How to lay down burdens.

The word says that the yoke from God is easy and his burden is light. Yet, how do we experience that light burden? What about all those people that we love and we see them struggling? This past week I have been faced with things that have broken my heart. I have been overwhelmed often by them. Yet, in the midst I was reminded by a dear friend of how to cast my cares back to him. The answer is very easy. All we have to do is to take our of ourselves by remembering how big our God is and the works of his hands. Then we quickly discover the peace that surpasses all our understanding.
Psalm 104:1-4
Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty, covering yourself with light as with a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent. He lays the beams of his chambers on the waters; he makes the clouds his chariot; he rides on the wings of the wind; he makes his messenger winds;his ministers a flaming fire.

Ode to John Wayne

The ten reasons why I love John Wayne. All of these have nothing to do with realistic expectations of life. Or even the actual man John Wayne. It is the way he has been portrayed on screen that I have enjoyed. If you are looking for something serious do not read. However if you are looking to maybe get a smile continue on and enter into this silly moment of life with me as I reflect on John Wayne.

1. He fights for what he wants - This may be the justice he is seeking in the movie or the heart of his leading lady. At the end of the movie he has at least shown courage to not let her go.
2. His voice - His voice is very distinct you could possibly even say he has an accent and I do love accents.
3. He protects his women- On numerous occasions he has punched a slim bag or two for the protection his leading lady.
4. He knows how to use a gun.
5. He is hardworking
6. He stands like a man - I am sorry I can not describe this one it is just something you see.
7. He gets straight to the point in whatever situation whether dealing with the lady he loves or with other people.
8. He is tall
9. He knows how to go camping
10. HE is JOHN WAYNE ... Enough Said

The Beauty of a simple day

Today was a beautiful day! This morning I got to see a beautiful baby baptized, and celebrated in fellowship at the families house. On the way back to my house I got to call my momma and tell her I love her. I was soon snuggled under my covers for glorious nap as the sounds of Jim Brickman on the Piano lulled me to sleep.

When I woke I went back to my church to rejoice over the Christmas season with the children of our church. At the end of the program a family shared how God had glorious given their son with special needs new opportunities in His life. Our Pastor shared with the congregation the beauty of the family we have in the Covenant of Christ. I am ending the evening watching Micheal Buble in concert on T.V. Which when I saw I immediately called my best friend in Kansas for she understand my love for Buble. What a beautiful day where I have gotten to connect with those that I love. Love is truly a gift from the Lord and may we always remember to cherish it.

^"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."

Prince Philiip

Every women who has ever seen this tale knows this moment in "Sleeping Beauty". Princess Aurora is daydreaming about her prince while dancing with her animal friends. But, Prince Philip hears her singing in the forest then seeing her dancing he takes the place of her daydream. Later we learn that not only is he a fabulous dancer, and is mighty enough to kill a dragon but he is also one heck of a kisser. Perhaps I have gone swing dancing to much and the spinning is making me delirious. This post has a purpose. We are never to old or to young to believe in "Happily Ever After". The plague of the single women is to stop believing in our Prince Philip's and think they are not real. We forget that we see prince charming's everyday. They may not ride on horses anymore or have dragons to slay. Instead, they stand by their aging princess while her arthritis causes her severe pain. Some can be found sitting at home with his princess during his lunch hour while she is nursing their new baby. One may be making his sick princess chicken noodle soup. Often they are simply asking how her day went. So, call me crazy or delusional but, I would rather spend my life believing in my "Happily Ever After" then settling for anything less. My prince will have a long list of flaws but so will I.

Reflections on a Trip Home -Thanksgiving 2010

Image by

Mark Feiden

As my plane crossed the Kansas Prairie on my arrival flight home tears began to stream down my face. Below I could see the simple predictably of the Kansas terrain. The roads of Kansas are of simple square design enabling a navigator to begin at one point of a town and taking the unknown back roads still land safely at their destination. I was home.

When I embraced my Father I wept with the relief of feeling truly safe and protected. I was with my Father everything would be o.k. He loved me and his actions displayed it with an engulfing bear hug that only a father can give. For ten days my friends and family reconnected with me allowing me opportunity to reflect on my life in the South. During my visit I took as many back roads as possible allowing my self to get lost with no fear that I would find my way back.

During one of these back road journeys I was struck with a greater understanding of peace then I ever had before. My love for the Kansas road stems in their predictability. The roads in South Carolina are the complete antithesis. I have expressed my disdain for these roads several times to those around me. The S.C roads curve in a million different direction, street signs are rare and often times the road will change its name right in the middle of your journey. I do not like the S.C Roads.

