kaylee joy

Stuck.

2008-12-21T17:39:00.002-05:00

Today is Sunday. I was supposed to be home two nights ago. But when I woke up Friday morning, my front yard looked like this out the sliding glass door in my living room.

Unfortunately, our plane was delayed until today. At 3:13 pm. But when I woke up this morning, my from yard looked like this out the sliding glass door in my living room.

Of course, the airport's online server is down, so you can't see flight statuses coming and going from Grand Rapids. And Carina and I were calling all day to see what we should do once we saw that our flight was canceled. Finally, I got a hold of a nice woman at Continental's costumer service. She was very helpful and very friendly, but the best she could find us was a flight into Portland's airport on Christmas day. So I got that, and then bought tickets from Portland to Eugene, because weather is bad on the west coast too.

Let's just hope my front yard looks a little cleaner on Christmas morning.

2008-12-10T15:47:00.000-05:00

January 14th, I get to go see Sean Watkins (Nickel Creek) and John Foreman (Switchfoot) together, as Fiction Family, at Calvin! Come out and see them with me :)

2008-12-08T19:34:00.001-05:00

Today I auditioned for the Women's Chorale, and was so happy when Dr. Shangkuan told me I had made it right then and there. It means that I'll get to head back out to the Pacific Northwest for our spring break tour, home! I'll be in Portland, performing in mid-march. I'll keep you posted on the details.

2008-10-30T17:39:00.000-04:00

Ah, the joys of having one's own kitchen.

http://www.bake-share-eat-repeat.blogspot.com/

And by the way, after much thought and reflection of my eating habits and beliefs about the meat industry, I've decided to become a vegetarian. It may be hard (considering how meat just tastes so good sometimes) but I think I will be much happier knowing that my lifestyle reflects my values.

2008-08-31T10:30:00.000-04:00

Back in GR

Wednesday evening around 6:30 my plane finally touched down in the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. I'm back. Carina's former room mate Amy was there to pick us up, and take us back to her place. We freshened up, then headed out again to go see more friends. We drove over to Colin's place (and Mitch's place, and Johnny's place, and ben, tony, kevin, ben, nathaniel, etc) and were greeted with hugs and a delicious meal out on the front porch. Later Emma Slager and Oliver stopped by, as well as Asa and Mag. So many friends the first evening back, it was great!

Thursday morning I didn't wake up until noon. But that's 9:00 am west coast time, so it's not as terrible as it sounds. Amy, Carina and I went swimming, grocery shopping, and made a delicious curry dinner which we shared with Donnie (best friend of Amy, and fun guy). After dinner we went out to the movies which was fun, even though Wanted was a slightly disappointing movie.

Friday Amy and Donnie headed off to Texas to visit Donnie's family. Amy kindly left her car here for Carina and I to use. We packed up our things and headed over to Colin's house to spend the next two nights. We also did a little shopping for a few things we'll need in our new place. But not too much. Most of our shopping will have to wait until we get into our apartment (tonight!).

Yesterday (Saturday), I got a lot of reading done. As well as some exploring of the neighborhood. In the later afternoon, we walked down to gas light village with Colin, and napped in the shade by Reed's Lake. Then grabbed some delicious ice cream for the walk back.

Tonight, Carina and I will be able to move into our new apartment. I'm excited to finally get settled in my own space. I start working on tuesday, meet with the head of academic services on wednesday (to talk about my plan now that I've changed majors), work on thursday and friday, celebrate ana's birthday on thursday night, and pick up Carsten and Dathan from the airport friday evening. Classes start the 8th.

(and no, I haven't actually been to see the Calder - bir red sculpture, and symbol of Grand Rapids - yet, but I'm sure I'll see it soon)

2008-08-15T17:03:00.000-04:00

Today I finished my final day of working at Bergeson-Boese & Associates. Well at least for this summer. I'm still sitting around the office though, because Mom insisted that her, Carina and I all drive in one car this morning, and she takes off at noon. So I'm stuck here until Dad is ready to go. And it's only two o'clock, so I'd imagine I have at least another good two and a half hours. Oh, and I forgot to mention that Dad's truck is in the shop, so we'll have to get a ride out there from someone. Looks like only driving one car to work today didn't really pay off today.

