freezing

Dear Global Warming,
Incase you have forgotten, you're supposed to be happening.  Please come back to North Carolina.  Thank you and you are amazing!

Love,
A Cold Person

definition

After 6 months of up in the air, what's the definition, and where are we now pondering, I finally have a clear definition.  What a relief!!! You never know exactly how much energy and time is spent on trying to figure out what something is based on the idea of what it could be.  Well... I must stay, defining is a pretty easy way to clear up any assumptions, false interpretations, or just plain confusion.  I will say it's bittersweet, and Erin can very easily say I told you so, but hey the hardest lessons are the most fun to learn!! 

35 steps

My entire life I have walked the same path for years.  From the back door of my parent's house to Maw Maw and Paw Paw's back stoop.  Saturday I was walking this familiar path when it hit me at some point in time this path will cease to be walked.  The familiar steps to avoid a puddle, hole, or limb will end.  Maw Maw will no longer be there and my 35 steps will stop.  Who will be there?  So I started to think about the steps I have taken to their house for my entire life.  Big steps, little steps, quick running steps, or slow dragging steps.  Well, those steps have in a way directed the steps in my life.  Have directed my path.  Have made me who I am by who is a the final destination in both directions.  35 steps to Maw Maw and Paw Paw.... 35 steps back to Momma and Daddy.  All of whom have built me.  I think I will miss the leaves with pecans in the winter, the shade limbs in the summer, and the conversations of summer nights.  But who I am from the path I have walked will live regardless if the path disappears.

i feel so natural

This post will seem a little strange, odd, and quite honestly you might wonder why I am writing about the bathroom, but you must continue to read it in it's entirety to laugh.  I was perusing the mall when I need a bathroom break (yes father, it was after the bookstore trip).  So I walk into the well lit, automatic hand dryer, water turner oner, touch less soap dispenser, seat-covers provided, amply stocked toilet papered bathroom when I hear the voices of little girls.  There are two little girls (maybe 8 and 5) in the handicap stall beside me discussing the bathroom task at hand.
Girl 1: come on Bre, I'll help you.  Hold your dress up.
Girl 2: OK
Girl 1: eww Mom... we don't have time to get the seat cleaned... she has to go to bad.
Mom: it's okay, just help her hold her dress
Girl 1: But what about all the germies?  Mom.. what about the germs?
Mom: It'll be okay, we'll wash later.
By now I'm thinking, they wouldn't never make it in a foreign country, camping, or a public school.
Girl 2: (this is the 5 year old and at this time is using the bathroom) Oh man... I feel so Natural.  I feel so Natural.
Girl 1: Yeah...
Girl 2: Yeah I feel like Nature.

Okay... at this point I was shaking my head and just laughing.  Natural?  Really?  Natural?  You connect with nature not washing the toilet seat?  Oh bless... I thought it was funny.  So, I dare you to visit you next public restroom and say "I feel so natural...." (as you use the restroom)

12/4 always = Snow

In North Carolina snow is something that happens usually in January, but this year we had a December snow.  And that's something rare, but can be pinpointed to one date.  December 4!  Seriously.  If we have an early snow in North Carolina, meaning snow in December, it will be on December 4th.  And as crazy as that sounds, it's true.  Now keep in mind, this snow will be followed by probably a week or weeks of 60 degree temps, but none-the-less it is snow.  Yesterday I was at my parent's house when "HELLO SNOW!!"  Big deal right?  Nope.  On December 4th for my entire life we have celebrated the birthday of Paw Paw and as you know... well.. you know why we don't celebrate anymore, I was really thinking about him yesterday.
So... making it short IT SNOWED!!! A real snow.  Enough snow to build a snowman, look pretty, but not cause travel problems. A blanket of While Fluff covering the ground, making everything look new.  I was outside gazing at the beauty when I thought, this really is God.  He covers the muck, mire, messed up ground in our lives and makes it beautiful, makes it clean, makes it new.  At the same time of gazing into the snow covered surroundings I had this overwhelming healing about Paw Paw not being there.  Accepting this new chapter in my life, understanding the changes of what is.  About living my life for the one who covers it all, and standing on the shoulders of who paved the way.  So Paw Paw, I'm standing on your shoulders.  You have paved the way for me and my family.  The covering God has placed on our family was remembered yesterday in the snow, but like the covering placed over our sin once we're a part of God's Family!  Thank You Snow!! Thank You Birthday SNOW!!!

Kenny who?

There is a line in a Kenny Chesney song that states, "...about life and love and the lack of and the emptiness in my soul..."  Well, I feel kind of sorry for that Chesney boy.  You know, at times I think about life, love, but never the lack of and never an emptiness in my soul.  My soul isn't determined by what is happening in my life (work or love).  My Joy isn't determined by what happens to me, but what Christ is doing in me and through me.  So, in all seasons give thanks.  In all trials look to the one who will pull you out.  IN EVERYTHING give thanks.  God is so good.  God is so great.  But not to say that my mind doesn't ever drift at what might be, what could be, what may never be.  In everything know the one who created you knows what's up.  He knows how to work out your life.  He knows who, what, when, where, and why things happen and don't happen.  So Mr. Chesney, with all due respect, please fill your emptiness with Jesus.  Not another song, not a temporary band aid of beer, but with the joy that will overflow to the world around you!!

times change

This thanksgiving was a little strange.  Don't get me wrong the family was there (almost all of them), the food was amazing, the fellowship was intense, and the laughs were plenty, but it was different.  I started to see how we are all changing.  How the values we were taught as a child are stronger than ever, and the importance of family has never been broken.  I noticed it most in my cousin Matt.  He is completing his first semester at ASU and being away has seemed to make him see how good his family is.  I believe this rings true for us all.  When we step out and see what others have compared to what we have, we notice how blessed we truly are.  I was thankful to see his delight and excitement of being back home.

The strange thing about today was how silent it was.  Everyone could feel the missing link.  Everyone could feel the missing hand of the patriarch that has held us together for years, but no one was willing to state the obvious.  It was weird.  Not really sure what to think of it yet.  Not really ready to accept the fact Paw Paw wasn't at the chamber, but was gone.  I love thanksgiving.  I love it the most of all the holidays.  But I don't like the reminder of the one (my best friend, hero, biggest fan, i'll give you my kidney) not there.  Christmas... I think I'll just away. I think I'll escape and start something new instead of living what was.  

purt plus

This is the season that I love but also puts me in a very reflective mode. For example: I examine my life currently compared to last year (work, relationships, joy, mistakes, successes, etc...), the possible outlook on the year to come, and what do I still want to cross off and add to my bucket list. But I will say that one of the main things that starts to hit me a little during this season is my very season of singleness. Before you think to much about that previous statement, keep reading. I love my life at this moment, I love the freedom I have, but at the same time I do wish to start sharing life. Sharing all the crazy things I do, experience, and see. There are times when I analyze the lives of my married friends and thank God for being single, but there are also times when I wish I was sharing this moment with someone other than me. So in this season of thanks I want to be thankful for the blessing of singleness, but when I see the bombardment of relationships around me it makes me wonder when my turn will come. It's as though the fact of being single is thrown in my face and beat in with a mallet. Gus says boys are stupid until they are 26. I think he's right. Daddy says I'm not dating or getting married until I'm 30. I think he's right too. Momma says one day I'll look at this season and wish it would return. I think she's right more than anyone.

music is the generation connection

Dance Off Video from Elevation Church on Vimeo.

thanksgiving thanks

I think its crazy to be thankful for a holiday about thanks, but then again I'm thankful to be thankful for this season of giving thanks!  Every year we cram into my Aunt's basement to a spread of pot luck food on a pool table.  We have conversations about what's been going on, how you been, EA football, old stories of the past, new ideas of what's to come, and laughing at Maw Maw with her cough and spray eating.  Working in a school will make one realize all they have and all they should be thankful for.  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday simply for the fact the focus is on gathering, family, food and football.  Not presents, not hectic shopping, not trying to please everyone.  It's more or less the calm before the storm... if you know what i mean.  So, I pose the simple question... what are you thankful for?  What do you have to not be thankful for?  In everything give thanks.  Working long hours, give thanks.  Crazy kids, give thanks.  Being in overload with family, work, projects, volunteering, extra responsibility, how am I going to pay that bill... give thanks.
As I am writing this blog... i am chomping at the bit to go home.  I want to see my family so badly... and I'm thankful for that.  Granted they're in a spitting distance (a long spit)... but I'm thankful for them.

what now?

