Beth's Journey

Moved my blog

2008-10-24T17:16:00.002-05:00

Hey friends!! I know it's been a year on this blog since I've last updated! I've actually changed blog sites. I'm now at bkehnsjourney.wordpress.com Come check out the things I'm doing and talking about there! Thanks!!

Pumpkins Galore

2007-10-21T23:09:00.000-05:00

Sarah left early this morning. It was such a blessing to have her here, do life together again for a bit and have some fun. She spoke into my life as she often does and I hope I was some form of encouragement as she makes a decision as to where she feels lead to land…either NOLA, or London.

Believe it or not, this was when it was much better!

Later that day when I woke up (like 11am!) I found my left eye had swollen for no particular reason. Determined to not let it bother me, I ventured out with Chad to Whole Foods to pick up some pumpkins to carve with the kiddos that day. We all had a good time picking out what we were going to do and then executing it. I have carved pumpkins since a wee child, so I know what it takes and I always like to challenge myself. Most of the kids knew what they wanted to do. Logan and I sat at the computer contemplating which ones. He kept trying to get me to print off something I knew Mike wouldn’t want him doing, this is our conversation.
Logan…How about the RIP
Me…Go ask your dad
Logan…Ummm, ok, then how about….what’s a banshee? Oooo, I like the skull!
Me…Go ask your dad Logan!
Logan…Aaahhh, ok, either the alien or the bat…or the owl.
Me…Ok, you can only pick from those three
Logan…Let me see them all again….the bat…now the owl again, ummm I guess the bat. Yeah, the bat sounds good…don’t you think?!
I, of course, affirmed in the positive, printed out the bat and he was off. My decision came a bit later, but I decided on Captain Hook. It was a process let me tell you. Just outlining the pumpkin took ages. Then the tedious process of carving it out with all the little spots and holes and very, very thin pieces of pumpkin holding it all together. By the time I started this part everyone else had finished and I was the lone ranger outside, keeping an eye on the boys as they played in the yard. Not even married and already multi-tasking with the kids! ☺ Hours, and I do mean hours, later I finished. I had endured mocking from Mike saying it had become an obsession (and it kinda had), leg and backaches, on and off light showers and a swollen eye to come out with my masterpiece. All in all it was a great day, reminding me of my childhood memories and my family. I thank God that I am with people who are like my own family. I hunkered down in bed dreaming happily of my pumpkin attempting to defeat any Peter Pan pumpkins that were keen to invade my island (the front yard of the Brantley’s). Thankfully, I have Logan’s bat to ward off any other flying creature and Jordan’s pirate to be my first mate and army against the forces of the Lost Boys!

Mila

2007-10-20T22:44:00.000-05:00

I have a job!!! YAY! I have just started work at Mila, a brand new restaurant opening up in the Pere Marquette Renaissance hotel in the CBD (Central Business District). The chef’s are amazing, young, vibrant and have worked in NY and had their own restaurant open just after Katrina hit. They decided to move into NOLA to open a Contemporary French Cuisine restaurant that is named after their home States Mi (Mississippi) and La (Louisiana). Slade and Allison have won great awards already, she won the James Beard (the culinary Oscar) award at a place in NY. So as we begin this journey of a new restaurant, I look forward to sharing my expertise and putting a little bit of my heart in this place. I know that this is the place God wants me through so many circumstances and I can rest that good things will come. I started training today and afterwards Sarah and I took a little trip to a Jazz and Blues festival to listen to some amazing music and hang in town. We later hooked up with the families and headed back into the Quarter to go to Café Du Monde (CDM) and trek around the streets for a bit. A busy day and I was tired!

R.A.K.

2007-10-19T22:08:00.000-05:00

Random (or not so random) Acts of Kindness. Logan Brantley's teacher Miss Rona is this amazing lady who survived all the Katrina bestowed on her and her home. Miss Rona is one of our new friends and people we are journeying with. Her home was devastated in the storm and she was living in a FEMA trailer until about 3 weeks ago when a team from Adulum in Colorado came out to repair leaks in her roof. This was just one thing they did and just one thing that stopped water from pouring into her house, but to Rona, it was life changing. It meant she could move out of her trailer, start making her home well, home again. Last week while Sarah was in town Mike, Cindy, Sarah, Chad, myself and even Nicholas helped put together some furniture for her home. Snack time!

As she is a teacher, Miss Rona doesn't have much time and I daresay energy (either physical or emotional) to really work on her house. This is a way we can really love on her; open our hearts to who we are and allow her to be open with us as we are with her. She has already told us that we have been a blessing and angels. What a joy to know that simple things that we do to decorate our house could be so life giving. I love Rona, she is strong, spirited, passionate and loves to cook, we get along great! I'm sure I'll share more about her as our lives meld together.
You can still see the water line on the glass where the water rested in her home

Make new friends, but keep the old ones

2007-10-16T17:33:00.000-05:00

My good friend Sarah Lloyd is here in New Orleans to visit, check us out and see me! Well, not just me, but it is fun and a bit of a bonus. I first met Sarah in Glasgow when we were participants in NieuCommunities together from '04 to '05 We've had a good time catching up, sharing our hearts and seeing what God has next for her. She has been living in the UK for the past three years and would love to continue to live there and do ministry there (she's been at a Prayer and Healing school this year) in the form of training and teaching. So as we journey with her while she is in our community, we welcome who she is, her wisdom and fun spirit. I love this girl and she has been a soul friend ever since my time in Glasgow. We've been through the French Quarter (but have more to um...experience there! No worries, mainly Cafe Du Monde and Jackson Square, no Girls Gone Wild here!) A little celebration of being back together again, we got some wine and went to my favorite cheese shop on Prytania and had a lovely cheese plate created by our new friend Eric. Sarah and I sat on the patio and watched the cars go by, enjoyed the slight down pour, nibbled on the cheese and sipped the vino. We also went shopping (she LOVES American grocery stores) and found grits which our friend Chris McKenzie loves...so we took a picture to send to him, cause we're goofballs. Good times. As she continues her time here and we have those heart to hearts, I am so grateful for this blessed friend. I think back to the time that we didn't know each other, hm...it's odd to think there was a point she wasn't in my life. I know she feels the same...she actually blogged about this very thing just about a year ago! More pictures to come of us and our time here and thoughts, but for now this is it.

