super seasons

Sooooooooo I promised my friends long ago that I would post pics and I haven't yet. BUT, I will now :D Here are some pics from this year for your viewing (ps. photo credit to Brad Elliott, Kierstin Brown, and myself for the pics):

first winter in Tahoe!!! 

new camera :)

entire city of Tilaran, Costa Rica

different views from hike above Tilaran

SO MUCH SNOW in Tahoe (not Costa Rica haha)

my beautiful bestie, Emma and I at sm graduation

overlook in hope ranch at sunset. recommended visit :)

my other beautiful bestie, Lauren and I at our favorite spot 

Alyssa balloons!!!!!!! 

feast of a champion, Alyssa Smelley :D

Free Methodist Church in Tilaran

rancho in Esterillos, Costa Rica

spectacular Nacho Libre moment. one of a kind

fourth of july!

overlook. too good.

this is what happens to a bunch of high schoolers in the airport late at night :D

hot springs!

helping out in Tilaran

hike to the cross!

hanging out in Tilaran

new friends!

saying hello to our new friends :D

new friends, for real this time :)

so much joy seeing kids stoked to get bibles

Selah joining in on our team meeting

one of the girls' room in Esterillos. crazy beautiful view!

last day in Costa Rica :(

hendry's

Drifting

I'm not really sure where I should begin. These last few months have been crazy full of new things all of which ended too soon. They were fun at the time and I was content. But not spiritually. I put my faith in things that would not last and pretended they would. After distancing myself so far away from God, I found myself wandering in loneliness and despair. God had never left me, but I had left Him. I chose to walk away, I chose to throw myself to the bottom. I don't regret anything that happened, but I am certainly not proud of my spiritual decisions. I'm still far from the top, but I have hope that I'll get there eventually.


Beautiful Redemption 
Joy Williams

I've had my forty days and forty nights at sea
I've had forty years in the wilderness, or so to speak
I've walked with sand from the ocean floor on my feet
To turn and say you left me

I'm a doubting Thomas in needing to believe
I'm a perfumed sinner just like Magdalene
I'm Judas kissing on your cheek eager to decieve
I am all of these

Chorus

I cry, Father, Father, forgive me
You say, Child, I already have
You are beautiful
Beautiful Redemption
You are Beautiful
Beautiful Redemption

I'm the guilty thief that's hanging by your side
and my shame is dying with your sacrifice
And all my fears come crashing down as I look in your eyes
I see paradise

Hallelujah (we all, we all, we all fall down)
Hallelujah (we all, we all, we all fall down)
Hallelujah (we all, we all, we all fall down)
Hallelujah (we all, we all, we all fall down)

You are beautiful
Beautiful Redemption
You are Beautiful
Beautiful Redemption