Taylor Invite

Four Thirty at Morton church. That is when we were to leave for Taylor Missouri. We were all proud to have gotten on the road at five. My van (which I was able to use after all) took Anni, Jessica, Hannah Roeker, and Susanna Thames. The other van had Hannah Thames, Brenna Waibel, Brett Hoerr, Austin Endress, and Caleb. Quite the crowd, huh? The drive was more or less uneventful. We played i pod karaoke and listened to loud music. We arrived just in time to hear the tail end of the last song at around 8:30. We settled into the backrow and heard a short message about the weekends theme: Revival, and theme verse: "Create in me a clean heart, o God, and RENEW a right spirit within me." from Psalm 51. After that was the chaotic time of trying to find everyone a place to sleep for the night. We were all invited to Alex and Aubrey Hoerrs (their parents are Scott and Anna Hoerr). The Hoerr's place always ends up to be the most crowded and most fun, and I would venture to say that this year was no different. We had 20 some girls sleeping in the basement. Saying that the floor was covered with sleeping bags and people is almost an understatement. The girls there were mostly younger than me, but they were all so much fun and lively.
Saturday was the work day. Guess what time we had to be AT the fellowship hall that morning? Did you guess 8:00 Am? well you were wrong. We had to be there and ready to work at 7. I believe we got 4 hours of sleep that night. Luckily their was plenty of coffee at the fellowship hall. After having a light breakfast of doughnuts and fruit we were assigned our jobs. There were 11 jobs in all including putting up a roof at the Sutter's TLC facility, patching and shingling some other roofs, landscaping for some elderly widows, clean up at some houses, work on the new fellowship hall and the church basement, and painting a fence. I was originally put on a team that would go to an old lady, not from the church, to give her a hand with yardwork and housework. Just as we were getting ready to leave I noticed Anni was the only girl in her group, how awkward would that be! So I quickly switched and ended up going to the Maple Lawns Nursing home instead. Once their we checked out our job: painting an old double sided fence to make it look like new. Unfortunatly there were only enough brushes for half of our group to paint, so the other half, me included, went into the home to visit with some residents. I'll be honest, though I did enjoy talking to the elderly about their breakfasts, I was a little sad that I wasn't going to be doing any "real work". We visited for about and hour and found out that the daily Bingo game was at 10:00 so we joined in on the fun. I haven't played Bingo since I was little. Luckily, Thelma, the lady next to me, walked me through it all and announced proudly whenever I got a bingo. We had an hour of that and then another hour of visiting, more amongst ourselves than to the napping elderly. Finally around 1:30 we were told it was time for the groups to switch jobs and we egearly grabbed buckets and brushes to tackle that fence. When we got outside we found out that a couple of the boys spent the entire time drawing pictures on the fence than actually painting. So all that time and we had over half of the fence left to do and only two hours left to do it in. My group was definitely harder working than the first. We even had one kid who had worked as a painter for the summer. He was a perfectionist. Anyway, we were on the last section when we began to feel some rain drops. Quickly we wrapped things up and prepared to head off. I must say, the fence looked mighty good after we were through.
We went back to the fellowship hall to get our cars and my van and went our separate ways for a couple of hours. My first destination was the Hoerr's for a warm shower and a nap. The nap never happened, but we had some fun times talking and sharing stories of the day.
Next it was back to the fellowship hall for some supper. The original plan for the evening was to set up a volleyball net and play some ultimate frisbee and other games, but the rain just couldn't hold off for that. So, we ended up having a nice evening socializing inside the warmth of the fellowship hall. After a supper of cheeseburgers, cheesy potatoes, baked beans, salad, fruits, and coffee, the tables were cleared away and the chairs were set up for a singing and a Bible study. The singing was great and the message was powerful. The speaker had me hanging on every word as I tried to soak up every bit of information said about Revival and Christ.  He finished up and we sang a few more songs from the Hymns of Zion and said a prayer. I didn't think my heart could feel more renewed until we went to the basement for a praise singing. The volume and beautiful sounds that came from that room were just amazing. Even more amazing was being able to give glory and honor to our God together as a body of believers. That evening was such a blessing.
Exausted we went back to the Hoerr's around 10:00 pm. Of course we didn't go to bed until much later. We snacked  on giant (not just big, GIANT) marshmellows and goldfish and talked. At the Hoerr's it is Taylor tradition to go on a midnight walk around the neighborhood.  It was about fifty to fourty degrees outside and I was so tired, I just couldn't make myself go. Me and a couple other party poopers just went downstairs to talk. I layed down just to close my heavy eyes for a little bit, expecting that, if I do fall asleep, I'll be woken up by the girls when they came back from the walk. Nope. I slept right through the night as sound as can be.
Sunday morning, and we were to meet at the fellowship hall at 8 am. Got to sleep in that morning. We had a nicer breakfast at the fellowship hall of casserole, cinamon roles, frozen fruit cups, and, of course, coffee. After breakfast we practiced some songs for the church. Those songs were Revive us Again, Create in me a Clean Heart, Ten Thousand Angels, and Light the Fire. Practice went well, and we all crossed the parking lot to go to churhc after. We went downstairs to sing with the Sunday school first then back up stairs to worship in the sanctuary. It was so crowded that we were practically sitting on top of eachother. It was such a blessing to look around and see God's house full to the brim. The sermon was spectacular. God was really moving in that place and we were sorry to see the minister sit down at the end. We went out to have lunch and the volume in the room grew and grew to a steady roar of chatting. Fellowshipping that afternoon with the people of the Taylor church and the 200 some kids that came to the invite was just awesome.
The Holy Spirit once again filled the sanctuary during second service and we were moved to hear such a powerful message. Then came my favorite part: Greetings. I have a notebook that I take notes from the sermons in and on the back page I have been tallying up the greetings given from every Sunday. The notebook is a year old and it was fun to look back at how many greetings were given last year on the same day. Well, this Sunday there was a total of 26 churches represented, the exact same amount as last year!
Next the entire group of 200 some kids filed out of the pews to stand at the front of the church and sing the songs we'd rehearsed.  I have shivers just remembering how beautifully those songs were sung and how moved we all were to praise God in such a way. Tears could not be held back as we sang Ten Thousand Angels. If you've never heard or sung the song, you are missing out, but here are the lyrics.
Ten Thousand Angels

