It took 30 years to learn that?

When a rainstorm ruined each of our plans on Sunday evening, my roommate Cody and I tried to get a little bit creative. What follows is an example of what might happen when two bloggers get bored...

Side note: We only published the entire post on my blog, but you'd be blessed to visit her blog, too! You can see her always gracious words here: http://www.codyandras.com/

At 28 and 29 years old, we (Lindsee and Cody) made a list of 28 and 29 things we’d learned on our separate blogs. So surely, now that we’re 30 and 31, we could collaboratively come up with a list of 60. That's what we naively thought at 5pm on Sunday. As you’ll see, we only got to thirty, and that took us the better part of the Tony Awards. We're not sure what it says about us that these are our thirty life lessons, but we hope you'll enjoy.

1. It’s possible to survive without Blue Bell for an entire summer, but not advisable. (Also, Blue Bell is two words, not one.) 
   
2. Laughing diffuses every situation, for the laughter. (But not necessarily for those around them.) Laughter is either contagious or infuriating.
3. Cody has recently learned what Lindsee has known for a while, that there are song lyrics for every situation in life. (Special thanks to our other roommate Bethany for her impressive talent in this area.)
4. How to respond in the case of severe weather. (At the very least we’ve learned that it’s wise to know when severe weather is actually approaching. Shout out to our Dads who keep us informed!)
5. Boredom is an invitation to spontaneity. (If this joint post goes well, we may attempt more posts where we describe in detail some of our spontaneous adventures that were birthed out of boredom. #latenightlists)

   

   ...like, a Safari Park...

   
6. If God’s aim is to make us more like Himself, He’ll use whatever season or situation we are in to do just that. (We’re all in the same boat.)
7. We’ve learned to do our hair better now than in middle school thanks in large part to technological advances. (ex. The hair wand and the straightener. And we’ve also learned the value of a good hairdryer.) *We apologize for not having photographic evidence of said life lesson. Just trust us.*
8. Nails were created to be painted. (If you wanna know what kind of week we’ve had, just look at our nails. However, we tend be opposites here. Rough nails means Lindsee’s had a rough week; Cody finds a way to keep her nails shiny when nothing else is.)
9. Acne isn’t just for adolescents. (But we’ve individually tried every remedy known to man. And some we thought up on our own. We’re pretty sure it’s the 11^th plague.)
10. Honest Kids juice boxes aren’t just for kids. (Just being honest.)
    
11. We know how to be single. (We’ve been told we excel at it, unfortunately.)
12. Having friends in all different generations enriches life. (We love y’all!)
13. God really is a good, good Father. (Even though sometimes we forget that.)
14. How to efficiently hang things on the wall. (You’re welcome.)
15. Friends that will laugh with you and at you are good to keep around. (They keep you human and remind you not to take things too seriously.)
16. No one can read your mind. (Communication is key.)
17. Change takes time and even good changes are a little bit painful. (And we guess that’s okay. And maybe worth it.)
18. Rodents will not kill you. Neither will reptiles. (Actually some reptiles might. But not the kinds that we’ve encountered. Lindsee’s still working on roaches.)

    

    But still. Their place is outside. 

19. Vulnerability is risky, but it’s worth it. (That took us ten years to come up with.)
20. Homemade popcorn far surpasses bagged popcorn in quality. (And probably won’t kill you as quick.)
    
21. Good friends can have serious conversations about trivial and deep things. (It’s called balance.)
22. Asking the right questions makes all the difference in the world. (This is true of others and of google.)
23. You do not outgrow feeling left out. But you learn to behave better when you do. (Most of the time)
24. “Give credit to whom credit due.” Samuel Adams (See how easy that was?)
25. In case you were curious, it takes a massive jug of windshield wiper fluid to refill your car. (Can be found at your local grocery store.)
    
26. Sometimes it warrants a phone call. (When in doubt, err on the side of calling.)
27. You don’t have to know what to say, you just have to know how and when to listen. (No one is ever offended by your willingness to listen. We should do more of that.)
28. The schemes of the enemy are crafty, yet so obvious. His main goal is to get our attention off of Jesus Christ. (He likes it when our minds wander.)
29. Snail mail never gets old. (Message us for our address. And send us yours, too, please and thank you.)
30. A late-night bowl of cereal is always a good idea. (But a bowl of ice cream might be a better one. Speaking of…)

Bonus lessons from Bethany:

• Did you know that not every cloud has a silver lining? It’s the light behind the cloud that gives them the silver lining. We think there’s a lesson to be learned there, no?
  
