After a good 3 days of hard work, Blake has designed a website for us to share :) We have been wanting a place to post updates and include others in all of our wedding plans. The website is easy to remember. It's just:

http://blakeandjuli.com

I think I'm going to start posting my blogs on there for now on. Hope you like it!

Before I came over here, I packed a bag of clothes I hadn't worn in over a year and a couple pairs of shoes I had only worn once. I wasn't sure if I would come across another little girl who could fit them, but worst case scenario I would hand them off to the orphanage director and she would distribute them among the little girls. I had a few dresses and flowery skirts, and among the mix were a pair of metallic gold slippers. Surely, they would make someone's day.

Today I worked with the older kids, which had 2 girls within the class. One of the girls is twelve years old and shows signs of autism. She has a beautiful smile. I looked down at her feet and thought that just maybe she would fit my shoes. I brought the gold ones into the room and handed them over to her. Her face lit up, and I bent down to put them on. I couldn't believe how perfectly they fit her. It was like Cinderella. Ha. She was so cute because she wanted to take one picture after the other of her wearing her gold shoes. The shiny material was definitely something that kept her attention. For the next 10 minutes, she was sitting on the floor, tapping together her feet and saying (in her own language), "my new shoes... my new shoes..."

I wish I had gold slippers to give every single orphan just so I could see another smile like that.

The 30 hour trip was long, but smooth! We found an internet cafe down the street, so I'm sitting here now with a pot of tea and journal. I feel crammed with information and emotions, and not even sure where to start.

Today was our first day in the orphanage, and the children were so precious. I am so incredibly impressed by this orphanage and its directors. What amazing people! I have so much to say, but not really sure where to start. I'm feeling at some sort of a writer's block. So.... I'll write more later :)

Keep us in your prayers.

Blake and I drove down to Savannah earlier this week and had 2 days to find a place for us to live after getting married. And... we found it! I loved it from the first time I saw it :) Blake will move in in August for school, and then I'll move in after we get married. Notice the palm trees... we are 10 minutes from the beach. Crazy.

The reason this is so short-- well, I'm headed out the door right now to East Asia. Just wanted to write something real quick to let you all know. I'll be gone until July 11th, and I'd appreciate your prayers while I'm there! Ok... I'm literally about to run out the door...

Blake and I went shopping today for our apartment, and we made our first big purchase as a couple :)

We found a desk that we both really liked-- good height, long desk top, and sufficient drawer space. Yay! We're building a home!!

Oh! By the way, I think we decided on January 17th for our wedding day!

Blake and I just got back from spending 4 days in Detroit, Michigan, for the National LPA Conference this year. There were about 1,900 people in attendance, so it was a pretty good turn-out considering a large number of people opted out in order to save up for next year's conference in NYC. We had such a great time and were able to get to know some new people this year. When we walked into the hotel, there were about 3 people lined up to congratulate us on our engagement. Ha ha. We both felt so much joy and excitement from a multitude of people in LPA throughout the week. Some girls I didn't even know where grabbing my left hand to look at my ring :)

Originally, we weren't planning on even going, but then Blake was awarded a major scholarship and LPA offered to fly him out there for the conference. He received $5,000.... and I was surprised with a $2,000 scholarship that I didn't even know about until I got there! So that makes $7,000 total, which will be a major help for our first year of marriage!

I also tried out for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Show (an off-broadway), and I felt AWESOME about my audition! We'll see where that leads, but... my goodness... what a help that would be too! Plus, it's something I've always wanted to do. Why not pick up acting for a semester? Blake loved it last year. I think it would be good for me to do it because it would keep me busy, so that Blake can get through his first semester of med school well, and then I'll start up my nursing program in the spring.

The last night was definitely my favorite. They had a live band playing for the dance, and they played lots of popular oldies and classics. I love to dance with Blake. He can spin and dip me like a champ :-)

LPA has such a special place in my heart, as cheesy as that might sound. I always come back feeling so grateful to know all of the people who are a part. I love meeting new people each year, and keeping in touch with the long-term friends. The kids are my favorite. I remember being so excited to meet other little people like me, and I see that same excitement in their own little faces. Blake and I both see LPA as such a blessing. This year we came back talking about the possibility of us joining the National Medical Advisory Board and what opportunities might be there. I just keeping smiling in amazement of God and the way He has perfectly matched us up as a team. I love Blake so much. Ah! And I'm actually going to marry him!!!