I'm a pretty patient person.  I am forgiving.  Think the best of people, but sometimes folks do me wrong.  Sometimes I trust and believe.  Sometimes I hold onto hopeful promises made.  Sometimes I believe in things that may or may not be exactly true.  Sometimes people disappoint me.  And sometimes I have to face the facts of what is, is and what ain't, ain't.  I think right now I have to hold out.  I have to wait.  Wait for age and time to change things.  Wait for life to make since.  But maybe not.  Maybe now is the time to let go and realize once again it ain't me.  It's ain't the country girl from Carolina.  It ain't the teacher.  It ain't the crazy runner who loves to do it all.  But have no fear at some point in time there will be a time when it is me.  I am the one that is ran after and desired.  Maybe not today... but someday... and all those in the past who where thought to be the hoped for will be a faint image...

talking bout my generation

This week in Health, I'm going to state the question to the students what folks are saying about our generation.  Because I don't know about you but I hear a lot of bad stuff about the kids I teach.  "this generation is lazy.  these kids don't know what work is?  these kids have no respect."
Well, I might be biting off more than I can chew God has really placed in my heart the desire and sun stand still prayer to rise of a generation of respect, honor, and value.  I see so many kids not see value in their self, causing them to not value the work the do, or the way they behave.  So, I stomp on the lies about my generation and the generation of the kids I teach.  I see a generation of potential.  A generation that is going to rise up and change the bible belt mind of "the rapture is coming there is no hope."  HUSH! It only takes a few.  It only takes some big prayers for value and against the attack of the enemy.  Don't give up on my kids, pray for them.  Don't condemn them for what they aren't, encourage them to utilize the potential with in.  Speak truth of who they are, not who the world wants them to be!  Does anyone get what I'm saying here?  I'll let you know what they say.  How they see themselves!  I think we'll all be surprised!

oh... look, that's my favorite

In Concord I believe we have just peaked our fall color beauty for this year.  All the trees are starting to look less bright and more dark but that's not the point of this blog.  I have had so many people ask me about the Beauty of Costa Rica.  The Rain forest, the flowers, the insects, the sea line, etc... and yes all aspects of Costa Rica are beautiful, but nothing is as gorgeous as fall in Carolina.
The perfect temperatures of 40, in the morning, 70 in the afternoon, no humidity, and Carolina blue skies wisped with thin white clouds would make the lonely and depressed notice.  But, I love the colors.  When driving down the road between the tree lines of orange, red, yellow, brow, green, reddish/yellow, makes me soak in the beauty of my Father.  This was no different last Thursday when I was traveling with my aunt.  Here we are leaving her house for lunch, after planting 200 tulips, when we both say, "look at the trees!"  It was crazy.  Well, I continue the convo by stating how I love the Red leaves.  How much I love seeing that one Red tree pop amongst the many Carolina Pines.  Well, travel down the road 2 more miles amongst the tree barrier of Yellow and Orange I state, "Oh these... look!!... These are my favorite."  As you can figure, there were no Reds in this bunch of trees, Red i do love, but hey Orange and Yellow I love too.  Let's go a few more miles down the road and here we are staring at a tree where you can see the leaves color progress from green to red due to the sunlight exposure.  It was amazing, and again I state... "look, that's my favorite."
After stating 3 different stages of leave changes as my favorite, my aunt karen pointed out the fact, I need to pick one, because you can only have ONE favorite... but Like a bunch! Well.... I decided to just change my statement to "oh... Look... I love leaves!"
I got to thinking more about my unable to pick a fav color of leaf delima and what the changing leaves showed... death.  There is beauty in Death.  There is beauty in every stage (color) of Death.  Often times death get's a bad rap of darkness.  And yes, when Paw Paw died, I was and continue to get sad.  Death of the patriarch, friend, and hero is hard... but there is beauty in him passing as well (that'll be another blog) but for now, well, take a look around.  Look around right now outside at the colorful tree line and tell me death is dark.  Dying is dark.  I don't know.  It kind of looks as though when something is put to Death there is beauty.  That awful secret you have put to death.  That thought from the enemy you have put to death.  The payment of your sins put to death.  The actual death you were to face before Jesus, put to death.  The one thing that you have battled with and finally won, put to death.  It's beautiful.  Put it to death!! and tell me which is your favorite...

Free WiFi

Moe's has free WiFi.  I love it but have realized that I feel very uncomfortable using free WiFi in the states.  Somehow whipping out a computer, finding an outlet to plug it in (B/C of low battery) is embarrassing for me in the states, but the same idea/concept/action is not a big deal in Costa.  How is that?  I don't know.  Any ideas?  But... as I sat in Moe's I met this really cut burrito maker named Joe (Joe that works at Moe's).  Well, Joe was very cute until I saw him walk outside with a cigarette in his mouth.  What is it that makes someone instantly ugly because of a rolled stick of burning paper infused with cancer?  I don't know... but homeboy Joe that works at Moe's just fell off the radar!
But... I will continue my Moe's Adventures... because I have coupons... and they have free internet!... that's what's up!

stateside

Well, I've concluded I am the worst stateside blogger in the world.  In an environment of everyday internet, and 24/7 power I can not write a single blog.  But put me in a country with maybe once a week internet and hardly any power and I blog the ramblings of craziness.
This just goes to show how things change when one is back on the states.  The hustle. The crazy. The race of being better... the race of making things better.  The ideas of new things, the ideas of improving old things.  You all know I teach school!  I love it.  But I want to share a secret with you all.  I don't teach school because I think education is going to change the world; I teach school in efforts to impact a generation with the love of Jesus.  Yes, education is power.  Yes education is needed to make it in the U.S, but that's not my goal.  My goal is my  Sun Stand Still Prayer... "for the power of the spirit to flow through me, to empower a generation of honor, love and respect.  For the overflow of the love of Jesus to cover each kid."
That's it.  Simple!  So, I ask for prayer.  In a season of craziness that is quickly approaching, I am asking for prayer from you, for me to keep my vision.  TO pray my Sun Stand Still prayer over me because I don't know about ya'll, but heck if I get distracted by "what I have to get done." or by that one class that's a real handful.  I'm not the point.  Jesus is the point.  Be the change the world wants to see.  So, yes I teach school.  Yes, I teach in a public school.  Yes I have friends that aren't "christians"(whoopty doo)... but how else will the dark know the light if no light goes into the dark?
I'll do better on this blog thing... I know ya'll missing my stories!!!!  I'll have to tell ya'll about my new neighbors, family stories, and failed romance.  Oh the life of Flossie... it's crazy I tell ya!

yep... it's been a month

As you all school is back!  The kids are filling my classroom, the noise of students in the hallways, the hustle of kids trying out for a sports team for the first time, and the joy of high school football.  I love this time of year.  I love the noises. I love the smells.  I love the start of a "new year."

I live in a loft.  Not a barn loft, but a simple room above a garage.  I LOVE THIS PLACE!! It's in walking distance from my favorite restaurant.  I burn 1/4 tank of gas a week for work.  It's 3 miles from my gym.  And it's cheap.  The best thing, no crazy neighbors all around that I don't know.  Granted I'm considered the city, but it's not apartment city!!! I have a yard and a garden spot!!!  Don't forget fruit trees.  OH boy.  It's great!

God has really been putting some interesting people in my life the past month.  Elevation has the vision, "so people far from God will be filled with life in Christ."  Far meaning those who know about God, never heard about God, struggling with their relationship with God, etc... All people.  So I have built relationships in the past few weeks with new people and strengthened existing relationships with others.  One thing I have learned is people see God through you.  They see God through the Love you show.  It's not about what you get but what you give.  And this extends beyond money.  It is as simple as picking up sticks, scraping paint. or making it a point to say HEY!

It's crazy how life in the states is very predictable.  Seriously, I don't really have any good stories.  No interesting news.  Thanks to scheduling, anti-bacterial, good roads and cars provide limited off the chart experiences.   

in a whirlwind!

Welcome back to Concord!  So I arrived at my brand new loft apt last Sunday only to be put on a standstill by a Costa Rican illness, namely typhoid!! I know.  I was so pumped about setting up the new place but all I was able to do was put my mattress on the floor, lay down and sleep for 5 hours.  Then came the fever.  Then came the awful stomach pains.  Followed by the constant phrase rolling around in my brain stating, "get up heather... get up now... you have to unpack... get up heather.. you can do it."  That didn't happen!
Monday my momma drove down to help me unpack and clean up the construction dust.  Oh what a blessing she was!
Wednesday was back to work.  It was pretty awful.  I was still very lethargic, no appetite and stomach pains!  It is nice to be back in the swing of school though!  I love my job!  How many teachers can say that?  I really do love it.  Getting to know the kids, building those relationships, tackling all the challenges that come with the school year!  I love it!
Welcome back to karaoke!  Oh how I've missed those CFR and Amici's people.  So much fun.

