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.

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.

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.

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

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!