Friday, October 26, 2007
It's news and it's big!!!
The story is... I'm moving to St. Louis next week, so I had to go to Canada to change employers on my work visa before I start my new job in St. Louis on Nov. 5th. I already had planned to be in St. Louis last weekend before the whole job thing came up, so it was "convenient" to just drive to Ontario. So I got off the plane from a week in Denver on Friday at 10:30, we left STL around 2:30 after some issues that we had to smooth out with my new employment letter, got it pre-approved by the border patrol in Sarnia/Port Huron and drove to Ann Arbor, MI. We stayed Friday night with a friend who used to go to OC and woke up Saturday morning and drove across the bridge at Detroit, then on to Niagara Falls. We had lunch and walked around for a few hours. Caleb had already done some research on some of the touristy things we could do. So we were going to do two. We did the "Journey under the Falls" where you ride the elevator down and walk to look out underneath and walk out beside where they come down. We walked from that end by Horseshoe Falls to the bridge to Buffalo. We saw the Skywheel, so we decided to go there for the second thing. On our first big time date, Caleb surprised me by taking me to the Oklahoma State Fair last September. We picked three rides that night and OF COURSE I had to pick a Ferris wheel because it was the first time I was at a fair with a boy! I love Ferris wheels! Caleb really wanted to see if we could walk across the bridge because there was a Canadian and an American flag in the middle. But when we finally got over there, we had to have our passports and ID to go threw. We didn't want to mess with it since we had to deal with my work Visa, so we just turned back. So we headed for the Ferris wheel. I was so excited to find the biggest Tim Horton's I've ever seen!! Anyway, we finally got on the Ferris wheel. I'd been trying for two or three weeks not to get my hopes up because I knew that taking this Canadian to Niagara Falls would be an amazing opportunity to possible as a big question. But Caleb had made a few comments that really made me think that it wasn't going to happen that day. Once we got on the Ferris wheel (which is completely enclosed), he sat across from me instead of beside which was so weird. But when the door closed, he started to sing. This is not completely random since music and singing is so much of who Caleb is. The song was new though. That was the weird thing about it. So at first I kind of playful said "why are you being funny?." But when I spoke, he just kept on singing. He got a bit of a funny look on his face, so then I started to panic or wonder, "Is this it?!!?!" It was a mix of complete excitement and panic that I was getting my hopes up and would be disappointed. So he finished and asked the question!!! I hugged him so fast that he didn't even have time to open the box. So after he sat up beside me, he finally said, "Do you want to see it!?!?" haha (The ring, of course!)
So we finished the ride by taking pictures of each other and the falls from the top. then walked around a little more and bought some souvenirs before we headed back to the border to get my paperwork done and get back to Ann Arbor to sleep.
What a day?!?!!
We are hoping the wedding will be in early August. Location TBA.
Love you all!
(Sorry it's taken this long to write this story. I am in charge of registration at World Mission Workshop here at OC this weekend. So since I got back on Monday at noon, I've been doing nothing else! I'm sorry if I didn't get to call you myself.)
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Why does change always sneak up on us?
As I sit here this afternoon, I've decided to take a moment to relax and reflect. I'm feeling rather homesick today. These days are few and far between, but today it is evident. With the amazing, exciting and oh so cute phone call I received from Dauphin last night at about 11, I was exstatic, yes, but overwhelmed by the realization that one of my best friends is making the greatest decision of his life and I going to miss out on all of it... hopefully not his wedding day, but that's possible too. These moments I will miss out on are what scares me and makes me emotional about being so far from home. Don't get me wrong, though! If it is to be, I am thankful, so happy, and overly content to live the rest of my life with the man I love, no matter where that might be. But there are days when I want to hold on to the past and everyone back home, days when I can't imagine that those at home are going to miss out on the big moments in my life.
So, if you read the post I just added a few minutes ago, I'm sure you interest was peaked by the idea of a job interview in St. Louis. I have been packing once again. Getting ready for the next stage in my life. I got a job at Sanford-Brown College in St. Peters, MO, as an Admissions Representative. Right between Caleb's and Dardenne Prairie cofC. God has amazing plans! WOW! How much more perfect could it be? Some of you are probably think, "Amanda, why are you so stuck on Admissions?" Well, a) It's what I'm good at, so just let me be. (I've faced an amazing number of people that don't get that.) It is the one thing in my life that I actually excel at. and b) my work Visa is to be a "vocational counselor" so that is my only ticket to employment in the US right now.
