The Saving of Many Lives...

I’m continually struck by the parallels between the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem and the Street Boys in Ambo, Ethiopia. When Nehemiah saw the ruined Temple in Jerusalem he, “sat down and wept” (Nehemiah 1:4). I find myself thinking about the boys we met at the strangest times – in the Cafeteria, in the middle of a Pre-Calculus lesson, or walking through the building to get my morning coffee (which even thinking about coffee makes me yearn for Ethiopia) and it takes everything in me not to sit down and weep for these boys.

These boys (Our Boys as Gwen referred to them as) have fallen out of the reach of society and are considered lower than low and unlovable even by their own people. Sure, these boys can be difficult to love, but so am I at times. Does that make them unlovable? Absolutely not! They have names - Birahnu, Getahnu, Danny – they have stories and they are filled with kindness – a kindness that goes beyond anything I could still have after living such a rough life.

Rebuilding the Temple was far from easy and helping the Street Boys will not be easy either. Nehemiah 4:10 says, “The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble.” The workers need help. The boys need someone to advocate for them. They need me, but I need them too. Their stories break me apart and that brokenness spurs me into action – not just to be moved but to be fully changed.

Nehemiah 6: 15-16 says, “The wall was completed… They realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.” Just as the Temple was rebuilt, these boys can, with help, rise up and overcome. In one of my last journal entries, I wrote “Grace. Immeasurable Grace. Despite unfathomable dire circumstances, Grace.”

Bull...Stalkers...Donkey...?!?!

Sometimes, just pondering over the immensity of what we saw becomes overwhelming. This has definitely been an overwhelming week. Tomorrow, the students return to class. So, the reality of working in a wealthy school surrounded by students who are the same age as the Street Boys and yet have no real idea how blessed they truly are is going to slam into me. (In a later post, I'll talk about how great work is being about letting me tell the stories of Ethiopia to the students)

So, to cope, I've been thinking a lot about all of the hilarious moments that occurred during our time in Ethiopia. Here are some of the moments that had us cracking up...

1. Andrea's Stalker in Nazret.

While in Nazaret, we had nightly debriefings in the loft area of the 3rd floor (which equated to 4 flights of stairs to climb). One night, we watched as 3 Asian men climbed the stairs. Now normally, this is not something that would/should catch anyone's attention. Well the 2nd man climbing the stairs seemed quite besotted by Andrea. So much so that he noticeable slowed his pace to the point of being passed by the 3rd man climbing the stairs. This was all quite amusing because Andrea hadn't noticed and honestly, we were so deliriously tired that everyone was laughing about it the next day. The next night at dinner, the man sat there staring again. After telling Andrea what had transpired the previous night, we went back to our rooms. Well, Andrea and I were in our room talking about the events of the day when there was a loud BANG on our door. Thinking nothing of it, Andrea showers. Moments after I get in the shower, there's another knocking on the door, followed by Geoffrey's voice. All I hear are muffled sounds and mumblings of "we're fine" and "not ok".... Well, the next thing I know, we're switching rooms. Geoffrey had seen the men hanging out outside our door as well as running up and down the hall in their tighty whities - which were black, not white btw. He was pretty uncomfortable with the situation, so a room change it is!! So now we're all settled in the new room and start debating about whether or not Sammy and Geoffrey had looked freshly showered at breakfast that day (the sheets aren't changed daily, which is fine, but we didn't particurally want to sleep in the dirty sheets of our teammates). After a much longer than needed discussion about this, we decided that yes, they had showered in the morning, so we needed clean sheets. Andrea calls downstairs and the front desk asks "HOT" or "COLD" for which, it becomes clear they thought we asked for Chai - pronounced Shy- which sounds strikingly like sheets apparently. After a while, we give up and go downstairs, only to discover the wedding party had broken up, and it appears as if the newlyweds have the room directly below us... awesome :) Well, as we discovered later on in the week, Andrea and I really did have the better deal. Poor Bindu and Kit had the room across from the Asian men and discovered a few things: 1. They smoked constantly and NO, it is not okay to smoke inside buildings in Ethiopia. They did anyway. 2. They loved to play cards in their tighty whities. 3. They brought an electric keyboard with them the Nazret Ethiopia... and played it... not well. :)

