Blessed

Today was a long adventurous day. Elly and I were on the skytrain when we decided to go give Beimers a surprise visit at the hospital. He was just leaving the hospital as we arrived. He took us down to see little Madelyn. I have spent a lot of time in the NICU before with my cousin when she had open heart surgery, and I felt like I was going through all that again. But once I saw little Madelyn, that changed. You can tell just my looking at her little body that she is a fighter and she has a strength in her that will make her overcome what is going on now and what is to come in her life. She has two amazing parents and 3 awesome big sisters that will be there for every step of her journey. Thank you Beimers for sharing Madelyn with me. I feel blessed to have gotton to meet your little angel and am excited to see her grow up and be sitting on the bench with you at your volleyball games just like her big sisters.

24

Well it is now 24 short days until my trip. I have so many emotions going through me, I really dont know what to think at all. My mom is going to Korea on Thursday and this will be the last time I see her until middle of June. Tonight I had to sing at church and I will have to do it all over again tomorrow morning. It doesnt feel like its Christmas at all. Yes we have the tree all decorated nice and there are gifts under the tree, but it hasnt hit me that tomorrow is the day that Christ came to earth in the form of a baby. I have been surrounded by Christmas since July when we first had our christmas ornaments on sale at work. That is the one down-side to working in retail, especially in a mall. Once Christmas actually comes, I feel so sick of it. Once July comes rolling along again, I will be in the same position, hopefully as an assistant manager where I work now and the joy of Christmas will be shot down slowly over 5 months until Christmas actually comes. It is good to have all my friends home from school and what not. I got see a bunch of people last night which was nice. I will hopefully get to see a lot more on New Years Eve. Please let me know if you are coming over for that night. Thats about it for now. I wish you all a wonderful Christmas!!!!!

An Interesting Site

So I just arrived back from Houston. It was so good to see so much of my family who I havent seen in a really long time. We went straight from the airport to the viewing. THat was interesting to see my grandma lying there but it was awesome to see her in complete peace. The burial was yesterday and that was an interesting site in 2 ways. First, its hard to see someone being lowered into the ground. The second thing is that as she was being lowered a black crow was cawing in the tree above us, but right when the pastor starting praying, the crow was silent and flew away. It was a reminder to me that as hard as it is, its also awesome to know that she is at peace. She was also burried right beside my aunt was passed away 4 months ago. Overall I think it was more of a joyful celebration than a sad goodbye.

Houston Bound

Another sad and non exciting blog. I am sorry. Yesterday morning my grandma passed away. Her funeral is on Thursday so I am flying up to Houston on Wednesday evening and flying home Friday morning. I was hoping to see Ashley at the airport since she comes in the same day from Edmonton, but I wont be able to see her. Oh well. The time will come when I get to see her. Me and Ashley havent been so close since we stopped talking to eachother about a year ago. I am so thankful for her and her friendship. I know that I can always go to her with anything going on including everything with my Grandma, and my aunt only 4 short months ago and she will always be there for me. She is the best! Hope you are all pushing through your exams and what not. Its only 2 weeks to Christmas!!! Take Care.

I am going home now. I am going home.

Yesterday morning my dad missed his flight to Houston BC to say goodbye to his mother, my grandma. He flew out today instead to visit her in the hospital. She has trouble speaking as she is 92. The only words she ever said to my dad all day were "What a nice surprise" when he first arrived, "I love you" during the day and as he was leaving, "I am going home now, I am going home". Its bitter sweet to know this is all she said to him. She knows she is going home to heaven to meet her Father. Seeing her will power and strength is amazing and that in her final hours of life she said everything that needed to be said straight from her heart. She is going to a better place now and that is comforting that she can be free from pain. I dont mean for this to be all sad, but I want to have her life known and celebrated as she was a wonderful person. Now, she is going home.

