paddles

I love nature and being in it! And I especially like rivers. Last year a bunch of us went camping on the Pine River in northern Michigan. It wasn't exactly rustic. We still had outhouses (sniff...), and water pumps. So I left my shovel and water purifier at home. I would say that Elizabeth and I had the best living conditions. She even hung a Hello Kitty smell good thing from the tent roof, and we had a no shoe policy but there wasn't any room for them anyways. I think we brought deodorant....maybe not, but I am sure I had my toothbrush!

On Sunday we were heading down stream. The issue was that Pastor Dan was worried that Elizabeth might not make it alive if she was in my canoe. I assured him that after two summers of taking campers down the river every week that she would be fine. But this river had 'big rapids, logs covering most the river and trees hanging out everywhere.' GREAT! My confidence was fading fast and I actually started to get rather worried. Besides the fact that the water was sub-zero, not really, but it was extremely cold.( basing that information on the near death shower experience we had the day before) So I started to think that we would for sure tip and be soaked and freezing the rest of the day and hopefully we wouldn't get snagged up on some beautiful log while watching our canoe, paddles, water bottles and whatever else float down stream.

Well by the end of the day there was breaking news.......Melanie and Elizabeth are dry!!!... WHAT! No way! Melanie knew what she was doing... wow! I have to add that it was Elizabeth's first time canoeing and she was great. There were two on the trip who looked to be expert canoers but I lost count of the times that they were found flopping around the the ice cold waters. They even had gloves to help grip the paddles and the gear but sorely their skill was lacking ;) Too bad. Maybe next time.Anyways, this is not to say that we will not tip the next time, but I was thankful that day. I think Pastor Dan was too.

So last Sabbath Elizabeth got wet, really wet... she was baptized. She did say that the water was cold but not as cold as the Pine River. What a victory Sabbath! We were all so happy for that moment and God was glorified. Now we have more work to do. There are still friends to reach and hopefully this summer on our next camping trip they can come along. I want them to experience the joy of living for Jesus.

IKEA, Noodles and Birthdays

What a fun time Heidi and I had last weekend. On Friday we hit the road for Chicago. The good news is that there is a new IKEA store and it's closer to Berrien Springs. Plus in this new year the toll has almost doubled so we were glad to not have to go so far. I found some great things. I am sure that most of you will get to see my new buys as they are already complimenting the windows in my bedroom and also the shower in my bathroom. :)

The weather wasn't the best when we left IKEA but we were determined to make it to Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe's. On our way we stopped to catch a bit to eat at Noodles & Company. WOW! I think that is one of my favorite new restaurants. We had some Bangkok Curry Noodles and also a Thai Peanut Sauce Salad. Now comes the quest to cook it myself. By the way, it was awesome to have Heidi with me for the weekend. I wish so much that we lived in the same town again. When Christian was in the seminary, we spent more time together. Heaven will be a great place!

On Sabbath we sang for special music and then went to PMC for church. Pastor Dwight preached his heart out...amazing... we are living in the most interesting times. It is our priveledge to watch the closing scenes.. Jesus is coming soon, however we have work to do before then. I know my heart longs for deeper devotion to Jesus.

Saturday night was filled with friends and fun again. Heidi and I had made all this authentic Mexican food so we invited a bunch of people over to eat it. After a while we played some great games. I don't think I have talked about Parliament yet. Well, this game is a lot more fun than I ever thought it would be. It's really a game of memory and I just decided that it would be too hard to explain right now but trust me, it's a blast. We were playing until about 1:30 a.m.


Today was Christine's birthday. She is a very special co-worker of mine. I really appreciate her constant smile and kindness. When I have questions about life she always points me back to Jesus as the only answer. So today we went out to celebrate her new year of life to come. Nancy also brought in these incredible sugar cookies with lemon frosting...so good! I will definitely be working out tonight. Unfortunately I will probably work off the salad I ate and not the cookies. :( So goes life!

Well, this is the week so far and I am praying for God's best for the rest. "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."

Turtles

I collect little turtles. They are from all over the world! Heidi and Christian brought me turtles from Kenya and Korea. Most of the ones I have collected are from South America, however last year I found one in Madagascar and in Mauritius. One of the most interesting turtles I have was made by a dental patient of mine. He brought it in to show me and then ended up giving it to me. It's made out of a pop can. I must have told him that I collected mini turtles, so now I have a turtle from St. Joe. My favorite turtle hails from Mexico. He is so cool because his head moves and he is colorful. I had to bid a good price for him in the market. By the way, that is how I got most of my turtles. That is what makes it so much fun. So I don't know where life will take me next but I plan on aquiring a turtle wherever that may be. Well, I am done working for the day and so I'm out of here!!! Heidi is coming this weekend and I am so excited about that. Tomorrow we are IKEA bound... yes and Trader Joes too. De paso...speaking of turtles, they are kind of slow moving, and because of this maybe they enjoy life more. Maybe they see more, understand more, experience more, think more... just because they do things slowly. The Bible says, "Be still and know that I am God". This takes time...being still. Happy Sabbath and take time to enjoy each moment!