In that moment of reflection on my Kansas roads what I came to realize is that the unpredictably was what I hated the most about driving in S.C. I hate not knowing how to get where I wanted to go and having to deal with the undetectability of the terrain. Life is not like the Kansas Roads. God has given us dreams and desires but we have no idea until reveled where the next turn may lead or even the reality of what those dreams in life would like. This moment gave me great peace. My heart understood the realities of Trusting God even greater then I ever had before. So at the end of my time back in Kansas I was ready to get back on the air plane with a peace that surpassed all understand that is only a gift from God. I may not know where I am going or have any idea how to get their I just need to enjoy the ride.

The Master Carpenter

After - A Beautiful Home

Before-A Run Down Pit

There is a man in the Body of Christ who has been like a Grandpa to me. God has gifted him with the ability to take an ugly run down house that people once called a home and see the beauty that can exist. For instance this house in the above picture is one that he purchased and has in three months completely overhauled. I am reminded of what the psalmist says in Psalm 103 how "God takes us out of the pit". I am thankful that through sanctification he continually rebuilds my life into a beautiful dwelling for His glory. This house was not an easy build in the midst they had challenge after challenge but, with perseverance they are almost finished. Oh how often is that my life. The hard times of toil often accompanied by anguish as we die to our selfishness and former ways can often feel so meaningless. Yet, in the end we trust that God truly does work for the good of those whom love him who he has called. So we to may be a beautiful work displaying is the glory of the Master Carpenter. I know this may seem corny but hey I like corny.

God made Guinness so women could get together.

Today I was blessed with an amazing time of fellowship with a women named Mindy. We didn't go get tea or a coffee at a local coffee shop. We got Guinness at the local pub and might I say that was one of the best Guinness' I had ever tasted. Coincidently the other times of fellowship that I had which I truly cherished were with women over a good strong beer like Guinness. After two Guinness', an amazing chocolate cake and much laughter my heart was filled with great joy for I had found another women after my own heart. I want to thank all the women out their in my life who share my love of a good strong beer and side splitting fellowship. We were created to love one another fully without pretense through the bonds of Christ. "To the Good Lord"

Resting in the South.

My Slice of Humbled by Served Southern Style

To order a slice of Humble Pie served southern style all one must do is teach God's Word to children. I have been wrestling with this inner turmoil of contentment for such a long time. Then today as I am teaching the children about the idolatry of the Israelites when they created the Golden Calf because God was doing what they thought he was supposed to do, I felt as if a knife wrenched in my heart. Oh, how I often do I do this. God provides in amazing ways all around me. Reminding me of His providence and goodness yet, I still act often out of disobedience. I want to scream and yell over these issues. Then even as I am writing this post I realize that the beauty of humble pie is that even though it may be tough to swallow the end result is still sweet and fulfilling. Thank you Lord for your tough and gentle love!

I got the blues.

I just spent the weekend with one of my best friends from Wichita. There are amazing women at school who love me. My children I adore. New friends have called me to share silly things. Yet, I am lonely. I wish I could say I was looking forward to my trip back home. But, I will admit I am afraid because going back home will remind me of what I don't have here. I just shared with my children today the importance of being content and resting where God has you. My heart was at a great resting point. Then the clock rolls by and even with all I am doing I still have the blues that I can not seem to shake. Thank you to all who love me both here in and in the sunflower state. Thank you for your patience as this sunflower belle struggles to find her place. People say it takes a year to get situated in a new place. I have 7 Months to go.

The day I was a stalker - Really it was not that bad!

I was at the airport awaiting my dearest friend Heidi when all of a sudden I saw some gorgeous flowers in a mans hand. The man holding them looked so nervous. He kept looking back at the flight arrival board then at his watch. I sigh inwardly as I realize like most women would in this position that the flowers are for the girl he loves. I forget my precious friend Heidi (Sorry Heidi) and stand back awaiting the union of these two young love birds. As time passes I become more nervous "where is she", "she should be here by now". The man makes a phone call but nothing. He continues to stand eyes fixed on the arrival terminal stoic in his stance. Then all of a sudden his phone rings and he looks around puzzled. Then off he goes with urgent strides. What is happening? Where should she be? I just had to find out so off I go with all the stealthiness that I could manage in a busy airport. I follow him as he goes around one side of the terminal but then he turn backs and heads to the opposite side of the airport. I could not loose him but for a moment I did behind the telephone booth. My heart sinks where could he be? Yet, I am quickly reassured that all is well in the world as I see the beautiful flowers in the hand of a beautiful girl with the young man grinning as they head out of the airport together. I quickly realize that they were coming my way so I rapidly pull out my phone grinning that all is right with the world. I even have proof of this love story. But, to respect the innocent I covered the man face with a heart. Who ever said love stories are not real!

