fill me up

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." - Exodus 14:14

Remind me. I pray to find rest in you.
Force me to surrender, take over the battle for me Lord.
I pray that you would fill the holes in the hearts of those who are grieving, those feeling the emptiness and facing the reality of loss. I know its not easy; but I also know that You are bigger.

Home is such a great place to be right now.

Why I love SoDak

So now that I'm back home, I'm remembering the things that make me love being here. Especially in the winter. I love the crunch of snow under my feet. I love sitting in front of our fireplace under a blanket. I love listening to my parents talk, and laugh. I love pulling into our driveway waiting for the garage to open. I love that my stepdad is pretty much Clark Griswold with our Christmas lights. I love that I am less than a mile away from Ann's house again. I love that my mom tries to come up with a system to label our presents so we don't know who's is who's but she just writes K1, K2, K3, K4 and doesn't remember who gets which number and I end up opening things like a bowling ball for Kerry (my stepdad), Kristen opens Kalli's American Girl stuff, and Kalli opens my coffee grinder. I love South Dakota :)

We went to Kalli's basketball tournament in Newell (population 615) yesterday. Good ol' small town South Dakota where everyone knows everyone else. It was the first time in who knows how long that I have been somewhere with literally no cell service ANYWHERE. Not that I really needed it, just funny how often I check it and kept forgetting that it didn't work. Her team lost the first game and then won the next 2 so I think they got 5th place or something like that.

Oh and my flight from Denver to Rapid City was pretty much the best thing ever. A guy pooped his pants (no joke), then proceeded to clog the airplane toilet -- all before we even left the gate. You'd think that after pooping your pants you wouldn't have enough left to clog a toilet, and if you had to go that bad why not go before you board the plane? The flight attendant came through the aisles with air freshener and I know at least 2 people were gagging from the smell (me and the lady sitting next to me) We were a bit delayed because they tried to fix the toilet but couldn't. I'm going to add that to my list of things to do before I die... clog an airplane toilet.

its so close!

Tomorrow brings HOME!

I have my psych final in 2 hours, then I'm literally walking back to my car and heading to Seattle. I can't wait to be DONE. I'm so close. This quarter has flown by. I'm so excited to be finished and home and relax and be with my friends and family! This week has been crazy... I still can't believe that Tiff and Dan got shot. Just so scary that some people have no value for life. Even their own.

I still have some packing to do, and some lunch to eat! So I'm going to get on that. But I'll be home so very very soon and I can't wait to see all your smiles! My friends in Bellingham, know that you will be missed, and I will miss our random adventures and having my own little family dinners. I'll be back soon, and I hope all of you have a great time with your families at home. Be safe, and can't wait to see you all in 2008! Wohoo!

(insert title here)

"I am going to change the world...by loving on people...cuz thats my favorite thing to do...besides spending time with my Jesus" - Tiffany Johnson

You are with your Jesus now Tiff, help us remember that. Thank you for your willingness to love, for your compassion, for inspiring growth and spontaneity, and for following your heart.

To live on in the hearts of those who dearly love you is to never really die. You are added to the list of people who will live on in my heart forever.

drained

so much to do in so little time!
I really wish I had a PDA phone, because I am feeling so unorganized this week. Its not that hard to just write things down, but its just keeping all the written down things in the same place and keeping them organized that causes trouble. Anyways, things are going pretty good. I'm so tired. I feel like my brain is fried, and was done with school last week. I did like 12 physics problems today, which is a great accomplishment considering I usually get too flustered after about 2 to keep going. I'm just working on keeping my composure and trying to work through them instead of getting defeated so early. Monday is right around the corner, and it will all be over soon!

I've realized this week how thankful I am for my relationships here. I'm ready to go home and enjoy all the things that I love about home, but I'm sad to have to leave the people here. I want to continue to let my friends here know that they are loved, even when I'm not here to cook or laugh or just listen. I'm learning so much, Bellingham has so many amazing people. So glad that I have can say I live here. Mom, sorry I can't be there for your birthday tomorrow. (well I guess in SoDak its your birthday right now, maybe I'll call and wake you up and sing! just kidding. But I will call you tomorrow after church) Hope my card made it there, if not, look for it Monday. Cuz I know you guys don't get the mail everyday! I'm watching Christmas Vacation. Hilarious. But I'm going to read and head to sleep. Goodnight all!