• You can take a lot of good pictures by “just pointing and clicking.” (Don’t over think it.)

Now that we’ve over thought this post, goodnight.

School's Out for Summer!

Well, here we are again. My fingers happily typing on a computer that I rarely use to a say hi to a group of friends that I rarely ever say hi to. How rude of me! So many times I’ve thought about just letting go of my blog all together, but though my actions rarely show it, it really is such a happy place for me.  So I’ve resolved myself to blogging when I can and want to and that alone is freedom. Plus, who honestly wants to read about stupid things like missing an Astros baseball game when Craig Biggio clocked in with his 3,000th hit and my family was there to witness it and I was not because I gave my ticket to a friend? AND THEN I FELT THE NEED TO WRTIE AN ENTIRE BLOG POST ABOUT IT. That post was all of two paragraphs. I’m both humored and ashamed.

This evening I had that blogging itch, so I’m here to say HELLO and HAPPY SUMMER.

To paint the scene for you, it’s 7:00PM and I’m showered, wearing comfy clothes, have dinner ready, the CMT awards are playing in the background, and I’m not moving from one of those big white comfy Pottery Barn chairs all night. I’ve hunkered down, for lack of a better word, and it’s been a good while since I’ve had a night like this. I’m very happy.

Last time we “chatted” I introduced you to my new job. Well, I completed year one of said new job! 

This here is a selfie when I arrived on my LAST DAY OF SCHOOL with the students. It felt appropriate! 

Yes, friends, year one of teaching is under my belt and as of tonight my body has finally decided to be very, very tired. Turns out a new school with new co-workers and new students and new work hours and new commutes and new everything can be pretty time consuming and exhausting, so this specific finish line felt like quite the accomplishment! There’s still a little work to be done this summer for the next school year, but for the moment, I’m soaking up a slower schedule and a little bit more freedom. I feel like I’m trying to hold onto summer like the wind, which is impossible, but I’m so afraid of it flying by and not having actually rested for the fall. But I keep reminding myself that though it will fly by, there will also be rest! And the first few weeks always feel a little different as you find your groove. 

With that said, this first week of summer has been a blast! So I thought I’d share a little bit and, gasp, even add a few pictures! That’s my favorite kind of post anyway. The kind with pictures. (I do have some words I’ll probably share about my first year of teaching, but I’ll save those until they’re a little easier to understand and a little less mushy.)

May 31^st was my official last day of school, and after completing my end of the year checklist, I drove myself straight to the Galleria. I didn’t really have any goal in mind, but it felt like fun and freedom. Plus, the Galleria in Houston on a Tuesday night is a DREAM.

I did in fact purchase this top. I'm really into peplum these days!

Here are a few pictures of my classroom this year.

I got home late that evening and promptly fell into bed.

Wednesday I started my day with a walk. What you probably don’t know is that I also moved this year, and a little friend named Clancy was a part of the package. Clancy and I are the best of friends having so much fun together. No one loves a walk more than Clancy, and I’m satisfied with buying love, so I’ll buy her love through walks this summer.

 Currently trying to teach Clancy how to take a selfie. We'll just stick to walking. 

Later that afternoon I packed up and headed to my BFF’s house for an old school sleep over. We proceeded to use A LOT of words, play with Ellie and Jack, Grant cooked dinner for us, we had a glass of wine, and then she tutored me in all things Stella & Dot. Stella & Dot is a jewelry/accessory company that anyone can sign up to sell (kinda like Tupperware except a whole lot cuter), and after hosting a trunk show for Jen about a month ago, she convinced me to sign up as a stylist myself. Summer felt like the best time to do this as a teacher! So, my little business is in it’s beginning stages! You can browse (and buy) their adorable accessories here!

So that’s fun, right?

We went to bed late and I woke up the next morning in their guest room as a 31 year old. How can that be? I’m officially IN MY THIRTIES. I don’t even think I have a lot of words to say about that, I’m still in the early stages of thirties. Laughing.

Ellie somehow convinced Grant to go get Shipleys donuts that morning in which I made all of Ellie’s dreams come true. Again with the buying love thing. I’d do anything to make her dreams come true. We painted nails, ate donuts, facetimed Joanna and Charlie, and had the loveliest morning.