Sister

Sisters are the greatest. That's why I am so glad to have a sister, Heidi. She is my closest friend and a great source of encouragement. During our childhood years we would argue sometimes, but most of time we were good friends. We took a lot of family vacations but I don't remember where this picture was taken. About every 5 years we moved since my dad was a pastor, so I think that made us closer. We had each other. Almost 6 years ago I studied in Argentina, and Heidi had been there two years before me. So she made a trip to see me there, and we had a fun time exploring the country after picking up my parents in Buenos Aires. It's nice to know a language together even though we speak to each other in english. I always thought it would be nice to have a brother but I have been more than blessed to just have a sister. Plus, Christian is now my brother!( Heidi's husband) Then came the day when I bought a car like Heidi's. By the way, I used to copy Heidi all the time when we were kids. That didn't go over too well, ;) but now it's different. We both love our Saturn Vue SUVs! So I thank God for a sister and especially Heidi. I'm glad I am not an only child, and this weekend when she comes to visit me, I will appreciate every moment. She is an example of Jesus to me. Thanks Heidi for being the best sister in the universe!

Meat Curry Masala

This is it. I am sure after this morning that I have made a great curry. I taste tested it for tonight's guests. Sure there are many ways to make curry but this one tastes awesome. Unfortunately it takes a little longer to make than my other recipe but oh well. There are a few keys... one being that you blend blanched almonds, the onions, garlic and ginger together until they are like a paste. This makes a smooth, but thick curry. There is also tomato paste, butternut squash and chickettes for added yumminess. I didn't think I would like the squash idea but it's a winner. So tonight when Tara and Ruan come, I think that they will really like it.... I hope! It will probably be much better than what they are eating in Bolivia as missionaries. They have told me some of their food stories...not so good. Anyways, the recipe is free for the asking. By the way, have you noticed that the sun is out today. I am so blessed already. My arm is feeling better everyday and I am looking forward to spending some time with old friends. May your day be filled with the sunshine of God's love!

Mafalda Pain Rugs and Faith

This is Mafalda. She is part of my favorite cartoon from Argentina. I remember my roommates putting her picture all over and me always trying to understand the cartoon. While I was visiting the Martin's in Tennesee, I was again trying to understand some Mafalda cartoons. They had a whole book of Mafalda at their house.
Today, and yesterday have been ouch days. I have really done something to my shoulder. The physical therapist said that I have a "rotator cuff strain". That means the muscles in my shoulder are either torn or stretched beyond normal. I have really no idea how this happened, but it is extremely painful. I am low on sleep and cleaning teeth....big ouch! So now I am supposed to go to physical therapy for a month, three times a week. Today, they hooked me up to these electrode deals and it was buzzing into my shoulder. Hopefully this all works. I don't prefer to take pain meds every 4 hours. Please pray that this pain goes away soon because it is hard to work.

I bought a new rug for my house last week. I am excited about it because it is soft, thick and hopefully better for everything that goes on at my house. My mom wanted to see what it looks like, so I have included a picture. I'm not sure about the contrast yet,because before I had this big red rug. Everyone has given me positive feedback so far.

Special Feature: What Faith is

Realizing that I am useful to God not in spite of my scars but because of them.
Living with the unexplained.
Letting my heart rest in the hand of God.

Blogging

Happy day! I just wanted to introduce my comment winner of the day. Besides my family, Joelle faithfully comments. That is what makes it so much fun. Maybe that's because I comment on her blog. Whatever it may be, I appreciate knowing who is looking at my blog and who is enjoying what they read. This may turn into an altar call for comments so I will not say anymore.

Joelle is also a close friend. We have even invented, with utmost care, a dialect. It's called Battlecrit. Maybe sometime after we process the rules, I will give some quality instructions on how to speak it.

Well, I am on lunch break that is fast coming to a close. Some of you might like to know that I gave three shots today. :) I bet you would have enjoyed receiving them too!!! Needless to say, the man said he felt like he had fat lip. BINGO! I hit the nerve. Okay, my patient is here. bye!

