Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Fathers
So I don't really have time to be doing things like this. Not with all the stuff I need to get done. But it's often the case that no one has time to help with sacred space projects. So I will submit some of my favorite shots. The assignment: pictures of Fathers, being real Fathers. So not all of these fathers are always with the right child(ren), but hey that's just a small technicality. Now for all of you out there who are just browsing... Which one do you think my favorite is? Wes, you're not invited to take part in this little game. (He'd just spoil all my fun.)
already exhausted
VBS starts next Monday, yet I find myself already running down. Today Josiah and I left at 8:30am and got home around 6pm. It was a long day. I got a lot done too. (Josiah has been so good about the long hours.) I will take my camera tomorrow so that I can post a few pictures of my crazy decor project. No one else has volunteered to design me a stage. It's not like I have time to do it. I have a couple dozen other things I should probably be doing. But I really couldn't let the show go on without some sort of Fiesta backdrop. I may actually be able to finish it tomorrow. At least if I don't start a new section...
Saturday, July 08, 2006
backpacking - part 4, Friday
Friday morning we awoke to a gorgeous day. There was hardly a cloud in the sky. Thus we reconsidered and decided to take the ridge out. Surely we could out hike any afternoon thunderstorms.
We took our time getting breakfast. We then tried again to get a phone signal out. After being unsuccessful we headed to the lake to get some water. By the time we had packed up it was nearly 11am. It took us 50 minutes to ascend the hillside to the top of the ridge. Here, we were finally able to make a call out to Wes’s brother, Aaron.
The rest of the story isn’t very exciting. We booked it out. We made a couple of 15 minute pit stops but still made it out in less than two hours. Aaron met us on the trail. He was very disappointed that we had gone so quickly. He didn’t get to see much of the trail. By 2pm we were heading out in his truck. It felt like cheating to be riding in a vehicle. I was anxious to get a shower and to see my little boy.
Nothing really went as planned. Still, it was a good time, a bit scary, and very amazing. Next time we will go later in the year and actually make it to the other side of the trail at Anthony Lakes to have that picnic with our family.
We took our time getting breakfast. We then tried again to get a phone signal out. After being unsuccessful we headed to the lake to get some water. By the time we had packed up it was nearly 11am. It took us 50 minutes to ascend the hillside to the top of the ridge. Here, we were finally able to make a call out to Wes’s brother, Aaron.
The rest of the story isn’t very exciting. We booked it out. We made a couple of 15 minute pit stops but still made it out in less than two hours. Aaron met us on the trail. He was very disappointed that we had gone so quickly. He didn’t get to see much of the trail. By 2pm we were heading out in his truck. It felt like cheating to be riding in a vehicle. I was anxious to get a shower and to see my little boy.
Nothing really went as planned. Still, it was a good time, a bit scary, and very amazing. Next time we will go later in the year and actually make it to the other side of the trail at Anthony Lakes to have that picnic with our family.
Friday, July 07, 2006
backpacking part 3 - Thursday
Thursday we woke up to rain. No biggie. It rains in Eastern Oregon all the time in the early summer. They have lots of short showers and then the sun comes out. So I went back to sleep expecting to wake up to sunshine. It was still raining when we got up. No biggie, it will clear up soon. We had breakfast in the rain. No biggie, we’ll be having lunch on the peak. It continued to rain. We decided to fix lunch and get ready to go climbing. Surely once we reached the top of the trail, it would be sunny.
We headed out to climb Elkhorn Peak, but before we even started up the trail, we moved on to plan D. We decided that we best stick close to camp. Something big was brewing.
We explored the upper lake a bit and I got to do some more shooting (the fog made a sweet subject) before we headed back to camp. By the time we got to the tent we were dripping wet. We spent about two hours in the tent. It was then that I was really bummed that I’d forgotten Ziggity at home. After some time it seemed to be letting up and sure enough the sun was coming out.
I headed back out to shoot the after rain lakes. I climbed a hillside to shoot the upper lake waterfall. I came back to camp itching to climb the peck all the more. Wes had just awoken from his nap. We opted not to climb because the clouds were creeping back in.
