Today is my last day being 26....
Tomorrow is my "golden" birthday.
27 on the 27th.
Farewell 26!
It was a good year.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
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)
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)
Friday, March 07, 2008
Thursday, March 06, 2008
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?
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?
Saturday, March 01, 2008
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...
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...
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
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!
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!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Ash Wednseday...
This Wednesday was Ash Wednesday. I flew into Portland that day and I went with some friends to, The Pearl-- a church in downtown Portland.
Ive never celebrated Lent or Ash Wednesday before. The service was very somber, liturgical, and by candlelight. We listened to and reflected upon Scripture that reminded us of our frailty and our need for Christ. Then the pastor put a cross of ash on our foreheads telling us each individually,
"Remember, that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Therefore count yourselves dead to sin and alive to Christ."
I came into the service extremely exhausted from traveling and in all honesty I was not in the greatest of moods. I didnt know how to respond to listening to this constant reminder of dust.
I wanted to be encouraged.
Joyful.
To think about the greatness of following Christ.
And yet as I sat in silence pondering what it meant that I was dust, I was in fact reminded of the glory that lies in this specific truth..
It is no longer I that lives but Christ that lives in me! I can cease striving because... I am dust! I can stop seeking to plan my own future because...to dust I shall return! I am dead to sin and alive to Christ. I have in fact become Christ's righteousness.
I am Christ's righteousness.
I am the righteousness of Christ.
The longer I thought upon these things, the deeper these truths resonated and brought freedom to my soul. And then before I knew it...
I was walking away encouraged.
Joyful.
Thinking about the greatness of following Christ.
Ive never celebrated Lent or Ash Wednesday before. The service was very somber, liturgical, and by candlelight. We listened to and reflected upon Scripture that reminded us of our frailty and our need for Christ. Then the pastor put a cross of ash on our foreheads telling us each individually,
"Remember, that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Therefore count yourselves dead to sin and alive to Christ."
I came into the service extremely exhausted from traveling and in all honesty I was not in the greatest of moods. I didnt know how to respond to listening to this constant reminder of dust.
I wanted to be encouraged.
Joyful.
To think about the greatness of following Christ.
And yet as I sat in silence pondering what it meant that I was dust, I was in fact reminded of the glory that lies in this specific truth..
It is no longer I that lives but Christ that lives in me! I can cease striving because... I am dust! I can stop seeking to plan my own future because...to dust I shall return! I am dead to sin and alive to Christ. I have in fact become Christ's righteousness.
I am Christ's righteousness.
I am the righteousness of Christ.
The longer I thought upon these things, the deeper these truths resonated and brought freedom to my soul. And then before I knew it...
I was walking away encouraged.
Joyful.
Thinking about the greatness of following Christ.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
I got bangs.
A few days a go I darkened my hair and got bangs. I havent been brave enough to post pictures until now.
Me and my friend Katy at Starbucks. We've been friends since she was 6 and I was 7 years old.
Me, Anna's Grandma and Anna's mom.
Just driving around...
Me and my friend Katy at Starbucks. We've been friends since she was 6 and I was 7 years old.
Me, Anna's Grandma and Anna's mom.
Just driving around...
Friday, January 25, 2008
Fun times...
Aunt Karen, Mamaw, Me, Ribs, and a LOT of Laughter!
I am in the Phoenix airport. I just volunteered to get bumped off my flight to California. Which meant a free ticket in the US and $5 for lunch.
So here I sit...
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Oklahoma: Weddings, Starbucks, and Mamaw...
Oh man, so much.... where to even begin? Oklahoma. There are some great people in that state. I ran into David and Katka in the airport on the way to Oklahoma. Turns out David and I were seated right next to each other on the plane! David was nice enough to give the seat up to Katka. And, Johnny and Brooke are officially married. I saw it happen. But I did almost miss it. Erin and I were running around doing random things, helping set up for the reception...stuff like that. But we did manage to sit in the back. Trish and Hondo showed up, along with the little baby that has yet to be born! She looked great. It was fun having Gasper around too!! We did Starbucks and even went out to eat breakfast at some kind of Pancake World...or House...or something along those lines!
