Back in Seattle Again, Back in The Saddle Again ...

And we're back. Last week involved a brief interlude with Colorado, which was probably the most fantastic and much needed thing in my life. I was privileged enough to go on an intern retreat alongside other interns from around the country who are a part of the Ascent network. We went to Boulder, CO and then on to Breckenridge for some time to debrief the first half of our internships, and just discuss with one another what we are experiencing, what we are enjoying and what we are frustrated about. It was so good - to simply be around people who understand much of what I'm going through is a blessing. It was also extra fun because I was able to reconnect with a few I haven't seen in a while - interns from Cali and Texas, and also just hanging with the UMin interns, what a blast! Nothing like deep convos, inner tubing and a new nalgene to recharge your batteries and get you goin' in time for the holidays!

Speaking of the holidays, how did they get here already? Talk about a mad-dash for holiday shopping. Yikes. And can I just say, that I hate useless gifts? Or at least thoughtless ones? Really I hate giving thoughtless gifts. Like candles and soap, or junk that can be knicknacks which is equivalent to useless. I like gifts that have potential, or purpose, or practicallity. Basically any gift that can be described with the letter 'p'. I just like giving something meaningful. But then you run the risk of giving a gift to someone thinking it's the perfect thing, and on receiving it they have a kind of 'oh' look on their face with a shelled out thank you that pierces your gift giving soul. But hey, what's showing love if there's no risk involved?

Oh, and holiday seasoning for the soul - I love running into the people I've been meaning to see. Thank you Jesus. Catching up with people is both a favorite and a sadness, because I love sitting with people and hearing about their lives and discussing the process of growing up, but the sadness is it means that I don't get to see these people alllll the time. Which stinks. Nothing like a lack of community to help you see how much you appreciate it when you have it.

Now, please pay attention to the sky. This morning it was gorgeous, in that contemplative kind of way. It made me think about humanity. Is that strange? Okay here goes - Seattle is to overcast as Disneyland is to magical. They come hand in hand. So you can guess, it was pretty cloudy today. But in an especially brilliant way this morning - the Sun was just pushing it's way to be seen through the clouds. And it made me think about us. About how we each have a certain personality, we are who we are. And a lot of times, we are trying to be seen through the clouds - through the things in our lives that seem to be in the way, or seem to muddle the brilliance of our true selves. And how theologically, God has given us this brilliant soul, that Jesus' words about being the light of the world can be seen in us in the same way the sun is seen in the sky. We have blue sky days, there is no question of the warmth and light the Lord provides. On the cloudy days, people might question our light, but it is there - behind the heartache and the frustrations, behind the things that cloud our lives, still shining brightly, and can still be seen fully by the people who travel far enough beyond the clouds to see us - I guess that analogy turns my best friends into airplanes, but hey, that's pretty cool. I'd be an airplane. The only thing is I think sometimes people forget themselves among the clouds, and muddle in the muck and smog rather than wait for the wind to clear the skies and refresh the air. We forget the brilliant radiance that Christ has promised and instilled within us. Don't forget that. And here, take a look at something that cannot fully represent what the morning looked like, but is still a god attempt.
New music update: I don't know how I end up finding more music all the time. I'd say it's a gift if it didn't mean I'd be spending more money, which it always does. Anyway, Jon Foreman, the lead singer of Switchfoot has released some new EP's which are absolutely fantastic, more reminiscent of his 'Let That Be Enough' off of New Way to Be Human. Check them out.

Now friends, I must stop spending money immediately. Fortunately, I think I got all the gifts I needed to get for this season. And as a female at the age of 22, I hereby state it is about time I started budgeting my money. Lord, guide me.

Your promise holds just like an anchor to my soul

Home again home again jiggity jig. I've been home basically every week since Thanksgiving. Even though it's really only been about two weeks since. Which means I came home ... once? I'm really not sure that it even counts, but here we go ...

So basically, I LOVE Relient K and Switchfoot. They are fantastic. And believe it or not the were on tour TOGETHER this fall. I know, what are the chances. As luck would have it, they came to Everett. Is that luck? Probably not, because I'm a ridiculously long distance away. But I ran a proposal by Bill and Claire back in ... September? Asking if it would be okay, as long as I was prepared for the INN on Tuesday, since the concert was on a Monday ... so permission granted. Now, find a ride ... My friend Vince at InterVarsity wanted to go too, and we found Sarah who works on staff in with IV in Moscow and she has a car! Success! The only thing standing in our way now was ... a Sunday BLIZZARD?? Yes. At about 2pm, the weather went crazy. Could not see the house across the street. The power went out around town. My socks got wet. A blizzard.

But did God want us to go to that concert? Apparently yes. Rain Sunday night, clear roads on Monday. We got there just in time to see Relient K, and then Switchfoot. And stayed the night at my house, and left at 8am the next morning. Wow. Home is so close and yet so far away.




