My first Thanksgiving Away from Home

Believe it or not, at age 22 this was my first Thanksgiving celebration away from my family.  Although I missed them a ton, it was actually a very special time for me.  Mostly because Timmy got to come visit.  So here I shall document our adventures together. 

Timmy flew in on Tuesday night and we went out to have a Nigerian dinner with Aunt Rachel’s friends from when she lived in Nigeria (also my current Houston friends). 

The next day Mr. Christmas decorated my apartment for me.

On Wednesday and Thursday we went to Dallas to adopt the Bartholomew family.  We had a great time playing with the kids, getting on the roof, eating turkey (and a bunch of other yummy stuff), and having a bonfire.

 

 

We made a few stops on the way back to Houston. 

 

On Friday night we went to Galveston and went ice skating, went to the rainforest exhibit, and then went and watched Frozen.

 

On Saturday we slept in, went for a walk on my trails, walked around downtown, and went to a friend’s house so Timmy could practice piano.  We ended up helping her put up Christmas lights. 

 

Finally, on Saturday night we went to see the Houston Symphony perform Beethoven's 6th.  

The next morning (if that is what you call 4 am) we got up and I dropped him off at the airport and he flew away back to Ohio.  Less than three weeks until I get to see him again!

Thankful Post Final

So, I know I totally dropped the ball on keeping up with my posts in November, but that doesn’t mean that I wasn’t thankful for something everyday.  So I will just put some of the things here.

I am thankful for (in no particular order):

Life Group on Wednesday nights.  It is so encouraging to go into someone’s home and talk about God and what He is doing in our lives and worship and pray with one another. 

Snail Mail.  Since I have moved here I have gotten numerous letters and cards from people and every time I open my box and find a hand-written something it makes me grateful for having people that care.

My Job.  I REALLY enjoy going to work and learning about all kinds of technical stuff that I won’t bore you with here. It is crazy awesome to get a regular paycheck for having so much fun.  Granted, every moment is not the best, but overall, I like my job. 

My co-workers.  They have been very patient with me and have helped me tremendously in getting started. Seeing as I spend most of my time here in Texas with the people in my group I would have to say that I am very thankful for the quality of people that they are. 

Solitude.  I am thankful for the time that I get to be by myself with God.  Sometimes I get lonely but I am never alone and that is reassuring.  It is in the quiet times away from everybody else (even though I miss people A TON) that can be the very best.  It teaches me to rely on Him.  

My childhood.  So often I hear of people who have been through very terrible things growing up.  My parents love me and I know it.  They weren’t afraid to discipline me and didn’t give me everything I ever wanted for which I am grateful.  I remember my home school days and the opportunities to read and playing outside. 

My siblings are probably one of the biggest blessings in my life.  I love each one of them in a special way and everyday I think of them and am thankful for them.  

I am thankful that Timmy got to come to Houston to visit me for Thanksgiving.  We had a wonderful time and he is such a cool brother.

I am thankful that it is now the Christmas season. 

Thankful Post 11

On this Veteran’s Day I would like to say how thankful I am for those who have and are serving in the United States Military.  Especially for those who have given their lives to defend the freedoms that I admittedly too often take for granted. 

This particular Veteran’s day I am particularly thankful for my brother, who recently joined the Army Reserves.  Super proud of him and his commitment and sacrifice!

Thankful Post 10

I know this sounds extremely simple. 

But today I am so grateful that Jesus loves me. 

Thankful Post 9

Today I got to go to a botanical garden in Houston with my friend Ruchika.  After being in the office all week and being cooped up inside or driving in traffic it was absolutely wonderful to be outside surrounded by nature.  It was a very refreshing time walking around, enjoying the gardens and company. 

Today I am thankful for the beauty found in God’s creation. 

 

Thankful Post 8

Today I am thankful that with my job I have every other Friday off (particularly because I have today off).  I am also thankful for having a running buddy to help motivate me to get out of bed on my day off.