At the rehearsal.... Erin, me and Katka
Planning the reception at Starbucks.... yup kinda felt like a meeting for youth group!!
TEAM SLOVENIJA! Erin, me, David, Katka, Brooke, Johnny, Hondo, Trisha (and Baby), and Gasper!
They got Married!
We had soo much fun!
Later that night....still having fun!
Waiting at the airport...
I spent the rest of the week with my Grandma (we actually have always called her Mamaw...). We had a FABULOUS time. She is beautiful. Full of life. And carries herself with so much dignity and grace. We laughed a lot. Even did Pilates and watched American Idol! She is a hero of mine.
Im actually in a hotel now with my Aunt and Mamaw. I fly back to CA tomorrow morning. More later....
At the rehearsal.... Erin, me and Katka
Planning the reception at Starbucks.... yup kinda felt like a meeting for youth group!!
TEAM SLOVENIJA! Erin, me, David, Katka, Brooke, Johnny, Hondo, Trisha (and Baby), and Gasper!
They got Married!
We had soo much fun!
Later that night....still having fun!
Waiting at the airport...
I spent the rest of the week with my Grandma (we actually have always called her Mamaw...). We had a FABULOUS time. She is beautiful. Full of life. And carries herself with so much dignity and grace. We laughed a lot. Even did Pilates and watched American Idol! She is a hero of mine.
Im actually in a hotel now with my Aunt and Mamaw. I fly back to CA tomorrow morning. More later....
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Five Nights...Five Beds...
First night...my bed Slovenija
Second night...at Katy's house in San Luis Obispo, CA
Third night...my mom's friends house in Malibu, CA
Fourth night...some friends in Arroyo Grande, CA
Fifth night...some friends in Sacramento, CA
Too many beds!
Im having fun.
I go to Oklahoma today.
Here are pictures of me and my mom.
Second night...at Katy's house in San Luis Obispo, CA
Third night...my mom's friends house in Malibu, CA
Fourth night...some friends in Arroyo Grande, CA
Fifth night...some friends in Sacramento, CA
Too many beds!
Im having fun.
I go to Oklahoma today.
Here are pictures of me and my mom.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Travel tips...
So I travel...a lot. And every time fly a transatlantic flight I always try to find a new something to do to make my flight just a bit more enjoyable. Here are a few things Ive done in the past...
Neck pillow: They are amazing. I dont fly without it.
Shower: I take a shower and wash my hair the morning of the flight. I like to feel clean as long as possible.
Coffee cup and tea bag: Bring a travel cup and tea bag and ask for hot water when Im on the plane. (This I got from Becca McMartin!)
Flip flops and socks: Wear flip flops to let feet breathe. Bring socks to wear at "night" to keep warm. (Becca was this from you too??)
Zip lock and liquids: pack those beforehand and put them on top for an easy find.
Toothbrush in the carry on: It makes a world of difference. Believe me.
Flight info Request: I ask if the flight is full. If it is, I tell them Im willing to be bumped up or off. If its not, I ask if I can be put next to an empty seat. Win-Win...Win!
Anna gave me a few of her tips that Im going to try out this trip.
Schedule: Check the movies ahead of time. Pick what I want to watch. Then when on the airplane make a schedule of what I will do during the flight. When to read, when to watch a movie, when to sleep. With little rewards here and there. Buying coffee in Frankfurt, piece of chocolate, etc...
Wear big earrings: To feel nicer longer.
So, what do you do?
Neck pillow: They are amazing. I dont fly without it.
Shower: I take a shower and wash my hair the morning of the flight. I like to feel clean as long as possible.
Coffee cup and tea bag: Bring a travel cup and tea bag and ask for hot water when Im on the plane. (This I got from Becca McMartin!)
