My oh my, it has been too long. Already I have had so much happen! Last week, I volunteered two days with Remix. Both days, I worked with a little boy named Gama...I think he's about 8 or 9. The first day we worked on reading and writing, the second day we attempted math (but I was no help to the poor kid). I also worked a couple days at the Smoothie place, which I enjoy. But mostly this week, I've been working my butt off helping to get the Pratts moved into their new house (a cute little cottage right next to the church). I also managed to sneak in moving myself, and I now live in the basement of a big yellow house. The Halls, a wonderful family from LBPC, have temporarily adopted me. So far, I have loved living with them. They are some of the sweetest people I have ever met, and I can't wait to spend more time with them. I also have a big, warm bed, and big comfy couch that I can sit on and read books while sipping warm coffee... and a beautiful view of all the fall colors out a gigantic window...and a handy dandy fan heater to warm my chilly little toes! I AM SO BLESSED! Last night, was my third Journey meeting. (The Journey, being the internship I'm doing with Orphan Relief and Rescue). We talked about, and examined the Trinity. We also talked about what was before anything was... So God, apart from and before any creation (talk about mind blowing!). We talked about how God is all-sufficient, and social, etc. So my question was, then why did God create us? If he wasn't bored and didn't need entertainment...then why? The answer I got took me a little by surprise and made me laugh. So just like a husband and wife delight in eachother, and an expression of their joy and delight is having children - so we are God's children - we are an expression of God's love, joy and delight. I found it pretty exciting that I'm an expression of God's love and joy! And so are you. That's the great part. We all are, and each and everyone of us is completly unique - God's one-of-a-kind masterpiece. I don't know about you, but that makes me feel pretty special. Hope you are feeling cherished today as well!! (Because you are!)

Remix

Hello All, Remix (the after school program for Kindergardners-6th grade at LBC - Lake Burien Presbyterian Church) went really well. After working at Emerald City Smoothie, I walked from town to the church and arrived right at 4:30. I found Sarah, "the leader" of Remix, and she put me to work instantly. She introduced me to a little hispanic boy named Joel, and I got to help him with his reading homework. I also ended up helping a little girl named Angel (also a beautiful hispanic) with her math. The kid were shy, and I was nervous...but after about 10 minutes, we warmed up to eachother and ended up having a lot of fun. As soon as the kids were done with their homework, and I walked over to the kitchen with girl (whom I forgot her name :S) who also works in the kitchen. A women named Melinda put me to work setting up the tables, and getting condments ready for tacos. Margarita, a woman full of the joy of the Lord, (and who is the head of all things kitchen) pulled me aside to explain why the girl I walk over with, was working in the kitchen. Turns out she has had a really rough past, and though she is too old for the after school program, she desperately needs people to love her, and treat her kindly, and with respect...Thus, they allow her to help out in the kitchen. She works hard, and keeps mostly to herself, but I am excited to get to know her more. I'm hoping she will allow me to be a part of her life, and I hope in some way I can show her that I love her, and that Jesus loves her...and that she is beautiful and valuable. That she IS worthy of love and respect. That she is someone...with hopes and dreams and desires, and that is she cared about. She matters.

It Begins

"The Journey" has officially begun! (The internship I'm doing through Orphan Relief and Rescue). After a commissioning at Lake Burien Presbyterian Church in the morning, whom we're partnering with, we had our first meeting ever, Sunday evening. It was mostly just orientation, and signing of a lot of paper work, but we also had a mini-worship time, and a brief talk. All I remember from the talk was; "Love God, Love others; start with those around you." Hence, that's what we're hoping to do. All of us interns, or "advocates" rather, are required to work part-time and volunteer part-time within the community. For me that is working at Emerald City Smoothie, and helping out with the church's after school program. I'll also be helping out with corporate projects that our group acquires - like yard work for other members in the church. I may also pick up some other volunteer positions, like working in Seattle with Union Gospel Mission...but I want to serve wholeheartedly - so I won't overbook myself just yet! "Remix" is what the after school program is called, and tomorrow is my first day. I'll be helping set up for the dinner, and then joining the families for eating. :) On other days, I'll be helping the kids with their homework, and possibly with crafts or bible classes. I'm very excited for all of it, and very excited to get to know the kids!