For the first couple years of my life Christmas was all about my gifts! As the years progressed it became a lot more important to give great gifts to others. I love picking fun stuff for people and know that it is something they really want or that they really want.
Expectations changed dramatically when I got married a couple years ago. I remember the first Christmas I spent with Trevan's family. It felt so un-Christmas like to be at someone else's house opening gifts. I had grown use to my parents living room, my mom's food, my father starting a fire, and my brother and I hovering around the gifts.
This year we are spending Christmas with Trevan's family again, but things are a lot different now. I have gotten use to being around Trevan's family, to grandma's cooking, to her living room and hovering over a new tree!
I am sure expectations will again change once we have children and it is all about them! I guess things will always be changing, but one thing about Christmas never changes...I LOVE IT!
Monday, December 25, 2006
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Our House
Although we do not close on the house till January 2, I feel like it is mine already. I lay awake at night visualizing the set up, the colors, the furniture...It's all very exciting.
Even from the front you can tell that the house is really cozy and inviting.
I also love the fact that there is a nice back yard and a deck! We can finally get a grill and have veggie BBQ!
Luckily, Mrs. Osborn has agreed to help us with the painting and decorating since she is so much better at it than I am. I will post our progress periodically so you can see how things are going!
Even from the front you can tell that the house is really cozy and inviting.
I also love the fact that there is a nice back yard and a deck! We can finally get a grill and have veggie BBQ!
Luckily, Mrs. Osborn has agreed to help us with the painting and decorating since she is so much better at it than I am. I will post our progress periodically so you can see how things are going!
Friday, December 08, 2006
My Last Day
Today I went to work at ASAP for the last time. It should have been an emotional day, but it was just another day at the office! Trouble shootings, contacting donors, sending out letters, and making sure my stuff was all in order to Aliya (my replacement) would not go crazy trying to figure my files out.
When all is said and done I will miss them very much. Although Aliya has only been there for two months she has proven that she is very efficient at problem solving. She also likes making funny faces and telling me stories about her husband and her friends. JoAn is sweet and always comes to my office for snacks. I can remember times when I was leaving for the bank and asked her if she needed anything she would say "some fries please". She was not joking!
These two girls have been my partners in crime and my most reliable allies when things stop working in the office (which happens more often than anyone would want to admit). Yes, I will definitely miss them. Karen, Judy and Julia are very nice people too. They were all very kind to me while I was there.
I now move on into the unknown. No one, but God, knows where I will end up next, but I know it will be great!
When all is said and done I will miss them very much. Although Aliya has only been there for two months she has proven that she is very efficient at problem solving. She also likes making funny faces and telling me stories about her husband and her friends. JoAn is sweet and always comes to my office for snacks. I can remember times when I was leaving for the bank and asked her if she needed anything she would say "some fries please". She was not joking!
These two girls have been my partners in crime and my most reliable allies when things stop working in the office (which happens more often than anyone would want to admit). Yes, I will definitely miss them. Karen, Judy and Julia are very nice people too. They were all very kind to me while I was there.
I now move on into the unknown. No one, but God, knows where I will end up next, but I know it will be great!
Monday, November 27, 2006
We found It!
Our house-hunting adventure began on Monday. We woke up early and started the drive from Maryland to Richmond. Our realtor was meeting us at 11:00 that morning to see five houses. I was excited about the possibilities.
Trevan and I had were aware that the pressure would be on to find somewhere to live in just two day, but we would not let that impair our ability to choose wisely. Armed with that thought, we set out to see the houses. Hours later we had seen the five houses we were to see that day and our realtor was talking to us about a couple more possibilities for Tuesday.
Although one house had caught our attention, it was not the "it" I had been hoping for. You know that "it" feeling you get when you try on the perfect wedding gown, find the perfect man or the perfect pair of jeans. The "This is IT" feeling. Disappointed but not desperate, we went to our hotel room that night not expecting the next day to bring much.
The first house we visited on Tuesday definitely proved not to be much at all. This house really confirmed that maybe my "it" would have to wait till our second house or even our third one...Not very encouraging.