I'm finished doing online chemical spill research.
I'm finished making trips to the county office, and copying deed records.
I'm finished taking up large tables at the public library, surrounded by piles of Eugene City Directories.
I'm finished awkwardly waiting around at the City Building, waiting to talk to someone about "storm and waste water hook-ups."
I'm finished ordering aerial photographs.
I'm finished sending reminder e-mails to clients asking them to get their questionnaires back.
I'm finished faxing forms to the fire department.
I'm finished I'm [almost] finished filling out time sheets.
I'm finished asking for "petty cash."
I'm finished proof-reading reports.
I'm finished filling out tables, trying to decifer what's "upgradient," what's "downgradient," and what's "side gradient."
I'm finished highlighting things in pink.
I'm finished printing out maps and drawing 1/4 mile and 1/2 mile radius circles around the subject properties.
I'm finished calculating ground water depth.
I'm finished getting paid.

Now I only have two and a half more days at Dynamic Measurement Group, and I'm all done for the summer. Wednesday is a party for the summer interns, and my job for that half day is to set up for the party up at Hendricks Park. Whoo!

2008-08-14T12:05:00.000-04:00

As of Saturday evening, I decided upon changing my major. I was at the best coffee shop in Eugene (The Wandering Goat) with Carina after a fabulous day frequenting the Saturday market and the Whitaker neighborhood bloc party. We were sitting at a high table sipping our delicious lattes - made with hazelnut milk - and talking about life. Somehow the subject of what we're studying in school came up, and all my doubts about my chosen career path came out. Don't get me wrong, I've loved [almost] every bit of my engineering courses, and I picked chemical engineering in the first place because of my passion for math and chemistry. However, the more I've thought about life after school and the more I hear, "oh, chemical engineering and french? interesting. what do you plan on doing with that??" I realize I can't foresee an enjoyable career in engineering. When people ask me what I want to do after I finish school, two things usually come to mind: travel and maybe teach someday. So, after a 45 minute discussion with Carina, I decided I was going to change my major. I'm going back to school this fall to study mathematics and secondary education (along with my French) - I'm going to be a high school math teacher. Looks like Mr. O'Donahue had a big influence on me in AP calc.

Sunday morning rolled around, and at least six people at church asked me what I was studying. With most people I shared my thoughts from the night before, but not with everyone - because I hadn't even told my parents yet. Mom was out of town. Sunday afternoon I told my parents, who are ever supportive of whatever I want to study. (Thank you!) Monday I contacted the school, was assigned a new advisor, and informed of what classes I'd need to take this fall instead of engineering statics and dynamics, physics 235, engineering math 232, and C++ computer programming. Instead of these fun - but at the same time miserable classes, I'll be taking math 256 (linear algebra and something something else) education 102, french 215, sociology 151, computer science 108, the same two choirs as last year, and an aerobic dance PE class.

As of yesterday I have my class schedule all fixed and all my books ordered. I leave for Grand Rapids in the early early morning of August 27th, out of Portland. I'll be sad to leave Eugene again, but I'm so excited for this school year. I feel nervous about the complete change in plans, but very excited and at peace about my decision. And I so dearly miss my many friends from Calvin.

I'm looking forward to classes. I'm looking forward to my new job (desk receptionist in the dorm I lived in last year). I'm looking forward to baking bread two or three times a week again with Carsten. I'm looking forward to sharing an apartment with Carina. I'm sad that my good friend Leo won't be returning. I'm anxious to go back to my church. I can't wait to start learning Handel's Messiah. I look forward to going apple picking at the orchard. I can't wait to see my old room mate again. I hope to play another game of eucher with Pole (yes, that's 'Paul' with an English accent). I excited for what God has in store for me this year.

