Alaina: She's 20!!

I met Alaina in August 2017, the day I moved into the basement of the White House and became her room mate. She was my first official room mate, and I quite loved her. Although, when I first met her, I thought, "Hmmm...she's nice, but really quiet. It'll be hard to get to know her." Boy, was I wrong!

It didn't take long for me to realize how amazing Alaina is, and it turned out that she was probably the most extroverted girl in our house last year. Anyway, Alaina and I became good friends and were basically twins. We started saying the same things and acting the same way because we were around each other so much.

Alaina and I had many a conversation on a huge variety of subjects. Sometimes we seemed as different as two girls can be, while other times, like I said already, we were like twins.

Yesterday was her 20th Birthday, and all I can say is that I have been abundantly blessed to know her, and look forward to seeing what happens next.

Shortly after I met her, Alaina informed me that whenever people take pictures of her she sticks out her tongue. 

I guess she was right. 

One of the many silly things we did together.

One of those draining afternoons full of reading. 

I posted this picture recently, and when I saw it I thought how much Alaina has grown up. 

Signature Alaina.

For one of the dodge ball tournaments, she decided to be a spoon with cheerios on it.

This was Alaina's Birthday celebration last year. 

The one picture I have of both of us together, thanks to my dad.

A friend took this picture of Alaina and the rest of us at Leuxie's wedding. 

There's Alaina for you. 

Joy in the Clouds

It's been a little cloudy up here in Minnesota. Clouds and rain make me tired up here. That wasn't so much the case down home. So, I have to push myself an extra lot, especially with school.

However, the clouds up in the sky that hold water aren't the only clouds that keep me from focusing.

Recently, my brother-in-law Justus was praying for a meal. Within that prayer, he prayed that we would hope in God not our dreams. That has been sticking in my head ever since. I so often find myself thinking about my dreams. There usually good things too: going to Romania, living in Haiti long term, being a clothing designer, making sandals, getting married, having kids, starting a Bible study in a small town, etc. However, sometimes I put my hope in those dreams.

If I could go back to Haiti, I think I would be happy.
If I finally made it to Romania, I think I would be overjoyed.
If I could make cool clothes and sell them, I imagine how accomplished I would feel.
And so on.

I find myself putting my hope in my dreams.

Then my dreams don't happen, at least they haven't happened yet. Then I become glum because things aren't going as "planned."

As I planned them or hoped for them to go.

And then God reminds me of all that He has blessed me with now. I have a family, a mom and a dad, lots of friends here, a church, clothes (some of which I have made and designed), a bed to sleep in while some people in Haiti don't, flowers on the window sill, a job ready for me in the summer, and the blessings go on and on.

I ain't got no reason to complain. But, boy, do I have reasons to be joyful.

No matter what else I have, I have Jesus, "who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2).

The Crashing

This is a poem I started one time and then finished, but I didn't post it. I think this will be a good time to post. I hope you enjoy and are encouraged that even the waves and wind obey His voice.

At first all was sunny and bright

The moon seemed full of light at night

The sun of the day was brighter still

Happiness seemed to be in His will.

And then I saw a dark cloud up ahead

I started looking down instead

The darkness overcame me

First like a gentle dark sea. 

And then the waves of shadows crashed 

I fell, hurt to the bone and slashed

I had missed the turn, gone my own way

I had turned from the Way in the light of day.

This was my own doing and yet

He let me down that road  to get

Of Himself He'd pour out more
More than I could get on the shore.

So, crashing, flailing, crying, blind

He seemed unclose, somewhere behind

I strained to see Him through the mist

But only this, the waves I kissed.

In the darkness I rested on His unseen chest

Knowing that, though hard, this is best

I could not see Him but He was there

Holding every tossing, crashing care.

Then the clear dawn began to break

As heaven opened over the rushing lake

I smiled slightly as I saw the light shine

The wind dyed down, the morning was mine.

The last waves tossed me on the shore

I stood silently shaking. No more.

It was over now so calm the sea

The Prince of Peace stood quietly by me. 

I had seen it, felt the wild rush

I had learned things, now a hush

The sun warmed my shaking bones

I stood calm in the morning tones.

He looked at my soul through my eye

"I am always with you, child, don't cry"

I took His nail-scarred hand and laughed

He was always there, He was the raft. 

Brain Dead

Because I am trying to write a paper right now, I decided to post this boring poem I wrote when I was trying to write another paper. I'm sure you can sympathize at least to a degree.

I stare at a blank page

I try to figure what to write

It’s like an empty black stage

This is my daily fight.

I have tried to learn how to write

But it seems I never get better

But someday I might

On a late dark night.