Unfortunately, I forgot my camera back at home, but I'll try to get a few from my friends and put them up.

If you wanted to see more photos from our engagement, here's an album I have online.

About a week and a half ago Blake and I went on a trip to Sweden. It was wonderful! Well, what started off as a trip to fun Sweden ended as a fairytale engagement story. That's right-- I'M ENGAGED!!!


I'm sorry it took so long to put these pictures up. Here are just a few of my favorite.


Here's the story...


Blake and I had been biking on a small island off of Sweden, Gotland, for a couple of days. It was absolutely beautiful there, and there were wildflowers EVERYWHERE. It was right on the Baltic coast (which hit close to my heart since I spent a semester on the other side of the sea), and there were swans and white stone all along the shore. There were also wild ponies and bunnies on the island. On the day he proposed, we stopped at this small town to grab something to eat. We were both starved! All of the Swedes were really friendly, and they let us fill up our tea 2-3 times. In the town was a little trail that led down to the coast, so we went exploring. We came into this little forested area and when I walked in I said, "hey Blake, I think this is where fairies come from!" Haha. No joke, this place was like a fairytale. The ground was covered in white flowers, and there was a wooden bridge and brook. I could not get over how beautiful it was.Blake had been filming a lot of our trip, and so I did not think it was strange when he told me that we should set up the tripod and video us skipping through the flowers. We are both cheesy like that, so I didn't think twice :-) So we were just being cheesy, and I started to walk away because I thought that was all we were doing. Well, he kept pulling me back (and I kept walking away, ha.) Then he finally pulled me back and asked me to stay put for a second. He was telling me that he loved me and being all sweet, and then I started freaking out when he reached into his pocket. I could definitely tell something was up when I saw tears building up in his eyes. He got down on one knee, asked me to marry him... and there was lots of jumping and high-pitched squealing that followed ;-)


Blake and I went out to celebrate at a restaurant in the neighboring town. We ate lamb and this really delicious chicken salad. I was telling every Swede I came across. A few, I'm not sure if they understand, but they smile and look really happy. At the restaurant we told the waiter, and he told the whole kitchen and our cook came out to personally congratulate us :-)


I am over-joyed, and I cannot wait to begin a life with Blake! I had a chance to go for a run that same day, and I was singing and crying and dancing in praise of God. It hit me on my run that a year ago I was on the other side of the Baltic Sea also running and praying... and now I stood on the opposite side having had those prayers answered in such a humbling way. I feel so undeserving that God has heard my many, many, many prayers for a husband and he has answered those exact prayers (and more) by Blake. There are things about Blake that I couldn't have even prayed for because I never knew it was something I needed in a spouse, but God has so perfectly matched us together in a way I don't even have words to describe. He's everything I need in a man. I'm still trying to grasp the idea that we're actually going to get married... and that I'm going to live with my very best friend! It all seems surreal to me, and all very, very exciting.

Blake and I made it to Sweden. We flew up to Newark, and then had an 8 hour flight. We are running on only 3 hours of sleep, so we are exhausted. However, the weather is beautiful and hopefully after a nap in the park we can enjoy more of Sweden!

I couldn't be more proud of him.

Blake was accepted to Mercer Medical School for the fall, and hopefully in 7 (long) years he will be a doctor :-) I am excited for him beyond words. I think he will be a wonderful, wonderful doctor.

So here's the story:

Friday was a horrible day for me. I got out of class and saw that I had a voicemail. I listen, and it was a message from MCG (another nursing school I had applied to, as well as another med school Blake had applied to.) They offered me a spot to begin my program with them, and they told me-- "do you think you can give us an answer by Monday? Classes begin in 3 weeks."

Now for those of you who don't know, I have gone through a long process of waiting and waiting (and hoping) and waiting to hear back from Blake's schools. My top choice was to stay where I am now, GCSU, and for Blake to get into Mercer, which is 30 minutes away. I think we both recognized those schools to be the places we'd be happiest and most stimulated. GCSU has been wonderful for me!

So back to my phone call, I started to fall apart when I heard this message. All I could think was-- "how am I supposed to make a decision not knowing what's going to happen?? What if I turn down MCG, and then he ends up getting in? Then we're 3 hours apart!!" Ultimately, I was feeling frustration and anger in the way that all of this had been coming together. Why had Blake not heard anything yet? It's not supposed to be like this?

