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!