I just received a monthly newsletter in the mail from an old high school friend. I get these every month and I always look forward to seeing what's going on in the life of him and his wife. What makes it more special though, is that at the bottom of every newsletter he always writes a short note to me. He makes some reference to something that is going on in my life that he has heard about and wishes me the best. At this point, since he's living in another state, this is our only means of communication throughout the year. Sometimes I think I take for granted how special just a simple sentence or two can be to someone. High school feels like ages ago, and you couldn't pay me enough to go back, however I did meet some very quality people there in the halls and classrooms of NorthWood. Some I have lost touch with, others I talk to from time to time, and there's just a few that I still see on a regular basis. Just today I saw a picture of a girl I went to high school with that I had forgotten about. I wasn't great friends with her, but we had mutual friends and always had a good time together. I know that in the last few years she's had some troubled times, but as I looked at her picture today I thought "wow, I have no idea who she is anymore. Even where she is. It feels as if I never even knew her." I'm sure that she would feel the same way if she came across my picture. What amazes me though is that the person I get the newsletters from - I think of him on a regular basis, especially when I receive the newsletters. And the girl - I have almost forgotten about her on accident. But still - they have a connection to me. They both keep me grounded. They have rooted me into this Northern Indiana life and they don't even know it. When I see their faces, I think of my past, a past that connects me to Nappanee. No matter where I end up.

Letting Go..

This week is IUSB's spring break. I couldn't be happier to have a break from classes, however, I would really like to use this time to get caught up on some assignments and even get ahead.

Lately I've been thinking alot about "letting go". I have such a problem with holding on to old emotions, hurt feelings, etc. that I find it extremely hard to let go. There's a song by Corey Crowder and in it he says:

"You can't find happiness if you don't let go."

Simple words, but so hard to do! I know that God has forgiven me for the wrong things that I have done, but I can't seem to forgive myself. It's something I struggle with on a day to day basis. And not just with wrong decisions that I've made. I have trouble letting go of friendships that have been lost, bad relationships, etc. I have a couple friends that our friendship used to be solid. But now, because of distance, we hardly ever talk. I put in a lot of effort to try and reconnect with these people, but unfortunately it's not reciprocated. Mike is always telling me that sometimes I just have to let go and move on. But I think "there's so much time and memories invested into that friendship. How can someone just let go?"

Letting go. Moving on. Breaking free. Maybe I need to start looking at it as a positive thing. Look at all I might gain instead of what I may be losing.

Anyway, that's my tangent for the day. I woke up this morning with a horrible stiff neck. I'm having quite a lot of difficulty turning to the right. So I think it's time that I figure out something to do for that.

Every Monday Matters

Alright another plug for a great campaign! :)
I've just been asked to be the Indiana leader for a movement called "Every Monday Matters". This campaign is to take an ordinary, dreaded, Monday - and turn it into something that can help make a difference. There's 52 Mondays in a year- this provides 52 chances to help someone. 52 ways to make a difference. So as I start to pour some effort into this campaign I'm going to be taking to my blog to spread the word.
Go here to get more information.

Snow, Snow, Snow

...It seems to be never-ending. I'm so ready for spring. Mike and my trip to Florida got me in the mood for warmth, sun, green grass, flowers. I'm ready for some nice weather! A plus though is that a couple of my classes were cancelled for today considering the weather!

I've been looking for a job lately for after graduation. I'm really interested in working in an adoption agency. So I spent the good part of yesterday afternoon searching the internet for agencies that had any openings or ones that I could send my resume to. I found a couple - one in Indianapolis and the other in Bluffton (Indiana not Ohio). They both are agencies based on Christian values and they also have people working for them that only have their bachelor's degree. So I know that they hire people without their master's degree, which is a plus! Once I get my resume updated I'm hoping to get in contact with these places. I'm such a scheduled person that I have to know what I'm doing at all times, and I hate not knowing where I'll be in the next few months. But I'm trying to let God guide me on that and realize that it's not me - it's all about Him. I'm just doing His work.

To Write Love on Her Arms - INTRO.

I've been doing some research for one of my classes for a paper. I wasn't getting to involved in the paper until I came upon this organization that is starting a movement- what they call a Love movement- to reach the tired and broken young women of our world. The women who continue to hide in the shadows of their pain, out of fear that someone will know their secrets. No one was doing anything for these lost women. But now, To Write Love On Her Arms, is pushing the issues. And is trying to convince a generation that LOVE WINS.

I'm not sure I'm ready to go back to class tomorrow. My vacation in Sarasota was great. Mike and I enjoyed the time together, time on the beach, in the sun, and the time spent with family. Mike didn't have the best of trips - he got the flu for about three days while we were gone, but he recovered nicely and was able to enjoy our last day in the sun. We spent the day at the beach and walking around Anna Maria Island. It was great to be able to spend some time together away from everyone else.

I did receive good news when I got home yesterday! I checked my blog and heard from Jolinda Lengacher (one of the leaders of our Kenya trip) that two of the babies have been adopted!! Benson and Mary were adopted from the baby center recently. They are a beautiful set of energetic twins. At first I found myself a little sad knowing that I probably wouldn't see them again, even if I do make it back to Kenya and the Center. But just as soon as that thought came in my mind, I shooed it away, because Benson and Mary are blessed with loving parents now!! They will be in a family setting - one that will be able to take care of them! Praise God!! Here's a picture of Benson and Mary. I ask you to pray for them as they adjust to their new living situation. Also keep the rest of the babies in your prayers as the staff at the baby center searches for great homes for them as well!

Sunshine...

9 Days til Florida!

I'm very excited to get out of this snow and cold and get into some sunshine! Mike and I are in need of a break from work and school, so it will be nice to get away and be able to be with each other every day while spending time with our grandparents.

Enjoy the Super Bowl tonight! Go Giants!