2008-08-10T12:03:00.000-04:00

Friendships are strange and fabulous things. One's very closest friends often change from year to year, or month to month. Friendships change and people change, and interests change. And it can be hard when you notice friendships fading due to changing interests and habits, when you care for the people just as much as always.

But what a joy it is, when you realize that a friendship has survived through turbulent ups and downs. That events that often tear people apart are gently put aside. It's an incredible feeling to realize that after a year of change, you are once again on the same page. You can talk about anything, you understand each others frustrations, and you enjoy each others company.

God gifted me with a few such friends this summer.

2008-06-17T14:12:00.000-04:00

Last night I attended Jamie's 8th grade gradutation. She looked absolutely stunning in her new dress, she seemed incredibly happy, and she is now quite a bit taller than me. She is growing up. Oh how I wish I could be home for her high school years. But I'll have to make do with being home only for the summer months.

I love her.

2008-06-12T14:27:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I sit at work with nothing to do. This is one of those times.

2008-05-22T00:44:00.000-04:00

Home for the Summer

Today I have been home for a total of 5 days. I arrived at the Eugene airport Friday night to be welcomed by my family and the Selvens. It was wonderful to see everyone at once. We headed out to dinner together and got to spend a little time catching up. What a lovely welcome home party. I even got to see James at the airport.

The next morning, After feeding the homeless under the bridge with my family, Carina and I took Jamie graduation dress shopping. She found the cutest dress right away. She looked stunning. But we decided to put it on hold, just so we could check out a few other places. Unfortunately, the people at the store didn't know the meaning of "may I put this on hold please? My name is Jamie." Because we came back a few hours later and they had sold it to another girl. ugh. Oh well, they felt bad, and gave Jamie three 25% off coupons, so we'll be returning when their next shipment comes in. Saturday night I made it over to Peter Barnes's house (a close friend from school for 12 years) for his going away party. Peter left on his two-year Mormon mission this morning. He is so excited to learn russian and bring peop

le joy and hope. I am proud of him.

Sunday Morning I went to church. It was really nice to see so many familiar faces at church. I spent so much time hugging people that I was a few minutes late to Beth's Sunday school lesson. She talked about spiritual gifts, and how we can nurture the gifts present within our church. Very interesting, and hopefully a good start to some good work in our congregation. At church I got to see Anna and Page, which was wonderful. I had missed them both so much over the school year. If I remember correctly, Sunday night I spent at home with my family.

Monday morning I woke up nice and early and got ready to go to the oral surgeon. Out with the wisdom teeth! I remember very very little. When I finally became really conscious, I was lying on the couch at home and mom was changing the gauze in my mouth. She was wonderful to me. I iced my face all day, and wasn't swollen at all by the late afternoon. I even at dinner: yumm bowls!

Tuesday morning, I woke up at 4:45 am. My face was quite swollen and uncomfortable, and I couldn't sleep. I got up to get some more ice, and tried to fall back asleep. I spent most of the day reading. Anna Karenina is a very good book so far. I would recommend it. Around 10:45, Peter Barnes came over to say goodbye and catch up a bit. He so kindly brought me some chocolate ice cream, and it was gone before the morning was over! We had a great time sharing college stories, talking theology, and saying goodbye. It will be quite a while before I see him again.

Today (Wednesday), I didn't wake up until 9:30. Last night I was out late watching Iron Man with Ginny, Jay, David, Andrew, James and DK. But I got up and found a note from my mom on the kitchen table. She asked me to cook up some chicken for this weekend (we're going to Seattle for Jamie's volleyball tournament), so I spent the first part of the morning in the kitchen. The rest of the day I spent reading, writing letters, making graduation cards for friends, wasting time on facebook, and complaining that my face is still puffy. Not quite as uncomfortable as yesterday though.

I only have a few more week days left to enjoy before I have to start work. Tomorrow I'm sharing lunch with a good friend, and I'm very excited. It's important to catch up with the people you haven't seen for months.

Hopefully tomorrow my face will be back to normal.

2008-04-17T02:16:00.001-04:00

I know that for me, two things this year have been really helpful in my walk with Christ.