Flip flops and socks: Wear flip flops to let feet breathe. Bring socks to wear at "night" to keep warm. (Becca was this from you too??)
Zip lock and liquids: pack those beforehand and put them on top for an easy find.
Toothbrush in the carry on: It makes a world of difference. Believe me.
Flight info Request: I ask if the flight is full. If it is, I tell them Im willing to be bumped up or off. If its not, I ask if I can be put next to an empty seat. Win-Win...Win!
Anna gave me a few of her tips that Im going to try out this trip.
Schedule: Check the movies ahead of time. Pick what I want to watch. Then when on the airplane make a schedule of what I will do during the flight. When to read, when to watch a movie, when to sleep. With little rewards here and there. Buying coffee in Frankfurt, piece of chocolate, etc...
Wear big earrings: To feel nicer longer.
So, what do you do?
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
A different sort of day...
This morning I woke up at 5:45am. Watched Sesame Street. Changed a very dirty diaper. Took the kids to school. Made a fire in the stove. An hour later made it again. An hour later again-- I think the wood was too wet. Put the baby down for a nap. Took a small nap myself. Spent time with a friend. Picked kids up from school. Helped with homework--in Slovene. Yes, I had my dictionary close! Made dinner--kinda, it was made earlier for me and then frozen. In a bit I will watch the tv show Hannah Montana. Put the kids to bed. And start all over tomorrow. Oh the life of a mom! I have a lot of respect for Moms. It takes a TON of energy. Especially with four kids. Ive been watching the Patty kids since yesterday morning. They are awesome kids. So easy. But yes, being a mom is definitely a lot of work.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Favorite Moments from 2007...
Inspired by my friend Nate Hughes' blog Ive decided to show my 2007 highlights. Most of my stories Ive linked to a blog entry that I wrote during that time. So if you missed something throughout the year you can go back in time to that entry...
January 2007
New Years last year was in the States and just seconds into the New Year one my my dearest friends Heidi Mae got engaged...
I flew back to Slovenija just in time for our annual youth conference in Cakovec, Croatia.
February 2007
JV Womens Conference was in Rome this year... I stood in this field on Palatine Hill and just soaked in the presence of the Lord. It was a precious moment...
March 2007
Our church went to Crikvenica, Croatia. I LOVE our church retreats. My dear Neja got baptized! AND, Naja was baptized also, earlier in March! This is also my birthday month. 26years old this month!
April 2007
No travel this month, but with the help of Erin and Amy, we created the camp theme song dance...
May 2008
Busy, Busy, Busy. Began with Spring Conference in Czech...
Then I found myself in North Carolina with Robyn. We picked strawberries, went on a bike ride, the house got robbed, we sipped lemonade while sitting in rocking chairs on the porch, I got stuck overnight in a sketchy hotel in Chicago... Was that only 3 days?!?!
I found myself in Portland as a bridesmaid at Heidi's wedding.
And lastly I landed in Kent, WA with the family, for about 3 days.
June 2007
Cakovec Croatia, 7 and 1/2 gallons of pitting cherries. Never done anything quite like that before...
Castle Camp in Austria!!!!! My favorite. English Camp #1. Really doesnt get much better then this.
Then Ljubljana Junior High Camp. Camp #2. I met some pretty awesome kids...
They also put together their own free hugs video... didnt I saw these kids were awesome?!
July 2007
Yes, it was finally released... oh wonderful day.
Cakovec, Croatia English Camp. Camp #3. Team Slovenija!! We were REALLY tired this week.
August 2007
Slovenia's first theological training program, named, Kriz (Cross). Definitely a milestone. Camp #4.
JV Kids Camp. What Camp number am I on?? I forget. Definitely without a doubt the most incredible kids Ive ever met. They amaze me. Challenge me. And Change me.
September 2007
Back up to Czech for fall conference! Here is the Slovenija group,with a few fun visitors!
A new Bible Study small group was born!