Sunshine

This morning I woke up to the sunshine coming through the window.... Thank you Lord! I was praying for some sun. After a while I went to my friend Katrina's house. I graduated with her from hygiene school. She made some killer curry and now I have the recipe for what I think is the real thing. It was absolutely fabulous, so tonight I am going to Apple Valley to get some ingredients. Then her sister, who is attending massage school, gave me a free massage. So today I received many blessings. I also decided to finally attack my christmas tree. It's been laying on the front porch for a week. So me and my orange cat friend spent some time together. What a nice day.

Sunset Needed

Today would have been a nice day to see a great sunset, especially

since Michigan is not exactly in it's most enjoyable season. I mean,

I like winter, but I don't normally put lots of rain and dark days

on my top ten list. Snow is a much better alternative, so hopefully

in the next few days the ground will be white and not brown. The

next thing is that on Monday evening I put my wonderful, dried up

christmas tree out on the front porch. I had great intentions to take

the lights off and all the popcorn, cranberry, and paper chains off too,

but I am lacking the modivation needed for this not so exciting task.

So tomorrow is another day

By the way, this morning I read in Revelation that the leaves on the tree

of life are for the healing of the nations. If anyone has any idea as to what

the leaves represent, let me know. Good night!

Blind and Deaf

Last night I stayed on Lake Michigan. But... it was to dog sit.

Good ole' Grady. I'm not sure if that is how you spell his

name but I didn't ask him either. Besides he wouldn't

have heard me anyways. He only hears loud clapping.

Another sad fact is that Grady can't see. So he has memorized the house.

He knows exactly where the stairs are and how many there are, but

there are some funny times when he bumps his nose. ouch...pobresito.

Blind and deaf....hummm... human nature. Sometimes I think I bump

my nose too, maybe God even has to clap really loud to get my

attention. Maybe I've even memorized my own routine in life making

me unable to recognize a change He wants to make. I really want to

see through God's eyes and clearly hear His voice speaking to me. This

I think takes decided effort and constant prayer to refocus my eyes.

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look FULL in His wonderful face."

Whole Wheat and Ano Nuevo

Event: General Youth Conference

What a trip and a great experience. It all started at 7 a.m. Dec. 28, 2005. I knew that God was going to open up my heart in a new way, and He did. They like to say that the sessions and classes are 100% Organic Whole Wheat Bread. No puff puff, we have lots of time, sit back and relax stuff. I knew after opening night that I was in for a real heart change. Praise God! However, I must say that it all came in time. Our first moments upon arriving were a test of our patience. When Kari, Elizabeth and I arrived that the Choo Choo Holiday Inn, we dutifully unloaded our luggage and headed into the lobby to get our room assignments. Soon we had our keys and were looking for the elevators, stair?...hallways... something.... Well come to find out we needed to walk about "3/4 mile", through some trains, past some stores and restaurants and then finally to building #2. Great thanks.... so we started our trek, dragging our burdens behind us. Many other events happened and finally we were ready for the meeting. Oh, I forget to mention that I backed into a friend on mine, opps but then he backed into someone leaving too, so we were even. No dents:) The single most awesome moment at GYC was when my friend Elizabeth responded to a call by Mark Finley for baptism. Tears of joy were falling off my face and I was smiling so much. Jesus is so faithful and reaching every heart that is open. I praise God for the priveledge of knowing Him and being apart of this work. I must say that my comittment to follow Jesus was renewed and to better organize our church outreach team to get this work done. We have a lot to do but God is ready to empower us. Well, the trip home was fun. After not really sleeping a lot that week, I was crazy tired on the way home. After 7 hours of driving my contacts were blurred, I was eating corn nuts, drinking water and listening to Andrew Peterson sing about getting lost in Kalamazoo when I noticed we were going south instead of north. So after looking at the map 10 times, we were finally heading north again and laughing all the way about how crazy things can be. It was probably just pure sleepiness but oh well. Praise God for safe travels, time to connect and talk about all God had taught us at GYC.

I must say that new years was lots of fun. I spent it with Christian and Heidi at the Martin's house. Nolly prepared all these Argentinian snacks, which threw me back to many memories of Argentina. My favorite treat was alfajores. I remember my friend Holly and I would buy some and go into town, find a nice bench, and eat them. Yum! We also had some pan dulce for ano nuevo and just lots of fun watching old family videos. And then at around... oh 11:55... for some reason we got out the sparkling juice...oh HAPPY NEW YEAR. It cracks me up how crazy everyone goes in New York City when the ball drops. Hopefully Jesus comes this year. I know He wants to come back soon, so I will pledge to serve Him more this year. Will you?!