California Girl

2007-10-12T21:20:00.000-05:00

The past two weeks I have been on vacation in S. and N. California. I visited my Nana and Papa in Reseda (the Valley) and had a great time. I started reading the Harry Potter series (my Papa has thousands of books, I'm so serious) and we celebrated my birthday by going to our favorite pastry shop. We cooked paella and had a great time together. I headed down to the OC and met up with my good friends Ian and Megan. I celebrated my 28th birthday on Friday the 5th, went out to brunch, got to chill at Laguna Canyon beach and had a family BBQ at Megan's. Ian and Megan got married on Oct 6th in Santa Ana at this wonderful place called the Hacienda. I left the next day for San Francisco and met up with my parents (who flew in from Chicago) to visit my Uncle Bob and Jane in Jenner, where the Russian River meets the Ocean. It was amazing to see the rolling golden hills, the glimmering ocean, huge rocks out in the water, breath taking cliffs and all sorts of nature.

My parents and I took a drive up the PCH with the top down on their car, stopped at this amazing place for lunch right on the ocean and hung out on the beach and read. We then headed down to Sonoma but on the way stopped by the place where we lived until I was 7. That was crazy and a bit fun to remember times at that house. Of course we went to a winery on the way to Sonoma to visit my Aunt Katharine, went to another in Sonoma and then headed out to Napa for dinner at Bistro Jeanty, a quaint little French place (and had more wine!) Hey when you're in the wine country do as the Romans do right?! :) Mom and dad left the next day and Katharine and I hung out more in Napa and Sonoma.
We went to Opus One a beautiful winery with fabulous (and expensive) wine and only tasted...the price for the bottle was too rich even for my high-class tastes!
It was then off to San Fran to hang with my cousins (Franz and Michelle) in the Mission District. Good times there and I LOVE that area, loads of coffee shops, amazing places to eat, cool clothing shops, vintage stores and great Latin culture. I tooled around the city, went to SF Museum of Modern Art, had lunch at an amazing Cuban cafe and road the bus home...all in the rain! My other cousin Ben and his girlfriend Carla drove up from Santa Cruz to meet me there and we ate at Range, a great restaurant in San Fran that Michelle works at as the head pastry chef (she's amazing and one of the best in the city). Down south we went that night into the mountains near Santa Cruz to a little town in the redwood forest.
Ben has this great house on the top of this hill/mountain/thing surrounded by forest and nothing else. Ah, peace and quiet once again. I got to relive my childhood memories of Santa Cruz and the boardwalk the next day. This is another town I could see myself in...cool, crazy, tatted up, funky people. We headed to the pier and then to the boardwalk and rode on the 4th oldest wooden rollercoaster. Ah, I felt like a kid again. I finished the night off with dinner at a great crepe place (I had Alexander the Crepe!) I have a thing for cheesy names like that. After 3 hours of playing the wii late into the night (and getting my rear kicked) I headed to bed for a short stint, then up to go to the airport and head home. I had a flight delay in LAX, which made my long layover even longer so I got to spend nearly six hours in the United terminal...oh, joy! It was a blessing to finally be back in my bed in my home on Octavia street. I call this home now and it feels like home. So now to venture on into life here in NOLA and whatever comes next.

Life in Nawlins

2007-10-11T22:19:00.000-05:00

It's official. I now live in New Orleans, NOLA, Nawlins, the Crescent City, Mardi Gras central...and it goes on. I've been in this blessed city for a month now and still adjusting to life down here. I must say that the speed is much more my style, very slow and relaxing in comparison to Chicago and the busy pace of life. I love this city for so many reasons, mostly because of the people. Those that have come back to rebuild this city LOVE their home and their lives. So many people have asked me, "Why rebuild, it's just going to happen again." It could happen again, but it doesn't matter to those who this is all they know and it's been that way for generations.
The history in this city is so rich and deep. Mind you, it's not always pleasant, but it is what it is and that's why the city is that way. I'm here to rebuild...emotionally, physically, spiritually and in any other way I can be of help. I cannot do it alone and thus I have two other fabulous families journeying with me. As we make our way into the heart of this city, we desire to move and change and be moved and changed to reflect the light that is deep within our souls. So look forward for more to come, big events, little miniscule things of daily life, but those almost always bring the most joy. So glad to be back here and can't wait to hear what you think. Blessings!!!

Long time a comin'

2007-10-11T22:13:00.001-05:00

I know that my life is crazy when I have no time to do anything, yet I have all the time in the world to do stuff. Ah, details...my nemesis! If only I had the ability to do all that I want to do AND remember to do all the things I wrote down to do. Does that make sense to anyone else? Most likely not, and that's ok. So here is my commitment to really starting to blog again and keeping all my followers (HA!) updated with news and life events. My thoughts will be shared, my soul laid bare and most likely my desire to be more detail oriented will begin!

Finally an update

2007-04-27T13:38:00.000-05:00

Me at Loyola University

Hello everyone...I know it's been ages and I apologize. Lots of things have been going on. This is my letter I've sent out to people. I'll begin to update more once again. Thank you for your understanding. Blessings!

This year has been one of the most difficult and challenging times of my life. My life’s journey has taken a path into the unexpected, akin to that of Frodo Baggins in Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings. Although an often used analogy, I honestly feel that I have traveled from the Shire, to unknown lands, and finally to the dark recesses of Mordor. Yet, there is always hope, things have and will change!

You may recall that last year I had planned on working in New Zealand with TSCF (a campus ministry like Intervarsity). Through various circumstances, I came to realize that New Zealand was not where I was meant to be at this time. This change has been a hard thing to accept since I was so sure that TSCF was what was “next” for me. So what is “next” for me?
This coming Summer I will be moving to New Orleans to work with a mission organization called Church Resource Ministries (CRM). In October, I had the opportunity to visit New Orleans and stay with Mike and Susanne Brantley, who I had met in New Zealand in 2005, through mutual friends from NieuCommunities (a branch of CRM). Last year, the Brantley’s moved from New Zealand to New Orleans to begin a new ministry called Communitas, of which I have been invited to join.

There is a reality today that a 65-85% of people in Western cultures have no desire or context for conventional church. The core of Communitas is to innovate models of mission and church by being a relevant and authentic community of people, who love and display Jesus to those beyond the reach of church. We desire to live sacrificial lives, loving the world into the Kingdom of Jesus, and creating a genuine place for people to come and talk about God and spirituality.
Jackson Square

New Orleans is still a place that is in pain even nearly two years after hurricane Katrina and is “a place Jesus would go”. I want to be a part of the healing emotionally, spiritually and physically, bringing hope in real ways to hurting individuals. I am dedicated to birth a church so Biblical, but in form is culturally relevant that I along with my team (Brantley’s & Chad and Cindy Carlson) can demonstrate a holistic Gospel that those people can “see”, “understand” and engage in real relationships.

