the 23rd, are you serious?

Man, I don't know how two weeks have passed since I last passed by this posting page. I have sat to write many times... but there were either no words.. or little time. And now... well there is a little of both... but dude I gotta buckle down!
I actually am feeling that about a few things in life right now. I really gotta buckle down. There's homework to do, classes to attend, a house to pack up (for the big move on the 30th!!), and preparations to make for another trip home.

You see... I have the pleasure and great honour of heading back to the Hills for my life-as-I-know-it, first sleep-over ever, escalator-birdie-in-the-field, and dear friend Pamela Sue's wedding. I can't believe that it has come to this day. The beauty has found her prince. We've talked about this together since before we even thought boys had cooties. It is amazing.
It feels even different then when my sisters got married. They have always been older and WAY cooler than me... so it seemed like the natural progression of life. I don't why really this is different... but I just it is just easier to remember the times when you played "my little pet shop" and figure skated with one of your best friends, then it is to remember when you siblings were that same age.
I am in awe of Pam, and who she has become. A truly beautifully surrendered life. Boy Taylor's a lucky guy... that is for sure.
Anywho... so all this means that I am flying from this little country, again, in 5 days. That is not a lot of time!

It is a sad time to leave... as the class ahead of me will be graduating and leaving here for good, just a day or two after I get back. Several of these wonderful woman I have had the chance to live with this year... and I am shocked that their leaving has suddenly sprung upon us! I will miss them much. They are the giggles and laughter that fill many hours of each day for me right now... and life will look different here without them... though I am excited for the chances there will be to get to know the girls in my class better.

I have been really challenged lately with seeing people for who they are. Sometimes I see only a need, and other times I see the person, minus their need. I think the two are intertwined... and people need to be treated accordingly. I have so much to learn about this. The people that pass through our lives are complex, and amazing. The beggars on the street have a history, a family, a perception of reality. They are more than just kids beggin for a bite to eat. Your co-workers are more than just the friendly face that greets you as you come to work. They are intrinsic individuals who may just be putting on a brave face to make it through the day. And your friends, the ones with whom you are seldom apart from, may be more than you have taken time to notice... they may be screaming, and you have never even heard a single peep. Or they may possess unbelievable gifts that they are longing to share... and you can really learn from.
I know I am guilty of this much to often. The Lord has been reminding me that He sees each of these, even me, in such a significant light. Sees us for who we ARE... and in our weaknesses accepts us. Today this simple fact blows me away...

Hummm... I guess this has become quite a lot of words.... I just had to get some of it out there for you to do with as you please:D... I will try to post again here shorty with some pics... and leave this post all words for the brave of heart.... and hopefully this assignment will get done soon so that there is time to post once or twice more before life hurls me over the sea yet again.