They bound the hands of Jesus in the garden where He prayed; They led Him thro' the streets in shame. They spat upon the Savior so pure and free from sin; They said, "Crucify Him; He's to blame."
Refrain He could have called ten thousand angels To destroy the world and set Him free. He could have called ten thousand angels, But He died alone, for you and me.
Upon His precious head they placed a crown of thorns; They laughed and said, "Behold the King!" They struck Him and they cursed Him and mocked His holy name All alone He suffered everything.
Refrain He could have called ten thousand angels To destroy the world and set Him free. He could have called ten thousand angels, But He died alone, for you and me.
When they nailed Him to the cross, His mother stood nearby, He said, "Woman, behold thy son!" He cried, "I thirst for water," but they gave Him none to drink. Then the sinful work of man was done.
Refrain He could have called ten thousand angels To destroy the world and set Him free. He could have called ten thousand angels, But He died alone, for you and me.
To the howling mob He yielded; He did not for mercy cry. The cross of shame He took alone. And when He cried, "It's finished," He gave Himself to die; Salvation's wondrous plan was done.
Refrain He could have called ten thousand angels To destroy the world and set Him free. He could have called ten thousand angels, But He died alone, for you and me.  
Everyone was in tears at the end of the song. It was truly a blessing.

We ended the weekend with a few games of frisbee and football after church and a quick supper. We hit the road at about 5:00 and came home at a decent enough hour to get a good nights rest to prepare for school the next day.