When I was in New Orleans, I saw the desperate need for developing the next generation of leaders and creating a safe place for students to talk about God and spiritual issues. My vision is to work with young leaders, being a spiritual catalyst, journeying together, empowering them, developing their love for Christ through the Word, Prayer, Community and Mission, so that they might go out and make Jesus known.

Burbon Street and Touchdown Jesus

I invite you to be a part of this crucial ministry with me and to share in its blessings by either supporting me with your prayers, letters, calls, personal visits, and/or financial gifts. I need to raise monthly support of $3700 before I leave in August. This would cover my stipend, housing, ministry expenses, health insurance and continued ministry education. While this seems a lot, it is merely 37 people at $100/month, 53 people at $70/month, 72 people at $50/month, etc. (Go to www.crmleaders.org and hit Support link) Thank you so much for journeying along with me through the good and hard times and for your support as I head to New Orleans.
Beth :)

Another Year, Another Adventure

2007-01-02T14:52:00.000-06:00

Hello all! I got a comment asking what is new and so I will tell you. This one will be short as I have to go to work soon, but will write more later. The end of the year has been eventful with a new job, new opportunities for ministry and waiting on the Lord for His timing. Hmm...waiting, timing, that's been the theme and lesson for this last year. A hard one I might add, especially for this girl who loves to move and is constantly "on the go." So, taking a step back I wait and let the things happen as they come and as they should, not forcing, but taking steps and moving when things become clear. I know this doesn't fully answer the question "what's new?" but it will have to wait a bit longer...work calls! Love you all and Happy New Year. Hope...may that be this next year of your journey in life.

Waiting

2006-10-17T11:29:00.000-05:00

by dauntless111 Kapiti Coast New Zealand (thanks to dauntless111)

Currently I am trying to decide between 3 amazing options of what I should do for the next season of my life. All are good, all I would be disappointed in not doing...it's my mentality of "I want to do it ALL!" Alas, that is not possible...at least all at the same time, timing is the thing and so to do one means not to do the other...at least not now, but maybe in the future. Ah, how my heart is torn...I long to make the decision and move forward, to get on with my life, but God is stretching my heart, shaping it and moulding while I wait. While in Glasgow, we read this great book called Authentic Faith by Gary Thomas. My friend Sarah who was there with me had recently picked it up and read it again. She called me, saying I should take a look at it again as there was a chapter on waiting...a place where she and I are at right now. So I read it...in pieces and actually just finished it today. Good stuff, things I needed to hear for what is going on in my life at the moment.

"Waiting is the oxygen of love; it is the virtue that gives love its sustaining power."

"Perhaps God has given you a vision that burns in your soul. Initially, you received the call with excitement and enthusiasm, but now it’s been several months, or even years, and you feel like the beginning of that work has never been farther away. What attitude will you have as time goes on? Will you take comfort from God while you wait, learning the lessons God wants you to learn, or will begin accusing God of playing games with you? Remember this: God is not merely concerned with results but also with character-and few things produce character like learning how to wait. Paul's three cardinal virtues-faith, hope and love-are all built on the foundation of patient waiting."

"Wait on him with a spirit of humility, abandonment, with contentment and resignation."

All these portions had great impact on me...especially the longer one. Releasing my dreams that God has given me to make room for waiting, which is the foundation of faith, hope and love. What attitude have I had during this time...it ranges from waiting to busyness to apathy. I desire my character to be developed...isn't what this time here in the States was all about...taking care of me emotionally, spiritually, developing me to further the kingdom of God?! I have often failed in waiting, maybe for a time doing it, but getting so anxious about keeping going, moving and doing rather than being.
How perfect...the song "I will wait" by Jason Upton just came up on my iPod. The words..."I will wait on you Jesus, you're the sun in my horizon. All my hope's in you Jesus, I can see the sun arising." That was the chorus. One of the verses, "An evil army all around me, another wall gets in the way. But I believe the words you promised me, so I will wait another day." Those words start to bring tears to my eyes...

Birthday...another year older

2006-10-05T11:16:00.000-05:00

So I turned 27 today and Matt turned 25...yeah for those who don't know we were born on the same day! I love you Matty...can't wait to see you as a father and it has been a privilege to see you as a husband. Miss you lots, looking forward to what God does in your life this next year. As for me, this last year was a hard one, emotionally, transitionally, trying to figure out what's next. It was a growing year, one of developing more character, more dependence on God, more realization of who I am as a person. I have started to see a counsellor, actually been going for almost 3 months now. It's been an amazing time to continue to work out things in my life that had started when I was in Glasgow, but never really finished, I guess it will never be though. I have found that there are so many dimensions to my soul...you think you will be done with one issue, but ha! something is waiting just around the corner. Looking back on this last year I am remimded that God was still so present during every moment, though it may not have felt like it. As this next year starts, I get the feeling it will be filled with new adventures unlike anything I have every experienced. I still consider myself young, in life, in ministry, but I am thankful that God has captured my heart now. My prayer for this next year of my life is to just BE and take a break from overly DOING, for it is there that I can live my life not for myself but for One greater than me.