So we're back in time for the Holiday INN! I got a chance to play with the worship team, which was a lot of fun, playing guitar and singing. I've always wanted to do it, I just never felt good enough for it. What a joy. And after, we had pictures with Santa! You know, to celebrate Christmas. I guess we could have tried pictures with Jesus, but that doesn't sound quite right ... since we shouldn't borrow babies for pictures anyway ... well, maybe next year.


And continuing on, I cannot believe that the semester is basically over. How time flies! If that's the truth then I must be having fun. No, truly I am having the time of my life. It's gone so fast that sometimes I feel like I'm not really comprehending all that I am learning. And part of me feels like I'll understand it all in time, but part of me feels that I might forget it if I don't consider it now. So here I come, Journal! I love these students, they are full of surprises and challenges and joy.

And one more song for the road - Sandra McCracken, who wrote 'Thy Mercy', also wrote this song 'Rock of Ages (When The Day Seems Long)' which I have just been thinking about and loving. Annie Alldredge sang it last year at the INN, and I fell in love with it at first ... hear? Check it out, I've pasted the lyrics below. Now on to Colorado, nothing like a good intern retreat to help me figure all of this out!

Rock of Ages, when the day seems long
From this labor and this heartache I have come
The skies will wear out, but You remain the same
Rock of Ages, I praise Your name.

Rock of Ages, You have brought me near
You have poured out Your life-blood, Your love,
Your tears To make this stone heart come alive again
Rock of Ages, forgive my sin

Rock of Ages, when in want or rest
My desperate need for such a Savior I confess
Pull these idols out from my heart embrace
Rock of Ages, I need Your grace

Rock of Ages, broken, scorned for me
Who am I that You would die to make me free?
To give me glory, You took the death and pain
Rock of Ages, my offering

Rock of Ages, "It is done," You cried
The curtain's torn and I see justice satisfied
Now write Your mercy here on my heart and hands
Rock of Ages, in faith I stand

Rock of Ages, my great hope secure
Your promise holds just like an anchor to my soul
Bind your children with cords of love and grace
Rock of Ages, we give You praise

Chorus:

Rock of Ages, Rock of Ages
Bind your children til' your kingdom comes
Rock of Ages, Your will be done

Words by Sandra McCracken

Mind stretching, body numbing ...

First off - it says Nov 30th which is when I started writing it, but now it's the 1st, so pretend it says the 1st.

Okay, sorry for the break in updates - last week held the Thanksgiving holiday, and due to Cougar tradition the entire week has no school. Therefore I traveled home for the holidays (as will happen again shortly ...) for about a week. It was fantastic. Allison, one of our students, stayed at my house a couple days which was a blast. Again, visiting home often seems more draining than restorative for my sleeping schedule, but psychologically and emotionally it was invigorating.

On to the bigger and better - today is World AIDS Day. December 1st. Actually the 20th anniversary of the holiday since the issue of HIV/AIDS was first recognized globally. As some of you may know, last year the UW hosted an event amongst its students sponsored by World Vision's Acting on AIDS (a college advocacy challenge). The event was orchestrated to present the visual representation of the 6,000 children who lose a parent to AIDS every day - this was pulled off by 5% of the student body sporting bright orange 'ORPHAN' t-shirts. 2,000 students representing orphans - It was powerful. Needless to say, I'm a little antsy to put together that type of event again. That being said, a few months ago I was checking the Acting on AIDS website only to find the 6,000 challenge - a challenge to re-create that visual using pictures of children affected by AIDS, to raise $6,000 per campus, and to get 6,000 signatures on the 6,000 Challenge Petition (to get congress' attention, increase the amount of aid spent in the Global AIDS Bill, and to make sure that 10% of the budget goes directly to orphans and other vulnerable children).

So, yesterday.

It took quite a bit of planning to finally get to yesterday, but we did it. We used a spot on campus that apparently has never officially hosted an event before - it's called the 'hello walk', a high traffic area in which traditionally you're supposed to say 'hello!' to everyone you pass. It also has good lawn space, important for placing stakes. Thursday night we assembled the 600 children's pictures that World Vision provides you with (each picture to represent 10 children) on kebab stakes and made some signs to place on the trees and such. This morning we arrived around 8am to set it up, and I don't believe at that point it was snowing, but there was definitely snow left on the ground when we arrived. So we staked along the main pathways in the area, set up our table and our signs, and began to engage the passers by. I should mention that this was really able to happen because the INN partnered with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, and also with the AFA (African Friendship Association). I don't think there is any way I could have pulled it off on my own.