My Students During Field Trip Week

The Purpose of a Chick Flick

I have just gotten done watching "Letters to Juliet" and my heart sighed. Yes, the movie was a chick flick. Yes, the movie was full of sentimentalism that you think may ONLY be seen in movies. However, I would like to say that I have seen the "sigh creating love" in real life. I have seen this type of love in the older couples whom have experienced hell and back. Yet, these couples with God's grace and guidance have endured. The Lord has been given glory by the work He did in their lives. I also see this love in every married couple who day in and day out make the choice to love their spouse above their own selfish desires. As a women we are encouraged to not watch these "chick flick" movies because they are not "real" and create unrealistic expectations. I may never experience love and be married to someone for fifty years. But, that will not change the fact that the soul stirring love has been given as a gift from the Lord. Just like He has given us a rose to pause and see his beauty. He has given us this type of Love to remind us of the love He has for us. So, go find your sweetheart curl up on the couch and pop in your favorite "chick flick" and be thankful for the gift he has given you. If you are in my position that you do not have a sweetheart call your best friend or grab your sweet treat then curl up on the couch and rejoice for He has also given you the great gift of His love for you.

Home Sweet Home

"Dad, I need to get tags on my car because they are up this month, but in order to do that I have to change car insurance companies, then get a South Carolina Drivers license."

"That is more permanent, if your only going to be there for a year you won't need to do all that we can renew your tags here in Kansas, but are you thinking of staying longer?"

A Long Pause....

"Yeah I am" There the decision was made in one moment my move to the south became permanent. I felt I could here my dad's heartbreak with mine on the phone.

In the course of deciding to move out to South Carolina my dad and I discussed how long I would be here. I would just try this for a year and take it one day at a time. If things go well with the school and I love what I am doing then after my school year I would stay. But, it was inevitable I had fallen in love with what I do daily and the Lord was showing me that I would not be returning to Kansas after the year was up.

After I hung up with my dad, I cried. I miss my father, friends and my community. I miss the feeling of always being safe and fully loved. "Lord, Am I making the right decision?"My answer came quicker than I thought.

Today during Communion one of my young students was taking communion near me. I look up from prayer and see his little head bowed in a state of prayer and reflecting before he partook in the sacraments. My heart was humbled and at that moment God confirmed the decision for me to stay out here. Then after church I was blessed with the opportunity to host a pot luck with some of my church family at the house I am living at. As Louis Armstrong played in the background while women and men where talking around me my heart felt even more blessed. I carried a little boy around on my hip who belonged to a little family who were visiting church today and was so blessed by his smiles. Again my heart was comforted. There will be times of sadness and yearning for those I love back in Kansas. Yet, I am excited to see the Lord slowly building up community around me and seeing him work through the humbled prayers of a little boy or the tiny smiles of an infant. I have made the right decision"Praise God Through Whom all blessings flow!"

A Book Saved From Destruction

Today I hit "The Wall", I was getting so focused on trying to figure out what to do with History I wanted to throw the book out the window. But, then after some prayer and a call to my best friend in Kansas I found my error. The issue was not with the material but, with having faith in what God has called me to do. I am just like all the other men and women in the Bible. Name one and unless they were Jesus, they had their moments. The seed of my doubt I found was rooted in my tendency to compare myself to other teachers. "They do this so I should do that." The real kicker is when I say things like to myself like "I should be doing that or I am not doing enough." The truth is I am called to take each day one day at a time. Trusting that God will give me strength and courage to teach the Children as he as called me to and not being afraid of the perception of others. This lesson is going to take a lifetime. But, at for tonight one History book has been saved from going out the window.

What I miss the most...