This is Hannah, Jessica and Susanna on the way up.



We stopped at subway for supper and a bathroom break



A silly picture. I think Susanna won this one.






I was a very responsible driver. LoL!



And we danced alot to our loud music.



The Hoerr's



The sleeping arrangement. Actually we fought over space on the shag carpet all night long



Getting ready for church on sunday. Needless to say, the bathroom was packed.

 

Taylor

Well, this weekend is Taylor invite, which is always very exciting. Here's how it goes down at the invite: We arrive and begin playing volleyball, frisbee, or just chat and catch up with old friends. Then teams are made to play all the wacky and great games that these Taylor people come up with. After that is a food and a Bible Study and a singing. The next day is church, and I personally adore the Taylor church. It is so quaintly decorated. Not the usual reds and browns that you see in most churches, no, this one boasts crisp white and blue colors. That and the kindness and hospitality at the church just make it a great weekend. To give an idea of the size of this event: last year there was a total of 26 churches represented.
Now, this year is going to be different I hear. Instead of the usual games and such, it's going to be a working weekend, which I think is a great idea. Also we are leaving tonight instead of early tomorrow. Speaking of the trip up...In the past we always just took a car load with the cousins, but this year it got switched up a bit and we decided on going with other people. I offered my van and the Thames offered their vans. With the two vans we would be comfortable. Well, as I was cleaning out our van Dad comes to thank me. He was impressed that on this busy day I would clean out the van for him. Apparently he had already claimed the van to pick up some Russians on Sunday. Great! now I'm vanless and time is ticking. After sloshing options around in my brain I've decided on just taking my car. We'll be squished, but it seems to be the best solution. It's a wonder how these things happen! I mean, this van never gets used and now it is suddenly booked by two parties. Ok, well, instead of talking about being busy, I should probably get going.

Questions and Burdens

I don't know who reads this blog, but for the post I am about to write, I hope there are some older and wiser. Something that has been bothering me lately came up while on the way to Indiana Dunes. As always, the conversation became deep and serious and through the trip I learned allot about my cousin Kari. She made some statements about her love for God and how she desires Him more than food or breath. My mom has also said that there are times in her own life where she found complete satisfaction and closeness to God. I want that, but I don't know how to get it. I can't force my heart to yearn for something. I can't just wake up one morning and say that my passion is for God, can I? My question is this:  How does one become spiritually hungry? What steps must I take? I know how to act passionate and emotional about God, but closing my eyes and holding my hands in the air while I sing seems so superficial at times. I don't feel like emotion will get me any closer to God than it would for any other aspect of life like school and work. What then? Reading my Bible? Fasting? Praying? What can I do to draw nearer to God? These are probably questions that someone who has just found Christ would ask, and, to my embarrassment, perhaps I have failed so much when it comes to growing in the Lord, that I have remained, for the six years that I've taken the label of Christian, a baby. It has taken me this long to realize what I really want and that is to grow nearer to my God. And there's another thing, you know those videos about how small earth is in comparison with the universe? The ones where the camera just keeps flying further out in space and at each stop a spec is pointed to that is our earth? Well, if I am on this spec of an earth and I am so small, how can I bring glory to a God that holds it in His hand? I have gone through days in which I get up and intend to glorify God just a bit more than the day before, by keeping Him in my thoughts, praying without ceasing, showing kindness, etc. and by the end of the day, my mind becomes so fatigued, that I feel tired physically. I will do this for a few days until I have to throw my hands in the air and give up. Then I'm right back to where I started, apathetic and just getting by with the least amount of effort given toward worshiping my God. How can I combat this roller coaster? How can I better glorify my Lord, if I can hardly handle a few days of living for Him? Is there a way to truly give your ALL to God? Is it possible to give more than your all? If so, I want to do that. I owe it to Him.

