Journeys :: July

daily life, statesJuly 29, 2007 6:32 pm

Church was interesting today. During the pre-communion speech, Ken was talking about putting God first and how if we don’t, He’ll call us on it. And I was like, "Ouch". Totally what I’ve been thinking about for the last…I dunno, 2 years? But it’s been something I’ve been continually reminded of recently. It’s like God’s trying to tell me something (note the major sarcasm).

Our service was structured much differently, it ran about 30 minutes over because we had a lot of open sharing time, watched the Mexico presentation and one of the youth group boys was baptized. I always feel so encouraged whenever I witness a baptism; I feel like I’m being reborn along with that person. What a great feeling. I’m so proud of Jonathan.

It was Tristan’s last Sunday today. He’s been the leader of our Worship Team for almost 2 years. Having a professional musical background really helped us but it was also his spirit and his passion. I’ve been so inspired by his approach towards worship and how uninhibited he is. And on Thursday he and his family are moving to Florida. Before I left for Japan I got really close to his adopted daughter, Tabi. And even though she hasn’t been to our church much since I’ve been back, I’m still quite attached to her.

After the service, they had a going away party of sorts and Tabi pulled leaves off the tree, tossed them high in the air and announced that she was having a "Goodbye Celebration." Then it was a "Kimi Celebration" where she and her friend tore the leaves into little pieces and attempted to lob them at me. I’m really going to miss her. Saying goodbye is the worst.

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daily life, states 4:22 am

tiny victories

Yesterday was a good day.

I slept in until 3 (after staying up until 5am), taking advantage of my first Saturday at home in a month.

Mom wanted me to pick up Shadow’s food, so I drove the Civic and finally took it on the freeway. ‘Twas quite liberating.

While I was at Pet Club one of the employee’s started talking to me about my shirt (from work) and I left the store feeling happy that I had talked to a stranger without feeling uncomfortable.

For dinner we went over to Silvia’s and her mom made amazing Italian food.

We watched Dad’s Mexico presentation and I cried a little at the end (it was dedicated to Dave).

Mom started playing old hymns on the piano and Dad and I sang with her. I felt a wonderful peace come over me as our voices blended together and filled the air.

After singing, we listened as Mitchell prank called Silvia’s cousin and Sarah’s mom while speaking in a fake Mexican accent. He claimed to be "Paco" and demanded his snowman be returned to him. Hilarious.

Like I said, good day.

daily lifeJuly 24, 2007 5:57 pm

staying sane

These last few days have been pretty tough. That’s putting it very lightly.

To briefly recap:

After talking with people I really look up to and getting their advice, I said goodbye to Jason again. And it hurts more than last time because it’s not out of anger. Neither of us wanted it but it was both the wisest and best thing to do. And now I have to get used to not having him in my life. Again.

But as always, God knows what He’s doing and I’m continually learning to trust in His plans. Work has been crazy-busy but because of that it’s been my saving grace. This week I only have two boys in my group (this is out of 8 total). And I’ve been really bonding with them. They have kept my mind off of the hurt and helped me laugh in almost every moment. They have been such a blessing to me and I look forward to going to work becuase of them.

daily lifeJuly 22, 2007 5:33 pm

hurting

My heart hurts more than I can say.

God, be with me.

daily life, statesJuly 8, 2007 5:04 pm

camp awesome

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I was really bummed because I thought I wasn’t going to make it to camp this year. But at the last minute I found out that I could go. So yesterday David and Jason picked me up on their way, we stopped at a pizza place close by for dinner and arrived at camp around 9:30. We couldn’t find anyone; we walked to the amphitheater and after finding no one there, to the grove. Even before we made it all the way up the hill we realized no one was there. We walked back to the amphitheater and found out from Walter that everyone was at the basketball court. As we were walking to the courts, the group was leaving and before we made it past the pool, Steph and Isaiah saw us. We hung out, talked about good times, many inside jokes bounced around and David fit in really well with us. We played the cup game and the sound echoed across the empty campground. David left around midnight and Isaiah went to bed soon after that. Steph, Jason and I stayed up until 2:30 just talking. I left today around 4 but I’ll be returning again Thursday night. I’m so blessed to have such awesome friends and the chance to hang out with them, even for a little bit. We fit so well together and I’m going to treasure memories with them forever.