My treasure chest runneth over with faith family and friends
Showing posts with label Adventures. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adventures. Show all posts
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Thursday, October 17, 2013
I Love You to Africa and Back!
I was exhausted the other night after a long day. We usually read as many books as Imani can negotiate, but I just wanted to turn the light off and snuggle my girl. "How about Mommy tells you a story and you try to imagine the pictures in your head?" She agreed with enthusiasm so I turned out the light, snuggled my girl thisclose, and began:
Once upon a time there was a girl named Tarsha.
Giggle, giggle.
She was feeling like it was time to do something bigger than her.
BIG Mommy?!
Yes, BIG Imani Ruth! Life was good but she was not content in just flying by the seat of her pants so much anymore. It was time for something BIG. She prayed and God told her adoption was indeed the next step in His plan for her. She knew right away there was a little girl in Uganda that was her daughter! She wondered about what that little girl was doing in that very moment and imagined what she looked like too!
Africa? Uganda? {giggling}
She decided this little girl's name was Imani. It means faith in Swahili, a language spoken in Uganda.
Me!!
So she got all her paperwork together (it was A LOT OF PAPERWORK) and tried to plan for when she would become a mom. On Sunday, April 7, 2013 at 7pm Tarsha got a call from her social worker Sharon in Florida. Sharon said she wanted to tell her about a little 4 year old girl.
Mommy, Imani 5!!!
"But you were 4 when I got the call," I said smiling! This is where it became more intimate, with me as her Mommy telling her our story.
Sharon told me all about you and then a couple days later she sent me a picture. I couldn't stop looking at it or wait to finally meet you. I had to wait 11 weeks before I could travel to Africa.
On June 29, 2013 at 10:15am Kampala, Uganda time, we finally met! Do you remember when I came to the children's home to get you?
Yes! And Danny!
Yes, Danny did come with Mommy to pick you up. We took you back to the guesthouse and you took a looooong nap! Then we all stayed in Uganda for almost 7 more weeks. We went to court twice, the lawyers office, Cafe Roma, the tooth doctor, the ear doctor, the American embassy, the American Club, on safari, to the equator, the zoo, and we made some really great friends!
Sharon told me all about you and then a couple days later she sent me a picture. I couldn't stop looking at it or wait to finally meet you. I had to wait 11 weeks before I could travel to Africa.
On June 29, 2013 at 10:15am Kampala, Uganda time, we finally met! Do you remember when I came to the children's home to get you?
Yes! And Danny!
Yes, Danny did come with Mommy to pick you up. We took you back to the guesthouse and you took a looooong nap! Then we all stayed in Uganda for almost 7 more weeks. We went to court twice, the lawyers office, Cafe Roma, the tooth doctor, the ear doctor, the American embassy, the American Club, on safari, to the equator, the zoo, and we made some really great friends!
Farouk! {smiling}
Yes! Farouk! He wasn't just our driver, but our life saver there wasn't he? Farouk knew where everything was and he helped us find what we needed! He took great care of us and that's why we still thank God every night for him!
Mommy, Farouk Uganda?
Yes, he is still in Uganda. He lives there and helps other new families like he helped us. But if all works as Mommy hopes, we can see him in America next summer!
Smiles
Then on August 14, 2013 after getting your very important paperwork from the American Embassy, we finally got to get on a plane home to America! Well four planes actually, until we were finally here right?! Imani liked the planes; we ate in the sky and watched movies! Now we are home; you go to kindergarten and you have a family that really really loves you!
Giggles
So, that's our story thus far my girl. And when I tell you I love you to Africa and back, its a true story!
Why Mommy?
Oh my girl...
Yes! Farouk! He wasn't just our driver, but our life saver there wasn't he? Farouk knew where everything was and he helped us find what we needed! He took great care of us and that's why we still thank God every night for him!
Mommy, Farouk Uganda?
Yes, he is still in Uganda. He lives there and helps other new families like he helped us. But if all works as Mommy hopes, we can see him in America next summer!
Smiles
Then on August 14, 2013 after getting your very important paperwork from the American Embassy, we finally got to get on a plane home to America! Well four planes actually, until we were finally here right?! Imani liked the planes; we ate in the sky and watched movies! Now we are home; you go to kindergarten and you have a family that really really loves you!
Giggles
So, that's our story thus far my girl. And when I tell you I love you to Africa and back, its a true story!