Today was an amazing day with my children and the school. But, yet I still do feel a deep void. I know the statement "God will fill your void." I know that he is supposed to fill my every want and desire, which He has in so many ways. He bring me so much joy and delight. Yet, the reality is that I am still so human and God did not create man to be alone. Even Christ and Paul had deep relationships with those who knew them, who walked with them daily, who ate with them, and who served God together day and night. That is what I miss most right now. Daily I get to see God work in the lives of my students, and the Lord sees all of it but then I go home and no one is there to share these blessings with. Those who have been with me in my darkest days are so far away. There is nothing like being hugged by those who KNOW you the good, the bad, the ugly and still love you. Even when things are hard they are still good, but even when things are good they are still hard.

The second thing I really do miss the most is the protection I had back home. I knew that between my Dad, Brother, and the wonderful group of brothers in Christ if something happened to me or I needed something I knew in the back of my mind they had my back. Sometimes I did have to call on them and they would be there. Sometimes in a group I never even had to question if I was safe or if I would be cared for just as I am. They too loved me in my darkest hours and there was no pressure to think I had to fit into there mold to be protected. A good bear hug was readily available without having to constantly and awkwardly ask. The littlest thing meant the most. I miss you all.

These voids have made me hold on even more to the blessings God has given me by the people here. I store them up in my heart so in moments when saddened with what I miss I can remember what God is doing. I am still not very good at this, yet in order for me to do what I love best I must trust that all will come in time. I have been in denial over these issues for so long. I talk about them and then pretend they do not exist. Yet, these things have affected me so thank you for loving me in the midst of these things. Thank you to those who are reading this who have loved me unconditionally both in Kansas and in my new home. You are all very precious to me. Thank you for sharing my life with me wither I am near or far. I love you.

Even when things are rough they are still good.

Today after school a few of the staff started talking about theology. Oh how I love that. Yet, the content made me have a piece of humble pie. My pride has gotten the better of me so much this past year. But, what was even more difficult was that in the course of our discussion the conclusion that was agreed upon was: we live in a fallen world therefore pain and suffering are part of the reality of this world. Then immediately following the meeting something came up that made me cry. The cause of tears was an effect of loving someone. Love is so risky, so painful and so hard. Even though I am sealed with Christ and he has enabled me to love, loving people is still hard. They will do things or you will do things or bad things may happen to them that break your heart. So, what do we do? We weep with them, we forgive them, we ask for forgiveness, we pray for them, but more importantly we love them. If you do not agree that love is hard or that love is worth the risk of pain/heartache then I wonder if you have ever loved.

2:25am

The time is early morning. In two and a half hours I will get up attempt to go running. (Key Word ATTEMPT) Then head off to school. Oh HOW I do love my job. Life feels strange at this moment. I have officially changed my name to Jeri Lyn. My heart, mind and soul is settling roots down here in the south and I have no idea where the next step in my life will be. Thursday is career day at school were children will come dressed in their dream job attire. Yet, everyday I get to wear mine. Everything does seem really surreal. I do have a struggles of contentment when I think of marriage yet there is nothing I can control or make happen in that department. So, what do I do instead?? I live. I was reading the Pioneer Women's blog and then I realized that I had my own. Who knows where I will be doing in a year. For this first time in my life I am not trying to figure that out. That feels amazing. Contentment is a beautiful thing. Yet, I think the world is confused to think that contentment means we will not long for something that is yet to come such as marriage. Contentment really is trusting God for what we long for and looking forward to what He has coming for us. I never thought I would be a Southern Belle by the name of Jeri Lyn. Today is a great day.

GO!!! CAVALIERS!

I love the things that we do in life that we never ever imagined we would be doing. For instances, spending my weekends attending Middle School football games in South Carolina as a Cheer Leading Sponsor. I am so thankful for these crazy and wonderful opportunities. Also, football in the South is so much different than in Kansas. Talk about a bit of culture shock. Middle School football can rival a handful of Kansas High School Games. Yep, football for some people is that BIG. If Dorothy was from the south instead of Ruby Slippers she would have a pair of Red Cheer Shoes.

Love Hurts

This year is a wonderful year. Yet, all the lessons are still really hard. When your children hurt you hurt with them, and when they laugh you laugh with them. During these emotions you are relying upon God's Grace to lead them in the way they should go. Holding on to His promises that all is working for His Glory and He is doing great things in their lives. I need to be praying even more for the parents of my kids. Love is the greatest gift but the hardest task which causes the greatest heartache. Yet, all is still for the good. I am so thankful for these lessons now so when I have my own clan of children I remember these moments and will be able to be thankful.

