Another random dozen for Wednesday!

I'm happy to participate in another random Wednesday meme, hosted by Lid at 2nd cup of coffee. Trace the link above to visit Mr. Linky and read the randoms of other bloggers.

1. Tell me the absolute best way to watch a movie.
During the early or late evening, sitting on a comfortable couch, under a blanket, with the lights off, surrounded by my best friends.

2. Do you ever think about your own funeral? If so, do you have specific ideas about how you would like it to be?
I spend much more time thinking about my wedding, but I have thought about my funeral, only wondering who would be there and who might express the deepest grief.

3. Are you more of a giver or a taker?
A giver. Definitely. (Freely we receive, now freely we will give..)

4. Vacations: planned activities and schedules, or play it by ear?
There are five people in my family (now seven with brother-in-law and niece) and when we go on family vacation, everyone gets to plan the events for one day. Often this means trips to the beach or an amusement park are planned in advance, OR days may only be planned the night before as we are going to bed (in my case, which greatly displeases both type-A sisters.)

5. What is one often overlooked item in your home that needs to be cleaned regularly?
This question is more difficult because I live in a dorm. We do a decent job keeping our space clean, but we are at an advantage because it is so small.

6. Name a cause that means a lot to you.
Human trafficking. Click HERE for a blog I wrote after attending a human trafficking forum. Words that come to mind are: fear, powerlessness, humiliation. Human trafficking is modern day slavery; it is a crime against humanity.

7. Do you eat a regular old peanut butter jelly sandwich, or do you customize it? And by the way, jelly or no jelly?
Recently I have been toasting my bread, and I prefer to use strawberry jam.

8. If we were having a conversation in person, how would I know if you were nervous?
I suppose if I kept repeating myself.

9. Do you have an elaborate bedtime routine, or just the basics of toothbrushing and jammies?
Pajamas are usually on well before I go to bed. Otherwise I wash my face, brush my teeth, take out my contacts, read my devotions, and set my alarm(s). Not too elaborate.

10. Have you ever regretted something you wrote on your blog?
No, but I’m sure if I did I would simply delete it and assume everyone had forgotten.


11. Has anyone ever told you that you look like a famous person or celebrity? Did you agree?
Jessica Biel. Disagree.

12. If you were going to dedicate a song to a loved one or friend, what would the song be and to whom would it be dedicated?
Interesting question! I could name a dozen.

We Go Together (John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John) to a few select members of my graduation class.

Obsesion (Aventura) to my friend Alex Ramirez, a Mexican immigrant.

Ain't No Rest for the Wicked (Caged Elephant) to my dear friend Aimee Odum, who sang a wonderful blind & deaf karaoke rendition in Cambodia, and I have never forgotten it.

Better Together (Jack Johnson) to my other half, my twin sister, Jessie

Cry On My Shoulder (Deutschland sucht den Superstar) to Ashton Rank, for the memories of Cambodia and our friend Ki that it brings.

Apple Bottom Jeans (T Pain) to my suitemate Bethany.

(To be continued...)

Final days at the WBI...

I have built lasting friendships and many memories with these students at the Wesleyan Bible College in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I have visited two consecutive summers and spent many hot days with them - in the classroom, the chapel, on the patio, by the stream, walking the path, etc. My next trip to Cambodia (potentially June/July 2010) will not find these students at the Bible college because they have now finished their studies at the WBI, and after completing an internship, they will official be pastors in the Cambodian Wesleyan Church. Unfortunately, they will move away, but I am excited for them, and excited for the new students that will arrive in January. I promised a couple that I would visit their churches when I return in 2010, and I hope I can do.

I enjoyed these pictures that Pastor Greg (missionary at the WBI) sent me of the students during the final week of Worship and Programming class.

Somnang marrying Somon and Channa during a mock wedding demonstration.

The official baptism at Srey Lis (at Phnom Penh water park, tee hee ;D )

Somnang dedicating baby Karen Malika, daughter of Pastor Rotha and Nekru Elizabeth.

Solemnizing the mock engagment of Sophol and Pholla, conducting by Pastor Rotha.

Somon administering the Lord's Supper.