Why Mommy?
Oh my girl...
For mobile
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Form I-171h
I just want the WHOLE WORLD to know that I have a Form I-171h (favorable determination to adopt an orphan) from the Department of Homeland Security!!!!!! Next step, wait for my affidavit to arrive in Kampala so my case can be filed to get a court date!! Then I'll have a date to go meet my little lady!! Tomorrow makes 7 weeks since I heard about my Imani Ruth and I am feeling so incredibly blessed, AMAZED, and in awe of God's handiwork! It may not be until August that I meet my girl, but this has been an incredibly fast paced and smooth process thus far. Humans have helped but God is orchestrating this process even FASTER than I imagined or could have planned! My God, He's good like that!
Oh and look who arrived! Meet Nora, Imani's doll that is filling some voids for this waiting momma!
Oh and look who arrived! Meet Nora, Imani's doll that is filling some voids for this waiting momma!
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
His Plans~ Part 2
January 2013 began and ended with Paradie, Sherman & Worden! The firm opened and I was eating, sleeping and breathing the place. I love the job and the people. I love dressing up, coordinating, organizing and working with adults. I sent in the last few papers for my home study process and got the much anticipated call from my social worker to set up our first meeting close to end of the month!
Hello God, what do you have planned for me?
February 2013 was so busy with meetings, paperwork, and organizing. I was on a high of the firm opening and the adoption process starting. I also decided the apartment I was renting just wasn't working out. I had so many issues that I started looking for a house to rent. I found a great little 3 bedroom that fit the budget and requirements. I moved in February 28.
Hello God, what do you have planned for me?
March 2013 brought with it more exciting opportunities and more work. After just 2 months in business, the current partners decided on adding one more to the mix. So I began the process of adding a new partner at work. I also began researching how I could buy the house I was renting. Cheaper rent, building equity, and owning my own home so I could paint, or pull up a carpet, if I so pleased seemed like a great idea. The research proved valuable, the landlords seemed excited, and the mortgage company said if I sign a purchase and sale agreement and apply for the loan before April 1, I qualify for PMI for 5 years verses the life of the loan. So on March 26, I signed a P&S and applied for a home loan.
I also decided that in order to keep the adoption from corruption, I would no longer do it independently. I contacted an agency with a program in Uganda. The social worker was honest with me. She said she'd love to work with me, but couldn't until July when her other families were further in their process. So I conceded to the idea I would have to wait until July, all the while completing everything I could on my end.
Hello God, what do you have planned for me?
Hello God, what do you have planned for me?
February 2013 was so busy with meetings, paperwork, and organizing. I was on a high of the firm opening and the adoption process starting. I also decided the apartment I was renting just wasn't working out. I had so many issues that I started looking for a house to rent. I found a great little 3 bedroom that fit the budget and requirements. I moved in February 28.
Hello God, what do you have planned for me?
March 2013 brought with it more exciting opportunities and more work. After just 2 months in business, the current partners decided on adding one more to the mix. So I began the process of adding a new partner at work. I also began researching how I could buy the house I was renting. Cheaper rent, building equity, and owning my own home so I could paint, or pull up a carpet, if I so pleased seemed like a great idea. The research proved valuable, the landlords seemed excited, and the mortgage company said if I sign a purchase and sale agreement and apply for the loan before April 1, I qualify for PMI for 5 years verses the life of the loan. So on March 26, I signed a P&S and applied for a home loan.
I also decided that in order to keep the adoption from corruption, I would no longer do it independently. I contacted an agency with a program in Uganda. The social worker was honest with me. She said she'd love to work with me, but couldn't until July when her other families were further in their process. So I conceded to the idea I would have to wait until July, all the while completing everything I could on my end.
Hello God, what do you have planned for me?
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Hello God, what do you have planned for me? ~ Part 1
As I reflect on my journey and begin sharing the news that I am indeed adopting a little girl from Uganda, I feel I must share the back story. It didn't happen overnight. It began as an idea I thought for sure was way to big for me. All the while, God was preparing me to embrace the idea and pursue it like I do everything else in my life!
In early April 2012 I was newly unemployed and unsure of what to do with myself. I had money saved for my long awaited and much anticipated December 2012 trip to Africa, but I had free time NOW. So like any crazy motivated person I changed the trip. I got the yellow fever shot (required a minimum of two weeks before entering the country of Uganda) in the nick of time and filled out all the paperwork. On April 24 I traveled for hours and hours across the pond until I arrived in the beautiful lush countryside of Jinja, Uganda. I fell in love with many little brown faces and thought of ways to bring at least one home with me. (I kid. But not really!)