First, it's those few and precious friends who share my faith, who are regularly encouraging me to dig into God's word. It's those friends who also struggle with ideas of a perfectly good and just God, who created this world full of people, many of whom won't be saved. It's these friends that not only suggest good readings, but read them with me and to me; as we discuss them together I get excited. Sometimes I am frustrated, but more often I am given a sense of peace or awe at the mystery of God. It's these friends that will sit in the Fish House café and discuss the concepts of predestination and free will while going through passages in Romans and Malachi that are hard to reconcile with. And being able to apply new knowledge I've been exploring and learning about through my theology class just gives me excitement and passion for Christ.

The other thing has been my church. Carsten and I have been attending Woodlawn CRC church since November. Sticking around after the service to get to know and talk with the pastors, grabbing some coffee with the congregation downstairs only to spill it all over myself when I shake one of my professor's hands, and being recognized but other members of the congregation have made us begin to feel at home. Just like any church, it has it's strengths, and it's areas that are still being improved, but that's not what matters. It's the act of showing up, for the purpose of learning and worshiping our creator. What a joy to realize that all week I'm looking forward to church on Sunday morning.

April 16, 2008 11:15 PM

2008-01-25T20:42:00.001-05:00

January Is Coming To An End.

Interim finished on Wednesday, so I've had a few days to do whatever I feel like. It was so wonderful dancing so much over interim, that I miss it already. I would love to take ballet classes for the rest of the school year, but none are offered on campus, and I have no means of transport (or payment) for classes elsewhere. Oh well. Now that I've started getting back into shape, I've decided to head to the gym. Been going every day to run on the elliptical for at least half an hour, it feels good.

I've also taken these past few empty days to get some little things done. I have been doing work towards possible engineering internships this summer, and have applied for scholarships for next years enormous tuition bill. And of course, I manage to find plenty of time to hang out and have fun. Last night I went out to dinner and bowling with some friends from my floor. My two biggest accomplishments of the night:
1) I ate my huge red robin's burger faster than anyone else (except for Mag)
2) I got a double while bowling! yeah.

I think I'm looking forward to next semester, but I won't really know what it's going to be like until it starts. Mostly, I'm just looking forward to the return of Carina (tomorrow night) and Carsten (Sunday night).

Oh, I've also been getting some good reading done, and have become hooked on LOST, thanks to my wonderful room mate Ana.

I think that's about all for now.

Here is Asa, Me and David. At the bowling alley.

Here am I with Byron, Chandler (top), Mag, and Erika.

2008-01-08T18:25:00.000-05:00

January

I arrived back in Grand Rapids nearly a week ago, but it already feels like it's been much longer. I came in on Wednesday night a little over an hour late. My friend Zach picked me up from the airport, and kindly helped me haul my large suitcases up to my room. It felt both strange and nice to be back at Calvin.

The next morning classes started bright and early. Most people take one class during interim, but some choose to travel (like Carina) or work or study abroad. I'm here on campus, taking a DCM (developing a Christian mind) class. Every calvin student is required to take a DCM class once, and usually you take it your freshman year. There are about 30 to choose from, and there's quite a variety of subjects. The course I'm taking is called Human Nature, and it's basically a psychology class. So far, in the first four days of class, we've talked about worldviews, main differences between the Christian worldview and those of the world, the brain and it's functions, the difference between "mind" and "brain," and hermeneutics. We've studied some scripture, and I think we will used passages and characters in the Bible to illustrate many topics in the curriculum. We've already had one paper to write; the question was "what does the Bible say about human nature?" I actually enjoyed writing it, and finding passages from scripture to support my thesis. I think this class will be really good, and my professor is amazing.

I'm also taking a ballet class, just to keep exercising, and attempt to get back into the shape I was in while dancing back home. That will be difficult, because I was once dancing 12 hours a week, and my Ballet II class only meets on Thursday and Friday afternoons from 12:00 to 3:00. I found it quite annoying that Ballet I meets Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and we meet Thursday and Friday. Why not spread them out over the week? The way it is now, I wait nearly a week between Friday's class and the following Thursday. So I talked to my teacher, and she said I was allowed to go to Ballet I's classes as well, if I wanted. After classes last week, I was so sore. Everything from my neck to my abs, my but to my calves to my feet. But I went back today, and worked off most of the soreness. It's so nice to be back in ballet class.