More costa stories are on the way!  I have pics!

1/4 of 100

Yep!  Another year.  Another number.  Another time to look back and see all that happens in a year.  This year has been crazy.  Some things the same while some different.  Some good events and some bad events.  Some unexpectedness, and some still unfolding!  Some faces lost but some faces gained!
But what a great day!!  Nothing beats a surprise party, clothes sale, family, out to eat, and strawberry cake!!  I love my family!  Happy Birthday to Me!!!  And what makes it special are the people I share it with.
P.S.  I'm getting old because I forgot to put my "HONK for HEATHER'S B-DAY" sign on the mail box.  I mean... at least 5 years strong... people look for the sign like they look for the John Deere Tractor Christmas display!  Maybe I'll put it up Saturday!  hahahahah

You're So Vain that I'm Living on a Prayer but I will Survive

All Spanish songs sound the same.  If you don't believe me ask David, Erin, Jason, Sarah or Christine.  They know due to the fact we all went Karaoke Singing two weeks ago.  I must say as much as I love country music, Spanish Music is the equivalent of Hank, Conway and Mearl.  All sound the same and none very good.  Leave it to 3 Chicas to rock the Cart without an Ox.  We all know karaoke isn't about being a good singer, it's about a good show.  The crowd likes those who look silly, sound awful, or both.  Think about it, who is most talked about in the American Idol Audition shows?  The ones who are horrible!!
But... I think any time a gringa (who could confuse one for a tica... if it's dark) will bust out a classic song, that has more than likely been heard on the Radio while shopping in La Corona, do a little dance and get the crowd going... makes a good time!
Now.. can you figure out the three songs that were sung by three ladies?  Just think if Diego came we would have had a Champion!

I'm Back!!

How is it I posted more blogs out of the country than I have since I've been in the country with Internet at my fingertips?  Oh wait, I know!! It's called welcome back to the land of GO.. GO.. GO.!!!!
Well, It's good to be back and I have many back blogs I need to type and will post this week from my last few days in Costa.  They are pretty good... well I think they are!!;D  But today I was thinking about different events happening in my life and had a revelation of who I am.  Sometimes I have a hard time waiting on things to work out but they always do.  For example: I have wanted to teach health since I graduated college, well guess who's the other Health Teacher at the Middle School?!! ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
God always proves faithful.  Always.  And so this entire new situation in my life isn't up to me!!! if you want something bad enough, go after it.  If it fails, it fails!  If it prospers, it prospers!  So what is of importance in your life, that you go after?  What has so much value that you make time for when there is no time?

Top 10... or 16!

Why I want to Leave Costa

1. Family
2. Diet Sundrop
3. Truck
4. Dry Clothes
5. Elevation
6. Call Jugo
7. Is the oil still spilling?
8. 2 dollar peanut butter (here a little jar is an easy 6 bucks!)
9. Karaoke at the Diner
10. Music coming out the radio in English
11. Cold Drink!
12. Daylight til 8
13. Refrigerator
14. Run on something flat
15. Silver Queen Corn
16. Talk to... well you know I just got sad because to finish that statement I was going to write Paw Paw but... i can't he.. won't be there.

Why I DON'T want to leave Costa!

1. Limited Power
2. Always Outside (for real.. even inside is outside because of no walls!)
3. Simpler life
4. Ride the 4-wheeler on the main road
5. Jason, Sarah, Fanny, Diego, Emily, Luka, Heather, Bart
6. No News is Good News (I have no idea what's happening in the world)
7. Hard run on crazy mountain road with Fanny
8. Sunrise at 5
9. Pineapple, Mango, Bananas
10. Speaking Spanish
11. Tico Schedule (2hr work, breakfast, 2hr work, lunch, 2hr work, coffee, 2hr work, supper)
12. Tiki Mono as an alarm clock
13. The view from where I'm sitting
14. Many dirt roads
15. Boys at La Co
16. Bavaria
17. Broom/Mop Combo

As you can tell... they kind of contradict each other...
:D

Houston

Hiatus over!  The Houston Group is here and you know what that means!?!  Back to chopping, sauteing, baking, cutting, mixing, massive amount of food buying and enjoying every minute.  My last week!  Can you believe it?  One week left.  Sad.. a little.  Happy... a little.  Excited... a lot!  I love going home seeing my family, having fewer bugs, driving the YOTA, but going home also means everything hits the fan.  10 days to move my things from the parents, back to the new APT, get work set up (new room and curriculum), all paperwork set, visit with all the family, possibly go south, wedding party, so long party, and OH WAIT... my birthday is then too.  Happy 25 to me.  (I need a new Timex watch... my was stolen!)  Why am I going back?  You just read what is about to come!  Good Question Heather!
Answer: Daily Double!
That's where the people you love are.  Where you make the money to come to Costa each summer and where God wants you at this point in time.
Ya'll get pumped.  My face is back in a week!

well... it rained!

If you have previously read my blog you will know the mountain road has needed rain.  Hard Rain.  Clean the car without a rag rain.  Well... it has rained.  In it's wake has left the road clean of mud and exposed to underlying rock.  Except for the HUGE landslide blocking the entrance!  Yep.  You read correctly.  We have had mini landslides in the past that were easily cleared by a few work hands and myself, but this one even John Henry couldn't pic or shovel and opt for a machine. (if you're completely lost with the John Henry comparison... holy moly... google Johnny Cash).
As Erin says, "We have a snow day!"  We couldn't leave in the car.  No Power.  Little Food.  No gas for the generator to work, and can only ride the 4-wheeler!  It's a snow day, minus the snow!  What should one do on a day like this?  Run to Uvita... of course.  So, a nice run remembering my lessons from the first one and adding an additional lesson.  Costa Rican gaurdrails are made out of fallen trees due to mudslides!  Needless to say I had fun on my snowless snowday!
P.S. Diego came and picked me up on the 4-wheeler.  Didn't want to run back the 7plus miles!

Lessons Learned Running from Refugio to Cafe Perica

Yesterday I decided to run from the mountain to Cafe Perica.  Maybe about 11 or 12km... but it was the BEST run i have had in a while!  So while I was running I thought of different things I learned while on this nice trek!
1. 4 big dogs live on San Josito Road
2. The whales tale was created to be seen at 9am
3. It's okay to look like Shaggy when running downhill.
4. I now understand how bending knees is crucial on all downhill running
5. Run TO Uvita not FROM Uvita
6. Be ready to jump into a ditch at anytime
7. Pedestrians DO NOT have the right of way
8. The Coastal Road with Cars is more dangerous than the Jungle Road with snakes
9. Running facing traffic is a new concept for Ticos
10. Horn blowing from friends while running through downtown Hillsborough in high school prepared me for running in Costa
11. The road from San Josito to the Servicentro Bahia is a slight uphill... who knew??
12. When going down a dirt road and you think, "I don't remember these pot holes," turn around
13. When going down the same road with the new pot holes and wonder where's the butterfly colony?? turn around.
14. When you finally realize the road you are on will not go to the ocean don't beat yourself up with how you should have turned around at the pot holes.
15. My current shoes are shot!
16. Iguanas crossing the road is okay... cats are rare
17. School kids have P.E. class and Music Class in the same room
18. Lastly, Cafe Perica opens at 1pm on Monday, so be prepared to walk an additional 2kms back to Uvita to get a ride.