I immediately threw on my running shoes and went for a long, angry run. I hadn't run that hard in a long time; it was a literal wresting match with God. I was just pounding out all of my emotions into that asphalt, praying bare-hearted.

Blake was at work, and now back at my house, I knew I needed to talk to someone. I called his mom, and now I laugh thinking how she could barely understand my words. I was a mess. She just listened to me and reassured me that everything will be alright. Well, apparently once she got off the phone she called Blake at work at said, "look, you've got to tell her. She's falling apart."

Blake came home, dressed nicely, asked me how my day had been. Awful. He suggested that we go for a walk. We walked to the center of campus, where there's a huge fountain. Yet again, I cried. All the frustration poured back into me.

And as I was staring into blank space, Blake grabbed my hand and said, "stop crying. I got into Med School."

I went from having heavy eyes and a blank stare, to wide eyes and an uncontrollable smile. I didn't even say anything, just screamed. My first instinct was to jump into the water, so I grabbed his shoulder and pulled him in with me. Ha ha.... his phone doesn't work any more... but it's a good memory?

Blake said he was waiting to tell me in his own time (he's known for almost 3 weeks now), but he couldn't stand to see me like I was. He wanted me to know that everything really was going to be OK. Ahhhhh!!!!!!!!!! I can't stop smiling :-)

I feel like I am living my own dream. I still keep asking myself-- He really got in? I can stay here at GCSU and he won't be too far? Blake's really going to be a doctor?

I want to tell the whole world. I am so so so proud of him!

1 week.
7 days.
168 hours.
10,080 minutes.
604,800 seconds.

Until we leave for Sweden!!! Can you tell I'm excited?

The other night Blake and I sorted out this big box of change that he had and rolled them to see how much he had. There was about $55 worth of change, so we're going to find something that we really like over there and buy a cool souvenir :)

I think we're going to get to see the new church that North Point has partnered with in Sweden, Filadelfiakyrkan. I just e-mail Gustav, one of the leaders, and hopefully we can meet up with them.

Is this really happening??

I love my life.

Sweden it is!

And we're leaving in... ummm... 10 days! Ha.

This is the time to do this kind of stuff. Pretty soon I will graduate, and then I'll get a job, and later down the road a family. College is a great time to just hop on a plane and go to some foreign country. You've got to take advantage of these opportunities. You can't rewind time to make more memories, so make them now.

Last Friday, my day began at the airport with a hot cup of earl grey tea (with just a hint of honey.) I sat down to journal, waiting for my flight to Chicago to begin boarding, and as I wrote the date it occurred to me that exactly a year ago I had also flown into the O’Hare Chicago airport—only I was coming from another country versus another state :-)

This past weekend was incredible. My roommate, Eprise, graduated from Taylor, so I flew up there to celebrate. Jessie, our other roommate lives in Chicago, so I flew there first to spend a day with her, as well as Jade. Jessie’s mom took us out to my favorite restaurant in DeKalb, Baker’s Square, which sells homemade pies and sweets. I split an omelet with Jessie’s mom, and to continue tradition we had to get a slice of pie also. Omelets and pie? It worked! Jessie, Jade, and I drove over to Taylor later that night. It had been over a year since just us girls had been together, and I cherished the time so much. On the way back to Chicago we passed through the Indiana Dunes, so we took some time to stop and enjoy the lakeside. Barely taking the time to think, Jessie and I ran straight into Lake Michigan, fully clothes… Jessie and I really haven’t changed too much ;-)

Aside from the weekend, God has been doing some amazing things in my life lately. Thursday, before I left for Chicago, I got a letter informing me that I had received a scholarship for $3,228! Later that night, I looked online to find out more about the scholarship and come to find out I wasn’t even eligible for it. The required GPA… is far from what I have. Somehow, God knocked down that barrier. I don’t know how to express my complete awe in the way God has provided for me so faithfully throughout college. I have always known that college, if I chose to pursue, was something I would have to pay for out of my own pocket. And somehow—even after attending a $30,000 per year school for two years—I haven’t had to take out any loans yet. Mathematically, it doesn’t make sense. But that’s the point. God has been providing.

It gets better.