At about 5pm a storm rolled over the ridge. Not just any storm, the biggie. (I was glad I wasn’t on that peak.) All the other showers seemed to be coming up the valley, but this one came in the other direction. We stayed out in the fog until the rain started. Soon it was pouring and our tent was leaking. Then it started to boom and crack. Every thunderous boom bounced around the rock cliffs. The lakes are surrounded on three sides by rocky, goat loved, slopes. It was nerve racking. Then the thunder and lightning became simultaneous. I jumped out of my skin. Wes comments that, “That one hit the ridge.” Silence. The ground shakes, the air vibrates, and the sky lights up with one more strike. My stomach jumps to my throat. I want to go home. I pray, I pray hard. “God, make it stop!” I’m scared. I’m on the verge of tears. A few more thunders. These ones are gentler. The thunder dies out, the rain continues. The rain slows. It’s almost 7pm.
As the rain dies out, I unzip the tent window. Wow. I quickly unzip the tent door and grab my boots. Wes hands me my camera. What a site! There in the sky is the most beautiful rainbow I’d ever laid eyes on. It’s so vivid. Its bands of color are thick. It’s huge. It stretches over the ridge and into the meadow. There is no way of capturing it on one picture. There is no way of capturing it so that others can see its true beauty. Rainbows are tricky that way. This is more than an ordinary rainbow. This is a promise from God. It’s a reminder that he was always there, through every thunderous strike. I stand in awe. God is good. God is amazing. God is awesome. I wander around half dazed in God’s glory. It’s beautiful there by the lake.
Wes wanders out to catch a glimpse. We make dinner plans. No hope for a toasty fire tonight. Wes boils water on our stove. Then he takes a stroll. He comes back to camp counting. We add the boiling water to our freeze dried dinner. We start more water for hot chocolate. We head back the way he came into camp. 400 feet later we’re at another camp ground. There are splinters of wood everywhere. Three trees were struck by the bolt of lightening that left me quivering. It’s terrifying. One tree is left so badly damaged that we wonder how much longer it will stand. I collect a few pictures and a couple souvenirs. We then head back for dinner.
After dinner Wes climbs a small hill. We’re trying to find a signal to phone out. I don’t want to hike the ridge tomorrow. I don’t want to get stuck in a thunder cloud. We move on to plan E, take the trail through the valley out. Wes talks to his mom briefly. She is to call back. We’re unable to connect again. Too many clouds have rolled in.
We decide to get ready for bed. It looks like it may rain some more tonight. It’s 9 and we’re ready for bed. I grab my boots to step out for a moment to use the little girl’s room. Wes follows suit. I head back to the tent. Wes asks if I’ve taken my boots off yet. I say yes. He says to put my glasses on and come back out. I don’t want to, it’s probably just more goats (they fascinate that boy). I pull my boots back on and rummage around for my glasses. Stepping out of the tent I realized that the clouds have cleared out. The stars have never been brighter. It’s amazing. God’s creation continues to floor me. We gaze at the stars together for a few moments. Wes heads back to the tent. I turn to a different section of sky. Wow, that was the biggest shooting star I’ve ever seen. I watch several more, smaller “stars” fall from the sky. I’m unable to get Wes to join me back outside. Time for some sleep.
We headed out to climb Elkhorn Peak, but before we even started up the trail, we moved on to plan D. We decided that we best stick close to camp. Something big was brewing.
We explored the upper lake a bit and I got to do some more shooting (the fog made a sweet subject) before we headed back to camp. By the time we got to the tent we were dripping wet. We spent about two hours in the tent. It was then that I was really bummed that I’d forgotten Ziggity at home. After some time it seemed to be letting up and sure enough the sun was coming out.
I headed back out to shoot the after rain lakes. I climbed a hillside to shoot the upper lake waterfall. I came back to camp itching to climb the peck all the more. Wes had just awoken from his nap. We opted not to climb because the clouds were creeping back in.