We made cable 8 news, got 262 signatures, raised about $75 (substantial for coming from the pockets of college students ... dining cards really screw over fundraising), froze our feet to numbness, and felt really good about the whole thing. Yes, it was snowing the entire time. Yes, I could not feel my feet for most of it. Yes it was worth it - to engage in conversation with people about the issue, to give students the opportunity to encourage other students to think about the issue, to know that most of the students who signed were intentional about knowing what they were signing, and that we could be a presence on our campus that causes some people to think about what's going on in the world outside of Pullman. Priceless.

And now the snow has started and has yet to stop. It's been going strong for at least the past 3 hours. I like this sitting in doors thing. It isn't freezing which is a plus. I tried to video some of it for you to see, but I found out my cords don't actually connect to the computer in order to let me transfer video, so that stinks. I'm gonna go figure that out ...

Bloom Where You're Planted.

My refrigerator spoke to me on Wednesday morning. Not verbally, or through my stomach, but by using magnets. Really just one magnet. Bloom where you're planted. As I stood there eating the apple scone the oven was communicating to me with, I couldn't help but be struck by the enormity of that statement. It is simple yet profound, it is profound and in no way simple. Bloom where you're planted.

Let's really think about it for a minute: Bloom where you're planted. We can say this is relevant to me now in my current position (or anyone in their current position) to be present where I'm present. To make the most of my situation while I have the time to make the most of it. I'm only here for a year! I don't want to regret not doing something I had the chance to do. Funny - I was just watching the 1st episode of Heroes (yeah, now I've got the 1st season on hand, don't expect to see me for a while ...) and Milo's character was making a statement to the effect of 'did you ever feel like you were meant to do something extraordinary?' and I honestly feel like that sometimes. And I can't ignore it. I don't think it means I can fly or anything, but we are each capable of unimaginable things (well, really, imaginable things, but you have to have no boundaries or else you'd consider them unimaginable), and if we put our minds to it we really can change the world.

Another image that comes to mind with my plant analogy is that of a seed. That in order for something to grow and bloom, it has to be planted somewhere. It has to be nurtured and fed nutrients, it has to get energy and sustenance and can't just be blown by the wind. You have to be planted somewhere. You have to make some roots in order to really grow, or at least to grow healthy and strong. Where are your roots? Where are you getting your energy? Where are you turning to for life? And is it truly giving you life?

Bloom where you're planted. A cool thing about seeds too, is that if you just find a seed randomly and without it's package or labeling, you don't know what you're gonna get once you plant it. And granted, different flowers grow in different environments, but isn't it cool when you see that out-of-place flower growing among the regular crop? Kind of a diamond in the rough ...
Bloom where you're planted.

Daylight Savings, Can I Make a Withdrawl?

What a week. End. The week wasn't as exciting as the weekend. Let's just be honest. Let's take a look ...
Part of my job here at the INN at WSU is to get students involved in social justice issues, which I am more than stoked to do. But that also involves the matter of finding good opportunities to serve and be in community, as well as advertise it with a college appeal. We found an organization in Spokane called the House of Charity which puts on a cool experience called 'Urban Plunge'. Basically the House of Charity is a homeless shelter that provides meals, a place to sleep, and bottom line, an accepting community space for the homeless. Urban Plunge is a program started by Jerry Schwab, to help educate people on the issue of homelessness as well as immerse them in it. We decided to come and participate last weekend, and had about 9 students come out with us - it was absolutely fantastic. First of all I greatly appreciate the opportunity to join an organization which is already established and well put together to educate and engage people on the issue. Secondly, this was a trip that was for the most part much unlike any City Dive/Urban project I have ever been a part of. Friday night we had a intro chat with Jerry about human development and what can happen in different stages to effect people differently. We then took a walk around downtown Spokane, to see all the different housing areas for low-income people/homeless, as well as the ritz and flash that always accompanies a downtown area, usually within a few blocks of obviously impoverished neighborhoods. The thing that was really different from previous trips I've done in the city, was that on Saturday we spent most of our time in relationship with the homeless. Talking with them. Listening to them. Spending time with them. Often in life if we feel like we need to help out people that are less fortunate than ourselves, we have to do it with money, or with physical labor services. And we also want to feel a sense of accomplishment, so that we have a solid answer to the question of "What did you DO?" When really, the best thing we can do is to be guests in the home of these people. To listen to them and ask them about themselves, a pleasure we ourselves enjoy and a pleasure they may not be used to having. It was so neat to be in conversation with these people and realize hey, they are real people. They are intelligent, and most have faced times and hardships that I wouldn't even dream of. What a great weekend experience. Plus it was a little less than 24hrs, so it wasn't even asking a lot from our college students.

