So summer has officially begun in my little world. Austin & I are working together this summer as interns at our church. We have approximately 15 sports and activities camps that we are overseeing, along with various other odd jobs around the church that the pastor assigns to us. Don't worry, we're not leading all of those camps. There are church members who have donated their time to serve the kids in the neighborhood that need something to keep them occupied. It's going to be an exciting summer and I can't wait to see what God is going to do in and through our church!
At home, things are looking up. We're all still processing Poppy's passing and dealing with it in our own ways. It still seems strange to think about him not being there when I go see Granny. Granny came to our church this past Sunday and even our pastor said it was strange to see her sitting in the back and him not sitting next to her. She's having to deal with "customer service" people now and it's pretty obvious she hasn't done that in quite some time. It's almost entertaining to hear her fuss at the people on the other end of the phone line. Then I think about how often those people have to deal with frustrated customers and I almost feel bad for them.
Herman returns from China in 13 days! I'm starting to get excited. The other day I was thinking about it and there's definitely going to be an adjustment period once he arrives. He's been away for almost 7 months now and I've adjusted to his absence. Having him around will be great, but there will probably be a few extra struggles at first. None the less, I'm anxiously awaiting his return and I can't wait to give him a giant bear hug and a big ol' kiss!
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Whew!
So, obviously, it's been quite awhile since I last posted. It's actually been over a year. I'm so terrible about updating things like this, but I felt the urge to do so today.
Let me just start by saying that 2013 has been a year of changes in my life. I began the year at Passion in Atlanta. Man, what a way to start the year! This was the second time I attended Passion and it was amazing. For those of you that don't know what in the world I'm talking about, let me tell you. For 4 days, 60,000+ college students joined together at the Georgia Dome to worship our God. It's an awesome time because not only is there massive corporate worship, but you're placed in Community Groups and then into smaller Family Groups of about 6-8 people. These Family Groups are really what make the experience personal. So often we go to Christian conferences and camps and get on this spiritual high and then come home and nothing has changed. That's not the case with Passion. You can't help but be changed during that time.
This year was extra special because of the awesome people that made the journey with me. Last year, it was just Herman and I. This year, it was Herman, Austin (my brother), Emily (my best friend), Lauren (my "sister"), Michael (Lauren's boyfriend), Bethany (my British best friend), Pete (a dear friend and brother in Christ), Chris (a long-time friend) and I. To have the opportunity to share this experience with such special people who mean so much to me was indescribable.
Shortly after that little excursion, Herman left for his semester abroad in China. I'm so glad he has been able to take the opportunity to further his education in a unique way. However, I was a little nervous about him going and not looking forward to being apart. My nerves were eased a bit when I realized that Herman walking down the streets of Chengdu would not be as conspicuous as me walking down those same streets. He has had an awesome time so far. Originally, he was supposed to come back on Mother's Day (May 12), but he is now returning on July 1. This is a compromise we came to since he wanted to stay until mid-August. I informed him that mid-August was not acceptable, especially since I am losing Emily (the next best thing to Herman haha) at the beginning of August. So, July 1 it will be.
On January 14, my PaPa (PawPaw) went to be with the Lord. He was such a strong man and firm believer in the Lord. We knew his time on Earth was drawing to a close, but it was still difficult. He was 92 years young and had lived a very full life of raising four children and more grandchildren and great-grandchildren than I can count, preaching and worshiping God, hunting, gardening and just being an inspiration to many. My family and I made the journey to Blacksburg through the snow and spent a few days celebrating the life and legacy of PaPa.
During the second week of March, Emily and I spent our Spring Break together at the Biltmore. We had both decided that we should do something for Spring Break since we usually just work more hours and lead a boring life without classes. It was a great week spent just relaxing and taking in the beautiful scenery and mansion there in Asheville.
March 29 was my mom's 50th birthday! Although we didn't have a big party or anything like that, we made sure to have crows in the yard, make breakfast in bed for her, and have a few special presents to give her. I think she was surprised by the crows in the front yard. Her brother works with a friend from his church to put out the yard signs and "critters" that say happy birthday and what not. He decided that our yard needed decorating in honor of mom's big day.