At about 5pm a storm rolled over the ridge. Not just any storm, the biggie. (I was glad I wasn’t on that peak.) All the other showers seemed to be coming up the valley, but this one came in the other direction. We stayed out in the fog until the rain started. Soon it was pouring and our tent was leaking. Then it started to boom and crack. Every thunderous boom bounced around the rock cliffs. The lakes are surrounded on three sides by rocky, goat loved, slopes. It was nerve racking. Then the thunder and lightning became simultaneous. I jumped out of my skin. Wes comments that, “That one hit the ridge.” Silence. The ground shakes, the air vibrates, and the sky lights up with one more strike. My stomach jumps to my throat. I want to go home. I pray, I pray hard. “God, make it stop!” I’m scared. I’m on the verge of tears. A few more thunders. These ones are gentler. The thunder dies out, the rain continues. The rain slows. It’s almost 7pm.
As the rain dies out, I unzip the tent window. Wow. I quickly unzip the tent door and grab my boots. Wes hands me my camera. What a site! There in the sky is the most beautiful rainbow I’d ever laid eyes on. It’s so vivid. Its bands of color are thick. It’s huge. It stretches over the ridge and into the meadow. There is no way of capturing it on one picture. There is no way of capturing it so that others can see its true beauty. Rainbows are tricky that way. This is more than an ordinary rainbow. This is a promise from God. It’s a reminder that he was always there, through every thunderous strike. I stand in awe. God is good. God is amazing. God is awesome. I wander around half dazed in God’s glory. It’s beautiful there by the lake.
Wes wanders out to catch a glimpse. We make dinner plans. No hope for a toasty fire tonight. Wes boils water on our stove. Then he takes a stroll. He comes back to camp counting. We add the boiling water to our freeze dried dinner. We start more water for hot chocolate. We head back the way he came into camp. 400 feet later we’re at another camp ground. There are splinters of wood everywhere. Three trees were struck by the bolt of lightening that left me quivering. It’s terrifying. One tree is left so badly damaged that we wonder how much longer it will stand. I collect a few pictures and a couple souvenirs. We then head back for dinner.
After dinner Wes climbs a small hill. We’re trying to find a signal to phone out. I don’t want to hike the ridge tomorrow. I don’t want to get stuck in a thunder cloud. We move on to plan E, take the trail through the valley out. Wes talks to his mom briefly. She is to call back. We’re unable to connect again. Too many clouds have rolled in.
We decide to get ready for bed. It looks like it may rain some more tonight. It’s 9 and we’re ready for bed. I grab my boots to step out for a moment to use the little girl’s room. Wes follows suit. I head back to the tent. Wes asks if I’ve taken my boots off yet. I say yes. He says to put my glasses on and come back out. I don’t want to, it’s probably just more goats (they fascinate that boy). I pull my boots back on and rummage around for my glasses. Stepping out of the tent I realized that the clouds have cleared out. The stars have never been brighter. It’s amazing. God’s creation continues to floor me. We gaze at the stars together for a few moments. Wes heads back to the tent. I turn to a different section of sky. Wow, that was the biggest shooting star I’ve ever seen. I watch several more, smaller “stars” fall from the sky. I’m unable to get Wes to join me back outside. Time for some sleep.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
backpacking trip - part 2, Wednesday
Wednesday we got all packed up and ready to head out. After about a mile into our journey, we hit our next snag, snow. We tried going around. We made it past our first major snow bank. Then we hit another. Wes was able to get around it without his pack. But there was no way he was going to tackle the hillside carrying his 45lb pack. So the short little section of snow kept us from trekking further down the Crest Trail. It was the only part of the trail that was even on the North side of the mountains. Had we been able to go that half mile, we’d have made it to the other side. But we couldn’t even make it to Rock Creek Butte.
On to Plan C:
Wednesday:
~Pack back to Twin lakes Trail Head
~Descend to Twin Lakes
~Get fresh lake water
~Explore the lakes and area
~Relax and enjoy life
Thursday:
~Climb Elkhorn Peak
~Enjoy lunch and the view
~Spend another night at Twin Lakes
Friday:
~Pack out
Back to Twin Lakes we went. Then down we went. As we came close to the end of our descent, I saw a picture I had to snag. As I was focused on that, Wes spied a huge herd of mountain goats. They spied us. I missed shooting them. About 15 headed out of the meadow below and up the craggy cliff. It was quite a site.
