This summer:2:

"I'm learning that life is made up of seasons, and that some are hard and some are easy. I know that life won't always be like it is right now. And because of that, I'm doing my best to soak it up, every drop... This is a lovely season, crammed full with so many people I care about and moments that make me happy and full on a deep level. The days are busy, certainly, but they're full of such good things. I'm thankful every day and aware every day that we have no guarantees. For every single day of this sweet season, I'm thankful, and when it ends, whenever it does, I'll hold it in my heart as one of God's greatest gifts to me."
-Shauna Niequist

This summer:

So, I got pretty dang close to my dream summer job. It involves travel, creativity, kids, meeting new people, hard work and adventure. I would have been stoked to do it even if it was just volunteer, but it pays well too!

Starting in a week, I will be leading week-long creative problem-solving camps for 7-14 year olds at various US Air Force bases through the non-profit organization Destination Imagination (idodi.org). I was on DI teams for 5 years growing up and have volunteered in many capacities for the past 7 years. It had a huge role in helping me discover my interests and develop my confidence and problem-solving skills.

In nine weeks, I will be taking residence at the following US Air Force bases:
Grand Forks-North Dakota
Minot-North Dakota
(Free Week in Japan)
Misawa-Japan (Northern countryside)
Yokota-Japan (Tokyo area)
Osan-South Korea (Seoul area)
Kadena-Japan (Okinawa area aka tropical island)
Tinker-Oklahoma
Vance-Oklahoma

My partner Charles and I will lead one or two 4-hour camps Monday-Friday at the camps' rec centers, then travel on Saturday and set up at the next base on Sunday.

My best friends are going to be my passport, my camera and adventure... well, and hopefully Charles. ha

Anyway, I'll try to keep this thing updated on my tales and adventures... possibly some pictures, but those will probably mostly be on the old facebook. Until then...

I was just writing an entry that was already a couple pages in length, but I think it would be better summed up like this:

I pray I will never be content living the same day twice.

My Life Anthem: I Will Waste My Life, Misty Edwards

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aqy3LljAdA4

I will waste my life I'll be tested and tried
With no regrets inside of me to find I'm at Your feet

I'll leave my father's house and I'll leave my mother
I'll leave all I have known and I'll have no other

I am in love with You There is no cost
I am in love with You There is no loss
I am in love with You I want to take Your name
I am in love with You I want to cling to You Jesus
Just let me cling to You Jesus

I'll say goodbye to my father my mother
I'll turn my back on every other love and
I'll press on yes I'll press on

My Soon To Be Favorite Movie

http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/focus_features/babies/

The Single Most Powerful Question You Can Ask-Donald Miller

http://donmilleris.com/2010/03/25/the-single-most-powerful-question-you-can-ask/

How to make a decision:

STOP. BREATHE. ASK GOD.

Here are some questions I came up with that help me sort my thoughts and motives when I am freaking out about making decisions. I'd say it is most important to be honest, compare your answers to Biblical scripture, and invite the Holy Spirit into your answers. I prefer to write out it because it helps me sort my thoughts. Sometimes it gets repetitive, but I find it useful to discover common threads and themes in my life. Feel free to give it a try.

What do I want right now?
What is important to me right now?
What do I need right now?
What do I want for my future?
What is important for my future?
What do I need for my future?
What can I learn from my past?