The VERY next day Blake received an e-mail. This time, he was informed that he was considered for a $5,000 scholarship through LPA—the highest amount given. In addition, the board is anxious to meet Blake and has offered to fly him up to this year’s convention in Detroit. Still more. They want to include him in a future episode of TLC’s television series Little People Big World. They’ll interview him, talk about his life and future goals, and then show him going on stage to receive his award! He said to me, “that means you’ll be on there too, Juli, because I can’t talk about my life without talking about you.” J

What’s so awesome to me is that we are both able to experience the joy of God’s provision together. I’ve experienced it time and time again, and each time follows praise. And now, I have someone else to join with in praise. Together we received $8,228 within just 48 hours. I can’t stop praising Him!

in case you wanted to see more wedding photos, my aunt did a better job at capturing it all:

http://www.bjharvey.blogspot.com/

I need your help in deciding where to travel this summer.

Blake's aunt works for Continental airline, and she put him on her list for service just for the year. In other words, Blake is practically the status of her "spouse" and so he can fly anywhere for a VERY affordable price (taxes are the main cost.) In addition, he gets to bring one travel partner along-- ME! So we've been talking and thinking. People tell us we're crazy if we don't go somewhere this summer and take advantage of cheap travel. That's something that doesn't come everyday.

So here are some options:

1. Sweden (we could stay with Peter and Gunilla and meet their new baby)
2. Greece
   
3. Switzerland (spend some time at the Swiss L'Abri, where they house students and enjoy fellowship)
4. Japan (something completely different? I found this hostel there that reminded me of the Seinfield episode where Cramer puts his Asian visitors in drawers to sleep. I miss hostels... you can meet some really awesome people there.)
   

Any other ideas? Which country do you think we should visit?

I just wanted to say farewell to all my friends and family because for the nest 3 weeks I'm not going to have a life. Here was my day today...

9am-12pm: economics class, where we covered 3 chapters and were assigned to read 3 more before tomorrow.

12pm-1pm: lunch break (eat, buy my books, steal a conversation with Blake)

1pm-4pm: fine and applied arts class, where again I'm assigned tons of reading

4pm-5pm: meeting with the nursing department

5pm-8pm: work

and the rest of the night will consist of reading, reading, more reading, and maybe some sleeping...

Monday through Friday. Cramming 2 entire classes into 3 weeks, on top of having a job.... what was I thinking??

Jared and Eryn are finally married!!! It was a beautiful wedding-- here are just a few pictures. Oh.... and I caught the bouquet ;-)

2 down, 1 to gooooooo!!!!!!

I'm pushing through... 3 more exams, then the semester is OVER!

At least, until maymester...

My friend I studied with in Lithuania just posted these photos online, and I was taken aback by them. First of all, they're just gorgeous pictures! But second, it took me back to remembering all that God taught me last spring while living on that seaside. I was actually there... right on the Baltic Seaside. I mean, really??

I learned so much by that seaside, each wave crashing perpetually as if to remind me that God is constant in His love, faithfulness, and grace. Something I'm not.

I absolutely love the second photo because, if you notice, there is a sunbeam literally trapped in the wave. How stinkin' cool!!

I've been learning a hard lesson the past few weeks about patience and trusting God, and I'll unashamedly admit that I have sucked at it. Blake has been put on the alternate list for Mercer, which means that a definite answer of whether he'll be starting med school, or not, could linger into the summer months. It is incredibly hard to wait-- mostly because this is something I really want for him. I think he would be an incredible doctor, and I think he could touch many peoples' lives through doing it. Meanwhile, my decision on a school is still pending. I have had to carry through with registration and housing procedures as if I will be staying here at GC&SU... again... still dying to hear where Blake will be. I'll be honest-- I don't want to live far away from him. Ha. Of course, I would if I have to because quitting school is not an option for me. But like a little child, I have been kicking and screaming, begging for the Lord to hear my cry. And all the while, I have to trust that He has a plan for us both, and just like he was in control 3 years ago when we started dating, He is still in control today.

There is something incredibly powerful and comforting in looking back on the past and remembering God's faithfulness. Time and time again, I grow anxious and concerned that He's going to let me down. And though things don't always turn out like I want, I can confidently say that He has never let me down. He reveals His love to me each step in my life.

So I will continue to pray with hope and persistence, begging for him to hear me, sharing my deepest heart's desires. Then, surrender all. Surrender is a choice made out of love. Love for my Savior and love for all He has done for me. Nobody said surrender is easy. No. It's terribly painful. And yet, His beauty found in creation restores my soul and brings me comfort.

excuse the appearance of my blog. I'm in the process of changing it around.

