My trip to Africa, was basically one of the best things I have ever experienced. As the plane landed and we were driven to our compound, I could not believe that we were actually in Liberia. We met tons of people, including the Bishop! We became his special guests at many different events, very cool. Meeting the staff, teachers, and students of the school was really awesome. I loved being able to sign with them and learning new signs and different styles. Totally cool!! The kids were all such great participants in VBS, they loved the simple things like coloring. We tried to play soccer with them, but they were ridiculously good! We introduced frisbee to them, they picked it up quite well and had fun with it. They loved getting their pictures taken with us. We all became very attached to them and were sad to leave them. We all came back with plenty of pictures, souvenirs, and stories. Gods love was felt so strongly over there, these kids who struggled everyday just to survive were so thankful for us coming. And how hard they were working to help with their school was unbelievable, I can never take the things I have for granted. Someday I hope to go back and see these people again.

After coming back home, the first stop was a BK for the hungry travelers who wanted anything that didn’t have rice in it. I then spent a day home getting ready to leave for college. Wow, what a turn around! I was running on auto-pilot it seemed, I couldn’t really believe everything that was happening. But, it was all so amazing. I moved into my dorm finally, with no worries of my roommate, I knew she would be awesome. I was worried about what I would forget, where and when I was going to put everything in my room. How I was going to fight jet lag, how everything flowed here, who I was going to hang out with…I felt like I knew no one. The school threw us into Welcome Week activities and somewhere in all the fun I caught up on sleep, managed to buy most of my text books, settle in and find some great friends. As classes started, everyone was freaking out, there was no routine yet and all those syllabi…slightly overwhelming. I almost lost my sight of God in some of this my focus wasn’t on him, It was on myself. I was struggling through the week, not getting enough sleep and not having focus on anything. So I finally decided to go for a run, then I attended worship with my dorm, and went to the FCA meeting. It all brought me back, straight back to God. I had finally slowed my life down enough to hear God.

Here’s some questions and thoughts to think about:

Why do we seem to lose our focus so many times? What can you do to keep your focus on God? Take time to STOP and listen to what God may be trying to tell you.

I miss you all and will be writing again soon…hopefully!

P.S. wow, sorry that was long people, kudoos to those who stuck it out and read that whole thing!

Time: 7-11….movie  starts at 7:30 & Ball drops at 10:30

Where: Social Hall

There are so many different names out there that everyone calls there dads…dad, daddy, pops, papa, father, padre…the list goes on…But, what picture do you see when you hear the word Dad?

Well, here’s what I see…

This picture comes to my mind right away! I’m out on a boat in the middle of a lake, his arms around me protecting me from the cold wind blowing by us, making me smile and laugh. And, with a really dorky looking kind of hat, meaning probably an even worse fashion sense, (but what dad actually does have a good fashion sense right?) I still love him and think hes the coolest, bestest,biggest dad I could ever have! This picture best represents my relationship that I have with my daddy. But, I now realize that some people aren’t this lucky. To have this great relationship thats colorful, bright, protective, and full of joy! For some people, a black and white picture shows up in their mind, sometimes they aren’t even facing eachother; the relationship is barely there because of emotional or physical abuse. For others, a picture comes up thats really blurry because thier dad isn’t in their life at all or hardly ever there so they don’t even know each other. Before I go to the big message behind all this, one more question. What picture shows up when you hear father?

Again, here’s what I see…

…an image, reminding me of God. The big daddy that everyone has. It’s so amazing to me to realize that I have two fathers that think I’m beautiful and will give it all for ME. I know God gave Jesus, a part of him, up for ME. God is not only my father but he’s al of yours too, and he thinks that your all beautiful and handsome! But, the best part is; your his, your his daddy’s girl or sonny boy(as my dad calls it.) He sees everything that your having trouble with and need help with. He is truly watching over you, being that protective, caring and loving father that everyone needs. So, no matter what…even if you dont have that kind of father here on earth. You have a dad in heaven just waiting for you to come to him so he can wrap his protective arms around you and give you a shoulder to cry on. I know I have that pair of arms around me. I hope that everyone gets to have at least that one pair of arms around them too, because its some of the most powerful and comforting arms ever! <3

There is a huddle at Middletown High that meets every Tueasday morning @ 6:45 am in the chorus room! I know its early but its fun! We sing, pray and talk about God! Its a great way to start the school day! We also do other fun things outside of school so, if something is coming up I’ll post it here! Come! Bring friends!

I know that there is also a huddle at Middletown Middle. But, I don’t know the details of that one…I’ll let you know when I find out.

BTW…You do NOT have to be an athlete to come….It is open to everyone!