Making Povery History

Well, I cant believe that the snow we have had has actually stuck around and it is freezing out! Christmas is in the air! Nothing compared to Ontario or Alberta I know, but it is cold none the less. The FVC Senior boys lost there game tonight therefore they are playing for 3rd place which is still awesome. 46 Days until I leave. Everyday it is becoming more and more real. I was watching an Much Music presentation on Zambia the other day. It was really encouraging to see the youth there learning about AIDS/HIV and sharing what they have learned with other youth and children around there. Teenage girls especially are learning how to stand up for themselves and say no to sex and actually having their boyfriends respect their desicion. Its amazing how God is working there with the youth. This is in the generation to Make Poverty History and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. Keep pressing on.

May Angels Lead You In

Well, Today involved a lot of reflecting. I was just told that my grandma has less than a week to live. Her lungs are slowly filling up with fluids and she sleeps all the time. She is an amazing woman. She never really knew me because of her memory, but she still didnt hesitate to hit me with her cane when she wanted my attention or yell at me in Dutch if I was showing too much skin. She is a strong woman of faith and I look up to her. It couldnt have been easy coming to Canada as a young mother of two and then have 5 more kids. She raised her children well and we all love her very much. My last day with her was awesome. I was lucky enough to see her about a month ago when I was up in Houston. We spent the day together knitting, looking through old albums of when her kids were young, and reading her birthday cards. Because of her memory, she read her two birthday cards that I gave to her for about 2 hours straight, over and over again. I love sitting there and watching her get excitement out of the cards every 5 minutes. She has everything to be proud of. 7 kids, too many grandkids to count and even more great-grandchildren. She is 92 years old and until now, has been happy and healthy. Grandma, May angels lead you in.

This picture was taken by my grandma of my grandpa. I love it because it just captures him doing his own thing, with mans best friend right beside him.

52 Days and Counting...

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while. Things here have been going good I guess. With only 52 days until I board a plane for Dallas, then eventually to Lusaka, things are coming together nicely. This past Tuesday I had to get all my shots. I am good with needles and such but apparently my body didnt like them. I had 6 shots total, 3 in each arm. I had to go straight to work after getting my shots which was probably an interesting sight since I could barely move my arms and my boss can barely walk because she is in so much pain from getting in a car accident last weekend. My arms are finally feeling better and my migraines are going away. Today I went to Metrotown where I was reminded how much I hate crowded places where people walk very slowly infront of you. It was definitly a test of my patience. I want to see you all before I go on my trip so I am hoping that we can do something late December or early January before everyone goes back to school and what not. Let me know what all works best for all of ya. I still can't believe that I am living out my dream. I hope one day all of you, if you haven't already, will live out yours as well. Dream Big!

*Don't you just want to curl up in your pj's, have a friend over and watch a movie... it's one of those nights. Miss ya Ashley!

Home Sweet Home

Hey Everyone! So I found out the final dates of my trip. I leave January 17 when I will head to Dallas, Texas for orientation for a few days. Once in Dallas I will meet up with the director of Every Orphans Hope, the organization I will be down there with. From there I will head to London, switch airports and then I am off to Lusaka, my home sweet home for six months. I will be living under a mosquito net, covered in repellant and sunscreen, trying to prevent getting deathly ill. I can't wait! Yes there will be down sides to the trip, but I think all the good things will over take the bad. I am super excited to go, its a dream come true. I come home June 19th... I hope to see you all at the airport!

Not Much New...