Upon arrival lakeside, Wes fixed lunch and I retrieved some fresh water. Boy was that water fresh. It tasted so good. It was cold, clear, clean, and smoke free.
After lunch we did some looking around for the best camp site. We got the pick of the crop, since no one else was there. That was one of the best things about the whole trip, not another soul was out there. We saw a forest ranger on the road as we headed in on Tuesday and a couple of guys on the trail as we headed out Friday. After setting up camp it was time to go explore.
We headed down past the lower lake so that we could see what was beyond the trees. What a site! Out of the lake tumbled a water fall, and it meandered and rolled down the hillside and into the meadow below. We explored it for some time. We also both took the opportunity to soak our hot feet it the cold, just recently thawed snow. It felt so good. Wes says he had a religious experience.
By the time we got back to camp it was time for dinner and a lake side sponge bath. It felt good to get cleaned up after being on the trail for the long, hot hike in the day before. It began to drizzle a bit in the evening so we headed in early for a good night’s rest.
On to Plan C:
Wednesday:
~Pack back to Twin lakes Trail Head
~Descend to Twin Lakes
~Get fresh lake water
~Explore the lakes and area
~Relax and enjoy life
Thursday:
~Climb Elkhorn Peak
~Enjoy lunch and the view
~Spend another night at Twin Lakes
Friday:
~Pack out
Back to Twin Lakes we went. Then down we went. As we came close to the end of our descent, I saw a picture I had to snag. As I was focused on that, Wes spied a huge herd of mountain goats. They spied us. I missed shooting them. About 15 headed out of the meadow below and up the craggy cliff. It was quite a site.
Upon arrival lakeside, Wes fixed lunch and I retrieved some fresh water. Boy was that water fresh. It tasted so good. It was cold, clear, clean, and smoke free.
After lunch we did some looking around for the best camp site. We got the pick of the crop, since no one else was there. That was one of the best things about the whole trip, not another soul was out there. We saw a forest ranger on the road as we headed in on Tuesday and a couple of guys on the trail as we headed out Friday. After setting up camp it was time to go explore.
We headed down past the lower lake so that we could see what was beyond the trees. What a site! Out of the lake tumbled a water fall, and it meandered and rolled down the hillside and into the meadow below. We explored it for some time. We also both took the opportunity to soak our hot feet it the cold, just recently thawed snow. It felt so good. Wes says he had a religious experience.
By the time we got back to camp it was time for dinner and a lake side sponge bath. It felt good to get cleaned up after being on the trail for the long, hot hike in the day before. It began to drizzle a bit in the evening so we headed in early for a good night’s rest.
Backpacking trip - part 1, Tuesday
The plan:
Tuesday (June 26)
~Start at the Marble Creek Trail Head
~Pack in four miles to Twin Lakes trail head
~Drop packs
~Hike an additional mile
~Climb to top of Rock Creek Butte
~Enjoy a late lunch on top of Butte
~Return to Twin Lakes trail head
~Descend one mile to Twin Lakes
~Set up camp for the night
~Enjoy a hot dinner
~Head to bed early
Wednesday
~Get up early
~Pack out of Twin Lakes
~Proceed NW along Elkhorn Ridge
~Pack 10.5 miles to Summit Lake Trail Head
~Descend 1.5 miles to Summit Lake
Thursday
~Pack up 1.5 miles to Crest Trail
~6 miles along trail
~Descend into Dutch Flat Lake for the night
Friday
~Dutch Flat Lake to Crest Trail
~4 miles on Crest Trail to Anthony Lakes
~Enjoy lunch with our family at Anthony Lakes picnic area
~Go home for a long deserved shower
So that was our optimistic plan. No problems, strait through the trail, lots to see, and lots of tired feet.
Our first snag hit us first thing. Our ride could only take us within 3.5 miles of the trail head. So at 9am on Tuesday morning, we headed up the road to the trail head. It was a steep road. We ate our lunch somewhere on that road. We were exhausted by the time we reached the trail head at 2pm. At that point another 4 miles seemed daunting. Especially when we realized that it too would be another gradual uphill climb.
