A Jumbled Mess of Life Happenings

I guess I'm not as good at this blogging thing as I had hoped!

Wow. Much has happened since last time I caught you all up...and yet, there are still soooo many questions! I guess I'll break it down into categories and try to fill you in.

Buckner Internship:

26 days until I head to Dallas to start my incredible journey! Wait, I take that back. I have already begun this journey. 

It truly started back in January when I applied in faith, knowing that God would do something amazing....It continued when, in outrageous obedience and generosity, the Church responded and covered the entire cost of my trip plus additional donations to purchase supplies and gifts for the children and workers at the orphanage. In fact, I canceled my support lunch because the amount coming in made it no longer necessary! Isn't God Good!?!?!

Now, I am eager to meet the rest of my team, board that plane, and finally see and hug those sweet kiddos I have been praying for these past months. Please continue to pray for me and the rest of the team: Melody, Kenda, and Delaney, the country and government of Kenya, the workers and kids of the orphanage, Buckner International, and that God would be glorified.

Random fact: I found out yesterday that the last two days of the internship, we get to go on a safari! FUN! I wanna see an elephant...and a giraffe...and a lion...from a distance ;-)

Grad School:

I have officially accepted the offer to start my Masters in the fall at the Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work at The University of Oklahoma! Whoop! (See...I'll always be an Aggie.)

Still - I ask anyone that actually reads this post to please please please PRAY! I accepted the spot knowing that I will only actually be able to go in August if something miraculous happens with financial aid. My family cannot afford to help me go to an out-of-state school, nor do I wish that burden on my parents (or want to take out a loan!).  But, everything just feels right about OU. I visited there about two weeks ago, and loved it. The faculty and staff are amazing. I sat in on the department head's class and was very impressed. Housing options look good. And it's NOT Austin. ;-) I felt at home in Norman, and have already received several church recommendations there. I asked God to very emphatically shut the door if that was not where I am supposed to be, yet all signs point to OU. I am faithing that some sort of financial aid will occur where I can pay resident tuition.

CS Home:

My house in CS sold! About three weeks ago, I went down with my parents, three vehicles, and two trailers to pack up 3 1/2 years worth of life (man - can I accumulate junk quickly!).  It was a little sad knowing that I no longer live in CS, but I'm glad to have the packing/moving behind me. It was also really great to spend a little time with friends that were still there.

Other Life Events:

Well, the not-so-great news. I am currently on week three of having pneumonia. Yeah, I know - stink. I've been through two chest x-rays, two rounds of oral antibiotics, one round of steroids, a breathing treatment, and a shot in the rear. Awesome.  And I'm still coughing and wheezing. I'm so ready for it to be over, and I have to get well soon so I can go to Africa! So, while you're at it, pray that I kick this thing - soon!

On another note, I'm super glad it's Saturday. I slept unacceptably late (which was glorious!), loved on my Sadie-dog (who is not feeling super well), little-by-little worked on cleaning my room and storing away some residual junk from the move, and shot at annoying black birds around the house with my dad. Good day, I'd say. =)

Ahhh Contentment

I am in CS for a few days for the New Year and a chance to see friends before class/jobs start for them and I start subbing.  I. am. LOVING. it.!! I have never been in this town without class and/or a job - including summers! I am absolutely loving being here for a few days without any responsibilities or requirements - simply having my days free to spend quality time with friends that I love - friends that refresh and encourage my soul and contributed more to my growth and well-being while in college than they could possibly know. Saying that - if you're in town, give me a call! Or just come by the house!

So far, that quality time consists of helping clean/pack K.E.'s apartment, dinner, grocery shopping, and lots and lots of Wii.  ha =)  K.E.'s staying with me at my house since it still hasn't sold (SMALL ASIDE: If you know anyone looking to purchase a mobile home - let me know!), B.B.'s on his way up to CS this morning, J.B. will be coming over for breakfast in a little while, we'll play racquetball and hopefully an entire crew of folks will be over tonight for our "New Year's Eve Extravaganza"! K.E., J.B. and I have pretty much planned to have every meal together....and you know that makes my heart happy to cook and share meals over sweet conversation.

I love my friends. Period. They rock. God has blessed me so much.