Hands and Feet

Well summer is half over...sad day. I have been busy being an intern and of course watching World Cup Soccer!!! I can't believe that's I've never watched a whole cup before, but its mainly because I never had cable. Vamos Uruguay y Argentina!! Too bad the USA is out :(

Anywhoo, I just came back from our trip to New Orleans. Having been before right after the hurricane, it was nice to see all the change that had occured. The people there have a special appreciation for life and the small blessings they've recieved. I always come back feeling like I've gained just as much as I've poured out. The teenagers that went on the trip worked really hard and visibly grew spiritually.

Tonight at our McAllen mission trip meeting, a song was played. It talked about being hands and feet to be sent out into the world. The line that got me most said, "I wanna be Your voice every time I speak." That means EVERY time. Laying myself aside and realizing that there is hope for EVERY soul. I always thought I had a good handle on that, but more recently I realize that I don't. Just being a nice person will cut it with some, but truly being kind takes a sacrifice. We have been chosen and sent. I love travelling not only because of the sights but because of the people. The people are life and they all need light. Shine on :)

Puedo confiar en el Senor (I can trust in the Lord)

Oh how I wish I was back in Uruguay, speaking Spanish and writing more frequently on this blog...yet, here I am in Abilene, TX. It is once again summer and I have a new job! I am an intern for the youth group at Southern Hills Church of Christ(mostly Junior High). So far we've been working on getting things ready for the kids' summer. I've taught class twice and will continue to do so through December. I've learned a lot in my short time and I am excited about what God has for me in the coming months.
In just two weeks I get to move into a house!! Ya ya!! I'm excited to have a place that is not an apartment or dorm (or my parents house...I love you, Mom and Dad). With that comes more responsibility; especially financial responsibilities. Guess that's the "real world". If anyone wants to hang out, just let me know :) Thanks for keeping up with my sporatic blogging.

Planet Earth Turns Slowly

Spring Break has arrived and I am absolutely loving it! After a semester abroad where we would go on a week long excursion every 2-3 weeks, I miss those breaks. I plan on mostly relaxing but also playing soccer and volleyball, shopping with my sister and getting ready for a camping trip at the end of the week. I've only ever been camping with my family, so a trip with just friends will be a blast (not that my family is not a blast ;).
There's not just a whole lot to update on me personally...I still love my new major and have potential plans for the summer. Other than finding a job, I would like to go to South Africa for two weeks. I'm really excited because I would get to share the Gospel with the people there, plus play my favorite sport, SOCCER! The World Cup is being held there this year, if you didn't know that already. A couple of my guy friends and I made fantasy brackets. lol.
I always like thinking of titles for my posts. A lot of times its in relation to the song I'm listening to at the time, others its just what's on my mind. Sometimes its both...that's would be today. At church this morning, one of our elders had those who had been married for 30+ years stand up. We all applauded them and eventually had only those married for 60+ years standing. 67 years was the highest! I was amazed that two people have been together that long. The reason I was amazed was because that's what I aspire to. In our times its very rare and that is a tragedy. The man I marry someday will be the one that I will be with the rest of my life. To be honest that makes me scared and excited at the same time. Time seems to be passing slowly and quickly at the same time (pretty sure I've said that before), so that makes me wonder when God has that planned for me and who he has planned for me.
For now I'm content to continue finding who I am and exploring the beautiful planet and its peoples. After all, there is a time for everything!

It's Been Awhile

So sorry for not keeping everyone up to date for the past month! February just flew by: Sing Song, 2 days of snow and Valentine's Day. As a member of Junior class act, I enjoyed hanging with friends and just being in Sing Song for the fun of it. The snow has been the best I've ever seen in Abilene. My roommates will tell you that I was skeptical that we would be able to have an actual snowball fight. Not having to go to class made it all the better. For Valentine's Day I had roommate bonding time. We gave each other gifts, decorated mugs and laughed a lot (which is my favorite).
Now it is March 3, and its my birthday month!! Turning 21 this year :) My college experience has definitely been dynamic each semester...never boring or redundant. I hope that everyone is well and taking advantage of every single day! Hopefully I will be more dilligent in writing on this blog. Write me a comment if you'd like to :)

