Wonderful Letter!

I got this letter today. It made my week! My friend Kim and I used to go on mission trips to Mexico when we were in high school. She is so dear to me, and so is her son!

Hi Christina,
You are my mom's friend, I am 5 and I live in Papua New Guinea. I really like to play bats in my room because I have a closet with a place to hang upside down. There are no clothes in my closet because my clothes are in baskets. I have some questions about Slovenia. My mom is typing for me while I talk. Are there castles there? Is there a king? Or a Prime minister? Are there secret agents there? Is it cold? Do you eat pizza there?
Good bye,
Ian

What a day...

8:30am Prayer meeting.
10:30am Went to Visa Office to renew my residency. Long line. But got it, first try!!
12:00am Drove to the gas station to fill up and replace a light bulb that was out. The light bulb never worked. I asked for someone to help me. They couldnt
figure out why the light bulb wouldnt work. They told me to go to an Electrician.
1pm Went to my Mechanic. He knows me. Im always there. Turns out we were
plugging the lights in wrong. He fixed them. And some others I didnt know
were out. Then he tested my brakes and told me they should pass the DEQ
(tehnici pregled) test.
1:30pm Go to Tehnici Pregled (DEQ). Turns out ANOTHER light bulb is out. What in
the world? But they pass me. There was no line either! Bonus!
1:45 Wait in line to Register my car. There was definitely a line. I register it.
2:30pm Wait in line for insurance. Small line, but felt like I waited forever! I get insurance.
Recognize one of the workers from last years fiasco.
3:00pm Finally get my insurance Im official!!
3:30pm As Im nearing home I pray for the closest parking spot possible, because Im
EXHAUSTED and it feels like 100degrees F in my car (37 C). The closest one
available was available. Thank you Jesus!
3:45pm Make photocopies of all my papers for documentation and my landlord.
4:00pm Fall on my bed and go to sleep.
5:00pm Awakened by my doorbell. Hand off the papers to be given to my landlord.

Its days like this where I sometimes look back and ask myself, what the heck did I do today!? Anything? And yes, it helps to write it out to remind myself that I did in fact do something. And this something was important. And this something took all day!

Sad Bananas...

Last year after the disaster of getting my car registered, (see my blog entry Its as Easy as 1,2,3..or Not), and knowing (thinking) that this year required a significant number of less steps, I decided to give my self a mere two weeks head start--thinking that would be plenty of time! Sadly I'm finding, its not.

I need to register my car. As I gathered my papers I noticed my EMSO (Slovene SSN) is about ready to expire--I need this for car registration. I need to first renew that number. But to renew that number I first need a housing contract. And my landlord is in Italy.

Why didnt I start earlier?!

Worse case scenario I cant drive my car and have to go through the long and expensive process of starting from scratch. Thats a sad scenario. But...what can you do.

Maybe Im becoming a more seasoned veteran, or maybe I just am tired of drama. But, Im not too stressed about it. I was the first day when I realized everything. But now, I guess what happens happens.

Im going to go do my pilates now.

Conference in Czech

The theme was Back to the Basics. In different sessions we learned about spiritual warfare and how to stand as we work to create a movement of God across Eastern Europe. I loved it. I spent time with friends that Ive known for years. Brad and Laurel Jenkins, and Matt and Sharon Mormance came to visit!! I connected with my dear JV family. We even had a Hawaiian Luau!

I was challenged to think deeper. Encouraged to grow. And of course, Invited into worship.









We stopped at Burger King on the way through Vienna























Spring Conference wouldnt be the same without JV Kids!!! They put on quite the musical! If you want to watch hop over to Terry and Lori's blog!











Family Day! Aloha! I learned that I am a decent hula hooper, but Dave Patty... could probably practice more!
















Matt and Sharon. I like them a lot.












At Multnomah when I was an RA, Sharon was my RD, and Laurel my Head RA. I met weekly with both. How FUN to be together again!!! Laurel and Brad Jenkins plan to move to Slovenia soon! We can hardly wait!











The whole group. Can you find me?! Im in the middle towards the right. Holding sweet Abigail Woodard.














Pizza Hut! We stopped on the way home for dinner. We happily and sleepily arrived home at 12:30am.

Weird Day.

Yesterday, Anna, myself, Naja, and Ziva took off for a day at the beach!

It wasnt the day we thought it'd be.

On the way there there was a bit of a car accident-- somehow we werent hit. A car behind us lost control so I had to quickly change lanes so I wouldnt be rear ended. They just missed us. Then, the car started slamming into the guardrail and bouncing across the road, I thought to myself.... maybe the shoulder of the road would be a safer place to be. As soon as I moved the car flew right into the lane I was just in. Im shocked no one was hurt!

Im not so sure Anna and I really recovered from the shock of the accident that day.
Driving afterwards I was pretty shaky. We still went to the seaside. We still had fun. But by the time we got home we were two exhausted girls!