Catarata

Once upon a time on a mountain in Costa Rica lived a tico family of 3.  Their names were Diego, Fanny and Emily.  In the summer months many gringos would stay on the mountain for weeks at a time.  Also in the summer months 3 chicas lived and worked on the mountain with the tico family because of all the gringos.  Well, one Saturday, there were no gringos so the tico family and the 3 chicas decided to go to a BIG (at least 150 meter) waterfall.  So they loaded up in the jimmy and 4-wheeler because it's 30 minutes to drive instead of 8 hours to walk... through the Jungle!  Driving over the GAS light in the Jimmy came on, saying there was low gas, and since Heather was driving she knew NO A/C and neutral helped save the precious fuel.  SHE also thought... OH CRAP!
The group arrived at the waterfall only to climb through the jungle to reach the base where they were all amazed at how big and strong the water was falling :)!  Many pictures were taken and convos about Planet Earth were conversed before the muddy trek back through the jungle to the spot where the car rested.
When they tico family and 3 chicas got back to the car, they all waded in the creek running close by.  They washed their muddy shoes while Diego and Heather climbed over large bolders to stand below a small, yet powerful waterfall for fun.  They both agreed it was as a good back and neck massage.
As they time came to an end there was still a gas problem (not with stomachs.. with cars).  Deep in the jungle, no gas stations can be found.  Diego decided to siphon one gallon of gas from the 4-wheeler to the car.  One gallon later, back on the dirt jungle path to Refugio.  A lot of Neutral and no A/C provided enough gas back.  There were a lot of laughs and pictures but the entire group agreed that waterfall was the most incredible waterfall they had ever seen.

The END!

BORING!!! I KNOW.. doesn't even sound like me... but please imagine a picture book for little kids!  HAHAHAHA

A Rare Moment

There have only been a few times in my life when I didn't know what to say or couldn't write down what I wanted to say.  For example: college graduation day looking at my momma and seeing a little tear, the logic in moving to Concord, first day of Kindergarten, standing over the casket of my best friend, and a week ago when I said so long to a boy I have only known this summer.  For an entire week I attmeped to write some form of so long letter, but each attmpt was a failure.  The letter either sounded like a country song, could be a country song, rambled, or had so many scratched out sentences it looked like the art work of a 2 year old.  I even wrote a letter about how I couldn't write a letter (now that is lame!). 
I think deep down I didn't want to write a good bye letter because I didn't want this person to leave.  I didn't want to accept the fact of not knowing when or if we'd ever meet again. Time and distance has a crazy effect on people.  SO... with a big hug, (complete avoidance of eye contact), and a kiss on the cheek, I said, "see you in the states."  Yep... What was that!?!?  I don't know.
Because as soon as the words were released from my mouth my brain realeased a.. "we'll see about that."  Ya'll all know these kinds of good byes.  The ones on high school graduation when you say, "Oh, I'll come visit you on break," only to be followed by 5 years of never staying in contact until you "run into" each other at a high school reunion.  You know?  You bound to know!
Anyway, I had an anti-climatic departure of a good friend whom I have come to enjoy being around this entire summer.  No real plan of what is next, only contact info scribbled on a piece of scrap notebook paper, placed in his shirt pocket as he walked away.  Why contact info?  Because that's the only dang thing I could think to write!  And, who mails letters anymore? (well, i do actually.  It's important to support the US Mail.) 
Ironically enough, in my reflection of what I should have said, country song lyrics (old and new), combined with jumbled thoughts return! 

Diego... tengo un problema!!!!!!!!!!!!

As I gear up for another adventure in Costa Rica, I thought I'd re-post one of my favorite blogs from two summer's back.  Now it is funny.. then, not so much!  One week Babe... and I'm back in the Jungle!

Below you will find a picture of the vehicle I am about to write about. 
FJ PICTURE
I feel like I'm in Big John (our Christmas Tractor) when I was driving it up the mountain yesterday.  Here's the story... The FJ was stuck at the bottom of the mountain and needed a driver to get it back up.  Diego (the hardest working, smartest, can fix anything, reminds me of my daddy) tico asked me to ride down and drive it back up the mountain for him.  Honestly, I really didn't want to because one the FJ is like driving a tractor and two the road is still awful, regardless of the fact Diego, Humberto, and I worked on it all day (that's how I relax on my vacation... work! can't help it.. it's in my blood)!  BUT... I start driving the mountain in this big ole FJ and do great until I get to the last "S" curve.  I start up the S, with Diego following me in the Red FJ, when I start to spin.  Well Dag... It wasn't that bad of a spin but I wasn't going anywhere. With my foot pressing the clutch, one hand on the wheel, one on the stick shift, and the other foot on the break I stick my head out the window and yell, "DIEGO, yo tengo un problema  (Deigo, i have a problem)."  Luckily we were close to a flat spot in the mtn road, so Diego hopped out and came running to where I was.  He said I needed to back up and get more speed.  So I backed (slowly because on this incline breaks are not really good... it's the equivalent of breaking on ice) to the flat spot and get another running start.
Well... the good news is I got past the part I was stuck the first time... the bad news is I got stuck further up.. in the middle of the "s".  Here I am, not moving, spinning on mud (because we need strong rain), sandwiched between two mountain dirt walls, two ditches, and knowing I was going to have to back this thing around a curve, down a mountain, and to the flat spot.  Again...with my foot pressing the clutch, one hand on the wheel, one on the stick shift, and the other foot on the break I stick my head out the window and yell, "DIEGO, yo tengo un problema!!!!!!!!" with a little more volume.  I was starting the freak out.. just a little.  Here comes Diego running up the mountain to save the day.  I coach myself by taking a deep breath, putting this small tractor like vehicle in reverse, and pray to God.. in English and Spanish!  Foot off the clutch a little, on the break a little and... HELLO slide.  An out of my control, holy moly I'm picking up speed, going sideways, I'm going to hit the wall like a nascar driver... slide.  Diego is telling me which way to turn the wheel but my Spanish translation wasn't working at the moment, so... I had NO IDEA what he was saying!  I stop sliding only to be sideways in the road.  That's a fine position to be in, if sideways wasn't between two big mountain walls and on an incline that could result in a rollover at any moment.  So I sit sideways.  What do I do?  Well, a 3 point turn wasn't going to work.  So I start to go in reverse (thank you diesel engine and power) and move a little.. and slide more but the slide was good.  I started to turn in the direction where I could actually get down the mountain in a forwards motion.  The entire time Diego is on some side of the FJ providing some support to keep me from turning over!  Well... I made it back to the flat spot and told Diego I was walking back to Refugio!  He chuckled and told me to get in the Red FJ and he thought there was a leak in one of the seals causing the Green FJ to lose power!.. well that's good to know.. thanks for telling me now that I have almost peed in my bricthes!
Christine and Erin (the other interns) have been going to different places all week, going on "adventures".  Well, no offense to these girls but going to shops and looking at the waterfalls isn't very adventurous to me.... come talk to me when you're sideways in an "S" curve... that's adventure! 


 

Chalk vs Canned Corn... I pick canned

On day 2 of my brief hiatus, I was able to go to La Corona (no it's not a beer sore, it's the name of their grocery store... well, actually it could be the beer store too because that's where most buy beer!) and leisurely shop the isle due to only needing to cook fore me!  That's a break in itself!

On a side road here, the staff at La Corona looked at me today in amazement of how LITTLE food was in my hand basket, and I was continually asked, "why so little food?" and told, "No big cart today!"  A complete flip flop from the entire summer.  I told Brian (my favorite) I was getting fat and needed to cut back :D

Anyway back to the main road, I was in the produce section when I saw corn!  A nice ear of fresh picked, right from some garden, still in the husk, take me home Heather Lasley because you know you're missing the silver queen being grown and harvested right now at the Lasley Plantation, white corn! (excuse the run on sentence... I teach math!)  Needless to say I was pumped. 
SO, last night, I shucked, inspected for bugs, washed and put in a pot of boiling water my nice ear of corn.  15 minutes later, sitting on a plate, smeared with a lil butter I take a bite... followed by an immediate spit out.  CHALK!  That's what it tasted like.  CHALK!  Flavorless, dry, in you mouth awful aftertaste, nasty hint of butter flavor, I could use this on a sidewalk, CHALK!  To say I was disappointed would be an understatement.

I was already tasting the sweet, succulent juice that only tiny kernels from July Silver Queen Corn can produce but instead I bit into a nice ear of: What the crap?, are you serious?,  you can't even make moonshine out of this so called Costa Rican Corn.  The moral of the story is: Don't drink the water in Mexico and Don't eat the corn in Costa Rica!