Now, I'm going to sound like I'm complaining a bit, but there is something else on my mind that is far more serious than my personal walk. A few weeks ago, Craig Stickling had a talk at the ISU Bible study with just the girls about Redeeming our Bodies. Perhaps it's just because it came up and now it's on my mind, but before the Bible study I had a small list in my mind of girls that I was praying for to overcome eating disorders. That list has been growing quickly and has become such a terrible burden. With each person that is added to it, I feel my heart breaking just a little more for them. You see, to those who don't understand this, an eating disorder is like a really unhealthy habit that could put someone in the hospital in a long time, but it is not the body that becomes sick, it is the mind. If a person has gotten to the point of forsaking food for the  purpose of reaching the world's standards of beauty, then they are also forsaking the One who made food and made their bodies perfect. Their focus is on self and the pride alone can harden a heart against the love and help of family, friends, and God himself. I'm not saying that all girls who struggle with this are doomed to hell, but I am saying that it is a road that leads to terrible places, mentally. Daily, I wish that I didn't have this list of girls who struggle.  My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will move through their hearts and change will occur.
With these two issues in mind, this song sticks out to me. It's Beautiful, by Bethany Dillon. In the end, whether we have elementary questions or burdens, the most important thing is being Beautiful for Christ, but not beautiful because that is how He made us, beautiful on the inside. It's funny that being beautiful on the inside is the most important because that is in our power to change. Though I know that I have struggled with seeing myself as beautiful and I know that many other girls do, it's good to know that it is God who stepped inside my heart, and I am amazed at that.

"Beautiful"

I was so unique
Now I feel skin deep
I count on the make-up to cover it all
Crying myself to sleep cause I cannot keep their attention
I thought I could be strong
But it's killing me

Does someone hear my cry?
I'm dying for new life

I want to be beautiful
Make you stand in awe
Look inside my heart,
and be amazed
I want to hear you say
Who I am is quite enough
Just want to be worthy of love
And beautiful

Sometimes I wish I was someone other than me
Fighting to make the mirror happy
Trying to find whatever is missing
Won't you help me back to glory

You make me beautiful
You make me stand in awe
You step inside my heart, and I am amazed
I love to hear You say
Who I am is quite enough
You make me worthy of love and beautiful

Indiana Dunes Weekend

If a picture is a thousand words then, what else can I say? It was such a fun and blessing of a weekend that I know I will never forget. Thank you so much to Rachel Sauder for these great pictures!

Pumpkin Festival

Update on Mom and Dad: They arrived at the first hotel last night safe and sound. I'm sure Dad is having the time of his life, but Mom complained of soreness from sitting on the motorcycle all day. I reassured her that she only has three more days of this. There are 220 motorcycles on the ride. They have a Police escort and fly through every stop light and sign. Mom said it was fun too roar through the little towns and see people coming out of their houses to look at the large procession. Unfortunatly there was one accident. It was an older couple and while niether of them broke any bones, they were pretty hurt and one went into shock. They were rushed to the hospital. I believe there is a million dollar motorhome following them for circumstances just like this one, so that's the bright side to crashing. Due to the large group, Mom reported that every rest stop is a huge ordeal and the line for the bathroom is super long. Other than that it seems to be going very well: Barb and Tony Plattner have been texting me pictures of Mom and Dad and they look like they are having fun. We'll be praying for good weather.
On to other things: the Pumpkin Festival! Yesterday a car load of Sarah S. Jessica, Anni, and myself drove up to meet with the Waibel girls and Janelle. First order of business was to buy tickets for the rides. I personally can't handle the spinning and jerking of carnival rides, but everyone else was excited. It was a riot to be running into AC's at almost every corner. I almost began to think it was a church function. So, lots of rides were hit. We ran around till we were exausted and in the end, bought some of the famous Pumpkin Ice Cream, my favorite part.

From left to right: Brenna Waibel, Jessica, Anni. On the Octopus.

Again, Left to right: Sarah, Janelle, and Tiffany Waibel on the octupus. The seats were really only meant for two people, but they were able to squeeze another in.