Hello God, what do you have planned for me?
May 2012 brought the second half of the Africa trip and we traveled to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I fell in love with more little brown faces, but still couldn't figure out a way to bring one home with me. I traveled home feeling all out of sorts, for many reasons, but knew I would travel back to Africa again someday. Then the J-O-B search began. To nanny or not to nanny; that was the question. I love kids, the pay and schedule really worked for me. For 3 1/2 years I got paid to be with children. I played, camped, went to museums, amusement parks, restaurants, little people clothes shopping, sports practice, Dr. appointments, and did school pick up and drop off. I had playdates, napped, ate breakfast, a morning snack, lunch, an afternoon snack, dinner and an evening dessert! I loved this job, but something was changing in me. I started thinking about dressing up, working with adults, and utilizing my organizational skills. On May 29, my newest nephew Quinn Clinton came into the world! Oh how I love little babies!
Hello God, what do you have planned for me?
June/July 2012 continued the J-O-B search. I sent A LOT of resumes. I worked temp nanny jobs and kept telling myself a job would find me after I visited Joy and Randall in Bulgaria. Which is where I traveled from June 27 to July 11. I crossed the pond for the second time in 2012, this time landing in Sophia, Bulgaria. For the next 13 days, Joy, Randall and I traveled, lounged, conversed, pondered the meaning of life, took in some great sites and ate DELICIOUS food! We took a cruise from Athens, Greece to several islands, including Santorini, Rhodes, Crete, Patmos, and Mykonos! Joy and I would be sunning ourselves on the deck of the ship and just blurt out "we're on a cruise ship island hopping in Greece!" We had such a wonderful trip. We traveled back through Melnik, Bulgaria, where the food, wine, and scenery were AMAZING! The quality time spent with two of my very best friends will be treasured forever!
In the quiet moments on this trip I would say "Self, what are you going to do next? You have been given amazing opportunities, what is in your bigger picture, something that is bigger than you?" To which Self tried listening for that still, small voice and replied,
Hello God, what do you have planned for me?
August 2012 passed with a flurry of activity. I watched two of my great friends, Aaron and Bekah, vow to spend the rest of their lives together. I went water skiing for the first time since I was 12. I was still searching for a J-O-B. I was getting restless and pondering my bigger picture, something bigger than myself.
Hello God, what do you have planned for me?
September 2012. It started like any other September. Kids go back to school, schedules shift to accommodate and the days get shorter. Except I wasn't a student, or working with kids, or really working much at all. Restless. Pondering my bigger picture. Something bigger than myself. On Tuesday Sept. 10 I was contacted by my friend's husband and offered a job. A job that required dressing up, working with adults, and utilizing my organizational skills. The job was in Maine and the only catch was that it didn't technically start until January when they opened the firm. I accepted the job and asked out loud,
Hello God, what do you have planned for me?
To which He answered on the very next day. A friend had some temp work at his medical device company doing testing on products for the FDA. It was decent pay, decent hours, 5 minutes from my house and projected to last about 3 months. I accepted the job and said out loud,
"Thank You God for your plans for me!" I'm sure He giggled because He was not done with me yet. This was only a small part of that 'something bigger than myself'. That something bigger had been in my heart and on my mind since April.
Adoption.
Uganda.
A little girl.
Somehow, as I was unemployed and seeking a job working with adults, not children, God created a great big desire to pursue becoming a mother through international adoption. I researched, got paperwork, and made the decision to start the home study process as soon as I moved to Maine.
October/November/December flew by with start up law firm tasks and my silly (but they tell me very important none the less) product testing job. I washed the same 6 pieces of a caddy/case over 200 times. It was a 100+ minute process that included me washing it and then placing it in a dishwasher type device. I enjoyed my time with the company and appreciate the opportunity it gave me while I transitioned. I was in constant contact with the three partners and several vendors. I took adoption classes, renewed my passport, got my people to write me recommendation letters, wrote my autobiography and saved money for the first step.
January-April 2013 coming soon!