Pholla conducting a mock funeral service.

Still a learning process..

I'm learning so much in school. I'm taking Basic Christian Doctrine (basically Theology 101) and I love it. I'm taking Intro. to Development Theories, and the books are so good. I'm reading all I can and taking it seriously because I feel like it's a good thing to do and it will make me a better person and missionary. I don't think this works for everyone, but it is for me. I also have a big stack of books that I want to get through between textbooks.
First is::

The Relevant Nation -- A Field Manual for Changing Your World -- A book of a collection of essays on pressing social just issues such as HIV/AIDS, trafficking, hunger, poverty, fair trade, etc. I feel it now - a revolution is happening in our generation. We see the strife in the world as generations before ours could not—whether a terrorist attack or a tsunami, we watch the devastation of such tragedies play-by-play, and it moves us. But how do we apply our energy to alleviate the suffering of those around us? Especially when we’re busier than ever and less able to give of our time to serve just causes at home and around the globe? I am inspired and moved to take action on local, national and international levels—using God-ordained weapons of charity, love, peace and willful self-sacrifice to serve others.

Also, I'm continually trying to learn more about Cambodia and the worldview of Khmers (Cambodians). Here are some funny - but true - descriptions of the differences between the Western and Khmer cultures.

Western/Cambodian
Handling problems::

View of self::

Lining up::

Way of Living::

College things. :)

Here are pictures of our suite living room that I promised a few weeks ago. We have hung a few more empty pictures frames since then, and they all remain empty, waiting for an hour or two when all 5 of us are willing and available to take pictures together and print them in black and white.

Everyone usually asks where we got the Live Laugh Love banner; Jessie (my sister & suitemate) and I made it. We printed the letters onto pink construction paper, cut them out, glued them onto black construction paper and that's it!

You may notice that our movie collection is rather large (complete with popcorn.) Last week we discovered Twilight and over a six-day period, we watched it seven times. Though I think only one of us actually watched it all seven times! HA. No, it wasn't me; I watched it three or four.

and these are pictures of the 5 of us::

Jessie and I at Ivanhoe's on our 21st birthday! I had the Health Nut (frozen vanilla yogurt topped with bananas, sliced almonds, and crunchy granola), and she had pumkin pie ice cream over a brownie, topped with chocolate.

Bethany and Laura are Jessie's roommates (therefore my suitemates), and Traci with the red hair is my roomie of two years.

In case you're wondering, we don't like these pictures and we aren't going to frame them in the room. =]

Dozen of Randoms

I'm happy to participate in another random Wednesday meme, hosted by Lid at 2nd cup of coffee. Trace the link above to visit Mr. Linky and read the randoms of other bloggers.

1 dozen random questions for Wednesday:



1. Please share one middle school memory. It can be good, bad, ugly, funny. Pictures or words, I don't care, just share.

I don’t have any jr. high pictures to upload, I wish I did… I’m sure they would be a treat. But a story? Memories include being only 1 of 2 girls on the soccer team; reading Tuck Everlasting with an amazing English teacher, Miss Bennett and making cell diagrams with Mrs. Broyles.

2. What's your favorite Beatles song?



Hey Jude and here is why: This is a YouTube video of an adorable young Asian boy doing a wonderful rendition of the song

.

3. If I asked you to describe your most comfortable outfit, what would it be?

Sweats are so comfortable, but I really can’t let myself be seen in them outside of the dorm, so the most comfortable outfit you will likely see me in is blue jeans and a t-shirt.

4. Would you rather host a party or be a guest?

With the exception of those stressful times, I would rather hosts. I love cleaning the house in preparation for company.. waiting for the arrivals.. making sure everyone is comfortable and having fun. I love being a guest too!



5. Do you think we will move completely from traditional books to digital ones, and if we do, are you OK with that?



It wouldn’t surprise me but I don’t see it in the near future. It was disappoint me, and not because I don’t like change (ok maybe a little!), but because I love sitting down with a good book (and I don’t want to print it off the internet!)

6. Do you learn best by reading, listening or experiencing?



Experience – and it has taught me so much!