After dropping the girls off at home, we decided to go get a movie at Davids. Just seeing David seemed like a very nice thing to the both of us. But, low and behold as we approached his building water balloons rained down upon us. Nailing my foot pretty hard! Apparently David was spending time with Miha and Mikaja and they wanted to have a little fun. The timing wasnt the greatest but after a few games of UNO we became friends again.














Ziva and I and our ice cream!















Anna, Ziva, Naja, Me















Who knows...it was funny.













Enjoying the Adriatic!

Croatia Travel Log...

Last year I helped out with a camp down in Cakovec Croatia. This year I went down to help with their Camp promotion.















I took the train because it was 20Euros cheaper then driving!! I listened to sermons and watched The Office on my ipod. And in two and half hours I was in Zagreb! **FYI The camp is in Cakovec, but it is for Cakovec and Zagreb students. The leaders of the camp live in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Thats why I went there. In case you were wondering!











I sat in on a camp meeting with these lovely ladies and helped them think about this summer. (l-r) Miriam, me, Ema, and Evelin.
















Then I went to a concert put on by a Croatian ska band, October Light and rock band from Arizona, Transient Phase. The purpose was to invite kids to English Camp. I know the students definitely had a lot fun! Im praying that it brings in a lot of students to camp as well.

The next day Miriam Ema and I had tea and talked about life and Jesus. It was a good conversation and wonderful fellowship. Its so nice to have such Kindred Spirits that live so close to me. I always feel refreshed and happy after I spend time with them. This is a little shout out to you since I know you will probably read this. I like you girls!!

That same morning I went back to Ljubljana. Thats where I am now.

Think About it.

Have you ever noticed that these three words sound alike?

chowder
chedder
chatter

My dear Slovene friend could not for the life of her hear the difference when I said these three words. I must admit, I never realized that these words sounded so similar. And also it kinds becomes a tongue twister when you say them fast.

Camp is coming...

Yesterday we had a a group of about 40 leaders from around the country meet to cast vision and provide training for the 8 camps that we will be having this summer in Slovenia. It was incredible. I was so proud of our students! The coolest things was... I didnt even know all of them! Its great when the movement gets much bigger then you!

Go team Slovenija!!!

Surprise Mom!!

I just called my mom and surprised her with a free airline ticket to come see me! Thank you to Lufthansa Miles and More, I finally got enough miles for a free ticket. Of course, once you pay all the taxes its not exactly free...But, Im hoping it all works out, and soon!

yesterday, today, tomorrow...

yesterday...
When i was in America (ok, not yesterday) I got to speak at my old high school, in chapel. These are some things i liked...

I was greeted by the worship band, three siblings that I went to school with. They were a lot younger then me then. They still are. Philip, Bekah, and David Shepard. I used to babysit and tutor all five of them actually. Last time I saw David, he was probably 7years old. He's in junior high now and was playing electric guitar. Bekah is a senior in high school and engaged. Philip is done with high school and married. Crazy.

During the worship I sat in the back with my old teachers and my volleyball coach. I never would sit in the back. But there I was. Coach Sano and I giggled up a storm. I used to get in trouble for giggling in chapel. She caught me up on all the gossip. I always liked her.

Then I spoke to a group that was probably 4 times bigger then when I attended. Kids actually listened. They came up and talked to me afterwards. I even got an email from one of them a few weeks later. Wild.

today...











I went for a walk and took this picture. The sky was beautiful.

tomorrow...
Well actually a week from Tuesday Im taking a group of girls to Zagreb for an English Camp promo/Concert fest. Im so excited to go on this mini retreat with them. Im praying that all of their paperwork gets through. Would you say a little prayer for this too?

Quick updates...

Just so you know a bit more about whats going on right now in my life...

Its 55degrees today and cloudy.
I finished the dance to the camp theme song. I will hopefully film on on Sunday.
Im currently reading the book of 2Samuel.
Ive discovered I love wearing my black poofy vest that I got on sale at Old Navy.
I pick Anna up from the airport on Friday.
My fingernails have been a lot stronger these days. I think its because Ive been drinking out of the tap (water here is high in calcium).
Im watching American Idol at the Pattys house tonight.
I switched over to a mac computer. I love it.
I wish I could go back to Israel and do it all over again in slow motion.
Ive been doing pilates lately. They make me sore.
Im planning a personal retreat away to go be with the Lord. I will probably go to my favorite castle in Austria.
Last week the fruit guy and I compared the God of the Old Testament to the God of the New Testament--he's pretty hung up on the differences. I cant say that I blame him.
I need to go buy soap at the store today.
A lot of people tell me I look like Sarah Jessica Parker. I just offended a friend when I said I didnt think Sarah Jessica Parker was very pretty. Apparently they do think she's pretty. So, now Im going to take it as a compliment.

And that is a peek into my life.

Since Ive been back...

Since Ive been back different things have happened, like...
Easter!














With the Jackson Family, Grandma, and Neighbors!















With the Pattys!

I had my Birthday!



















A self portrait of my life as a 27year old.




















I got a Pink Purse from Neja! And also a bunch of gifts from other girls, Lucy, Polona and Katja, Ziva.... it was a special day!