That afternoon I went to the Houstonian with my roommate Cody where we treated ourselves to manicures and pedicures. Talk about LOVELY. It was more like Heavenly.

My lunch view that afternoon.

Later that night I met my mom and brother for some Mexican food, because not eating Mexican food on your birthday in Texas should be illegal. My Dad and little brother were both MIA for legit reasons, so we’ll have a big family lunch this weekend!

Friday night I saw Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, which is now in my top five MUST SEES. Did you all know that SHE wrote (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman? She did. I know a lot of Carole King songs, but I was blown away by a few suprises I did not know she wrote. Like The Locomotion. Yep. Needless to say, it was PHENOMONAL. If the tour lands in your city drop everything and GO.  Early on in the show her character sings It Might as Well Rain Until September, which felt very appropriate seeing as that Houston is currently flooding and the rains keep coming. Thankfully we’ve had a couple of dry days, but for the love, we’re drowning over here. And we could all use a little Vitamin D.

Saturday evening my friends had a little birthday dinner for me at Tinys No.5 and it was DREAMY.  If you’re ever in Houston, you have to dine there at night. It’s romantic in every sense of the word. An added bonus is their cookies. You just have to try one to believe they’re the very greatest in all of Texas. Maybe even the USA.

Here's a little peek inside Tinys. 

Let’s talk about Sunday for a moment. It was a really great, full day until we decided to torture ourselves and see Me Before You. As my roommate says, I felt so sad inside. I don’t think I liked it. I’m very easily entertained and like most everything I see, and while I didn’t hate it, I didn’t love it. I’m curious how the movie and the book compare. Has anyone done both? Mercy.

This week I’ve had dinner with some coworkers, gone up to school to work a bit, worked out, grocery shopped, made dinner, cleaned my room, checked things off the to-do list and slowed down a bit. I’m loving it. 

The roommates and I might have even made a jar with Friday Fun ideas in it!

This summer break? Yeah, I think we’re gonna be real good friends.

He's Always Been Faithful to Me

I’m sitting here on my living room floor trying to get a few things sorted out for school when I had the urge to write.

(That’s right. School. We’ll get there.)

Actually, to be real honest, I’ve had the urge to write for a few weeks but have ignored it because since I’ve been out of the habit of writing for so many months, I simply get lost in the process.

I’ve learned that disciplines are called disciplines for a reason. They don’t just magically get easier and they’re not always fun, and then there’s those disciplines you simply get out of the habit of practicing, and it’s like yanking out teeth to pull yourself back together.

Running is one of these disciplines.

And also writing.

And that’s kind of how I feel about writing right now. I feel a little bit like I’m pulling my own teeth out. Not because I don’t enjoy it (because I absolutely do), but because I was so disciplined for so long and then lost all my desire so I just stopped. Because I’m human.

I’ve also learned that while desire often leads to discipline, it can also sometimes be a really lame motivation for discipline. Desire comes and goes. But being disciplined is a choice. And I’ve found on rare occasions that if I stay disciplined despite my lack of desire, that discipline often becomes desire. For instance, I don’t always leap for joy at the chance to run, but when I am disciplined to run consistently, I want to run more. I don’t always feel like reading the Word of God, but then I find that the more I do it, the more I want to read the Word of God. Writing doesn’t always come naturally and sometimes feels like a chore, but the more I write, the more I want to write. And who knows, maybe I’m the only one that oscillates between doing things out of desire vs. discipline.

But enough about desire and discipline, that’s a rabbit trail if I’ve ever chased one. And the trail is there to stay.

I really just wanted to jump on here and testify to God’s faithfulness.

If I’m just being real here (and do you really want anything else?), I’d tell you that it’s been a tough year.

I’d tell you that, thus far in my own personal walk with the Lord, it’s been the most trying season.

I’d tell you that financially, spiritually, and emotionally I wondered if I’d ever hear the Lord say “yes” again.

I’d tell you that there were days I lived with a ton of anxiety and held it together really well. (Read: I pretended to hold it together really well.)

I’d tell you that the Lord was very, very quiet. So quiet I had doubted that I even knew Him.

I’d tell you that I’d look around and compare my circumstances to others and send myself into a pit of self-pity.

I’d tell you that it was a fight to keep my joy. And that some days (a lot of days) it just wasn’t there.