Which I must say something about right now ... the students that came with us on this trip don't really fall into this category, but why is there always the mentality of 'I'm not gonna sign up because I'm going to wait for something better' or 'Maybe ...' I mean HONESTLY, how do you get students to realize they're only shooting themselves in the foot? I have to, week after week, be a walking advertisement for an amazing and beautiful way that students can get away from school for a second, see some other issues that affect the world, put their materialism in perspective, perhaps change their lives, and all with time to spare for homework (which they probably won't even work on ANYWAY ...). Why? Why can't there be more who are thinking, 'Hey, I'm going to take a chance and try to see what God sees in this place' - get away from the 'What's In It For Me?' mentality that Gaffney talked about last spring, and think, what is it I can be a part of, learn from, and how can I get away from myself?!? Not to say those people don't exist, they are just the absurd minority. There are SO many issues facing our world today, so many opportunities to change the world, and we'd rather 'hold out for something better', rather than do something now, joining a movement, maybe creating a movement. And we can even take classes in school to better prepare us for what can be capable of doing. College degrees can be tickets to the world. So yes, study. Yes, take some time for homework, but realize that the time you spend at parties, playing video games, waiting for someone to call you - could be used another way. Remember that the money you spend on coffee, other beverages that will remain nameless, again video games, that new sweater or pair of shoes, could benefit the starving and illiterate.

Okay moving off my soapbox. But before I do, Irresistible Revolution, read it for sure. As for the rest of the weekend, I love that I'm comfortable enough now to call up people and see if they want to watch a movie. So I visited Jen, we watched Fever Pitch, and then I went and played games at Allison's with Kenta and Matt, and it was fabulous. And thank you daylight savings, thank you, for that extra hour. So that at 2am it was really only 1am and I could continue to play a game of wii baseball and still get enough sleep.

Well, it's been a while. So this could get juicy. Perhaps I should separate it into themes?

Theme Song:
Oh my goodness. I cannot express how music continually affects me, but it has made a huge impact on me in the last week. I don't even know how to go through the round-about details of how I found this song, but Shadowfeet, by Brooke Fraser? Phenomenal. It makes me wish that I could write/sing/play like that, but then it also makes me think - there are so many fantastic songs out there that I haven't even heard of! (The Glory of Your Name, and Knees to the Earth by Watermark for starters ... I visited iTunes a little this week, which is funny if you follow the instructions under the 'Thematic Vowels' section.)

Theme Park:
I don't really live that far away from the Church. Well, really, it's probably just a little bit shorter of a walk than it would be for me to walk from my home in Seattle to UPC, I just never do it. But last week the days were too gorgeous. The colors on the trees left me speechless. Just take a look!
Sports Theme:
Well, if you know me, then you know I'm not really a sports fan. But I'll totally pretend and even have a good time if I get a free ticket. So that being said, I did indeed attend a Cougar Football game. I had to leave at half-time so that I could walk home in the daylight, but hey, it was fun while it lasted. I also got to see a Rugby match today as well! And frankly after watching rugby, football is stupid. And wussy. All that padding and time-outs. Whatever.
Theme Night:
OOOH we had a game night! Fantastic! We played "All In the Family" (maybe just called the name game? or the family game?) and "The Game" plus some Trivial Pursuit. It was fabulous. I'm also headed to a theme night tonight in preparation for Halloween, we'll see if there are pic's worth posting ...

Thematic Vowels:
I don't really know what those are ... I just wikipediad (new verb? like googled?) 'theme' for other suggestions, and there it was at the bottom. But the point is, I gave the talk at the INN last week, so perhaps you should listen and see if I used any .... first theinnatwsu.com , and then go to 'talks'. I'd love feedback. I was surprised at how much fun it was to write the talk, and how good it is to practice with Bill and Claire beforehand (as well as telling it to empty rooms a few times) to get rid of my nerves. It was fun! In any case, I think it was encouraging for steps toward seminary. I just need to get moving on those applications ....

Oh Seattle ...

Home is strange. It's familiar, and yet so distant. And visiting home is such a quick and delicious moment. I mean honestly, it's like getting to lick a popsicle and then having to give it away. A nice lime popsicle too. It's weird because it feels like it was a lot longer of a trip than it actually was, but I think that's because I pack in as much as I can in one weekend. So on to the events ... Picture please!

Yup, that's me and Roderick going to see Spamalot. FAN-tastic. It was pretty hilarious, I mean sure they used a lot of the same jokes as Monty Python and the Holy Grail, but they are pretty funny jokes. And the songs are hilarious as well. Good time had by all. As for the rest of the weekend, it included movie watching, guitar hero playing, pancake serving and soup making. Plus some coffee grabbing near the end, which is a great example of my ambitious 'I need to see you before I leave' nature - Monday I got up at 6:30 so I could fit in about 4 different catch-ups before leaving for Pullman at 11:30. Pretty ambitious. The only bummer thing was that although I spent my whole Sunday at church, it was all spent in Larson Hall, none of it at a service or visiting The ROCK. Thus, bummer.

