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!

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!!!