And here is Charlie, Jessica Waibel, and Maria Sauder.

So, last year we had a ton of fun taking pictures, so we had to get some of that in for this year. Jumping off of benches is always a great way to get laughs and funny looks.

Before

After, when Jessica comes to disturb the peace. Just kidding.

No parents, eh?

Soooooooo, Mom and Dad have left for their St. Jude motorcycle ride to Memphis Tennessee early this morning. Actually I blame them for the tired state I am currently in for at 5ish in the morning all I could hear was the roaring engine of Dad's toy. Oh, well, I wish them a fun and happy trip. And Safe. Goodness knows how many times I've prayed that they stay safe. It's not like I'm losing sleep over it, but if they got in an accident we would be orphans and I would have to raise Ryan and Steven. I would have to raise Steven! I just don't think I could handle that.
Anyways, thus far things have gone well, everyone got to school looking good and on time. I told them to get all A's. I had some time between school and the time that they came home to clean Diane's house and mentally prepare for how this evening would unfold. After considering several options I decided the most painless way to deal with homework, feeding, and getting to bed would be to let them play their new Halo game and do all the work myself. I actually like pretending I'm a mom of three unruly teenagers. I told them they are giving me grey hairs and went on with the business of cleaning and fixing supper (or throwing a Pizza in the oven). Now I'm blogging about the trials of my life just like all the young mother's I know do.
Ok, on to more important things. Today in school we began Massage. We were all particularly excited for this. I mean, who doesn't want to spend three hours receiving and giving massages and pretending to learn at the same time!
On Tuesday Anni, Sarah Sceggel, Jessica Sauder, Janelle, and I went shopping and out to eat.  It was four hours and I only had 3 shirts to show for it, but it was fun all the same. We stopped to eat at Avanti's. I placed my order of Fetucchini Alfredo and the waitress very seriously tells me that that is "all you can eat". Based off of her tone of voice I thought she meant that I was not aloud to eat anything else. I confusedly accepted wondering why a business would try to restrict me from buying more food from them. It took me awhile to realize she meant I could eat all I wanted of that particular dish tonight.
Tonight we are going to the Morton Pumpkin Festival. These are pictures from last year. Good times.

We didn't actually do much at the festival, we kind of toured Morton doing silly things and taking lots of pictures.

Practically

Even though this is the morning of my practicals and I should be really concerned, I'm not. It's been such an easy going, happy morning. I love it when everything at home runs so smoothely and happily! See in the picture? We're all just smiling faces.

Anyway, last night was BEAUTIFUL! Went to the ICC Bible Study  hungry for the Spirit of God and came away filled with awe of Him. The message was on God's Awesomeness. Sounds pretty generic right? Actually I learned a ton last night about the word Awesome and how, after looking at it's meaning, it really should only be used to describe our Father in Heaven. After the Bible study we go out to the bridge and sing. It's so nice to be able to learn about God and then worship Him. He is such a wonderful Savior!

Well, I hope this good mood of mine lasts. I feel on top of the world! Prayers would be appreciated as I go to practicals.

It's Still a Cute Car

Waking up this morning I felt like the day would be a promising one. Though I did sleep in thirty minutes late, I had plenty of time to do a last minute go-over of all the material that would be on our test in school today. After finishing that and my coffee I sat at our table watching the family run around trying to prepare for the day and wondered what to do from now (7:00) until the time I have to leave (8:30). Just then, Mom looks at the time and excitedly proclaims that, since Steven was riding the bus, she can go on the walk this morning! I had to join her and walk we did.