However, all discouraging thoughts disappeared as we pulled up to the second house. "I like the outside very much" I thought. When the door opened and I started roaming the house, a warm fuzzy feeling began to flow through me. "I can totally live here and be happy. I think...Oh wow, look at that back yard, and the den, and...My craft room! Yes this room is perfect for my craft room! I heard myself say "THIS IS IT!".
Trevan was taking pictures of the rooms when I snuggled up to him and gently whispered "I am home". His smiling eyes looked into mine as if to say "So am I".
Trevan and I had were aware that the pressure would be on to find somewhere to live in just two day, but we would not let that impair our ability to choose wisely. Armed with that thought, we set out to see the houses. Hours later we had seen the five houses we were to see that day and our realtor was talking to us about a couple more possibilities for Tuesday.
Although one house had caught our attention, it was not the "it" I had been hoping for. You know that "it" feeling you get when you try on the perfect wedding gown, find the perfect man or the perfect pair of jeans. The "This is IT" feeling. Disappointed but not desperate, we went to our hotel room that night not expecting the next day to bring much.
The first house we visited on Tuesday definitely proved not to be much at all. This house really confirmed that maybe my "it" would have to wait till our second house or even our third one...Not very encouraging.
However, all discouraging thoughts disappeared as we pulled up to the second house. "I like the outside very much" I thought. When the door opened and I started roaming the house, a warm fuzzy feeling began to flow through me. "I can totally live here and be happy. I think...Oh wow, look at that back yard, and the den, and...My craft room! Yes this room is perfect for my craft room! I heard myself say "THIS IS IT!".
Trevan was taking pictures of the rooms when I snuggled up to him and gently whispered "I am home". His smiling eyes looked into mine as if to say "So am I".
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Moving On!
On Monday night the Potomac Conference finally called Trevan to let him know where we are headed to next...Richmond, VA here we come!
Since that night my emotions have been a total roller coaster. Hysterical giggles started erupting from within me as soon as I heard the news. "So much for going to Maryland and living in Takoma Park" I thought. After an hour or so, my mood began to brighten. Richmond sounds like a happening place - online anyways - and it provides me with a fresh start. The point is not where we go, the point is to get out of Berrien Springs. Although I have met wonderful people while here, it is no secret that this has not been the best situation of our lives. Yes, my mood was definitely better.
The next day I went online to see what jobs were open in the area. Once again my mood took a plunge. Nothing half way interesting! Just the same old jobs that are open everywhere else. In order to get the job I want I need experience, but I cannot get experience because no one will hire me in the first place because of my lack of experience. The job cycle that has plagued my life seems bound to continue in spite of my new start.
That afternoon I started looking for houses and my mood once again soared. We might be able to buy a house! Richmond is definitely not Maryland when it comes to the housing boom, and we actually have a decent shot at buying a house. I started dreaming of my house and my "craft room". Oh yeah, Richmond is great once again!
The next day we talk to Scott, our financial adviser, and my spirits plummeted again. He is a great financial adviser, which means, he will bring you back to earth when you get too happy! Although he encouraged us to get a house, it is definately not my dream house with a craft room. I realized that I was trying to skip forward forty years into the future when we might actually have money to buy a house that will allow for a "craft room".
Today we leave for Maryland on a long, much needed vacation. We will spend the weekend with Trevan's grandparents, then go to Richmond the first part of next week to survey the scene, and later that week go to my parents in Jersey for Thanksgiving. I am not quite sure what my mood is today, but I am sure the roller coaster ride is far from over!
Since that night my emotions have been a total roller coaster. Hysterical giggles started erupting from within me as soon as I heard the news. "So much for going to Maryland and living in Takoma Park" I thought. After an hour or so, my mood began to brighten. Richmond sounds like a happening place - online anyways - and it provides me with a fresh start. The point is not where we go, the point is to get out of Berrien Springs. Although I have met wonderful people while here, it is no secret that this has not been the best situation of our lives. Yes, my mood was definitely better.
