Far Away But Not Forgotten
"Africa is amazing. Africa is a million and one things. It is a land of contradictions, and a land of great controversy. Africa is more diverse than any other place on the planet. It has experienced the greatest combination of foreign thievery and foreign goodwill. It is plagued with individuals who are hurting, dirty, and dying. It is plagued with rich leaders. It is strong, joyful and resilient. Africa is filled to the brim with song, dance and soccer. It fills you lungs with life with every burnt breath. It fills your eyes with tears with every sight. The sun blazes, the rain pours. It has more sky than your eyes could possibly take in. Africa is humbling. Africa rips the heart out of your chest and buries it in the rich red soil, knowing that you will someday return, to see the growth. And there is no doubt it will grow. Africa is dangerous, welcoming, and addictive. It is prosperous. It is poor. It is all too overwhelming. Africa knows the value of friendship. Time is not money in Africa. And money goes a long way. Africa holds a mirror up to your soul -- letting you see all your selfish desires, and not letting go, until you're completely broken." ~Invisible Children
Lord, may my life continue to be shaped by the time You gave me in Africa. Open eyes and hearts to the needs and suffering of its precious people. Restore the African land and its people and draw them to Yourself through the ministry of Your devoted servants. Bring comfort and a sense of peace to the people of Africa as they struggle and fight for the kinds of lives we take for granted. For Your glory, Amen.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas, too, I guess. Sorry, guys. I've been slacking.
oh, and before anything else, I'd like to say...
CONGRATULATIONS TO CATE LARSEN AND BEN BRYAN!
and
CONGRATULATIONS TO JOY HENDRICKS AND SETH BAKER!
I'm *so* excited for you all!
And I'd like to report that winter break is going well, mostly.
What have I been up to?
Well...
My grandma's funeral.
Time with my mom and grandpa.
Lots of reading and re-reading, mostly C.S. Lewis and some Elisabeth Elliot, by recommendation.
Working again as a sales associate at my favorite little red-doored store in the world!
Not finishing my Christmas shopping.
Talking and writing to my boy. Not enough.
Sleeping. Enough.
Playing euchre and solitaire. Too much.
Traveling across the state for a birthday surprise and Christmas/New Year's party with the extended fam.
Watching movies and making daquaries with a friend at her house for New Year's Eve.
Looking forward to a much-anticipated trip to Pennsylvania, to see Christopher and his family!
January 3rd-8th, HERE I COME!!!
I hope you all are enjoying a lovely holiday and are blessed with all good things this New Year!
Love!
Merry Christmas, too, I guess. Sorry, guys. I've been slacking.
oh, and before anything else, I'd like to say...
CONGRATULATIONS TO CATE LARSEN AND BEN BRYAN!
and
CONGRATULATIONS TO JOY HENDRICKS AND SETH BAKER!
I'm *so* excited for you all!
And I'd like to report that winter break is going well, mostly.
What have I been up to?
Well...
My grandma's funeral.
Time with my mom and grandpa.
Lots of reading and re-reading, mostly C.S. Lewis and some Elisabeth Elliot, by recommendation.
Working again as a sales associate at my favorite little red-doored store in the world!
Not finishing my Christmas shopping.
Talking and writing to my boy. Not enough.
Sleeping. Enough.
Playing euchre and solitaire. Too much.
Traveling across the state for a birthday surprise and Christmas/New Year's party with the extended fam.
Watching movies and making daquaries with a friend at her house for New Year's Eve.
Looking forward to a much-anticipated trip to Pennsylvania, to see Christopher and his family!
January 3rd-8th, HERE I COME!!!
I hope you all are enjoying a lovely holiday and are blessed with all good things this New Year!
Love!
Monday, November 21, 2005
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Monday, November 07, 2005
Yes, it's true, I have an exam tomorrow.
It's also true that I've been studying for most of this day and my mind feels literally as though it may explode at any moment. And that would be both messy and most inconvenient.
So as a short reprieve, I'd like to spend a few minutes recalling why this weekend has been a good one. Because indeed, it has been.
* Friday morning I slept in until 9:00am
* In History of Modern Art, Professor Bushey began our lecture by saying, "Normally I would feel terrible keeping you inside on a day like today, but I feel ok about it today because we're talking about sex." I'm not even joking.
* After classes, I visited the nursing home and got chided by a little old lady named Huldah for breaking her television (there were technical difficulties with the station) while we tried to watch Judge Joe Brown
* I had a phone date on Friday night with a certain special *boy*
* Good friends know how to make big problems seem smaller; and when they don't, they call Ben & Jerry
* SAI Province Day went smoothly, without a hitch -- praise the Lord!