And now back to Pullman ... We came back Monday afternoon, which was just kind of weird because it felt like the weekend but wasn't the weekend, and of course ... Hello Tuesday! You have lots of work for me to do? Dang ... Needless to say, there was a lot to do Tuesday, but it all gets done. I'm much more efficient now that I've gotten into the swing of things, and this ministry thing is really pretty much awesome. To be in relationship with students, as friend/mentor, also doing admin type work, and constantly engaging my mind to think of new ways to encourage students or reach out to them and invite them in. Sometimes I feel like I'm not really experiencing ministry because I'm supposed to help with the 'sending out into the world' rather than the 'being in the world' thing. Not like I'm not experiencing ministry, but it's not hanging out with non-christian friends and things. It makes me think of Rob Bell as he operates in ministry, while still being acquainted with the world outside of church. Same idea with intentional communities. I think it is so beautiful to realize that within the work place you can be the presence of Jesus. But I feel more called to be in these relationships, to be in these places, to be engaged in our youth or young adult communities, because they need that encouragement, and to be asked some hard questions!

Speaking of which, I started up a Bible study last week. It's a drop-in deal, but its also an apologetics themed study. So, it kind of builds on itself week after week. Which can be difficult for a drop-in. Well, this is all experimental but here it is - it's important to me that students know how to respond to people that aren't Christian. That we can sound like intelligent people and still be spiritual. You know? And how exactly do you advertise that to students and make it sound worthwhile and attractive? Maybe I should just say it like that. Although now we're two weeks in ... oh, and I suppose you're wondering how it went? Well, one guy came, not really for the study but really because he stayed around after something else. We did however have a pretty good two hours of discussion and study, but still, come on guys, I know this is interesting stuff, most students I've talked to have already agreed. So show up already. And isn't that funny, what is made available to us when we just show up. Such a simple principle that can change your life.

This could be the start of something new ...

Check out those pumpkins. It is indeed October, and apparently in Pullman October means REALLY COLD. Actually, brief aside – does anyone else think they kind of got lazy when they were naming months? Like, Oct meaning 8 which correlates to the 8th month in the Roman calendar, etc. Not too imaginative. Oh well. But fall means beautiful color here as well, and Claire and I went to the Public Market in Moscow this morning. Aren’t the colors on those pumpkins magnificent?

I feel like there isn’t too much news to report – I haven’t watched any more mind stretching movies to put me in a philosophical mood, although I did watch High School Musical again. Hey, come on guys, I know I’ve seen it a lot but sometimes you just need a good pick-me-up! It makes you feel so good! I did finish reading A Thousand Splendid Suns, and thought it was fantastic. Such a perspective I am not able to conceive on my own. I love books. I’m in quite a book reading mindset right now. Wonder if that comes along with autumn.

OH! Cara and I went and visited the Grizzly bears here on WSU’s campus. Yeah, that’s right, they have Grizzly bears. Can you believe that? Part of me is like ‘they shouldn’t have these magnificent creatures fenced in, in Pullman of all places’ and the other part of me is like, ‘DUDE! There are GRIZZLY BEARS HERE!! How stinkin’ awesome is THAT?!?!’ so needless to say I’m a little torn … But here are some pic’s! One got kind of close but my camera is kind of deteriorating in functionality so I just got a butt pic of it walking away. Ever since I threw my camera in the sand on the beach, it just won’t look at me the same. I told it it was an accident, but apparently it won’t self-clean for me. When I use the zoom, you can listen and just hear this horrible grinding that happens because there are for sure still granules lodged inside. Oops.

UMin Sunday is next weekend, so I’ll be heading back to Seattle for that. I just get such a kick out of the fact that home is so close and yet so far away. And it’s always kind of strange to return home, because it feels so familiar and yet so foreign. I guess that’s what life feels like every time you experience change. ‘Home’ is something new, and everything keeps moving without you. I remember coming back from deputation – 2month stint in Ireland – and being frustrated because everything seemed the same after I felt like I changed a ton, and yet everyone had had their whole summer full of experiences that I wasn’t a part of. So strange. This paragraph is starting to feel a little self centered, and I don’t mean it to be, I think it’s probably just a normal characteristic of humans to merely focus on the lives they are living rather than the living that goes on in places they are not. Make sense? Doesn’t really need to, I know what I mean. Oh, and I'm learning to drive a manual.

I'm Not Looking in a Mirror, But I'm Feeling Quite Reflective ...

