Down by the River

While spending time with friends last week, one of them asked me if I'd ever been to the infamous river that runs through the city. I had to admit that while I'd crossed it numerous times by bridge I'd never been close enough to put my hands in it! So we decided to change that.It was a nice day so lots of people were out enjoying it! These little girls were so cute and they even let us borrow their kite!People love playing cards here, so there were lots of card games going on on the rocks.This kid was making some pretty large rocks skip across the water.And I actually put my hands in the river!

(and sanitized them afterwards :) )

Thank You!!!

I had a big surprise when I came home from school today! The biggest package I've ever seen was waiting on me, SO big that I had to get a security guard to help me carry it up to our apartment b/c of the weight! I've got to say a HUGE thanks to my Grandma & Nana, along with all their friends at Club Central! These sweet ladies threw me a "kitchen shower" through the mail! I could probably open an import store with all the gifts you sent our way! I'm overwhelmed at your generosity and love! What a blessing you precious servants are!

Greater Things

This past week I had the privilege of traveling with a friend to an area that overlooks the hub of our city! We set out at dusk and reached the lookout spot on the mountain just as darkness fell over the city.It was overwhelming to think about the multitudes of people, represented through the buildings, cars, and boats, that our eyes could behold from this one spot.Cat and I.And as we chatted with the One about the city, I was reminded of the lyrics to a new song.

Greater things have yet to come

and greater things are still to be done

in this CITY!

The Road Less Traveled

Joy and I found ourselves on a little adventure as we headed to school today! We usually take some form of public transportation to get from our neighborhood to our school, which is around 2 kilometers in distance. But when we hoped on the bus today we found ourselves in one of the biggest traffic jams I've ever seen. So after idling on the bus for 5 minutes inhaling exhuast and seeing no hopes of movement in sight...we decided we'd be better off walking. So we embarked on our first ever trip of walking to school!

But instead of sticking to the main road we tried out a new path! :) And that new path lead us through a muddy little field! It was crazy going from our skyrise apartments (that you can see in the haze behind us) to what seemed like the middle of the countryside! After telling our teacher about our journey to school, it turns out this little patch of country we treked through is a landfill for our district...haha...gross!

Here's a few of our more common sights...

Card playing!Construction workers!Mini-tables and mini-stools outside the restaurants!Meals on wheels (a.k.a.- street food)! Great going in, terrible coming out! ;)Fresh fruit!Side-walk sale of pets! You can buy a bunny, turtle, or fish right off the street!

Raised to LIFE!

We had a wonderful week celebrating the Risen One!

Cookie decorating!Crafts (thanks Mama)!Modeling clay!Egg decorating!"Bless!"

He was delivered over to death for our s*ns

and was raised to life for our justification.

Big Show

This week marks my Dad's 30th year of service at UPS!

30 years ago this week he began working night shifts, while both taking classes at ABAC and spending time with his sweetheart (my sweet Mama)!

Daddy, I emphasize service because it's what you're gifted at and dedicated to doing...meeting the needs of others! You've always worked longer hours than anyone I know...yet every single event in my life that I've wanted you to be a part of (big or small), you've gladly put the rubber to the road and made it there! Not to mention putting in endless hours of quality time with Ross and I afterwork (basketball on the red-clay driveway, go-kart races, hilarious bedtime stories...just to name a few). There is such a humbleness and simplicity to the way you live...that I deeply admire and truly respect!!! I love you Daddy, and I'm so proud of you!

So if you see my Dad this week, give him a word of encouragement and thanks!

LEAP Day

One of the many highlights of our Leap Day/Back to School Party was a LEAPING contest, bet you can't guess who thought of that one! ;) Here's a little recap of the competetion:

Contestant #1, a freshman business major whose hobbies include break-dancing and DJ-ing.

Award=Best Hang TimeContestant #2, a former ballet dancer and geography buff.

Award=Longest Limbs

Contestant #3, a sophomore marketing major and skilled basketball player.

Award=Best Monkey ImpressionContestant #4, a local businessman and champion badminton player.

Award=Best DressedContestant #5, a native Texan and gourmet chef. While the intro was really graceful...the combo of wearing socks and vinyl flooring didn't make for such a great combination!Award=Winner!!! That's right...A+ for effort!