I found my new home! If it were only true...

Check out these playhouses. How stinkin' cool are they?? I could totally live in a playhouse. Not even kidding.

Haha. This e-mail was so cute that I got today. During my semester in Lithuania, I met a 14 year old girl on the bus one day and she knew a little English. She and I ended up going to the beach together and continuing a friendship. Before I left, I gave her my e-mail and we've kept in touch. She just watched the movie "Step Up 2"... and so she contacts me (her American friend) in hopes of meeting the star of the movie. Apparently, every common American should be friends with at least one Hollywood star. Right?

"labuka:)
Have you see film step up 2 streets??? i see that film and i want to met adam g. sevany do you know him???? can you give your address??"

I was going through my old journal today, something I do when I need some encouragement and a reminder of God's faithfulness. I came across this entry from last summer, July 30, and it made me smile :)

"Blake did the best thing for me yesterday. I had just gotten in an argument with my mom and, being upset, I went for a run. I was crying and screaming when Blake pulled up in his Jeep next to me. He opened his door, gave me a hug, and then lifted me up into the car. As I cried and told him everything that happened, he drove over to Mary Alice Park. And when he parked, he looked over to me and said gently, 'I want you to get out of this car, keep your running shoes on, and then run straight forward into the lake water.' He knows me well :) As I fell facedown into the water, I felt freedom. I met silence underwater, and I felt weightless. He came in soon after me, and we both laughed with free spirits. I don't think he realized what that really meant to me. That was the best way that he could love me in that moment."

Skipping classes was well worth it. They were amazing! I was quite inspired by the girl who accompanied him-- she sang harmony and played the violin. Ahhh, I love the violin!!!

Next goal-- we'd like to see Sigur Ros in concert.

3 more weeks until Jared and Eryn get hitched! Me, my sister, my grandma, and Eryn's friend all threw a bridal shower for Eryn this past weekend. It was pretty girly-- chicken salad, cucumber sandwiches, frozen fruit salad, and biscotti. Everything was very delicious! Eryn's favorite gift were her tiny "pinch bowls" (see above.) We were all trying to figure out what you do with them, but she was simply overjoyed to have them because of how cute they are. Ha ha. It will be a fun wedding.

After talking about youtube I was reminded of my favorite youtube video. Sigur Ros is by far one of the most talented bands, and I thoroughly enjoy them. They come from Iceland and are pretty big internationally. A friend of mine showed me one of their music videos a while back, and I confess that sometimes I watch it on replay just for a little bit of inspiration. I hope to be like this when I'm old and gray. I love how they're splashing in mud puddles!

So I was just talking to my Thai roommate on Skype, and she said that she had been browsing through some of the youtube videos about Bangkok (her home city) and found me in one of them! When I was in Lithuania, Nan and I participated in something called the "Free Hugs" Campaign. Basically, you walk through the streets holding up signs-- in English and Lithuanian-- that say "free hugs". There's a funny twist to my story because whenever I went up to hug some of the elderly Lithuanians, they literally picked me up and pat me on the butt. No joke. It really caught me off guard, until another Lithuanian explained to me that that's what they do to children. Apparently, my fuzzy hat and thick scarf disguised me from revealing my true age...

So anyways, Nan gave me this link to a video someone made about the campaign. You'll find me on 1.07

Oh, and สวัสดีปีใหม่ค่ะ!!! Meaning, Happy Thai New Year!!!!

The 3 highlights of my day:

#1: I met a girl last month at a coffee shop, and we randomly started a conversation. She grew up in Germany and has family from all over. Something really just pulled me towards her, and so we ended up exchanging e-mails and we've been talking ever since. Well, I invited her to church with me this Sunday and she came. I love, love, love meeting random people and learning about their lives.

#2: ten Swedes were in town to learn more about North Point, and so my dad went out to lunch with them. Blake and I joined and had such a great time meeting them. I held up my wrist that has my tattoo "Frihet" (freedom in Swedish), and they all chanted at once-- "FREEDOM!" hehe. Gustaf also invited Blake and I to stay at his house if (or when) we visit Sweden. Maybe July??

#3: Blake and I went out to Bahama Breeze with Jared and Eryn to officially celebrate me and Eryn's 21st (1 month apart) with a couple mojitos :) Three more weeks til they're married!


