I refrained from posting much online last week. In the midst of the sadness and confusion that followed the attack in Boston, I found myself both grateful for and thoroughly frustrated by social media sites. Grateful because those of us who were states away from the grieving communities were able to show our support through prayers and well-wishes. Frustrated because, just as news and well-wishes can be sent, so can misinformation, hatred, and uneducated opinions. While I am glad to live in a country where we can basically say anything we want in any public forum, we often say absolutely anything and everything that comes to mind, even when it is unhelpful or unvalidated. That frustrates me to no end.
The one thing that really hit home with me last week was when the suspect was identified as a 19 year old. I've met many 19 year olds in the past few years at Duke. They are smart, surrounded by brilliant people, learning tools of their respective trades from leaders in their fields, and passionate about the world around them. They're 19 now, but someday they will be our country's engineers, doctors, lawyers, business owners and politicians. They have the passion and potential to significantly and positively impact the world, and I'm confident when I say that I know some who will. While I pray for that boy who hurt so many, I also give thanks for the good these others have already done and will do.
Our next few weeks will be full of end-of-the-year festivities with Duke Lutherans, and packing our apartment. So much to do, so little time, and obviously some stress along with that. Assuming you are stressed as well, here are a few goodies to make you smile :)
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Brother Bear
Today my brother, Tom, turns 22 years old.
Happy birthday, dude :)
It's going to be a good year for Tom. In a few short weeks he'll graduate from Ashland University, move to Seattle to start his awesome job at Amazon, and then at the end of July he's getting married to the absolute perfect girl for him. I could not be more thrilled for both of them.
I got to spend my last year and a half at Ashland with Tommy. I loved having him there, knowing that once I graduated I was moving to North Carolina and would thus see him a lot less. At one point during his first semester, we were eating together in the dining hall and one of my residents came to our table when Tom was up getting food, and asked if Tom wanted to sit with him and his friends. I told him we were catching up, but thanks for the offer, to which the student replied, "Wow, my sister goes here too but we would never eat together!"
I didn't think about our relationship a ton prior to that time. Tom and I grew up doing everything together, but we were surrounded by our cousins and their siblings who also did everything together. It didn't seem odd to me that we would be friends by the end of all that, but I guess for some people it doesn't work out that way. Not everyone likes their siblings. Or, they can like them but not really be friends. Realizing that made me pretty appreciative. We didn't always get along perfectly, but I can think back throughout our childhood and know that he has always been there for me, and vice versa.
Together, we played made-up games that spanned for months. We had names (and an intricate social hierarchy) for all our stuffed animals. We would get sent to our rooms for fighting with each other, but then sit by the shared wall in our closets so we could keep talking. We made pacts to show each other our Christmas presents early. When I first got my back brace, he helped me loosen and re-tighten it before I could do it on my own, so mom and dad wouldn't know. We survived chamber choir, wrestling seasons, and musicals together. He stayed up with me at night after my surgery, and talked to me until I could take my meds. I watched him come to Ashland and finding an amazing new group of friends, but he still found time to eat with me once in awhile when I was feeling lonely because Drew was so far away. And this past year, I've cheered him on as he took an internship in a far away city and rocked it all summer, and when he bought an engagement ring all by himself, proposed, and then landed a kick-ass job for after graduation.
So, TomTom, happy birthday. I'm so proud to see the man you have grown up to be, and glad I've gotten to be a part of the journey so far.
Here's to you, brother :)
Happy birthday, dude :)
It's going to be a good year for Tom. In a few short weeks he'll graduate from Ashland University, move to Seattle to start his awesome job at Amazon, and then at the end of July he's getting married to the absolute perfect girl for him. I could not be more thrilled for both of them.
I got to spend my last year and a half at Ashland with Tommy. I loved having him there, knowing that once I graduated I was moving to North Carolina and would thus see him a lot less. At one point during his first semester, we were eating together in the dining hall and one of my residents came to our table when Tom was up getting food, and asked if Tom wanted to sit with him and his friends. I told him we were catching up, but thanks for the offer, to which the student replied, "Wow, my sister goes here too but we would never eat together!"
I didn't think about our relationship a ton prior to that time. Tom and I grew up doing everything together, but we were surrounded by our cousins and their siblings who also did everything together. It didn't seem odd to me that we would be friends by the end of all that, but I guess for some people it doesn't work out that way. Not everyone likes their siblings. Or, they can like them but not really be friends. Realizing that made me pretty appreciative. We didn't always get along perfectly, but I can think back throughout our childhood and know that he has always been there for me, and vice versa.
