and my adventures, joining me in re-potting and planting, and game night. My dad joined the men folk and entertained them greatly with his character and my mom was amazing at Apples to Apples, among other games. Then on Monday, my folks met me for breakfast and we went to the zoo, then out to lunch, then to a movie and finally to dinner. It was REALLY GOOD TO SEE THEM!
The day they left town, I woke up at 7:15am with a gall bladder attack and haven't been the same sense. Prayer for health and wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
Check in next month to see how things are progressing with health and work. Not a whole lot planned for March, but I am taking 2 trips in April.
Love ya!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)