Skeet Shoot'n in Athens, TX for Easter weekend

Easter weekend was a gift from God - a true break. I had the privilege of going with my friends Katie and Andrea to Athens, TX - kt's home - friday afternoon. We had a nice time visiting her family, watching movies, going to the lake, seeing people at her church, relaxing around her home, sleeping in, and yes - skeet shooting - even though we received battle wounds. Even before we returned to katie's home after shooting, we saw the makings of bruises on our arms -it hurt! We went to katie's church sunday morning, then had a nice meal at katie's home and then headed back to reality - LeTourneau University. We each had procrastinated some on our studies - so we knew we had to be back in time to get some done. Its heating up here - today it reached 90 degrees! I only have two more weeks of classes before finals! WOW! my last weeks of being a freshman ever! God is soooo good! I won't lie - these past weeks have definitely been struggles -but He is seeing me through by His strength and using my family and friends to encourage me on. I have had some major answers to prayer! - Katie and Ben found me a car for this summer/next fall - so I'll have one for working this summer as well as driving to the airport next fall :o) Doors have also opened up as far as what to do this summer --- I'll be going to Idaho to stay with kt and ben for a couple of weeks at least and will be working at ben's sister's running store -fun! It will be nice to see them after almost one whole year! For parts of june and july, i'll most likely be in Oregon - visiting family and friends as well as working at the van essen nursery. Finally, God blessed me with the opportunity to go stay with Kimber and Ben in Bethel, Alaska for one month and i'll be able to work at the hospital there too! I can't wait to see everyone!!! God is good! He has definitely went before me and provided for me needs as well as blessed me with the time to visit my family. Home sweet home - sounds so good! Thanks for all of your prayers and encouragement - I wouldn't be able to make it here if it wasn't for your support - love ya all!

the day finally arrived!!!

THIS MORNING AT 9:45AM - I DID MY SOLO FLIGHT!!!! YEAH! the practice and effort paid off - a big relief, yet exciting. thanks for your guys' help and encouragement along the way. I did two complete landings to a full stop and one where i did a go around. This afternoon, the weather was beautiful, so i relaxed outside in the sun while i did some homework and then I watched the end of the baseball gamed - we actually won! I hope everyone is doing well :o)

SWEET 19!!

On march 1st, i began my last "teen" year - scary. I wasn't sure if i was ready but i decided that it must be time. (makes a lot of sense :o) I had a wonderful day - beautiful weather - one of the few benefits of being in texas instead of oregon - it usually rains. The girls took me out to a restaurant across the street (first pic). I guess mom had been working behind my back with a couple of the girls and they were planning on a surprise for me - brownies, balloons, more gifts, and coffee ice cream - my favorite! The first picture is of me with my newest monkey friend: curious george - from my friend rocky. The next pic is of me after i opened the gifts from the girls - soft bright green pillow - they thought it would match the scarf mom made me :o) Flowers - which were really from mom, i just didn't know that she had been working with my friends. And some snacks and monkey stickers :o) The next photo is of me with my princess airplane crown - katie has great talents with balloon art. This was taken at the surprise birthday party on friday night after my birthday - mom's brownies had finally arrived and we had time to celebrate. So the nineteen year old is alive and well. Its spring break! I'm supposed to be flying, but so far the weather has prevented that from happening. however, i did get to spend a night off campus at mary's - nice change of scenery and i also got to see aunt rhoda and tink. So today i slept in, read, watch freak friday :o) and now am going to work out hopefully. It is depressing to be still on campus but i believe God has a plan and i'm trying to stay content as i trust Him. The girls were really great and wrote me letters for each day of spring break and gave me meals as well as snacks and activities to do and one girl gave me a way into her room so i can use her tv - so i believe God is definitely taking care of me and i will definitely not go hungry ;o) thanks for all of your prayers and words of encouragement and blessings on my 19th big day. i love and miss you all - hope to see you soon - call anytime - i'll have extra time to talk :o)