last week of the winter quarter.

the weekend that was: fun. i went to the taft drumline competition on saturday at south high. the drummers played well (even with the major flub at the beginning of the show). and we were shocked when we went from last place out of six at the previous competition to third place out of seven at this one. and we were only like .8 points from first place. and then on sunday we had the grand opening of our church, and the sanctuary was nearly full! it was so awesome to see that many people coming together for such a big moment in our church's history. other than all of that, i just worked on my magazine feature story (my final paper for my feature writing class) and reading. all in all it was a relaxing weekend.

where i am at the moment: at work currently, but really just wanting to be anywhere else but here. i'm really excited about the weeks ahead, but i'm also trying to live in the moment more. its a balancing thing.

on my to-do list this week: finishing my last paper of the quarter, finishing the stuff for this week's connection.

what God is teaching me: that if i fully trust Him, He will not let me down.

book i’m in the midst of: stand by alex mcfarland (for the connection). looking for alaska by john green i just finished and it was amazing! such a great book. i totally almost cried in the middle, and the end. it was fantastic. i started reading the shack by wm. paul young, and it is super good already. so many people recommended that i read it, so i picked it up at costco yesterday.

music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: for some reason the song take a breath by the jonas brothers keeps coming into play. the lyrics are something i need to hear on a normal basis, so i really felt drawn to it this week.

next trip: not mexico =( we had to cancel our trip because of financial things. but its ok, we're going to still do some mission type work during spring break. as for my next trip...i'm hoping to go down to LA sometime soon-ish for a visit to the cousins and hopefully a small trip to sacramento to visit liz. as for times for these trips...tba.

how i’m feeling about this week: restless.

a new perspective.

"The people had a great impact on me and I believe I returned home with a different outlook from many who go on missions trips. People return to America and have this gratitude for all they have… but those are just things. These people have the power and presence of God. They have community, family, and are the true church. We need them to be missionaries here in the States."

This quote was posted on the Unmuted blog by Britney following her trip to Panamaquin, Guatemala. These thoughts have been stirring around in my mind...am I just feeling thankful for what I have? I know that these were my thought last year as I returned from the Mexico trip. This year, I want thoughts like Britney's when I go to Mexico and Zimbabwe. Lord, please give me a deeper understanding of these people and who they are.

longest weekend ever.

the weekend that was: insane. friday i learned that adrianne had gone missing (now for seven days), that shaye fields was killed in a car accident, all while in LA on a missions trip. the trip was so good, except for me getting sick halfway through the day of work. on saturday we did so much stuff that it seemed more like three days then just one. we did this thing called "adopt a block" where we split up and went to different blocks around the Teen Challenge Ministry Institute (TCMI, where we were staying) and offered to cut grass, wash cars, and pray for people. it was an awesome experience. then, we did kidz club. for this, our team went to inglewood and set up our bus at a church there. we performed a series of skits/games to teach the kids a lesson of trusting God. then, after some down time, we had an awesome worship service and headed out to Skid Row. yes, THEE Skid Row. we got to hand out food and blankets to homeless people living on the streets there, and it was amazing. it was so cool to see our kids not care and just share the love of God with these people by talking to them and praying for them. this is one experience that i don't think they will ever forget.

where i am at the moment: happy. ready to see where waves are going to be made.

on my to-do list this week: homework. laundry. the usual.

procrastinating about: homework. always.

what god is teaching me: to trust Him. that great things come to those who wait for the right time.

book i’m in the midst of: eat, pray, love. awesome. also, i'm reading through psalm with kayloni and katrina. chapter 3 this week.

music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: the random stuff we listened to in my car to/from inner city LA.

next trip: winter camp!!! =)

how i’m feeling about this week: excited.

meeting a hero.

yesterday was such an awesome day. alan and dorothy graham were in town to speak to the kids about missions and zimbabwe. but, before they spoke with the youth, shannon held a luncheon for them and some special guests to help getting funding to start up the graham’s new orphanage project “jabulani.” now more than ever, i am STOKED for zim. getting to meet the people who changed my life two years ago when i first heard about their life in zimbabwe was so amazing.

you might be asking yourself, how did they change her life without her even meeting them? well, the answer is simple: hearing their story and learning about the problems facing zimbabwe, i feel in love with the country. they changed the way i view my life here in the states, and how i view the world. they opened up my eyes to a part of life i had never seen, heard of, nor experienced.

and when i left last night, i said my good-byes to alan and dorothy. it wasn’t sad at all to see them go because i know i will see them again come july, only next time they will have the home field advantage…