Mama Bear

I don't think I can have kids. I want to have tons of them but the world may not be a safe place if I do. Today in class my crew was walking out a door and some older kids dared called them little kids. Oh my goodness! I was very thankful at that moment for the gift of self control. In my brain I was thinking OH NO YOU DIDN'T!! All of this emotion only because He dared called my kids little! If I am blessed with Marriage I will have to have a strong Husband to help me resist the urge to fight my children's battles for them. Otherwise the world may not survive Mama Bear.

My Classroom

Before After
I am sitting in my classroom and the rain is pouring down outside with flashes of lightning. My soul is nourished by the sound. I am sitting in my classroom. A little place that 12 children come everyday to here what God wants me to teach them. Oh my heart burst with joy for I remember where I once was and can not help but have tears of joy. For God so loves His Children and I feel His love so deeply right now in my life. Just like I have gone and redeemed a space to make it mine for my children I am even more reminded of Christ redemptive work in my life. How he continually cleans me of my residue from before I was His.

Running away from my Mess!

I am running away tomorrow! My classroom has officially overwhelmed me. I have procrastinated in various forms this entire week. I have tried and failed to get a lot accomplished. So, how do you deal with the wall once you hit it. You run away to the beach. Why? Because I can, I am not in Kansas anymore and the beach is calling my name! The mess will still be here on Monday so I think I just need a little UV Ray boost! I will post tons of pictures now worries!

My Castle

I have posted below a picture of my little castle. Oh, How fun it is to be there. By the Lord's grace it is a safe place to hide from the world. When I am home I do not have to think about the million tasks ahead just rest. I do still think the well laid out plan below is the best tactic for me to remain at my little castle. However, His ways are not our ways so I will just cherish every little day that I am there.

The Castle

Lesson From The Heels

Did you ever really want to impress someone and you try so hard that you end up looking like a donkey? Well that is what happened to me this week. I had a meeting with two people scheduled for Wednesday lunch. I knew what I wanted to wear since the Sunday before. I had it all planned. I wore my cute skirt and these amazing shoes. Even though they hurt my feet I did not care I was going to look GOOD! I had cheer camp before the meeting and when one parent saw me they asked "Are you going to cheer in those?" Hint #1 I might had over did it. Then I really got my tail feathers wagging before the meeting to try to get the papers printed out so I looked like I had it "all together" when I went. Well I end up being late to my meeting by 30 minutes due to commitments elsewhere. Then hit every red light and in the midst of all of this my brain was screaming "You taught on the fruit of the spirits this morning, "PATIENCE!" Then at last I make it but I am so worked up I am even a bit out of breath nervous as can be and talking a million miles an hour. Oh How I wish God would have taking me up in a cloud at that moment like Elisha. But that was not to be because when one of the people from my meeting saw my heels he said "those are not the best shoes to be wearing with a hurt foot" (I hurt my foot a couple of weeks ago and stopped running this person knew I did that). At that moment I just wanted to run but then I said something so dumb I can not even remember I just wanted that moment to past. Then after all the hard work I hand them the papers and the poor person looked overwhelmed. Lets just say the meeting lasted forever and when I really wanted to make a good impression I just ended up having a miserable time. So, my beloved friends why did I have you read this to know that I have not changed yet even 1,100 miles away from home. My affirmation still must come from the Lord Praise Him! I am thankful for the moments when I just make myself look dumb because they affirm who I really am supposed to be. So please just be who you are the world is much more fun that way. So, I will still love my heels only maybe when it will be more sensible. Like when I Vacuum. :)

The "Plan" to keep my grocery store

I know this may seem crazy the Lord affirms me everyday. Sometimes in the big ways sometimes in just little itty bitty things that delight my heart. Such as this picture. An all natural foods selection with ALL Natural Peanut Butter Dispenser, along with rows of other treats that make my heart smile and my tummy happy. This may sound stupid to some but this little place of heaven is only a few blocks from my house! Oh how I wish my home was a permanent residence. After I found this fabulous place I ran home and told my amazing friend/roommate/landlord that I will just have to marry prince charming buy her house and live happily ever after. With of course my prince but more important my grocery store. A few prayers never hurt anything :)

I HATE MY SIN!!

I just found out that one of my beloved people back home has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. This makes my pickle seem so so so stupid. I hate my sin.

