Really? It's almost July?

Here recently I've been thinking about the time that I've been up here in Virginia and all that I've been taught and shown. The things about me that has changed and the things that I've learned about myself. It's hard to believe I've been up here for over 6 months, it just doesn't feel like it's been that long.

It's been a whirlwind and I am positive I'm learning something every day, whether I realize it or not, and one day - all these little things will somehow make sense (hopefully!) and of course the big things already are.

I'm highly enjoying seeing the Lord use me and change me into who He's called me to be. I'm loving seeing the fruit of being up here, even amidst the sadness and trials.

In April, I attended Muster in DC and, the Lord brought someone into my life that night that I could not have been or could not be more thankful for. In His perfect timing He brought a sweet friendship together that has become one of my favorite parts of being up here. Lauren and I pretty much hang out all the time and I'm so thankful for that and for her.

One of the most challenging things about being up here is not being able to meet people easily and there is certainly (at least not that I've found) not a community of believers that I was used to at Living Hope. I've talked with many people about the difficulties in meeting people here outside of the bar scene and it's pretty much impossible. And that's just really not a scene I care to be a part of.

I've been attending Kairos which is through The Falls Church here in Falls Church and is a 20s and 30s group that meets on Sunday nights for a worship service at 5:30. I've met a few people but I'm still finding it difficult to break through the barrier of just knowing someone (being acquainted) vs. actually hanging out with them. This Friday, the 3rd, Lauren and I are going kayaking down a 15mile stretch in the Shenandoah Valley, which should be absolutely amazing and beautiful, with Kairos. We both enjoy reaching out and going to random events and meeting people, so that's nice.

On visitor news...
My mom, sister, Will, Linda, Hayley & Kaylynn are coming to visit me July 9-14. It's crazy that at the time of moving up here, I was 'never going home to visit, except for Labor Day'... well that has turned into already being home 3 times, July will be my 4th, August I'm going for 10 days (so 5th) and I'm supposed to go back in Sept., wow.

One thing being up here has show me: You don't know what you've got til it's gone. That to say, I took for granted most of the things I had while I was in Texas... i.e. my church, my family, my friends. Everything was so convienent. It's only when those things were no longer easily accessible that I realized how much I took it for granted. I can't just 'go home' when I want. I can't just drive over to the Duty's to say hi, or to have dinner. And it's hard to sit down and skype with busy schedules.

I'm thankful for being here, thankful for what I'm learning and thankful for having something worth missing.

Father's Day Weekend, sure.

So, I actually sent a card to my dad this Father's Day - 2pts for me... (I'm one of the worst at sending cards)...although I did ponder the fact of mailing an envelope to him with a piece of paper inside of it, along with $3, saying "happy father's day, I saved the $3 on the card and sent it to you." - he thinks cards are a waste of money - but regardless, he got one.

On Sunday, Father's Day, Lauren and I went to the Texas State Society picnic in Gaithersburg, MD, and had a pretty great time. I of course zip-lined and somehow got forced into the 2-stepping contest....have no fear, we came out with 3rd place and a pretty sweet Texas plate complete with a bluebonnet!

Lauren took me to BWI as Sharla and I were heading to Tampa on Sunday night for 3 days for a work meeting for her. Charlie and I hung out a the pool, watched Baby Einstein, ate yummy food and had a lot of laughs and smiles!

Below are some updated pictures of Olee's baby, a little 2stepping, and a few pictures from Tampa.
Oh, and a video!

As of lately....

Since it's been over a month since I have posted anything, I decided it was about time for some sort of update.

For the most part, my life has slowed down immensely in the past 25 days. I have been on an airplane in 12 days, don't worry, I'll be getting on a plane again here in, oh, exactly 2 weeks from today. I think it's safe to say that I've been on an airplane as many times this year as I have been in my life (23 yrs)...maybe a little less, but definitely a close call.

Since May 4th (my previous post)... I have traveled to Annapolis, MD (just for fun) Keystone, CO; Lake Las Vegas, NV; (both on work) and then on Memorial Day weekend I went home to Texas, which was probably my most favorite time ever of being home. A wonderful, long weekend, of relaxing, fishing, and hanging out with wonderful people who I miss a lot. (Most of whom will be traveling to see me on July 9! yay! Also, during my visit in Texas, my horse Olee, had her baby - so that was really exciting to get to see. I also got to visit Mimi and see my brother Robert and his family.

My sister, Susan and Will visited last weekend. I loved having them up here but hated seeing them leave. It's always fun having visitors but the aftermath is not always easy. We did 2 full days of shopping and walked ourselves out...complete with a sunburn of course.

Yesterday, Rob, Sharla, Charlie, Phil and I went to Bluemont, VA to Great Country Farms in Bluemont, VA for their Strawberry Festival. Not only did we enjoy picking strawberries in probably a 3-4 acre field, complete with a wagon pulled by a tractor... They had 60ft slides, of which I took part of, two huge rope swings, a massive bird cage (of which I think my father should build), go-kart racing, corn mazes, a pig, emus, a peacock, I mean - this place was very cool. They also have other 'berry' picking seasons as well. Not to mention it was absoultely beautiful.

Here are some photos from the past few weeks:

Make a Smilebox slideshow