I love storms

While at camp meeting this past week, we experienced some storms. It was hot and humid one day, rainy the next, cold, sunny—we had everything. Well, Wednesday night I was in the teen tent and they said there was a tornado watch in effect and they were monitoring the weather. There was a significant amount of lightning and the sky started to turn color, some “cloud movement” was sighted and they decided to evacuate the kids into the basement of the auditorium. Suddenly there were hundreds of kids spilling into the basement and their leaders were frantically trying to figure out how many of the kids from their tent were there and parents were coming looking for a specific child. I stood outside for a bit watching the churning clouds and the people dashing for the shelter of the auditorium.

I love storms. I love lightning, and rain, and the sheer power of them. I understand how dangerous storms can be, but I also am quite fascinated by them. I guess I like the perspective it gives me of how small I am in the grand scheme of things…how great God is…

I think I really fell in love with storms when I was living in Nebraska. The Midwest has fabulous storms and the level landscape lets you see for miles. I came back one summer and realized that the prairies had grown on me and that I loved them. I sat transfixed as I watched lightning bolts dance across the horizon from one end to the other; it was breathtaking.

I remember laying out on the grass one hot summer night watching a storm roll in. Lightning flickered across the sky: pink, green, and purple lighting up the darkness. Before long I was in a downpour, icy rain pelted my face and steamed on the warm earth; I was soaking wet, but I felt so alive.

Anyway, back at camp meeting in the basement, the leaders were making order of the chaos and got their kids sorted and divided. Our tent went into an empty racquetball court and continued the meeting where we left off. I knelt down to roll toy cars across the floor with my new friend Jedie, before joining the teens sitting cross-legged on the court floor. While the storm raged outside, we opened the Word of God, sang a deafening rendition of We are Soldiers, and bonded. I love storms.

Michigan Camp Meeting

I officially love Michigan. I came here for the Michigan camp meeting to set up a booth for ADRA in the exhibit tent and have been here for several hours a day.

There has been so much to do that I am really glad I came for the whole 10-day camp meeting. In the evening I have gone to hang out in the teen tent and I have really been blessed. I have just generally enjoyed hanging out with them, but I have also been blessed by the evening messages and the way I see the young people responding to them.

My Tio Ric also just moved here, so I have gotten to spend time with his family in the mornings and help them get settled a little. He is managing an enormous greenhouse project that we just call “the farm” and I finally got to go over there and see it.

I have been at camp meeting all week and I guess this is the most time I have ever spent at any camp meeting. I came here to hold a booth, but have gotten involved in all kinds of other things and have met some really wonderful people. I have gotten to talk to some of our donors and people who want to get involved as well as just share how God is blessing, and listen to people’s stories.

The week was too full. I could easily have kept busy with just the booth, or just the teens, or just the farm, but it has been wonderful to have the opportunity to be here at all.

So yes, I love Michigan, I love camp meeting, I love the teens I have gotten to know this week, I love my little cousin Isabelle, I love the way I have gotten to see God working here, I love the way it has impacted my life.

Adriana's birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today is my sister's birthday! Twenty-three years ago Adriana entered the world, and my life has never been the same.

I would not be the person I am today without my siblings. I have learned so much from them; I have been inspired, challenged, educated…changed.

There was a time that a line was drawn down the middle of our room to clearly define sides, and now I begrudge the space and hours that divide us.

I love you sister, best friend.

Specialized

I guess you can specialize in anything...

Wisdom

“You need not go to the ends of the earth for wisdom, for God is near. It is not the capabilities you now possess or ever will have that will give you success. It is that which the Lord can do for you. We need to have far less confidence in what man can do and far more confidence in what God can do for every believing soul. He longs to have you reach after Him by faith. He longs to have you expect great things from Him. He longs to give you understanding in temporal as well as spiritual matters. He can sharpen the intellect. He can give tact and skill. Put your talents into the work, ask God for wisdom, and it will be given you. “ --Ellen White Christ’s Object Lessons, pg. 146

Land of the Free?

Contentment

"To live content with small means, to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy not rich, to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly, to listen to the stars and birds, to babes and sages with an open heart; to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions, hurry never, in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden, grow up through the common." --William Channing

I am a quote collector, it's true. Small wisdoms passed down that I can gain from. It's good to be reminded to slow down. To "await occasions", to live simply and not expect too much at once. Finding the beauty in little things, nay, in everything, this is truly living. There are so many things that I love, but a few that come to mind are: thunder storms, the smell of fresh cut grass, a good run, fresh berries, babies, paper, down comfortors, water, photos, family, freedom, love.

Adri's Graduation

Here is a glimpse into Adri's graduation weekend celebration. I was so glad I got to go home and be a part of this special weekend. It had been many months since I had been home (136 days to be exact) and it did my heart good to be with my wonderful family and friends. We are all very proud of Adri. Proud of what she has accomplished, proud of who she has become, proud of where she is going...but mostly we just feel lucky to have her in our lives.

It was a moving, meaningful weekend full of hugs and tears. It was all very special, but I think what made it so special was that God was very much at the center of it all. He is the One who gives us life and breath and purpose in our lives.

Prayers and best wishes for the road ahead, dear graduate, we love you.

*Our friend Elwyn shot several of these lovely photos. Thank you!

Nadj and Kiera

When I was in Lincoln, I got to see my lovely friend Nadja and her darling neice. The time we spent together was far too short, but it was very special. I have known Nadja for most of my life and we have many memories from over the years: swimming, skiing, playing in the woods...good times. She still gets to do those things with some pretty lucky kids. Great to see you Nadj!