7. If you are (or when you were) single, what is the kiss of death for you concerning the opposite sex? (That is, what is one trait or behavior or habit or anything at all that immediately turns you off from considering that person a potential match for you?)

I really cannot tolerate a dirty mouth (referring to bad language not bad breath!) I’m also turned off by smoking and other various immoral activities.



8. Snacks. Salty or sweet?

Sweet! Cookies, ice cream, white gummy bears… but peanut butter is my ultimate fave, and that leans more towards salty.



9. Look around you in a 4’ radius. What object is around you that you didn't realize was there or forgot was there? How long has it been there?



Considering I just moved into my dorm 3.5 weeks ago, I still know where most of my things are. HOWEVER, I just realized that my bulletin board apparently fell of my wall cause it's sitting on my bed. Sad!

10. What is your favorite Tom Cruise movie?

You know… I wouldn’t even recognize Cruise if I saw his picture. I love movies and I have a huge collection, but I don’t “follow” actors and actresses. So here is what I did: I went to http://www.imbd.com/ and searched Tom Cruise, and while I recognize the titles of at least 15 of his 30+ movies, I haven’t seen one of them!



11. You buy a bottle of shampoo and discover that you don't like what it does to your hair at all. What do you do with that full bottle?



This has never happened to me. I have found three that I like, and I rotate brands when I buy a new bottle. I suppose though, that I would ask my friends if they use the particular shampoo, and give it to them.

12. Your favorite Fall comfort food? (Last week it was beverage.)

Sweet potato casserole or pumpkin rolls! I also love carved turkey, sliced ham, mashed potatoes, green beans with sliced almonds, rolls with strawberry jam, and pumpkin pie! Mmm.. Thanksgiving!

Once we were babies..

OUR STORY:::

Once we were babies:::

Fat babies.
I was 8 pounds 13 ounces, Jessie was 8 pounds 5 ounces. That means 17 pounds of baby!
Mom was 2 weeks overdue, and we were born naturally.
I was born at 11:15, and my little twin sister was born 8 minutes later.
Jessie pushed me out.. she's been pushing me around ever since. (HA. JK. Kinda.)
In our ultrasounds pictures Baby A (Me) was tightly cuddled in a ball in the corner, sucking her thumb, while dominant Baby B (Jess) was doing jumping jacks in the much larger portion of the womb.

Eventually we grew a little older:::

We didn't always get along, and we still don't.
But we have had alot of fun.


Today we are 21 years old:::


And we are best friends.
Now we do about everything together.
Almost.

21 reasons today is a good day..

1. There was a torrential downpour between classes this morning, but I was able to skip from 1 building to the next under an overhang, and have thus far avoided the rain.

2. I got an email from Titus in Cambodia, and even though the video he tried attaching failed, I felt his heart's sentiments.

3. One night in Cambodia we walked to a convenience store at 2am and we were happy to find American treats -- Pringles and Mentos. This morning I got Pringles and Mentos and a sweet note via campus mail from my bff Loren.

4. I downloaded one of my favorite songs on itunes with a giftcard from my momma. My Girl by The Temptations.

5. My wonderful sister made me a cup of coffee this morning.

6. My 7:50 theology class was so good!

7. I got an A on my first speech!

8. My sister and I got a Wii Fit yesterday, and I was able to play a little during my lunch break.

9. I'm wearing new blue jeans (1 size smaller than Spring) and my new Sanders jersey.

10. At 8:30 tonight, the Indianapolis Colts (1-0) meet the Miami Dolphins (0-1).

11. There is a potential of going to Ivanhoe's for icecream tonight after Jessie gets off work.

12. One of my favorite pastors (Tony Bye) spoke in chapel this morning and read one my current favorite passages of Scripture (Acts 2:42-47).

13. I got money in the mail from my Aunt & Uncle in Ohio.

14. The 42nd Street Deli finally has chicken salad and I had my first tomato basil wrap with chicken salad for lunch.

15. I saw my dearest little friend Elli and her mom Andrea on campus.

16. Today is local church / community outreach day on IWU's campus and The Horizon (an alternate evening venue of Brookhaven Wesleyan) had a great display!