There isnt too much new going on with my life right now. I was choked because there was no volleyball tonight. All Langley schools have the week off or something for a "Fall Break" whatever thats supposed to mean. They just had a strike and now there is another week off. Ridiculous really. I have been working the last few days like normal. Tomorrow I have to receive like a shipment of 30 boxes... guranteed to take up most of my day since the mall is so incredibly busy, even in the early week. My Uncle John is coming over tomorrow from Houston. Should be good to see him again. He is parking his truck here while is goes on an Alaskan cruise for a week or so. I am proud of him that he is doing good since its only been about 3 months since my aunt passed away. He has already been to Toronto and now a cruise. Good for him. Oh, he also got himself a puppy to keep him company at home. Thats about all that is going on right now. Wednesday I will be at school all day helping out with volleyball... oh how it brings me back! I shall be off. See ya!
PS: Remember the last day of highschool!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Trip Confirmed

Well, I just found out that my trip to Zambia is a for sure thing. I am so excited as I know that this is what I am supposed to do with my life. I am leaving in mid January and will come back in June. I will be going down there by myself and will meet up with Gary Schneider, director of Every Orphans Hope. I will be working as an intern under Gary and his wife Martha in an AIDS orphanage. There are many emotions going on right now, but I know that everything will work out for the best and I will have the trip of my life. I will post the date when I am leaving for sure once I find out! Have a good one!

Renovation

Well well.... I have spent the last 4 days working. 40 hours in 4 days is a lot. In the end it was all worth it. Our store looks so awesome. It will be a great start to the Christmas season which is in full swing. These pictures were taking during and after the renovation. I am really exhausted and will probably spend tomorrow sleeping and watching movies; a much needed rest. I go back to work on Tuesday where I get the joy... of working with customers instead! Shoot me! Hehe. Well, Im off to bed. Goodnight!

Road Trip Pictures

These are pictures of Houston, Edmonton, and Fernie. Just a little taste of what I was doing. Enjoy!

Another week to wait...

Hey There! So my store reno got pushed back a week so I dont have to work for a while. Its been nice to have sometime off and visit with people. Last night I went to a friends house for dinner and to watch the game. It was super fun. Today I went out for coffee and to the mall with Handy. I just watched a movie called Off The Map. Its one of those slow ones that takes a lot thinking but it was good none the less. Tomorrow I am heading to Vancouver with a past co-worker and friend Cheryl. She is part of a drama group and they are going to perform. It should be fun. I will do some shopping on Robson at the same time. Cant lose! My Africa plans are starting to pick up pace and things are falling into place. Thank the Lord! Before I know it I will be boarding the plane to go. Its quite exciting! Thats all thats going on. Take Care.

Gone and Back Again...

Well I am back home from my roadtrip and it was amazing. I love visiting with my extended family up in Houston and all that goes with it. After some crazy long (43 hours in total) bus rides, I am glad its over. Fernie is amazingly beautiful and I think I already have my ski trip planned there for the winter. It was good to see everyone at Kings, Kaitlyn and stay with Sharlas family. It was good to get away. If you feel like visiting me at work, I will be at Surrey Place this Monday and Tuesday 12-4. Our store reno's in Langley should be done by the end of the week! I can not wait to see our new and beautiful store. I am hoping that the ugly turqoise carpet will be gone forever. I can only cross my fingers. Hope you are all living life to its best. You only got one. Ciao!

Houston

SO I just arrived in Edmonton from Houston. Houston was amazing. I went 4 wheelings which was awesome, got soaked from head to toe, it was sweet. I went to Prince George with my cousins volleyball team. We got second place. I am now sitting in Kaitlyns dorm room with Sharla. We are hoping to go for dinner with the Kings gang tonight, it should be fun! Hope you all are doing well. Take care...

No Title

Well, I havent blogged in a while because I am so busy with work. Me and Kim have started playing volleyball on Monday nights with her church. It is so much fun! I am leaving in less than a week for my little road trip and can not wait a second, its going to rock! There is going to be endless driving, but hopefully it will all work out. How are you all doing out there? Feel free to call me at anytime or send an email. I am lonely... hehe... anyways, I am off to a friends for a sleepover! I feel like im 10, its great!

Road Trip

Well.... I have finally made the plans to head out of town for a while. Since my work is getting a renovation, I have some time off. I will flying to Smithers and then driving to Houston where I will be visiting family for a week. I am then going to drive with my cousin to Edmonton to visit family and friends. People who live there. I will be there October 5-9.... we must hang out. I am then going Fernie to visit Sharla and then home and back to work full time. Yay! I hope to see all you out of towners when I am gone, so email me letting me know if you can hang out and what not. Ciao!