PS- I got a 44/50 on my Music Final today. I have 217/225 possible points, and he still has to grade our last paper, but as long as I get 10 points (out of 25) I'll keep my A. I got 25/25 on the last one so I'm not worried about it. An A this quarter! Woohoo! :)

Friends = Family

I'm so thankful for the friends I have here! Seriously, they are my family. They mean so much to me! Ali and Markus drove up from Seattle today and it was great to have them here. They are such amazing friends, I feel like they deserve only the best. I cooked, because well thats what I do... The "Not for Gringos" dip was a success mom. So were the enchiladas. Mmm! Everyone is going up to Mt. Baker to ski/snowboard tomorrow. (By everyone I mean Ali, Markus, Kyle and Seth) I'll be in physics class, and then taking my music final... and then probably working on physics problems to study for the final. And reading psychology. Man school is lame! Oh well. One more week of hard work and then I get a month to relax at home. I can't wait for Wii with my little sister (and parents, don't act like you won't play with us), dinners with friends, picking up shifts at Edge... oh home and all is glory! I'm ready for you!

C is average... so C+ is....?

If a sphere that weighs 4.50387 kg is attached to a pivot point by a thin rod with a RE=780J and has an initial angular velocity of 3600 rpm which starts at rest and accelerates uniformly, a) how long will it take to reach 10 G's?

b) How much energy is lost to friction?


Oh physics... granted this wasn't my exact problem, it was very similar. And I'm probably just as confused as you are, except I still had to take the test. Well I got a 78. Not bad, but not good enough for a B. I am going to study up once Markus and Ali leave this weekend and take the final on Monday. Boo! Hopefully it will pay off and I'll get a B though... wow this class has been tough! I am writing my Music Concert Attendance paper right now, so I'm going to finish that and go to sleep.

hopeful

Physics test is at 7AM tomorrow! I'm going to sleep.

Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the holy spirit


...yeah. God is so good.

dead week...?

Well "dead week" is upon Western... except this week is everything but dead for me. I have a test in Physics on Tuesday and a paper due on Wednesday and my music final on Friday. Plus I'm in psychology research all week wearing a blood pressure cuff and submitting my pressures every 55 minutes. Ali and Markus are coming up from Seattle on Thursday night and going to Mt. Baker on Friday. I probably won't be able to go, which stinks. I'm making enchiladas for Thursday night, and I'm going to attempt to make your "not for gringos" dip mom. I'll be calling for some help, don't you worry.

We got snow this weekend! It was beautiful. Christmas is coming, and I can't wait! Its now ok to listen to Christmas music all the time, and cut out paper snowflakes on study breaks. We watched The Grinch, and I'll probably watch Elf this week, too. Oh Kalli, if you are reading this you should send me a list of movies that you want me to bring home over break.

Everything is going well, not too stressful yet, but the next couple days I will be studying physics, which isn't exactly my favorite thing to do. Thanks for the prayers mom :) I'm already feeling more confident. I'm going to go to sleep, I have to go learn how to use my blood pressure stuff tomorrow morning at 7. So early! Oh here's a few pictures from Seattle on Friday night.

Kyle, Seth and Ali. Fake mustaches are a must.

Ali and Seth in front of the carousel by Nordstrom
Kinda dark, but this is me, Seth, Kyle and Ali in front of a tree at Pike Street Market

bring on the weekend

Last night downtown was... an experience... as always. I guess I don't ever know what to expect. Just developing relationships with the people down there has been such an eye-opener. I think we decided that its a broken renewal, like something thats bittersweet. We feel awful for not being able to do more for the people down there. My heart breaks to realize that they literally have nothing. I guess if nothing else, we are reminded of how blessed we are and we come home so thankful for our heated house, comfy bed, and enough food to keep us satisfied. For now, providing companionship and an attempt to help keep them warm is what we are doing, hanging on to the hope for change that God has given us.

Also, I love Bellingham... today consisted of:
class, then worked on Physics with Sam, and then hung out at the Inn office. Then I got to go to Megan and Sarah's lovely little apartment for dinner. It is such a cute little place! Only like 3 houses up from Telulah. Sarah made french toast and potatoes. So delicious! Small group tonight was great, as always. I love those girls! Our leader, Katie, is hilarious. We just get each other and it is awesome. Tomorrow there's talk of heading down to Seattle again... I'm pretty excited! Get to see miss Ali and the guys. I went to the bank today and got my identity theft stuff figured out (hopefully) I got my debit card so have no fear, back in the spending business shortly. I can't believe that there are only 2 weeks of school left before Christmas. CRAZY! Wow its getting late. Bedtime :) Oh and mom/Kalli I think I changed the setting so you can comment now without having to become a member. Hope you are having lovely days - I miss you guys!

