{Colorado}

After dreaded finals ended Abel and I were fortunate enough to take a trip to 3:00AM-- yes AM! to head for the airport. Just to sit on a plane for an hour and a half waiting for them to fix the anti-freeze on the plane. Comforting, I know!

Any who, we headed out finally at 8:00AM.

Sitting on the plane

We slept and chillaxed on Thursday to get ready for skiing Friday and Saturday!

--Friday--
So, as I mentioned before I have not been skiing since 5Th grade, so the first day I was literally shaking in my ski's. Sadly, Lauren had to work today and was not able to join us. Abel and Jake would not let me do ski lessons! They said they would not let me waste my money and they would teach me themselves! So Coco mo (bunny slopes) here we come! I made it off the first lift gracefully and without falling... Whew! Skied a few feet and WIPE! I was down! I thought, "Great, I can't even go a few feet. How am I going to do this for two days?" But with the amazing encouragement of Jake and Abel, I got back up and skied down the rest of the run without a fall! We stayed on Greens all day long and after lunch i let the pros do some blacks while I rested! **Boy, did I need a rest!** They got back and we finished on the greens!!

Day 2 of skiing: --Saturday--
Lauren was able to come today! I was so excited, because they could not take turns dragging with me and doing hard stuff as well. BUT, my totally encouraging, amazing, handsome, great, awesome boyfriend stayed with me the WHOLE day! I fell a lot on our first run on the green. I was SO super frustrated because my goal was to do blue's that day. Well, he encouraged me and we did one more green and then blue's the rest of the day! I could not have done it without Abel that day coaching me and encouraging me down the mountain! It was SO much fun and by the end of the day I was doing some harder blue's. Now, yes, I did fall a lot on them but I made it through and LOVED it! I cannot wait to go back and ski!!! It's SO fun! Again, I cannot brag Abel up enough... He was SUCH an encouragement and supporter of me all day long.

--Sunday--

*We went to Jake and Lauren's church.
*The Nutcracker was next on the agenda! If you have not been, I recommend going! I went in 2nd grade at First Baptist (my dad went with me as a date, precious right!), but for the most part did not remember it.
*Dinner time! If you are ever in Boulder I would 100% recommend The Med (Mediterranean). Talk about some good food! We then took a stroll down Pearl Street and ate some frozen yogurt. YUM!
*Lauren and I were dying to see some Christmas lights so the boys drove us around some fancy neighborhoods and we were able to "ooh and ah" over the sights.
*We wrapped our day up with Home Alone.

--Monday--
We stayed around their apartment and played some fierce games of Canasta and Abel and I went out to the mall and shopped.

On a bridge on our shopping adventure

Tuesday we headed home sweet home.

I know this is a long post but, I have to thank Jake and Lauren for letting us crash at their place for 5 nights! They are so sweet and we had such a wonderful time. We are truly blessed to have them in our lives.

This past year, I really have begun to think about the foods I am placing in my mouth. I have always tried to eat in a semi-healthy manner, but lately I have found that even things I have believed to be "healthy" might not really be that good for me after all.

In one of my classes, for extra credit, we were allowed to watch Food Inc., or the Great Debaters. My desire to be more wise about the food I eat (and the fact that Oprah is a producer for the Great Debater) led me to watch Food Inc. It was really good and started to peak an interest in organic foods.

I was checking my e-mail and on yahoo, news stories pop up before you log in. 7 Foods Experts Won't Eat, popped up. Here is the list:

1. Canned Tomatoes
2. Corn-Fed Beef: For Grass Fed Beef Click HERE: YONDER WAY FARM
3. Microwave Popcorn
4. Non organic Potatoes
5. Farmed Salmon
6. Milk Produced with Artificial Hormones
7. Conventional Apples

You can check out the reasons and explanations by clicking the link above.

Now, let me clue you in to one thing about college folk, we are dirt poor! So, how on earth am I going to buy organic? It is so expensive. While I was checking out this list of what I should not be placing in my mouth, or cooking for other people, I found this link to finding and buying organic foods at a smarter and cheaper rate. How to Pay Less for Organic. I was really encouraged and feel a lot better about the foods I am buying.

{RandoM}25

1. I talk to my mom almost every day and she is my best friend
2. I have never wanted to work in the “big real world”, but aspire to be the best wife and mom out there.
3. I LOVE everything to be neat and organized but do not always have the time to do so.
4. I LOVE the beats of rap music, but HATE the lyrics to 99.9% of them out there.
5. I don’t know how to hug people with big…. “chests”, I think it’s awkward and weird and I even get made fun of for it.
6. I have been known to play Christmas music all year round. We should celebrate Christ’s birth 365… and plain and simple I just love it!
7. There is nothing better than getting into a made bed with fresh and clean sheets.
8. I am going to be an aunt in about 6 months and I can hardly wait.
9. I love to cook and bake (and would go to culinary school, in a heartbeat, if there was one in College Station).
10. It would not be abnormal for me to camp and be outdoors all day and by night fall be dressed up in heals and a dress. I love to be outside but love to still be girly too.
11. The best job I have had has been a Child Life Assistant at Scott and White in Temple.
12. I love to play any type of game, board games, cards, dominos…etc.
13. I would love to eat all organic, but it is just too expensive… maybe someday.
14. I am very social and talkative. Some would even call me loud. ;)
15. I could listen to Michael Buble for days and days.
16. I once dressed up my Freshman year of college as a superhero and saved people with my roomate.
17. I must have my feet covered with a blanket to sleep.
18. I can quote pretty much any classic Disney movie, and know the lyrics to too many of the songs.
19. My best friends are friends from High School and before, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.
20. I would rather do a load of dishes than take out the trash (our dumpster is so far away, and I don’t do stinky smells)
21. I am a daddy’s girl 100%. He has set the standard of the man I want to marry; and I think I have found someone almost too close to my dad;)
22. I know my flaws and I hate them.
23. I want to use cloth diapers when I have kids.
24. I can’t wait to be married and start a family.
25. My God, is my daddy, creator, lover of my soul, my everything to me; without him I am nothing.