* There was a great turnout at our concert, all the songs seemed to be hits, and I got to wear a sparkly black top, heels, dangly earrings and black eyeshadow... and not look like I belonged on a corner! It was awesome.
* Post-concert SAI pep rally. NEW FAVORITE SAI MEMORY. period.
* Dinner and drinks at the Hunt Club. Or should I say drinks and dinner? Bother... it was a good time, and apparently I become a little hyper when I drink (um, anything) on an empty stomach.
* Encouragement from *him*... what a blessing.
* A good talk on the phone with *both* of my parents!
* Studying over at the Outpost with Cate, Ben, Joe, Kevin, and Rebecca... that was REALLY funny. ("Johnny, get back here and pay for that milk!")
Alright, I think it's time to break the monotony.
Put on your helmet.
It's time for a little REM cycling.
Goodnight, friends.
It's also true that I've been studying for most of this day and my mind feels literally as though it may explode at any moment. And that would be both messy and most inconvenient.
So as a short reprieve, I'd like to spend a few minutes recalling why this weekend has been a good one. Because indeed, it has been.
* Friday morning I slept in until 9:00am
* In History of Modern Art, Professor Bushey began our lecture by saying, "Normally I would feel terrible keeping you inside on a day like today, but I feel ok about it today because we're talking about sex." I'm not even joking.
* After classes, I visited the nursing home and got chided by a little old lady named Huldah for breaking her television (there were technical difficulties with the station) while we tried to watch Judge Joe Brown
* I had a phone date on Friday night with a certain special *boy*
* Good friends know how to make big problems seem smaller; and when they don't, they call Ben & Jerry
* SAI Province Day went smoothly, without a hitch -- praise the Lord!
* There was a great turnout at our concert, all the songs seemed to be hits, and I got to wear a sparkly black top, heels, dangly earrings and black eyeshadow... and not look like I belonged on a corner! It was awesome.
* Post-concert SAI pep rally. NEW FAVORITE SAI MEMORY. period.
* Dinner and drinks at the Hunt Club. Or should I say drinks and dinner? Bother... it was a good time, and apparently I become a little hyper when I drink (um, anything) on an empty stomach.
* Encouragement from *him*... what a blessing.
* A good talk on the phone with *both* of my parents!
* Studying over at the Outpost with Cate, Ben, Joe, Kevin, and Rebecca... that was REALLY funny. ("Johnny, get back here and pay for that milk!")
Alright, I think it's time to break the monotony.
Put on your helmet.
It's time for a little REM cycling.
Goodnight, friends.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest
Matthew 11:28
For the first weekend in what feels like a *very* long time, I've taken time to rest. Granted, I've still spent time doing homework and not-necessarily-pleasure reading, but I'm moving toward something. I can feel the Lord calling me to a Sabbath, and it's something that's going to take a little getting used to. I've become so accustomed to simply moving onto the next in the endless string of assignments dangling in front of me, the piles of books to wade through, and all the other committments of college life. But it hit me the other day.
In the midst of fulfilling all of my obligations, I've been missing out on my life.
While I make lists of what, when, and where and check them off as if I'm accomplishing something, the things I'm missing are the infinitely important questions of why, and for Whom? I'm forced to ask myself whether all of the *things* I'm doing are being done for me, or for Him. For His glory. For His honor. For His kingdom.
So today I finally stopped to smell the roses. Well, actually, it was a carnation. But it worked.
It beckoned me back to beauty, back to joy... back to Him.
And I don't want to go back.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty
Psalm 91:1
Matthew 11:28
For the first weekend in what feels like a *very* long time, I've taken time to rest. Granted, I've still spent time doing homework and not-necessarily-pleasure reading, but I'm moving toward something. I can feel the Lord calling me to a Sabbath, and it's something that's going to take a little getting used to. I've become so accustomed to simply moving onto the next in the endless string of assignments dangling in front of me, the piles of books to wade through, and all the other committments of college life. But it hit me the other day.
In the midst of fulfilling all of my obligations, I've been missing out on my life.
While I make lists of what, when, and where and check them off as if I'm accomplishing something, the things I'm missing are the infinitely important questions of why, and for Whom? I'm forced to ask myself whether all of the *things* I'm doing are being done for me, or for Him. For His glory. For His honor. For His kingdom.
So today I finally stopped to smell the roses. Well, actually, it was a carnation. But it worked.
It beckoned me back to beauty, back to joy... back to Him.
And I don't want to go back.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty
Psalm 91:1
Monday, October 03, 2005
Senior Slump?
Well, I've *almost posted* about three times now... I guess maybe the third time's the charm.