The Visit

2006-09-12T11:11:00.000-05:00

Me and Scotty
Scotty, Me, Carrie and Ryan

A memory of home...well, my Scottish home. A close friend of mine was on his way to Seminary in Portland, Or from Glasgow, Scotland just a few short weeks ago. This journey he was on was one of twists and turns, knowns and unknowns, a random meeting and a group of people that became his family. (Hmmmm...has the making of a children's story, no?! :) ) Well, the boy called Scotty made a pit stop on his trek across the pond to a lovely town known as Cincinnati, OH. This stop was made to visit a long lost cousin. (Maybe not long lost, but it HAD been 6 years.) The girl called Beth found out about this little pit stop and was ecstatic due to the fact that she resided in a little place called Chicago...which, if you know anything about the mid-west, is just a short stop away from Cincinnati. Emails ensued and then texts and then at last a phone call...sadly it was a game of cat and mouse phone tag. One day on her way out of work, Beth stopped to talk to a colleague. Describing her plans for the weekend and the hope of meeting up with her friend, she got lost in the story of how they had met. Suddenly a Latin theme filled the air, after a moment Beth realized the sweet music was coming from her mobile. Pulling the phone out of her purse, she glanced at the caller ID...and then, it was like the heavens had parted, a beam of light shone on the phone and a high squeal came from her lips. “EEEEEE!!!!” It seemed like ages as the phone was flipped and the familiar, thick Scottish brogue was heard saying, "Hiya! How's it goin?" "SSCCOOOTTYYY!" came the reply as Beth frantically gestured to her friend that this was the same guy she had been talking about just a split second earlier. The conversation ensued and plans were made for travel to Cincinnati to visit Scotty. Beth tramped across 4 states during her trip there and boy was it worth it! The time Scotty and Beth spent together was brilliant, refreshing and relaxing. New friends were made in Scotty's cousin Kyle and his fiancée Erin; as well as Carrie (who had just been for a mission’s holiday in Glasgow a few weeks before) and her boyfriend Ryan. Memories were made that will be looked back on fondly for the years to come. Scotty continued his journey to the west coast and made it safe and sound. His journey is not over as school has just started, and even though Beth's trip to visit her friend was over, there would be more to come in the future. What destination would be next...Portland, Dubai, Africa, New Zealand? Beth could only imagine...until that day, she would be content with the modern ways of communication. To Be Continued...but who knows when! :)

Wings of an eagle

2006-09-06T14:32:00.000-05:00

Ok, so it's been a month since I've written...sorry! Life just keeps me busy and every time I go to make a post, something comes up. What's new in my life? Well, not much. However, I have been coming out of my dark time and God has really been present and alive to me lately. I still haven't made any decisions about where I will go, but am currently talking with TSCF (New Zealand) and Matt and Crystal (Uganda) and close friends (NieuCommunities peeps) about what the next step may look like. I know that some day I will be with all these different people and ministries, it's just a matter of timing. Ah, the life of waiting. Did you know that an eagle will wait for hours and possibly days for the perfect wind?! If you ever see an eagle, they're usually just soaring on the wind, not flapping madly against it. I want to wait for the perfect wind to go where I am supposed to, even if it takes ages. This time has been challenging to say the least, but it always seems to be the dark times that allow the light to be so glorious and fruitful.

Lollapalooza

2006-08-08T13:10:00.000-05:00

Three days of insanity, three nights of staying out late, three moments in time where some of the most kicking bands played...right here in Chicago. For those of you who don't know Lolla is a gathering of bands and people alike to celebrate musicness (Anyone seen You Me and Dupre?!) Mostly Indie-Rock and some hard core stuff and electronic/dance. Good times...I feel like a bus ran over with all the walking, standing, dancing and the sun showing no mercy. Lolla will most likely make Chicago it's home, so come next Aug...plan to be here. Some of the best for me...in no particular order...Wilco, She Wants Revenge, The Shins, Chilli Peppers, Violent Femmes, Death Cab for Cutie, Gnarls Barkley, Kayne West, Thiervery Corporation, Of Montreal, Broken Social Scene....just to name a few. I think it will take me a few days to recover...not as young as I used to be! :) Well, off to download a ton of new music I heard. Laters!

My Nana

2006-08-02T18:05:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I have written and I apologize. Once again the siren's song of work has dragged me towards the rocky shores and I almost...almost crashed. Thankfully a few things have kept me afloat...even if on a raft. First, Jesus...He woos me still and loves me just as I am. Second my family, third my friends and lastly a new friend that has been there to help me process things of life. This post however is to honor my Nana. Dorothy Tate, my grandma is such a joy to me. She has known me since I was "in the cooker!" and I can't quite recall my very first memory of her, but there are so many splendid ones that fill my mind even as I write this. As a child I loved coming to her house in So Cal because it meant...quarters and nickels and pennies galore, fast food runs, shopping, the beach, Disneyland, white chocolate molds on a stick, great gatherings at Christmas, artistic time in her art studio, wandering the backyard picking fruit and many others. My Nana and Papa are two dear people who are so selfless. Last week my Nana told me she loved my writing, that "it makes people feel" that I write from my heart and my soul and it draws people in. She then told me I should write a book, or just write. That was one of the sweetest things I have heard in a long time...and not just "oh that's nice" sweet, but "deep in my soul" sweet. So Nana, Thank You for being an inspiration to me in many ways and encouraging me during this time of waiting and trusting in what God has in store for me...and you! I love you dearly; I can't wait to spend eternity with you. Your beloved granddaughter, Beth :)

Breathe

2006-07-10T13:43:00.000-05:00

My journey has been long and hard as of late. Feelings of deep loneliness, unsure of life and where I am meant to go and a tender heart being wooed back by the love of God. I was in Santa Barbara a few weekends ago for the CRM world wide conference. It was a great time with friends and people who have journeyed with me and know my heart. My roommate from my time in Glasgow last year, Melanie, held me one evening as I wept. She said Beth, let yourself, let your soul breathe. I did...and it hurt and it refreshed. I had been suffocating myself for a long time, to breathe was a joy, but it brought an onslaught of tears, brokenness, pain, a stripping of my "self". This part of the song rings through my mind time and time again now as Breathing takes on a new meaning for me.

Breathe by Anna Nalick
2 AM and I'm still awake, writing a song
If I get it all down on paper, its no longer
inside of me, threatening the life they belong to
And i feel like I'm naked in front of the crowd
Cause these words are my diary, screaming out loud
And I know that you'll use them, however you want to

Cause you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable,
And life's like an hourglass, glued to the table
No one can find the rewind button now
Sing it if you understand.
and breathe, just breathe
woah breathe, just breathe,
oh breathe, just breathe.

I don't know where this life is taking me right now. New Zealand is still the goal, but I am not sure when it will be. The plan is Sept or Oct to leave if that is where God wants me. I will keep you all updated. Until then I am in Chicago.

Glasgow Crew and a new t****o?!