A Sign of Things To Come?

Thanksgiving is over and the end of school is looming over my head. You might be thinking I am super excited about this, and yes, I am... BUT our profs like to put as much on our plate as they can right before the end of the semester. The DAY BEFORE our break my profs told me I have a 7 page paper- WITH presentation due Wednesday and a Geology project due Thursday. So along with my two Geology exams, debate, quiz, and 2- one-page papers, what is a little extra work? In conclusion, I have decided that they don't like us and want to make our lives miserable. Mission accomplished.

On a much brighter note, I had an AMAZING Thanksgiving break. It was so much fun to spend some time with all of my family. Have I told you how amazing they are and how much the Lord has blessed me with the most awesome family EVER?!? I spent a lot of time driving back and forth to Belton to spend time with the Crosby's as well. I was able to attend the Crosby Thanksgiving Reunion. It was so much fun and I am so thankful that they allowed me to be a part of it.

I am ready for Christmas break! Abel and I are going to Colorado to visit Jake and Lauren (his brother and sister-in -law). I have not skied since 5th grade, so please pray I do not make a fool of myself or get hurt. I am praying my tincy wincy bit of athleticism kicks in and I am able to glide down the slopes with grace. Oh, boy. I am sure there will be stories to come.


Let's hope this isn't a sign of things to come.

For now, I am going to stop procrastinating and work on that paper of mine!!!

A Time For Thanks

As I get older and older, I have come to appreciate my surroundings, family, and life so much more. I am learning that everyday and every moment is a GIFT from God. I want to cherish my many blessings and have my life be a constant song of worship to my King. Now I know it is about a week premature, but these are all of my many thanks and blessings.

I am thankful/blessed for my amazing family, who loves me unconditionally and has always lived as examples of Christ-like people.
I am thankful for my friends who always listen to my silly stories and always encourage me in the Lord. Their zest for life and the joy that they bring to me is something to be cherished.
I am thankful for a boyfriend who loves the Lord with all his heart, tells me I am beautiful, and is my best friend. He truly is a Man among men!
I am thankful for my MANY short comings, so when I do fall short, God's hand is right there to show me He is enough.
I am thankful for my Bible study girls who teach and bless me more than they even know.
I am thankful for the Lord placing in my life, women who desire to be Godly wives and lead by example.
I am thankful for always having food on the table. I never go hungry.
I am thankful for the tiny baby growing inside my sister-in-law's belly, who I cannot wait to meet and love on.
I am thankful for freedom in America that I can love and worship my God freely.
I am thankful for the passion of adoption and my love for orphans. And to know that my Daddy in heaven is always here with me.
I am thankful for a Daddy on this earth who makes me feel beautiful and displays what a MAN should be. He has always been the standard of what I want my husband to be.
I am thankful for a mom who has been my best friend, mentor, and someone who I admire.
I am thankful for a roof over my head and a WONDERFUL roomate, who even when I leave a mess, is patient and loving toward me.
I am thankful for the men and women who are fighting right now for our safety and feedom.
I am thankful for the tears of sorrow that turn into tears of joy.
I am thankful for the healing that comes after pain.
I am thankful for the journey that He has planned out just for me- My past and my future.
I am SO thankful for my God who sent His son to die on a cross for ME!

{Daughter of the King}

They were the "brides maids"

I am in Aggie Sisters for Christ, and we had our semester "retreat" last weekend. Let me start off by saying how much I ADORE my girls in my WIL (Bible study) group!! Here are the list of events.

Friday PM
*EAT yummy Laynes chicken
*Scavenger/find the letters princess in nature and things around you game
*dress your WIL group leader (ME) up as a princess using toilet paper, foil, makeup, saran wrap etc.
*Worship
*Speaker
*Back to my apartment for fellowship, food, and fun.. and a little bit of sleep
Saturday AM
*breakfast
*worship
*speaker
*home (or in my case Galveston)

The theme was Princess or Daughter of the King, so my amazingly creative girls and I thought to dress me up as a "The bride of Christ--the ultimate princess." Yes, it was a little "churchy" per say, but hey, we wanted to win--and be creative!

The Lord was active and moving this weekend. We all decided as a WIL group that we would ask each other avidly if we were doing a DAILY quiet time. It is so much fun walking with our amazing heavenly Father together. I can see evidence in each of their lives that God is moving and working to further His kingdom. And isn't it so much fun to be in HIS will for our lives?!?

Showin of my "BLING"

My silly girls

"Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir. Listen, O daughter, consider and give ear: Forget your people and your father's house. The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. The Daughter of Tyre will come with a gift men of wealth will seek your favor. All glorious is the princess within her chamber ; her gown is interwoven with gold. In embroidered garments she is led to the king..."

Psalm 45:9-14

Why I am going to shrivel up and die

So, you are not supposed to drink milk 2 hours before or after taking a medicine that I am on. So.. my Dr. says to take it right before bed time. GREAT!