17. I finished a pretty sweet looking poster to advertise my missions trip to Mozambique. (for World Impact / global outreach chapel on Wednesday)

18. I started an amazing book by Shane Clairborn, called Jesus for President.

19. Today is my golden birthday! 21 on the 21st!

20. People I never even talk to are wishing me a happy birthday.

21. I feel loved!

Quicky quick update on life...

1) Between preparing my first speech and writing a paper for theology class, I was too awfully low on sleep this week.

2) On Wednesday morning at 6:30, I met our Dean of the Chapel and 60 other students and we spent almost an hour praying over the cafeteria and a few workers there. I followed breakfast with a double shot sugar-free vanilla frappe.

3) My seasonal allergies were also awful this week, so I skipped work both Wednesday & Thursday to take a nap. My eyes were nearly swollen shut, kinda like THIS.

4) Monday is my 21st birthday.

5) Thursday was Titus' birthday, and we were able to talk almost 2 hours on yahoo chat. We hadn't had a good conversation in over a month, so I was so so so happy!

6) Plans for my birthday weekend include: going home, sleeping on the couch, and babysitting 4 little ones all weekend long.

7) The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer is a really good book.

8) I'll try to write again tomorrow between the baby's naps.

Wedding Bells.

These wedding bells sound a little different, but the marriage bliss is undeniable. I am so happy. Like really, I am so happy! Vandy is my best friend in Cambodia; no, he's my Cambodian brother, and Tess is a dear friend also. These are their wedding pictures. They are to be married on September 30, in the Philippines. Two weeks. I wish I could be there, but it isn't responsible or realistic to pay $1800 for being able to be there probably only three days. I'll be mad for quite a few years that I missed their wedding, but it simply isn't realistic. I know they understand this, but they are disappointed. When I'm married and living in Cambodia, Vandy and Tess will be that couple that me and my p'dai (husband) do everything with. I'm predicting it. =) If you're a regular follower of my blog, I have mentioned them quite a few times.

If you're interested HERE is a blog called Foreign Celebration that I wrote in August about Cambodian weddings.

Happy random Wednesday!

I'm happy to participate in another random Wednesday meme, hosted by Lid at 2nd cup of coffee. Enjoy my answers and see my personality flourish throughout! Trace the link above to visit Mr. Linky and read the randoms of other bloggers.

1. Which is worse: a long, boring meeting or standing in a return/exchange line after Christmas?

I don’t think I’ve ever experience the agony of those post-Christmas customer service lines, but I am actually rather patient (the only one in my immediate family); however, I do get bored, so I can assure you that the long, boring meeting would be greater torture for me.

2. Except for maybe Rosie O'Donnell or Ann Coulter, nobody likes confrontation, yet we all have to deal with it. When you feel cornered and defensive, do you "bite back" or become passive aggressive?

This is one area where my twin sister and I are drastically different; she definitely tends to bite back, and I’m sure she wouldn’t mind me saying so. On the extreme opposite spectrum, I am rather passive aggressive and tend to let people walk on me... though I am learning to stand up for myself and I had some good practice this past summer!

3. Do you know anything about your genealogical background? (What country, culture, ties to prominent historical figures, or other stuff.)

My mother’s parents are Pennsylvania Dutch. My mom was born in Sierra Leone, Africa; which makes my mother African America, and my sister and I mixed! HA. I know my aunt has my paternal lineage traced back many generations, but I’m not familiar with it except that my dad’s adopted dad’s dad (my paternal great-grandpa) was a cousin of James Dean’s dad.

4. What is the quickest way a person can endear him/herself to you?

The key is simply showing an interest in my life (past, present, or future), and though I haven’t yet read The Five Love Languages (on my desk waiting to be read), I’m pretty sure my love language is TIME.

5. Cake, pie, cookies, or ice cream? (Note there is no "all of the above" option. You must choose one. Feel free to elaborate on flavor or memories tied to this dessert.) If you'd like, you can share a recipe, but you certainly don't have to.