2006-06-26T16:04:00.000-05:00

Glasgow Crew 2004/5
Well, it was great to be in Santa Barbara with everyone from my time in Scotland last year. The whole team was reunited once again for a couple of days. How amazing are friends and spiritual family that know you and your journey?! It's relationships like those that bring me to a greater understanding of life and God's love for me. How I miss them all already so very much. I was also able to see many good friends from other areas of the world too; NZ, the OC, England, South Africa, Canada and made many new friends. Erwin McManus was the keynote speaker and once again rocked my world and challenged us to "not have to get it right, but just to get it." I'm not perfect and I live in a crazy, messed up world, but if I "GET" what God is wanting me to do, He will take care of the rest. May my passion be rekindled and my love for life and Him show in all that I do. Oh, I also made one little stop with a good friend of mine at this cool shop and got some amazing art. Hope you enjoy it! :)

Celtic Trinity Knot

Copa Mundial Madness

2006-06-22T16:15:00.000-05:00

For the past couple of weeks and a couple more to come, my life has been taken over (a least a little bit) by football (soccer for all the lay people!) I miss the playing the sport but once again can feel the exhiliration of the game even though I'm just watching from a TV. Last summer I was in Germany around this time, what I would give if I were there this summer. Oh well, I always have 2010! For those of you not yet inlightened to the beautiful sport and those of you who are, here's a glimpse into some of the greats. Enjoy!!
Equipo (The Teams)
http://www.yourfilehost.com/media.php?cat=mov&file=Equipo_int_60.mp4
Partido (Playing)
http://www.yourfilehost.com/media.php?cat=mov&file=Partido_int_60.mp4

or go to adidas.com/soccer enter the site, click enter below the picture with all the soccer players (on the right side) and then click on watch movie

Auntie Beth

2006-06-06T13:56:00.001-05:00

If you don't already know, or haven't guessed it...I'm going to be an Aunt! My brother Matt and his wife Crystal are pregnant! They just found out a couple weeks ago and are so excited. Crystal is due sometime late Jan, early Feb of next year, so I will have to make a trek from NZ to Uganda to welcome baby Kehn. I am so excited for them and know they will be incredible parents. And here I thought it would be a while to become an Aunt. This kid is going to be SPOILED by me!!! If you want to connect with them, visit their site (their link is over on the right) they would love to hear from you. They would also appreciate your prayers and thoughts as the summer is busy for them with many teams coming to visit and work with Juna Amagara. Just wanted to share my joy and this great news!!

Just Living

2006-05-17T21:25:00.000-05:00

My life...well, it's been crazy these past few months. I must admit that things have sort of calmed down a bit now that I am not leaving in June for NZ. Calmed down at least in my head, but is that really good? Before, I found myself on my face in front of God, desperate for Him, relying on His sufficiency alone, giving up all of myself because I just couldn't do it anymore. Now?...well, now I am fully self-dependent again, only that's not a good thing. My mind and soul are sort of in that floating, indifferent state...not really happy, but not really sad. Just getting through life with all the ups and downs, trying my best, but it's not really going anywhere. Why? Because I've lost my source of strength, sufficiency, pure joy. Not really lost...just not embracing. So here I am, on my blog spilling my thoughts, not really caring if they make sense or not, but it's me, real and raw. Why this battle, why fight? Am I worth fighting for? Questions we all ask ourselves...in many different circumstances. And then a small pin-like stream of light enters the darkness...ah yes, I start to remember...a love that transcends all understanding, a battle begun in the dawn of creation, one perfect warrior fighting for my honor. Inside a voice whispers ever so softly, "Remember...Remember..." I look down as if on the edge of a cliff, darkness swirling below me, the other side leading to who knows where, but desperately knowing it's where I should be. The leap of faith...like something out of Indiana Jones...do I dare take that step...what if...what if? But the joy and peace in just the glimmer of memories brought to my mind drives me. I lean forward, my heart beating wildly...it is time to embrace once again.

Winds of Change

2006-05-04T14:59:00.000-05:00

Hey all! Quick update on my life. Nigel, the TSCF National Director was just in town this last weekend. We had a good chat...it was great to have him face to face for a bit. I told him how stressed I was about leaving in less than 2 months with all the visa application stuff, support raising, sorting out all my stuff at home, saying good bye to everyone and letting work know I was leaving. He was so very understanding...phew, a relief to get it all out. He told me that the next thing he wants me at is SLC, the Student Life Conference held in mid Nov. Some of you may recall that I was in NZ last Nov, I went to SLC and had my "interview" then. So...I will not be leaving at the end of June. I will continue to work at the Cheesecake Factory during the summer, hanging out with friends and waiting on my visa as I continue to raise support. My goal is to 100% funded by the time I leave, so you can all be praying for that. I am not sure of the exact month I will leave, but looking at late Aug sometime. As my friends Jeff and Jane Pelz say (they're also moving to NZ from Chicago) July would be a miracle, August is great, September is probable. So for all you who are in the area...we have more time! YAY!! I still plan on spending time in Cali before I leave, so I will keep you posted on those dates. Would love to hear from you all. Take care.

Food for thought

2006-04-22T00:45:00.000-05:00

“It’s a terrifying thing to begin. To begin anything at all. The rewards are but rumors then. The glories are but gossip. To taste and see, we must venture into the murky waters of inexperience. And that is, indeed a terrifying thing. But it's more terrifying still, to stand ashore and wish it could someday truly be true.”
~Tristam Gylberd.

I snagged this quote off my sister-in-law's website...and she got it from a good girlfriend. It's a powerful quote and quite where I am at right now with moving to NZ and starting ministry down there. However, the last line I on hold on to dearly because I never want that to be me...standing on the shore...wishing things could have been different. I know God won't let me and I don't want to be that person. No matter what the waters may look like, or that I can't see the next step after the one right before me, I take that leap of faith, planting my foot down on unknown territory, diving into the deep unknown. Crazy?! Maybe, but where there is great risk, there is also great reward and the building of faith. May it be so, Lord, may it be so.

Exciting times

2006-04-19T15:23:00.000-05:00

I found this on the YWAM website for NZ...don't remember how, but thought it was so encouraging. Hope you find it inspiring too. I'm just excited to be a part of what God is doing/going to do down there. Cindy Jacobs is an amazing woman and hears the Lord's voice in powerful ways. It is amazing that these words were spoken 6-8 years ago, but how powerful they still are. Probably the most exciting thing was the word about the Universities. I have only included some of what she spoke as all of it would have been too long (it's already quite long now!) Enjoy!

Cindy Jacobs 2000, Wellington, NZ
UNIVERSITY REVIVAL

The Lord is showing me that there’s going to be a revival at the university. God is going to pour out His Spirit on the university students of New Zealand. The Spirit of God is going to shake up the students, and they’re either going to bow their knee or they’ll bow through crisis. So you’d better pray for the universities.

Cindy Jacobs Prophecy July 1998, Colorado Springs, USA

And the Lord says to you, “There is going to be the fire of the Holy Spirit that hits New Zealand.

And the Lord says, “I am going to raise up an Army that will touch the nations of the earth.” The Lord says, “There is going to be a mighty revival that sweeps New Zealand.” People will come from all over the earth just to see what God is doing.