The next day I went online to see what jobs were open in the area. Once again my mood took a plunge. Nothing half way interesting! Just the same old jobs that are open everywhere else. In order to get the job I want I need experience, but I cannot get experience because no one will hire me in the first place because of my lack of experience. The job cycle that has plagued my life seems bound to continue in spite of my new start.
That afternoon I started looking for houses and my mood once again soared. We might be able to buy a house! Richmond is definitely not Maryland when it comes to the housing boom, and we actually have a decent shot at buying a house. I started dreaming of my house and my "craft room". Oh yeah, Richmond is great once again!
The next day we talk to Scott, our financial adviser, and my spirits plummeted again. He is a great financial adviser, which means, he will bring you back to earth when you get too happy! Although he encouraged us to get a house, it is definately not my dream house with a craft room. I realized that I was trying to skip forward forty years into the future when we might actually have money to buy a house that will allow for a "craft room".
Today we leave for Maryland on a long, much needed vacation. We will spend the weekend with Trevan's grandparents, then go to Richmond the first part of next week to survey the scene, and later that week go to my parents in Jersey for Thanksgiving. I am not quite sure what my mood is today, but I am sure the roller coaster ride is far from over!
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
On Adventism
Trevan's post from this morning gave both a massive headache, and a giggling fit. He explores a blog posted on the mailing of a bunch of flyers in SF prior to the evangelistic series he helped out in last month. I certainly recommend you read it and join me in weeping...
This is what people think of us! Thanks to Rod Parsley and other TV evangelists, we are all being packaged as one big bunch of crazy fundies with a big red bow on top (George W.). To make matters worse, Adventist insist on using scare tactics to get people to come out and hear the "truth". Trevan is right, the people that are defining Adventism are making us look scary and I want out.
I am tired of sitting through sermons that talk about the "remnant" and the "truth" when in reality we are just plain scary. People were attracted to Jesus because His brand of religion made their lives better. What are we doing to make people's lives better? How are those ridiculous flyers helping anyone? Yes, you could argue that if people actually came to the meetings they would learn how to live better lives, but would they really? Is figuring out what the mark of the beast is and understanding the 2300 days improving your quality of life? Has it helped you solve relationship problems? Paid any of your bills and got you back on track financially? If it has, then let me know how that worked out for you...
Personally I give up on the conservative, modernist right!
This is what people think of us! Thanks to Rod Parsley and other TV evangelists, we are all being packaged as one big bunch of crazy fundies with a big red bow on top (George W.). To make matters worse, Adventist insist on using scare tactics to get people to come out and hear the "truth". Trevan is right, the people that are defining Adventism are making us look scary and I want out.
I am tired of sitting through sermons that talk about the "remnant" and the "truth" when in reality we are just plain scary. People were attracted to Jesus because His brand of religion made their lives better. What are we doing to make people's lives better? How are those ridiculous flyers helping anyone? Yes, you could argue that if people actually came to the meetings they would learn how to live better lives, but would they really? Is figuring out what the mark of the beast is and understanding the 2300 days improving your quality of life? Has it helped you solve relationship problems? Paid any of your bills and got you back on track financially? If it has, then let me know how that worked out for you...
Personally I give up on the conservative, modernist right!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Conversation with Isaiah Duong
Today I had the unique privilege of driving pastor Isaiah Duong (goes by Isah Young sometimes) to the airport. I say privilege because it is very seldom that anyone is able to talk to him for twenty minutes as I was able to. He is a very busy man...
He is the speaker for the Peace and Happiness radio broadcast of the SDA church into communist Vietnam. In addition to this he is the leader of the underground house-church movement in Vietnam, and the pastor of three Vietnamese churches in California. He is also a father of three! As I said, the man is busy.
As many of you know, Vietnam is a communist country. As such, Christians are under constant fear for their lives. At ASAP we have received countless stories about house-church members being interrogated and beaten for their faith. I wanted to talk to pastor Duong about this problem.