Oh, well, ‘tis life, as I always say

'Tis life that throws sticks in my path

It’s a wonder I don’t fall in the way

And die under the ‘fesor’s wrath.

Oh, boy, oh, cat, oh, rat

I have nothing worthy to say

Nothing but a boring, black bat

Nothing that will actually pay

Brain dead is what they call it.

Running Wild

Last Friday, our church had a Good Friday service. It is one of my favorite services of all time. It makes me feel the weight and sorry of Christ's death and what He has done for us. Throughout the service, the lights slowly go dimmer and dimmer until they are all out. We leave the sanctuary in silence as a dismal chime sounds.

Last year was my first experience with this. I had never felt that way, and I left sort of depressed and went home to bed. This year, once we were out of the sanctuary, people began to talk. I decided it would be good for me to stay around a bit and talk to people. I saw Seth and Zach, so we talked. I decided I was doing well, so I left. On my way from the church, I talked with a little girl who was climbing a tree. Then I talked with another lady as I crossed the street. The moon was beautiful that night.

After getting home, I sat in the living room with Brei and Christina.

Then there was a loud bang at the door.

Having not expected anyone at that hour, Christina and I both went to the door to see who it was. No trouble, it was just Jackson and Jessica. They invited us on a night walk. I was all eager. So, Christina and I set out with the young couple.

Once outside, others among our number started running across the street to join us. Scott, Jesse, Janie, Lindsey, Elise, Abby, Katia, Tristen, and a new guy, Jimmy, were all there. It was quite a nice group of friends.

It started off with Christina and I leading the way because we walk fast. Of course, Jackson complained about us walking too fast, but then, he turned it around and said we were slow. He started walking very fast, but I was not going to let him get the better of me, so I ran. He was ahead of me for a time, but I kept running, while he stopped. So, I won.

Not much longer, he challenged me to a blind walk down a bike and walking trail by the river. I started and others on the walk helped direct me. Janie and Lindsey ended up helping me a bit too much, so Jackson said I cheated. However, I beat him again.

Later, once we had crossed the river and were by St. Anthony Main, Jackson once again challenged me to a race. A race up the flight of stairs to the road above.

I won again, but that was probably due to having been a bit in front when he called the challenge. Anyway, I felt very rejuvenated. I also felt very tired. 

I am very thankful for the friends I have. I am thankful for the nearly full moon that shone so bright and beautifully in the east. I am thankful that Jesus died and rose again.

Full of Sunshine

Today has been full of sunshine up here in MN. The temperature I believe is in the high 60's. It's short sleeve shirt and no jacket weather for sure.

Priscilla and I went to Cardigan this morning because I don't have class today. I studied a little and she hung out with Justus who is an intern at Cardigan. Priscilla finished work last Friday.

Afterward, she and I went on a nice long walk (she told me it was at least 4.5 miles). It is so sunny. I will probably get another sun burn, but I don't care. It's too splendid to care.

I ate a donut out on my front steps after I got back home. I had my carrot and it was good, as always.

What a nice day. Praise God for His goodness and kindness toward us.

I should go study. I hope you have a tremendous afternoon.

Fun at the White House

When I sent out a group text to a list of the Elite, I invited them to "fun at the White House." I have so many friends. My room mates have noted that on several occasions. The truth is that I know a lot of people, but they aren't all good friends. Even among the friends, there are some I am closer to than others.

There is the Elite Club, which is the group of friends that I invite to almost everything here in MN. They are the ones I have known the longest (siblings and their spouses and some of their old room mates), lived with, or some how became close to over the last 2 or so years. They have been a big blessing in my life, and I look up to them with love and admiration.

Anyway, since this was a special party, I invited those from the Elite Club. Not everyone could come, but that was OK because we had a blast anyway.

I made a deliciously moist strawberry cake because strawberry cakes are the best. I also had plates full of cheese, crackers, meat, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, and olives. Some of the best food out there in my opinion. I made a very large batch of Chai tea (which wasn't very popular among the visitors, so I have a gallon ice cream tub about half way full of left over tea). Anyway, the food went down pretty nicely.

I was pleased to see people enjoying playing games, talking, just hanging out together, and enjoying the food I had prepared. The cake was a hit as usual. I mean, how could it not be?!

We ended the night with a few of my favorite hymns.

What a good evening!

My cake

The food

Garnished with simple strawberries

Sorry these pictures are a bit dark. I'm not sure why they have been doing this, but oh, well. That's Scott and Tyler. 

Elisabeth and Emily, Scott's sisters. 

Tyler's legs, Keenan, Lydia (another of Scott's sisters), and Christina.

I know you have seen this picture a million times, but I thought it was funny because Scott was sitting in the same place and doing the same thing last year. Hannah was also sitting in the same place.