And the Lord says, “I am going to bring a linking, and I am going to bring a mission sending anointing.” And the Lord says, “Out of New Zealand will come a church planting movement. You are going to plant churches all across the 10/40 Window, for I have an anointing of missions upon New Zealand.

And the Lord says, “I am going to send you forth into the harvest field.” And the Lord says, “You are going to be forerunners of reconciliation. I am going to use you in reconciliation with gender. There is going to be a great anointing upon you to be Peace Makers, for I have put an anointing upon the people of New Zealand.

“And I am going to sweep these islands, and then there is going to be a linking with the Fijian Islands. There is going to be a linking across the Pacific Rim. It is going to be like fire hitting stepping stones that will go all the way up to Asia. There is going to be a particular linking that comes from Asia.”

The 80's Rock My World!!

2006-03-31T16:41:00.000-06:00

Ok, so to put this on after my St. Theresa prayer may be a bit sacreligious, but I thought it was fun. So what do you think? I'd say I'm a mixture of the two...probably a little more Lloyd than Ferris. Ahhh how I love both men in those movies.
My 80's Movie Icon Alter-Ego:

Who's Your 80s Movie Icon Alter-Ego? Find out @ She's Crafty

Who's Your 80s Movie Icon Alter-Ego? Find out @ She's Crafty

St. Theresa's Prayer

2006-03-31T16:27:00.000-06:00

May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of
faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received,
and pass on the love that has been given to you....
May you be content knowing you are a child of God....
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the
freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.

Warm...warm...cold?

2006-03-30T21:21:00.000-06:00

Ok, so today was the "hottest" day of the year so far...we got up to 65 degrees or so. Yeah, that's warm. And of course, I had to work all day...INSIDE! I went out at 6:30pm and it was still warm...no jacket, only a t-shirt & pants (trousers...all you UK peeps!)...ah Spring is coming. Just wanted
everyone to get a feel for what life is like and how rare good weather is here during the winter/early spring. Seriously...people busted out the shorts and flip-flops. The funny thing is that it's supposed to get cold again by early next week. That's Chicago for you...what's your spring (or fall) look like?
My favorite Building in Chicago...Adventures in Babysitting anyone?!

Mmmm....Coffee

2006-03-24T18:40:00.000-06:00

You Are a Soy Latte

Yeah, you've got a bit of that healthy hippie thing going on
But you're more Kate Hudson urban bohemian than Phish groupie
You're worldly and well traveled.. and you know where to get the best coffee in town.
All your experience makes you a compassionate person - and a caring girlfriend.

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

World Travels

2006-03-21T21:14:00.000-06:00

Traveling again...man I missed it. Just got back from Amsterdam and Glasgow for two weeks with Ali. We visited friends in both places. People that have had a huge impact on my life in one way or another. Again, I realize why I love so many things about Europe...riding our bikes EVERYWHERE, amazing cheese, sinfully decadent chocolate, cool money, different languages and accents, cool architecture and breathtaking art. Ummm and what do the States offer?! Ok, ok, there are loads of good things here to, but my heart is drawn to Europe and frankly the rest of the world. So the rest of this will be some pictures of my adventures...oh, and I didn't smoke any wacky tobaccy!
Me...Glasgow Uni (isn't it gorgeous?!)
Haggis, Neeps and Tatties...mmmm Scottish food

Glasgow in Snow!!! 1 1/2 feet, feels like home!
Red Light district

Enchantment

2006-02-08T15:22:00.000-06:00

Today I awoke early in the morning, for I had fallen asleep at a semi-decent hour while finishing The Horse and His Boy and starting Prince Caspian, both books from The Chronicles of Narnia. I picked up where I had left off the night before and found myself wrapped up in all the wonders of Narnia and the adventures of Peter, Susan, Edmund, Lucy and others. After a while I looked up, out the window and saw glorious snowflakes floating, twirling, and dancing softly to the ground. They were the large snowflakes, the kind you like to have fall on your face as you stick out your tongue to catch a few. Immediately I felt as if I were in Narnia myself...when the children first discovered that wonderful land. I was full of excitement and my inner-child burst forth...I gazed into the sky, marveling that no one flake was alike, and felt the soft whisper of God saying "You're just like them...unique, no one is like you." I smiled and soaked in the moment. It then dawned on me to express my artistic side and so I reached for the digital camera (since mine was "lost" in Prague) and took these pictures. They do no justice to what it actually looked like. Part of the mystery and magic was in my mind, seeing this through the eyes of a child, the other being you can never fully capture what something looks like in person. I hope that you catch a glimpse of what I saw...Happy imagining!!

"The Way I See It"

2006-02-08T15:02:00.000-06:00

Starbucks has this new campaign going on now with nice quotes on the side of their cups from famous...or not so people on the way they see things in life. Here's one that so resonated with who I am. The Way I See It #49 "Baking may be regarded as a science, but it's the chemistry between the ingredients and the cook that gives desserts life. Baking is done out of love, to share with family and friends, to see them smile." --Anna Olson Chef and hostess of the all-dessert show Sugar on Food Network Canada. To add to that I met Gale Gand...Head pastry chef of TRU in Chicago, author of many great dessert cookbooks and star in her show "Sweet Dreams" on Food Network. It was an honor to meet her and her partner Executive Chef Rick Tramonto of TRU. I served them this last week at work and it made my day...and week...now if only I could get an invite to their kitchen! I'll keep you posted.

The New Year

2006-01-13T13:06:00.000-06:00

The Siblings (Crysal (sis-in-law), Matt (bro) and me)Christmas morning. Mind you we were all a bit groggy from a late night showing of Home Alone!
The Turkey and I (sounds like a movie huh?!) This was my baby...and man did it taste Goo-ood!