Together, we played made-up games that spanned for months. We had names (and an intricate social hierarchy) for all our stuffed animals. We would get sent to our rooms for fighting with each other, but then sit by the shared wall in our closets so we could keep talking. We made pacts to show each other our Christmas presents early. When I first got my back brace, he helped me loosen and re-tighten it before I could do it on my own, so mom and dad wouldn't know. We survived chamber choir, wrestling seasons, and musicals together. He stayed up with me at night after my surgery, and talked to me until I could take my meds. I watched him come to Ashland and finding an amazing new group of friends, but he still found time to eat with me once in awhile when I was feeling lonely because Drew was so far away. And this past year, I've cheered him on as he took an internship in a far away city and rocked it all summer, and when he bought an engagement ring all by himself, proposed, and then landed a kick-ass job for after graduation.
So, TomTom, happy birthday. I'm so proud to see the man you have grown up to be, and glad I've gotten to be a part of the journey so far.
Here's to you, brother :)
Monday, April 1, 2013
Rolling with the punches
I had hoped to get back into blogging when we got back from Mexico, but of course life started up again and life is crazy and here we finally are, 2+ weeks later. I do intend to blog a bit about our trip and experience there, but first I wanted to give y'all an update on what's going on in our lives.
You may remember way back in the fall I posted about some changes to our plan in regards to life and ministry and Drew's schooling. Well, life and the Lord are keeping us on our toes, and our schedule for the summer has once again changed. Our apartment lease is up in May and for a number of reasons we cannot extend it through the summer, so we will be packing up our apartment and moving our possessions down to Columbia, South Carolina (where Drew will be going to school in the fall) the second week of May. I am currently in the process of searching for jobs down there, and will plan to relocate once I find one. Drew, however, is obligated to be in Durham until August. Thankfully, we are blessed with friends who have agreed to host him/us for the summer months, so we will not be sleeping in a tent.
While figuring all this out has caused us a bit of stress over the last few weeks, I know we have much to be grateful for. We had no trouble getting into an apartment on campus, despite it being earlier than we had originally planned. Plus, the apartments are nice and affordable and literally right on campus, so that will be very convenient. Also, my awesome husband was fortunate enough to be hired for Duke Youth Academy in June. DYA is a two-week program for high school students sponsored by the Divinity School here. Drew will be part of the staff which includes living on campus with the students and being a leader/teacher. The extra income will be a huge blessing, but moreover it will be a great experience for him and I couldn't be more proud.
So along with the beautiful weather April will [hopefully] bring, it will also bring boxes and packing, resumes and interviews, and a lot of goodbyes that I am not looking forward to. We would so appreciate your prayers as we wrap things up with our students at Duke, as we pack and move, and as I start the job application process.
You may remember way back in the fall I posted about some changes to our plan in regards to life and ministry and Drew's schooling. Well, life and the Lord are keeping us on our toes, and our schedule for the summer has once again changed. Our apartment lease is up in May and for a number of reasons we cannot extend it through the summer, so we will be packing up our apartment and moving our possessions down to Columbia, South Carolina (where Drew will be going to school in the fall) the second week of May. I am currently in the process of searching for jobs down there, and will plan to relocate once I find one. Drew, however, is obligated to be in Durham until August. Thankfully, we are blessed with friends who have agreed to host him/us for the summer months, so we will not be sleeping in a tent.
While figuring all this out has caused us a bit of stress over the last few weeks, I know we have much to be grateful for. We had no trouble getting into an apartment on campus, despite it being earlier than we had originally planned. Plus, the apartments are nice and affordable and literally right on campus, so that will be very convenient. Also, my awesome husband was fortunate enough to be hired for Duke Youth Academy in June. DYA is a two-week program for high school students sponsored by the Divinity School here. Drew will be part of the staff which includes living on campus with the students and being a leader/teacher. The extra income will be a huge blessing, but moreover it will be a great experience for him and I couldn't be more proud.
So along with the beautiful weather April will [hopefully] bring, it will also bring boxes and packing, resumes and interviews, and a lot of goodbyes that I am not looking forward to. We would so appreciate your prayers as we wrap things up with our students at Duke, as we pack and move, and as I start the job application process.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Now it's March...