The biggest change in my life this year took place on May 27. My Poppy (mom's dad) had been in Blacksburg with his brothers and sister as they began cleaning out his dad's house (my PaPa that had passed away in January). On Monday, my Poppy left early in the morning to come home and was so excited to share with us all of the things he had gotten while cleaning out. Unfortunately, Poppy did not make it back to his earthly home that day. He went to be with his Savior in his heavenly, eternal home. On his way home, he was in a single car accident that ended his life. He was 72 years young. I can't even begin to describe the heartbreak we are all experiencing. Honestly, I assumed we would have many more years together since longevity seemed to run in his family (his mom was in her 80s when she passed and his dad was 92). But, we all know how assumptions go.
I know that the full weight and reality of his passing still hasn't hit me yet. My Granny is making her way through this tragedy with the help of all the love from friends and family. I was shocked and so encouraged by the number of people who came to remember him and share stories at the visitation and funeral service. I know that reality will settle in soon enough and I honestly don't know what I'll do at that point. But I know without a shadow of doubt that my Poppy is praising God in Heaven among the angels. God will bring my family and me through this difficult time and His name will be lifted up. It's already been lifted up and shared. Since Monday was a holiday and there was a major initiative going on regarding seat belts (and my Poppy never wore one), a local news station wanted to do a documentary about my Poppy and the accident. My uncle did the interview, but he told the interviewer that he would only do it if they promised not to edit the interview to the point that his message was lost. Well, they kept their word. At the end of the interview, my uncle stated that we have a peace about his passing because we know that he had trusted in Jesus as his savior and that Poppy is now in Heaven. That part was included in the interview that was shown on the 6 o'clock news! We were all so shocked and so pleased. It's amazing how a life that is dedicated to Christ can continue to spread His word, even after that life has ended!
Like I said, I don't know what I'm going to do without my Poppy. I was his "favorite granddaughter", and his only granddaughter as well as the oldest grandchild. There was definitely a special bond between Poppy and me and no one else will ever be able to fill that place in my heart. Right now, I just miss him. I feel like he's just still in Blacksburg and he'll be coming home anytime now. I know that's not the case because he is already home. Please just pray for my family. Poppy was such a great leader and role model to all of us and he will be missed so much by so many people.
As I continue on my journey through this life-changing year, I am preparing to once again be a summer intern at church. We currently have about 15 camps planned throughout the summer. It's sure to be an exciting one. Emily and I will be leading a Mad Scientist camp in the middle of July and I can't wait! Next semester I will do my student teaching and graduate in December. I can't believe it's almost time for me to enter into the real world! Wish me luck!
Let me just start by saying that 2013 has been a year of changes in my life. I began the year at Passion in Atlanta. Man, what a way to start the year! This was the second time I attended Passion and it was amazing. For those of you that don't know what in the world I'm talking about, let me tell you. For 4 days, 60,000+ college students joined together at the Georgia Dome to worship our God. It's an awesome time because not only is there massive corporate worship, but you're placed in Community Groups and then into smaller Family Groups of about 6-8 people. These Family Groups are really what make the experience personal. So often we go to Christian conferences and camps and get on this spiritual high and then come home and nothing has changed. That's not the case with Passion. You can't help but be changed during that time.
This year was extra special because of the awesome people that made the journey with me. Last year, it was just Herman and I. This year, it was Herman, Austin (my brother), Emily (my best friend), Lauren (my "sister"), Michael (Lauren's boyfriend), Bethany (my British best friend), Pete (a dear friend and brother in Christ), Chris (a long-time friend) and I. To have the opportunity to share this experience with such special people who mean so much to me was indescribable.