I’m not a fan of cake, but I am torn between ice cream and cookies. Ice cream is a bigger treat, so I’m choosing ice cream. Don’t like chocolate.. love vanilla.. love cinnamon.. love butter pecan.. and Christmas isn’t Christmas without Breyer’s peppermint stick ice cream! And in my family, we celebrate birthdays with ice cream cake, not ice cream and cake.

6. Females: Do you regularly change your handbag to coordinate with your outfit?

No. When I get a new purse, I like it so much that even weeks later I would hate to simply throw it in the closet.

7. Are you task-oriented or relationship-oriented?

Relationship-oriented, which explains why I’m not naturally inclined to offer my assistance in the kitchen, but instead remain on barstool chatting it up.

8. IHOP, Bob Evans or Cracker Barrel?

Bob Evan’s food... Cracker Barrel’s environment!

9. Have you ever left a movie in progress in a theater? Why?

The first movie I ever remember seeing in theatres was Dumbo Drop. Mom apparently hadn’t seen previews or read reviews, and we simply chose a movie based on the title; somehow I think we had associated it with Babe (the pig movie!). I don’t even remember catching onto the plot before Mom decided we were too young and we left.

10. What is one area of life in which you would like to develop more discipline or organization?

Every area! HA. I wish I was more disciplined in reading my Bible; next to that: more disciplined in reading my textbooks and regularly reviewing my notes. Though with great pride I declare that this summer I developed strong discipline in my prayer time and strong commitment to exercise. My favorite time of day is the 30-40 minutes of hardcore praying when I’m on the elliptical.

11. Was middle school fun or painful?

Fun! I’m sure I was awkward and dorky, but I was carefree. I was also already very involved in youth group and had amazing friends there.

12. What is your favorite Fall beverage?

Pumpkin pie chai! I’ve asked McConn (our campus café) twice this week when they expect to start offering Fall drinks. Last semester, I was still finishing up their Fall flavors in February and March! Mmmmm. =)

Deep into the semester, and only 1 week down.

Thanks Kelly, thanks to you I'm overworked and stressed and tired, but thanks to you I now know that I have an entire book to read in the next few days, then a paper written before Friday!

I hadn't even printed my Theology syllabus (hey, we've only had 3 classes!) when Kelly asked me how A.W. Tozer's The Knowledge of the Holy was coming. I said, "Excuse me what??" I had no idea.. I mean I suppose I should have known that there was reading to be done, but I never imagined our first book reflection would be due at the end of the second week of classes! Good grief!

I'm keeping busy...

Yes sir, I'll take two.

How precious is this?

Stand Against Trafficking

Wednesday night I went with a group of 5 friends and new friends to Heartland Church in Fishers for a StAT (Stand Against Trafficking) community forum. Words that come to mind are: fear, powerlessness, humiliation.

Human trafficking is modern day slavery; it is a crime against humanity. In the world today there are over 27 million human slaves. That is more than there were at the height of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade (wow!) That is more than the population of New York City, LA, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, Dallas, San Diego, San Jose, Detroit, and San Francisco COMBINED.

Trafficking of humans is the 2nd largest criminal industry in the world after drug dealing, and is the fastest growing. Many victims of trafficking are made to engage in prostitution, pornography, or exotic dancing. Trafficking also occurs in forms of labor exploitation, such as domestic servitude or restaurant work, sweatshop factory work or migrant agricultural work.

Force (rape, beatings, confinement), fraud (false offers of employment, marriage, better life), and coercion (threats, debt-bondage, psychological abuse) are methods used by traffickers to press victims into lives of servitude and abuse.

About 17,500 people are trafficked into the U.S. every year as human slaves. Their plight largely goes unnoticed by the average citizen, and not only is it not just, but it does affect us all.

Below are a few lyrics to a song called "Child of God" by Steve Siler. This is powerful stuff.

I paint on the face

I strap on the heels

I shut down my heart so it won’t have to feel

the hands that don’t know me all over my skin

and the eyes that don’t love me drinking me in

Under this make up

I’m black and blue

The petals were crushed before I could bloom

I didn’t choose this

No one ever would

And I’d break these chains if only I could

I’m a child of God

I hide in plain sight

I’m a child of God

Slave to the night

Powerless, broken, abandoned, abused

Do you see a child of God

Or just a prostitute?