After ballet, I work on the little homework I get, then just hang out, something fun always comes up. Bowling, movie, Ethiopian food, book club, shopping for groceries, whatever. I find myself bored sometimes, but I think it's mostly because it's strange not having Carsten here with me. I miss both him and Carina, and am eagerly awaiting their return.

I will probably start working again this week. During January, work is voluntary, and first come first serve. Which is nice. I can work as little or as much as I want, any night I want to.

Calvin also has an awesome January Series, a series of guests who give amazing lectures, everyday in the Fine Arts Center. It's packed to the max every day. I've only been able to attend once so far, because ballet conflicts with it, but it was really good. Sonia Nazario, the author of Enrique's Journey, came to talk about illegal immigration from central America. She gave her first hand account of what the journey is like, and why it is made by so many single moms, and later their young children. It was heart-wrenching, and I found myself tearing up. She also talked about the political side of the issue, and gave multiple perspectives on the issue of immigration. I think everyone left feeling more informed and aware of the national issue.

Well, that's about all there is for now. I'll probably forget to update for another few months, but I'll do my best to try. Letters, phone calls and e-mails are always welcome, especially if you want me to keep in contact with you better. Love you all,
kaylee joy

2007-11-11T21:29:00.000-05:00

Godspell, My Brightest Diamond, and Forty-Two Bananas

Since Kaylee hasn't updated this for over a month, she thought she'd share just a few of the highlights of the past week or two.

First up: Halloween.
October 31st marked not only Halloween and Reformation Day, but also the birthday of Kaylee's good friend Gretchen. Turning 19, Carsten and Kaylee realized there were only two appropriate ways to celebrate: the opera and bananas. Gretchen's older sister was here visiting, so Carsten and Kaylee took them to the Grand Rapids Opera to see Carmen (a most wonderful French opera). Having acquired free tickets to the dress rehearsal via Calvin's music department, they figured they could splurge a little afterwards by treating Gretchen to an after-opera-snack at Steak-n-Shake. The delightful occasion has been documented by a Polaroid picture, currently tacked to Gretchen's wall. Unfortunately... due to lack of an accessible vehicle, Carsten and Kaylee failed to purchase their desired gift for Gretchen in a timely manner. They were forced to wait until the following weekend...
Kaylee and Carsten, after finally finding a car, drove to Meijer (the local grocery) and purchased forty-two lovely bananas. They spent the entire following day coming up with witty, Gretchen-related rhymes to write on each banana. After completing this task with the help of colorful sharpies, the bananas were stealthily hidden in Gretchen's bed. Surprise!

Next: Luke, Carsten and Godspell.
This weekend, Kaylee was ever so fortunate as to have a lovely visit from the wonderful Luke Timothy Johnson. Luke arrived around 3:00, and had a little time to explore the campus before Kaylee got out of class. She hurried out of physics with Gretchen, and went and found Luke at the Library. She brought Luke back to the dorm, and showed him around a bit. He saw her slightly untidy room, and then got to meet Carsten. Then rest of the afternoon was spent in a walking-tour of Calvin's campus, given especially by Kaylee and Carsten. Luke then took the two of them out to a wonderful dinner at Rose's, a lovely restaurant right on the lake. The three of them barely made it back to campus in time to see the Calvin Theatre's production of Godspell. Carsten slept through much of it, and Kaylee and Luke weren't extremely impressed. Godspell doesn't make it on Kaylee's list of favorite musicals.

Finally: My Brightest Diamond.
Last night, Kaylee, Gretchen, Jillie, Carsten, and some other guy squished into Chad's car, and drove down town to the Ladies' Literary Club to see My Brightest Diamond in concert. The opening band was quite annoying, however My Brightest Diamond was amazing, and a very good performer. The performance was enjoyed by all.

