Tuesday, June 19, 2007

A Surprise

The past few weeks have been full and exhausting. I have returned home from my trip and have started my nannying job full swing. Last week I was in the middle of writing a post when I received a call from Jordan. I was a little surprised that he was calling me a little earlier than our normal time range of calling, but I was delighted that he had the time to talk earlier. Jordan asked me if I had seen the moon. I had not, and I thought he was being sweet because he knows I love to look at the moon, so I went outside only to be dismayed that I could not locate the moon due to all of the trees and houses. Jordan then asked if I had looked across the street, and when I turned there he was standing! I was completely surprised I thought he was coming late the next day. I think the first thing I said was "what are you doing here?" I was speechless and could hardly fathom that he had caught me so completely off guard. It was a wonderful surprise that my whole family knew about and enjoyed keeping from me. We had a wonderful weekend with my family. Jordan even came with me to watch the kids, they loved him and now always ask me about him.
Sadly right after Jordan left I got really sick. I totally lost my voice and had a terrible head cold. Last week was pretty miserable since I still had to watch the kids (it was horrible without energy and a voice). I think the second day I came home and went right to sleep vowing never to have kids. Thankfully God has restored my health and I am feeling much better. I am really enjoying being a nanny to these children-- Carter, Quinn and Lela.
My days are long with them since their parents are gone 9-10 hours a day. I often wonder how parents can leave their children in the care of others for so long and miss so much of their day. Of course there are times when they are horrible and fight and are mean to each other, but most of the time they just enjoy being kids and having fun together.
Tomorrow I am flying to Chicago! I am so excited to see Jordan and his family again. We will then drive to Minnesota to go to our friends wedding.

Saturday, June 2, 2007

Western Pennsylvania

Currently I am in western PA visiting my Aunt and Uncle! I really wanted to visit them before I started work and was totally busy with the summer. I was able to make the trip alone since the rest of my family is working.
Right after my family moved back to America, after living in Germany my whole life, we moved to this part of Pennsylvania. I attended the small Christian school as a 7th grader. It was the first time that I had any school instruction in English, needless to say I was a little behind in my reading and writing skills. My Aunt Grace and my mom spent a lot of time helping my brothers and me get adjusted to living in America. Aunt Grace played a key role in my life, I will never forget the afternoons I spent at her house drinking tea and talking about...anything we could think of. My Aunt has an enormous heart that is filled with love for God and for people. She shared that with me and it was not long until I found some of the joy she has in Christ. Through her gentle ways and affirming smile I gained confidence as an awkward preteen and learned to love God in a way that has grown since my time with her.
Now as I am back at their house I enjoy remembering the fun days I spent here in my childhood I love how not much has changed in the house. I watch my Aunt Grace as she is faithful to the ministry that God has called her to (my uncle pastors a small baptist church down the road), and listen to her prayers that reflect a deep love and a vibrant relationship with God.
The surrounding area is gorgeous! It is backwoods Pennsylvania, I will include pictures in my next blog.
My brothers girlfriend, Jamie, just got tested for Celiac. She had been suffering with many of the same symptoms that I had had. The test results are due back on Wednesday. If it comes back negative then more testing will be done to figure out what is wrong. If it comes back positive then I will be thankful that she did not have to endure the symptoms very long, but it will be a big adjustment to a new lifestyle. If you would remember to pray for her as it is an emotional time waiting for the results I really would appreciate that. Right now she is on a gluten free diet as the doctor directed and is feeling amazing! So much better already, so it does seems like Celiac is the problem. She recently found out that it runs in her family as well. It was rather shocking to me when she started experiencing the same kind of pain and problems that I had for so long. It almost seems too weird for her to have the same gluten intolerance. I know that God can use it in her life as He has in mine, for His glory.