Just last Friday I went and saw Meta's baby, Jost! Meta was a camper a few years back and now she has a very sweet 7month old baby boy...

Farewell...

Today is my last day being 26....
Tomorrow is my "golden" birthday.
27 on the 27th.
Farewell 26!
It was a good year.

Israel

Last week I had the amazing opportunity to be in Israel. A felt like my Bible jumped into three dimensional! The sights, the colors the sounds... I loved it. I got to know Jesus in new ways as I walked roads that he walked and stood on mountainsides where he stood.

Here are a few of my favorite photos. I have some more HERE if you want to check them out!















Overlooking the Sea and City of Galilee
















Reading my Bible and Journaling at the Garden of Gethsemane




















An Israeli boy at the Wailing Wall
















Standing on the Mount where Jesus taught the Beatitudes. Jesus spoke to me here.




















The Dead Sea. The saltiness is Unreal!

















Eating a fish dinner at the Sea of Galilee with my friend DU!





















Hiking Engedi--where David hid from King Saul


And some favorites from my friends. (Ive linked their sites so you can see more of their photos. They are worth checking out!
















Katka and I at the Sea of Galilee (David)














Games on the Temple Mt. (Greg)















Praying at the Wailing Wall (Greg)














Staying Connected (Greg)














Israeli Flag (Greg)














My Dear Romanian friend DU (Nate)













Muslim Women on the Temple Mount (Nate)

Adventures ahead...

Saturday in America
Sunday in Slovenia
Monday in Israel

My crazy life.

Small Gifts...

Today in the Bible Book Store I was talking with a worker about how they do not give missionary discounts.

I went to pay and was told that a woman in the store overheard our conversation and left some money at the cashier to help with the cost.

Unbelievable how God provides, isnt it?

Off again...

Im going to Olympia this weekend to see my Grandmother and some more relatives. Grandma is putting on a Tea for me to share about Slovenia. I get to wear a pretty dress. :)

Also I wanted to welcome a new team member to our team out in Slovenija!! Im actually a bit late because she arrived a few weeks back. Her name is Kathy Codanti and she will be helping out Joel and Amy in Kranj (a city about 40mins from where I live). If you want to get to know her a bit you can check out her blog at http://www.kcodanti.blogspot.com/

By the time I get back she will be a Pro at living in Slovenija! Welcome to the team Kathy!

Im entering into my last week in the States....weirdness...

Fun times...

This morning: I was at the chiropractor--who doubles as my health consultant. he told me I may want to get a massage cause my shoulders are ridiculously tight.

This afternoon: I got an email from a family friend (my foster brother is marrying his daughter). He wrote:

"I have a gift for you! I have a massage practise and would like to give you a massage! Let me know when works for you."

Um... Thanks Lord!

Just got back...

Just got back today, yes from yet another trip. This time it was to Wheaton, Illinois. It was just me and the Dad!! We had a fabulous time---did a TON in the short amount of time (thurs-sat) that we had. We got to connect with a lot of JV folks! Theresa Kerns, Gord Nickerson, Sarah and Bret Bertrand, and of course Erin Thomas! I even saw the JV office. It was fabulous. Why did it take me SOO long to come and visit you guys?!

On the way back I got bumped up to first class! For the record that has never happened to me. But I definitely had a hard time enjoying it because
Number One: my Dad was back in Economy.
Number Two...he paid for the plane tickets (1/2 of mine)!

I truly was spoiled. I had a steak dinner with mash potatoes. The dishes and silverware were not plastic! I even got a chocolate sundae for dessert, complete with a cherry on top!

The chocolate sauce dripped on my white hoodie... karma.

Since its been a while...

Ok, its been a while since Ive updated. So, for all of you wanting to know whats going on in my life, here are few pictures and stories... In Portland, Oregon I met the Heavenly Man!! Brother Yun! For those of you that have never read his book. Its a MUST read! It will change your life. This guy went through so much persecution in China. Has been jailed and beaten and chased down by the police because of his faith in Christ. Anyway, while chatting with my friend Bri (who works at Multnomah), she mentioned he would be at the next chapel! Of course I made sure I was there!













Valentines Day I woke up and went into my bathroom and my brother Caleb had a little gift for me! Flowers and a stuffed puppy dog. On the dog was a sweet note. Thanks Caleb! Later my Dad gave my mom and I matching bathrobes. White with a heart on each pocket!

















And then the family vacation. We stayed at my Aunts house in Leavenworth. "A quaint little Bavarian Village nestled in the central Cascade Mountains of Washington State." We had a lot of fun as a family! There was a TON of snow, we spent time in the hot tub, watched movies, and played a lot of cards and other games.





































Oh and we had a lot of car time too cause the roads shut down because of a bunch of snow....












We made a gingerbread house... (ours was the best!)



































Being wooed...












The whole family!

Oh then on our way home we stopped by the grandparents house...












Grandpa and Grandma and Great Grandma Burrison.
















Dont I have a CUTE Grandma?!













Four Generations of us Ladies... And.....thats pretty much the latest.