since we last spoke

i embarked on a delightful little road trip with my guy and our dear friends caleb & ashley. it was mighty adventurous to say the least. a six hour drive in a almost hilariously tiny kia rio and a total of 24 hours of train rides made for various muscle cramps, spasms, and an array of body parts falling asleep. still, the view from the window and a constant intake of junk food maintained equilibrium until we finally made it to blissful bend, oregon. we were privileged to attend an utterly convicting and inspiring justice conference. we stayed with some of my favorite people, ate the most delicious food made with locally grown ingredients, drank kombucha, and made life-long memories. our trip came to a close with some valentines day bargain hunting and a last meal around the reynolds table with a classic game of 'freeze'.

only 70 days until i make that sweet little place my home.

also...

we made a pit stop in san fran, saw a banksy original gasp, ate at boudin, and walked about 45 blocks.

september the first.

first day of the month.

first day of classes.

first day of my last year of college. holy moly that is unbelievable.

since august 9th i have been going, and going, and going and i'll be honest, im tired. i need rest, not just sleep or lack of busyness, but what i need is the peace that comes from knowing that my God is faithful and He is in control. im still incredibly encouraged by matthew 6:33-34. it serves as such a reassurance that God takes care of us. he knows my needs and he will meet them. not only does he want to meet them, but according to ephesians 20 he is able to give us "immeasurably more than ALL we could ask or imagine". this summer one of the biggest things i learned was how essential times of solitude were for me. in order to remain sane and to avoid trying to do things on my own, i must force myself to stop, be still, and keep quiet and listen. im actually quite good at listening when someone in sitting in front of me talking but im learning to tune my heart to the voice of my God and the leading of his holy spirit. in a lovely time of prayer and rejoicing with a few friends last week i was encouraged by a quote my sweet friend shared "the ear listens with curiosity but the heart listens with obedience" i am slowly but surely learning to listen with my heart. its tricky business.

even when im insanely exhausted, over sensitive, and borderline grumpy, i am amazed by the love i feel from those around me. i am so blessed by friends who encourage and show me the love of Christ through their words and actions alike.

also...

i dont think ive ever been happier. this handsome guy makes me smile this big quite often.

oh wednesday.

im laying on my bedroom floor listening to this and thinking through the things i will get done today.

-call Financial Aid

[ because making sure i have financial clearance for the fall semester is pretty important ]

-GAP

[ because im currently addicted. but dont worry its just a return, or maybe an exchange if im feeling fancy ]

-make a trip to shevlin to collect rocks

[ because i fell in love with shevlin park and want something other than mosquito bites as my souvenir ]

-get flight details

[ because i fly home in 9 days ]

-write BOTH congo stories

[ because its almost august and mission kids will need a new child profile ]

-go through my bookmarks menu

[ because i have way to many random things saved there]

-maybe a skype date with this guy

[ because its been a few days ]

also..

i cant decide if nine days feels like too short of a time or if it feels like forever.

a few thoughts

before i attempt to fall asleep.

one: my body apparently takes sleep for granted these days.

two: tomorrow i will be embarking on round two of what has now become an annual white water rafting trip

three: i serve a faithful God

four: i need to stop purchasing things at garage sales. no matter how lovely, vintage, or reasonable priced they are.

five: i really want to sew something

also..

this video brings the biggest smile to my face every time i watch it. actually, every time i even think about it. yep.

well, well, well..

yep, its true.

how much, you ask..

more than this

which i happen to kind of adore

so there

today was just lovely, exactly as predicted.

also...

did i mention how incredibly blessed i am. im going to make a list in my new journal.

oh, and i leave for oregon in four days!

wanderings of the mind.

they're bound to happen when one is as tired as i am. nevertheless. here's what im thinkin

1. i still like the disney channel
2. ive been really brave today, i killed two yucky bugs and caught a lizard in my mom's bedroom
3. i wish i could successfully pull a tablecloth out from underneath a beautifully set table
4. i leave in four days for what has the potential for being one of the greatest adventures of my life
5. im glad i just had my favorite late night snack peanut butter captain crunch
6. i could reeeeaaaallly use a manicure
7. tomorrow is going to be a lovely day
8. i love continuing to learn about GRACE
9. im sore from running more that i have in quite some time, yessssss
10. i cant wait until my clothes are back from the dry cleaners
11. I GET TO SEE MY BROTHER for three whole days
12. im intimidated by the garage sale happening at my house this weekend
13. im thankful for my fathers indian heritage
14. i miss skype dates, like tonight.
15. i rely on the word of god, through all things

"Trust in the lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."

proverbs 3:5-6

i love that trusting in the lord is all i have to do. thats all. granted, not an easy task, by any means, but in the past few weeks ive picked up this new tendency to over analyze. really, i mean reeeaaaaly, its not up to me, or my elaborate plans, or rationalizations. sure god has the ability to bless some half thought out mediocre plan, and work it together for good. but i dont want something that has to be worked together and turned into good, id rather have gods perfect will, please and thank you. so for the time being im going to stop worrying about the future so much and enjoy the awesome blessings before me right now. im happy, like REAL happy, and i can find rest in the fact that if i continue to seek his will in all i do, he will direct my ways.

also...

i wish i could go see two of my roommates who are in the same city as me at this very moment.