2. Buying Wonton crackers out the Bus window.

On the way to Nazaret, the bus stopped to that we could get our permit for driving into Nazaret. When we stopped, it took, oh, about 2 seconds for our bus to become surrounded. I had the pleasure of a window seat on this ride and was looking out the window and attempting to talk with the people. They immediately shoved what appeared to be some sort of odd brownish crackers into my window. So of course, I bought some. We all tried them - some liking them more than others. I thought they were pretty good, almost like Wonton noodle, but in cracker form. Beth hated hers! Apparently she got a stale one. Well, at some point, I started cracking up and my non-stale (aka flaky) crackers flew out of my mouth straight towards Sarah! Oops! About 45 min to an hour later, the bus stopped again. This time, the delicious Chocolate cookies were thrust upon us! If only we had purchased more of them! YUM!

3. Bull

While sitting on the bus outside of Tennessee Pizza, minding our own business, a bull ran into the side of our bus. It caused confusion, a few 4-letter words... and a lot of laughter

4. Donkey

On the way to Wenchi Lake, while bus Driver Sammy was deftly maneuvering us up a mountain with no guardrails, Travis and I saw it. Right in front of us. A Donkey was standing in the middle of the road. We felt the brakes, but knew it was too late. Travis starts yelling DONKEY DONKEY DONKEY and the next thing you know, we had clipped the tail end of a donkey. It apparently wasn't injured since it kept walking around as we past, but we saw it do a 180 as our bus collided with its back end.

You Make Beautiful Things

Our 10 teammates included people from all across the United States. We were brought together because of our support of the Mocha Club, the desire to serve, and a great God!! Andrea, Rainier and Nan (from CA), Sarah, Travis and Beth (from TN), Anna Marie (from AL), Bindu and Gwen (from VA) and me (from MD).

A song by Gungor says, "Could a garden come up from this ground at all?" We spent our first few days with the Women At Risk program in Nazaret, Ethiopia. These women bravely shared their stories about how and why they entered into a life of prostitution. They shared about the impacts both positive and negative about that line of work. How could the Lord truly create a garden out of prostitution? How could anything beautiful come from something so difficult? Gen 50:20 says, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Could their struggles and lives covered by grace really bring others to salvation? Over and over, we heard powerful stories about how women had been told about the Women At Risk program by others who had gone through the program. They were able to leave a life of prostitution and run into the refuge of the Women At Risk Program.

Together, these women raise up prayers and sing praises to the Lord with a passion and conviction that is seldom seen here - and enviable to me. As a team, we frequently noted how we had forgotten that the life they had previously lived and only saw grace... The chorus of the Gungor song says, "You make beautiful things. You make beautiful things out of the dust. You make beautiful things. You make beautiful things out of us" As we drove away from Nazaret, Travis played this song for me and nothing could have been a more appropriate description! Truly the Lord is making His people beautiful!!!

How do you describe the undescribable?

28 - August 11, 2010

10 Americans went to Ethiopia with an organization called the Mocha Club. Unquestionably, it has moved me beyond words and changed how I view the world around me. A prayer that our team consistently prayed was that we would not only be moved, but be changed by what we saw and the people we met during our 2 weeks in Addis, Nazaret and Ambo.

