The Fun Update
What’s to come:
It’s hard to believe I’m leaving for Bolivia THIS Thursday (August 17th). The year-long internship officially starts the following Monday (August 21st). While there, I am planning to send full updates the first week of each month, and I will sprinkle in anecdotes or prayer requests more regularly. So, if you would like to stay in the know, you can check here or sign up to receive email updates through the bottom of this page. I would also love to answer any specific questions you have or just hear from you: please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly!
What’s been going on:
This summer has truly been a blessing: a celebration of friendships God’s given & an opportunity to wonder at His creation.
My whole family had our annual camping trip in SLO: playing games, kayaking and celebrating Beth’s birthday! Time together is priceless.
Abby and I enjoyed a whole week doing some of our favorite things: camping on the Channel Islands, stargazing in Joshua Tree and skating on the beach in San Diego. It’s no secret Abby is one of my favorite people, and this week with her felt like pure bliss.
And can you believe it?! After that, I went on an eight day road trip with my best friends. This photo is in the Narrows of Zion Natl Park. We cycled through Bryce Canyon, paddle boarded at the base of the Rockies, swam in the CO River and so much more. We work to be bare and honest with each other, so that we can build each other up in the deepest ways. I prayed for friends like these for years and am still blown away with how God answered beyond my imaginings.
The Nanninga girls each prayed for me before I left: that their mail would send over the equator and that I would learn the “Three Bears” song in Spanish to sing to the kids in Bolivia. Prayers so innocent and earnest, it made me remember: to enter the kingdom of God, we must become like children (Matt 18:4).
The Kruggels so easily became friends last summer; it’s hard to believe I’ve only known them for a year. I can never repay the kindnesses they have shown me.
My last days in SLO were spent with the kiddos who have had my heart since my first days in SLO. Adventure walks, dance parties, reading stories: I’m going to miss all the little things the most. I could cry a million tears that I’ll never be their nanny again. But, I know they’ll continue to learn and grow and laugh and dance and read and explore and so much more. I can’t wait to watch them do it.
And time fails me to tell of Kathy giving me seeds for a garden in Bolivia, the O’Malley’s overflowing generosity, Lorraine’s daily verses and prayers, Beth and Tom’s hospitality.
If you’re reading this, you very likely have helped or shaped me over the years. My heart could not be more grateful for you. I am so humbled by my inability to express or repay your love.
It’s a beautiful reminder of the gospel: I don’t deserve such grace. I can never repay such grace. But I will go with grace and show it to others.