I'm skipping classes tomorrow to go to a concert (shhhhh....), but it will all be worth it :)

I couldn't ask for better friends. I really couldn't. I love the fact that I can pick up the phone and talk to them as if we had talked yesterday. We are states/countries apart, and yet our friendships are still so strong. Enough of this sentiment, eh? Nope! I like sentiment :) And I love my friends.

Gosh, I miss them...

Thought I'd share a few pictures to summarize some of the highlights from the past couple months:















My friends-- Amy & Kalin-- came for a weekend to visit. We went to a tea house, where they gave us hats and boas :)















I came across a stash of 6-year-old's dress up clothes, so I had fun with it.















My friend-- Rachel-- came down to visit me from NC for my birthday.


Easter back in Atlanta with the family. (Blake was purposely hiding behind my hair, in case you were wondering. And yes, Joe went brunette also)

I've been trying to learn the violin the past couple of months! I've always had an interest for the violin and I even tried when I was younger, but I guess it was too difficult for me then. So a few months ago Blake and I went to a music store and we found one to rent. They gave me the smallest they have, and I've been teaching myself off the internet. So far, the only song I've mastered is "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" ;-)

It's been a while since I've updated, and a lot has happened-- had friends visit, I turned 21, and Blake had his med school interview.

But I wanted to be sure to make a post to tell everyone to watch Dateline tonight at 9pm (EST). Some of you might remember me talking about an accident that was at my school during my freshman year of college, which killed 5 people. It had a huge affect on my the campus, and was something I never want to have to experience again. Another freshman girl on my wing, Whitney, was pronounced dead and our whole wing traveled up to Grand Rapids for her funeral. All of us in Whitney's small group had circled around her coffin to pray and mourn before the actual ceremony. We then returned to campus and watched people take all of Whitney's possessions out of her room, while her roommate cried and cried. It was a horrible time.

5 week later I got a phone call from my roommate, "Juli.... Whitney's not dead. She's alive!"

It didn't make sense. There was no way-- I was at her funeral. Tragically, Whitney's body had been mistaken with another student's body, Laura, and all this time she was being treated at the hospital (Laura's family believing their daughter had survived.) While my heart rejoiced for Whitney's family, a felt a sudden drop of sorrow for Laura's.

It's something I still can't understand-- how did they make the mistake and why would God allow this? And while I still don't have the answers, I was encouraged to watch Whitney speak on the Today Show this morning showing confidence in God.

Here is a link to more of her story:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23824767/

Don't forget to watch tonight!!!

I want to remember the sound of silence.

I constantly remember the two orphanages I spent time at last spring in Lithuania, and I often wonder about how the kids are doing. How big are they now? What new things have they learned over the past year? Have they found a new home?

I had my friend, Donatas, help me translate an e-mail to the woman who ran one of the orphanages. Her name was Virginija. She was a remarkable woman, and I could tell that the kids viewed her as their own mother. She loved them as if they were her children, no less. I remember one Saturday that I went to help out, but quickly found myself in the position of taking care of the place all by myself. Oh gosh, that was a crazy day! Virginija had said a few things in broken English, pointed at the pots and pans on the stove, and wasn't back until 3 hours later. One of the little girls, speaking nothing but Lithuanian, started showing me how to cook a common dish... and... well, we whipped up something together and fed the whole house! Ha ha. I loved those kids. They were so talented and had so much love.

Back to my story... I wanted Donatas to help me translate so that I could ask for her address to send pictures and some candy for the children. She then responded, and Donatas had to translate it for me back into English (good friend, right?) In her e-mail Virginija told me that she just published her own book of poems, and she had the children illustrate it for her with hand-drawn pictures! She asked for my address so that she can send me a copy, which pretty much makes me want to cry. I won't be able to read the poems (unless I translate some of them), but just to have a book filled with pictures by the kids I grew to love-- what a GIFT!!

I miss those kids.

I got home from my weekend in Atlanta and found a letter from GC&SU on my desk. Blake sat next to me while I opened it, and then I was surprised to find out that I was accepted to their nursing program! I've stopped myself a few times today to just go, "wow, I'm actually in. meaning.. I can actually be a nurse!" It's a strange feeling.