Pensacola Team

The largest team of the summer, or ever to stay on the mountain, came from Pensacola, Florida.  Of all the teams to have the massive amount of people, this team was the best.  Their spirit, attitude and personalities made the consistent 3 meals a day for 38 people (because staff and interns increase the numbers) enjoyable and easy.  Don't read this incorrectly, I'm beat.  We worked hard during their stay at Refugio and even harder in preparation of their arrival.  A group this large requires 26 beds.  Meaning in one day:

• 26 sets of sheets put on 26 beds, accompanied with: a large towel, hand towel, wash cloth, pillow and blanket.  
• Four mattresses placed in a weight room for teenage boys, an extra mattress in the bunk room and one in the corner room suite. 
• A complete overhaul of one room (the day before they arrived) including paint, all furniture, thorough cleaning of windows, frames, bathroom, porch, etc... and then set up for a guest.
• Scavenging for lighters (thanks GOP boys for using them up!) to go in each room 
• 3 rooms needed to be cleaned and made guest appropriate due to the fact the previous group left the same day the Penn group arrived.

I wish I would have photo copied the to-do list I made.  It was insane!  But a huge shout out goes to J.Wax for getting the hairball out of the drain.  Y'all know I'm pretty tough with an iron stomach due to 10 cups of black coffee a day, but a hairball full of someone elses hair will shut me down like the gulfs current fishing industry. 
Then, the food shopping for such a large group of people.  Again, the Ticos look at me with thoughts of, "where does this girl put all this food?"  Remember there isn't a Walmart, we do not have a frig and some days the store has the item and some days it doesn't.  You will be happy to read each meal resulted in full bellies, happy people and at least an hour of dirty dishes to wash, dry and put away only to repeat the cycle a few hours later.
Now most regular people may think this is crazy, but not me.  I love this kind of work.  I love the hectic, chaotic, craziness accompanied with this task.   My body functions better the busier it is!  I feel more energized and alive on days I work as hard as my daddy.  Minus the fact of losing J.Wax to the states, this past week was the hardest and funnest week in Costa so far!
All to conclude, the Pensacola team was AMAZING!  The dentist (aka Mr. Kirkpatrick's Twin), Mintons, Floyds, Shells, Strange, Carrie and the others will be missed.  So, as you can imagine I need a break.  Bring on the 9 days of not having a team! Hello Vacation in Costa Rica!  Only to be greeted with one more team and a return to the states.  So how long do you think I'll chill on a vacation?  Not long.  Re-read what's about this paragraph... I like to stay busy.  The team left yesterday and I have managed to shovel massive amounts of dirt out of the road this morning but, I am able to come to town and blog more!       

Pray for RAIN!!!

Of all the years I have been in Costa Rica for the summer months, I have never seen the mountain road in this poor of shape.  The mountain road has always been tough and one needs a 4x4 Low vehicle to maneuver up and down, but 4x4 low isn't good on a 12 gauge roof incline in 6-8 inches of clay/silt mud.  I need your help.  Pray for Rain!  I'm sure you are thinking, "well heather, you are in the rain forest, doesn't it rain all the time?"  Well, yes and now.  The kind of rain we need in the Hurricane Floyd, 3 inches/hour, hotsie powered, take the pain off your barn, 24 hour downpour  God can do it, I know!  The same way he shot fire from heaven, fed the Israelites manna and made the sun stand still for Joshua.  So, I as you to pray audaciously and specific for the mountain road.  Lluvia is the Spanish word for rain!  So ask in both languages.  Thanks! Gracias!

Just Like in the States

All fix-a-flat places have the same smell, type of mechanics, and female receptionist.  The smell is oil rubber mixed with a slight hint of exhaust; the office/waiting area is freezing cold furnished with 2 couches, a drink machine, and a table of free, old, cold coffee from the A.M brew; Car magazines and one kid's book sloppily cover a table providing reading material for the lucky folks waiting; and the same female receptionist trying to run the joint as cleanly as possible in a male/oil/grease dominated environment.  But all this detail is fascinating to me because it provided a sense of familiarity, a brief moment of feeling as though I was in the states!  So this past week when I was waiting for the tire to be fixed (OH and if you have a monterro know their tires are "go flat prone" on mountain roads because this makes number 2 in 2 weeks) I was taken to the states, waiting inside any mechanics waiting area, wishing I had a jacket!

A Come to Jesus Meeting!

This week has been quite an interesting week.  GOP boys left.  It was sad yet at the same time I have been encouraged to see the transformation in their lives while they were on the mountain.  The life restored in their eyes.  The joy returned.  The knowledge of the power they each have to fight the enemy when he comes attacking!  So, we had our largest group of the summer (so far) come, love us and leave only to be followed by the smallest group.  Right now on the mountain we have a family of 5.  Really kind of cool to think about to be quite honest.  I have imagined what it would be like to have my family on the mountain for weekend.  Then to think about my ENTIRE... maw maw, aunts, uncles, cousins... everyone on the mountain for a weekend, and I started to laugh.  I could hear maw maw saying how cold she was and having me explain every single ant, animal, and sound 500 times.  I could hear my momma telling me all the food borne illnesses I am being exposed to and the fact we don't have hot water all the time.  My daddy would be inventing something or fixing the FJ from breaking down all the time.  Kevin would probably go stir crazy.  Abbie would yell at every single bug she saw on the wall only to be followed by "whoa, that's cool."  Matt would go hum.  Thomas and Jacob wouldn't know what to do without their cell phones because that means no girlfriend communication.  Brenda would be like me, sit up in the hammock and read a book.  Wesley, would want to redecorate/ paint something.  Aunt Sylvia would be in absolute amazement, and want to know every detail about the place as well as give wonderful ideas on how to make it better!  Allison and Daniel would be harvesting the beans, coffee, or trying to figure out where to put some animals to keep the grass down.  The more I thought about my family on the mountain, the more I wanted to see it happen.  I think it's be an adventure.  Costa Rica wouldn't know what hit him.  You think California was in shock of Jed Clampet, Costa Rica wouldn't know the Spanish words to explain the Lasleys.

The pace this week slowed down with the decrease in the number of people around.  Still chopping away at the veggies.  Still in love with cooking beans and rice!

I had a come to Jesus meeting today!  Those those who don't know, in my past I have battled and have experienced freedom from several eating disorders.  I know.  What?  Heather Lasley?  Yep folks, I'm not perfect.  Shocker!!  The enemy is a sneak.  He knows when to attack.  He knows to kick us when we're down.  I know his plan and how he works because as a coach you study the other team.  You know where the weakest link is, what the player's tendencies are and you devise a strategy to attack the weakness.  So think of Satan as the coach, studying us, knowing where and when we are weak.  So, off and on in the past 6 months I have struggled.  It all started with the death of Paw Paw.  One week of upset, grieving, I can't eat I'm so depressed stomach, manifested thoughts of old habits and patterns.  For the past 3 weeks my entire eating schedule has been off.  I know personally, one of the ways I (big I) kept control (not giving it all up) was to follow a strict food schedule.  If the schedule got messed up or if I ever felt full, my stomach would almost out of habit reject my food.  Possibly to years of abuse.  But NO MORE!!!  The past 3 weeks I have had to follow a "meal" schedule.  Meaning eat at meals.  Meaning feeling full.  Meaning hello barf. Resulting in old tendencies, giving power to the enemy, shame, and beating myself up for detouring back to this awful road.  Here comes the good part...

This morning I was basking in the morning sun of Costa Rica, trying to get my sun tan back (because kitchen duty and rain has taken my color) I sat and listened to God.  So I'm on the upper deck and cry out to to God, "WHAT IS UP? Lord, why?  Why again? You freed me from this 2 years ago, why am I returning to this?"  It was as though the Lord said, "You never completely gave it all up.  You have a feeding schedule.  YOU still control it."  And you know what.... shocker here, God was right.  So I began to pray in audacious faith.  Asking the Lord to take this from me.  Take it all.  To heal my mind.  To heal my body.  The same way he fixed my hormones when they were out of whack.  The same way he healed the bleeding woman in the Bible.  To just take it all.  To give me strength to fight and to fight Satan for me.  Then I roll over and look at the huge cross looking over the jungle out towards to sea and I remember.  JESUS died for this.  He knew that I would need him to take this sin.  To take this battle.  He died for Heather Lasley.  He died to kick Satan in the mouth so the enemy would have no power of me.  And the very fact I have been allowing this to happen has been like a slap in Jesus' face.  It was as though I have been saying, "Yeah Jesus you died for this sin, but I'm going to hold on to it, so you're death was pointless.  They beat you to shreds so I could stay in bondage under the influence of the enemy."
So at that moment I got mad.  I got mad at the enemy.  I started to proclaim truth over WHO my God is.  Over what he has done for me and how Satan has no authority or dominion over my life.  This proclamation was followed by another prayer of strength and a plead for a sign.  I roll back over on my back, keep in mind I'm still on a concrete slab of the upper deck trying to catch some rays, when I see not one but at least 10 kite-tailed, eagle type birds; the scripture from Isaiah 40: 28-31 came into my mind,
"He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.  Even youths shall faint and be weary and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall MOUNT UP WITH THE WINGS LIKE EAGLES; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

The enemy has lost!  The scripture also says, "resist the enemy and he will flee." Eventually, he will get tired of coming after me because I refuse to let him win.  Praise God for the cross and the freedom we have in HIM!!