wednesday already

It seems crazy that it is already Wednesday! I had a great day today, its hard to not have good days here. I'm surrounded by such amazing people who give me constant support and encouragement. Anyways, went to Physics, then to Music, then lifeguarded. Typical Wednesday. The swimming class got done early today so I walked over to the Rec and started climbing at about 10:30. That's right, climbing. I'm on my way back into it I suppose. I actually worked on routes today instead of just traversing, (thats climbing across something-not up, mom) so it was super scary to actually get high and have to trust my leg again. Things went well though, so hopefully the comfort level will just keep getting higher. Tonight Paige and I went back to the Rec and swam. Paige is such a genuine person... I'm so blessed to be living with her! Plus, I haven't gone swimming for a looooong time so its always nice to have someone else to come along. But man -- I'm pooped! My muscles were already sore from climbing, and now they are super spent from swimming, too. I'll sleep good tonight :) Tomorrow I just have physics, Sam is coming over to help me with the homework sometime after class. Maybe I'll make a crock pot of chili tomorrow. Its supposed to snow! The light in my room burnt out tonight, so I'm wearing my headlamp since I can't figure out how to get the dome off the light to replace it. I'll look at it tomorrow. We're going back down to the corner to hang out with the homeless people tonight. Its so cold outside... I'm so thankful to have a warm house and plenty of layers to wear!

I got a couple phone calls tonight because Kelsey Derrick, Ethan and Joel's sister died on Monday night. She was Mr. Derrick's daughter -- he taught History at Rapid City Christian. I had classes with both Ethan and Joel, and only met Kelsey once at the school. How horrible... another funeral. Pray for their family, for strength and comfort. And pray for Peter Williams, he was pretty close to Joel and hung out at Kelsey's house quite a bit when Joel was still in Rapid. I am always reminded of Erin when people die...its so real, someone else is experiencing what its like to lose your best friend. Or for some their daughter, their sister, their granddaughter, their classmate, their cousin, aunt, friend... I hate that feeling. I'm still not sure how God intends to use me through these experiences, I am awful at coming up with words to tell people that I care about them and can sort of relate to what their going through. I didn't want to hear people tell me that things were OK, things were certainly NOT ok, my best friend was gone. But then there were moments where I was so thankful to hear my mom saying "God doesn't make mistakes Kimmy, it'll be ok" and that was exactly what I needed to hear. Refreshing to know that if God brings you to it, He'll get you through it.

Blah! Enough depressing talk...! I'm off to read psychology until we head downtown.

back to reality

snap back into life in Bellingham and oh is it a great one :)

Tonight was the Banff Mountain Film Festival, and it was amazing (as always) Its weird to not be sitting in the front row of the Elks with 10 of my closest friends "oo-ing" and "ahh-ing" at the good parts. Kyle, Seth and Amanda came along. It was a sold out show. None of us won any prizes, unfortunately. The movies were so good this year. They just know how to get you pumped to get outside and... well... live! Hopefully it will be showing over spring break at home so I can see them again! I made fajitas tonight, and I bought a box of Eggo waffles. My roommates are mostly disgusted, but I am putting organic peanut butter on them, so that counts for something, right? Tomorrow I have class and my whomping 1 hour of lifeguarding. We're going to go climb at the Rec Center, and I have lots of Psychology to read so that will occupy some time. I read Hebrews 13 tonight, and verse 2 really is sticking to me. "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." I wonder how the friends we made a couple weeks ago downtown are doing... I wonder if we'll go back tomorrow night and who we'll find hanging out on the corner. Alright, off to sleep. Another busy day coming up tomorrow. Gotta keep myself motivated through these last few weeks of school!

