run in's with large objects [cow edition]

Sometimes black cows like to mosey around on highways where these things called cars travel upwards of 60 mph. I don't know whether it is me or my car that attracts large animals? Perhaps it was the stench of wet dog seeping from the interior that drew these beastly things near. Most cows meet death at the slaughter house but the exception turn cars into their slaughter house. (see what I did there) it's a tragic way to go I'll tell you because I lived to tell about it, unfortunately the cow did not.  For myself, the sister and the brother-in-law we were unharmed.  Seriously a blessing considering that there should have been fatalities, no doubt.

I really hesitate to post pictures I hate seeing pictures of accidents, they're terrible. But you can't tell a story like this and not show pictures.  And maybe to prove i'm not just being dramatic... yeah probably the latter.

How many people can say they literally scared the poop out of a cow and were covered in it. I even have stained clothes to show for it. Did you know cows have four stomachs?  Because i'll tell ya they absolutely do.  Can we just talk about how my steering wheel is bent from said cow? The cow was in my car!! Inches away from my brother-in-laws face.

It's experiences like this where you really think about and realize what is truly important. I don't ever want to take life for granted.  In just a matter of seconds everything can change.  I know that we were incredibly blessed and it's comforting to know that the lord is in charge, always.  Sometimes I forget that and need the reminder.

On a much lighter, prettier, and less stinky note I got this babe today!

I start my classroom practicum next Tues. and I have a badge to show for it.  Ms. Hewlett, pretty cute aint it? 

Back to life

I made it. I made it through a whole summer of Oakcrest.  It was really great, but now thinking back in retrospect it seems like I only imagined it.  I have managed the past week with only a few minor break downs.  Mostly I am just coming to terms with things I was once familiar with like buying groceries, spending money, and just being responsible for my own life.  I soon realized that I would have to wake myself up in the morning and plan my days all by myself.  I occasionally will wear my Oakcrest shirts on the appropriate days we would wear them at camp.  I find myself humming the caravan song and telling everyone stories all the time about people with weird nicknames.

But i'm here, back in L-town.  I have a social life, a BF, and so many things to look forward to this semester. I"ll be just fine.  I cannot believe It's my 3rd year of school, here's to making it a great one.

p.s. I have not cooked a real meal in 3 months. wish me luck #oakcrestprobs

The summer I grew up

I have been living in the beautiful Uintah's Mon-Fri since June 3 at oakcrest, an LDS girls camp.  Nine weeks and 97 girls later I am quite astonished at the miracles I have seen and even been able to be apart of.

June 3, 2013
Day one of pre-camp week is down and I feel like it has been 3 weeks!  I am exhausted-so exhausted. Today has been really incredible nonetheless.  Sometimes I feel like grabbing my keys and leaving!  I feel so inadequate and so unqualified.  I need to completely trust in the lord this summer.  It is going to be the hardest thing I have ever done. what did I sign up for?

The first week came and I was so excited about everything.  My energy levels were up and everything was new to me.  I remember those first charter buses roaring into camp and being so completely excited for the new adventure.  Week after week I was a little less excited about meeting new campers and not as excited about following the same exact schedule.  I most definitely didn't have the same amount of energy.  No matter how I was feeling though, the Mondays always rolled back around and I was back at camp to endure another week.

Each week was a roller coaster of emotions.  Sometimes my girls would instantly click and become great friends right from the get go.  Sometimes I would have girls who were homesick.  Sometimes there would be drama.  Sometimes I would think about how much easier I could have made my summer if I applied for another job. Sometimes I would have needy girls who would all ask the same questions what seemed like 5 billion times. Sometimes I wanted to think about myself.  Sometimes I felt like peeling over and dying from the exhaustion and heat.  However each low point was followed by triumphs and joy.

Those moments of triumph and joy were sometimes small yet so powerful recognizing the lords hand in everything.  A camper praying for the first time in public because Oakcrest provided her an opportunity to feel safe around her new friends. Seeing the spirit overwhelm a young girl who's home circumstances probably don't allow very often.  A note from my dad to lift my spirits as I was out the door on a Monday morning feeling very discouraged.  Writing my testimony in Book Of Mormons and giving them to non-members.  Receiving notes from campers that reminded me of my purpose and that I was actually capable of making a difference through the lord.  Teaching by the spirit.  Finding out that campers have been through some of the exact trials I have been and sharing my testimony of eternal families.  Interacting with a camper who had high functioning Autism and the amazing spirit she had. Letters and much encouragement from my parents every week. Energy and enthusiasm from other staff members who are always offering praise-when I need it most.  Seeing time and time again the lords hand in even the tiniest details and realizing who is in charge.

I am shocked that 9 weeks have passed.  What would seem like "impossible weeks" or "weeks that would never end" I can say with out a doubt that the Lord stepped in and compensated for my lack of whatever it might have been that week or that day.  Some weeks I hardly seem to remember and i'm certain that is when the lord took over.  God is good and God is indeed mindful of me.

I only have 2 weeks left to give it my all.

Proof that miracles do happen.  I have always wanted to hold a butterfly. And I got a letter from Gill today.

Oakcrest {week one}

I have had the most incredible first week at camp.  My campers were all so darling.  They taught me so much.  Miracles happened and the spirit touched so many girls.  

 

 That is definately a Dino on my back for the Tuesday night party!

saying our last goodbyes.

so long Sister Cassell

This sweetie bum left on her mish to Tacoma about a month ago.  With Cook and Gill both gone I feel a little out of sorts at times. It's strange not being able to send them a quick text or phone call.  Not to mention actually seeing them.... Who would have thought that only two years after graduation they would/ could be on missions at only 20 years-old. I know they are doing wonderful things.  I'm the proudest girl!

*also update on the traveling sweater- Gill sent it back to UT just in time for Cookie to pack it in her bags.  Since it is a sweater who knows how many wears it will actually get in the summer. Nonetheless it is in Tacoma with Cook to remind her of the reeses pieces.