What a weird feeling though? I am so sad to be leaving OC; my "kids," the job that I have always known that I am gifted at and a life that has kept me insanly busy, never is the same, and allows me to share Christ to families and college students. But at the same time, I want the next four weeks to go by so quickly because I'm ready for life to become what I have invisioned it to be for the last several month. I love "DPcC"! They seem to love me. I can see myself becoming involved there so easily. The families are great! So I will be working a strickly 40hr/wk job which will be a little more professional, most with adult students, more specific in academic fields, and yet I know I will still be able to bring my own personal and caring approach that OC has taught me so well. I'm going to miss the OC office. These are my best friends in the good ol' US ofA. But my ministry is still going to be mine and I am so excited to begin to learn how to share and work in ministry with the man I love.
The next four weeks are going to be tough on me. Especially b/c I don't get to spend 11 of those days here. I know that some of you feel like I'm bailing on you. But please know, I am loyal. I am always here. And you can always come visit St. Louis!!!! It is a really cool town, I promise!
There is still the small glitch of changing my work visa. Please pray that that goes smoothly. Caleb and I are driving to cross the border at Sarnia on Oct. 19th. Thanks!
So, if you read the post I just added a few minutes ago, I'm sure you interest was peaked by the idea of a job interview in St. Louis. I have been packing once again. Getting ready for the next stage in my life. I got a job at Sanford-Brown College in St. Peters, MO, as an Admissions Representative. Right between Caleb's and Dardenne Prairie cofC. God has amazing plans! WOW! How much more perfect could it be? Some of you are probably think, "Amanda, why are you so stuck on Admissions?" Well, a) It's what I'm good at, so just let me be. (I've faced an amazing number of people that don't get that.) It is the one thing in my life that I actually excel at. and b) my work Visa is to be a "vocational counselor" so that is my only ticket to employment in the US right now.
What a weird feeling though? I am so sad to be leaving OC; my "kids," the job that I have always known that I am gifted at and a life that has kept me insanly busy, never is the same, and allows me to share Christ to families and college students. But at the same time, I want the next four weeks to go by so quickly because I'm ready for life to become what I have invisioned it to be for the last several month. I love "DPcC"! They seem to love me. I can see myself becoming involved there so easily. The families are great! So I will be working a strickly 40hr/wk job which will be a little more professional, most with adult students, more specific in academic fields, and yet I know I will still be able to bring my own personal and caring approach that OC has taught me so well. I'm going to miss the OC office. These are my best friends in the good ol' US ofA. But my ministry is still going to be mine and I am so excited to begin to learn how to share and work in ministry with the man I love.
The next four weeks are going to be tough on me. Especially b/c I don't get to spend 11 of those days here. I know that some of you feel like I'm bailing on you. But please know, I am loyal. I am always here. And you can always come visit St. Louis!!!! It is a really cool town, I promise!
There is still the small glitch of changing my work visa. Please pray that that goes smoothly. Caleb and I are driving to cross the border at Sarnia on Oct. 19th. Thanks!
Sorry I've been "missing" lately
So, September was RIDICULOUS!!!
Aug 30- Sept 5- Portland, OR/Seattle, WA (thanks to Nic and Eric for coming to see me in Seattle!)
Sept 9-11- Office Retreat in Tatonka, OK
Sept 14-17- Regina for my mom's wedding (yes, her and Ron got married)
Sept 21-23- unexpected trip to St. Louis for a job interview
Sept 28-30- Fall Visit
Yep, ridiculous!
Aug 30- Sept 5- Portland, OR/Seattle, WA (thanks to Nic and Eric for coming to see me in Seattle!)
Sept 9-11- Office Retreat in Tatonka, OK
Sept 14-17- Regina for my mom's wedding (yes, her and Ron got married)
Sept 21-23- unexpected trip to St. Louis for a job interview
Sept 28-30- Fall Visit
Yep, ridiculous!
