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 

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. John 1:16

These past few weeks have been crazy ridiculous and I'm so glad, for once in my life, that I have not gotten any sleep! Last wednesday my awesome siblings, Kelly and Landon, surprised me by singing Happy Birthday at my window at 11 o'clock at night. I was so excited to see them that I threw my pillows and covers all across my room; I didn't even bother to be quiet as I ran down stairs and screamed at their presence. Luckily my parents didn't hear so we were still able to surprise them afterwords. It was definitely one of the best weekends I've had in awhile--full of birthday celebrations, graduation happiness, me and my girl chaos, and total joy. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful family.

A Spoonful

Here's just a taste of my spring break :)

                                                    gorgeous sunset at point loma 

                                                                   The Silver Chair 
                                (secret waterfall discovered and named by Jake and me)

                                           Emma being anti-social on the train (HAH!)

                                                 Jake en route to waterfall discovery!

                                                            beautiful trees on hike

                                                 first signs of spring in Santa Barbara!

                                            another awe-striking sunset in san diego!

Happiness

I'm kind of on a blogging spree at the moment haha (partially due to my sister who apparently checks my blog often and is disappointed when nothing new has been posted! Sorry Kelly!). BUT I just got really excited because I found a chocolate protest-type letter on a site regarding Cadbury Creme Eggs!!!!!! Once a year on Easter my family gets Cadbury Creme Eggs. This has been a family tradition since I can remember. Unfortunately, in a recent conversation with my friend, Austin, I was informed that Cadbury in the United States has not yet converted to Fair Trade. This was heart-breaking considering the fact I have been eating Cadbury products all of my life. However, I did some research today regarding this issue and I stumbled upon a site with a sample letter to the CEO of Cadbury available to be sent by any Free Trade supporter (really just anyone who visits the site :)). Whether or not you agree with the idea, I THINK IT'S AWESOME! And it would be even more awesome if everyone everywhere (particularly the U.S.) sent this letter! The best part about it is that the letter is pre-written and waiting for people like me and you to send it via click of the mouse (of course you can edit the letter if you don't agree with certain parts of it--or all of it I suppose). All you have to do is type in your name and address, etc. Do it! 


http://www.greenamerica.org/takeaction/cadbury/


spread the word!

Juan and Only

If you know me, then you know I LOVE Dave Barnes. If you don't know me, well now you know. I also have a new found love for Andrew Ripp. And this video just shows how fantastic they are (along with some other awesome people)! AND if you don't know who either of those guys are then you really need to check them out! Really.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIdnxRQjhZQ

Ps. This is my dream to have a backyard concert that includes Dave Barnes!

Freedom Sunday!

As some of you know I recently had to give a persuasive speech in my English class. My teacher gave us the opportunity to choose whatever topic, so I argued against child trafficking, specifically supporting chocolate companies that participate in child trafficking. As far as I was concerned this speech was just going to be another one of those hurry-up-and-get-it-over-with type of things. But as it turned out, I became  very interested in my subject and have since continued to pursue researching child trafficking.

I have decided that I will not purchase any chocolate as well as support any other companies (clothes, coffee, toys, etc.) that are participating in child trafficking. This is WAY easier said than done. I love chocolate!!!...clothes and coffee are pretty great too. But these are all material objects that will not be with me in heaven. They most certainly do not define me and are therefore unnecessary. Is not a child's life more important than a chocolate bar?

I know being an abolitionist in as simple a way as this will make a  HUGE difference.
2 Chronicles 15:7

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”

If you are interested in learning more about child trafficking feel free to talk to me or check out these websites:
http://vimeo.com/10908340
http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/
http://www.transfairusa.org/