That took care of our social needs for the day and we came home (8:00) with some  time to spare. I strolled around collecting my books and such and tried to waste time so I wouldn't arrive at school too early. 8:17 rolled around and I decided to head out to the car. "Maybe I'll have car problems or there will be traffic today" I said to myself, justifying the fact that I was leaving a whole 13 minutes early. Well, wouldn't you know, I did have car troubles. In my carelessness I had left my car lights on last time I used it and the battery was completly dead. I had quite a moment of panic and quickly called mom asking what I should do. She promptly told me that she would call someone at the Lake to come rescue me, whatever that means. After hanging up with her I remembered that Dad has a battery charger in his shop and I knew how to work it. I retrieved that and called Dad so he could talk me through the process. Boy, did I feel cool lifting up the hood of my car and plugging the red clampy thing with the red metal thing and the black clampy thing with the black metal thing and pushing the charge button. Happily, it worked and I would like to say that the car roared to life when I turned the key, but it is very much a sissy car and it just quietly made its presence known by a soft humming of its quiet engine. Well, it was a beautiful sound to me. Just as I was putting the car charger away Joan pulled in to jump the car. Once agian, I was proud to say I did it myself. Next I need to learn how to change a tire and I'll be a regular car mechanic!

Well I pulled out of the drive at exactly 8:30 on the nose.

The test at school went well. This teacher tends to give really tricky questions, but the whole class agreed that this one was the least tricky of all. 

On my way home from school I was listening to the news, I think it was Rush Limbaugh. Anyway, I'm convinced: Obama is a Muslim. Karin is right!

And, I got home and realized that my art project that I thought was due on the 15th was due two days ago. Oops. So I rushed to do that and turn it in late. I don't think any college student should have to take art. I don't think any one past the age of 7 should have to take art. How is drawing pictures going to help me in any way shape or form. Its a waste of time if you're being forced to. I just don't get art. Ugh!

On the side here is the project: it's a self portrait collage of the last year of my life. I felt like a first grader doing this!!!

Labor Day Weekend and more

I am going to try to post more regularly because I really do want to be able to look back on this blog and see all the memories :).
For Labor Day Weekend it has become an annual event to have people over at the Lake to camp. The regular group is the Knoblochs, Striettmatters, and Keisers I think, but plenty more showed up. The weekend began on Friday for me as I had no school. I spent the day cleaning and studying. Good thing I studied on Friday because wouldn't have done it any other day. Then it was off to vaulting. Right now we are doing relaxed practices which is great because we can come up with some great tricks and transitions with the Reinhard girls and Jessica, Anni, and I.
The weather was so nice and cool that day and none of us had anything planned that we decided to go horseback riding. Sarah on Sangria, Bethany on Duke, Anni on Bunni, Karin on Sophie, and I rode ol' Larry Boy. I never get the chance to ride Larry on trails unless I'm by myself because he is too valuable as a beginner's horse. Having all experienced riders resulted in an all canter trail ride. The horses were so hyped up from the cool weather that they made the ride absolutely glorious. After that we hung out around the playground. Let the Weekend Begin!
The best way to describe Saturday is this: football, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, football, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee,  football, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, football, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, and water fights. It was pretty funny to see the guys all go play instruments and halo and the girls play tackle football. Everyone had so  much energy!
Church on Sunday was such a blessing as Randy Mogler and Frank Sauder spoke. Afterwards it was more football, Frisbee, and volleyball. A bunch of us girls slept in Jessica's little, newly remodeled, bedroom. It was crowded, but fun.
On Monday I came home to take a shower and grab some more clothes, however, the day ended up allot differently than I expected. Mom decided to tackle the large job that is Steven's bedroom. See, Ryan and Steven didn't get along in the same room so we hung up some blankets to section off a bit of the living room to become Steven's new room. It was just large enough for a bed and dresser, and just an eyesore enough to make it hard to ever invite anyone over. Anyway, I loved the thought of giving the living room a bit of a face lift and joined in on the work. We couldn't just finish with moving the bedroom, though, the large sectional couch, one table, bookshelves and two chairs had to be rearranged just perfectly. It's a good thing Mom and I aren't a married couple because we had different views on everything involved in the process. Once we came to an agreement as to where the furniture should all be placed a shopping trip was in order. We needed bar stools, a coffee table, two chairs to replace our broken old recliners, a side table, and a small bookshelf to hold games and cover up an ugly vent. We left the stores with all but the two chairs.I'd say it was successful. Now, all week I have been excited to come home because of the changes. I've been kicking myself however for not getting before pictures.