Or something like that.
Sorry for the hiatus, folks. If you're still checking this thing, bless your heart, you're about as resilient as my fish. Speaking of GGC III (Jorge) and Killer, if you haven't yet heard my "freeway fish" story, you really are missing out. It's full of hilarity and great for re-enactments. With a story like this one, I'm sure to be the hit (or the excruciating miss) of cocktail parties everywhere. I suppose I'll have to cross my fingers and hope for the best.
At this point, I really don't have that much to say.
I apologize for depriving my ever-growing fan club of their greatly anticipated updates. But you know, sometimes life gets in the way. Sometimes life gets in the way and stays there for a while. Sometimes... lots of things.
I guess before I end this post, though, I'd like to thank anyone and everyone who has prayed for my grandfather over the past week. Acknowledgment and acceptance of his surgeries, rapid decline, and death are still hitting me gradually... the reality hasn't quite set in yet. I'm sure a certain realization will come with time, but for now, I'm still waiting for the shock to settle.
I ate lunch with him last weekend and told him I'd see him in October.
I saw him the morning of October 1st.
But he didn't see me.
I know that the Lord has a plan, and that His will is perfect. Who am I to ask the God of the Universe "why?" ? His ways are above my capacity to perceive or comprehend, and he is soveriegn over every detail of every life. In His infinite compassion, the Lord allowed me to share my grandpa's last real weekend with him, and He enabled me to be with my family at the time of my grandpa's death. These are mercies I will not soon forget.
And as painful as it is to lose someone so dear, there is peace in the knowledge that my Father in Heaven knows my pain, he feels my pain, and it pains him as well. Because he loves me more than I can ever know... and he will not abandon me. He will remove my sack cloth and clothe me with joy, that I may sing to him.
And I will not be silent.
Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?" Selah
Then I thought, "To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High."
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God?
Psalm 77:9-13
Well, I've *almost posted* about three times now... I guess maybe the third time's the charm.
Or something like that.
Sorry for the hiatus, folks. If you're still checking this thing, bless your heart, you're about as resilient as my fish. Speaking of GGC III (Jorge) and Killer, if you haven't yet heard my "freeway fish" story, you really are missing out. It's full of hilarity and great for re-enactments. With a story like this one, I'm sure to be the hit (or the excruciating miss) of cocktail parties everywhere. I suppose I'll have to cross my fingers and hope for the best.
At this point, I really don't have that much to say.
I apologize for depriving my ever-growing fan club of their greatly anticipated updates. But you know, sometimes life gets in the way. Sometimes life gets in the way and stays there for a while. Sometimes... lots of things.
I guess before I end this post, though, I'd like to thank anyone and everyone who has prayed for my grandfather over the past week. Acknowledgment and acceptance of his surgeries, rapid decline, and death are still hitting me gradually... the reality hasn't quite set in yet. I'm sure a certain realization will come with time, but for now, I'm still waiting for the shock to settle.
I ate lunch with him last weekend and told him I'd see him in October.
I saw him the morning of October 1st.
But he didn't see me.
I know that the Lord has a plan, and that His will is perfect. Who am I to ask the God of the Universe "why?" ? His ways are above my capacity to perceive or comprehend, and he is soveriegn over every detail of every life. In His infinite compassion, the Lord allowed me to share my grandpa's last real weekend with him, and He enabled me to be with my family at the time of my grandpa's death. These are mercies I will not soon forget.
And as painful as it is to lose someone so dear, there is peace in the knowledge that my Father in Heaven knows my pain, he feels my pain, and it pains him as well. Because he loves me more than I can ever know... and he will not abandon me. He will remove my sack cloth and clothe me with joy, that I may sing to him.
And I will not be silent.
Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?" Selah
Then I thought, "To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High."
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God?
Psalm 77:9-13
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Saturday, July 16, 2005
I just got off the phone with a certain boy, and I would just like to say that talking with *him* made my night.
We'll have to see how tomorrow goes, I suppose, but it may have made my week.
Astriks don't quite express it... but they'll have to do.
*He* is wonderful.
Let's see... my cousin and his wife from Atlanta just had their first baby -- a little girl, Avia Nola. Is that a 21st century name or what?
Our upstairs bathroom is being re-done, and the painter came today to sand the walls and put on the first layers of primer and base coat. Now the entire house reeks, and there is the distinct possibility that I am high.
I would like to recommend the film March of the Penguins.
I would not like to recommend the film War of the Worlds, unless your life objective is to lose your hearing.
Since I got back from Africa, the longest shower I've taken was I think 6 minutes, and it felt like an eternity. It was also in lukewarm water, which made it feel longer. I consider this my contribution to my family's financial situation.
