This one's about RENO

Now I'm no DesertDaughter when it comes to making movies,

 but I make them anyway.


"Opus 23"-Dustin O'Halloran 

always gold

(Sorry it's so tiny..but it's the message that counts!)

It's a little hard to explain.
When it comes to mission calls, I think we all have high hopes of getting called to someplace exotic. The ultimate mission experience! Preaching God's word in a language we've never even heard of. Well, mine was a little different. And the first time I read it, my eyes teared full of unbelief and I knew that this had been God's plan and that these people have been waiting for me!

I can't wait. It's going to be one of the most challenging things I do, but it will be the thing that makes the biggest impact on my life. I'm grateful that I had modern technology to help me capture and share this moment with my sisters abroad and my darling, Tayler. Thank you all for showing me unwavering love and support. 

COUNTDOWN: 67 DAYS

Something Sappy

Be forewarned: I composed this father's day tribute while hyped up on NyQuil (courtesy of Dr. Eli)

What a marvelous thing I've seen: all the love about your fathers this happy Sunday. It's brilliant to think of how his children can look at a man who is rough and see only the softness and love that inherits his soul!

A tribute to you, R. Todd, for being one solid dad! 

Thanks for teaching me to be tough. Thanks for liking that I have an edgy personality. Thanks for listening to me when I was crying about boys or whining about menstrual cramps, and deciding not to be totally grossed out. Thanks for making me laugh. Thanks for putting up with my baditude. Thanks for sharing my sense of humor. Thanks for letting me think like you. Thanks for showing me how to love art and everything bright and beautiful. I guess what I mean to say is this: thanks for being there, 'cause I know that you didn't have any kind of dad like I do. All my love to you!

Whereabouts Part 2

OREGON

Featuring, mostly, my cousin's babies

"To Just Grow Away"- The Tallest Man on Earth

Whereabouts Part 1

OREGON

Enjoy, my friends, my first attempt at a movie


"Cannons"- Youth Lagoon

crooked ways

I'm staring in the mirror and I like that
my teeth are straight.
my hair is getting long again.
my body doesn't ache.

I'm thinking of my week and I love that
my friends are happy people.
my bike still squeaks.
my mom loves me.
my dad thinks I'm funny.

and for once I forget my crooked ways,
and the things that once made me hurt
seem to disappear.

It took me a while to notice,
but life is really great
and God has yet again blessed my life.

C'mon!

The other night, I went to the Hunger Banquet with a friend. Their theme was "Heal the Half, Unite the Whole" with an emphasis on women. Clever.

At the beginning, I thought I had just paid ten bucks to sit on newspaper and blankets and get fed beans and rice. WELL, I'm no feminist, but I had no idea how bad life for a woman is out there (in the world). At the end of the dinner, I could not help but think of how privileged I am! I live in a country where I know the culture. I know the language. I have TWO jobs. I have the ability to support myself. I am literate. I live amongst friends and family. And still, I take for granted what many people are praying for.

In the end, I didn't just pay ten dollars to sit on a hard floor and eat peasant food. No. Instead, I was reminded to be extremely appreciative of what I have and to dedicate myself to loving others around me. I need to answer the call to help others until it hurts and then help some more! Because this world is full of bigger things then our petty problems.

"And if you share with your heart Yeah, you give with your heart, What you share with the world is what it keeps of you"  
-Noah and the Whale