The weekend is almost over, and Kaylee has three tests and a quiz to look forward to this week.
That's all for now.

2007-11-11T21:25:00.000-05:00

Flying Cows!

SPOKANE, Washington - A cow plunged from a 200-foot (61-metre) cliff onto the hood of a minivan on a highway in central Washington state, according to police.

The car's occupants, Charles and Linda Everson, were not hurt in Sunday's accident, but the cow was euthanized at the scene.

"If the cow had fallen a split second later, the animal would have landed right in their laps," said Jeff Middleton, criminal deputy of the Chelan County Sheriff's Department.

Middleton estimated the animal weighed 600 lbs (272 kilograms), or the average size of a mature cow. It had been missing for two days and wandered 5 miles from home near the popular Lake Chelan tourist area.

I'm beginning to rethink my decision about not going to school in Spokane.

2007-11-11T20:52:00.000-05:00

Where are all the Bulgarian Prostitutes Going?

Global Warming: now it hits brothels

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

If people could still do this, they wouldn't want prostitutes. Or something like that.

Brothel owners in Bulgaria are blaming global warming for staff shortages.

They claim their best girls are working in ski resorts because a lack of snow has forced tourists to seek other pleasures.

Petra Nestorova, who runs an escort agency in Sofia, said: 'We have hired students, but they are temps and nothing like our elite girls.'

This is an important issue that's been on my mind for a few days. What do you guys think?

2007-09-28T11:34:00.001-04:00

So... it's been quite a while now, since I've posted. Here's a little bit, here and there, of what I've been up to...

hanging out and doing homework with my friends...

Here's my suite mate Debbie (left), and my Physics and Calculus buddy Gretchen. Debbie and I have so much fun, all the time... probably too much of the time. We talk about everything, from the important and deep, to the pointless and illogical. She makes me smile, and always puts me in a good mood. Also... sometimes she makes me get out of bed, so I'll make it to class on time :)
Gretchen too, has been a blessing to me. To have a good friend in my math and science class, is wonderful. Usually it turns out that I help her with calc, and she comes to my rescue when I attempt my physics homework. We make a good team. We met the week before school started, we were in the same orientation group together, so we also have the freshman intro class together once a week.

Writing letters, doing homework, playing cards, and baking...

This is my friend Carsten. His older brother, Dathan, is good friends with Carina, so we knew a lot of the same people when we got to Calvin. Carsten and I hang out often, and usually spend our evenings writing letters to people back home (always coming up with new and creative ways of communicating with people through snail mail), playing cards (Gin, Euchre, and Cribbage are our favorites), or baking over at Dathan's apartment - if we're not studying, that is. So far... we've baked three different banana breads, and a delicious apple pie. As well as pancakes, but that doesn't really count.
We didn't have a cribbage board... so we made one out of an old book we bought from the library. We glued the pages of Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography together, then nailed holes in it for the pegs. We left a few pages at the beginning of the book, on which to record our scores...

Here's a few pictures of my dorm building: Kalsbeek-Huizenga... with Debbie and Carsten.

I've also been attending some good concerts. I'm going to see the Grand Rapids Symphony again tonight (for the second time), and I've also seen Shapes & Sizes (really good), The Yeasayers (even better), Martin Sexton (really good), and Ryan Montbleau (even better).

Classes are going well. I got my first paper back today, from history class. I got an A!!! That made me pretty happy, so I had a good morning.

Well, I'm off to lunch. I'll try and update this again soon. Love you all,
Kaylee

2007-09-12T15:52:00.001-04:00

Some pictures of my Dorm...My room mate, Ana Stutler. Isn't she gorgeous?Our big bathroom, that my room mate and I share with our suitemates. Our awesome building (Kalsbeek Huizenga) has by far, the largest bathrooms on campus!
Ana and I fully equipped our room with a comfy chair, a few nice floor lamps, a large fridge, a television and dvd player, and a telephone!

The view into my room from the door. Beds in the foreground, desks and comfy chair in the background. My bed is on top, resting on our book shelves.

yeah... so that's about it for now. I'll take more pictures, of things more interesting sooner or later.