In early April 2012 I was newly unemployed and unsure of what to do with myself. I had money saved for my long awaited and much anticipated December 2012 trip to Africa, but I had free time NOW. So like any crazy motivated person I changed the trip. I got the yellow fever shot (required a minimum of two weeks before entering the country of Uganda) in the nick of time and filled out all the paperwork. On April 24 I traveled for hours and hours across the pond until I arrived in the beautiful lush countryside of Jinja, Uganda. I fell in love with many little brown faces and thought of ways to bring at least one home with me. (I kid. But not really!)
Hello God, what do you have planned for me?
May 2012 brought the second half of the Africa trip and we traveled to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I fell in love with more little brown faces, but still couldn't figure out a way to bring one home with me. I traveled home feeling all out of sorts, for many reasons, but knew I would travel back to Africa again someday. Then the J-O-B search began. To nanny or not to nanny; that was the question. I love kids, the pay and schedule really worked for me. For 3 1/2 years I got paid to be with children. I played, camped, went to museums, amusement parks, restaurants, little people clothes shopping, sports practice, Dr. appointments, and did school pick up and drop off. I had playdates, napped, ate breakfast, a morning snack, lunch, an afternoon snack, dinner and an evening dessert! I loved this job, but something was changing in me. I started thinking about dressing up, working with adults, and utilizing my organizational skills. On May 29, my newest nephew Quinn Clinton came into the world! Oh how I love little babies!
Hello God, what do you have planned for me?
June/July 2012 continued the J-O-B search. I sent A LOT of resumes. I worked temp nanny jobs and kept telling myself a job would find me after I visited Joy and Randall in Bulgaria. Which is where I traveled from June 27 to July 11. I crossed the pond for the second time in 2012, this time landing in Sophia, Bulgaria. For the next 13 days, Joy, Randall and I traveled, lounged, conversed, pondered the meaning of life, took in some great sites and ate DELICIOUS food! We took a cruise from Athens, Greece to several islands, including Santorini, Rhodes, Crete, Patmos, and Mykonos! Joy and I would be sunning ourselves on the deck of the ship and just blurt out "we're on a cruise ship island hopping in Greece!" We had such a wonderful trip. We traveled back through Melnik, Bulgaria, where the food, wine, and scenery were AMAZING! The quality time spent with two of my very best friends will be treasured forever!
In the quiet moments on this trip I would say "Self, what are you going to do next? You have been given amazing opportunities, what is in your bigger picture, something that is bigger than you?" To which Self tried listening for that still, small voice and replied,
Hello God, what do you have planned for me?
August 2012 passed with a flurry of activity. I watched two of my great friends, Aaron and Bekah, vow to spend the rest of their lives together. I went water skiing for the first time since I was 12. I was still searching for a J-O-B. I was getting restless and pondering my bigger picture, something bigger than myself.
Hello God, what do you have planned for me?
September 2012. It started like any other September. Kids go back to school, schedules shift to accommodate and the days get shorter. Except I wasn't a student, or working with kids, or really working much at all. Restless. Pondering my bigger picture. Something bigger than myself. On Tuesday Sept. 10 I was contacted by my friend's husband and offered a job. A job that required dressing up, working with adults, and utilizing my organizational skills. The job was in Maine and the only catch was that it didn't technically start until January when they opened the firm. I accepted the job and asked out loud,
Hello God, what do you have planned for me?
To which He answered on the very next day. A friend had some temp work at his medical device company doing testing on products for the FDA. It was decent pay, decent hours, 5 minutes from my house and projected to last about 3 months. I accepted the job and said out loud,
"Thank You God for your plans for me!" I'm sure He giggled because He was not done with me yet. This was only a small part of that 'something bigger than myself'. That something bigger had been in my heart and on my mind since April.
Adoption.
Uganda.
A little girl.
Somehow, as I was unemployed and seeking a job working with adults, not children, God created a great big desire to pursue becoming a mother through international adoption. I researched, got paperwork, and made the decision to start the home study process as soon as I moved to Maine.
October/November/December flew by with start up law firm tasks and my silly (but they tell me very important none the less) product testing job. I washed the same 6 pieces of a caddy/case over 200 times. It was a 100+ minute process that included me washing it and then placing it in a dishwasher type device. I enjoyed my time with the company and appreciate the opportunity it gave me while I transitioned. I was in constant contact with the three partners and several vendors. I took adoption classes, renewed my passport, got my people to write me recommendation letters, wrote my autobiography and saved money for the first step.
January-April 2013 coming soon!