Glasses....

Well... Lately I have been trying find the reason behind my bad headaches. Today I went in for an eye exam to see if that would be an answer. Indeed I do need glasses, which sucks but oh well. It wont gurantee that my headaches will go away, but im crossing my fingers. I am completely exhausted from work. The good news is that the girl that we dont like at work announced that she is quitting. Thats about all that is going on now. Have a good one.

High

Today is a pretty relaxed day because I have the day off work! The next few weeks are going to be crazy because we are short-staffed. All of you will probably be busy as well as you head to work full time or are going back to school. Anyways, here are some thoughts running through my head:

So I was talking with a good friend of mine last night about events that happen in our life, such as mission trips, youth conventions, and good speakers we have encountered. Specifically, we were talking about the 'high' as some call it, that we often encounter on these trips. It is so easy to experience the love of Christ being around us all the time with us realizing it, when sometimes we put it on the back burner. My main question is, how do we bring this back home? My speakers at these events have often spoke of this, but it barely ever happens to its full extent. When we get back home, it may last a day, a week, or even a month. How do we experience this level of excitement to learn about God and what he has in store once we are back home??

Africa... A world distored by AIDS

*Number of people in Africa with HIV: 26 million
*Percent of HIV-positive people age 15-49 in Africa: 8%
*Number of people getting HIV DAILY: 8,500
*Number of people dieing of AIDS DAILY: 6,300
*Number of Children orphaned by AIDS in Africa: 12.3 million
*Number of HIV-Positive South Africans: 5.3 million More that any other country in the world

What are you going to do to make a difference?

(National Geographic)

Love.. whats it all about?

Have you ever been so in love that it hurts inside. The love you feel doesnt hurt, but the fact that you know you will most likely never end up with this person does. What is love really? What is this feeling deep inside that drives you crazy!? Have you ever experienced it before? What did it feel like? Can a teen really have these meaningful feelings? Feel free to comment... these are just some of the questions running in my head. Have a good one.

One of those days....

Do you ever have one of those days when nothing goes your way? I have them a lot and had one today. I got to sleep in which was good, but woke up with aching back muscles. I got to work and my co-worker was all crabby and was just being difficult. After work we went to pick up some pizza and got the wrong order. I am off to see 40 Year Old Virgin, so hopefully that will brighten my day! Have a happy day!

Hello's and Goodbye's

Well... Apparently I suck at this whole blogging thing. I will try my best to keep up as we all begin to go our seperate ways in life. Last night a group of us hung out, played some frisbee, then heading to RR for dinner. We said all our hellos and then our goodbyes. The thing that boggles me is why is saying goodbye so hard to do. Once I got home last night, I broke down. I started asking myself questions like, Will I ever see these people agian in my life? Is this goodbye final? etc. We all get delt different cards and must follow the path God has set out for us, but why is it so hard to do!? As some of you know, I am heading to Africa in January. I know I can't sit here and do nothing about the poor and starving people in the world, and thats why I am going. My plans and dreams would to never come back home and stay there forever. This also makes it so hard to say goodbye because it could potenially be final and I hate that. For all you heading out.... I wish you all the best and I encourage you to stand up and make a difference wherever you are. I will miss you all tons and please write. Love ya!!!!!!

2 months later....

Well... Its like two months later and here I am. I have recently got back from Europe where I had the time of my life. I spent my 18th birthday staying in the hospital with my friend in Austria. It was kinda scary because of the language barrier and the pyscho nurses, but still a blast. Today was a average day. We are starting poetry in English and since I hate my teacher, most of my poems are about that. I am not quite up to par with Matthews poems, but its alright. Thats about all for now. Have a good one

February 6, 2005