whirlwind trip

Home was everything I expected it to be, once I got there. A few complications, good ol' airports. But all that matters is I got there and back! Thursday night was fun, it was so good to see Jerry and Nat, not to mention my family! FINALLY! We went to Perkins. Of course. Cracks me up how none of us even like the food there, its just where we always end up. Kalli and I shared an appetizer sampler, as always. Friday we went shopping. Of course. It was a lot of fun. I miss the good ol' Rushmore Mall sometimes. I ran into a lot of people which was good since my trip was so short I didn't have nearly enough time to do it all. Friday night I met up with some old friends from high school. It was so nice to catch up, literally I hadn't seen these people in a year or so. And of course I got to see my Annjo that night, too. Kalli had her friends over for a sleepover and that was fun as always. Didn't get to haul the girls to WalMart or anything fun, but I'll save that for Christmas. Saturday I got to sleep in a little bit, and my stepdad made breakfast :) I'm spoiled! Kalli and I ran a couple errands and I went to lunch with Mo, Karen and Lainie. I stopped by and saw my Gramma O, and then got ready for the wedding. Jerry and Nat's wedding was beautiful. She looked so gorgeous! They kept smiling back and forth at each other throughout the ceremony. So cute! The reception was fun. They had sushi (yum!) and it was good to catch up with some of the other people there. After the reception some people came over to the house and played a little Wii. Then my biological dad called, and since my mom raised me to always be the adult in the situation I headed over for a quick visit. I love seeing my grandma, I just always feel so awkward around my dad. Long story... he's just a different guy. I'm so thankful for my stepdad, I don't think he knows how much I love him. Anyways, after the visit to gramma B's Kalli and I headed back home and watched a movie. Then I packed and literally slept for 2 hours before we were on the way back out to the airport. It was such a short trip, but SO much fun! Plus, I'll be back in 17 days. But who's counting? Here's some pictures for you :)

Kerry's Girls, minus Kristen


Me and Kal :)

"What are we doing for this one?"

Me and Mom!

The Groom! Congrats and we're so glad you're home!

the sun will come out tomorrow

I'll see you all tomorrow night! :)

wake up cat

relieved

So these pictures Kyle took, we used his headlamp to write our names and he left the shutter open on his camera. It was hard to write the letters backwards! It took Seth like 3 tries, I took at least 12 (ha) and Kyle got his on the first try.

Today it is COLD! And a little bit rainy (which can be expected) I feel like I could just float around today. I'm caught up on school work (not including my daily physics assignments, but I don't know what I'd do with myself if I didn't have physics to do every night) I have no upcoming tests or papers due, and I met with my advisor today. She is very encouraging! Next quarter is going to be full... 5-6 classes. But I'll be getting into the actual sports med/physical therapy stuff. So I'm sure I will enjoy it! I register on November 28 so hopefully I get into the classes I need! Western has yet to disappoint... it has been such a wonderful experience and I'm so thankful to have been given the opportunity to be here. It still amazes me how I ended up here. It was God's plan for sure and He reveals that to me everyday.

I can't believe that there are only 3 more days until Thanksgiving. It seems like I just bought my plane ticket last week and started counting down the days. Crazy! I'm so excited to go home and see my family and friends! Oh ya, and my big fat kitty... I guess I miss her too even though I'd like to think that I don't!

Well I am going to take a shower and put away my laundry. We're going out to On Rice (a Thai place) to celebrate some birthdays tonight. One of my roommates boyfriends, Adam, and our other friend Dave (who lives at The Robot/Bot) both have birthdays this week and tonight worked the best to go out, so that's the plan.

weekend wrap up

This weekend went by very quickly I must say. Friday night we played Capture the Flag down at Boulevard Park. It was hilarious... I fell down quite a few times, rolled my already-been-broken ankle pretty badly so I kind of have a limp! After we played I went back to Telulah (Kyle, Seth, Joel and Sam's house) and started to watch a movie... it was something scary and gory so I rolled the opposite way of the TV and fell asleep. I hate movies like that. Saturday morning I got to sleep in (which was much needed) and woke up to my lovely roommates Molly and Nicole jumping on my bed :) We packed up and drove down to Seattle for the day. We spent the afternoon on Capitol Hill and shopped/went out to eat. The best part was I got to see my favorite Ali Boyum. We went to Saint Marks Cathedral and walked around. They were having a craft fair with items from different countries to help support the people who made them. It was very cool to walk around and look at stuff. It reminded me of my old babysitter Jean always making crafts for the bizzarres at the Civic Center. We went to the Cornish College dance performance last night and it was amazing. Living with dancers has allowed me to see some pretty cool performances that I probably would have had no interest in if I didn't have someone to go with. New appreciate for dance I suppose. The show was beautiful. After the show we went to one of my favorite places ever, B&O Espresso. As always, it didn't disappoint. You can't go wrong with homemade desserts and delicious coffee! We spent the night at Molly's house in Sammamish (about 25 minutes outside of Seattle) and woke up this morning and ate pancakes. We stopped and saw Bobby, our friend/Molly's cousin/frequent visitor at the Turtle who just went home because he has mono. Then home again home again jiggity jig. Now I have no motivation to do my homework... stupid physics. I am going to the Western Choir concert at 3 and I have to write a paper for my music class. Time to get started I suppose! Only 4 more days til I come home!