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
another cycle
So, I have hit that wall! I am sitting at my desk today, knowing there are things I could do, but at the same time I have one email in my Inbox, no messages to return, and I'm out of minutes AND texts on my cell phone. I haven't heard from a panicing parents in at least 24 hours and I haven't had any students stop by my office this afternoon wondering where to find their student mail box, how to open their Outlook email, or where to change their classes..... I think I am officially "done" with the OC Freshman class of '07! :( (wait, I forgot... One of my Cali boys is stopping by to ask me how to take CLEP tests!)
If that is all, then it's good timing, I guess. I'm leaving for Portland at 9:00am tomorrow. It's hard to believe it's already time for Faith Quest in Oregon again! I am going alone this year. My tour guide and co-worker, Matt, has to stay in OK for a wedding this weekend.
The summer flew by! I didn't have the time I thought I was going to for anything! I feel so blessed though! My 06-07 recruiting year was a success!!! There are many times that I felt like I was far from on the ball, forgetting about those students who needed me, and never having enough time to make that personal connection with all of them. It took me a long time to realize I wasn't going to have that connection because I only met most of the face to face once all year, some of them not at all! This was so different than last year when I had closer areas that allowed me to go to all the youth events, camps, and welcome them onto OC's campus a few times in one year.
I am so excited to start another year with the same territory! Connections with youth ministers, HS seniors, and parents are going to be even easier; some of America's largest cities are not so daunting; and the frequent flier miles are still adding up! I love my job, can you tell? I know I will be reflecting a little more on where to spend my time; what worked and what didn't. But for the most part, I'll still be going to the same places.
Besides the happy/sad complex of starting a new cycle, it also seems like a mountain to climb to get to next spring. It should be next spring right now! What a year it's been, and next year will bring many more challenges and changes...
And that's all I'll say about that...
If that is all, then it's good timing, I guess. I'm leaving for Portland at 9:00am tomorrow. It's hard to believe it's already time for Faith Quest in Oregon again! I am going alone this year. My tour guide and co-worker, Matt, has to stay in OK for a wedding this weekend.
The summer flew by! I didn't have the time I thought I was going to for anything! I feel so blessed though! My 06-07 recruiting year was a success!!! There are many times that I felt like I was far from on the ball, forgetting about those students who needed me, and never having enough time to make that personal connection with all of them. It took me a long time to realize I wasn't going to have that connection because I only met most of the face to face once all year, some of them not at all! This was so different than last year when I had closer areas that allowed me to go to all the youth events, camps, and welcome them onto OC's campus a few times in one year.
I am so excited to start another year with the same territory! Connections with youth ministers, HS seniors, and parents are going to be even easier; some of America's largest cities are not so daunting; and the frequent flier miles are still adding up! I love my job, can you tell? I know I will be reflecting a little more on where to spend my time; what worked and what didn't. But for the most part, I'll still be going to the same places.
Besides the happy/sad complex of starting a new cycle, it also seems like a mountain to climb to get to next spring. It should be next spring right now! What a year it's been, and next year will bring many more challenges and changes...
And that's all I'll say about that...
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Once again...
Once again, it's been a really long time since I have written to catch everyone up. Just as I thought I was getting in the habit of writing blogs, life got hectic again. Classes have been winding down, which means I've had term papers to write and the end of John to translate. Now that most of that is out of the way, and my career in graduate Greek will be over 48 hours from now, I am excited about the summer!! I know I will miss all the "kids" by about the middle of June, but for now the quietness is appealing.
So, other than school and work, I guess the biggest news is that I will be wearing out I-44 between OKC and St. Louis over the summer. If you don't know what that means, refer to the "catch up" blog from about Feb. 26th and delete point #6.
My computer also almost crashed by two weeks ago and I lost ALL of my settings; settings I didn't even know existed or mattered. So I can't remember how to get to my bloglines page. So, jeremy, I need help on that again.
Anyway, I don't have much else to say. I just wanted to let everyone out there know that I am alive and doing really well!! Life is stressful and exciting all at the same time. I don't have plans to come home this summer, so keep me posted and don't forget about me!! I do miss all of you but it's expensive to fund trips home every 3 months. That habit has to stop!