I also sleep in my unventilated, 75-degree room with my comforter and electric blanket (not on though). I consider this just plain weird.
My mom and I went to the Stratford, Ontario theatre festival a couple of weeks ago and saw The Brothers Karamazov and The Tempest onstage. Amazing.
Cate and the lovely family she is boarding with for the summer graciously allowed me to stay with them over a few days for a long weekend in Hillsdale. It was *so* good to see everyone again... especially *him.* And it was also a special blessing to see my fellow Uganda team member, Laura, at church. We both had been missing the team, and seeing her smiling face renewed my confidence in this team's ability to stay unified in its purpose through Christ. I can't wait to see us come together back on campus!
Peach yogurt is good. But strawberry is better.
And Christopher Teague is the best.
The end.
We'll have to see how tomorrow goes, I suppose, but it may have made my week.
Astriks don't quite express it... but they'll have to do.
*He* is wonderful.
Let's see... my cousin and his wife from Atlanta just had their first baby -- a little girl, Avia Nola. Is that a 21st century name or what?
Our upstairs bathroom is being re-done, and the painter came today to sand the walls and put on the first layers of primer and base coat. Now the entire house reeks, and there is the distinct possibility that I am high.
I would like to recommend the film March of the Penguins.
I would not like to recommend the film War of the Worlds, unless your life objective is to lose your hearing.
Since I got back from Africa, the longest shower I've taken was I think 6 minutes, and it felt like an eternity. It was also in lukewarm water, which made it feel longer. I consider this my contribution to my family's financial situation.
I also sleep in my unventilated, 75-degree room with my comforter and electric blanket (not on though). I consider this just plain weird.
My mom and I went to the Stratford, Ontario theatre festival a couple of weeks ago and saw The Brothers Karamazov and The Tempest onstage. Amazing.
Cate and the lovely family she is boarding with for the summer graciously allowed me to stay with them over a few days for a long weekend in Hillsdale. It was *so* good to see everyone again... especially *him.* And it was also a special blessing to see my fellow Uganda team member, Laura, at church. We both had been missing the team, and seeing her smiling face renewed my confidence in this team's ability to stay unified in its purpose through Christ. I can't wait to see us come together back on campus!
Peach yogurt is good. But strawberry is better.
And Christopher Teague is the best.
The end.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
It is so stupid that I am posting right now because I am ridiculously tired and have nothing to say except
1. YAY because I am going to Hillsdale on Friday to see *my* Christopher for the first time in two months!
2. Jamie, my darling little wave-length, I miss you, too! Nkwagala nyo, mukwano gwange!
3. and that spider in my room better be dead. Sorry, that was random.
the end.
Good night!
1. YAY because I am going to Hillsdale on Friday to see *my* Christopher for the first time in two months!
2. Jamie, my darling little wave-length, I miss you, too! Nkwagala nyo, mukwano gwange!
3. and that spider in my room better be dead. Sorry, that was random.
the end.
Good night!
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Monday, May 23, 2005
Finally, brothers pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.
II Thessalonians 3:1-5
My bags are packed.
Emails have been sent, contact lists made.
All I need is cash, stamps, and a lock.
And in case you ever wonder, I can shower in a minute and 58 seconds.
I'm leaving for Lansing in less than two and a half hours.
Our flight to London leaves Detroit Metro at 6:30pm on Wednesday.
I'll be in Uganda by 5:40am on Friday.
*so* exciting!
Our team is blessed to be lifted up by so many faithful prayer warriors; to all of you who are praying for us and for our time over in Africa,
Mwebale Nyo! Mukama Akuwe omekisa!
(Thank you very much! God bless you!)
In His grace,
Katie
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea
Habakkuk 2:14
II Thessalonians 3:1-5
My bags are packed.
Emails have been sent, contact lists made.
All I need is cash, stamps, and a lock.
And in case you ever wonder, I can shower in a minute and 58 seconds.
I'm leaving for Lansing in less than two and a half hours.
Our flight to London leaves Detroit Metro at 6:30pm on Wednesday.
I'll be in Uganda by 5:40am on Friday.
*so* exciting!
Our team is blessed to be lifted up by so many faithful prayer warriors; to all of you who are praying for us and for our time over in Africa,
Mwebale Nyo! Mukama Akuwe omekisa!
(Thank you very much! God bless you!)
In His grace,
Katie
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea
Habakkuk 2:14
Friday, May 20, 2005
Thursday, May 19, 2005
so yeah.
The schoolyear ended.
The Hillsdale class of 2005 graduated.
I got to meet Christopher's sisters -- *so* wonderful!