I’d tell you that I wasn’t always positive the Lord would come through, or how He would come through, or that He would even remember to come through for little me.

I’d tell you that I understand now what it means when Matt Chandler says, “Where the ideal is lacking, grace abounds.” Because grace DOES abound. 

I’d tell you that I was straight up full of fear on what His next assignment for me would be.

I’d tell you that I was not just full of fear of His assignment, but full of fear of human opinion.

I’d tell you that the usual comforts I ran to when I didn’t like the way things were going were not even an option. (Read: Shopping.)

I’d tell you that God has looked me in the eyes and been nothing but kind to me when I have thrown the worlds biggest fit.

I’d tell you that stepping out of the boat is really scary. And once you’re out on the water, the only person that can help you out is Jesus. Because boats only stay anchored for so long, and then they sail away. But Jesus is all about rescue.

I’d tell you that our unbelief does not nullify the faithfulness of God. Our unbelief doesn’t make Him ineffective.  (Romans 3:3)

I’d tell you that I don’t think this season changed me, or at least I’m afraid it didn’t, but that I can look back and see little evidences that He did a work on my heart, and continues to, every single day.

BUT…

And I mean every word of this…

I want to tell you that in the midst of a really hard season Jesus never left me to fend for myself. No, I didn’t always “feel” His presence, but I knew His presence like never before, because a lot of days it was the only thing I knew.

I want to tell you that He alone sustained me.

I want to tell you that I was able to see streams in a desert season.

I want to tell you that some of those streams were new friends, old friends, kind words, odd jobs, international trips that were a sheer gift, vacations with family and many other blessings I didn’t even know to ask for.

I want to tell you that I never want to keep secret what He is up to.

I want to tell you that He does come through. Always. Does it look how we imagine? Rarely. Is it within our time frame? Never. But He does not fail us.

I want to tell you that sometimes He offers the gift of rest when you didn’t know you needed it. And after fighting it for many months, it’s okay to lean into it.

I want to tell you that in uncertain seasons, “no” is a perfectly acceptable answer, even when it makes no sense.

I want to tell you that you have the choice to either respond or react to situations you’re handed, and responding with grace is much better than reacting out of hurt or anger.

I want to tell you that it’s better to be 100% honest with the Lord about the condition of your heart than to put on a mask, because He already knows our hearts and He can handle it.

I want to tell you that our God is a faithful God. And that it’s okay if the only thing you know to pray is, “faithful you have been, and faithful you will be.”

I want to tell you that we have a good, good Father who loves us so, so much it’s impossible to comprehend.

I want to tell you all of this because sometimes we need to testify to God’s faithfulness in both the hard seasons and the good seasons.

Tomorrow I will step foot in a brand new season. At a brand new (to-me) school. With a brand new teaching position (5th - 8th grade Bible, to be exact). And brand new co-workers. And brand new students. And a brand new opportunity to trust God for the unimaginable and watch His faithfulness unfold in ways I don’t even know how to pray.

And I’m hyper aware that God alone moved Heaven and Earth to merge two things together that are both dear to me: ministry and teaching.

And I’m so, so grateful.

"But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and merciful God. You are patient and demonstrate great loyal love and faithfulness." Psalm 86:15

"O Lord God of hosts, who is a mighty one like unto You, O Lord? And your faithfulness is round about You [an essential part of You at all times]." Psalm 89:8

"Know, recognize, and understand therefore that the Lord you God, He is God, the faithful God, Who keeps covenant and steadfast love and mercy with those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations." Deuteronomy 7:9

 

Yesterday, Today and Forever

About 30 minutes ago our team sat down for our last supper here in Kenya. During that time, Isaac asked us if we were ready to fly home tomorrow. My response? It’s always bittersweet. Of course, we are all ready to see our friends and family, but entrance back into the normal routine, no matter how short or long, always proves to be difficult. Sitting in a cubicle doesn’t "feel as effective” as walking the streets of Kenya, meeting young girls and their mother’s, and preparing a new home for them, you know?

But, I also know the enemy is crafty and loves to whisper pretty little lies in our ears about our effectiveness while here on earth which, unfortunately, keeps most of us from walking in our God-given identity and calling. And the truth is, where He has you or me in this season is right where He wants you. If He hasn’t moved you, then He has people for you and for me to see where we are. Oftentimes, however, our stubbornness, comfort, discontentment and pride keep us from seeing them. Or moving. Lord, help us!