Dance Dance Revolution!

Life at Refugio this summer has been amazing and I have come to appreciate, the invention of electricity all day, veggie choppers, and ice cold drinks... again.  It doesn't matter how many times I come here, once I return to the states I get spoiled to these modern appliances and conveniences.  Honestly, I'm not quite sure how many more times I can knick my thumb with a knife without eventually cutting the entire thing off.

Last week was fun.  We were feeding the boys GOP and worked all day to feed 15 people for each meal.  It's been fun!  Know in Costa everything, well most everything, has to be purchased on a day by day basis, which means going to the store everyday, and having the ticos look at you like, "how in the heck are these 3 skinny girls eating all this food?"

Let the chopping keep on chopping!  Preparing supper!

Thursday night was spontaneous dance party night.  It took me back to some old days of Dance Party Craziness, but I'm sorry to say, hands down the best time washing dishes I have ever had!  David put on Devil Went Down to Georgia and that means I should cut a rug!  So I take off in a crazy, clogging, river/line dancing, insane FUN!  So, I started tearing up the place, then Justin got in on it, and then everybody else figured, heck I know I don't look as stupid as they do, why not have some fun to?  So washing dishes, drying dishes, sweeping/mopping the floor has never been so much fun!  I loved it!!

Luke and Me doing a lil criss cross action!

  

Just so you know, He doesn't smoke but ALL of the GOP boys do, so he was making a point of how silly they look and just trying to be funny.

Dance Break!  Me and Justin taking a lil chill, because you know we got the party started!


Last Friday Morning J. Wax, 3 GOP boys, and myself went on a zip line canopy tour of the rain forest!  Amazing the first 5 or 6 lines, and then after that it was more mundane than fun.  Don't get me wrong being suspended in the air 900 something feet is pretty fun... but after a while, it does get a little old.  Friday was fun too.  I went out after supper, had a nice walk on the Costa Rica Beach at night, and chilled for a little after my afternoon in the kitchen. 

Saturday was the day chaos.  A new team from Roanoke came which means more mouths to feed, 27 to be exact.  Bigger pots, more food, and much more coffee (and we're talking cowboy coffee of boiling water and pouring over the grounds!)  More people, also means getting the rooms ready for the people to sleep and be comfortable while they are here.  Erin and I cleaned all day.  I mean scrubbed.. scrubbed.. because apparently teenage boys are very dirty and the boys bunk room was absolutely disgusting.  It was insane!! Then the day was capped with a night of cooking for the massive amount.  We were dead tired but thought.. it is okay, we'll have tomorrow off to chill because the hired cooks will be here.  Well, wrong again. The cooks had an emergency, which meant CRAZY SUNDAY.  Know I was not about to let that ruin my plans for Saturday Night fun!

So, the Fuller's kids, Christine, and myself went off for a drink and karaoke.  All was fun until on the way back up the mountain we had a flat tire.  Great!  It's midnight, in the middle of the jungle, with a flat tire.  In my brain I thought that's okay we'll just change it, I've had years of practice with the insane amount of Flat Tires I have had in my life.  Let me just say... Boys please be boys!!   Jake and Cameron complained about the flat and didn't at all want to help, while Josh and I tried to jack the car up and fix the tire.  Know I am all about being independent, but come on now.  I know for a fact of one boy who if were in the car would have been the first to change the tire, but this boy is on an Island... but anyway back to the story. The jack sucked.  Plan 2.  Walk the one mile trek up the mountain to the center, get another jack, take the four wheeler to the vehicle and change the tire.  So, Jake, Cameron and myself take off.  Praise the Lord I run/walk this thing everyday, but not in flip flops and not at night.  Also thanks to the amazing Flashlight my Daddy bought me I was able to light up the dense forest of the jungle and keep an eye open for jungle book animals!  Get back to the center around 1am, Jake gets on the four wheeler to take them the other jack and I go to bed!  Not really, because I was keyed up from the walk.  15 minutes later, all 3 people come back on the four wheeler because they decide to change the tire in the morning.  Oh boy.  I should have went.  Thank God I'm a country girl because I know how to change a tire... but on this particular night I knew I should sleep for Sunday because it was 2 and I needed to be up at 5!  Sunday was all day in the kitchen, but the food was amazing, the new team loves us, and I can say I was beat like a dirty rug...but Sunday came and went... all with 3 hours of sleep!

Needless to say today I was glad to have a day off.  Why Monday?  Because the Roanoke team is gone to an Indian Village for today and tomorrow, and the GOP Boys are on an Island with Jason and J. Wax, meaning no cooking until Tuesday Night.

Below are some fun pictures from our time in Uvita.  We work hard everyday but do try to get off the mountain (because we do work and live there) on the weekends to go to the local soccer game, beach, jason y sara's house or town.  I will say I have come to appreciate all my momma does because it is hard work preparing, cooking, and taking care of people everyday but I wouldn't change it for ANYTHING!!

3 Interns that run the kitchen at the soccer game

More Soccer FUN!

Week One

Needless to say I love this place.  I can't give a good explanation as to why, but it's crazy to think that when I arrive in this country, or get close to Uvita I suddenly feel like I'm coming home.  It's the same feeling I get when I reach exit 154 at home.  But here's the low down for the week. 

Internet Cafe is up and running.  It's a really cool place for the kids and members of the community to come get on the internet, play xbox, and now we are watching nonstop soccer.  God is really using the common place int he Balina community to reach people.  Just so you know, I can really see myself living above this cafe one day!! I have some many God sent ideas, but honestly I don't want to embark on this adventure on my own.  I want to share it with someone which is crazy for me.  You all know I am a very independent, fly by my seat kind of person, but for some reason I feel as though I want someone to share my living above the cafe life.  If you know what I mean?

The mountain is the mountain.  God's special place.  It is holy ground and all who come leave stronger, more powerful, and deeper in love with Christ.  I have had the pleasure to watch the Lord work in my friend Erin's life and see the revelation of the simplicity of Christ's love for us.  I have also enjoyed spending my day's in the kitchen with two other wonderful women cooking, cleaning, and providing the needs for all on the mountain. 

The bugs are still here.  How could they not?  I believe the fact that here there is no use of pesticides and most all stuff grown is grown without chemicals, the bugs stick around.  Which is good.  Don't you ever wonder where all the bugs are in the states?  I think we've killed them.  Which means we need more chemicals for pollination, and I don believe all these chemicals are contributing to the massive amount of cancer we face in the states.

I've rejoined some of my old friends while I've been here.  Fannie, Diego, and Emily (my Costa Family) all live and work on the mountain.  As well, as the Fullers, and other people who have passed by in the summers past.  The same girl that works at Don Israel (the supermarket) still works at that supermarket and Diego's Dad is still the only person I know that is 70 years old and still works like a 20 year old man!  But this summer has been different.  I have met some new people.  For example... Esteven.  Not Steven.. but Esteven.  He is Diego's nephew who helps at the cafe.  He is great.  He is so nice and he loves learning English! 
Another new person is the Cafe' Intern J. Wax.  He is a Louisiana boy.  I have never met anyone in my life who I have so much in common with.  He boy is a teacher, coach, raised on a farm, and knows the same country songs.  We get along really good!  I told him it's nice to have someone down here that sounds like me (tribute to Jay Key.. all you NWMS folks).  We have had such a similar background and upraising that it is crazy!!  I think you will here more about him in the future!... maybe.

If I haven't said it before I'll say it now.  Every summer in Costa is a different experience.  Every summer in Costa God reveals new exciting things about me, about his love, and about the next part of the road he has for me.  It's fun.  It's exciting, and I can't wait to share with you the adventure he is going to unfold. 

Oh.. Pics to come soon... it's hard to upload here!

In Costa

I made it!.. again.  I really do love this place, the people, the climate.  I love it all.  It is going to be a good summer once we start cranking.  There is currently no electricity on the mountain because the generator isn't working correctly.. but that will be fixed soon.  I have already met many new people but have also connected with a lot of familiar faces.