I still have 3 more schools to hear from, and Blake is also waiting on 3 schools. We've both been praying through this whole process because we're obviously wanting to be in the same city, or neighboring schools, for the next 2 and 8 year commitments we're making for our careers. This will all be very interesting as we wait to find out our acceptances and watch it all unfold. I have to turn in my intent to enroll by March 15, even though Blake's interview isn't until March 19. Strange situation. My adviser said that these things happen all the time, that I should just turn in my intent, and then worst case scenario is that I lose the $50 from my deposit if I decide on another school.

So where will I be next year? I don't know. And it's kind of fun not knowing

:)

I've had a few requests for my biscotti recipe, so here it is!

BISCOTTI

- 1/2 c. butter, room temperature
- 1 c. sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
- 2 c. flour
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda

- 1 1/2 c. chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans, whatever)

Variations: Add 1 cup cocoa and 1 1/2 c. chocolate chips to flour-nut mixture. Or, add 1/4 cup ground cinnamon to dry ingredients. Or, after first baking, brush the cut biscotti with beaten egg white and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Or, dip biscottis in melted white or dark chocolate, just one end.

Combine butter, sugar and eggs, mixing well. Beat in vanilla. combine dry ingredients and chopped nuts. Add to egg mixture. Batter will be very stiff and sticky. With floured hands, divide the dough in 2 loaves about 12 inches long (like French bread). Place loaves on 10 x 14 inch sheet, leaving at least 3 inches between. Flatten each loaf slightly, evenly. Bake in preheated 400 degree oven for 20 minutes, or firm to the touch. Remove. Cool slightly; lower oven to 375 degrees. While still warm, slice loaves in diagonal slices, about 1/3 inch thick. Arrange on ungreased sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes, or until firm. Do not brown. Makes about 6 dozen.

Unfortunately, I wasn't planning on being sick the week prior to my half marathon race. But that's what happened. Gosh, this whole weeks just seems like a blur. I started with a cough on Saturday, and then it progressively got worse. By Monday, I had the aches and pains. Blake ended up taking me to the emergency room Monday night because I had woken up in the middle of the night with severe back pain and pressure in my chest. I called him crying, and he was over in less the 2 minutes (I don't know how he did it.) I threw up trying to relieve the pain-- weird feeling to throw up from pain, versus nausea. Long story short, I was at the hospital until 5am doing tests and the doctor thought it was just the flu, so he gave me some prescriptions. I basically slept the entire 2-3 days that followed, and I'll have a lot to catch up on next week. I'm feeling better now than I did at the beginning of the week, but a bit discouraged that I won't be running my race. My body's just way too weak at this point.

So... if anyone is interested in running 13.1 miles this Sunday, then you're welcome to run in my place :)

Disclaimer: the little girl dressed up as Pippy Long Stockings in the picture is not me ;-) It was just a picture I liked from a Swedish photographer and thought it was fitting.

My roommate, Beth, and I ran a 5K this morning called "Fun Run With Your Honey Bun"... Beth was my honey bun :) The race was a bit comical though because, this being the first year hosting a race, only 8 people showed up. But I won't complain because since the top 5 runners got t-shirts... I won a t-shirt!! It feels good to be running again. To have that adrenal pumping through my veins and feeling an endorphin high.

I love to run.

Blake came and watched me run, and then he took my out to breakfast at Waffle House. Mmm.. good 'ole Waffle House. And so now I'm at work, fighting boredom. The library is expectedly slow on weekends. I decided that my job is perfect for anyone with OCD. All I do it walk around the library every hour to straighten things, push in any books that are knocked slightly out of place, check to make sure doors are locked and secure, confirm that the alarms are set, and count all the people in the library. It's quite repetitive, but it's a job.

Blake and I are taking off to Athens after I get off work and our friend, Natalie, is coming along. Athens is such a cool town-- lots of coffee shops, artsy people, and plenty to do.

Side note: I learned how to make biscotti and it's sooooo yummy! Last night, I experimented with a few ingredients. I made some that were honey/almond and some that were cranberry/chocolate/pecan. They're my new favorite thing to bake and Blake's new favorite thing to eat :)

I just got a phone call this morning, informing me that I was chosen to go with a team to East Asia this summer!  I applied for the trip last week-- honestly, I didn't think  I would get on the team since they were looking for licensed PT's, nurses, and doctors.  But to my surprise, I'm going :) 

We will be visiting an orphanage made specifically for disabled children, and working with them for a week.  If you don't know me, this is exactly where my heart is. I remember when I first heard about this trip, and I just wanted to know more and more.  How many children are there? How old are they?  What are they like? I cannot wait  to actually meet these children and hold them.  God is constantly using children in my life to teach me more about Him, and the simple love He has for us.  