So, other than school and work, I guess the biggest news is that I will be wearing out I-44 between OKC and St. Louis over the summer. If you don't know what that means, refer to the "catch up" blog from about Feb. 26th and delete point #6.
My computer also almost crashed by two weeks ago and I lost ALL of my settings; settings I didn't even know existed or mattered. So I can't remember how to get to my bloglines page. So, jeremy, I need help on that again.
Anyway, I don't have much else to say. I just wanted to let everyone out there know that I am alive and doing really well!! Life is stressful and exciting all at the same time. I don't have plans to come home this summer, so keep me posted and don't forget about me!! I do miss all of you but it's expensive to fund trips home every 3 months. That habit has to stop!
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
retract
I have to apologize for the last post. In no way was it meant to seem like a lame attempt for encouragement or compliments (not that I want to sound ungrateful for the ones I received at all, I love you all too!), I broke in a moment of frustration and needed an outlet instead of hoping that the wall would respond.
I am grateful for everyone in my life, it's just reality that sometimes everyone doesn't see things from my perspective..... wow, what a thought! I need to be better about facing rejection graciously when it is for the betterment of a group, friends I do care about a lot.
Although, sometimes it scares me that my immediate thoughts are "forget them!" "I don't need them" "I can go about my life without them, on my own" "Obviously, they don't need me, or think they don't" "Wait til they realize what I do for them after I won't do it anymore!"
I know these are crazy and irrational thoughts. Clearly, if you know me, you know those ideas last about five minutes... or until that next meeting or phone call. "Manda, can you...... ?"
I just don't want to be turning into someone who is guarded about getting involved in people's lives, supporting things I love, and pouring my passion into something or someone for fear of rejection. This is an issue I had never thought about until these last few years but I know it all comes around to this fact: Yes, people do let you down, but if you know you are serving and showing Christ in everything you do, your trust in God and His plan will carry you through and should be your source of fulfillment and happiness. So don't stop!
Well, that was may more than I intended to say. But I have a Greek midterm today and it's Spring Visit this weekend, so it makes perfect sense that I am finding time to type a blog. Must work......
Go buy the means CD today!!!
I am grateful for everyone in my life, it's just reality that sometimes everyone doesn't see things from my perspective..... wow, what a thought! I need to be better about facing rejection graciously when it is for the betterment of a group, friends I do care about a lot.
Although, sometimes it scares me that my immediate thoughts are "forget them!" "I don't need them" "I can go about my life without them, on my own" "Obviously, they don't need me, or think they don't" "Wait til they realize what I do for them after I won't do it anymore!"
I know these are crazy and irrational thoughts. Clearly, if you know me, you know those ideas last about five minutes... or until that next meeting or phone call. "Manda, can you...... ?"
I just don't want to be turning into someone who is guarded about getting involved in people's lives, supporting things I love, and pouring my passion into something or someone for fear of rejection. This is an issue I had never thought about until these last few years but I know it all comes around to this fact: Yes, people do let you down, but if you know you are serving and showing Christ in everything you do, your trust in God and His plan will carry you through and should be your source of fulfillment and happiness. So don't stop!
Well, that was may more than I intended to say. But I have a Greek midterm today and it's Spring Visit this weekend, so it makes perfect sense that I am finding time to type a blog. Must work......
Go buy the means CD today!!!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
hhmmmmmm
So, it sucks when you've created a pocket of friends that you knew you didn't really fit into anyway, somewhat because everyone around is younger, (everyone my age is either too busy and exclusive or married, or maybe it has something to do with my job). But that's the thing, I'm friends with these people because it's my job, my passion, my ministry.... and their fun. I thought they must think I'm kinda fun too....
.... So I find out they don't really understand that job, passion and ministry and don't want me around....... awesome
Why does no one GET me? gggrrrrrrrrr
.... So I find out they don't really understand that job, passion and ministry and don't want me around....... awesome
Why does no one GET me? gggrrrrrrrrr
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
What does your church really think?
Two quotes from this weekend's read for my Small Group Ministries class:
or
"We're on the inside, you're on the outside. We're right, and you're wrong. If you want to come inside, then you need to be right. So just believe right, think right, speak right, and act right, and we'll let you in."