The first few days we spent with the Women at Risk in Nazaret, Ethiopia. Every one of these women were former prostitutes. One of the days we surprised the women with a Spa day. They had their nails painted (they LOVED the glitter apparently) and were given facials. During this time, Beth, Gwen and I washed clothes for the women and children. No washer and drier, no washboard, simply a bucket for soap and a bucket for rinsing. Those hours gae me a new perspective on how easy we have it here. The amount of clothes we washed took 2.5+ hours and equated to about 1 full laundry load. These women go through this every week. On their hands and knees scrubbing. Many of the women support themselves by selling scarves. Our group brought back 250 of these scarves to be sold online. www.mochaclub.org If you buy one, chances are my friends and I brought them back!!! :)

The second week of the trip we spent with Compassion children and the Street Boys. On our final night, I had the privilege of sitting with Danny, Gaytar (2 of the boys) as well as Beth and Anna Marie (2 teammates). Beth asked Danny what he wanted to do when he grew up and Danny answered that there was essentially nothing he could do because he was trapped and no one loved him. Beth and Anna Marie sat there and unabashedly poured out the gospel of Love to these boys. They made it known how much we love them and had come from across the world for them and this moment. Danny and Gaytar heard that as much as we love them, that they are loved so much more by Jesus and how special they are to the Lord. To simply go there and leave it at that moment is not enough - for any of us.

I have so many more stories to tell you - funny (driving on a mountain side to Wenchi), touching (how the Lord is doing a miraculous work there) or just plain ridiculous (our Japanese stalker situation)... If you want to hear more, email, text, or call. Whatever!

We have seen and are now responsible. Ephesians 3: 14-21... "...And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen"

Graduate School

I've been toying with the idea since the summer of returning full time to school for the Fall 2010 semester. I'm about 99% decided on this now. I've just about finished applications for UNC, Duke and CofC. They all have applied mathematics programs which can lead to teaching at the college level or working for the government. Why would I want to teach at the college level? Well, I like teaching, but want more challenging material. Why would I want to work for the govt? Well, haha, that I dont know. But I do know I want to know more about mathematics and explore other options.

Tuesday

Tuesday. Whats so special about you, Tuesday? Well, nothing in particular I guess. Today was our 1st full day of classes. First day back to 43 minute periods. First day back to classes after the Labor day weekend. Good weekend. Went to Delaware to visit my grandmom and uncle, then to NYC with mom. Hopefully this week will bring about the signing of a lease on a new apartment, which means this weekend will be full of moving, followed by furniture shopping and then decorating!

Day 1

Today was the 1st of many days. Many days in which hallways will be full of students talking and laughing, classrooms full of learning, teachers running to and fro teaching, growth and new experiences. Today was a good day.

This year is different than the rest. Today my homeroom was a homeroom of seniors. Where has time gone? They started a tiny freshman, quiet and unassuming (or plotting as many still are...) and today, they were in tennis shoes and sperrys. Long gone are the days of reminding them to be in the correct shoes. Soon will come senior sweaters and cap and gown order forms. Now, before I go getting all nostalgic, we first have to make it there... Throughout any given day, 100 students plus 25 homeroom students and I will cross paths. At least 80 of them are seniors... Now those of you who are not teachers may not understand, but these kids, while many are sweet and kind, funny and challenging, are already mentally gone. At least mine are. I do not teach the honors students, but they are all gifted in other ways; some great musicians, others amazing athletes, but math is not their specialty. So, for the next 38ish weeks, we must survive each other. Pray! Pray! Pray! Love them lots!!!!!

Back to Work

So, I arrived back to Maryland a week ago. Spent quality time at work seeing friends and of course working. Things are pretty much ready to go and that first day buzz can be felt through the hallways. Time to get rolling. It's been good to catch up with people, hear about summers and laugh... there has been lots of laughing. Our office is now officially a box. The window, which was blocked before, is now bricked over. The new brick area is the typical gray color, where as the remaining walls are all pepto bismal pink. Put a deposit on an apt today. We'll see where that goes.

But in other news, do you ever do something, not realize it was a problem, find out you shouldn't have done it, and then have that pit in your stomach from then on? Yeah.... current situation. Hopefully nothing will come of it. But then you never know do you? Sheer ignorance of the situation no longer applies as an excuse; adults know this. But either way, that pit remains.