We are about to get full swing into the teams coming up on the mountain which is exciting yet at the same time a little stressful.  Making sure we have enough food for the people and not blow up the mountain with all the propane appliances!

I will say it has been the biggest blessing to watch God move in Erin in the small amount of time I have been here.  She has been stretched and stretched outside of her comfort zone and I am so proud of her!  We have a full summer ahead so be ready for more posts in the future.

As for now... We met with Sarah and got the low down for the summer planning.  We also got the jist of all our duties.  It is going to be fun. It's going to be hard.  It's going to be AMAZING.  I think this summer is going to fly by and all be writing my final post of where has it gone!

Here we Go!

It starts.  Away in the jungle again for 7 weeks.  I feel different this time around. For a gut reason I believe this will be my last summer in Costa.  Me Encanto Costa Rica but this year is different.   The mission is different. We will be hosting teams of missionaries.  It is going to be work but fun.  All the new people.  All the new lives changed.  All the new testimonies that will arise from the time spent on the mountain! The vision over the mountain was stick figures arriving and stronger figures leaving.  Which is amazing to watch.  Not only personally but in the lives of all who experience the presence of God on this holy ground!  So folks, please pray for safety, good health, and openness to the revelation of plans the Lord has while I am there and when I leave!  So.. here we go!

Just SMILE!

I think we all need a day to be silly and well... not care if we pick our nose!

teaching extras

Being a teacher is more than just knowing the information to teach kids; it also includes seeing the potential and empowering each kid.  And it's crazy, but this intense training kind of flows over in other areas of my life.  I meet new people, get to know them and see the potential they could have to change their world if they just let it happen.  Or I believe in someones ability to do something when they don't believe in themselves.  For example in a student I can pick out the leaders, the athletes, the ones that will eventually get into trouble, or the ones that are just trying to survive the home they are in.  With people I see folks that have been battered, feel stuck, or just wasting their life on things that won't matter in the long run.
So maybe this teacher instinct/training isn't a learned thing but a gift from God.  He has gifted me with the ability to see the good in people, pray for them, and use me to in someway to influence them (for the good :p).  I have met a lot of interesting people in the past few months and I feel God has placed each of them in my life for this reason.  I can't change people.  I can't fix people.  I can't even make them listen to how great I think they are but wasting their time on things of no value.  But I can PRAY.  And prayer is what changes people.  God changes people so I ask you to pray for me so I know how to pray for others!

year end ties

So the end of the school year is near.  3.5 days to be exact.  Unreal how quickly the time goes looking back but never noticed while living through it!  So as this season comes to an end a new season begins again.  It almost feels as though I should set some kind of new year resolution but I don't really know what that would be.  But my prayer is for complete guidance in all I do.  I know I mess up.  I know I'm not perfect but the power I have in prayer is unstoppable.  Big decisions are on the horizon and I ask you help me pray for guidance and strength to carry out God's will in them all!  Sometimes my flesh gets in the way of what I know God is asking me to do.  But my spirit is strong in the Lord!

Oh Race Week

If you don't know.. you should know that it is Race week... which means stay away from Concord, NC.  So with that being said, you should also know that people start camping out around the race track 3 weeks prior to the actual 600 mile race that will occur next Sunday.  But this is all background information to what I am about to share.  If I only had a camera when I drove by.. but here comes the description.
Old 1990 something school bus... painted red and orange and yellow... has an awning off to the side... the entire bus on jacks... and being used as a camper.. Yes  that's right.. People have this sucker up on jacks.. and living in it as a camper.  I will say it's inventive, original, cheap, and a great way to make a travel home...BUT.... there are to many windows for my taste.  I need a picture.  If I can get one i'll post it.  SO Daddy, don't get any ideas because I know your brain is already turning.  Thank you Lord for letting me see this bus today!  You knew I needed to laugh

Silence

I am so confused and scattered right now I have nothing to say.  I can't even formulate a complete thought... just silent.

Put Together

God did not THROW you together at the last minute.  He PUT you together.  He crafted every detail.  He planned every part.  Every part of you is for a purpose.  We need to change the cultural mindset.  We are put together from the inside out, Not the outside in.  God PUT me together and did one heck of a job!!

Ode to Momma

As the day approaches I would like to take a moment and tell about my momma.  Momma's are special people. They do it all.  Think about it.  Okay... as you can tell this is a hard blog. I  really don't know where to begin.  Moms do it all.  NO offense to my daddy (whom i love just as much).. but moms are hard to write about.  I can't just narrow down a few stories.  I can't just mention one thing without a bazillion other memories coming to mind.  I mean honest.  Momma came to EVERY sporting event i was involved in.  The ones I coached (when i was in town) included. She wasn't the loudest in the stand.  She didn't get crazy.. but she was there!  Momma watched me go through a hard time in my life and let me go through it.  She listens to me babble on about the relationship issues in my life.  She gives advice from wisdom gained over the years.  She is always proud of me.  No matter what.  No matter when.  No matter the situation.  She PRAYs for me!!  Which is the biggest and most vital thing any mother could do  I give her credit for my laugh and my ability to not say NO to every time I can help someone.  Here's to you momma! Thanks for doing it all.  Loving sacrificially. And teaching me how to be a woman of God (which by the way is a continual work in progress).

Happy Mother's Day!

 

Where Are They Now?, Part 4: When God Crossed His Arms (Guest Speaker: Pastor Judah Smith)

Where Are They Now?, Part 4: When God Crossed His Arms (Guest Speaker: Pastor Judah Smith)

HEY... okay when you have time watch the entire sermon... but if not skip to minute 16 and watch to about 20... and then watch 25-30... until you have time to take in the entire sermon!... it's a good one

I had a dream...

This is not a tribute to MLK but a for real dream I had.  As most know paw paw died 4 months ago and i'm sure you all (if anyone reads this thing besides renn) are tired or reading about him but he's still heavy on my heart.  Not a day goes by with out a song, picture, phrase, or memory of him popping in my mind but last Monday Night was the first time Paw Paw was in one of my dreams.  Which is kind of erie because it was 4 months from the day of his death.  So here it is.
In my dream I'm in the backyard of my best friend from grade school, Casey Rudd's, house.  She has this crazy pond with a land bridge that crosses to a stretch of trees and then an open field.  I haven't been to Casey's parent's house in many years so the fact I was there is strange to me.  So here I am in my dream, I look up and there is Paw Paw.  On the land bridge.  He looks at me and I yell, "Hey Paw Paw.  Wait for me."  He turns and starts walking to the trees.  Of course I run after him and in my brain think this is crazy he's dead but I follow.  So Paw Paw hasn't said anything to me as of yet in this dream but I follow him through the trees and to the open field where he stops.  (keep in mind paw paw has never been at my friend's house so it is kind of weird he is here....) But back to the dream, he stops and I catch up to him and say, "Paw Paw I haven't seen you in for ever.  I miss you so much."  He looks down at me and says, "Floss, Don't fall."  and... that's it.  I wake up.  That's all.  It was so real.  I have no idea what this means.  I know God still speaks through dreams and visions but I don't know... was this from God?  I feel I'm going to have to wait this one out and find out the meaning.
Call me crazy if you like but it was good to see him, Paw Paw.  I know this sounds crazy... but in my dream I really felt him there.  It was like Paw Paw was back with his hat, blue shirt and blue britches.  For a brief moment.  He was alive... and ... well... it was nice.  And I feel ridiculous even admitting that but it's true.  It was almost as though I had one more conversation with him.  Will I dream about him again?  I don't know but i sure hope so.

A Truck (and it's not a Toyota!)

It's big, green, old, loud, rusted and has been around my entire life.  It's a truck.  Not just any truck but my daddy's 1978 GMC Sierra Farm truck.  It's amazing.  It's any redneck's dream.  The rust and the exhaust system is amazing. As a kid I could hear when my daddy would turn off of Mary's Grove Church Rd (about half a mile up the road) coming home from a fire or watch it fly up the road with it's red light flashing going to a fire.  Or be excited to see him pick me up from school because riding in the truck was special.  I sat up high, I could see everything and it had those mini side windows that could be opened just a little to allow dust and air to blow in your face at first but then clear for a refreshing breeze.  Or riding in the back letting the wind blow through your hair.  Not to mention the hours sitting on the tail gate shucking corn.  But Saturday I was brought back to my favorite truck memory of all memories; loading up the truck and going to the dump.  I know what you're thinking.  What's so great going to the dump?  Well, let me explain.  There is a recycling bin (where you separate the cans, brown bottles, green bottles, clear class bottles, milk cartons, etc.. but now you can throw it all in one bin and not separate but that's beyond the point) and the entire process of throwing bags of trash into the bigger bin is fun!  Saturday morning my daddy comes driving up in the yard in Big Green.  Going to the dump!  So here we are... Daddy's driving and I'm in the passenger seat and suddenly I feel 10 again.  I feel like a little kid heading to the dump.  Not a care in the world, no worries, no problems, just going to the dump.  I was at a place where everyone I loved was still alive and nothing was out of reach.  One Truck.  It's old.  And sometimes it won't start.  I know this may sound crazy but... it's a part of me.