The world looks away and calls me a whore

and each day I die just a little bit more

A disposable person to keep at arms length

Human trash…

Is that what you think?

Trailer for the 2009 film Taken.

Seventeen year-old Kim is the pride and joy of her father Bryan Mills. Bryan is a retired agent who left the Secret Service to be near Kim in California. Kim lives with her mother Lenore and her wealthy stepfather Stuart. Kim manages to convince her reluctant father to allow her to travel to Paris with her friend Amanda. When the girls arrive in Paris they share a cab with a stranger named Peter, and Amanda lets it slip that they are alone in Paris. Using this information an Albanese gang of human traffickers kidnaps the girls. Kim barely has time to call her father and give him information. Her father gets to speak briefly to one of the kidnappers and he promises to kill the kidnappers if they do not let his daughter go free. The kidnapper wishes him "good luck," so Bryan Mills travels to Paris to search for his daughter and her friend.

Click HERE to see how you can take a stand against human trafficking.

September's first "Friday's Fave Five"

Happy “Friday’s Fave Five” blog, hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story. This last week was full of things that tickeled by fancy (more to come on that later), so it was hard to choose only 5. Click on the linky to see what has been tickling the fancy of other bloggers.

1. INT 210 - Introduction to Development Theory
I have 5 classes this semester, and I think this will be my favorite. I'm not only interested in the course material (international community development) but Dr. Jolly is also one of my favorite professors.

This course explores the theories and practices in social and economic development of communities on a local and global scale. It includes an overview of the history and impact of globalization, the impact of global population growth and migration patterns, and the growth and impact of transnational corporations on societies. It also introduced a few major multinational bodies such as The World Bank, International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organization, and World Health Organization, as well as development activities of governmental and non-governmental agencies.

2. Alex Ramirez Santana
Despite a pretty significant (yet progressively lessening) language barrier, Alex really is one of my closest friends. I wrote a blog about Alex back in July 2009 (HERE) and our story is pretty interesting.

Anyways, we went to dinner at La Charreada and hung out on Monday night. The night was filled with awesome conversation about immigration, and the differences in culture between Mexico and America. He told me that what he really appreciates about America is the laws; in Acapulco, MX (yes, he's from Acapulco!) he can't walk on the streets because people aren't persecuted for driving drunk. Also, 12-year-olds (and younger) may drink, smoke, and go to dance clubs without a second glance from the police. He's been in America now maybe 1.5 years, and of course he misses his friends and family the most.

I wish I could visit home with him, but I'm sure that's not a realistic dream. I would love to see Mexico through his eyes, and meet everyone and see everything that I have heard so much about.

3. Taste of Marion "Because everybody likes free stuff!"

This is an annual event here at IWU (Indiana Wesleyan University) and it's amazing. It's later today from 2-5, so I haven't actually been yet, but I know it will be a highlight of my week. How do I describe it? It's like a community fair in the intramural gym with about 80-90 booths hosted by stores, restaurants, churches, organizations, etc. in the Marion community. There are tons of free giveaways for coupons, pens, frisbees, magnets, coffee cups, smoothies, athletic bags, and also drawings for large gift certificates, a fridge, a Wii, a RipStick, cds, etc.

4. Anti-Human Trafficking

I'm not sure what to say about this, how to explain it as something that tickled my fancy this week, except that on Wednesday night I attended a StAT (Stand Against Trafficking) Community Forum and it was very powerful. The event was hosted in main by Wesleyan Women, and it was good to hear JoAnne Lyon, the General Superintendent of the Wesleyan Church in the US, who also founded World Hope International and has been involved in anti-human trafficking efforts all over the world, a woman who has been an inspiration to me for three years now. There were also 2 powerful testimonies of 2 local women who were victims of human trafficking.

While human trafficking isn't my biggest passion, it is one, and it is a huge injustice issue in Cambodia, where the biggest piece of my heart is.