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! I know it's a bit late, but I have to say it just the same. Wow, 2006 already...a year full of changes; a new country, ministry, friends and life. Of course, everyone already existing in my life now will remain as such...you WILL NOT be forgotten. Oh, how my heart will miss all of you, but I know that New Zealand has that bewitching appeal and so I hope to see many of you when you come visit! I hope that this finds all of you on great adventures this next year of our lives. Please feel free to fill me in on all the little details! As the year goes on, this blog will be filled with many happy moments, hilarious cultural stories, tear-filled notes and soul searching insights. Let's bring it on.
Work...well it is still going well. I have received a promotion from being a server to a bartender. Yup, me...I've had visions in my head of Tom Cruise in Cocktail and me singing "Addicted to Love" at the top of my lungs in a busy bar. Not quite like that, but it IS busy. There is so much to know and having never bartended before, it is a whole new spectrum of the restaurant industry. So far I have really enjoyed it. There have been great conversations between the guests and me and also deeper conversations with some of the servers. I am excited to see what God will do with me in this new position. My prayer is to help unify the rest of the bar staff as there was not a great deal of unity and "brotherhood" among them to begin with. So once again, God places me in an unknown world to be His light and truth and I am stoked to be there.
I have had a wonderful opportunity to meet with some friends (Jeff and Jane Pelz) that are also interested in going to New Zealand. I actually met them while in Scotland as they have been in Oxford, England for the past 7 years doing International Student Ministry there. They came up to Edinburgh for the meeting that I also attended about going to New Zealand with Nigel Pollock (the new National Director of TSCF) as they had met him some time before. The time with Jeff and Jane was so refreshing and encouraging and is helping me to keep my focus on all the things that need to be done. They are a wonderful couple and also have 2 kids that are a joy and have loads of energy! The Pelz' also bring great experience in raising support and have offered to help me along in the process…YAY! As I look forward and set my sight on NZ and what is next, I ask for you to keep me in your thoughts and prayers. Hope to hear from you all. Great to catch up once again. Blessings!

My job...or should I say my new home?!

2005-12-15T16:43:00.000-06:00

It's been a while since I've put something on my blog and that is due to this wonderful thing called the restaurant life. I have been working at the Cheesecake Factory (which I love) practically every day and more often than not, the FULL day. Don't get me wrong, I love to serve and the food is fantastic, but my body is tired, must be those 26 years kicking in...just kidding! As you can see, one of my favorite cheesecakes is the Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake. It is displayed to make your mouths water and your taste buds long to put a bit in your mouth. So come visit me...if you can! The down side to my job is the lack of time spent with God and friends. Just recently I have been able to hang out with some good friends and I have made it a point to get my fill of Jesus because without him I can't to anything and my life is meaningless. It is hard working in the restaurant business, as some of you will know, lots of drama, lots of drinking and lots of other things as well. I feel like I walk into a battle, sorely out numbered every day...but God is good and I have just found out that there is a manager who is a follower of Jesus as well as another server. The relationships I have made while there are amazing...I love all my co-workers and I have also had chances to talk in length with people about my faith and my time in Glasgow. I am excited and looking forward to more of the time spent with these people before I head off to NZ. On a fun note, the company gives away a 9 inch cheesecake to all their employees for Christmas...this year it was Pumpkin, not my tip top fav, but very good. So...if you happen to stop by my house, or throw a party, you may get a slice! I would love to hear from all of you. Please email me, call me or send me a note. Blessings!!
Beth Kehn
237 Dunton Ct.
Mundlein, Il 60060
bethkehn@gmail.com
001-224-622-4887

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!

2005-12-04T01:01:00.000-06:00

SNOW!!!
Me and Ali at the LOV Christmas Gala

Yes, winter is in full bloom in Chicago as you can see in the pictures! If you're wondering, that's a huge snow flake in the middle of my forehead. Tonight my church (Life on the Vine) had a Christmas Gala full of food, fun times, laughter and dancing! It was great to get back (after my time in NZ) and see many people that have helped in my readjusting period back to the States. This group of friends have challenged me, encouraged me and thinks like I do about life, what church is really about and that we're all on a journey. My good friend Ali Watson (we're often mistaken as sisters) and I have been going to this gathering since August and are greatly blessed by the people we have met. She is a dear friend, a soul sister, and has the best laugh. I thank God for the blessing of a community that has such a different perspective on life and how we are to be living. Since my time in Glasgow I have come to understand that "doing life" with people, journeying along with them is the greatest impact that one could have on another's life. All people really want is someone to be there, understand and help them through this process of life...to be real, genuine and caring...to have a community. Life is different now, every person I meet I see with a different set of eyes. My mission is clear, have compassion and speak truth like Jesus, walk in the boldness of Paul, encourage like Barnabas, and journey with people like St. Patrick. This is bit from the NieuCommunities web site says it well, "Jesus lingered long with God, and so we carve out time to do the same. We call this communion. He did life day-in and day-out with a small band of sojourners, so we choose to share our lives with each other. We call this community. He lived with an unwavering purpose as he created spiritual home for others, so we open our hearts to be taught how to live on purpose wherever we find ourselves in the world. We call this mission." That's me...that's what I'm about...still learning, sometimes failing, but never giving up.

Chocolate Fish

2005-11-30T09:01:00.000-06:00

Me at Chocolate Fish, Wellington
Hello all! Happy post Thanksgiving to everyone!! Well, I made it back to the States in one piece...YAY! I had a chance to see my grandparents in LA and hang out with Ian (my good friend from NieuCommunities in Glasgow) and spend some time in Santa Monica. It was so warm in LA!!! At Santa Monica I walked around without a jumper till 9pm. It was so good to be back there. I ate, took a walk on the beach at sunset, and bought dinner for a homeless guy called Michael and hung out with him until I had to go catch my red-eye back to Chicago. Man, let me tell you how blessed I feel after seeing so many homeless people. That made me so much more thankful for everything I went home to...and for a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. My family and I went to my good friend Ali's parent's house in Rockford for dinner. It was a wonderful time to catch up with everyone about my time in NZ. Speaking of which, the picture is me in front of a fab cafe called Chocolate Fish. It's where all the cool movie stars hung out while filming LOTR, as Peter Jackson's house and actor's guest house is just down the road. If you come visit me in Wellington, I will so take you there...great food, and chocolate fish! :) Well, it's back to the daily grind for me. I started work on Friday (the day after I got home and T-Day!) and have been working until today...my first official day off!! It's been going great at the Cheesecake Factory...I love to serve people and meet new people every day. Well, that's all for now from bitter cold Chicago!

The verdict is in!!