Aaron White, Aaron Sandvig, and Bridget Karl made it like old times again. Or something. For a while.
I went to my last service at Cement City until next Fall.
I said goodbye to *him*... and it was admittedly harder than last time.
George Gaylord Churchill III (Jorge) and Killer, bless their persistent little hearts, survived the car ride home.
My Uganda countdown is at six days.
This means that I have six days to:
*Convince my mom to care for my fish while I'm in Africa
*Find at least four more below-the-knee skirts at the Salvation Army
*Get used to wearing no makeup and letting my hair air-dry
*Make sure my luggage fits the specific airline flight requirements
*Buy bug repellant, sunscreen, baby powder, and work gloves
*Cut one minute off of my shower time; I'm down from five minutes to three, but I'll only have two
*Figure out how to wake up with an alarm clock... without using the snooze button
I am happy to be home.
No, really. I am.
I just miss *him* kinda a lot.
Good thing I'm happy to be home, or this would be really hard.
waaaaaaaahhh.
The schoolyear ended.
The Hillsdale class of 2005 graduated.
I got to meet Christopher's sisters -- *so* wonderful!
Aaron White, Aaron Sandvig, and Bridget Karl made it like old times again. Or something. For a while.
I went to my last service at Cement City until next Fall.
I said goodbye to *him*... and it was admittedly harder than last time.
George Gaylord Churchill III (Jorge) and Killer, bless their persistent little hearts, survived the car ride home.
My Uganda countdown is at six days.
This means that I have six days to:
*Convince my mom to care for my fish while I'm in Africa
*Find at least four more below-the-knee skirts at the Salvation Army
*Get used to wearing no makeup and letting my hair air-dry
*Make sure my luggage fits the specific airline flight requirements
*Buy bug repellant, sunscreen, baby powder, and work gloves
*Cut one minute off of my shower time; I'm down from five minutes to three, but I'll only have two
*Figure out how to wake up with an alarm clock... without using the snooze button
I am happy to be home.
No, really. I am.
I just miss *him* kinda a lot.
Good thing I'm happy to be home, or this would be really hard.
waaaaaaaahhh.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
*the ten cool things post*
(this is the part where I share ten cool things)
1. I AM DONE WITH FINALS.
2. The Lord has brought in more money in less time than I dreamed possible for my Uganda trip!
3. I AM DONE WITH FINALS.
4. Christopher's art show is amazing and you can see it in Sage if you want to!
5. Aaron White is HERE!
6. Bridget Karl will be here TONIGHT!
7. I AM DONE WITH FINALS.
8. There was a thunderstorm this afternoon. Beautiful.
9. I'm going home on Sunday and to Uganda, East Africa in TWO WEEKS!!!
10. Did I mention that I'm done with finals?
What, you ask, will I be doing with all of my new-found free time?
In the now immortalized words of Napoleon Dynamite,
"I'll do whatever I feel like -- GOSH!"
So there.
(this is the part where I share ten cool things)
1. I AM DONE WITH FINALS.
2. The Lord has brought in more money in less time than I dreamed possible for my Uganda trip!
3. I AM DONE WITH FINALS.
4. Christopher's art show is amazing and you can see it in Sage if you want to!
5. Aaron White is HERE!
6. Bridget Karl will be here TONIGHT!
7. I AM DONE WITH FINALS.
8. There was a thunderstorm this afternoon. Beautiful.
9. I'm going home on Sunday and to Uganda, East Africa in TWO WEEKS!!!
10. Did I mention that I'm done with finals?
What, you ask, will I be doing with all of my new-found free time?
In the now immortalized words of Napoleon Dynamite,
"I'll do whatever I feel like -- GOSH!"
So there.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
um. ok.
TODAY (WAIT. SHOOT. YESTERDAY), I PWNED MY VICTORIAN TO MODERN BRITISH LIT. EXAM.
TOMORROW (WAIT. SHOOT. TODAY), I HAVE A DANTE EXAM AT 8:00AM.
THERE IS A DISTINCT POSSIBILITY THAT THIS EXAM MAY, IN FACT, PWN ME.
THE FACT THAT I AM BLOGGING ABOUT IT AT 12:45 IN THE MORNING IN ALL CAPITALS SAYS A LOT, REALLY.
The Lord is taking me to Uganda in 15 days.
I just thought you might want to know.
I really should get back to work.
Before I go, I'd like to say...
CAFFEINE IS A FOOD GROUP.
(especially if your roommate is employed by Starbucks)
SLEEP DEPRIVATION IS A WAY OF LIFE.
