Well Graduation came and as you can see I was more than thrilled!!!!!!! I am officially done with my undergraduate work and I am headed off for bigger and better things. My parents are in the picture to your right. The love and support they have shown me through out life is something I am truly grateful for. I have been blessed to have an amazing family who came from California to watch me walk across that stage. I feel like a million bucks. My grandparents also flew from California to watch me graduate and that was so wonderful to have them there supporting me. Thank you to all my family and friends that came to the ceremony as well as the after party. Also a HUGE thank you to Sally who planned and organized my party what an amazing best friend I have. I am going to miss her dearly when I leave. LOVE YOU GIRL.

This Big Question that Dr. Lockewood asked during his speech at graduation was "Now What"? I am grateful to know that at least for the near future I know where I am headed. The count down begins!! I leave in 5 days back to california and I leave in 25 days for Swaziland. I can not believe how fast it is approaching but I am getting very excited about heading out. I still am teaching the rest of this week I know I sure will miss my little 3rd graders.

All for now!

The End is Near

Well the end is near. Graduation is a mere five days away. The late nights of studying, working on my work sample, crazy coffee runs and study dance sessions have come to and end. My last week as a college student...I am not sure how I feel about it other than excited for this next chapter in my life. I would love prayer for this last week that I will finish all of my assignments, enjoy spending time with my 3rd graders as I will miss them once I leave for Swaziland. My last day teaching is Dec. 16th so I still have a few weeks with them but it will be a sad departure.

My parents and grandparents will be arriving Thursday for the big day Friday. It will be nice to have them in town. To show them my University, as well as around some of my favorite spots in Portland. Once graduation is over they are going to help me move the rest of my things into the back of my dads truck and head to California. I will be moving there until my departure in January. There are so many things happening at once. I hear the Lords voice telling me to slow down and take it all in. The rain has taken a break here in Portland so I have been able to go on a few walks and just enjoy my neighborhood, school and city. Things that I do every day or places I go to often will soon not be there. The prayer chapel at school, a place I go to for a quiet place to be with the Lord. My favorite coffee shop only a few blocks away. My school where I have spent the last five years of my life. Portland has become my home and soon I will be leaving it for a new one. I am leaving behind many friends. As much as this is an exciting time to be going on this great adventure it is also a hard time. My heart is somber and full of memories.

Tonight I sat and really thought back to freshman year to now and how much I have changed, how life has changed and where God has brought me. The woman He has made me to be. I am thankful for the growth and passion He has instilled into my heart.

The Count Down begins 33 days before I leave!!!!!

Excitement

Excitement is in the air as graduation is just around the corner two weeks away. I will be leaving for Swaziland January 6^th 2011 just a mere five weeks away. Time has blown past me in preparation for leaving. I was home in Brentwood, Ca visiting with my family for thanksgiving, which was very nice to be with them. On my way back to Portland I was able to stop in Redding, Ca and meet some of the other ALP (African leadership Partners) members. The Kellogg’s graciously had me over for brunch where I was able to get to know them as well as the Kennedys. It was a great time of fellowship and stories. I was able to ask questions and get a real feel of what life might be like on the farm.

Teaching is going to be an amazing experience with those children staying in the New Life Homes. Right now I am trying to go in with no expectations and just with the willingness to adapt and get to know the staff and the children.

I will be staying in one of the houses on the farm with another one of the teachers we will both have our own rooms which will be a great luxury. I am excited for this opportunity and to be getting so close to leaving.

Some prayer requests right now would be that all of my financial support would come in. I need to raise about $700 or so a month and I am about 1/3 of the way there, which is an amazing blessing. I have no doubt God will provide ten fold. Also prayer that I will finish school strong and be diligent in my studies in these last two weeks. Thank you so much for your love and support on this next journey. I will keep you updated often.

ACCEPTED

Well, I have my dream job. I am going to work with ALP African Leadership Partners and teach in their Christian School in Swaziland. I will be leaving in January and teaching there for at least a year. So while I am away I am going to be updating here!!

More to come soon!