Kudu Coffee

I've been sitting in Kudu for almost 2 hours now. Working. Yes, that's right people, working. Created seating charts for all 5 classes, planned a route to get from room 108 to 209 in approx the time we have between classes. Gotta love still being a floating teacher... I might not make it on time! Haha Oh well. Discovered that 85% of the students this year I have taught before, which is nice bc I hate that first month of trying to know their names! Least this year I have a leg up on everyone else. This year I have 3 Advanced Topics courses (4th time teaching this class) and because I mentioned that my brain was going to mush, I am now teaching pre-calc. The irony, is that I liked teaching Geometry! haha Oh well. It's a new experience, new trial and will bolster my resume! :)

It's been a rainy day here in Charleston, one of the few that we've had all summer - even more glad to have been here rather than in the Mid-Atlantic. Side Note "I used to be commander and chief of my pimp ship flying high..." Does anyone know why the word "ship" is bleeped on the radio? Can't figure it out. Back - So, since it was raining, I framed more photography and really do need to put together a portfolio and start selling them. They are really getting pretty great, many peole have said so. Besides that, I rented 17 Again from redbox. It seemed really weird to watch that type of movie without Jenn, might have to rent it again! Oh my gosh, I was cracking up the whole time. Probably doesnt say much about my maturity level in that I still LOVE those movies, but hey, everyone needs to loosen up and experience the lighter side sometimes. Anyway, time to go move the car.

Time Flies when...

...you're having fun. Sure does! This summer was even extended by a week on either end, giving us a glorious extra two weeks. Thus making vacation last from the last day of work June 4 until Aug 24. That's almost 12 weeks folks! Paid! Spend a few days hanging out with friends in Annapolis, then came to Charleston. Had a few friends (Kenny and Curtis) come to visit. Went to San Francisco to see Annapolis friends, came back to Charleston, went on a cruise to the Bahamas and am now relishing the last just-over-a-week in Charleston then it's back to Annapolis and back to the work grind. Fun! Relaxing! And more importantly revival. The better part of the Spring was spent lost. Not so much directional lost as I tend to feel but spiritually lost and drowning. The church I attended was less and less home. There was no connection. No growth. No desire and yearning for the grace of the Cross. More time this summer has been spent in the Word growing and learning. More so being broken apart and forgiven for the selfishness and lack of focus. The prayer for the school year is that the desire to learn more, trust more, and talk more about the Lord will continue...

I'm on a boat...

Friday 31 July Jennifer and I got in the car and drove 400+ miles south to Cape Canaveral Florida. As we pulled up to the cruise ship (blaring I'M ON A BOAT) the excitement was uncontainable. We boarded the Monarch of the Sea and were off...


After our emergency drill, we showered and took off exploring the ship. We found food, walked all around and then... the casino. I was loosing quarters like it was my job for a while, but ended up in the long run loosing only about $5. It's easy to see how that could become quite addicting. Dinner was interesting as well. The family we sat with was a family of 3, Mike - the older fiance who was always searching for conversation and who used to pay 2 cents for milk when he went to school, Debbie - Mike's fiance who most enjoyed her day floating on a raft, and Ryan - Momma's Boy aka ladies man.

Saturday morning we docked in Nassau. Before disembarking, Jenn and I hit up the pool, only to discover that they were selling Bahama Mamas in Pineapples. So, of course we had to get them!!

After Bahama Mama's, we disembarked only to get on another smaller boat and go snorkeling. The fish were an assortment of colors. There were some that looked like Dori from finding Nemo. When headed back to the shore, the tour guides pointed out celebrity houses all along the coast. It was an incredible list including but not limited to Oprah, Elvis, and Tiger Woods.... These houses do not belong to the Celebs but they are colorful!
The snorkeling was followed by shopping. So, somehow, I am not the proud owner of a burnt orange colored purse. On the outside the bag says D&G, ok it's the wrong font and appears to be snapped on, but its ok.... On the inside, it says Prada. So its the Prada Gabbana bag. Love it! Anyway, the next stop was Senior Frogs for food and drinks. Their drinks were amazing and there was even a bit of dancing to the Macarana!

