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.