Questions I asked Pastor Duong
Q. Is the work growing in Vietnam?
A. Although there is a lot of persecution of SDAs, the gospel is really touching lives and the work is so much more than we can handle. We always need more literature, more bibles, more pastors...More. In the official record of the SDA church there are not many Adventist in Vietnam. This is because the Vietnamese Mission leaders are communists appointed by the government. Most of our new members are not registered as official Adventist because the Mission leaders would report them to the government. Despite all this, there are over 300,000 Sabbath keepers in Vietnam and we have to try to nurture them and teach them as best as we can.
Q. Why does the Adventist world church continue to give the Vietnamese mission money if they are communists?
A. To keep the lines of communication open. If we do not give them money then they will stop recognizing Adventists officially and close down all Adventist operations resulting in more ferocious persecution.
Q. Do you think communism will ever die in Vietnam?
A. It all depends on China. If China's communist government goes down, Vietnam's will follow.
Q. Can you visit Vietnam to check on the progress of the work? (he aswered this one with a big smile)
A. In the police academies in Vietnam they tell all the students to watch out for five Americans: George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, the head of the CIA, and Isaiah Duong. They tell them that these five people can really destroy their country! Airport officials have my picture so they can apprehend me if I ever try to enter the country. I am on the most wanted list.
Q. Have any of the pastors you work with in Vietnam been killed by the government?
A. Yes. We know of a few of them, but lately we believe that there have been a lot more that we do not know about because certain areas of the country are blocked off and our people are not allowed to pass. It is hard to hear the stories of their tortures and apprehensions.
My conversation ended very abruptly as we were trying to figure out the right way into the little South Bend Airport, but I enjoyed every minute of it. Living in the United States it is hard to imagine that people have to hide to be able to worship God, but it happens everyday in Vietnam and many other countries. ASAP supports 250 Vietnamese pastors, but as pastor Isaiah said, they need more...
I have often wondered if the reason why Adventism and other religions are dying in the Western world is because we do not have persecution and therefore life seems too manageable to need God...
He is the speaker for the Peace and Happiness radio broadcast of the SDA church into communist Vietnam. In addition to this he is the leader of the underground house-church movement in Vietnam, and the pastor of three Vietnamese churches in California. He is also a father of three! As I said, the man is busy.
As many of you know, Vietnam is a communist country. As such, Christians are under constant fear for their lives. At ASAP we have received countless stories about house-church members being interrogated and beaten for their faith. I wanted to talk to pastor Duong about this problem.
Questions I asked Pastor Duong
Q. Is the work growing in Vietnam?
A. Although there is a lot of persecution of SDAs, the gospel is really touching lives and the work is so much more than we can handle. We always need more literature, more bibles, more pastors...More. In the official record of the SDA church there are not many Adventist in Vietnam. This is because the Vietnamese Mission leaders are communists appointed by the government. Most of our new members are not registered as official Adventist because the Mission leaders would report them to the government. Despite all this, there are over 300,000 Sabbath keepers in Vietnam and we have to try to nurture them and teach them as best as we can.
Q. Why does the Adventist world church continue to give the Vietnamese mission money if they are communists?
A. To keep the lines of communication open. If we do not give them money then they will stop recognizing Adventists officially and close down all Adventist operations resulting in more ferocious persecution.
Q. Do you think communism will ever die in Vietnam?
A. It all depends on China. If China's communist government goes down, Vietnam's will follow.
Q. Can you visit Vietnam to check on the progress of the work? (he aswered this one with a big smile)
A. In the police academies in Vietnam they tell all the students to watch out for five Americans: George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, the head of the CIA, and Isaiah Duong. They tell them that these five people can really destroy their country! Airport officials have my picture so they can apprehend me if I ever try to enter the country. I am on the most wanted list.
Q. Have any of the pastors you work with in Vietnam been killed by the government?
A. Yes. We know of a few of them, but lately we believe that there have been a lot more that we do not know about because certain areas of the country are blocked off and our people are not allowed to pass. It is hard to hear the stories of their tortures and apprehensions.
My conversation ended very abruptly as we were trying to figure out the right way into the little South Bend Airport, but I enjoyed every minute of it. Living in the United States it is hard to imagine that people have to hide to be able to worship God, but it happens everyday in Vietnam and many other countries. ASAP supports 250 Vietnamese pastors, but as pastor Isaiah said, they need more...