Sunday was spent in Coco Cay, which is an island privately owned by the Royal Caribbean cruise line. It was fully of vibrant colors and white sandy beaches. Hot.... It was Hot! This had to have been my favorite day. Jenn and I had booked a parasailing adventure. The boat was rocking out to Outkast and others. The first group goes up into the air and as the 2nd gets ready to go, one of the men decides he doesn't want to go. So, Omar (the guy running the boat) asks me to go with the gentleman who still wanted to go. So, of course, I'm up for adventure and say yes. Into the air I go with my new friend. We chatted... a lot. Turns out he's a poultry farmer from India who's on a 14 week vacation with his friend and their wives while his son runs the family business at home. They are going all around the U.S. on a tour, ironically called, "see all of America tour" :) After he and I land, Jenn takes his spot and up I go again. The view was breathtaking. The ocean a brilliant shade of greens and blues; the island far below and two cruise ships out in the water. Once finished, it was time to lay out on the beach with our Coco Loco drinks and soak up the sun!!! Glorious!

Dinner the last night on the boat presented lots of wonderful facts, such as.... you can order as many deserts (or apps or main meals) that you would like. Almost all of us had multiple deserts that night. YUM! Great vacation with a great friend and part of a GREAT summer!

Summer Travels

This has been a summer of travels. Before it started, I really hoped to have the opportunity to visit new places while still relaxing in Charleston. There have been so many blessings this summer and chances that I did not even have in mind. In the beginning on July, I went to Santa Rosa/ San Francisco with Brittany and Marc to visit Brittany's family. Spent time Flying, visiting the Pacific, wine tasting and generally enjoying friends and family. The last day I spent in San Francisco with a friend from College who happens to be travel nursing out there. Great day! Thank you!!!
Took the redeye flight from San Francisco back to Charleston, did laundry, slept and hit the road again to go to a Boat Party in Atlanta.... and yes, it was like the song. "take a picture trick, I'm on a boat bitch, we drinking Santana champ (ok it was Hypnotic). I got my swim trunks and my flippie-floppies, I'm flipping burgers, you at Kinko's straight flipping copies." The next day we proceeded to go to 6 Flags. Just like summer 07, Jennifer, Curtis, Scott and myself, but this time add Scott's gf and Greg. Good times.
Friday begins the other big trip of the summer. Jennifer and I booked a cruise to the Bahamas. It's a short 3 nights but still very excited about it. On a boat... Apparently we booked the party boat. Awesome. We leave from Port Canaveral and stop in Nassau and Coco Cay. Write more about that soon. Pics to follow.
In other news, I got bit my a spider and apparently that makes my foot swell a lot! The meds have sped me up and sleep eluded me all night! SWEET

Words that Speak...

Three songs have been on repeat lately:

1. God With Us - Tenth Ave North The chorus proclaims, "Yeshua. God of love, Emmanuel, God with us. Yeshua, God of love, Emmanuel, God with us."
Names for God. Yeshua - the God of Love, Emmanuel - God with us... and so many more. They describe attributes of God and His goodness. Repeating these lyrics and spending time praising and rejoicing for a Lord who loves me and is with me. Emmanuel - the notion that God is with us was emphasized in Bible study tonight. Philippians 4: 5 "the Lord is near", Phil 4:7 "the peace of God... will guard your hearts and minds" and Phil 4:9 "And the God of peace will be with you." Three time. Three times Paul reminds us that God is Emmanuel. He is with us!!! Amen.

2. Hallelujah - Tenth Ave North The chorus sings, "Hallelujah for the blood of the Lamb that was slain. Hallelujah for the blood of the Lamb that was slain. And so we enter in to see Your face, yeah. We enter in to see Your face, oh God"
I want this to be my mantra. In Bible study we discussed being Thankful and how looking for the positives and thanking the Lord for them, rather than dwelling on the negatives in life can lead us toward contentment. This chorus is a strong proclamation for Christ!!!

