Family and Friends

Summer is halfway over and I have been so blessed by the time I've got to spend with family and friends. I started off the summer with the wedding of a dear friend, Noelle Wilson. I had the honor of doing all the flowers for the wedding, a favorite pastime of mine. After that, our family headed up to Tahoe for a week. It was amazing to have all of our family together, including Benje who came out from New York. We swam, rode bikes, caught crawdads, watched fireworks, ate lots of food-- pretty much just enjoyed hanging out together for a week. The last few weeks have been spent traveling to different parts of California visiting friends, but thankfully not having to say goodbye, yet. Being with family and good friends is such a blessing. I'm trying to take full advantage of all the time I have here, because I know October is going to come sooner than I think.

Schools Out!

It  was  very bittersweet ending my second school year at Lindsay High School.   God truly  worked a miracle there.    My tenure started with tears of inadequacy and being overwhelmed, but it ended with tears of joy and long hugs goodbye. 

    The weekend before school got out my family came down to host a BBQ for all my students and their families.  It was a wonderful evening for my family  to meet my students and their extended families, as well as for me to honor my students and all of their hard work.    I am amazed by how much they have grown as individualizes, each one so unique and with special gifts.  I feel so honored to have been a part of their lives.   I know that the Lord planted many seeds during my last 2 years there at Lindsay.  I can't wait to see how they grow.

Family Dinners

As many of you know, back in San Luis Obispo we had this wonderful tradition of Family Dinners at our house every Thursday.   They were open to anyone and everyone and created a great sense of community for us their in San Luis.   When I moved to Visalia, I wanted to start family dinners, but didn't think anyone would come.  For a whole year, I dragged my feet, but finally I couldn't ignore God's little pushes to start up Family Dinners here in the Valley.    Now they've been going for almost 6 months, and it has been a blast!  God completely overcame my fears that no one would show up.  Every week, new people come and friendships are built.  It's wonderful to see a new community being formed;  God is so faithful even when we are doubtful!

Spring Break!

One of the wonderful things about being a teacher is the built-in vacation times, like Spring Break.   I had the great joy of spending Easter with an extensive  amount of family up in Northern California, many of whom I haven't seen in several years.  It was a wonderful few days of laughter, stories, encouragement, and lots of food!!!   It is such a blessing to have a family who is so supportive and affirming as I take this bold step of faith in moving to Costa Rica. 

After several days at home, I flew back to Boston to visit two dear friends from college.  Again, I was so encouraged by their fellowship and support.  Also, oddly enough, being in Boston made me even more jazzed about the work God is already started in Costa Rica.  In the last year and a half I've become very focused on the work God is doing in the California Central Valley.  This isn't a bad thing, but I hadn't been paying too much attention to what He was doing in other pockets all over the country.  Being in Boston and seeing the work God was doing there (and the continued need), reignited the intensity of my desire to see God's work all over,  especially in Costa Rica.  While I'm joyful to be finishing the work God has for me here in the Central Valley, I cannot wait to see what He has in store in Costa Rica!!!

Spring Time!!!

  

I don't know what it is about blossoming orchard, but their beauty overwhelms me.  Each tree speaks of God's amazing creativity, grandure, and gentle love for us.   It's such a joy driving to school every morning through various orchards.  I feel like my heavenly father is there waiting for me and saying, "Good morning.  Look what I have created.  I can't wait to show you what I'm going to do in the rest of the day."  

The trees are a beautiful reminder of his continuous presence and attention to detail in the world he created.

Jumping!

Recently I began reading the book Velvet Elvis, by Rob Bell.  The title for this blog comes from the book.  Bell uses the metaphor of a trampoline to describe the Christian faith, and it is an image that really resonates with me. In talking about sharing your faith he says, "you rarely defend a trampoline.  You invite people to jump on it with you.... You rarely defend the things you love.  You enjoy them and tell others about them and invite others to enjoy them with you."  This is what I am striving to do with my life.  I hope that you will join me in my journey as I continue to follow Jesus as He leads me towards Costa Rica. Come jump with me!