2005-11-21T05:11:00.000-06:00

Wellington, NZ
So many of you may be wondering what has happened to Beth? Well...after my time with my grandparents, I have been inaccessible through the electronic system until just now! But hopefully what I have to say will make up for all those pining away, hoping to catch some glimpse of my life on this earth. As you may well know I have been on the other side of the world looking at working with university students with TSCF (go check out the website!!) I left Tauranga on Friday and trekked down to Palmerston North to catch a lift with a staff worker called Mark. We had dinner with his family then headed off the staff retreat at this cool place called Forest Lakes Camp. There I met all the current staff and new staff members that I would be sharing the next 12 days with. There were staff from all parts of the world...Malaysia, Singapore, Scotland, England, Germany, America (me), North Island and South Island...talk about a world wide team! I was in the midst of those people that I had been hearing bits and pieces about for the last couple of months! But don't be worried on my part...they are fabulous people and were so welcoming to me. Over the next few days of staff retreat, I got to know most staff quite well and share their vision for what they are doing. Luckily the staff shares my love for ice cream and we took a trip to Kapiti in Lindale where I must say has the best ice cream I've ever tasted outside of Italy! If you don't believe me, well, just come and visit and see for yourself. We all then headed to the Student Life Conference about a half hour away where I met amazing Kiwi and International students all apart of TSCF in some form or another. This time was vital for me as I had a chance to get down and dirty and see how this ministry works as well as for them to check me out. On Tuesday I had my interview, not really your conventional interview as it started around 10pm, but I must have made some sense because they offered me a job! So the news you have been waiting for....dun, dun, dun....I will be working as a staff worker in Wellington (on the North Island, it's the capital of NZ) with Victoria University. They want me to come out for the mid-year conference in July, so I will most likely be heading out sometime in late June to the land of the long white cloud. I am so excited for this amazing opportunity to live in this beautiful land and do what I love. Now, if any of you don't know, NZ just got the bid to host the 2011 World Cup (for rugby) and I'm pretty sure I'll have the sport figured out by then and be able to cheer the All Blacks (NZ's national rugby team) along to victory! I did however have a guy explain the positions and rules to me at the conference (Thanks Graham!) and it makes a wee bit more sense, but I find I get lost again after a couple of minutes. So, it will take a few matches to get used to my newly loved sport (as it has to be as rugby is a religion down here), but I won't give up my loyalty to the Cubs!! Much more to come about my trip and what life will look like. As for now, I'm off to bed and then heading back to the states, arriving the 22nd and getting to Chicago at the crack of dawn on the 24th, just in time for Thanksgiving!!! Take care, God bless.

I'm here!!

2005-11-04T17:30:00.000-06:00

Yes, I made it to NZ...and it's beautiful here! Walking around without a jacket, sun beating down, man is it good to be back. I'm feeling a little cloudy right now with the time adjustment, even after having a 10 hour sleep, however a little latte and I'm all set! Just as an update, I am planning on going to Wellington the 11th for a staff retreat with TSCF, then attending the student conference from the 14th to the 20th at a place 5 km inland from Paraparaumu on the Kapiti Coast. Should be good fun and a new place to explore! Keep in touch as will I. Have a great week.

Off to the land of Hobbits and Narnia

2005-10-29T10:32:00.000-05:00

Hello! Well I have successfully made it through training at the new Cheesecake Factory in Lincolnshire, IL...YAY! Actually I have to take a test on Monday over the massive menu (we have to memorize the whole thing) and if any of you have been to a CCF, then you know how much food there is! God is good though and I have most of it down, and the managers have seemed to take a liking to me. Ok, so now I am off to New Zealand (if you couldn't have guessed by the title!) I leave the 2nd of Nov and will be returning to the States the 22nd. You may be thinking...Another vacation?! Goodness, this girl gets around...where does the money come from? Well, you may be right in some sense (at least about the money!), but I am going to NZ for other reasons than a nice holiday. While I was in Scotland I met a man and his family who are moving to NZ, as Nigel (the "man"), is to be the new National Director for a ministry called TSCF (Tertiary School Christian Fellowship). Long story short, I am going down there to see if TSCF would be a good fit for me (and them) to become a Staff worker. TSCF is a Christian Student Lead Club on University campuses around the country. I would be working with the Student leaders and other students, coaching them, and encouraging them to find their niche in this thing called life. I would be moving down next July (should I feel this is where God wants me) and be living there for 4-5 years. So, first off, you all can come visit me, secondly I would appreciate your thoughts and prayers and thirdly, if you feel inclined to help me out financially, it would be much welcomed. You can contact me by email...bkehn@hotmail.com, or post a comment to this site. I'll keep you updated while I am in NZ on all the goings-on. One quick confession...I am visiting my Grandpa in Tauranga (on the coast...and it's summer there) for about a week before I head down to Wellington. But really, come all that way and NOT see my grandpa? Well, thanks for understanding. Talk soon. Many blessings on you!!

The Day I entered the World

2005-10-05T22:55:00.000-05:00

Today is my 26th Birthday...aah, another year older, wiser (hopefully) and full of new adventure. I also have the wonderful privilege to share this day with my brother, Matt who was also born today...2 years after I was. As another year is added to my life, I take the time to reflect on the past year and all that occurred. Last October 5th, I was in Glasgow, Scotland participating in a 10 month leadership and spiritual development program...life was very different. I lived with 9 other people (crazy but fun at most times!), had deep soul searching and cleansing times, and navigated around Glasgow, a city where most people don't even sound like they're speaking English. This time was precious and it was such a privilege to turn a semi-landmark year with some of my now closest friends. It's funny, being away from my other friends and family was sad and I missed them, but God provided new family and friends to make my day special. This year I was back in the States and hung out with close friends and family all day. It was wonderful, I felt so blessed, but I also remembered how this last year of my life will affect the rest of my days...and that is a gift that only God can give. I love you all...hope that this year of your life is exciting and challenging.

My Life

2005-09-30T17:09:00.000-05:00

Hello!!! Well, here I am kicking off my page that will hopefully keep everyone updated on all the happenings of my life. I am currently back in the States living with my parents in Mundelein, IL and waiting for my new job to start. Actually I have 3 jobs...praise God for that! I will be working at the Libertyville Sports Complex as a "Party" person, cooking with a caterer when she needs me and working as a server at the Cheesecake Factory. Soon I head down to New Zealand to visit my Grandpa and his wife, but also to have my "formal" interview with TSCF (Tertiary School Christian Fellowship), a Christian Organization that works with university students all over NZ. I will be on the other side of the world for about 3 weeks and at that time will come back to Chicago to brave the bitter winter! Should things work out with TSCF I will be moving down to either the North or South Island next July. Well, that's just a wee bit about me for the moment. More to come on my year in Glasgow, Scotland and my trip around Europe. Take care...many blessings.

Cali Trip

2005-09-30T16:16:00.000-05:00

Me and my Nana at her house

Wade and I enjoying Balboa Beach

Glasgow Team...Missing you Ian and Libolts!

Me and Charlie hiking the Pasadena Foothills

The Girls at Santa Monica...watch out folks, we get a little crazy sometimes!