Home is Where the Heart Is

The journey to the east coast is over now. I went and saw what God had me there to see. I believe the whole trip was more about learning the lessons He wanted to teach me than anything else. I feel very grateful that God would have the mercy to show me things rather than have me live through things. For example, I thought I would want to work at a church during my life. God revealed to me in a fast and painless way that He didn't create me for that work. In two months I answered that question. 

God gave me insight into family and relational issues that I can learn from. He showed me examples of Godly, adventurous people who I want to grow up to be like. Time and time again He whispered in my ear and said, "Look and listen carefully, I'll give you a full and abundant life. Just see what I have to show you, learn these lessons. I'll show up for you, Erin. Just pay attention for a bit." 

I am so thankful to everyone who accepted me in their life this summer. Thankful for the family I lived with that was so generous. Thankful for all the love and support from those who read my blog. And thankful that with confidence I can say I'll be posting more because God isn't done sending me on crazy adventures. Come to think of it, He probably never will be. 

Erin  

A Night to Remember

In a house full of family drama, I have learned how to saver the moments of love and laughter. Last night was one of the best nights the family here and I have had this entire summer. It started with sushi at a place that has a belt that carries rolls around and you take off whatever you want. 

 

And did I mention it was in the middle of a mall?

That's a lot of plates!! 

So we ate $120 in sushi and had a fantastic time. 

Check that off my bucket list! Mall sushi that I grab off the rotating thingy... 

Then we walked around the mall and guess what? There was a guy piercing ears. So I got a second piercing along with Michelle. 

Check that off my bucket list! 

Then we found Dave at McDonalds and he had bought fries. So I peeled off the monopoly price from the package and WON!! I got a free mcflurry! 

I love winning things :) 

And finally, we found our way out of the mall in laughter and smiles. When we got to the car, no one wanted to walk around the sidewalk to the parking garage so we climbed over the fence. But Dave couldn't quite get over... 

He was very stuck. 

It was so funny!! Can't even tell you how much laughter does for the soul. 

Thank you Father for night like the last that carry us through. 

I only have 2 weeks left with this second family. I'll be missing them, that is for sure. 

Can't wait to see my California family. Love to all,

Erin 

Beltways and Babies.

Out here in Virginia, there is a highway called the Beltway. It goes in a circle from DC to Virginia to Maryland. It's like the tri-state/DCMetro area connector and has various highways that connect to it. It's very intimidating. Nothing like highway 101. The thing about not having a car this summer is that I didn't even have to worry about driving that monster because well, how would I? 

(Pause in the story to start a new story, I promise they'll connect at some point) 

I met this amazing woman through the family I'm staying with. She was going to have a baby (scheduled C-Section) and needed a sitter for their sweet little boy during that time. So of course I offered to help out. 

(Here is where I do my magic and connect the stories)

The family offered me a car this past weekend because I would be coming over 3 times and they have this extra Toyota Highlander. It's an amazing car, my dream car actually. It's name is the Crusher. Yeah!! Oh and no AC. Ha! Who needs AC in the middle of July in Va? Not me, that's for sure. 

So I got this car,but I had to go on the Beltway to get to the awesome families' house. I got dropped off by my host family, I babysat for a few hours, then I hopped in the Crusher to go home. I had printed out driving directions and was set to go. But, I started out the wrong way out of the driveway. Then I hopped on the highway, and merged onto the Beltway (ps DC drivers are mean). I kinda knew how to get home, but I didn't have directions because I blew them the second I left the driveway. So, I just started going. And praying. I got off on the exit of a street I recognized and went right. I went a really long way then realized I should have gone left. So I got gas, the crusher was low, and turned around. I got back to where I needed to be and accidentally got on the Beltway again, though I don't know how.  I went up an exit and then back to where I needed to be and started on the home stretch. I ended up only making one more mistake before getting home. 

I'm waiting out nap time right now, I gave the keys back this morning when I got here. The crusher is back and I know he won't give up our secrets of lost-ness. It was a good time. Mom and dad will be home with new baby boy in a matter of hours and I don't think I'll be romping up and down the beltway alone any time soon. But, if I had to, I totally could. 

I am learning to seek adventure. But what's more, I'm learning not to fear it. Chances are, l'll survive most anything God gives me to do. At least all but one thing. I just don't think that thing will be 495 West to who knows where. 

The Crusher!! 

Happy 4th of july!

This year I was inspired by the 4th of July. If you know me at all or have spent time with me around any holiday, you will find that I don't enjoy holidays for the most part. I can't articulate exactly why, it is just one of those things. But, I love the 4th of July. Maybe it's that there are no expectations of me. Maybe because the point is to celebrate and have fun outside  It's delightfully warm outside. There is enough patriotism to go around. I just love America.
So, I decided that every year I have to do something fun on the fourth of July. That is why I pushed everyone to go to the Capital Lawn for the 4th. We watched the concert and hung out with the president. Well not really with him, but he was siting with us in spirit. It was very fun. Even Neil Diamond performed!  It was amazing.
I challenge anyone who reads this to make the most of living in a place like America. We are so blessed to be born into this country. To be given the right from birth to enjoy such an amazing place. The world is fabulous and worth exploring, but I have learned the past few months how special exploring our own country can be. It's spectacular.
Here are some of the best pictures from our day. God bless America!