For the next few months, I'm going to start learning more about East Asia and what their lives are like by reading books, newspapers, etc. (Please pass anything along that you think I'd find interesting.)  Something I've learned from traveling is the value of learning about the people, and putting aside all that you know from your own culture.  In Lithuania, I learned that sometimes it is more important to understand than to be understood.  We all want to be understood and for our struggles to be known.  And that's the beauty of intercultural relationships-- we are given the privilege to share in each other's lives and to understand one another.  I've come to find that people struggle with some of the same things globally.  Not everything, because each country has its own struggles-- America struggles with the pursuit of self-comfort.  But the one thing we all share in common is the need for a Savior.  We all struggle to find redemption for ourselves and for a Father to call us His children.   Christ is the hope of the world.  He brings redemption to us all, and so we rejoice!

I am so, so, SO excited about this opportunity, and I cannot wait for God to stretch my mind even further by introducing me to a new part of His world.  

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." -- Jesus, John 14:18

I am ever grateful for the friendships I have cultivated overseas, and I am humbled to be given a new perspective outside of America.

Pray for Belarus right now, as they are faced in some difficult situations. But also pray for America, that we would open our eyes to see beyond our own comfortable lives and to recognize that we have enormous responsibility as a "wealthy" nation. We desperately need humility and brokenness as a nation. So instead, may we turn to God and ask how He can use us to serve our brothers and sisters in all corners of the earth.

I made a decision today. I made the decision to fight.

It's been a tough year for me in terms of running. Running has always been a joyous part of my life. But in early June I got in an accident that caused some severe neck pain, and every time I tried running my head would pound. That slowed me down from my normal habit of running. However, I didn't want that to stop me. I tried getting back into it last semester, but felt discouraged because I didn't feel very safe in this city. Two uncomfortable experiences was enough to make me feel that way. As time went by, not in my usual training, let's just say I had lost a lot of motivation. Last night I realized that I was letting the joy of running slip away from me, and I resented even the thought of such. So what did I do? Well, I just got back from running 3 miles straight... and considering I haven't been running regularly, I'm pretty content with that :)

March 2nd I'm going to run a half marathon. That gives me... hmmm... 4 1/2 weeks to work up to it. Ha! Honestly, I don't care if I walk part of it. To me, it's just a matter of not quitting. And that's my only goal.

We all know that one single time each year in when the grociery stores are filled with lines of people buying firelogs, milk, and bread-- convinced they're going to be barrackaded in their own homes-- it's about to snow!!! Everything shuts down, and the world seems to stop. At least, it does in Georgia ;-) Joe's school dance was cancelled for tonight, and church will not meet tomorrow morning. And so today, we had a grand time playing in the snow. Blake came over, and he and I made Swedish pancakes and chai tea latte for the whole family. Mom surprised Joe by picking up his girlfriend, Madi, and letting her spend the day with us also. We all had so much fun together out in the snow. Joe and Madi attempted at building a "snow moose", but I don't think there was quite enough snow. All you out in Colorado need to mail us some more packed in a good bit of ice ;-) Anyways-- it was a fun-filled day, and I guess we'll just have to wait another year until the next time it snows.

Recently, Blake has impressed me quite a bit with his knitting skills. During his time in Nashville, he taught himself how to knit so that he would have a little something to do backstage. And so yesterday, I got out of class and met him at the coffee shop to find him knitting me a scarf. It's so warm and cozy-- I love it!













Isn't the pattern awesome?

I have more photos online if you click the link below:

http://tayloru.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024045&l=e226c&id=179200345

Blake gave me a wonderful gift for Christmas-- 2 tickets to Colorado Springs, where my grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins live. We arrived just in time to meet new baby Cassandra Rose Muresan. We also shared travel stories (especially Sweden), learned about wood-working from my grandpa, and stayed up late watching LOST :-) What a gift.

Cornel kissing his daughter, Cassandra. He radiates love for that child.














newly Grandma and Grandpa Harvey















my Grandparents.




















Grandpa teaching Blake about his woodwork.



Oh, how I've missed the snow... let's play!