All of that to say, yes, we are ready to come home! We are ready to carry the girls on our hearts everywhere we go and spread what the Lord has done to everyone back home. This trip has gifted each of us all the feels, if you know what I mean. It’s been eye opening, and simultaneously full of joy.

Monday after our big celebration we were all fairly quiet. Do you know that feeling the day after a really good friend or family members’ wedding? On one hand you’re so happy to have witnessed the blessed event, and maybe even relieved that it's come and gone, but there’s a little bit of a letdown that accompanies it as well. You kind of want to do it all over again, but you also know that it wouldn’t bring you the same joy because that day was set apart. Holy to the Lord. And that’s how Monday felt. Instead of celebrating, per say, with the girls, we each were given a job at the house to accomplish. There are so many little things to finish before the girls move in, and the more hands the better, so we went at it. Although we may have all left a little intoxicated on paint fumes, we wouldn’t have had it any other way. After all, the only reason we came here was to serve those girls. Because they’re worth it.

Looking back, I think it was easy to set our eyes on the celebration and set aside the situations these girls are really dealing with, but the Lord gave us a peek into the lives of these girls, yet again, last night. It was not planned, but I am positive He wanted to remind us that this is not all fun and games and ribbons and pearls. This is very real. This is very dark. And the hardest has yet to come.

It prompted a conversation with one of the staff members of Rift Valley Fellowship about their entrance into Lulu Place. These girls have seen, heard and experienced way too much to not face some serious detoxes; and at 9 years old, nonetheless. They are excited and ready to move in, but I imagine the staff and counselors set in place to be their housemothers are about be working around the clock. We met each of them and I am so grateful for their willingness to take on such a huge task. The Lord obviously wanted to keep before us the reality, if only to remind us that there are thousands of girls with the exact same circumstances. To keep us praying. And aware. He is so faithful. 

Today we were taken on a safari. Need I say more? We saw lions and baboons and zebras and giraffes and hippos and water buffalos and so much more. It was amazing and fun and full of laughter. A very light day after a few days of heaviness. Not one of us will forget this huge blessing! (Because it's fun, here are a few pictures.)

Our group before heading out!

It was a good day to ride with the roof open.

This is what I like to call a Giraffe Glamour Shot. She felt very pretty today. And looked so as well.

Zebras fascinate me. God's creativity stood out to me today. You can't deny it!

We had a bit of rush hour traffic with the Baboons.

Happy ladies smiling on the safari!

Tomorrow before driving to the airport we will go to Lulu Place and meet with the girls one more time, then we will join Esther at Women of Courage Bible study. I have so many words about Esther that are hopefully in a post to come.

Will you pray for our time with them? The more time we spend with them, the more their hearts our etched on ours. It’s hard to deny hugs from girls who run to your van to hug you before you even step out. We are hoping to do some crafts with them and pray with them. But we’re open to what the Holy Spirit wants us to do. We just want to love them well.

And while you’re praying, may I add a few requests?

Will you pray for Lulu Place to come together very quickly? They were originally supposed to move in, but as I said there are a few more things to be done and all of that is being taken care of 24/7, but everyone is ready and waiting! Will you pray that as these girls wait the Lord would put a hedge of protection around them? That He would physically put protectors in their path to lead them away from harm. They are so vulnerable right now. Jesus, be near.

Will you also pray for Esther and Isaac and each of the workers at Lulu Place? And for their church, Rift Valley Fellowship? For their rest and health? I don’t even know how to tell you how hard they work. And with excellence and joy. Dreams don’t come true by sitting on the sidelines, they happen as you’re running your race, and staying in the race isn’t always easy. I am so impressed by their servant hearts. By their love for people. And their sheer selflessness.

Lastly, and most selfishly, will you pray for the eight of us as we head home? For safety and an easy entrance back into the states? For good attitudes and rest as we travel home to our people? For our hearts as we return and seek the Lord on how He wants each of us individually to be involved at Lulu Place?

I know I say it all the time, but we are so grateful and humbled by your prayers. You have carried us on your shoulders and we have felt it. The fight doesn’t end when we get home, it’s only just begun. I'm personally thankful for you, your words, and a God that, according to Hebrews 13:8, "...is the same yesterday, today and forever."