I hope your day was as joy filled as ours! Sending love! ~Erin

Washington D.C. Big hitters

So I walked the "mall" in Washington, D.C. I got to see everything except the Capitol (we ran out if time). I was so impressed with the Lincoln Memorial and the White House. I saw all the secret service and the snipers that are I top of the White House.  Honestly our country is amazing. God did bless America. I pray that He continues His hand of protection for us and keeps us safe. Only from The Lord does success come. 

The most honest man I know.... Seems legit. 

So beautiful. A person could get married here ;) 

Obama is my best friend now. Totally hanging out. AND, I got to stand behind the fashionable fence next to the Secret Service. Mr. Prez is so thoughtful :)

The backside if the White House. What a thrill. 

God bless America!!

Sweet Caroline

I sat by the pool watching Sweet Caroline  swim around with her goggles stuck around her eyes (for those who don't know who Sweet Caroline is, she's the daughter of the family I'm staying with. She is crazy smart and very fun to be around). Sweet Caroline is in first grade and her swimming style reflects that. She goes as long and far as she can with her head down. Finally, she pops up and then bounces (barely out of the water) multiple times until she can get a good breath in. After she inhales a great big breath, she repeats the process. It is somewhat nerve wracking because in honesty she could use a few more swim lessons. After bobbing to the side of the pool I was sitting by, she would bob over to the other side and repeat. Every once in a while Sweet Caroline would come up to the wall and smile with her toothless grin and have me watch some trick she was going to try. 

What Sweet Caroline didn't know is that I had been watching her  very closely the past 15 minutes. Every time she bumped into someone, stayed under too long, and looked unsteady, I was ready to go in after her. But i wasn't only looking for her next mistake or "fall," I was watching her grow, learn, and gain experience. I was also enjoying her find joy from the water and giggle and smile, I loved how she was serious and intent upon getting from one side to another. It was no joke, swimming -- maybe because it wasn't so easy for her, maybe because she really wanted to be proficient, or maybe because she was a little scared...like me.    

As I was sitting with my towel wrapped loosely around my waist, I realized that's how Jesus works sometimes. I think he sits watching, never taking his eyes off us. He loves watching us grow and learn and find joy and be messy and lovely all at the some time. And He sits in His towel waiting to hop in with us when we're overwhelmed. Maybe He's still a little wet from the last time He surprised us and just jumped in to play. 

I am so in love with the dynamic, beautiful Jesus I have met. He is amazing. 

And maybe He smiles when He sees our goggle lines like I did when I saw Sweet Caroline's :) 

I'm here!

I have arrived! Here we go everyone, I'm in Virginia. It's crazy to think about the past 48 hours because they were well... Crazy. I got up and had a final Wednesday morning at 7:30 in SLO. That followed with coffee and hang out seasons until 4 when my mom and I left to go to SFO.  We stopped by the grandparent's house (who were under the impression I would be in New York for the summer, not sure where that came from!) and then said goodbye to mom at 10pm Wednesday night. I boarded around midnight and thought about sleeping.

I ended up thinking a lot about sleeping but only did a tiny bit of it. Thankfully. I say this because God placed a young man named Jeff by me on the plane. He is a graduate student at Stanford. Jeff and I started talking and we ended up talking about our religions and what we believe. Between the first flight, the layover, and the second flight (we sat next to each other on both flights) I ended up having the opportunity to share about the Gospel and my heart of what I believe. It was pretty amazing. It turns out his roommate and best friend is a leader of CRU (Campus Crusade for Christ) and he has been thinking about what being a Christ Follower would look like for some time. The whole thing was a huge God appointment. 

So I got off the plane, met Michelle Seo (I'm living with her and her family), made a quick Target stop, and went "home." A few hours later I was at a staff meeting, meeting the pastor and co-workers from the church I'll be going to, and it was amazing. The meeting started with an Andy Stanly talk from Catalyst. Wow. Yeah this church is amazing. 

So over all this is just an update post about the highlights of the past two days. Thanks for the prayers. I felt them. 

Much love!!!

~Erin 

Here is a panorama from the air port!

Firsts

Hi friends! I am exited about this new chapter of life opening in front of me. As you know, I am moving for the summer to Virginia. To move for a summer is not exceptionally exiting, and it is not even uncommon. So, I will try to keep my excitement to a reasonable level (can you tell this is my first time being away from home for an extended amount of time? I'm trying not to sound as young as I am). The reason I am choosing to do this blog is that I don't have a Facebook, but some friends want to see pictures of what I am seeing and hear updates of how the summer is going. I hope too that this adventure will be the first of many adventures. This blog will follow me in my wandering and adventuring.
If you're wondering what I'll be doing in Va, well that's a good question! I know that I'll be living with family friends,  I'll be interning at a church for Children's Ministry, and hopefully I'll be drinking a lot of iced tea. If that doesn't quite answer the question, or you're a details person, too bad. That's about all I know :)
So here goes! I'm ready to get going (15 days till I leave!). If you think of it, please pray that I remember everything I need to bring, that I have safe travels, and that I am a blessing to the family I'll be living with.
Much love in Christ,
Erin