3. Battlefield - Jordin Sparks So Maybe this one is off topic. But doesn't love feel like a battlefield? Wow. The chorus this time echos: "Why does love always feel like a battlefield, a battlefield, a battlefield? (x2) I guess you better go and get your armor, (get your armor) get your armor. I guess you better go and get your armor, (get your armor) get your armor. I guess you better go and get your..."
This song gets cranked to decibels that no one should crank their radio to. It gets song aloud to with a passion I rarely emote. Maybe love doesn't need to be a battlefield. Maybe it's destined to be one until the Lord reveals the right man. Right man, that concept has always boggled me. I'm not entirely sure in the notion of "the One." That being said, maybe it needs clarification. People change. This is a true statement. I am sure I'm sold on the notion and the idea that there are people who you love for a time, but because of change, they are not going to be in your life for the long haul. Let's be honest, I've experienced this. There have been two men who have wanted it to be forever, but for some reason I could not find peace in that. What I do believe is that love and commitment takes work. That both people need to be striving to see the Lord, individually and together. That regardless of change, they need to stay committed and seek to grow and change together...

OK enough rambling.

Heat Wave

Another school year ended successfully. This year the students and I learned reciprocally from one another. I taught them mathematical principles, formulas and applications, and then we together learned about life! They were an intense bunch and 3rd period will be greatly missed!!!

Now it's onto a summer hopefully full of adventure!!! I arrived in Charleston, SC about 10 days ago and have been spending quality time catching up with friends. Currently, it's hot. Surprise right? Well, the weather does not typically turn quite so dramatically hot this early in the summer. But the sun is a wonderful change of pace from Annapolis!!! At some point, I really hope to get a chance to travel to Seattle, WA for a few days. The trip itself would is pricey but not outlandish and the opportunity to experience something different and new is priceless.

On Tuesday, Jennifer invited me to her Bible study on the book called "Calm my restless heart." The topic of contentment is greatly intriguing in that true contentment is not something I have felt in a very long time. Life did not end up mimicking the sketch in my head. However, the Lord's plan is larger and better, no matter how difficult that is to accept. The study thus far has been about learning to focus on the positives Christ has put before us rather than focusing on the negatives. While the Lord has shut certain doors in my life, I cannot forget about the large one He has opened in Maryland. A job that I love, with supportive coworkers and wonderful students. They are the ministry now. They are the contentment. They are worth Praise to the Father. That is the path alighted for the present. Contentment. Provision. Thankfulness. Joy. Remembering. Prayer. These facets and strongholds are the strength for today and tomorrow.

Story of the little Lemon Tree

Jesus prunes those He loves. It's temporary pain for a lasting good. At Bible study tonight Denise Duke told a story of the Lemon Tree in California:

"A man had a lemon tree that produced nothing but tiny lemons that were not useful for anything. The tree was getting in the way of the mans' ability to mow his yard and so he decided to prune the tree just about all the way down. Nothing was left of this tree but the tiny trunk. However, after a season the tree began to grow and flourish. Much to the mans' chagrin, the tree was not a lemon tree, but rather a beautiful grapefruit tree."

The point of the story, is that God does this with us. Sometimes He needs to cut us down, almost to the point of nothingness in order to become what we were truly meant to be.

Respect

I recently told a friend that he was no longer worthy of my respect. While this statement seems harsh, it is true. However, the point here is if the same standard that a friend was judged by were to be turned on me, would I pass or fail? What makes someone worthy of respect? Morals? Strength of Character? Their Word? Trustworthiness? Kindness? Gentleness? Self-Control... (yes, many of these are Fruits of the Spirit). If I were to test myself, I would fail as well. That realization is difficult to swallow, but necessary. Like a giant pill the doctors give. If you don't suck it up and swallow it you will never improve. The same goes for myself, If I don't take a hard look at my behavior and swallow the truth, I will never improve and become who I say I am (or who I really want to be). The temperament I possess is not glorifying, but rather demeaning to others, harsh and unkind most of the time. While the sweet side is there, it has been suppressed. Spiritually, I have been far from the Lord lately, and the distinct possibility that the two things are linked is becoming obvious. Praying for closeness and a change of heart...

18 months later...