I have often wondered if the reason why Adventism and other religions are dying in the Western world is because we do not have persecution and therefore life seems too manageable to need God...
Monday, October 30, 2006
My Mole is Gone!
For as long as I can remember there has been a mole on my left arm. I have resented it, especially when I wear sleeve-less shirts. Today, however, there are stitches where that mole once was. Six stitches to be exact.
Three weeks ago my mole got swollen and changed color. A purple ring of blood formed around it, and I...
Sterilized a needle and poked a whole in it to let the blood out! Not very smart, but effective. A couple days later the mole was almost back to normal. My mother found out about my "emergency bleeding" and advised me to get a doctor to look at it even if I did not think there was anything wrong with it anymore.
Twenty minutes after I walked into the clinic today, my mole was gone. Although the doctor does not suspect anything grave, he sent it for a biopsy anyways. In ten days I go back to get the stitches removed and to find out what that mole really was.
Three weeks ago my mole got swollen and changed color. A purple ring of blood formed around it, and I...
Sterilized a needle and poked a whole in it to let the blood out! Not very smart, but effective. A couple days later the mole was almost back to normal. My mother found out about my "emergency bleeding" and advised me to get a doctor to look at it even if I did not think there was anything wrong with it anymore.
Twenty minutes after I walked into the clinic today, my mole was gone. Although the doctor does not suspect anything grave, he sent it for a biopsy anyways. In ten days I go back to get the stitches removed and to find out what that mole really was.
Monday, October 23, 2006
On Turning 25
There is something significant about turning twenty five. Although I have been married for over two years and I have a master's degree, adults have not really considered me as one of them until now. When you turn a quarter of a century things change. For many this is a sad reminder that thirty is right around the corner... Then you are really old! :)
Unfortunately, turning twenty five has not done anything to me. I do not feel more responsible, or more careful, or more mature than I did at twenty four. Is it because changes in maturity level are way more suttle than that? Or maybe we just put too much stake in one day.
Trevan, Fab and Heather, planned a surprise birthday party for me. It was a lot of fun, but other than the extra gifts I know have, no eternal wisdom was given to me on this day... Or maybe I just have not unwrapped that gift yet.
Unfortunately, turning twenty five has not done anything to me. I do not feel more responsible, or more careful, or more mature than I did at twenty four. Is it because changes in maturity level are way more suttle than that? Or maybe we just put too much stake in one day.
Trevan, Fab and Heather, planned a surprise birthday party for me. It was a lot of fun, but other than the extra gifts I know have, no eternal wisdom was given to me on this day... Or maybe I just have not unwrapped that gift yet.
Day 32 of 32
Today is the big day! I wake up at 4:00 in the morning to get to the airport by 5:30 when Trevan's plain is suppose to arrive. I want to look my best, and not like I usually look at 5:30 in the morning...Did I mention I am not a morning person?
I get to the airport and patiently wait for Trevan to arrive. There is this weird guy that keeps on looking at me...Maybe he is not weird, maybe he is just not a morning person either!
Finally I see Trevan round the corner and my heart skips a beat...It is finally over, he is back with me again! We hug and kiss and then proceed to wait for this luggage.
An hour later we are back at home in bed for a couple hours before getting out to Kathy's wedding. By the time we wake up to go to the wedding we are both exhausted, but happy to be with each other, and to see some of Trevan's friends.
The wedding is lovely. It started at 11:30 in the morning, and by 5:00 p.m. when we left the reception, the party was just getting started!
We then went to spend some time with Trevan's family at his aunt's house. His grandfather was there, and we had a great time talking with them about Trevan's experiences and grandpa's recovery. About 7:30 that night, Aunt Ivanette sends us all home after a chorus of yawns and sleepy sighs excapes Trevan, Trevan's dad and myself.
By 10:00 the next morning Trevan and I were in the Civic on our way back from Maryland. Needless to say, after that ten hour drive, I am very indisposed to driving anywhere, that will take longer than an hour, until we move in December.