Well, this was on my computer, the house is messy in this picture and it was taken probably a year ago, but the layout hadn't changed. The camo blankets is Steven's "Bedroom". As you can see we had two dining rooms, a big design no no. The sitting area was inconvenient, therefore, never used, and the bookshelves are hard to see on the far left, but they are supposed to be built ins but we had them sticking out awkwardly by the front door.

Now, our livingroom boasts of great style and function. We have yet to accesorize, but as far as layout goes, I think we found a way to furnish this terribly large and difficult room. Now all we need is a grand fire place, all wood floors, proper light fixtures, brand new furniture......

      As for the rest of this week, it's been fine, a little long though. For school I have two tests and a practical to worry about and have not been able to rest easy because of them. Speaking of which, I should be studying now, instead I have spent the entire afternoon sitting in a field of grass to give Steve a chance to graze and helped mom cook supper. I know I'm 18 and supposed to be strong and independent, but I just felt a little lonely and perhaps a bit insecure today, so I subconsciously followed Mom around like a two year old would (except I didn't cling to her skirts the whole time). Good thing she is such a kind, loving, compassionate woman because her smiles, hugs, and overall good cheer brought my spirits up. I'm so blessed to know her, let alone, be her daughter. And, its funny, it's thoughts like this that brought me down in the first place. I am appalled to know that I sin every day so easily and yet the God who sent His only beloved Son to earth so I could nail Him to that cross with my sin also blessed me with a wonderful Mom and Dad and family and home and the list goes on. And though I may say "thank You" and "forgive me" a thousand times to God, it is not enough to show the gratitude I should be showing. I just hope that I can live a life that is pleasing to Him and that I never forget to give Him my all or slip away into apathetic attitudes.
Anyway, I've gone away with my thoughts. Where was I? lol oh, So we are looking at some busy weekends ahead. First, the trip to Indiana Dunes and my parent's bike ride for St. Jude, then it's the Taylor invite, next is the Spoon river drive, and last is the World Equestrian Games. I am so excited I just want this week to go quickly. I must ask for prayers as I embark, however, because of the stress that comes with having practicals and tests. I hate studying.

Adventures in School

            Don't get me wrong, I love school right now, its great to learn about things that I know I'll be using all my life, but wow it can be hard. Monday, Alice, my professor lectured for 4 hours with only one 10 minute break and one 5 minute break! Talk about information overload. Yesterday was better as the traffic, due to the "inspirational talks" down at the civic center, held everyone up, including Alice, until 8:30. We also had a social planned with the sophomore class at 11:30, so our four hour class was cut down to a three hour lab practice! Which was good, because I needed some practice working with the hot packs, cold packs, positioning, and draping. It's so hard to remember what to say at the right times, which technique to use, etc. But I'm sure I'll get it sooner or later. One funny thing happened yesterday. We learned about Ice massages, which basically entails the PTA rubbing a piece of ice on one area. This is good because it makes it possible to target one small area. Anyway, I started "treating" my partner on some tendons near the elbow and all was fine and dandy. After five minutes we switched and she did me. After we had cleaned up she looked at her arm and the area that I had rubbed the ice on was raised up like a large, perfectly oval hive. It was so weird looking!
         I'm looking at yet another busy day with school, following vaulting, following church, and somewhere in there I have to take a group photo for the scholarship I received. I have no idea when or where this photo is to be taken so I have to call ICC when I get the chance.
         Steve is doing well. The fence idea didn't work as he escaped three times in one day, each time venturing over to the neighbors where a new roof is being put up. Despite all the loud bangs and noises he really wanted to be with people. What a brave little kid!