Well.. let me tell you it is not so great. Apparently I took my meds and then went right to lay down and sleep and my medicine got caught in my stomach and just sat there all night long.

It burned my stomach and now I cannot eat. Thus why I am going to shrivel up and die. Every time I try to take a bite it goes down and burns my aching stomach. Even water hurts. My Dr. said it will take about 30 days to heal! 30 DAYS! I DON'T HAVE 30 DAYS! I can't go a whole month without eating! I love food!

Please pray I make it through the long and DREADFUL month. **If anyone has suffered from GERD or Acid Reflux what have you guys done to ease the pain?"

But...Apparently, I am not the only one though. I googled it and found out that quite a few people have gone through the same thing. So maybe I will live after all.

How did I make it through freshman year?

That is the question I am pondering tonight.

It is about 1:20AM and I am completely useless. Abel has a 10 page paper due this week and since I am the History/English person, my job is to read and fix, which I will gladly assist in! (He really is the better writer, but I do what I can.)

Back to my pondering thoughts.... When I was a freshman at UMHB I didn't go to sleep before 2AM pretty much every night. Now I am gone after 11:30PM! What is the deal!? I am 20 years old! Next thing you know I am going to be knitting and driving 10 miles below the speed limit.

Pray that I do not start wrinkling any time soon!

The hands that hold the world are holding your heart.

Not having my own computer is stinky! Life is going pretty good; a few ups and a few downs.


Our family found out some pretty bad news lately (though we are all doing fine) and I am trying to cling to the Word and see Christ's reasons for everything. I heard the song, "Safe" by Phil Whickham, and it has been such an encouragement and a blessing to me. I encourage you to listen to it, just click safe and it will take you to the YouTube video.


On a MUCH happier note we had my best friend Paige's bachelorette party this past weekend! It was so fun! Don't worry we didn't get TOO crazy! We did get asked at P.F Chang's if we were the model convention, and if we could sing to a boy's birthday who was turning 17. We informed the people that we were not a road show of any kind. It was so fun and I am so glad that I got to hang out with all of my girls for the weekend. I have never congratulated Paige on my blog so here it is!

Paige I am SOOO stinkin excited for you and Nathan to be married! You are an amazingly beautiful woman on the inside as well as the outside. He is such a lucky guy to get you as his wife. I have had the honor of being friends with you for pretty much our whole life, and even through the rough times you have always been here for me. Know that I will be here for you always. I have been so blessed to have you in my life, and am so excited to see what the Lord does with you and Nathan. I love you two SO much!!! And you may kill me for this but hey... I just have to...

10 days until your wedding and you can.... "well, you know." **





**Paige Glasco's quote

RIP computer

My "WONDERFUL" computer has officially kicked the bucket! There was a storm that passed through yesterday and knocked all electricy out, and decided to take my computer with it. Now, I know most of you are thinking, "Sarah, you are so dumb, power strip." Well folks I had one, and my computer is now dunzo. Boo... I will be checking my e-mails through Blinn. Needless to say I am not a happy camper right now. If you know of any computer deals please let me know.

My Apartment

There are pics and a new blog post three down. It didn't show up first, because I wrote it a few days ago, but just published it today.

I am wondering what to do about the silver bins in my book shelf (below). what to put in them. Any ideas? I can move them around as well. Always open to creative ideas!!!!!

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

SEPTEMBER is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and September 12th is Childhood Cancer Awareness Day

As many of you know, I was a Child Life Assistant my Freshman year of college at Scott and White in Temple, TX. It was the most rewarding/challenging job I have ever had. I was allowed the privilege to get to know some amazing young hearts who had this terrible disease called cancer. The Lord gave strength to some who now are healthy and doing wonderful, while others He took to be with Him in heaven. This month, I ask that you take a second and pray for the children and families who are dealing with this awful disease. Also, pray for the families who have lost children to cancer. We serve a BIG God, who can do BIG things!

This is a post one of the mother's of a child who went to heaven wrote on her blog.

These are some things you can do this month (and ALL YEAR ROUND, for the most part!) to support Childhood Cancer Awareness. None of these things involve any financial burden of any kind (except for maybe eating at Chili's ... but hey you gotta eat right??)

♥Tell everyone you know (and even those you don't know) how you, or someone you love, has been touched by childhood cancer.
♥Donate blood at a hospital where they are taking care of children with cancer.
♥Dine at a Chili’s Restaurant on September 28, 2009, when they will donate 100% of their profits from restaurant sales to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: createapepper.com
♥Wear the color GOLD to show your support.

♥Register to become a bone marrow donor: http://www.marrow.org/ - it's one of the easiest things you can do to help give someone a second chance at life.

♥Offer to volunteer at a local childhood cancer center.

♥Let a family that's been touched by childhood cancer know you STILL CARE and that haven't forgotten about their struggles.
♥Sign the CURE CHILDHOOD CANCER petition (and ask your friends and family to sign, as well!): thepetitionsite.com/1/CureChildhoodCancer

Banana Cake

I am always looking for new reciepes to try out. I got this banana cake and let me tell you, it is simply sinful!!! My boyfriends mom said, "She has yet to find a man who doesn't like it." I made it for our Breakaway dinner last night.

Ingredients:
3/4 cup butter
2 1/8 cups white sugar
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 1/2 cups mashed bananas
Icing:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
Preheat oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan. In a small bowl, mix mashed bananas with lemon juice, set aside. In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream 3/4 cup butter and 2 1/8 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk. Stir in banana mixture. Pour batter into prepared pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Remove from oven and place directly into freezer for 45 minutes. This will make the cake very moist.