2007-09-10T11:00:00.000-04:00

Tears before the Lord

Having never before been a big fan of poetry, I was surprised as I was moved to tears, moments ago in Chapel.

As I entered the Chapel, I was greeted at the door and given a tasty looking apple. I found a seat in the back, between two friends, and began singing the opening song. After singing, we sat down and the Chaplin, who is new this year, began his first message of the year. He began telling us the story of how he came to Christ...

40 years ago, he set foot on Calvin's campus, not a Christian. He made his way through his first three years still an unbeliever. It was halfway through his senior year, in a literature class, that Paradise Lost, a poem by Jon Milton changed his life. He read to us the portion he had read in class, and as Eve bit into the apple, we all did as well. He told us of how as he took that bite of apple in class, he felt the spirit within him. It was the bite that eventually lead him home. And he's been coming home ever since.

He then prayed the most beautiful prayer, and as I sat there listening, and praying with him, silently, I began to cry. We stood up and sang Amazing Grace, and it was the most passionately I've ever heard it sung before.

Chapel, one in which everyone has chosen to attend and worship, is an amazing experience.

When the Calvin community comes together to worship, the spirit is present, and his power is visible. Every Sunday night, there is a LOFT service (Living Our Faith Together). Last night, the music was good, and the message was even better. Having just discussed the gospel of Ruth the night before with a few guys on my floor, it was great to find that we would be studying the very same book. And many conclusions we drew the night before, were reinforced in the message of the LOFT service. Then as we got ready to leave for the night, everyone held hands. (imagine a circular room, with everyone holding hands...) We sang a song of encouragement to one another, and of praise, with our hands up, in awe, during the chorus.

What an amazing community.

Thanks be to God.

2007-08-30T18:33:00.000-04:00

well... looks like my plans for classes I'll be taking this first semester, have slightly changed - and I've had to unwillingly accept it. Neither Choir I got into by audition fits into my schedule, because they conflict with my physics class and my freshman intro class. Nugget! I have decided to join the Gospel Choir though, because I figure I'd rather sing with a not-so-good choir, than not sing at all. Maybe even more saddening, is the fact that I can't take French this term. Apparently, I'm already taking 17 credits, and I can't add French without removing history (which is a core class that I really need to get out of the way). So... after an entire summer of speaking French only to Ginny, I must wait another 5 months before I can possibly be in another French class.

On a happier note:
-I have a new Asian friend named DK!
-I heard a guy in my Quest group (freshman orientation thingy) today say "nice!" with that strange tone I acquired from Anna :)
-My sister's friend Oliver, has offered to give me all his old engineering books, which could easily save me $200.
-I love my room mate.
-Tonight I'm going to a lake with my Quest group...
-I've had a lot of fun staying up late with my floor... but that means I fell asleep during probably 4 different boring presentations to the freshmen today. ooops.

2007-08-28T20:49:00.000-04:00

Today I met with an advisor, to finally figure out my schedule. Finally, after months and months of debating in my mind, I've decided to major in Engineering. Once again, I will be surrounded by males. I hope to major in French as well, which leaves me with the daunting idea of taking 5 years to graduate. Hopefully I enjoy school at Calvin! I'm excited for this coming semester, which begins September 4th, but am also slightly nervous, as I realize I'm taking on a hefty load...
Engineering 101
Engineering 106
Calc II
Physics 133
French 215
Campus Choir
Oratorio Choir
and either a History, Writing, or Religion class

On top of that, I'm looking to find an on-campus job as soon as possible, to have a little spending money available. Time for fun and time to study are going to have to fit in there somewhere too!

But the Lord has blessed me with an amazing room mate, and I look forward to the next few months.
Thank you for your prayers.