After a nice long rest and applying a fresh patch to my blister, we were on the Elkhorn Crest Trail at last. Four hours later we finally made it to the Twin Lakes Trail Head. We were ready for dinner and a much deserved night of sleep. The thought of a mile down hill switchback trail was more than our shaky legs could bear.
Plan B:
We made the decision to camp on the trail for the night. Wes made a fire and we made dinner and set up camp. The only problem with sleeping on the ridge was that our best water source was at the lake. So we decided that we would just melt and filter snow. Lovely idea. It took forever. It tasted nasty too. Were we really going to drink that nasty for 12 miles? YUCK!
The cool things about the day included amazing views, our first of many mountain goat sightings, more amazing views, meadows of wildflowers, more amazing views, and a beautiful pink cloud sunset.
Tuesday (June 26)
~Start at the Marble Creek Trail Head
~Pack in four miles to Twin Lakes trail head
~Drop packs
~Hike an additional mile
~Climb to top of Rock Creek Butte
~Enjoy a late lunch on top of Butte
~Return to Twin Lakes trail head
~Descend one mile to Twin Lakes
~Set up camp for the night
~Enjoy a hot dinner
~Head to bed early
Wednesday
~Get up early
~Pack out of Twin Lakes
~Proceed NW along Elkhorn Ridge
~Pack 10.5 miles to Summit Lake Trail Head
~Descend 1.5 miles to Summit Lake
Thursday
~Pack up 1.5 miles to Crest Trail
~6 miles along trail
~Descend into Dutch Flat Lake for the night
Friday
~Dutch Flat Lake to Crest Trail
~4 miles on Crest Trail to Anthony Lakes
~Enjoy lunch with our family at Anthony Lakes picnic area
~Go home for a long deserved shower
So that was our optimistic plan. No problems, strait through the trail, lots to see, and lots of tired feet.
Our first snag hit us first thing. Our ride could only take us within 3.5 miles of the trail head. So at 9am on Tuesday morning, we headed up the road to the trail head. It was a steep road. We ate our lunch somewhere on that road. We were exhausted by the time we reached the trail head at 2pm. At that point another 4 miles seemed daunting. Especially when we realized that it too would be another gradual uphill climb.
After a nice long rest and applying a fresh patch to my blister, we were on the Elkhorn Crest Trail at last. Four hours later we finally made it to the Twin Lakes Trail Head. We were ready for dinner and a much deserved night of sleep. The thought of a mile down hill switchback trail was more than our shaky legs could bear.
Plan B:
We made the decision to camp on the trail for the night. Wes made a fire and we made dinner and set up camp. The only problem with sleeping on the ridge was that our best water source was at the lake. So we decided that we would just melt and filter snow. Lovely idea. It took forever. It tasted nasty too. Were we really going to drink that nasty for 12 miles? YUCK!
The cool things about the day included amazing views, our first of many mountain goat sightings, more amazing views, meadows of wildflowers, more amazing views, and a beautiful pink cloud sunset.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
backpacking photos
Our backpacking trip didn't exactly go as planned. (Not that we didn't have a great time.) I'll tell you about it later. For now, I hope you enjoy these pictures.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Feeling a bit scattered
Over the course of the last two weeks, I've had what seems like a million things to do. Some of those things just aren't going to get done at this point. I've been getting all the things I need to get for a four day backpacking trip. I've spent a crazy amount of time and money shopping. The past couple of days have been insane. We're going to go to Eastern Oregon for 10 days, plus two days driving. So we're packing for almost two weeks and for the backpacking trip. I'm almost done. The car is more than full. Now I just have a few more things to do that have to happen. For instance, I must pay the bills before we leave. Humm, the phone bill was due Wednesday. Oops. On top of everything I've been sick. Not bad sick. Just sick enough. So once again I'm heading East, sick.
So have a good life. I'll see you in a couple weeks. I'll miss you. Till then, I'll leave you with one last photo. Okay, how about three?
So have a good life. I'll see you in a couple weeks. I'll miss you. Till then, I'll leave you with one last photo. Okay, how about three?
Sunday, June 18, 2006
my own hiking pictures
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Envious
Have you ever thought, "I want to go there"? Of course you have. I'm Jealous, Stephen. I want to shoot that picture. I'm guessing I'm not the only one either. How about it, Dave? A trip to Triangle Peak seems in order...