For the frosting: In a large bowl, cream 1/2 cup butter and cream cheese until smooth. Beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add confectioners sugar and beat on low speed until combined, then on high until frosting is smooth. Spread on cooled cake.

** instead of buying buttermilk you can make your own.

1/2c of milk + 1 teaspoon of vinegar.

Anyone got any good/cheap reciepes to bake and/or cook?

105 Days until Christmas Break

It's official, I still hate school! Today is day 3 and I have already begun my Christmas Break Countdown. 105 days until my last final, and I am out of school for a month. + One more semester and I will officially have my Associates and be finished with school.

OK, so I may be exaggerating just a little bit. I do hate school, but college is so fun! I love cooking things I love and just living on my own is so fun. (I do miss home too, mom and dad) =) I Love Love Love my apartment. I have finally gotten my room all together. It looked like I just moved in, and had been living there for a year! I do still need my bed frame, but the majority is done! I decided not to paint my room, simply because I was sick and tired of painting. Everything that is a color has to be turned back to boring white when we leave!

--My bathroom--

--My room--

--Bed frame to come--

Living and Dining Room

my computer is right behind the wall with the couch. We do have a tradition herein Aggie land... go figure... A bunch of my friends all get together Tuesday evenings and do dinner and go to Breakaway. It is so fun to have fellowship and then go praise and learn about our magnificent God.

I guess I should add something about classes. I do think God has me here for a reason. Out of all of my semesters of college, I feel God calling me to be a Light in the classroom. My first class is argumentation and debate and I was assigned Church/State Relations as my topic for the year. Ironic? Two of the categories I came up with were: Evolution v. Creation and Prayer in public schools. My group of 4 will split up and take opposing sides and argue similar topics. Abortion, homosexuality and government are all topics we can discuss as well. I know, God put me in that class for a reason. I also have a prof. who cusses every 2 seconds. I have never heard more curse words in my life, than in that one hour of class. I have a mass communications Prof who talked about how his views on journalism and our world were anything but Conservative, and another Prof who tried to tell the class that the earth came to be like a dust bunny! I had to giggle a little.

It seems that God is taken out and skewed up in our schools and world today! I have a hard time holding my tongue sometimes because I know the truth and can't even imagine how people do not believe. It makes me mad and mostly sad for them that they do not have this amazing relationship with the God I know and love.

It's a little longer than I expected, but I am procrastinating on reading.

Headed back to the Grand ole U.S

Day 7

It was such a fun week in El Salvador. I met some amazing kiddos while I was there. I will deeply miss each and every one of them. It was a growing time between the Lord and I as well. Our team members touched my life as well, in ways they cannot even imagine. Again I will say, God knew what He was doing, when He chose our group. Our translators did such an AMAZING job. I know they must have been doubly tired when they got home. God did some mighty things through all of them. I love each and every team member who went, and we will have memories that will last a lifetime. ...Oh, Alyson and her bday throwing in the air.... hahaha

Our driver Joel was also amazing. He was just as much as a part of the team as any of us. He would play with the kids and love on them just as much, if not more as us. We gave him a Bible and he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior the day we left. He prayed the prayer of salvation in front of all of us at breakfast that morning. God is going to use and bless him immensely!

I had an awesome trip, and it just intensified my passion for adoption and orphans. It also made me appreciate what I have, and my amazing parents who are so encouraging and wonderful examples of Godly parents.

Sorry if these posts have errors, I wrote them all on nights when I was extremely tired, and worn out. God is so good!!!!

Don't wake a sleeping baby!

Day 6

Our last day in El Salvador. We were at an orphanage in Ahuachapan today. It was the furthest drive, with the littlest kids. The kids here were very well taken care of and the older girls seemed to take care of the younger ones. The girls were ranging from 2-14 I believe. It was such a joy to be there. We did the same things as the days before, like bracelets, singing and a Bible lesson. They were truly a joy to be with.

There was a baby duck at the orphanage and Shirley said to my mom "The duck has no mommy too." It was an orphan duck so they kept it and took care of it! So sweet!!!!

We did a pinata and I taught "my" two year old to act like she was giving it to the adults and say.." no!" haha She was so precious. She feel asleep in my arms and was still sleeping when we had to leave. I told everyone I had to take her cause you shouldn't wake a sleeping baby! But they made me pass her off. She didn't wake up, but when she did I bet she thought it all was a dream. I hope one of the best dreams she has ever dreamt.

I miss all of the kids that we encountered. Even though we were only there one day, they all have such a special place in my heart!

We visited a place where one of the volcano's erupted and got to take bits of lava rock with us.

Then we were off to dinner! A Dinner we will never forget! We arrived at what we thought was going to be a restaurant, but it was turned into some store, so we decided to just eat next door. It said karaoke on it, so we were all excited. We all got Congas (a specialty fruit drink in El Salvador) and did karaoke. We danced and had such a fun time. A band came about an hour after we got there and we danced to their music and they sang to Alyson "Pretty woman and Happy Birthday." Words cannot even begin to describe what a fun night we had. I will miss seeing our team members every day. They were such a great group and the Lord really knew what He was doing when He placed us together.

I have not laughed so hard in a long time...