(especially if you can't remember the last time you went to bed before an AM)
THE DIVINE COMEDY ROCKS MY WORLD AND YOURS.
(until we have to take an exam on it)
and... it's official.
thefacebook is taking over the world.
Or at least Hillsdale College and my roommate's life.
But not mine... UNTIL WEDNESDAY!!!
Me vs. Dante @ 8:00am
There will be pwn-age.
It's gonna be... infernal. For real.
DANTE, READY OR NOT, HERE I COME!!!
TODAY (WAIT. SHOOT. YESTERDAY), I PWNED MY VICTORIAN TO MODERN BRITISH LIT. EXAM.
TOMORROW (WAIT. SHOOT. TODAY), I HAVE A DANTE EXAM AT 8:00AM.
THERE IS A DISTINCT POSSIBILITY THAT THIS EXAM MAY, IN FACT, PWN ME.
THE FACT THAT I AM BLOGGING ABOUT IT AT 12:45 IN THE MORNING IN ALL CAPITALS SAYS A LOT, REALLY.
The Lord is taking me to Uganda in 15 days.
I just thought you might want to know.
I really should get back to work.
Before I go, I'd like to say...
CAFFEINE IS A FOOD GROUP.
(especially if your roommate is employed by Starbucks)
SLEEP DEPRIVATION IS A WAY OF LIFE.
(especially if you can't remember the last time you went to bed before an AM)
THE DIVINE COMEDY ROCKS MY WORLD AND YOURS.
(until we have to take an exam on it)
and... it's official.
thefacebook is taking over the world.
Or at least Hillsdale College and my roommate's life.
But not mine... UNTIL WEDNESDAY!!!
Me vs. Dante @ 8:00am
There will be pwn-age.
It's gonna be... infernal. For real.
DANTE, READY OR NOT, HERE I COME!!!
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
I really shouldn't be posting right now.
But that's never stopped me yet. So here goes.
The Lord is *so* faithful to provide, and He is showing me just how much He can do... without any help from me.
May I tell you a story?
Wait.
This is my blog. I'll tell a story if I want to.
("I'll do whatever I feel like. GOSH!")
So, anyway.
I've been behind in raising funds for my Uganda trip, and last Wednesday, May 27th, I was starting to feel a little hopeless. The week before, I had written out a large check to my team leader to cover some recent expenses, and I hadn't gotten any money in yet to redeem what I'd payed.
In addition, I was not able to apply for a passport until Friday, April 22nd (because I guess I'm one of those weird people who don't carry their original birth certificates around in their back pockets, just in case). Anyway. I got it expidated, but at that point they told me that my form would not reach the Chicago Passport Agency until Monday (April 25th). Expidated passports take anywhere from 7-10 days to process from the time they reach the Agency; therefore, I was told that I should not expect my passport before Monday, May 2nd at the earliest. To add to my distress, our Uganda team leader had emailed me earlier in the week requesting that I turn in a copy of my passport by Thursday night at our IV send-off (April 28th), or at the latest by our traditional Ugandan dinner on Saturday, April 30th. If the post office was right (and who can tell them to hurry up?), there was no way I could have my passport in time for the Ugandan dinner. It was getting down to the wire; less than a month from anticipated departure, and I still didn't have a passport.
And I was freaking out.
I *knew* I should be trusting God for provision, but with less than a month to go before we leave... I was struggling. So Thursday morning, May 28th, I blogged about my situation and asked for prayers.
That day, I found out that my grandma would like to donate the exact sum that I wrote out a check for; my payment will be completely redeemed. I also found out that my other grandfather called my mom and told her that he would like to support me; instead of making a donation right away, however, he apparently wants to wait until all of my funding has come in... and pay *whatever* balance is left over!
At InterVarsity on Thursday night, we had our Uganda Team send-off. I had a group of wonderful, Christian girls pray for and with me, and after InterVarsity was over, Christopher asked how he could make a donation... I don't expect that of him, and I hope he knows that. But nevertheless, it was *such* a night of encouragement and support, from so many people. The Lord knew what I needed that night.
The next morning, Friday, May 29th, as I left for class, Kristin brought up an envelope for me. Inside the envelope was a note from my next door neighbor back home. She is not a believer, but she sent a check anyway and expressed her desire to get together with me while I am at home. Her words of kindness and support thrilled me! I cannot wait to get together with her -- talk about a witnessing opportunity!
Saturday morning, I had Bible study, but by the time I got back, there were two envelopes waiting on my desk. One was from a church that I have never attended; I am not even personally aquainted with the pastor. My family has supported them for a long time, but seeing as how I have no direct connection with the church myself, their extremely generous support stuns me. The other envelope was from a delightful Christian family involved in many of my brother's sports teams, and their support is a huge blessing.