Everyone needs to look at the bear post again. Stephen sent us a photo. :O)
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Take me out to the ball game...
Items of note:
Michael needs a new avitar photo.
Chris is making contact.
Abigail has cute piggie toes.
While Rachel crosses home, Nate rounds third while talking on his cell home. After his arrival to home plate he tells the person on the other end, "Well, gotta go."
Becca hit the ball. You can barely see it at the center edge of the frame.
Too much fun. More photos to come...
Michael needs a new avitar photo.
Chris is making contact.
Abigail has cute piggie toes.
While Rachel crosses home, Nate rounds third while talking on his cell home. After his arrival to home plate he tells the person on the other end, "Well, gotta go."
Becca hit the ball. You can barely see it at the center edge of the frame.
Too much fun. More photos to come...
birthdays
Tomorrow we are going to two birthday parties. One for Josiah's friends. One for our friend. Josiah has only ever been to his own birthday party. He seems excited about going to Ethan and Emily's party tomorrow. Josiah will be three in October. The day he turned two seems like such a long time ago. 
Sleepy mommy
Josiah has been having trouble sleeping tonight. I spent much of my time between 1 and 2:15 with him. At 2 I finally got him to tell me what was up. He was hungry. He's had to have midnight snacks several times in the last few weeks. I asked him at 1 if he was hungry. He's never awake enough or calm enough to tell us what's up right away. So I end up trying several things to calm him until he's awake enough to eat a snack. Well, now he's sleeping and I can't. I'm so tired. I want to sleep. But I toss and turn. What ever happens to the childhood days of being able to sleep anywhere?
Friday, June 09, 2006
How last week came to be…
Previously posted on the Ethnos forum due to blogger being down...
This past week I have been reminded that God is amazing. He truly does have plans for our lives, amazing plans. He does do things in His time. Wow, His time is not our time.
Let me explain…
God gave me a great family. I have a mom and dad who have been together for over 30 years. I also have two brothers, one younger and one older. God placed me in a Christian home. Not a perfect little home, but one where I learned much about serving Him and trusting in Him. I’ve come to learn over the years that God does things on purpose.
Why exactly did my art teacher submit my artwork for the parent newsletter in Jr. High? So that God could open my eyes to the real kind of talent that I had locked away within. Sure, I’ve always been creative. My parents have always known that. But when I saw the newsletter, my heart skipped a beat. Wow, I was really good at something. I wasn’t just the quiet, smart girl. My art teacher thought I was good. All my peers were going to see my artwork too. I think it also caused my parents to also take a second look at my artistic skills. That year for my birthday, they gave me art supplies; a sketch book and a couple dozen berol prismacolor pencils. God was beginning to work His plan.
Over the next few years I really grew as an artist. I took art whenever I could. During my freshman year, my art teacher introduced me to watercolor. I love watercolor. I also made a decision that year. I had been thinking about what I wanted to do with my life. I had two real strong loves at school, art and math. So I put them together and discovered architecture. From that point on, I was going to be an architect. Did I pray about the decision? No. I just made a decision. Was it the decision that God wanted me to come to? I believe so.
After my freshman year, I had an opportunity to go on a mission trip to Mexico. It’s the only mission trip I’ve ever been on. It was an eye opener. It broke my heart the first time I laid eyes on the slums. It wasn’t right. People needed real homes. These were glorified cardboard boxes, large cardboard boxes made of wood, tin and tires. It was in that moment that God first called me. He gave me a gentle tug on my heart. It said, “you could do something about some of this, some day.” I felt that I would be back, that some day I would design a home for some of these people. Not big fancy American dream homes, but something they could be proud of, something that would offer these children a safer place to sleep at night. God was working His plan.
Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do , and your plans will succeed.” It’s the way I felt. I didn’t spend a lot of time praying about all these decisions. (I know my mom did though.) But I felt that God knew that whatever I set my mind to, I would do for Him. I also felt that He would slam the door in my face, if I wasn’t going a direction that He had in mind for me. I asked Him to write me a letter with detailed plans for my life. It never came.