So... February didn't happen here. Sorry for neglecting you, blog.
It seemed a good time to get back on here to ask for your prayers as we are leaving for our Spring Break missions' trip tomorrow! Drew and I, along with Katie, the Presbyterian campus minister and 7 Duke students will be heading to Agua Prieta, Mexico tomorrow morning for the week. We will be serving with a ministry called Frontera de Cristo, a ministry which works with people along the Mexico/Arizona border.
We are not sure about our internet access down there so unfortunately I wouldn't expect a lot of updates, but we would love if you could pray for us throughout the week. Here are some specific prayer requests:
- Safety in travel and for the duration of our stay.
- For the church/ministry who will host us.
- For the children we will be ministering to daily as we run a VBS.
- For the group members: Drew and I, Katie, Maggie, Beth, Hannah, Crystal, Elizabeth, Charlotte, & John; that we would stay healthy, for team unity, and that God will meet and minister to us and through us in the time we have down there.
And last but not least, I'd like to throw up a little prayer here that by the time we get back in a week, Durham will have finally decided it is time for Spring to come and stay. I am ready for some sunshine :)
Happy March!
It seemed a good time to get back on here to ask for your prayers as we are leaving for our Spring Break missions' trip tomorrow! Drew and I, along with Katie, the Presbyterian campus minister and 7 Duke students will be heading to Agua Prieta, Mexico tomorrow morning for the week. We will be serving with a ministry called Frontera de Cristo, a ministry which works with people along the Mexico/Arizona border.
We are not sure about our internet access down there so unfortunately I wouldn't expect a lot of updates, but we would love if you could pray for us throughout the week. Here are some specific prayer requests:
- Safety in travel and for the duration of our stay.
- For the church/ministry who will host us.
- For the children we will be ministering to daily as we run a VBS.
- For the group members: Drew and I, Katie, Maggie, Beth, Hannah, Crystal, Elizabeth, Charlotte, & John; that we would stay healthy, for team unity, and that God will meet and minister to us and through us in the time we have down there.
And last but not least, I'd like to throw up a little prayer here that by the time we get back in a week, Durham will have finally decided it is time for Spring to come and stay. I am ready for some sunshine :)
Happy March!
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Is it still January?
Seriously... this has been the longest month ever.
I think the combination of getting back into the swing of things after the holidays, the [mostly] cold weather, and me down to working only one job again (which is not something to complain about, just a fact) has made the last few weeks absolutely drag on. I've been really distracted at work, though surprisingly productive at home, but some days I just don't know what to do with myself.
I'm in this weird place of wanting/needing to look for something else to fill my time here (preferably something that pays) but knowing that we're going to be leaving Durham this summer so I'm not sure what I should jump into. So as I keep looking, while working and filling my time with more housework than I've ever done in my married life, I've just felt kind of blah.
So, if you're sharing my January blahs, here are some fun things to distract you.
And last, but certainly not least...
:)
I think the combination of getting back into the swing of things after the holidays, the [mostly] cold weather, and me down to working only one job again (which is not something to complain about, just a fact) has made the last few weeks absolutely drag on. I've been really distracted at work, though surprisingly productive at home, but some days I just don't know what to do with myself.
I'm in this weird place of wanting/needing to look for something else to fill my time here (preferably something that pays) but knowing that we're going to be leaving Durham this summer so I'm not sure what I should jump into. So as I keep looking, while working and filling my time with more housework than I've ever done in my married life, I've just felt kind of blah.
So, if you're sharing my January blahs, here are some fun things to distract you.
And last, but certainly not least...
:)
Monday, January 7, 2013
Stan the Man
If there are no dogs in Heaven then, when I die, I want to go where they went.
- Will Rogers
One year ago today, our little family went from 2 to 3. Yes, today we are celebrating one year since we adopted our dog, Stanley, a day that Drew and I have quite adorably dubbed our "Staniversary."
Last January, after many months, Drew finally
There were two other puppies in crates when we saw Stan, and while they were flipping out he was laying calmly in his crate. He was 5-6 months old at that point, and about 30 pounds. It didn't take long for his shiny black coat, adorably floppy ears and calm but curious demeanor to win us over. We filled out the paperwork, and with the blessing of his foster mom who we met that day, we took him home!