5. My living room

This year my friends and I decided to, after two years, move to a different dorm. We are living in Kem Hall now, which is in my opinion the "Taj Mahal" on campus, because it really has the best living space. Behind every hall door there are either four or six rooms, and I live in a four-room suite with four other girls. There are two bedrooms, a small bathroom, and this living area. I share a room with Traci, my roommate from last year, and my twin sister has two roommates in the other room. We have quite a few frames hung, but they are all empty waiting for an evening when all five of us free to take pictures, which we will then print in black & white to match our pink, black, and white motif. The color palette isn't my favorite (prefer Earth tones), but I'm really pleased with how it looks! Unfortunately I don't have pictures to show you TODAY, because I just realized I brought the wrong camera connector from home, but I will have those (and more) up soon!

Another random Wednesday...

I'm happy to participate in another random Wednesday meme, hosted by Lid at 2nd cup of coffee. Enjoy my answers to this dozen random questions!

1. What is something that you have changed your mind about either recently or over a number of years?
The direction of my life -- shifted from working with children in Latin America, to YOUNG ADULTS, YOUTH, and children in CAMBODIA. Pretty significant change in direction I think!

2. Choose either subject, but does your a) church b) job feel more like a dental chair experience or an easy chair (recliner) experience?
Well, I don't hate the dentist... and work isn't always so tense, but with classes starting this week, work has crazy busy!

3. Kisses or hugs? I actually typed "huts," which might have been a more interesting question.

Hugs! Absolutely.

4. What do you think is the biggest threat to families today?

Mistaken priorities?

5. A day after you grocery shop, you open a perishable item that is horribly spoiled. Do you take your receipt back to the store to be reimbursed or just throw it away and forget about it?

I suppose it would depend upon cost and convenience!

6. What personality trait (feel free to address good or bad or both) do you notice yourself adopting from your parents?

I often wait to do things until the deadline has approached; my mother does this too. My dad? I pass.. this is a hard question!

7. How many slices of bread do you leave in the bottom of the bag when you throw it away? Two? Three? Just the heel? None? (I really want to know if you eat the heel.)

It would go against my nature to throw any away, unless it has molded.

8. What mispronunciation or usage error really irritates you?
This is an interesting question because I have spent so much time with ESL speakers (speaking English as a second languages) that I'm rather accustomed to many mispronunciations, and have actually embraced many, including the mispronunciation of my own name! (Jew-el) However, I'm pretty confident that "warsh" and human (with silent h) will always bother me!

9. In honor of the uniqueness of today's date, what does the numeral 9 mean to you? (Any special life moments attached to the 9th? Are you the 9th kid in your family? Can you count by 9s really fast? etc.

I wish I had a better answer, but the only one I can assume is that my birthday falls in the 9th month.

10. Does the general color palette in your closet match the colors you chose to decorate your home with?

Earth tones.. yes, I'm sure.

11. When you're hanging out with friends in the kitchen, do you automatically ask to help, or do you sit there and chat until the host asks if you'd like to help? I'm not implying that the 2nd choice stems from rudeness or laziness, just not a first-response like it is for some people.

Really, it depends upon whose home I am in, but I'm not apt to volunteer unless asked. =/ Rude? Not necessarily. Inconsiderate? I suppose.

12. Let's end on a pleasant note: What do you enjoy about September the most?

My birthday... on the 21st.. ahemm.. ;]

It' the 1st day of school...

Oh how I have waited anxiously for this day! See the gradual excitement as I began to get ready this morning? Aside from vacations and other sporadic fun things, the end of the summer was Lame (note the capital "L"), so it's been great to be back on campus, with lots of friends, and into a regular routine.

I actually moved in early last Monday, went through a series of training, and then spent Friday-Monday with a group of 11 new freshmen. I had so much fun with them! I doubt any of my students from NSO (New Student Orientation) last Fall read my blog, so I feel safe to say that this group was by far better than last years, because they had so much more enthusiasm and interesting in participating in things together. Yesterday I took them to Ivanhoes, where they were impressed to see an ice cream menu with 200 options. As we were driving through the small towns of Gas City and Upland, the 2 Columbus Ohio girls in my backseat were remarking, "It feels like the Andy Griffith show." I accepted that remark in a positive way, because I love the Andy Griffith show! HA! Other fun weekend activities included a 10' climbing wall, the human knot, island hopping, etc. at Ketcham Woods, and going on a campus tour in the rain.