My senior year I applied to one of the best architectural schools, our own UO (hurray for instate tuition). As part of my application I was required to write two essays. My parents went to Bible study one evening and I began to write. I was done by the time they got home. They had prayed for me while I was writing. God poured an essay out through me. It really was His essay. It wasn’t just an essay to get into school either. It turned out that it was an essay to get money for school as well. God paid for my first year and a half of school with that essay.
Architecture was a lot of work. It was a tough course of study. Lots of people said it would be tough; my architecture mentor, my drafting instructor, other people who claimed to know. I laughed. After all, I was a strait A student. I knew tough. I took all of the highest level classes that were available to me in high school, with one exception. (I had to skip Spanish 4. It was only offered once during the day. Architecture 3 and 4 were also only offered once during the day. At the same time as Spanish 4.) They say that architecture students have the largest files at the health center, larger even than the highly stressed law students. After five years and 231 credit hours at the UO, I understood way. (Yes, it takes 231 credits to earn a Bachelor in Architecture.)
During my last year of school, I took all my classes from one instructor. I took three classes for a total for 20 credits. Ginger taught us how to design a camp. We had a large site on which we had to build various buildings; cabins, dining halls, kitchen, ampatheater, gardens, etc… God was preparing me for his plan.
After school I got married. Then I spent some time trying to get a job in the field of architecture. It’s a tough place to get your foot in the door when you’re an unassertive quiet kind of person. But being a domestic engineer wasn’t so bad. It gave me a chance to learn autocad more in depth. I got involved with children’s ministry. I took up photography. Eventually, I became a mommy. So it’s been a good seven years. Seven years for God to mold me, grow me, and shape me. Seven years for me to find out who I really am. It’s been good.
A few months ago Josiah and I were downtown at the mall. There was a display set up. It was for the people’s choice architecture awards. Josiah had fallen asleep in his stroller. So I spent an hour picking through my options and then voting. During that hour I began to remember what it was about architecture that I loved. I longed to sit down at my drafting table and draw. I didn’t know it, but God was reigniting a spark in my heart, a passion and desire for architecture.
Last week, God called. He called in an email from a friend. A friend I met just one year ago. She has a vision for the children of Kenya. I’ve fallen in love with that vision. The email was a request for help. It was a request for the knowledge that I had spent five years gaining. It was a call from God to do my part in His plan. The part of His plan that He has been preparing me for.
I didn’t expect the call. I didn’t expect it to come at this time, or in this way. I didn’t expect it to be for Kenya. But that was God’s plan all along. I’m designing homes, for children in Africa. I’m designing them a school. I’m designing the buildings where they will grow and learn free from the struggles and hungers they once knew. Why? Because God has a plan for their lives too. Because God has given my friend a vision. I’m amazed by God’s plan. I’m astounded by His timing.
This past week I have been reminded that God is amazing. He truly does have plans for our lives, amazing plans. He does do things in His time. Wow, His time is not our time.
Let me explain…
God gave me a great family. I have a mom and dad who have been together for over 30 years. I also have two brothers, one younger and one older. God placed me in a Christian home. Not a perfect little home, but one where I learned much about serving Him and trusting in Him. I’ve come to learn over the years that God does things on purpose.
Why exactly did my art teacher submit my artwork for the parent newsletter in Jr. High? So that God could open my eyes to the real kind of talent that I had locked away within. Sure, I’ve always been creative. My parents have always known that. But when I saw the newsletter, my heart skipped a beat. Wow, I was really good at something. I wasn’t just the quiet, smart girl. My art teacher thought I was good. All my peers were going to see my artwork too. I think it also caused my parents to also take a second look at my artistic skills. That year for my birthday, they gave me art supplies; a sketch book and a couple dozen berol prismacolor pencils. God was beginning to work His plan.
Over the next few years I really grew as an artist. I took art whenever I could. During my freshman year, my art teacher introduced me to watercolor. I love watercolor. I also made a decision that year. I had been thinking about what I wanted to do with my life. I had two real strong loves at school, art and math. So I put them together and discovered architecture. From that point on, I was going to be an architect. Did I pray about the decision? No. I just made a decision. Was it the decision that God wanted me to come to? I believe so.
