At the Center of the USA

March 20-22, 2009.

So for the last 2 years at least my friend Suzanne and I have been talking how we were going to get together since her move to Clay Center, KS. We finally made good on that discussion. It only takes me leaving to make it happen. Suzanne was a pivotal part on mym journey to get to China. When I went to China in 2001, she was one of the people who I went with. We, together with several other American's, went to a university and participated in a cultural exchange with Chinese College students. So, needless to say it was AWEsome to be with her, re-live some memories, meet her daughter, see the zoo!!!! and talk with her and Grant about my future plans. The joy of being a part of a faith family that is scattered through out the United States as well as the World is so real when I am constantly reconnecting with sisters broters.

I loved seeing the tiny zoo that is smaller than Lincoln's. One of the joys was seeing Tori point at each animal and say "cat" or "dog" and the other was the squirrel exhibit. :) see photo.

The Squirrel Exhibit!!

The Cage!

Tori at the Zoo!!

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Flock of Sea Gulls

March 26th, 2009.

This lovely Thursday evening I got to have brownies and talk with Mike and Bekah, Kate and Ryan, and Keith and Karin about Asia and all 6 of them were so very excited for me. Lianna and Andrew were so adorable asking me about what kind of food I would eat. They also liked the terra cotta statues. It is so affirming and exhillarating to be discussing my plans with young families. Hopefully the heart of God will sprout in these young hearts through my words and their parents' teaching and example of obedience. Thank you!!!

Grace, Grace God's Grace

February 22, 2009.

Grace Lutheran church opened it's doors to me to speak to the Sunday school children as well as to speak in church. I was introduced to four intelligent, inquisitive, and endearing young people. One of whom was my "ten year old twin." Children are precious. They had great questions and insight into how big God's love is for us and for those far far away. The entire congregation was encouraging and supportive when I shared during the worship hour. Many people gave hugs and wanted to know more than the snap shot I gave in the service. I felt so very humbled that this small community would open it's arms and welcome me into it and celebrate with me the place God was taking me to. Bill Stern's, my friend and co-worker, invited me on behalf of his faith family and the people there were so much like Bill that I knew instantly that they could and would be my family too. I then got to got to lunch with Bill and Miriam, which was such a joy to meet and get to know both of them better.

Sorry that it took me so very long to get this event posted. :) love you bill.

Frozen Much?

March 4th through the 9th 2009.

I was invited to go to a quaint Colorado town in the mountains by my roommate and dear friend Amanda. Every year there is a festival held there to celebrate one of our freedoms-the freedom to die and be frozen. This festival is called Frozen Dead Guy Days. Amanda, her brother David, my brother Ben, my friend Annie, and three other friends of ours travelled there. It was 70 degrees in Nebraska and it snowed there. We stayed two nights and it was a wonderful break especially since I got to play dress up, watch a race, play cards, and dee jay the car rides. Seeing Annie was refreshing for me, I met her in Colorado during a program called LifeWorkx, her situation and goals are very similar to mine and she is working at raising support also. So, we were able to encourage and uplift one another during this process. I enjoy a good road trip and when one has good company it makes the trip even better.