Day 5

Back off to the orphanages. We were in Sonsonate today! It was an older girls ranging in age from 8-18. It was a fun day. The girls thought that I was famous. They asked me to sign their notebook and take a picture with them. It was so cute! We had to tell them over and over, that I was no different from them, and I was not a movie star! haha Oh, they are all so sweet! We painted pillow cases and made bracelets with them. We also cooked them hot dogs. Over here they put Siveeche (sp?) on their hot dogs. It is like a cole slaw. The girls downed some hot dogs, chips and cookies. We also got to do a lot of girlie things like makeup, hair and nails. They were older, so it was fun to do things like that with them. I think they really appreciated it!

These girls were so special, and we enjoyed , loving on them. It touched me dearly, because they are not too much younger than me. I will miss them all.


Oh ya, I almost forgot!!! It is Alyson Tofel's birthday Monday, and we told the girls. Well, the girls sang "Happy Birthday" and about ten minutes later, they all gather around her and throw her up and down saying "Uno, dos, tres... all the way to veinty y uno" haha The facial expression she had was SOOO funny! She didn't know they were going to do it and so her face was priceless!!!!!! hahaha Oh wow a top moment of the trip so far! haha Besides the girls that is...

Lago de Coatepeque

Day 3 was extremely hard... I will prolly write my own post on it, but right now would be too hard. I am too emotionally tired to think about it.

Day 4

Today was our "off" day. We went to an awesome lake called Lago de Coatepeque. The lake was right beside a volcano. Active volcano I might add. We took a two hour boat ride around the lake. There was an Island in the middle that all of the rich people go to for special occasions and holidays. The water was SO clear. You could see 20 feet below you! I had such a good time!!! We ate dinner at the lake, at a hotel overlooking the water! Again, the food was amazing!! I had shrimp. (I will add pics as soon as I download them) It was the WHOLE shrimp. Next we went to the market. It was a bargainers dream. If they said $2.00 you worked your way down to .50$ It was fun to bargain. I got some pretty cool gifts. I cannot say cause I havent given them;)

It was nice to have a day to regain strength and stamina for the two days ahead. We needed a day to relax mentally, especially from the day before. It was a nice refresher and we were ready to go back and love on kids the next day.

Day 3

This is the e-mail that my mom sends out the the family members who are here, board membersIAOM, and friends. I was too tired to type it myself so I just stole hers. =)

Again …I am very tired – please overlook any typos!

Today we went to the Special Needs Orphanage. It was rough day for some of the team members – but we could definitely feel God’s presence. When we arrived I think that it was hard for some of the team to get off of the bus because they didn’t know what to expect. Another team of 6-7 American college students came in the gate. We talked with them a little and found out that they were with a humanitarian group that wasn’t faith based - that has been working in El Salvador for 4 months. They were painting murals on the walls of the Dining Hall. Before they left we were able to pray for them.

We danced and played ball with the children first. We then sang songs and then shared the gospel with them in a very simple way – using the colors. We made them the bracelets. We saw that they were in desperate need of undergarments. We left for lunch and then came back and handed out the bracelets and gave the Director the undergarments that we purchased – so that she could pass them out. We were afraid that they might want to try them on in front of us!!!!!!!!!! !!!!

The children are mentally or physically disabled…but what is even worse than that is that they also have horrid living conditions. I do realize that they do not know any difference…but it really hurts my heart. They truly have nothing! The cottages that they are living in have bed frames with mattresses that are in very bad shape…some without mattresses…and some mattresses that are on the floor. There is no bedding on most of the beds.

When we talked with the Director about purchasing the mattresses we found out that she had gotten another quote with was cheaper. If you purchase 12 tables (instead of the 10 we were going to purchase) they are $255 instead of $278. This will give them room for the 106 children and for the workers to all have a seat – for just a little more money.

She also told us that she had found a different company that she could use to purchase the mattresses. This place gave her a quote of $55 a mattress instead of the $78 she originally gave us. She asked us if we could purchase only 50 mattresses instead of the 100 they originally asked for…when we asked her why she explained that they need 25 more bed frames. She said that there are children are sleeping on the floor. We are going to get a quote on the frames – we would like to buy the 25 frames and as many mattresses as we can. We are counting on it being all 100. We think the cheaper price for the mattresses will probably cover the cost.

One of the residents fell in love with Alyson…she as so good with him. Another would perform for us…and clap for himself…he was too cute! Another told us that he could speak Chinese. He said that he taught himself. He started talking and then asked our translator what he said. She told him that she didn’t know because she didn’t speak Chinese…he said that he could speak it he just couldn’t understand it and didn’t know what he was saying. It was too cute. We left the orphanage a little early. It was very tiring. You really couldn’t relax because there were a few residents that would have “fits” and it was scary for the girls. Since we had a little time we drove up to the top of the mountain and took some photos.

We got back to the hotel at 5:00. We all relaxed and then had supper and our devotion time. Tomorrow is our day off…we will be recharging to complete the last 2 days. Please pray that God would continue to guide us and that hearts would be turned to the Lord.

The best chicken I have ever eaten

Day 2
Hello again. It's almost midnight and today was long so please excuse any grammar and spelling errors.

Today was an amazing day! We went to an all girls orphanage. I cannot think of the city, but it was about 1 1/2 hours away from San Salvador.

We had so much fun with the girls today. We made bracelets, Bible covers, had Bible lessons, sang songs, bought shoes and made hot dogs with the girls. they were such a blessing. These girls reminded me more of the girls from Colombia!