Drew was definitely the dog person in our relationship prior to this point, but Stanley turned me into a dog person. I mean, who could resist this cutie?? Owning a dog is not always fun or convenient, but this guy makes it so worth it. He's always good for a self-esteem boost when I'm wiped after work and he is so excited to see me come home. He's a great cuddler and good company when Drew is gone. And he helps keep my kitchen floors clean. Or, at least, without any crumbs :)
Stanley was found as a 8ish week old puppy wandering the streets, malnourished and alone. But thanks to the Johnston County Animal Protection League, and Stanley's wonderful foster mom, Sherry, he was taken off the street and brought into a home full of love. Sherry trained and socialized Stanley, and I'm so grateful to her for the wonderful job she did with him. We feel so happy to have found him, and I know that a big part of that is thanks to her :)
So, if you're thinking about getting a dog (or a cat for that matter!), PLEASE consider adopting through a rescue organization! There are so many animals in need of homes, and many organizations work tirelessly to give care for these creatures who desperately need someone to love them, and who desperately want someone to love back.
So, as I finish typing this post and Stanley quite adorably rests his head on my arm, I am feeling very blessed and so grateful. Grateful that Drew convinced me to get a dog, grateful to Sherry for taking such good care of Stanley until we found him, and grateful for this silly and wonderful creature falling asleep against me, who has, in one short year, taught me so much about love and companionship. I'm happy to have you to love, Stan the Man, and so glad that you love us back.
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.
- Roger Caras
Monday, December 31, 2012
Two years.
"Because love, at its most beautiful and sacred, can be brutally unromantic. It's about sacrifice, commitment and friendship. People don't really fall in love as much as they work their way there." [from here]
It's been a long time since I last wrote. December is crazy, especially when you work in the church (or two). And I haven't really known what to say. But today is our two year wedding anniversary, and it seems like there should be something said about that.
I can't say that these two years have been perfect. Adventurous, busy, full of change, and exciting, yes. But not perfect. To be honest I've made many mistakes that I wish I could take back. But marriage isn't about perfection. If it was, no one would be married. No, it seems to me that marriage is concomitantly beautiful and challenging because it requires you to love another person better than yourself, to care about the needs and desires of another person as much as your own, to identify and admit your own flaws because of their affect on the person you hold most dear. Our partner, or rather, our desire to love our partner well, can motivate us to make these changes and become better people. But this process is terribly challenging, because we (or, at least, I) can be very self-centered beings, and these changes are not at all easy.
In the past two years I have moved across state lines and fallen in love with a new city. We made dinners without a kitchen and washed dishes in the bathtub. I graduated from college and found a job. I cheered Drew on as he got a new job and finished his M.Div. We've made wonderful friends and have gone to a lot of weddings. We adopted a dog and learned to love even more. We have shared successes and failures. We have had great times and some not-so-great times. I can see my growth in some areas, and see where I have a lot more work to do in others.
But these two years are gone, and I can't wish them back. What I can do is press on. Marriage is the most challenging commitment I have ever made, and it is only with God's grace that I can hope to do it well, and believe that in two more years I will have made some more progress. Not for the sake of "success" in the world's eyes, but because I love my husband, and I would hope that in two more years I would have learned to love him better.
In the past two years I have moved across state lines and fallen in love with a new city. We made dinners without a kitchen and washed dishes in the bathtub. I graduated from college and found a job. I cheered Drew on as he got a new job and finished his M.Div. We've made wonderful friends and have gone to a lot of weddings. We adopted a dog and learned to love even more. We have shared successes and failures. We have had great times and some not-so-great times. I can see my growth in some areas, and see where I have a lot more work to do in others.
But these two years are gone, and I can't wish them back. What I can do is press on. Marriage is the most challenging commitment I have ever made, and it is only with God's grace that I can hope to do it well, and believe that in two more years I will have made some more progress. Not for the sake of "success" in the world's eyes, but because I love my husband, and I would hope that in two more years I would have learned to love him better.
So, my love, here's to you. For putting up with me and my crazy, confusing, and often selfish ways. For helping me to be brave and believing in me when I'm unsure of myself. For encouraging me to try new things. For sharing your family with me and for loving mine. For the impromptu gifts, late night waffle dates, and for killing spiders for me. You may be the most challenging commitment I ever made, but you're also the best one. Two years behind us, forever in front of us.
Happy Anniversary :)
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