After the SAI pledge recital on Saturday morning, I came back to the dorm to get my ID, and as I left the dorm with Tami and Michelle, a man in a red truck began rolling down the window. We asked if there was anything we could do to help him, and as we peered inside the window at the envelope he held, he asked, haltingly, "do any of you know where I could find Katherine Niemczak?"
:: shock ::
"Um... that's me, actually."
"Oh, of course! I remember you from the post office the other day. Well I've got your passport for you."
No joke.
I had my passport delivered to me by a man from the post office who remembered me at noon on Saturday, April 30th -- five hours before the Uganda team dinner. Unreal.
Since that time, I have gotten a check from one of my best friends and her family. I have also gotten a blog comment from someone asking about how to donate... so random and exciting! And today, while I was on the phone with my dad, one of my dear SAI "sisters" brought me a donation. So unprompted. So unexpected. So generous. So ordained. Completely signed, stamped, and sealed by the hand of the Almighty.
And guess what?
He's not done yet... I can *feel* it.
To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
John 16:23b-24
But that's never stopped me yet. So here goes.
The Lord is *so* faithful to provide, and He is showing me just how much He can do... without any help from me.
May I tell you a story?
Wait.
This is my blog. I'll tell a story if I want to.
("I'll do whatever I feel like. GOSH!")
So, anyway.
I've been behind in raising funds for my Uganda trip, and last Wednesday, May 27th, I was starting to feel a little hopeless. The week before, I had written out a large check to my team leader to cover some recent expenses, and I hadn't gotten any money in yet to redeem what I'd payed.
In addition, I was not able to apply for a passport until Friday, April 22nd (because I guess I'm one of those weird people who don't carry their original birth certificates around in their back pockets, just in case). Anyway. I got it expidated, but at that point they told me that my form would not reach the Chicago Passport Agency until Monday (April 25th). Expidated passports take anywhere from 7-10 days to process from the time they reach the Agency; therefore, I was told that I should not expect my passport before Monday, May 2nd at the earliest. To add to my distress, our Uganda team leader had emailed me earlier in the week requesting that I turn in a copy of my passport by Thursday night at our IV send-off (April 28th), or at the latest by our traditional Ugandan dinner on Saturday, April 30th. If the post office was right (and who can tell them to hurry up?), there was no way I could have my passport in time for the Ugandan dinner. It was getting down to the wire; less than a month from anticipated departure, and I still didn't have a passport.
And I was freaking out.
I *knew* I should be trusting God for provision, but with less than a month to go before we leave... I was struggling. So Thursday morning, May 28th, I blogged about my situation and asked for prayers.
That day, I found out that my grandma would like to donate the exact sum that I wrote out a check for; my payment will be completely redeemed. I also found out that my other grandfather called my mom and told her that he would like to support me; instead of making a donation right away, however, he apparently wants to wait until all of my funding has come in... and pay *whatever* balance is left over!
At InterVarsity on Thursday night, we had our Uganda Team send-off. I had a group of wonderful, Christian girls pray for and with me, and after InterVarsity was over, Christopher asked how he could make a donation... I don't expect that of him, and I hope he knows that. But nevertheless, it was *such* a night of encouragement and support, from so many people. The Lord knew what I needed that night.
The next morning, Friday, May 29th, as I left for class, Kristin brought up an envelope for me. Inside the envelope was a note from my next door neighbor back home. She is not a believer, but she sent a check anyway and expressed her desire to get together with me while I am at home. Her words of kindness and support thrilled me! I cannot wait to get together with her -- talk about a witnessing opportunity!
Saturday morning, I had Bible study, but by the time I got back, there were two envelopes waiting on my desk. One was from a church that I have never attended; I am not even personally aquainted with the pastor. My family has supported them for a long time, but seeing as how I have no direct connection with the church myself, their extremely generous support stuns me. The other envelope was from a delightful Christian family involved in many of my brother's sports teams, and their support is a huge blessing.
After the SAI pledge recital on Saturday morning, I came back to the dorm to get my ID, and as I left the dorm with Tami and Michelle, a man in a red truck began rolling down the window. We asked if there was anything we could do to help him, and as we peered inside the window at the envelope he held, he asked, haltingly, "do any of you know where I could find Katherine Niemczak?"
:: shock ::
"Um... that's me, actually."
"Oh, of course! I remember you from the post office the other day. Well I've got your passport for you."
No joke.
I had my passport delivered to me by a man from the post office who remembered me at noon on Saturday, April 30th -- five hours before the Uganda team dinner. Unreal.