Easter Intro 2010

I know you are probably tired of the videos I post from church... but they are all so good... i can't help but not share.  This is a video that opened the Easter Service this year!  Powerful... as always

Elevation Easter Experience: Opening Video from Elevation Church on Vimeo.

Summer Book

Last night I had the opportunity to meet with my Costa Rica Momma and Two girls I will be spending the summer with serving missionary teams.  Just from our initial conversations I am extremely excited about what the stories this summer is going to birth.  The changes in our lives are going to be unmeasurable, the conversations with Erin are going to be book worthy, and the jokes will be priceless.  I think the best thing so far is the excitement in Erin's eyes at the mention of a battery powered hairdryer.  Does anyone know where I can get one... is there a such thing?  But I think I will write a daily entry in my journal and then record each day on a separate blog... once I get back to the world of electricity... and then somehow get it printed as a book.  This summer is going to rock my world.... as always... but the best is yet to come!    

Carowinds

Last Friday I was given the opportunity to drive the 8th Grade Band to Carowinds for Music in The Park.  The band played for 10 minutes and rode rides for 5 hours.  Meaning, I listened to the competition for 10 minutes and rode rides for 5 hours too!  The Intimidator is amazing!!!! The best ride at the park.  I lost my gum on it.  So fast, so smooth, and so fun!!    

Growth

The difference a year can make!

The amount of growth that occurs in a year is amazing.  Once we hit a certain age the physical growth stops (well it's supposed to).  But there is some growth that should never stop.. spiritual.  So my question is are you the same as you were a year ago?  Or are you busting out of the hat like Payton?  

P.S... take a look at her right hand.... weird huh?

Watch and Laugh!

Elevation Easter Experience: Announcements from Elevation Church on Vimeo.

Spring Break

The week has come and past which means one thing, summer break is 8 weeks away!!!!!!!! Can you believe it? I can't wait. But I will say this past week was a little difficult. Driving up to my grandpaws and not having Sandra there was a little awkward. Driving up at my parent’s house, seeing the chairs set up in Paw Paw's backyard made me think how his chair will be empty this summer, which brought me to tears. And I really started to think about Maw Maw and Paw Paws house. It’s the same house. The exterior looks the same, the inside looks the same (except cleaner!), and the same chairs in the same spot. But everything is different. The entire atmosphere is different. Which I think goes to prove it's not the physical things that join us together. It's the people and relationships we have in our lives.
On a lighter note, I was over at maw maw's when my aunts were cleaning out the closets and let me tell you... i have never in my life seen so many pairs of new socks in plastic packages. Not even the Wal-Mart shelves have this many socks. It was hilarious!! And Shirts… Holy Moly… At least 25 dress shirts still in the plastic wrap or gift box. Never opened. All of these things were gifts people gave him he never used. I even remember as a kid seeing him open presents on Father's Day, Christmas, and His birthday and his response being... I don't need this. Well, he didn't. But the question is... what to do with all the White Tube socks?

Check IT!!!!

surprise!

I receive a phone call in my classroom today from the front desk lady informing me I need to come to the front of the office.  The entire time I am on the phone with her I hear a cow mooing in the background, so of course I blurt out.. "why do I hear a cow?"  The office secretary informs me the cow noise is coming from my package... that's right folks.. I had a box in the front office that moos!!!  Well to make it short, my momma mailed me an easter box (not basket) and it has chocolate, gum, animal crackers, trail mix (all my standard foods) and a cow that moos every time you push the head down.... AND... every time you push the head down it POOPS candy!!

SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I love it ;D

one great momma I have! 

Last Years Easter Opening Video

Elevation Church Easter Opener from Elevation Church on Vimeo.


This was the opening video for Easter.... can't wait for next weeks!!!

Easter at Elevation!

Easter 2010 Trailer from Elevation Worship on Vimeo.
I have orange egg tickets it you want one!!!
It's going to be huge!

Summer is Coming

The past two summers I have spent weeks in the Jungle of Central America.  Each year I leave and I have a gut feeling I will be returning the next summer, or knowing this is not my last time here.  In February I was beginning to accept the fact I would not be going this summer because of GOP dates changing and money.  BUT... little did I know what was to come.  2 weeks ago I get an email asking if I will intern the summer to help run the center.  The center is complete, functional, hosting groups (not just people in missionary training living in craziness) high notch and open for people.  Of course I said, Heck Yes... meaning June 19th- August 6th is so long USA hello Pura Vida!  Start praying now... for funds and God's continual movement on the mountain!

to be a mountain stream

I'm always amazed at people’s actions and responses to situations. I think it's easy to profess Christ and live Him out when all is good. But when things don't happen the way we want or when people don't behave the way we think they should how easy it is to not respond in the way He would. How easy the enemy sneaks in and starts his work. The enemy is sneaky. He is out to kill and destroy. Take every thought captive. Identify where this is coming from. Why did you think that? Was that thought from God? Never allow a thought to take you captive! But take your thoughts captive and strangle them with the word. The truth! There are no perfect people. I'm for sure not perfect... not even spitting distance from perfect... but I pray that in my mistakes and repentance my response will be out of love. Even when the world is against me I hang on to the truth I know and react in a way to please Christ; a reaction out of love and forgiveness. To never allow bitterness and rage in. The word says you can't have fresh and salt water from the same stream.

How was your day?

Here is a quote for you...
"when you do what everyone else does, you can't do what no one else does."
I challenge you to be different.  Don't try to fit the status quo.  Be different.  Whether that is in your friendships, attitudes, methods, or general outlook.  Be different!

What I learned yesterday! love elevation

Rarely do I ever retype my notes from church.  I usually write them on the journaling side of my bible and refer to them as refrence when I read the passage again.  But... I want to share what I learned.  If you want to hear the entire sermon you can listen to it HERE later today!

Have you ever walked into a place that you can tell that something supernatural is about to take place? You just sense the divine anticipation of what God is going to do. And, then in similar places, you don’t get the same sense of the Holy Spirit. We just started calling this factor, “IT.” We wanted to look into this IT factor.” Here are some characteristics of IT:  

God makes IT happen. IT is for Him and from Him.
We cannot manufacture, create, or reproduce IT. IT is not something that one person can bring, but the wrong people can kill IT.
IT is the work of God. IT is not a model, system, paradigm, or a result of a program. IT is not based on the style of worship or building.
IT has an upside- lives are changed. IT has a down side- IT attracts critics; people will misunderstand and misquote IT.
IT happens, but often times, IT doesn’t, even with faithful people and leaders.

You have to keep it. 2 Timothy 1:14

• This is the most important thing...you (as individuals) must keep it. You must guard the special work of God in your life. When you have that raw faith that God can save anyone, it is attractive. When you can hear it in your voice and see it in your eyes, it is attractive and people are drawn to it.
• You must keep it! Here is the danger: when God blesses you with a big ministry, it’s easy to skim over personal devotion, lose your own passion, and start to fake it. You can allow the momentum of the crowd to carry you.
• You cannot lose the power of your first love, Jesus Christ! You cannot lose the passion around the main thing.
• God is not pleased with part-time disciples. If you want to find your life, you must lose it all. You must guard. You cannot take for granted the power and grace of God.

Don’t be afraid to fail. (Matthew 25:24-25)

• Failure is not an option, it is an absolute necessity. You will grow and learn more through failures than through successes.
• Some of our biggest successes were born out of failures. We often learn how to make it better through failure. The massive failure in one area allowed more success to come.
• Failure is the first step to real success. Failure is when God speaks to you with clarity. He will do something in you before He does something through you when you fail.
• Peter is a great example; who failed more than Peter? He failed greatly, was forgiven greatly, and was empowered to preach at Pentecost.
• Failure is an event, not a person. Just because you fail at something doesn’t mean you are a failure. So, do not be afraid to fail.