We left the orphanage and went to one of our translators grandmothers house. (All three of the translators are from El Salvador) Her aunt, cousin, grandmother, and grandfather were all there. It was so fun to see them together. The grandma had demsia ?? and when we were saying hello, kept saying "adios." She was soooo cute! They were all so hospitable and so nice to welcome us into their home. The grandfather prayed as we left, and I know the Holy Spirit was in that room. I loved them so much.

We ate dinner after that, at an authentic El Salvadorean Restaurant. Can I just say that the rotiserie chicken was the BEST chicken I HAVE EVER eaten!!!! NO Lie! We were ohing and awing over this chicken. My mom even stole it from our translators table. She said they could get their own =) haha she was kidding! I think.... We also ate Papussa's. They are like tortillas with beans, cheese and pork in them. It was SO good! The best meal so far! We all wanna go back and eat that chicken. The restaurant had monkeys and parrots outside in cages where we were. I know that sounds disgusting, but they were not right by us. haha One of the monkeys got mad at Amber and grabbed her. Shhh... Don't tell her mom! We laughed so hard. All the "younger girls" with us were all freaked out!

We finally made it back to our hotel, to head right back out to Pops-- an ice cream place. We had eaten so much chicken I wonder how we managed to fit ice cream in our bellies-- but we did! We debriefed and talked about the days events. It is hard to leave after just one day, but we know the Lord is working through us. Some of the girl stood up today and thanked us all on their own. They had the translators say it in front of everyone! How brave and courageous they are!

Ok I know this is getting long, I just wanna have it all written for when I come home! Please pray for us tomorrow! We are going to the special needs orphanage-- enough said. It is going to be a VERY emotional draining day! Pray for strength, patience, and peace. These kids/adults need more love than any of the others. My heart aches just thinking about it!

Well goodnight all!!!!!

Uno Dia--(Happy bday Daddy)

Day one in El Salvador has been amazing! We landed yesterday and got all packed into a van and left for our hotel. Our hotel is AMAZING! It is so nice! This is going to be very rough and have plenty of errors, but I am running off little sleep and just want to recap today's events!

7:00 Breakfast ( we thought that we could go at 9 to the orphanage)
10:00 finally got to meet some little kiddos
-We played sang songs in spanish- I am sooo rusty-
-Played with jump ropes, side-walk chalk, balls, etc outside
-made bracelets
-Bible lesson

4:00 El Salvador "Wal-Mart" WAY bigger than ours.
8:00 dinner at our hotel and debrief
--Happy birthday Dad! Yummy cakes!

All in all today was successful. I felt like I was busy passing out stuff and organizing, that I felt like I didn't love on too many kids. I was later reminded that God had a purpose for me today, and even though I didn't have some huge emotional moment like some, God placed me where he wanted me today. I am following His will, and I have to know that He is going to have me at the right place and right time.

I cannot wait for tomorrow. It is an middle/older all girls orphanage. I know God is working through us here! He has blessed me so much already!

Uno mas dia

until I am in country of El Salvador! Can you believe it? YES!!!!! The time has come! Our flight is leaving tomorrow (Sun. Aug. 2) @ 5:45. I am super pumped--If you cannot tell by the exclamation points.

Please pray for me and my emotions; they are super high right now, and I am actually a little nervous. I am also really scared about motion sickness. I get sick easily and with planes and bumpy roads... eek.. weak stomach. I will come home Sunday the 8th in the afternoon. I am going to try and post a few times while I am there, but internet connections are pretty bad there so we will see.

Please pray for the team, safety, motion sickness, the orphans, the nuns and workers at the orphanages, and anyone we may come into contact with. Let us be the hands and feet of our Savior. I want everything I say and do be pleasing to the Lord, and for Him to shine and increase and me decrease!





P.S I made it through boot camp=) Only with the help of my best friend Paige! She rocks!!!

*A sad goodbye*

Today I am writing for prayer. Not for myself, but for a family that I met while I was working at Scott and White. A little boy that was diagnosed with cancer while I was there, passed away today. His name was Ryan Pelton, and let me tell you, he was a bundle of joy. He always wanted to come into the playroom (where I worked) and play video games. He would get so upset when the playroom would close. He was such a sweet little kid. His family was amazing as well. Ryan became a big brother not too long ago. I know he was a FANTASTIC big brother. It saddens me to know this baby brother will never get to know Ryan. Please pray for the Pelton family. I know they are hurting right now. I will never know why this thing called cancer takes away such precious kids. All I know is that I trust my maker and His PERFECT will for all of our lives. Thank you Jesus for allowing me to know these amazing kids, who are now praising you at your feet. How lucky they are!

16 days and counting {anxiously}

The countdown is on! 16 days until I am in the country of El Salvador. We are going to 5 different cities and orphanages while we are there. We get to pretty much travel the whole country. We are going to be leaving Sunday, August 2nd and return the following Sunday, August 9th. We will arrive in San Salvador around 9:00Pm our time.

Here are the cities with the days. Each city will have an orphanage we visit.
Monday: San Salvador
Tuesday: Santa Ana
Wednesday: San Martin
Thursday: Our day of sight seeing in El Salvador.
Friday: Sonsonate
Saturday: Aguachapan
Sunday we leave and will return 4:20PM our time.

All in all, I am super excited and ready to head over there. We are having a team meeting tomorrow to go over all of the details. I am glad that we are going to be at different orphanages every day. Last year in Colombia, we were at two the whole week and it really made it hard to leave the kids because we had such a strong connection. This will help my "getting too attached" to all of the kids. That is what I fear the most. Last year was so difficult to come home because I got really attached to a few of them. I know I am going to want to snag a few of them while I am there. Adoption and orphan ministry is such a passion that I have, this is something I feel so called to do. Unlike school, I LOVE it and have such a feeling of doing "my calling."

