First Days...

PHASE II has begun. There are about 41 students in my school and about 30something DTSers that just started thier school yesterday as well. I have 7 roomates, but my room is surprisingly cozy, I think it will be a great group all together. There are definitly a lot of people to get to know, especially compared to the 11 i had to get to know on dts. It's a little intimidating because so many Phase II students have already done thier DTS here in Denver and many did them together, so these first two days are filled with a lot of reunions among friends. Although I am rarely a fan of planned fun as " bonding time" usually tends to be, I think it will be very helpful with so many other students.
I wish i could say something really deep about what i'm expecting or some great revelation I've had so far, but basically i'm just expectant and hopeful because I am at peace that this is where God wants me. These next few days will hopefully find me finding my place in the group and a eventually discovering God's vision for me.
Day Two..... signing off.

Arrived

I am here. In Denver. Starting school on Monday. LOVING my time so far with Kate and her friends. More to come...

Braces off! (pictures coming soon)

Birthday looming....is there something I should do on my last day as a teenager?

Will it rain enough tomorrow for me to stay warm and cozy at home, or shall I stand and be bored earning my last few dollars for the year? Why anyone would associate the "unemployed nature" of being in YWAM as being without work I can only associate with lack of knowledge. Why only this afternoon I remembered with a crooked smile my own work duties on DTS...quite a range of things, and wondered just what I'd be getting myself into when I arrive in Denver. Will I be treated like a 'grown up' student, or like a 'little kid student' as the lines seemed so clearly drawn in Townsville? I'm not sure. All I know is there'll be no complaining because I'm choosing to go back...and it's a choice I doubt I will regret.

I'm thinking everyday of just what things will be piled into my little car before I leave and I only wish I could fit all the people I love into a box and take it with...alas you can't fit that many people into one box and no one wants to live in a box with a dog....so i suppose the box isn't the loving option for anyone concerned. Packing thankfully is still a few days adventure away....so it's just off to bed for now.

goodnight

Countdown continues, if somewhat hesitant about my excitement

Days til:

braces off : 3

20th birthday: 5

last day of work: 7

arrival in Denver: 13

falling for fall

yes friends, though I can't stress enough that I am SAD my summer was here one day gone the next, I am adjusting to the beauty that fall brings. I do love the scent of neighborhood wood stoves waking from summer slumber, and the colors of leaves losing their battle with the frost...brisk mornings, and breezy days are wonderful. I do hate it getting dark so much earlier these days...but that can't be helped. All in all I am falling for fall....and all the it has to bring.

September 9th, 2004 -
5 days until I am DONE with my braces.
7 days until I am DONE being a teenager (yay I'll be 20!!! ).
10 days until I and DONE working at Eagle Bend
13 days until I LEAVE for Denver.
14 days until I see KATE!!

Looking forward too: studenthood, community living, the big city, new friends, yes- Autumn in the Rockies,
scarves, sweaters, music, a new church, taking notes, driving to the mountains, cozy
bunkbed, to name a few.....

Not looking forward to: saying goodbye to my family, saying goodbye to my brother for possibly a few years,
leaving behind my "girl's best friend" Bella Lou (who just celebrated her first birthday
a few weeks ago), the long long long drive by myself, curfew, daylights savings time
like I said, it can't be helped.)....to name a few more.

Now I'm off.... to a free dinner I got in the mail. Who ever said there's nothing good about having a birthday?! I've heard the more of them you have the longer you'll live..... thoughts to ponder for today.