After my freshman year, I had an opportunity to go on a mission trip to Mexico. It’s the only mission trip I’ve ever been on. It was an eye opener. It broke my heart the first time I laid eyes on the slums. It wasn’t right. People needed real homes. These were glorified cardboard boxes, large cardboard boxes made of wood, tin and tires. It was in that moment that God first called me. He gave me a gentle tug on my heart. It said, “you could do something about some of this, some day.” I felt that I would be back, that some day I would design a home for some of these people. Not big fancy American dream homes, but something they could be proud of, something that would offer these children a safer place to sleep at night. God was working His plan.
Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do , and your plans will succeed.” It’s the way I felt. I didn’t spend a lot of time praying about all these decisions. (I know my mom did though.) But I felt that God knew that whatever I set my mind to, I would do for Him. I also felt that He would slam the door in my face, if I wasn’t going a direction that He had in mind for me. I asked Him to write me a letter with detailed plans for my life. It never came.
My senior year I applied to one of the best architectural schools, our own UO (hurray for instate tuition). As part of my application I was required to write two essays. My parents went to Bible study one evening and I began to write. I was done by the time they got home. They had prayed for me while I was writing. God poured an essay out through me. It really was His essay. It wasn’t just an essay to get into school either. It turned out that it was an essay to get money for school as well. God paid for my first year and a half of school with that essay.
Architecture was a lot of work. It was a tough course of study. Lots of people said it would be tough; my architecture mentor, my drafting instructor, other people who claimed to know. I laughed. After all, I was a strait A student. I knew tough. I took all of the highest level classes that were available to me in high school, with one exception. (I had to skip Spanish 4. It was only offered once during the day. Architecture 3 and 4 were also only offered once during the day. At the same time as Spanish 4.) They say that architecture students have the largest files at the health center, larger even than the highly stressed law students. After five years and 231 credit hours at the UO, I understood way. (Yes, it takes 231 credits to earn a Bachelor in Architecture.)
During my last year of school, I took all my classes from one instructor. I took three classes for a total for 20 credits. Ginger taught us how to design a camp. We had a large site on which we had to build various buildings; cabins, dining halls, kitchen, ampatheater, gardens, etc… God was preparing me for his plan.
After school I got married. Then I spent some time trying to get a job in the field of architecture. It’s a tough place to get your foot in the door when you’re an unassertive quiet kind of person. But being a domestic engineer wasn’t so bad. It gave me a chance to learn autocad more in depth. I got involved with children’s ministry. I took up photography. Eventually, I became a mommy. So it’s been a good seven years. Seven years for God to mold me, grow me, and shape me. Seven years for me to find out who I really am. It’s been good.
A few months ago Josiah and I were downtown at the mall. There was a display set up. It was for the people’s choice architecture awards. Josiah had fallen asleep in his stroller. So I spent an hour picking through my options and then voting. During that hour I began to remember what it was about architecture that I loved. I longed to sit down at my drafting table and draw. I didn’t know it, but God was reigniting a spark in my heart, a passion and desire for architecture.
Last week, God called. He called in an email from a friend. A friend I met just one year ago. She has a vision for the children of Kenya. I’ve fallen in love with that vision. The email was a request for help. It was a request for the knowledge that I had spent five years gaining. It was a call from God to do my part in His plan. The part of His plan that He has been preparing me for.
I didn’t expect the call. I didn’t expect it to come at this time, or in this way. I didn’t expect it to be for Kenya. But that was God’s plan all along. I’m designing homes, for children in Africa. I’m designing them a school. I’m designing the buildings where they will grow and learn free from the struggles and hungers they once knew. Why? Because God has a plan for their lives too. Because God has given my friend a vision. I’m amazed by God’s plan. I’m astounded by His timing.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Dreams of CMU's dancing in my head
Well, it looks like I may be designing some actual, real life buildings. Wow. Exciting. Scary. I'm looking forward to it. It's amazing how God works his plan. I never thought I'd be designing buildings in Africa. God did. He's giving me an opportunity to touch the lives of many children by simply designing a place for them to live, learn, and grow. God's amazing.
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