I get to the airport and patiently wait for Trevan to arrive. There is this weird guy that keeps on looking at me...Maybe he is not weird, maybe he is just not a morning person either!
Finally I see Trevan round the corner and my heart skips a beat...It is finally over, he is back with me again! We hug and kiss and then proceed to wait for this luggage.
An hour later we are back at home in bed for a couple hours before getting out to Kathy's wedding. By the time we wake up to go to the wedding we are both exhausted, but happy to be with each other, and to see some of Trevan's friends.
The wedding is lovely. It started at 11:30 in the morning, and by 5:00 p.m. when we left the reception, the party was just getting started!
We then went to spend some time with Trevan's family at his aunt's house. His grandfather was there, and we had a great time talking with them about Trevan's experiences and grandpa's recovery. About 7:30 that night, Aunt Ivanette sends us all home after a chorus of yawns and sleepy sighs excapes Trevan, Trevan's dad and myself.
By 10:00 the next morning Trevan and I were in the Civic on our way back from Maryland. Needless to say, after that ten hour drive, I am very indisposed to driving anywhere, that will take longer than an hour, until we move in December.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Day 31 of 32
I woke up at 8:00 and have to rush to get to church on-time. All my rushing does not pay off and my mom and I are late.
After church we have a great meal and get ready to leave my parents and drive the four hours to Maryland so I can get to bed early because I have to get up at 4:oo in the morning to pick up Trevan from the airport.
The anticipation is definitely building...
My mom is very sad to see me go. I think she misses having us around more in the winter because there is nothing much to do. My dad prays for me and I get on my way.
When I get to Maryland, however, I remember that I need to get panty hose for the wedding tomorrow, so I need to go to the store. Unfortunately, this little detour ends up taking a lot longer than I had hoped for due to the unexpected surprise of sales! I walked out of the mall with a dress, a shirt, and no panty hose!
By the time I get to Grandma Osborn's house and say my hellos to her and Trevan's dad who is in town for meetings, I am exhausted.
I finally get to bed at 10:30 pm! Tomorrow is the BIG DAY
After church we have a great meal and get ready to leave my parents and drive the four hours to Maryland so I can get to bed early because I have to get up at 4:oo in the morning to pick up Trevan from the airport.
The anticipation is definitely building...
My mom is very sad to see me go. I think she misses having us around more in the winter because there is nothing much to do. My dad prays for me and I get on my way.
When I get to Maryland, however, I remember that I need to get panty hose for the wedding tomorrow, so I need to go to the store. Unfortunately, this little detour ends up taking a lot longer than I had hoped for due to the unexpected surprise of sales! I walked out of the mall with a dress, a shirt, and no panty hose!
By the time I get to Grandma Osborn's house and say my hellos to her and Trevan's dad who is in town for meetings, I am exhausted.
I finally get to bed at 10:30 pm! Tomorrow is the BIG DAY
Day 30 of 32
My mom has spent the whole week with me. It has been a lot of fun! We had a chance to go raspberry picking, got some good apples, and even went out to Warren Dunes. We climbed all the way to the top of the dune and were enjoying the wonderful sunset from the comfort of a tree branch when our serenity was shattered by the realization that we had left the camera in the car!
We went back down and we got to take a couple pictures before the sun went completely down.
Today we are driving back to New Jersey. It is a ten-hour drive and we get on the road at 9:30 in the morning. By 7:30 at night we finally get home and wait for my dad to get back from church. My dad gets home by like nine, and we get to talking for few hours. I have not seen him since December, so we have a lot to talk about. I get to bed by one in the morning, knowing very well that we have to be in church by nine thirty tomorrow morning.
We went back down and we got to take a couple pictures before the sun went completely down.
Today we are driving back to New Jersey. It is a ten-hour drive and we get on the road at 9:30 in the morning. By 7:30 at night we finally get home and wait for my dad to get back from church. My dad gets home by like nine, and we get to talking for few hours. I have not seen him since December, so we have a lot to talk about. I get to bed by one in the morning, knowing very well that we have to be in church by nine thirty tomorrow morning.
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