2007-08-28T20:38:00.000-04:00

As I look back on the last few weeks, so many things seem to have begun to change. Leaving Eugene, and all my amazing friends, has been the toughest change of all. Being in a friendly but strange place, seems all the more foreign when I have no one to good game, and when I can no longer say "may I?" with out creeping everyone out. However it's been eye-opening to meet friendly, God-loving people every way I turn. I know that in time, strong friendships will be made. However, nothing can ever compare to the friendships I've made back home. Growing up with Greg, Amy, Collin, Andrew, Ginny, and Mary... creates a bond and lasting memories that can never be replaced. And the wonderful people I've met over the past few years - David, Luke, Amy, Jay, James, Kasey - have made a lasting impact on my heart. Everyone has been so special to me, and I look forward, with eagerness and anticipation, to Christmas break, when we all may once again be reunited.

I love you with all my heart.

2006-08-29T00:17:00.000-04:00

note: This poem was written just days after Carina had her beautiful wisdom teeth extracted. It's sole purpose was to cheer her up, and show her our love and heartfelt sympathy.

Get well soon…

Written especially for Carina, by Kaari and Kaylee

You look like a chipmunk
The blood clots smell like a skunk
Se get well soon,
You grotesque buffoon!

We hope you get better,
Hence, you’re getting this letter

A quick recovery would be nice,
Before you get lice
Your slurping (and drooling) fills our ears,
One look at you and our eyes fill with tears!

It’s so great to have you home for a while,
We quickly missed your warm, sweet smile

Even though your lips are humongus,
We’re quickly distracted by your thick toe fungus
Good thing you were fast asleep,
Otherwise, you’d have been a big weeping heap.

We’re happy because
Your face no longer feels like fuzz
The numbness went away
Stupid molly said it would stay
Poop on her!

You’re sick
Like slick rick.
Now you can lick
Because, you’re not numb
You can now suck your thumb,
And not bite it up

The gauze and teabag
Make you look like a hag
But don’t worry
It’s almost over.
And soon, you’ll be back to eating curry!
“cause it’s soft”

Have you ever seen human teeth sooooo large?
I spy with my little eye…
Something HUGE AND NASTY!

Just kidding, it’s not that bad,
You should make a necklace, start a fad!
…in a million years, when the earth is ruled by garden shears.

To conclude our short little note,
Your tongue is as big as the titanic boat.
So cover your face, with a spendy fur coat,
And jump off a bridge, go drown in a moat.

THE END
Is just around the river bend!!!

p.s. for us, have no hate
we love you, you’re great.
Hope you have a short time to wait
And thank goodness today, you saw no pearly gate
Or Sat[in]

p.p.s. your new nickname can be booch

2006-08-28T23:56:00.000-04:00

WAR: South vs. Churchill

Written especially for David by Kaari and Kaylee

You cannot fax, man
Unless you are axe-man
Like me
You see
(or unless your name’s kelsey)

You, you are lance-er
Just a silly dance-er
We axe-man
We fine, man

We axe-man,
We hot
You lance-er
You not

We fine,
You are like pine (from a tree)
You fall (from a tree)
We laugh HEEHEEHEE

You may have Luke,
But that’s a fluke,
He’s a kook!

We, we got de best
You may be on the west
But we,
We got the hippie fest!

If our name were Dave,
No one would wave
They’d be embarrassed
It’s worse than going to Marist!

You may be fun,
But we got a ton (more people)

You got a dome,
But we got a home
You, you got nuttin’
‘cept maybe a plate of muttin

You got grits,
We got wits.
You stole Dylan,
You a villain.
We still got A-Slam
And dat is a WHAM! (in de face)

We got de windows
To let in the light
You, you like a prison
Where everyone fight
Maybe you like a construction site
(you need a lot of help)

We axe-man
We Asian
You poor wittle white boy,
You Caucasian!
We axe-man,
We different (in a good way),
You lance-er,
You not.
(in a bad way)

You eat bean,
We eat rice.
You be mean,
We be nice! (and this wittle poem goes to prove it!)

You wittle
We big
You eat skittle
We eat pig. Yumm…bacon.

Sometimes you okay,
Dat’s why we like you anyway.
Together, we still have fun,
In de sun
Without a gun
Bummer.

Anyway, happy summer!