18 Months has passed since my last post, which means that most likely anyone who read this before, no longer does. Therefore, my musing are safer than originally thought. Much has changed: seasons of life, locations, music, friends, love.

Seasons of Life: After teaching 2 years at Spalding, I have come to love it there. The students bring on incredible stress but the reward and encouragement from being around them is immeasurable. I can't even imagine having a job in which I am not surrounded by tons of high schoolers who have such drama in their lives; honestly, it makes my drama seem minuscule compared to the emotion and intensity in which they feel their drama. So, I am returning for a third year. Who would have ever though?!?!? GO CAVS!

Location: Ashley and I lived in an amazing, although quirky (to say the least) apartment downtown Annapolis last year. It was wonderful to be able to walk everywhere and the sites around Annapolis that I had not discovered (in 20+ years of living there) blew me away. The park behind Duke of Gloucester Street brought refuge, beauty and a great place for Saturday afternoon guitar playing. Currently, I am back in Charleston for the summer (the apartment that always calms my heart) and looking for somewhere else to live in Annapolis.

Music: I have taken up guitar. Since November I have been struggling to learn chords and strumming pattens. Poor Ashley and John (the neighbor below our apartment) who had to listen to those hours of terrible sounds that cant even be qualified as music. However, as time has progressed, so has my skills. I can now deftly maneuver through many chords. While plucking is still a mere dream, most common songs (without certain sharps and flats) can easily be sight read! Oh the progress that persistence brings.

Friends - Marriage, babies, friends... What has not happened in the past 18 months. Brittany and Marc got married, Mary got married and Jennifer Beaton as well. Wow, Jennifer Hunt-Taylor. Married in Glasgow Scotland. The wedding that simultaneously blew you away with the depth of love, beauty and beginning of a new life and made you cry for the fact that such an amazing friend will not be living across the Atlantic ocean. However, God is good and provides SKYPE so that Saturday Phone Dates can continue as they have for the past 6 years. God also allowed Catherine and I the great fortune to be able to attend the wedding. How blessed we both were from that entire week! Friends - Many new friends have been made, Annapolis is growing on me once again as I am finding a church home and becoming involved with the adults there. Yet another blessing from the Lord!!!

Love - Hmm that is the tricky topic isn't it? 18 months ago I was still getting over the heartbreak of loosing your first real love. Time really does change doesn't it? He and I saw each other one afternoon in June only to discover how much we had changed and how we no longer felt those intense feelings for one another anymore. Actually, it was me who still had twinges of nostalgia and love for him. However, there have been many potential men since then and yes, at this stage in life, the family continually reminds me that they were married by my age and having children... and the favorite "we are all praying hard for you to find a husband." Never sure how to react to that one: 1) Rejoice at having a family that cares so deeply that they pray to the Almighty Lord for a husband for me or 2) Oh gesh, they think I am behind the ball and need to be married! In a husband, I truly yearn for someone who wants to know the Lord and to lead our family toward Christ. Someone who spurs me on toward a deeper faith and who I can spur on as well! Currently, I have found a great man: caring, sweet, funny, nerdy in the same ways as me, yet outgoing as well. It is crazy, we have known each other for barely 2 weeks and yet I have never been more comfortable around someone in my entire life. Does he have that same desire for someone who loves the Lord with all their heart and soul and mind and strength? Then I take a look at my life, do I have that desire? Where is the flame? Have I hid it away? Lord, let that fire burn bright for you so that it is noticeable!

Ever wonder where you're going?

So I've been wondering a lot lately where life is taking me? I have this job that I love teaching at Spalding, but not many friends in the area and no idea of how to connect better. There are high school friends, but I mean adult friends. Mike said yesterday that it's like our pool for friends has changed. The privilege of constantly being around peers is gone. The people I want to be with are still in Charleston. The job is in Maryland. It's likely that 1,000's of people before me have had this dilemma. I cant find the friends here, but cant find the job there. Ack. Direction is needed. I feel so, alone up here but yet am tired of saying I feel alone and need to take action. What action that is, is still to be determined. Living at home is part of the problem, but moving out would mean being alone alone. There needs to be connection somewhere. I've been feeling disconnected from the friends in SC, and maybe thats because of the distance. Or the lack of their calling and the frustration I've felt over always being the one who calls. Much prayer is needed. That is also something that has been lacking. I have not been going to the Lord and talking, or seeking direction, or really anything but feeling sorry for myself, and where does that get you? no where.

