On our way...

I'm down to two suitcases of belongs to carry me through my last two months in the United Sates. On Thursday we load our shipping bin with all the rest of our earthly belongs and a whole bunch of books and supplies for our future school. It was amazing! We only had 2 hours to load the bin and we were worried about everything fitting. We got all the boxes and bins loaded in less than an hour, despite the sweltering 105 F. And to our amazement we had tons of extra space. I had enough time to run back to my house and pick up a giant bookshelf to take down. We were so blessed to be able to take down everything we wanted to. I know when I'm really missing home I will appreciate having those familiar pieces with me.

If you want to check out pictures from our packing extravaganza paste this link into your address bar... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2051889&l=3f089&id=68603376

I also bought my plane ticket for Costa Rica. I leave October 20th and fly to New York where I get to hangout with my brother, Benje, for a few days before flying down to Costa Rica. I really wanted to see Benje's new place and spend time with him in New York before I moved, but I didn't know how I could afford two tickets. But God completely provided. I don't know why, but it was over $300 cheaper to fly through New York, than straight from Sacramento. Not only does this work out perfect, but it also saves a ton of money!

Big Time in Texas!

Last week my cousin Andrew Rigsby married his beautiful bride, Lauren. My parents and I flew back to Texas and met up with Benje for the wedding. It was so wonderful to spend good time with my Uncle Ricky, Aunt Janet and cousins. I was afraid I wasn't going to see them before I left the country. But we were blessed with four full days of hanging out, telling stories of when we were little, and eating tons of food!!! While I've always loved my family in Texas, I can't say it's ever been my favorite state, but this trip it really proved itself to have a lot to offer. Though I don't know when I'll be back in Texas, I'm glad to know I'll get to see some of my Texas family again before I leave when they come out to California in October.

As a bit of a side note: One of the my individual highlights of the trips was the new experience of flying first class! My mom had a reward ticket for me on the way out there and then Uncle Ricky used his miles to upgrade my flight on the way out home. It was a blast; I felt like a movie star. Hot towels to wash my hands, glass tableware, and decadent carmel ice cream over hot brownies. Oh wow! Thank you Mom and Uncle Ricky!

Lake Isabella

If you actually know where Lake Isabella is, you must be wondering why on earth would anyone choose to vacation in place like that! I must confess it is my most treasured vacation spot in the world, not for it's scenery, but for the amazing company. Every year since my parents were newly married, they and two other couples have been hanging out at this desert lake outside of Bakersfield. Each year we expectantly look forward to the first week in August when we get to hangout with the Wilsons and Cooks at Lake Isabella. The time I've spent growing up with these two families has had a profound impact in shaping me into the person I am today. It was so wonderful to be able to spend this past week with them. It was a week of encouragement and confirmation of my call to Costa Rica. Plus, lots and lots of laughter! In the next few years, I'm really going to miss our week at the lake. I'm trying to convince them to relocate our annual get together to Costa Rica. At the very least, I hope Uncle Will brings a group down from his church in Chico!

The Crew: We were much smaller this year since many of us older kids now have grown-up responsibilities and jobs (Kevin, Benje, Lauren, Karlee, and Blake) or are newly married (Noelle)


The muscle men. Notice the beautiful, tree-less backdrop and pea soup water. The algae was in full boom!



It was a long day of wake- boarding and reading in the sun!