Since that time, I have gotten a check from one of my best friends and her family. I have also gotten a blog comment from someone asking about how to donate... so random and exciting! And today, while I was on the phone with my dad, one of my dear SAI "sisters" brought me a donation. So unprompted. So unexpected. So generous. So ordained. Completely signed, stamped, and sealed by the hand of the Almighty.
And guess what?
He's not done yet... I can *feel* it.
To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
John 16:23b-24
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Friends, I have a prayer request.
In less than a month now, Lord-willing, I'll be leaving for Uganda, East Africa, on a cross-cultural mission trip.
Doing this, however, requires a good deal of money.
Some of you know that I wasn't able to commit to this trip with certainty until relatively recently, compared to the rest of the team; as a result, I'm behind in gathering financial support.
Right now, I'm trusting that if it is still the Lord's will for me to go on this trip, He will confirm my convictions by providing all of the necessary support -- in time for the trip.
But there's only a month left, and the Lord is testing my faith and asking me to let Him out of the box I've unwittingly confined Him to.
I believe that He will provide.
I know that He sees my needs and has a plan.
I trust that He can do this.
But this is stretching me right now... and I would appreciate your prayers.
Thanks.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus
Philippians 4:6-7
In less than a month now, Lord-willing, I'll be leaving for Uganda, East Africa, on a cross-cultural mission trip.
Doing this, however, requires a good deal of money.
Some of you know that I wasn't able to commit to this trip with certainty until relatively recently, compared to the rest of the team; as a result, I'm behind in gathering financial support.
Right now, I'm trusting that if it is still the Lord's will for me to go on this trip, He will confirm my convictions by providing all of the necessary support -- in time for the trip.
But there's only a month left, and the Lord is testing my faith and asking me to let Him out of the box I've unwittingly confined Him to.
I believe that He will provide.
I know that He sees my needs and has a plan.
I trust that He can do this.
But this is stretching me right now... and I would appreciate your prayers.
Thanks.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus
Philippians 4:6-7
Monday, April 25, 2005
I suppose it's been "about time" to post for a little while now.
Distractions, distractions.
But they've been delightful distractions.
Les Mis was fantastic! For those of you who don't know, Christopher and I were given the opportunity to go with some students from the honours program to see a production of Les Miserables onstage in Chicago about a week ago. Such a redeeming story of repentance, grace, and salvation -- not to mention the positively *beautiful* music. And to top it off, we stayed with a group of people to walk around the city in the early hours of the morning, just taking pictures and enjoying the change of scenery. By the time we arrived back in Hillsdale, the birds were chirping... but the sleep deprivation was more than worth it, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
My Little, Michelle, is now an official, initiated member of SAI! Yay for her!
On Sunday, the choir had its spring concert. My parents came to see the concert... and such ;)
It was lovely.
I am officially in the Suites next year with Cate Larsen and the Holsclaw twins. Whoo hoo!
Today I got to meet with my MetroBank scholarship donor at a luncheon. That was cool.
Until today, there was snow on the ground because Michigan is schizophrenic. That was not cool.
My computer is currently out of commission, and I am realizing more and more how dependent I am on technology and its awesome convenience. Boo hiss.
The heat is finally back on in Koon. SCORE.
Maybe next time, I'll blog about something substantial. Maybe not.
For now, I'm going to go do some homework.
Until next time... have a lovely week, friends.
Distractions, distractions.
But they've been delightful distractions.
Les Mis was fantastic! For those of you who don't know, Christopher and I were given the opportunity to go with some students from the honours program to see a production of Les Miserables onstage in Chicago about a week ago. Such a redeeming story of repentance, grace, and salvation -- not to mention the positively *beautiful* music. And to top it off, we stayed with a group of people to walk around the city in the early hours of the morning, just taking pictures and enjoying the change of scenery. By the time we arrived back in Hillsdale, the birds were chirping... but the sleep deprivation was more than worth it, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
My Little, Michelle, is now an official, initiated member of SAI! Yay for her!
On Sunday, the choir had its spring concert. My parents came to see the concert... and such ;)
It was lovely.
I am officially in the Suites next year with Cate Larsen and the Holsclaw twins. Whoo hoo!
Today I got to meet with my MetroBank scholarship donor at a luncheon. That was cool.
Until today, there was snow on the ground because Michigan is schizophrenic. That was not cool.
My computer is currently out of commission, and I am realizing more and more how dependent I am on technology and its awesome convenience. Boo hiss.
The heat is finally back on in Koon. SCORE.
Maybe next time, I'll blog about something substantial. Maybe not.
For now, I'm going to go do some homework.
Until next time... have a lovely week, friends.