oh Thursdays

Thursday always brings such a refreshing feeling. I got a B on my psych test (wahoo!) so that is good. At least I'm getting somewhere in that class unlike Physics! Speaking of, in class today my crazy phys professor (who wears suspenders everyday and says era instead of error) actually did example problems so I don't feel too completely lost. Rotational kinematics, you're going down. Gotta have a positive attitude you know. Oh and mom, I showered today... wish this picture was scratch-n-sniff so you could smell how clean I am :)

Let me tell you about last night. We went downtown to serve hot chocolate to some homeless people. We stood on the corner and started conversation, offered them something to help keep them warm, and developed a relationship with several people. It is shocking to me to realize my own naivety, I can't imagine not having family or friends who would be willing to help me. I'm that much more thankful for the love and support that I have because of last night. Hearing stories from people about their drug abuse, alcohol addictions, medical conditions, definitely broke my heart. I was shown a part of me that I didn't know existed... a new compassion for Bellingham I guess. A few of the people on the corner shared their dreams with us. This was especially hard for me because it took a lot to not just invite them to come home with me. I want to enable people to achieve what their heart is striving for. I am particularly interested in talking to a man named Paul again. He was very reluctant to even talk to us at first, and honestly I was very scared of him. He wouldn't take hot chocolate, and sort of ignored our conversations with others. Finally I just stuck my hand out and asked him what his name was. He opened up, and told me that he can't have any candy or sweets anymore because it gives him really bad heart burn. Next week I'll have to remember to bring him tea or something. I also saw a drug deal... very shady. Wake up call that I'm not in South Dakota anymore. (Not saying that drugs don't exist there, its just a more discreet thing I guess) My heart broke for the group of 3 girls that looked like they were about 15. What are they doing on the streets? Trying to gain confidence and feel wanted and get affirmation from men who walk past and whistle at them? My prayer is that they come to understand they are worth so much more than that.
Pray for this... it has taken so much courage to even go this far. Pray that our hearts are burdened to help these people. I trust that if we do what we can to establish a relationship with them, God will work out the details and open the doors for the next step.

Wow this got long pretty fast! I also baked today and surprised the INNterns at the INN. Pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting and ginger snaps. So good! Baking is a great way to procrastinate... plus it tastes delicious. Stressful week is almost over. I'm going to read some physics and do my homework problems and go to my small group/Bible study. I'll be home in one week and I cannot wait for a wiggle-butt hug from my little sister!

the first one

So I need a way for my family and friends to keep up on the daily grind here in Bellingham. Technology is amazing, and hopefully my mom can figure out how to read this. Hopefully this blog will allow me to share the happenings of life out west.

Today was pretty uneventful. Last night I went out on Chuckanut Drive, a beautiful bay-side road that is kinda country-ish, and laid on a blanket with Kyle and Seth and looked at the stars. We saw the most amazing shooting star I've ever seen, it lasted long enough for all of us to gasp and say wow. Soooo beautiful.

Onto the school part...I had a test in abnormal psychology today, it went pretty well. We'll see how well when I get the results, but I feel good about it. I got a C on my last Physics test, which stinks because now I have a 79.9 overall, which is SO close to a B. Hopefully I'll be able to pull a B out!

I am loving life out here, my roommates are amazing. I love our apartment (The Turtle) Minus the fact that the 5 of us share a bathroom, things are wonderful. And in all honestly, sharing a bathroom hasn't been all that bad. A few sink clogs here and there and about 5 rolls of TP a week but other than that its worked just great. 2 of my roommates are dance majors (Paige is also minoring in French) and the other 2 are Spanish minors, so our house is tri-lingual. As for me, I'm still pretty committed to Physical Therapy. The reality of having to take the GRE and apply for grad school is sneaking up on me... ::shudder:: eek!

Tonight I'm going downtown to try and connect with some homeless people. Its been very cold outside and we're going to make a couple thermoses full of hot chocolate and see who we can find to talk to. I'm going with some guys from the INN, which is like college youth group, and of course the "men" from the Telulah house (Kyle, Seth, Joel and Sam) will be there too. God is good, and I'm being continually rained on with blessings. I miss my family a ton. I'll be home in a week! That feels great to say. Time for some physics homework and figuring out what to eat for dinner. Miss you all!

This is my room!