*PRAYER*

Please start praying for me now. I know that I will have such a joyous time while I am there, but pray that I can be focused and pour my whole heart on to these kids. Pray that even though I cannot speak their language, that Christ's love would be so abundant to them and that they would come to know the love and salvation that only our Heavenly Father can give. Pray that I am strong enough and well prepared to go over there, and strong enough to leave. I know now how better to prepare to leave, and know that I have to be completely dependent on my God before I go. I want to give them my full energy, attention, and heart while I am there. I also really HATE leaving trips like these. When I get home I feel like I have left them behind and get really lonely and sad. My heart hurts that I cannot scoop them all up and give them a family like the one I have been blessed with. Lastly, pray that we all have fun and enjoy our time over there. Sharing Christ and especially with orphans, well, I can't think of anything better to do with a week of my life.

"What do I know of Holy?"

Well, so far summer is going fantastic! I have an amazing job, met some wonderful women, and done some fun things so far.

Let me start off by saying how much I have enjoyed my job at Champion Fellowship. I have been so blessed to be the intern for Children and Youth. It has been such a fun experience. My prayer is that I may be able to show these kids and teens how amazing and wonderful it is to serve such an awesome Creator. I hope that I can use the trials and triumphs in my life to encourage and uplift them to seek whole heartily after the Lord.

Along with meeting kids and youth, I have been privileged to meet and talk with some amazing women. A mentor is something that I have always felt a yearning for, but it seemed as if all the women I looked up to either disappointed me or were not a part of my life anymore. I have been doing to do a Bible Study, For Women Only: the inner lives of me; and have been able to not only learn how to be a Godly woman, but also how to encourage and uplift the men in our lives, so we may not hinder and burden their walk with Christ . With this study, I have been so blessed to have women who give me such great advise and are a living example of what a Godly woman, daughter, wife, and mother are. To name a few, Missy Robinson, Lynsey Kramer, and Debbie Forland have all been so wonderful to me. They all have taken time to encourage me, listen to my silly stories, and pray for me this summer. I cannot tell you women how much you are a blessing in my life. Thank you for portraying what a woman who seeks the Lord with her whole heart. I of course, have my amazing mother, who I know I can talk to about anything. She is so wise and an amazing mentor to me, I would not want to say anything about awesome women of God without mentioning her! How blessed I am to have such a mother and friend.

I just got back from a family vacation to South Padre Island, and let me tell you… I had a GREAT time! It was so fun to spend time with my family. We went banana boating (which we fell off and had to swim half of the ocean;),) parasailing, ate at some very yummy restaurants, and soaked up the sun at the beach. We were there for the 4th of July and the fireworks were insane! It was literally a 15-20 minute show. We had a fantastic time down in Padre, I wish I were still there. I will be adding pics as soon as I get them downloaded to my computer.

Another adventure I am doing is boot camp!!! Don’t ask my why I am willing to pay to have someone torture me, but I did. I must say its Day 2 for me and it really has not been too bad. I am doing it with my best friend Paige Glasco, so we encourage each other and push each other at the same time. Paige is getting married in October, so they call her “Bride” and me “Bridesmaid.” It is quite amusing. I will let you know how the end results come in.

One last thing, I have heard this song on the radio, but I watched the video a few days ago and read the words and WOW! It was so powerful to me. I don't even have words to describe how convicted and overcome with the love of Christ when I watched it. Watch it and let me know what ya think!

Any who, I hope everyone is having a great summer and had a happy 4th of July!

23 DAYS UNTIL EL SALVADOR!!!!!!!! PLEASE PRAY FOR THE TEAM GOING! I AM SO PUMPED!

can i vent?

Ok. So as EVERYONE knows, I want a large family! Kids are a huge passion of mine, whether it be my own or children in general. Here are some verses on children.

"Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate." Psalms 127:3-5

"He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the LORD!" Psalms 113:9

See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 18:10


So why when I tell people I want kids so they ALWAYS say:
"I'll give you mine for a day and you will change your mind."
"Once you have one, you won't want that many."
"Good luck!"

God CLEARLY tells us how much of a blessing they are. It is so frustrating and discouraging to hear mothers talking this way about their children. Do not get me wrong! I do know that it is going to be challenging and one of the most difficult jobs there are, but to love, and encourage children to grow in and know Christ....What could be better than that? No one ever is encouraging and telling of the blessings of children. To hear women of God talking this way about children makes me so upset.

Ok I am done venting. I have been really discouraged this week! I know mom's love their kids, I just wish they would be more encouraging to younger women! =)

Beauty in the breakdown

It is finally SUMMER! Ah... Sunshine, tank-tops, shades, and lakes... All things that I love! I have been so ready for summer, I can hardly believe it is here! Well, for starters I did not get accepted into the Blinn nursing program. I found out this past Saturday and ever sine then have tried to block it out of my mind. Everyone says (and I know) that God has something so much better for me! I know this all too well, but doubt creeps in and I start to worry. It is funny, yesterday in my youth group we were talking about the power of prayer and trials that we will go through and I flipped to James 1:2-5. "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." I was finding it for my group, and almost had to chuckle with how much it applied to my life. I am learning to be at a place where I do not have to have a plan, but just riding along with the plan my Heavenly Father has for me.