Shortly after that little excursion, Herman left for his semester abroad in China. I'm so glad he has been able to take the opportunity to further his education in a unique way. However, I was a little nervous about him going and not looking forward to being apart. My nerves were eased a bit when I realized that Herman walking down the streets of Chengdu would not be as conspicuous as me walking down those same streets. He has had an awesome time so far. Originally, he was supposed to come back on Mother's Day (May 12), but he is now returning on July 1. This is a compromise we came to since he wanted to stay until mid-August. I informed him that mid-August was not acceptable, especially since I am losing Emily (the next best thing to Herman haha) at the beginning of August. So, July 1 it will be.
On January 14, my PaPa (PawPaw) went to be with the Lord. He was such a strong man and firm believer in the Lord. We knew his time on Earth was drawing to a close, but it was still difficult. He was 92 years young and had lived a very full life of raising four children and more grandchildren and great-grandchildren than I can count, preaching and worshiping God, hunting, gardening and just being an inspiration to many. My family and I made the journey to Blacksburg through the snow and spent a few days celebrating the life and legacy of PaPa.
During the second week of March, Emily and I spent our Spring Break together at the Biltmore. We had both decided that we should do something for Spring Break since we usually just work more hours and lead a boring life without classes. It was a great week spent just relaxing and taking in the beautiful scenery and mansion there in Asheville.
March 29 was my mom's 50th birthday! Although we didn't have a big party or anything like that, we made sure to have crows in the yard, make breakfast in bed for her, and have a few special presents to give her. I think she was surprised by the crows in the front yard. Her brother works with a friend from his church to put out the yard signs and "critters" that say happy birthday and what not. He decided that our yard needed decorating in honor of mom's big day.
The biggest change in my life this year took place on May 27. My Poppy (mom's dad) had been in Blacksburg with his brothers and sister as they began cleaning out his dad's house (my PaPa that had passed away in January). On Monday, my Poppy left early in the morning to come home and was so excited to share with us all of the things he had gotten while cleaning out. Unfortunately, Poppy did not make it back to his earthly home that day. He went to be with his Savior in his heavenly, eternal home. On his way home, he was in a single car accident that ended his life. He was 72 years young. I can't even begin to describe the heartbreak we are all experiencing. Honestly, I assumed we would have many more years together since longevity seemed to run in his family (his mom was in her 80s when she passed and his dad was 92). But, we all know how assumptions go.
I know that the full weight and reality of his passing still hasn't hit me yet. My Granny is making her way through this tragedy with the help of all the love from friends and family. I was shocked and so encouraged by the number of people who came to remember him and share stories at the visitation and funeral service. I know that reality will settle in soon enough and I honestly don't know what I'll do at that point. But I know without a shadow of doubt that my Poppy is praising God in Heaven among the angels. God will bring my family and me through this difficult time and His name will be lifted up. It's already been lifted up and shared. Since Monday was a holiday and there was a major initiative going on regarding seat belts (and my Poppy never wore one), a local news station wanted to do a documentary about my Poppy and the accident. My uncle did the interview, but he told the interviewer that he would only do it if they promised not to edit the interview to the point that his message was lost. Well, they kept their word. At the end of the interview, my uncle stated that we have a peace about his passing because we know that he had trusted in Jesus as his savior and that Poppy is now in Heaven. That part was included in the interview that was shown on the 6 o'clock news! We were all so shocked and so pleased. It's amazing how a life that is dedicated to Christ can continue to spread His word, even after that life has ended!
Like I said, I don't know what I'm going to do without my Poppy. I was his "favorite granddaughter", and his only granddaughter as well as the oldest grandchild. There was definitely a special bond between Poppy and me and no one else will ever be able to fill that place in my heart. Right now, I just miss him. I feel like he's just still in Blacksburg and he'll be coming home anytime now. I know that's not the case because he is already home. Please just pray for my family. Poppy was such a great leader and role model to all of us and he will be missed so much by so many people.
As I continue on my journey through this life-changing year, I am preparing to once again be a summer intern at church. We currently have about 15 camps planned throughout the summer. It's sure to be an exciting one. Emily and I will be leading a Mad Scientist camp in the middle of July and I can't wait! Next semester I will do my student teaching and graduate in December. I can't believe it's almost time for me to enter into the real world! Wish me luck!
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