Dear Friend...

Dear Alcohol,

First & foremost, let me tell you that I'm a huge fan of yours. My friend, you always seem to be there when needed. The perfect post-class cocktail, a beer at the game, and you're even around in the holiday's, hidden inside chocolates as you warm us when we're stuck in the midst of endless family gatherings. However, lately I've been wondering about your intentions. While I want to believe that you have my best interests at heart, I feel that your influence has led to some unwise consequences:

1. Phone calls: While I agree with you that communication is important, I question the suggestion that any conversation of substance or necessity takes place after 2 a.m. Why would you make me call those ex-boyfriends/girlfriends when I know for a fact they do not want to hear from me during the day, let alone all hours of the night?

2. Eating: Now, you know I love a good meal, but why do you suggest that I eat a taco with chili sauce, along with a big Italian meatball and some stale chips (washed down with WINE & topped off with a Kit-Kat after a few cheese curls & chili cheese fries)? I'm an eclectic eater, but I think you went too far this time.

3. Clumsiness: Unless you're subtly trying to tell me that I need to do more yoga to improve my balance, I see NO need to hammer the issue home by causing me to fall down. It's completely unnecessary, and the black & blue marks that appear on my body mysteriously the next day are beyond me. Similarly, it should never take me more than 45 seconds to get my room key into the lock.

4. Furthermore: The hangovers have GOT to stop. This is getting ridiculous. I know a little penance for our previous evening's debauchery may be in order, but the 3pm hangover immobility is completely unacceptable. My entire day is shot. I ask that, if the proper precautions are taken (water, vitamin B, bread products, aspirin, prior to going to sleep/passing out face down on the floor with a bag of popcorn, the hangover should be minimal & in no way interfere with my daily activities.

Alcohol, I have enjoyed our friendship for some years now & would like to ensure that we remain on good terms. You've been the invoker of great stories, the provocation for much laughter, and the needed companion when I just don't know what to do with the extra money in my pockets. In order to continue this friendship, I ask that you carefully review my grievances above & address them immediately. I will look for an answer no later than Thursday 3pm (pre-happy hour) on your possible solutions & hopefully we can continue this fruitful partnership.

Thank you

bon jovi

I spent twenty years trying to get out of this place
I was looking for something I couldn't replace
I was running away from the only thing I've ever known
Like a blind dog without a bone
I was a gypsy lost in the twilight zone
I hijacked a rainbow and crashed into a pot of gold

I been there, done that
But I ain't looking back on the seeds I've sown
Saving dimes spending too much time on the telephone
Who says you can't go home

Who says you can't go home
There's only one place they call me one of their own
Just a hometown boy born a rolling stone
Who says you can't go home
Who says you can't go back
I been all around the world and as a matter of fact
There's only one place left I want to go
Who says you can't go home
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it's alright

I went as far as I could, I tried to find a new face
There isn't one of these lines that I would erase
I lived a million miles of memories on that road
With every step I take I know that I'm not alone
You take the home from the boy
But not the boy from his home
These are my streets, the only life I've ever known
Who says you can't go home

Who says you can't go home
There's only one place they call me one of their own
Just a hometown boy born a rolling stone
Who says you can't go home
Who says you can't go home
I been all around the world and as a matter of fact
There's only one place left I want to go
Who says you can't go home
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it's alright
Who says you can't go home
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it's alright
Who says you can't go home

I been there, done that and I ain't looking back
It's been a long, long road
Feels like I never left, that's how the story goes

It doesn't matter where you are, It doesn't matter where you go
If it's a million miles away or just ten miles up the road
Take it in , Take it with you when you go
Who says you can't go home?