On to a happier note, I am (other than school) so overjoyed and in love with life and my amazing Creator! I am experiencing new things and beauties with Him everyday! I am going to be the children's intern for Champion Fellowship and volunteering with Jr.High and High School! I am so pumped about serving and hopes the kids see Christ this summer and not me.

I am also still going to El Salvador, August 2-9, and am so excited about it! My mom went to El Salvador a few weeks ago and her stories made me want to leave right now! God is so faithful and amazing! His beauty is incomprehensible and I cannot wait to love on and share Christ's some orphans from El Salvador!

That's all that is new, I will be updating more!

SARAH<><

Every Parent Needs A Night Out!!

El Salvador Mission Trip Fundraiser

Parents Night Out
March 27, 2009
6:30-11:00 PM

Crafts, games, face paint, cookie decorating, football, Frisbee, and MORE!

Children 6th Grade and Under

The Lord has placed orphans and adoption on my heart and I am so blessed to have another opportunity to serve and show the Love of Christ to orphans in El Salvador. Christ calls us all to pray and care for orphans. I am raising money to be able to go in August!

James1:27

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our Lord God is this...to help orphans.

"...the moon and the stars declare who You are.."

Can i just tell you how much, I love the Sr. Girls from the Woodlands. I was fortunate to do a DNOW this past weekend! I was so pumped and excited to go. I am so joyful and at such a peace in my relationship with the Lord, I wanted to help lead these girls, when I know they are all going through a strange time in their life. I can remember the semester before college and being so freaked out! Those girls blessed me more than they will ever know. Why is it when we go to pour into people, God pours 10x more into us?


SR GIRLS WERE BLUE!! CHECK OUT MY ZEBRA~ fierce i know!

Becca, Monica, Emma and Grace

Have I told you how much I love them? So cute girls!

After Edmund was the band for the weekend! They did such a great job!

Again I cannot even explain this joy that I have! I have difficult things going on in my life, but for once I have fallen FULLY into the arms of Christ! I have no doubt that my feet are planted ready for the trials of life. One of my favorite verses about trials is James 1:2-4 Consider it PURE JOY my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.



2 Corinthians right now and 2 Cor. 4:7 says “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God not from us.”

Psalm 37:4

Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalms 37:4

Let me first start off by saying HOW AMAZING IS OUR MAKER? Every day is so new and exciting. I love being here in College Station. I have learned so much about myself, life, and more importantly about my Daddy in Heaven. Right now I am going through things that are really making me fall solely at His feet alone, and not look to the comfort of others. It is so scary but peaceful at the same time!

Well, the time has come for me to take my nursing exam! I must say I had a few breakdowns while I was studying, but for the most part I am just taking it with the knowledge that it is not in my control. I will be taking it this coming Tuesday!!! Pray that my nerves are calmed and that I am able to recall the information!

Aside from studying my roommate and I decided that a camping trip was a definite need at this time! We went to Lake Somerville and had a BLAST! We fished with bacon=), went on little hikes, and just enjoyed our friendships! I am so lucky to have wonderful brother and sisters in Christ to have fun with. Here are a few pics of our trip!

We put the tents up at 9:30 that night! Cory and Abel

The SHaK: Sarah, Hannah and Kelsey. We dominated at Battle of the Sexes

Our Texas snowman, WILSON! Look at the beautiful day!

Our camp site right on the water~ site 124!!!





I love my friends




The "Man Chant" MEN MEN MEN.... boys will be boys

Ashlea, Cameron and Kayla came out Friday night!!

You cant look at this and tell me there is no God! The stars were 10000x more amazing than these! There were a ton! We layed out and watched them for hours at night!

I like school??

I can hardly believe it! I am actually enjoying this semester of school. (YES THAT DID JUST COME OUT Of MY MOUTH=)) I am not sure if it is my 3 hour pottery class on Mondays and Wednesdays or what, but it sure is a great way to pass the semester by.

Christmas break was so much fun. I was a lot of fun to be with my family for so long. I may have even over stayed my welcome for a little bit too long, but it is just because family is something I cherish so much!

Back to my awesome semester of school. I was absolutely dreading going back! My first day back was my Tuesday and Thursday class day. I have technical writing and medical terminology. For once in my lifetime I felt smart in a class. I knew most of the stuff my medical terminology teacher was saying!! It made me feel so good about my self, and those days of working in the hospital really did pay off. My Wednesday class was amazing! It was Ceramics! All we do is make stuff and paint it!! HOW AWESOME IS THAT! I think everyone in my class thought I was nuts when I kept saying "Can you believe this is a college class? This is so awesome."

God is really answering so many of my questions, doubts and fears. I always find going back to school leaves me feeling empty and alone. It seems there are so many people, but no one who truly understands how I feel. God is making me depend solely on Him and His guidence and wisdom.

1 Peter 4:11 says If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that IN ALL THINGS GOD MAY BE PRAISED THROUGH CHRIST JESUS. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

I am trying to lean only on Him, and not people around me. I want everything that I do and speak to be pleasing and edifying to my Father above. I am so thankful that He has given me this semester to enjoy the actual school part of college. I am so thankful and cannot tell you how much this is going to make my semester so much better! He has given me the opportunity to enjoy the moment that I am in, as well as cherish everything around me that He has created. My eyes are opening to see His beauties all around me.


Well, here goes to an amazing semester of school!!! lol (Wow this is a new concept for me)




(its really late.. excuse any gramatical errors.. thats what tech. writing is for... I am not supposed to be good until the class is over=)))

The most precious little girl singing the Lords Prayer

Thought this was too cute not to share!