October 2007
Italy, Michael Buble, and dear dear friends...Does life get better then this??
November 2007
Thanksgiving in Czech. I love my JV family...
New Book Club! Every Friday I meet with these junior high girls and we read and talk about the Christy Miller books. Love love love it!
December 2007
Trained it to Zagreb to hang out with some friends.
Jackson Girl Christmas...oh and Terry too, of course! One of the best Christmas Ive had!
Wrapping it all up...
Well as I look at my favorite 2007 moments I see that April was the only month I did not leave the country of Slovenija. I was in the states 2 times, Czech 3 times, Croatia many times, and in many other countries, again, many times. I really travel a lot... I live a pretty exciting life. Its no wonder that this year marks the most Ive ever been sick. In this life I live, I am always surrounded by dear people that I love. Although at times I feel lonely as I look over my life last year, I am definitely not walking through life alone. In fact, the Lord has heaped his blessings upon me. What a year!!
January 2007
New Years last year was in the States and just seconds into the New Year one my my dearest friends Heidi Mae got engaged...
I flew back to Slovenija just in time for our annual youth conference in Cakovec, Croatia.
February 2007
JV Womens Conference was in Rome this year... I stood in this field on Palatine Hill and just soaked in the presence of the Lord. It was a precious moment...
March 2007
Our church went to Crikvenica, Croatia. I LOVE our church retreats. My dear Neja got baptized! AND, Naja was baptized also, earlier in March! This is also my birthday month. 26years old this month!
April 2007
No travel this month, but with the help of Erin and Amy, we created the camp theme song dance...
May 2008
Busy, Busy, Busy. Began with Spring Conference in Czech...
Then I found myself in North Carolina with Robyn. We picked strawberries, went on a bike ride, the house got robbed, we sipped lemonade while sitting in rocking chairs on the porch, I got stuck overnight in a sketchy hotel in Chicago... Was that only 3 days?!?!
I found myself in Portland as a bridesmaid at Heidi's wedding.
And lastly I landed in Kent, WA with the family, for about 3 days.
June 2007
Cakovec Croatia, 7 and 1/2 gallons of pitting cherries. Never done anything quite like that before...
Castle Camp in Austria!!!!! My favorite. English Camp #1. Really doesnt get much better then this.
Then Ljubljana Junior High Camp. Camp #2. I met some pretty awesome kids...
They also put together their own free hugs video... didnt I saw these kids were awesome?!
July 2007
Yes, it was finally released... oh wonderful day.
Cakovec, Croatia English Camp. Camp #3. Team Slovenija!! We were REALLY tired this week.
August 2007
Slovenia's first theological training program, named, Kriz (Cross). Definitely a milestone. Camp #4.
JV Kids Camp. What Camp number am I on?? I forget. Definitely without a doubt the most incredible kids Ive ever met. They amaze me. Challenge me. And Change me.
September 2007
Back up to Czech for fall conference! Here is the Slovenija group,with a few fun visitors!
A new Bible Study small group was born!
October 2007
Italy, Michael Buble, and dear dear friends...Does life get better then this??
November 2007
Thanksgiving in Czech. I love my JV family...
New Book Club! Every Friday I meet with these junior high girls and we read and talk about the Christy Miller books. Love love love it!
December 2007
Trained it to Zagreb to hang out with some friends.
Jackson Girl Christmas...oh and Terry too, of course! One of the best Christmas Ive had!
Wrapping it all up...
Well as I look at my favorite 2007 moments I see that April was the only month I did not leave the country of Slovenija. I was in the states 2 times, Czech 3 times, Croatia many times, and in many other countries, again, many times. I really travel a lot... I live a pretty exciting life. Its no wonder that this year marks the most Ive ever been sick. In this life I live, I am always surrounded by dear people that I love. Although at times I feel lonely as I look over my life last year, I am definitely not walking through life alone. In fact, the Lord has heaped his blessings upon me. What a year!!
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