Unfortunately, like Lid (The Lamest Mom There), I don't have any pictures to upload; however, I will upon receiving the official NSO weekend picture cd!

at 83mph & counting...

I debated blogging this.. but my veins are still rushing with adrenaline. It was my first crotch rocket experience.

I had never done it before, or dreamt of doing it before, and I can't say I dream of doing it again.. but I did do it. I know my mom reads this, and an older sister who has equal lecturing power, but really, I didn't make the choice, I was just along for the ride. I'm smart.. I dress properly.. I wear a helmet.. I hang on appropriately.. I don't ask, "Hey, can you hang a right and try hitting 80mph?" If you don't know why they call a crotch rocket a "crotch rocket", go 83 and you will quickly realize.

Thanks for not killing me Jordan, I had fun.

I conclude with this: It was a bad decision, but it wasn't mine.

--Taken freshman year when I attempted learning to ride on my own.. HA.

A Random Dozen

1. When you go to Wowmart, what one thing do you get every single time, besides a funky-wheeled squeaking cart full of frustration?

There isn't 1 thing.. I'm not a grocery shopper, so I'm always there for just a few random items. Yesterday I bought rocks for my fish bowl, and rubbermaid drawers to organize my desk. The day before I bought shampoo, conditioner, lotion, face wash, soap, etc.. I suppose what I buy most frequently is Stride Spearmint gum.

2. What is something that people are currently "into" that you just don't get or appreciate?

Graphic tees with interesting slogans like, "I'm cranky, keep your distance" or "Single and NOT looking for you" or "Tell me why this body doesn't have a boyfriend??"

3. What is something that really hoists your sail that other people might feel "ho-hum" about?

Serving yourself more than you can eat, then throwing away good food. The whole "there are starving kids in Africa" [and everywhere really], and I can't stand to think you're wasting food and not being grateful.

4. Favorite song to sing in the shower or car?

There's this song in Spanish called Sumergeme; it took me through a pretty icky part of life and I absolutely love it! It's a song about being dry, empty, and weary, and crying out to God for the refreshing power of His Spirit. Translated, the lyrics are:

Tired of the road, thirsty for You; a desert I have crossed, without forces I have remained; I come to You. I fought as the soldier and sometimes I suffered, and although I have won the battle, my armor has eroded, I come to You. You submerge me in the river of Your Spirit, I need to refresh this dry heart, thirsty for You.

[True story!]

5. A really great salad must have this ingredient:
I can't pick 1! My perfect salad contains spinach, grilled chicken, strawberries, and walnuts. Yummo!

6. Advice in a nutshell to new bloggers (one or two sentences):
Represent yourself, but in somehow/someway, you have to appeal to your desired readers. Also, unless it's real good, you will lose readers if it's too long. Use pictures!

7. What was the alternate name that your parents almost named you? Do you wish they had chosen it instead of the one they gave you?
There was no alternate girl name, but if I had been a boy I would have been either Jared or Jacob (and twin sister would have been the other name). Being a girl, I like Jewel much better!

8. What in your life are you waiting for?
An apology, an email from Cambodia, Spring 2011 [graduation], and a faster metabolism.

9. You get a package in the mail. What is it, and who is it from?
It could be 1 of 2 things. A package from Rachel Surber, who visited Cambodia and has a few special things that my friends sent back with her. Or, a 4 books that I ordered from Relevant Magazine. The first I am waiting most anxiously on!

10. Today--what song represents you?
Bubbly by Colbie Caillat

11. What is one thing that blogging has taught you about yourself?
I've found a more sarcastic side to my humor.. and I'm trying to control it.

12. How are you going to (or how did you) choose the clothes you're wearing today? What do they say about you in general or specifically how you're feeling today?

Today (and for the next 5 days), I don't have a choice of attire. I'm at IWU now and working freshmen orientation. Our team has coordinating shirts that indicate "we know what we're doing, and you can ask us questions." I'm on my way to work dorm move-in, and I'm wearing a shirt that says: "Wildcat Moving Team -- What can I do for you?" Cute right?