“We are a community bound together and energized by faith, love, and a commitment to Jesus Christ. Even though you don’t yet share that faith, love, and commitment, you are most welcome to be with us, to belong here, to experience what we’re about. Then, if you are attracted and persuaded by what you see, you’ll want to set down roots here long-term. And even if you don’t, you’ll always be a friend.”
Which church would you like to belong to?
Thanks, Brian Mc! (More Ready than you Realize, Zondervan, 2002)
Monday, February 26, 2007
Ketchup!!
Just kidding, I mean catch up!! I have been getting razzed for not writing a blog in a long time (even by Tim Furry, that has to be bad)... so I will now do so in point form (I always loved jot notes instead of paragraphs).
Since last post:
-flew to Sante Fe, NM in a 14 seater plane in a snow storm
-spent New Year's in Angel Fire, NM
-spent a week in Colorado Springs at the National Conference for Youth Ministers (you should check it out sometime) hanging out with OC kids, my Youth Ministers (ones who work in my territory), promoting OC, and visiting with my Acappella friends
-got back to OKC
-started my second semester of grad school
-became single again
-was asked to help with New Reign auditions on the same day (bittersweet)
-gained perspective on life (www.jinjamissions.org)
-sat through a weekend of Small Group Ministries class and didn't learn much (I was a little distracted)
-experienced two ice storms, so severe this Canadian will admit I've never seen anything like it
-went to Los Angeles/Bakersfield/San Diego and saw 16 applicants in 3 days
-came back for class
-went to Phoenix, AZ, drive across the border in Mexico to renew my work visa (explain that!), went to a Phoenix Coyotes game and saw WAYNE, and hung out with kids for a Super Bowl party
-came back for class and a weekend off
-bought a 2007 Hyundai Elantra on Valentine's Day (how's that for theraputic shopping??? it's a condition I inherited from my mother)
-went to Denver for Winterpeak and to hang out with CO kids
-came back for meetings and class
Now I'm sitting here procrastinating from translating John 12 and writing 2 papers before Thursday. It will be a long week! For details on any of this, you are going to have to email me.
BTW, if you aren't with it yet, Facebook is the new myspace, or shoutlife if you want to find a "Christian" myspace.
Also, if you are looking for reasons come to visit me (that SHOULD BE enough) check out this church that has blessed my with just a few visits. www.bridgewaychurch.com Home of Charlie Hall and soon a free concert with Derek Webb! Good times!
Since last post:
-flew to Sante Fe, NM in a 14 seater plane in a snow storm
-spent New Year's in Angel Fire, NM
-spent a week in Colorado Springs at the National Conference for Youth Ministers (you should check it out sometime) hanging out with OC kids, my Youth Ministers (ones who work in my territory), promoting OC, and visiting with my Acappella friends
-got back to OKC
-started my second semester of grad school
-became single again
-was asked to help with New Reign auditions on the same day (bittersweet)
-gained perspective on life (www.jinjamissions.org)
-sat through a weekend of Small Group Ministries class and didn't learn much (I was a little distracted)
-experienced two ice storms, so severe this Canadian will admit I've never seen anything like it
-went to Los Angeles/Bakersfield/San Diego and saw 16 applicants in 3 days
-came back for class
-went to Phoenix, AZ, drive across the border in Mexico to renew my work visa (explain that!), went to a Phoenix Coyotes game and saw WAYNE, and hung out with kids for a Super Bowl party
-came back for class and a weekend off
-bought a 2007 Hyundai Elantra on Valentine's Day (how's that for theraputic shopping??? it's a condition I inherited from my mother)
-went to Denver for Winterpeak and to hang out with CO kids
-came back for meetings and class
Now I'm sitting here procrastinating from translating John 12 and writing 2 papers before Thursday. It will be a long week! For details on any of this, you are going to have to email me.
BTW, if you aren't with it yet, Facebook is the new myspace, or shoutlife if you want to find a "Christian" myspace.
Also, if you are looking for reasons come to visit me (that SHOULD BE enough) check out this church that has blessed my with just a few visits. www.bridgewaychurch.com Home of Charlie Hall and soon a free concert with Derek Webb! Good times!
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