Well, it’s been awhile. And awhile means there’s plenty of time for thinking. And I don’t mean to get all philosophical or anything, but honestly that’s where my brain is headed. And this leads me to say, you’ve got some good reading to do, and I don’t mean my words. Read on …
1. I just finished the book Searching For God Knows What. I can’t believe it took me so long, because I started it back in the spring, but didn’t get very far due to that whole graduating thing and the busyness stuff. But WHAT a GREAT book. And I mean one of those that gets you riled up sometimes and agreeing sometimes, and sometimes thinking to yourself ‘I have been trying my darndest to put that into words and there it is.’ The ending really did me in. It was so beautiful. And when I finished it, my whole day just seemed beautiful. Do you ever have those days when everything is just beautiful? I read Hosea as well and it made things all that MORE beautiful. One of those days when it’s not about me, its not about what’s going on for my life, but kind of a God nudge saying ‘Hey, do you see what I’ve done in this world? Do you see what I’m doing? I’m so glad you want to be a part of it.’
2. I’ve always been interested in the God vs. Science debate, always wanted to hear the different angles and contest them on my own. But honestly I don’t really have a background that certifies me to know that much. BUT you have GOT to read this article - God vs. Science from Time mag last fall. it is fantastic. Francis Collins knows his stuff, and just reading what he’s said makes me feel smarter. I know I shouldn’t take other people’s words flat and praise them without thinking critically, but honestly I think he is right on. He’s also recently written a book that I’m reading with one of my Core Groups (Bible studies) called The Language of God. I’ll let you know how it goes. So far? 1st chapter = Ace.
3. I just watched the movie Babel. And honestly, I think it wasn’t as good as Crash, but was getting at the heart of the same message. That no matter where you’re from, what you do, or who you are, we all face similar issues, experiences, pains, hopes, etc. And it’s funny because even after finishing the movie and thinking it’s not THAT great, I feel really reflective. Maybe because it’s tying so many different people together it just reminds me of how huge the world is and how many people there are and problems in the world, and how ignorance is one of the worst. Right now I’m reading a book called A Thousand Splendid Suns (okay, so maybe I like reading … a lot …) and it is really good. It sends you into a different culture and a different way of thinking. I love that immersion. I had a dream a few nights ago that I’m pretty sure was influenced by it, in which I am married off, in an arranged marriage. My attitude in the dream was not to scoff, not to protest, not to try and get out of it, but comply with the ceremony and the life that was to be ahead. Really weird, but interesting. Not to say I now understand arranged marriages, but I had this attitude of ‘let’s make the best of it’ which is something I think (here comes the stereotype) as Americans we don’t really try to do. Which is funny, because I think the original American dream was that we can make the best of what we have, no matter how small or insignificant, and make it into something great. And now Americans (my generation?) have an attitude of ‘well I deserve better, I deserve more’ or ‘I’m stuck in a bad spot and woe is me, send your pity, can you believe this happened to me?’ Not an attitude of, ‘alright, we can make this work, we just have to try something else.’ What happened? We started taking the things that are privileges and try to make them into our rights. Weird, don’t you think?

Anyway, sorry this got so long. I should probably have put it all in a journal but here it is. Thank you, World Wide Web. That’s cool too huh, world wide. Oh, and I think I’m beginning to miss some of my own community – not to say these people aren’t ridiculously fun, but those people at home, who already know who I am, and all of our inside jokes. Plus the ability to have conversations about #1,2, and 3 up above. But don’t worry, these people are truly amazing, we’ll get there. And here, I’ll end this thing with another beautiful image of beautiful people …

Oh to be an Arrowsmith ...

My sister has lost her name. Well, not so much lost it as embedded it further into the middle part of her name or something. If anything she just made her whole name longer. Okay, long story short, she got married. My dad labeled it as a compex ceremonial process which occured on the 15th, but I like my version better. I just don't see why we have to give up our awesome last name of Arrowsmith during the marriage process. No offense to Nathan, but Bales? Really, we should have voted on it or something. Oh well.

As for the actual wedding, SO MUCH FUN. Although I didn't use my camera once. But my dad did, and he had front row seating for most of the events, so he got some pretty good shots, don't you think? I don't think I got to have any breakfast that day, thus the hand in the bag of chips, and weddings wouldn't be weddings without your favorite stuffed animal! I really like the dresses, and they are totally useable for events later on. Since everyone else has decided to get married. Did someone put chemicals in the water or something ...

Anyway, I think the best part was getting to see so many wonderful people all gathered together in one place. My favorite relatives that I never get to see! I guess that's the problem when you spread across the country. But it was so wonderful to get to talk to them, especially after I've been in contact with them about my internship this year. That's really been one of the most encouraging things - I sent out my support letter with my graduation announcements, and made the executive decision to not censor sending the letter to only the members/family friends who I believe are somewhat religious. It went to everyone. And it has only blessed me! Everyone is so encouraging, and even excited about the path I have chosen so far, and it feels really unifying. I also entered into this weekend figuring I'd put any thoughts of seminary on hold until after the weekend was over, but was actually fed more information about it through random interactions with people. I've also been able to chat a bit with the female pastor here at Pullman Pres and it has been really encouraging. I found out this summer that I am very much a verbal processor when it comes to thoughts and ideas, and talking with her about my love for ministry and experiences in it has really helped confirm that calling in my life. But I always still feel a little aprehensive to say I've been called into it because I feel like that makes it sound like I'm putting myself up on a pedistal. But really it just means it's something that I'm extremely passionate about, and all parts of my life seem to come together in this greater idea of it. Make sense? Anyway, my musings have gone a little long this post, but needless to say I have had a very good week, and I am very thankful that my sister had a glorious celebration that brought everyone out. Plus I got a brother!! Woohoo! I think this last picture is hilarious too, thanks Daddy.