Today I feel like being double thankful so I am also thankful for technology and the ability to talk to my dear friend Katie May (who is coming in December!) and for being able to facetime my family.

10 Signs That You Live by Yourself

1.) You don’t dirty enough dishes to ever fill your dishwasher

2.) You take the trash out because it’s starting to stink, not because it’s full

3.) You only have to cook once per week because you have leftovers the rest of the time

4.) You have to check the expiration date on the milk

5.) You don’t have to make your bed

6.) When the not-me ghost no longer exists (if there is a mess I know who done it!)

7.) One package of toilet paper lasts two months

8.) It is quiet all the time

9.) All your socks always have matches

10.) You feel strange because you talk to yourself

11.) You have entire cabinets that are empty

Thankful Post 7

Today I am thankful that I am in Texas and the weather is wonderful!  Some people here say it is cold, but I think it is beautiful fall weather!  Currently 64 degrees (:

And the skies are gorgeous!   

Thankful Post 6

Today I found out that Judah, my little brother, has a court date to finalize his adoption!  When I found out I was so overwhelmed because we have been jumping through legal hoops for the past 3 1/2 years.  It has been a long journey with much prayer, frustration, and not being able to do anything but trust in God. 

Today I am so thankful for the blessing of Judah, and especially that I will be home for his court date!

  

 

Thankful Post 5

Today I went with a group of ConocoPhillips employees to volunteer at the Houston food bank.  We loaded up boxes assembly-line style that would provide food for the elderly and pregnant women who have a hard time providing for themselves.  I had a great time and we ended up filling up over 22,000 lb of food into boxes.

Being there made me thankful that I am able to help, that I have the ability at this point in my life to provide for myself, and that I have food everyday and don’t have to worry about where my next meal is coming from.

Thankful Post 4

Tonight I got to play soccer for the first time (minus one scrimmage) since ending my college career with Marietta.  I am in a league with work and we play 5 V 5 on Monday nights. 

Soccer has been such a huge part of my life ever since I was much smaller than I am now.  Not having it for the past year has made me realize how much I loved it.  And although it was fun to play again tonight, there is nothing like being on a competitive team. 

So today I am thankful for the gift of soccer and for the many wonderful memories I have, for the lessons learned, for the character developed, and most importantly, for the relationships gained from it. 

I miss my team so much it is hard to put into words.  And I will always cherish the time I got to spend on the field. 

Thankful Post 3

This morning I went to church with the Bartholomews (which just so happens to also be the highest point in Dallas).  There were some guest speakers in from Justice House of Prayer in DC. It was so encouraging to hear reports about the fight for LIFE and the progress that is being made.  Texas is also just a really cool place to live right now (check this out). 

So today I am thankful for those who have stood, fought, and cried out for life.  This includes those from Justice House of Prayer, The Hall family, Generation Life, Stand True ministries, and so many countless others.  May we continue to fight until we see abortion ended in America. 

Jesus I plead Your blood over my sins and the sins of my nation.  God end abortion and sent revival to America.

http://www.standtrue.com/

http://www.generationlife.org/

http://jhopdc.com/

Thankful Post 2

Today I am thankful for……(The classic answer I know) Families!

So I have been super blessed with an amazing family that I love and cherish and even for the most part get along with, and I am always thankful for them.  But today I would like to express how much it means to have a family away from family.  When I went to college I was welcomed by the Lord and Hickey families (and many others) and would often hang out with them after church on Sundays or even random weekdays.  They would cook for me, play with me, encourage me, and love me even though I may have made it difficult at times. 

In New Mexico I met another amazing family that allowed me to come over to their home on a regular basis.  I originally said that it was to get my “kid fix” but in reality I needed family and have come to love these people so much.  So a super shout out to the Myers family for taking me in during that time. 

Since I came to Texas I haven’t really met any families.  Although there are many families and children at the Vineyard, and I have volunteered in the nursery, I mostly hang out with people who are couples or singles.  It has been awesome and I really have enjoyed getting to know some people and look forward to many more great adventures but…..