Perfect Puddles

The second flood was this past THURSDAY! Just kidding....but there was a lot of rain, especially on ACU campus. I had made it two and a half years without buying a pair of rainboots, but I gave in and finally bought some. Most girls just enjoy buying shoes period. These were my latest addition and I love them. They make the rain much more bearable and even fun. Spalshing in the puddles and acting like a kid is amazing.
As I write this, I'm listening to a song by Chris Rice. It's called Everything's Okay and that's kinda how I feel right now. Everything is just chill, going along like it always does. We all keep growing up and changing along the way. Only thing is that we have to keep all parts of life in check-no slacking off in one area, because it can affect other areas as well. As my high school youth minister put it, God wants our life to be a hub and not a spoked wheel. So my choice to jump and run though puddles made affected the rest of my day in a positive way. I have to remind myself to take advantage of the little things in life :)
I am about to go to my new LifeGroup for the semester and I'm excited! Connecting with old friends and meeting new people is very encouraging. I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

It's Amazing, So Amazing

Howdy everyone! Hope school is going smoothly for all of you. I finally found a routine but I'm getting over a bad cold. Otherwise its all good. Sing Song season has begun and with it little sleep. O well, anything for Sing Song right? It is a good time because I get to see some of my classmates that I would not see otherwise.
The Amazing Race: Campus Ministry Edition was this past weekend. It's always a blast; team banners, chants, games and of course an Abilene sized scavenger hunt :) I love my Southern Hills family! Even though I've grown up there, it has experienced many changes. People come and go, preachers switch and even the building grows. Despite all of this, that's where I feel at home. Now that I am going to grad school as my next step, I'm seriously conisdering leaving Abilene but it will always be where part of my heart is.
Life is amazing, just like the race I participated in. The turns, bumps and straight aways are what make it alive. Living with Christ as Lord is the best 'banner' to carry.

Life According to Nicholas Sparks

I've been reading Dear John, by Nicholas Sparks for the past week or so and just finished it last night...I bawled my eyes out! It didn't cease to capture my heart even though I predicted what was going to happen. As most of the author's audience does, I find myself wishing people like the characters truly existed. I'm sure there are people like them in this world but they are rare.
Reading this book taught me that true love takes sacrifice, self-control and patience. Sometimes you love the best you can and still lose, that's ok. If its true, it will never leave you (or the other person). Sadly, for a lot of people it doesn't work out that way.
I was also reminded of the importance of specific people in my life. My parents came to my mind often. I am so thankful for what they've taught me and who they are. If you ever decide to read Dear John, you'll understand what I mean. The work that Savannah, the girl in the book, does confirmed why I'm studying what I am. Taking the time to understand a child that cannot articulate what they want to say is such a worthy commitment. Even an adult needs that sometimes.
Sorry I've rambled on longer than I meant to, but that's what's been on my mind. Hope everyone has "enjoyed" getting back into the semester. Hope to see some of you soon :)

O Dear Christian College...

...we love you....well, yes but I didn't want to start classes yet! Spring 2010 has begun and I have a new major. Speech Pathology is my new chosen path. Class was informative and interesting and I think it will be a great semester.
Since I am now a junior and in an aptartment with 3 other girls, I've had little down time to myself. I'm not complaining at all, just saying that its been busy. Balancing my Study Abroad friends and my previous friends is challenging. I may start working again soon. Gotta pay rent somehow.

Another Year, Another Start

So it is 2010! I can't believe I've made it through another decade. I've had the opportunity to see another part of the world and discover so many new things, which was the point of the blog title. I don't know if anyone is still reading this blog, but I can't decide what to do with it. There are still many adventures to come for me but I won't be in South America for the semester. If no one objects, I will continue posting my thoughts and occurances of note on this blog.
I will say that I am excited about the possibilities to come! Nevertheless, I am a bit nervous at the same time. The plans for my life basically stopped at ACU...after that I have not a clue what will happen and where I will be. As I've said before, I will trust in the Lord to guide me. Things, even chaos, happens for a reason. I feel like I say that a lot but that's what has been on my mind recently.
To all my friends, I love you and respect all of you deeply. You have made an impact on my life that will not fade. I appreciate all the memories. My prayer is that each of you will step forward in boldness to become who you were made to be.