What's that in the sky ...

Well looky looky. On of our students has his pilots license, and offered us a ride in the sky. I am NOT one to pass up a free flight!! It was so awesome! Here's a pic of Bill and Travis (our Pilot!) with the plane he took us up in. And then there's a highly attractive picture of me during a tight maneuver or something where we are basically flying sideways in a tight circle. AWESOME. Not as cool as the dive-bomb deals that easily beat out any roller coaster ride I've been on, but ya can't really capture that in a camera.

So needles to say, I've been having a pretty great time here. And meeting all sorts of fantastic women on this campus. I'm a little concerned that on first meeting people, I am able to make a fair amount of conversation simply on books, music, films and television shows, but hey, if you find something in common you go with it, right? All I know is I'm very close to getting to watch the entire season of The Office, and this may or may not include root beer floats. It doesn't really get any better.

If some of you are still not convinced that Pullman can have an up-side, and the flying in the plane doesn't convince you, how about free concerts? Yeah I was surprised too - Moscow actually has quite a good rep for having live music in town, and last night they had a block party type deal which included a free concert by Sanctus Real. Pretty fun, and reminiscent of what I enjoy back in Seattle anyway. Plus the Pullman library is pretty good for entertainment (plus it's free, and again, you know me and free). I finally got to see Wordplay, and I Heart Huckabees, which I actually quite enjoyed, unlike the reviews I heard from some of my friends.

Oh, and by the way, MY SISTER IS GETTING MARRIED ON SATURDAY. I know, crazy huh? Well, that also means I'll be in town later this week, so if you want to hang out a little and haven't let me know yet, let me know. I'll see what I can do. But honestly I can't believe she's getting married. Although part of me isn't convinced it will make anything seem much different, she already lives far away, and we talk sporadically on the phone, I just can't believe she has to give up the last name. That is going to be a HARD one to deal with. I may consider having my husband take mine instead. But I guess I'd have to find a potential for a husband first to tackle that issue. Anyway, marriage = crazy. But I suppose it has it's blessings too.

And these last two are just for comedic relief. Toby, with his favorite bumpy moon toy that is all too familiar with his toothless gums and drool, and the Taco Time in town that advertises itself as a wireless hot spot. I cannot say that I have ever considered going their for their wireless, but now ...

A Window of Opportunity ...

Really, the title is about the fact that we put in a new window downstairs in my living area. I call it that because I pretty much have a bedroom, bathroom, and small living room. Anyway, I got to swing a hammer a bit which is always a plus, and no one was injured/nothing broken, another plus. But at the same time, the imagery of this window has also got me thinking about what's next around the corner, and what the internship I'm doing now is helping me to visualize down the road. You know, a sort of window into what I might do later on.

As it happens I'm pretty heavily considering seminary after I do this internship, unless I do another year of internship somewhere, but seminary is more or less in the near future. I've talked to quite a few people about Princeton, which is interesting because a lot of UPC-ers have gone there for Seminary, yet none can really tell me a solid reason they went there besides the fact that is was very affordable at the time, and therefore first on their unresearched list. I talked with Duane Morris who teaches apologetics before I left, and he mentioned Talbot in California, which sounds highly interesting as well. All in all, I still don't have a clear vision of what I want to do after seminary, and am therefore struggling a little to choose what I'd want to focus on IN seminary, and thus I do not know which school I should pursue. Probably both, we'll see. Anyone with any advice or suggestions, just let me know.

As for Pullman, the week has been good, and the weather has been crazy. We actually had a thunderstorm on friday, which was pretty exciting, except for the fact that I was caught offguard clothing-wise, but at least wasn't really caught in the storm. The power went out in some parts of town, but luckily not at one of our student's places in which we were having a movie night (yes, of course it included Bride and Prejudice) and practicing the moves to a high school musical song. We are dynamite. And as for this lovely Labor Day weekend, I love the relaxing atmosphere that occurs on the weekends! I don't really do that much, but get to do arts and crafts at my leisure, and watch movies. Anyone seen 'A Streetcar Named Desire'? Because it's crazy, and Vivian Leigh is crazy. But libraries are great, which is where I got it (same day as I got my Pullman library card!) as well as a few other good movies. Bottom line - I like Pullman. And movies. Speaking of which I saw Superbad, hilarious/vulgar/hilarious. And rewatched the Three Amigos, HILARIOUS/classic.

