Car Melt

I absolutely love getting in the car after it's been sitting in the sun in the parking lot. Half of you are going "ooooh yeah!" and the other half are saying "yeeeeck, that's the worst!". I've conducted some informal surveys and the love/hate of Car Melt seems to be gender split.

Additionally while I've been typing Marc has been playing "YMCA" and I had to keep stopping my typing in order to dance and do the motions. I guess I didn't "have" to, but I did.

Here I Sit

Here I am. Waiting. For what? I'm not really sure. The week to end so I'm off of work for a week? The Dominican Republic? Stress to leave me so my mind is clear (ha.)?

One thing I'm waiting for is my chiropractor appointment on Friday. I seriously think I'm addicted to neck adjustments. Getting my neck cracked is like a drug to me.

Marc and I went to go on a date last night - the intent was to go mini golfing and then get ice cream...but then we decided we were too hungry to golf first so we ate dinner at Meyer's...then we figured we were there so we'd just get the ice cream pre-golf game. Then we went to the golf place and it was closed. Fail. So we went to Target. Not the same, I know, but we picked up a few things we needed and still had a blast. Marc makes me laugh so hard that it is really unsafe when I'm driving and he's with me. Luckily, no one died last night.

I'm almost all packed for the DR. Need to do one last load of laundry at the end of the week so I have a full stock of undies packed, but otherwise I'm all set. The amount of things I'm bringing for Malea is rivaling the amount of things I've packed for myself. Luckily I like her a lot (and I'm exaggerating).

I'm excited to see Malea, the kids, and spend lots of time with my seniors graduates, but I'm going to miss Marc, Lily, and Tucker. I always miss them. Cold noses, licks, giving belly rubs, goatees, smiles, laughter, sassiness, floppy fuzz lips (attention reader: the previous list is a mix of both human and dog things :) ). I'll cherish every cuddle and smooch this week because it will have to last me through next week too! Lily and Tucker probably won't even care that I'm gone. The sooner I leave the sooner they get to sleep in the bed with Marc for a week.They'll probably escort me out the door...

And Onward They Go

Wowza. My HSM seniors are graduating in less then a week. They were freshman when I started working with HSM. Now they're seniors. They're graduating. They're leaving. Eeeesh. I don't like change. But this change is good and they're excited about it so I have to put on a brave face and pretend like I'm totally cool with it.

Today we celebrate them! We had them stand in church and prayed for them. They were surround by their families, friends, and other members of their church family as we prayed for them to move forward, eyes on God, strongly and courageously. We reminded them that no matter where they look God will be there - they just have to look. We reminded them that they are their brother's keeper and they need to support each other, sharpen each other, and guide each other.

We honored them with a celebration after church. After a deliciously catered lunch (thanks Aaron!) we watched their senior video - they each shared some memories, some advice, and some thoughts on where they had seen God work in their lives over the past four years. A theme repeated over and over again was the importance of having strong Christians friendships. After 14 months of wondering if they heard me it made my heart overflow to hear each of them, unbeknownst to the others, say that. An example of how God is always showing me the benefits of patience!

We had them stand with their parents and had their parents share a blessing over each of them. I always think it's good to have the students see their parents faith active.

We ended it with the blooper reel. I have dreamed of having a blooper reel for several years now and Doug made it a reality this year! It was 15 minutes long - half the length of the video itself. This fact should give you an idea of the kids in the group :) Doug made the video awesome - he's the greatest!

It's been a wild ride. Frustrating, yes - without a doubt. But in the end they grew closer to Jesus that was the goal. They'll keep growing and to do that I need to pass them off to the next Apollo who will water them. I'm scared to do that, but I know it'll grow me too. What do I always say? Let go and let God. I guess I need to listen to my own advice...

I'm proud of you guys - more than you'll ever know (because I'll never tell you because I don't like talking about my feelings). I love you. Go live for Jesus.

Diez dias

Diez dias. Ten days. Ten days until I am in the glorious sunshine at the Rose of Sharon Orphanage in the Dominican Republic listening to the shouts and laughter of the kids. Following Malea's lead, I'd like to make a list of ten things I'm looking forward to - in no particular order:

10. Hugging Jalin
9. Hearing "Americanos! Americanos!" as the Daihutsu pulls into the orphanage
8. Holding little hands as I walk from place to place
7. Unlimited hugs
6. Poking David's nose
5. Popping up out of bed to make Malea laugh
4.Watching my HSMers seek God and discover Him in the most unlikely of places as their hearts are shaped
3. Seeing my BFF after 8.5 months and our initial jumping/screaming hug
2.Watching the sunrise (so the answer is yes!)
1. Being used by God

Bliatus?

I've seriously been considering a blog hiatus. A bliatus. I can't bring myself to do it though. I enjoying sharing stories with you...except I never do. Then I feel guilty for not blogging. So it's yet another stresser in my life. I can't give it up, but be patient with me dear friends - the Pensyls will always be here to blog...just not daily...

That being said about 80 cool things have happen in life in the nearly two months since I've blogged last so sorry about that...