So I drove to Dallas yesterday to visit our dear family friends the Bartholomews.  I was welcomed with hugs and high fives and food that I didn’t have to cook or buy.  I got to play sword fights and give piggy back rides and have a dance party in the front yard.  I had little people come in my room to wake me up in the morning.  It was GLORIOUS. (I’m sure Jordan would agree).  

Families are so essential and I am overwhelmingly grateful for the ones in my life.

Thankful Post 1

I know this is a little late but I decided that I want to start the whole November thankfulness deal because I think it is good to remember what you are thankful for…and because I haven’t written a post in awhile. These will be in no particular order of importance, but here goes.   

So, Friday, November 1st.

On this day I am particularly thankful for the way God has provided transportation for me.  When I first arrived in Houston a gentleman I met at church allowed me to borrow his car for the first month until I bought a new one.  Another especially kind and mechanically minded man went with me numerous times to test drive cars until I finally found one I liked.  Not only that, but God has blessed me with the money to buy a car and not go into debt.  

Not only does this purchase provide the necessary transportation to and from work on a daily  basis, but it also provides me a means to adventure and explore this great state of Texas.  Two weekends ago I got to visit San Antonio to see Uncle Michael and Aunt Melissa as they were in town.   Today I will go to Dallas for the weekend.  Next on the list, Austin.  I love to drive and go places.

So yes, today I am thankful for Jehovah Jireh, John McCormick, Andrew Copeland, and Cleopatra (which is what I named my car).

Not Feeling Inspired to Come Up With a Good Title

So the past three weeks I have been very busy and I know it is time for an update.  It is hard to keep up with writing when I am doing so much! So here is the run-down of the past three weeks. 

On Tuesday September 17th I bought a new car! I went from very gratefully driving this manual Ford Escort…

To driving this automatic Honda C-RV

That weekend Friday I was sick and but when Saturday rolled around I was feeling much better.  So I called my friend James and we ended up spontaneously driving downtown and visiting the aquarium, which apparently had more than fish.

On Sundays after church I have had to adjust my family tradition of a big spaghetti dinner with one of going out to eat with a large group at a local restaurant.  It has been great to get to know people and learn about Houston from the very best.  That particular Sunday during lunch I was invited to go on a bike ride that evening and of course I accepted.  So I got a tour of Houston on a leisurely bike ride with a few friends.

I also got into a baking mode that weekend.

The next week I was in Laredo for lease reviews, where basically our team is in the field office and we meet with the field guys to go over our wells and discuss what needs to be done.  All.  Week. Long.  It really wasn’t that bad, but by the end of four days straight of meetings and going out to eat every meal I was ready to be done.  On Friday we drove back to Houston for….Critical Mass!

Critical Mass is a bike ride that they do one Friday a month.  The ride starts and ends at the same place downtown but the route changes each time and only a few people know where it will be.  So basically, you have over a thousand people riding around the streets of Houston (about 20 miles) with lights and music and people cheering and taking pictures and it is really awesome!

Saturday was a chill day and in the evening I went over to a friend’s house for her birthday and we played bingo.  There were a some people from Mexico who were amazed that we Americans had free spaces on our cards.

Sunday after church we ate at a burger place, then we went to a theatre downtown to watch Rush, a movie about racing.  As far as movies go it told a good story, but I don’t think I would watch it again if given the opportunity.  

The following week I went out to Laredo again, this time on my own.  So basically, I got to drive around the Texas ranches in this…

wearing this….

and I got paid to do it.  I love my job.

This is where I get to run when I am in Laredo.

I came back to my apartment on Friday and the pest control people had sprayed so I found a few of these.

On Saturday I went to the Grand Prix IndyCar race with Ruchika.  (My phone died so I don’t have a picture with the car but someone did take one so it is out there, somewhere).

Finally, today after church I went to a Malaysian restaurant with these lovely people and had a wonderful lunch.  I do love the diversity here.        

   Whew, I think that should be all the highlights of the past three weeks. I hope y’all enjoyed the update.