Oh ho to Idaho

What a week! I think I meant to update before now, but here we go! We had our first INN of the year on Tuesday, and it was a blast. I had such a great time! I was kind of nervous coming into it because I was doing the witness that evening for students to get to know me, and helping with the powerpoint slides and things for when the INN is happening. It is a very different experience when you are helping to run the show! I was doing the slides during worship, and almost forgot to change them with each verse because I was singing along not thinking about the fact that I'M the one who changes them. It's tough! Anyway, we showed a sweet video of me getting used to Pullman, which a lot of the students thought was good, and to be honest it was fun to make.

I was able to meet quite a few students too, mostly just the student leadership team, but a few others as well. I counted almost 90 students to be there during Claire's talk. Rumor has it there were a lot of new faces, and we were missing many of our regulars - the hectic nature of the first week back can easily cause some to forget. I'm excited to meet with some freshman/newcomers this week, and also start putting together core groups (Bible studies) for the year. Anyway it feels good to have that first INN done with, and to be more familiar with what my weeks might look like. I really feel at home here, and that this is where I'm supposed to be, which is a great comfort!

This weekend we had our student leadership retreat, which was SO much fun. We headed out to

Coeur D'Alene, Idaho to stay at a cabin that is owned by one of our student's families. It was so nice! Right on the lake! We had some free time Saturday to do some swimming and boating which was perfect. And the rest of the time we spent talking about the book The Master Plan of Evangelism (great stuff, really recommend it) and discussing their mission statement for the year. These students are so great, and I'm really excited to see what we get up to this year! The pictures I've attached are of some of the scenery in Idaho and Pullman. We stopped by a house that had some guns for sale out of their garage, and the other pic is just to give an idea of some of the scenery I am now used to. It's actually pretty nice, and the sunsets are amazing! Come out and take a look for yourself!

1 week down, ??? to go ...

Congratulations - I've made it a week! The 'P' in Pullman doesn't stand for 'poisonous' as some of you may have thought. Or for Pool, that starts with P and rhymes with T which stands for trouble ... but let's keep The Music Man out of this one.

The first week has been so great! As I said previously, my host family is absolutely amazing. And SUCH good cooks. Well, basically Mae loves making delicious things, and I am all about trying each and every one of them. Plus they have their own garden which makes for fresh delicious things. Yum.

The transit experience has been good so far - sort of a rocky start since I tried to catch it on the 14th, and it didn't actually start running until the 16th ... Bill had to pick me up from the bus stop when I finally realized this. It's not written in the take-away brochure, just nicely posted at the stop. Course I didn't look at that until after I'd been sitting there for about 10 minutes ...

As for office work, it's been a mixture of getting my wireless to work, putting together the INN's bulletin, and odd jobs around the church. But we also took some time to put together a INNtro (hahahehehe) video for me at the first INN. This required a trip to Ferdinands, which I was not opposed to at all. SO delicious.

And as for Pullman itself, today and yesterday was the National Lentil Festival! Yes, that does mean a giant vat of lentil chili, a parade, with bagpipes, and free cotton candy. It in no way compares to the St. Patrick's Day Parade that I experienced in March, but I don't think one ever will. If you're curious, ask me about it. Anyway, free food is always a good ploy to get me to go somewhere, so the free Chili and Cotton Candy were great. PLUS yesterday evening I watched High School Musical 2 at Bill's apartment, which was fantastic, and a GREAT way to end the week. Not to mention, look! Spongebob has braces! About time he fixed that gap in his teeth.

This is Toby.

I arrived in Pullman Saturday evening, and what a great welcome! Bill, Claire and I left Seattle around 11am and after a quick stop in Spokane to pick up a bed, we headed out to Pullman and arrived at about 5:30/6. My host family greeted us at the door, with a wonderful meal already prepared!

The host family I have been blessed with is amazing. They are Alex, Mae, and Toby, the 5 month old pictured here. So far I've really just gotten used to my new room, unpacked a few things, and seen the church. I've gotten around town just a little, and went to go get ... sit down now ... my cougar card. Yeah, I have to put it in my wallet, it's a little painful, but it makes riding the bus free, and you know how much I appreciate free things.

So I'm attempting the transit-tion (get it? transit transition? ahhh, yeah the puns did not stay in Seattle) tomorrow, and we'll see if I get lost or not. I'm betting on not, but there are a lot of hills around here, and I don't exactly know which is which. On Sunday one of our students asked me where my host family lives, and I replied with an uncomfortable 'I ... don't ... know ...'

So that's it for now, I'm getting more of an idea of what my days and weeks will look like, but I probably won't really know what they'll be like until they happen, so I'll probably post another update next week after our first INN. Thanks for your prayers, and once again, I'm really REALLY excited. Plus I had Ferdinand's ice cream today, and let's face it, so far Pullman is delicious.