In a Pickle

I have found myself in my first big Pickle in South Carolina. My princess bedroom can no longer be my home after next Friday. So by next Friday I have to find a new place to live. My head and heart does understand that the Lord will be glorified in all of this. I will admit I have cried a lot. Then I cry even more for crying. (Men I don't know if you can relate to this but please just give me Grace). This is an adventure and I am excited to see where the Lord will have me go. Please pray that I will continue to think of and praise God for His protection and provision in my life. For the greatest gift of Christ and being His daughter. However, even knowing this has not excluded me from fear or worry that a single women faces in these types of situations. Everything in Heaven and Earth is His and yet I still struggle against worry and fear. How foolish am I!

A Wonderful Distraction

I am sitting in my new classroom surrounded by things to clean and go through. However, I have come across a great and wonderful distraction. The book “Future Men” by Douglas Wilson, I began reading this book before I came to S.C. But, now I have reunited with it today. I am afraid not much will get accomplished in my classroom; however so much is being done in my understanding of Biblical Masculinity and Femininity. The book “Future Men” reveals God's design for Biblical Masculinity. As well as how within the family a young boy is to grow into a Man through the family teaching Him what it means to be a Man according to God's Design. The reason I began this book was because I will be teaching seven young boys who will one day be men. I did have other motives as well. I love to read things that discuss Biblical Masculinity and Femininity. My heart desires to fulfill the God given roles as a woman within the covenant of family and church. However, the culture teaches women quite the opposite through the language of “rights” and my sin causes me to reject my roles as well as do the opposite. This is why I love to read books like “Future Men” or “Fruit of Her Hands” because they help remind me in the midst of my depravity what my true calling is as a women. This does not mean that once I read these books I will be the picture of femininity that everyone should obtain or that I will have grasped my role as a woman. What it does mean is that as I read these books God will continue to remind me of my DEPENDANCY on Him. Only by His grace will my heart and mind be able to understand how to daily walk in His care as His daughter. I do hope you have a chance to read these books one day as well. Love, Jeri
P.S You can find both "Future Men" and "Fruit of Her Hands" on Google Books

Cardio Fellowship

Today I spent an hour and a half doing cardio at the YMCA with this great lady from church. The benefit was not only some serious calorie burn-age but also some amazing relighting of my heart. Through us sharing with each other our stories I was so amazed at how off the beaten track I had come. My head has overruled my heart when it has come to Christ. I have gotten so caught up in my theological headiness. That I had lost track of WHO Christ is, not just what He has done for me in the physical sense but His love that drew me to Him as a little girl. When she asked me the question when was I saved? I struggled with the answer. The reason I did is because I have shared my "story" with so many people the last week that with further reflection I came to see that I always was His. I was baptized as a little girl and was in the Catholic Church for a while. Whenever we would go to church on Christmas I would remember seeing Christ on the cross and my heart would be broken for I knew some how that for me He was on that Cross. I don't know the date or time at which I was "saved" I know when I said a prayer with bad motives as a teenager. Yet, with all I don't know about myself what I do know is that I am His beloved and not by my own accord. Praise The Lord Oh My Soul!

Toto.. We are not in Kansas Anymore!

This is the record of events that have happened this past Month in my life. I lost my place to live and summer job all in one day in Kansas. My church family took me in while I was figuring out what to do. I received a job in South Carolina teaching sixth grade and I took it. I had no car to get to S.C God provided Belle (Car) to use for a year from a family from church. I drove out West across the State of Kansas and visited OZ for the first time with a dear friend. My friends threw a fabulous Good-Bye Bash for me. I saw the beauty of Christ in relationship with the church at a dear friend’s wedding. Had one more surprise party from my friends the night before I left filled with fabulous swing dancing. I thought I had to leave my beloved blue jay (my bike) behind but my daddy bought me a bike rack. (I know I am too old to call my Father daddy but get over it). I had no computer to use at school yet again my parents surprised me just minutes before I departed. I drove 1,100 miles and only got pulled over once. The cop took pity on me because I was so cute (just kidding) and let me go. The night of my arrival in S.C I went swing dancing. (Yes, I was tired but it was worth it!) The Lord allowed me to stay with some precious families for about a week while I was still in transition mode. All the while God was opening up a door for me to find a home with a beautiful older woman through church connections. I moved into a little girls dream princess room. I have cried several times out of homesickness yet, God has always brought me back to perspective. He reminds me of His past faithfulness and the hope of HIS plan that He is unfolding in my life. So even in the midst of sadness I can laugh at silly things like a lady walking her dog in a stroller and a man wearing a beer beanie hat but instead of using it to drink beer he used it for coffee. I am definitely not in Kansas anymore but don’t worry I won’t be pulling out the ruby slippers anytime soon.