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
Friday, June 3, 2011
Oh the people you meet...
Meet Ms. (picture from google to protect the privacy of the real one, but she closely resembles her)
In the past 8 months I have had many encounters with a certain crossing guard. Like twice a day four days a week worth of them! You see, my morning 'Driver' job for little girls to preschool and daycare has me passing one school twice in a matter of 15 minutes. Its a busy time of the morning commute and the 20MPH sign is flashing through the school zone both ways. It must be said that while it was a busy time, and it is a school zone, I hardly saw many children at all. I rarely had to stop for her to do her actual crossing duty.
Since the beginning, she has enjoyed scolding me, or at least that is how I felt about the whole situation! She takes her job very seriously people! I almost recommended her for security at the royal wedding! I know the importance of driving carefully, especially in a school zone during peak times, and I appreciate her job, but my oh my did this lady get on my nerves!
Let me explain. She wears her bright lime green security vest, her top hat and dark sunglasses that resemble the ones police wear accessorized with enough authority to run the country! Her eyes are constantly staring someone down, her brow in a frown of disappointment and her hands pointing at a car with her famous condescending SLOW DOWN* wave. Just this week for the first time, I got a 2 and a 0 thrown at me!! Two weeks ago when it was raining, I got the closed umbrella pointed right at the 20MPH sign! Oh ya, she means business!
The first time, back in the fall, when she deemed my speed more than 20MPH, I felt bad and wanted to disappear. Her scolding had me shaking in my boots! Then in the very same week, as I kept my eyes darting back and forth furiously between the road and my speedometer to make sure it was 19MPH or less, I got her condescending slow down wave. Well Ms.Security Crossing Guard Lady, I wasn't going over the speed limit!! For those of you who know me well, I'm okay with admitting when I am wrong. As a young child I pretty much weighed the consequences with the actions, and if the actions seemed worth the consequences, well I went ahead and did it. I even reminded my mother to spank me when we returned home. But I digress. I wasn't speeding and Ms. Security Crossing Guard Lady didn't even appreciate my 19MPH or less when I was doing it!
Since the beginning, she has enjoyed scolding me, or at least that is how I felt about the whole situation! She takes her job very seriously people! I almost recommended her for security at the royal wedding! I know the importance of driving carefully, especially in a school zone during peak times, and I appreciate her job, but my oh my did this lady get on my nerves!
Let me explain. She wears her bright lime green security vest, her top hat and dark sunglasses that resemble the ones police wear accessorized with enough authority to run the country! Her eyes are constantly staring someone down, her brow in a frown of disappointment and her hands pointing at a car with her famous condescending SLOW DOWN* wave. Just this week for the first time, I got a 2 and a 0 thrown at me!! Two weeks ago when it was raining, I got the closed umbrella pointed right at the 20MPH sign! Oh ya, she means business!
The first time, back in the fall, when she deemed my speed more than 20MPH, I felt bad and wanted to disappear. Her scolding had me shaking in my boots! Then in the very same week, as I kept my eyes darting back and forth furiously between the road and my speedometer to make sure it was 19MPH or less, I got her condescending slow down wave. Well Ms.
This winter I tried to make friends with her in my head. I tried to ignore her condescending slow down wave, and her scowl, and her head shaking, and her pointing, etc etc. I almost got her a hot chocolate on a freezing cold day when I felt bad she was out there in the frigidness. Then I pictured her refusing it, assuming I spit or put something else in it. Some days I smiled at her while she gestured her usual gestures. Some days I completely ignored her, while others I went 21 MPH just because. Oh, I can be passive aggressive with the best of them! Other days I did 18MPH because I wanted to see what she'd do with that. Let's just say she wasn't very consistent in her guessing of my MPH, and quite frankly, that got to me! Mind you, I was rarely the only car in line, and while we made eye contact many days, these gestures were not just for me. She's generous!
So all this to say, yesterday was my final day as 'Driver'. I no longer have to see Ms. Security Crossing Guard Lady and her many gestures of, well, safety for the kids, I hope!
*She is mouthing it as well, but I'm pretty sure she wants you to hear her yelling it at YOU!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Harper Joy in (RED)
The view from my loft at 7:30am ~ MUST paint before it rains! LOVE this man!
Ladies night in the loft
Boys night in the loft
Jason and Norm building my bathroom walls
with paint and kitchen installed
We painted the town house RED! Daddy and I (read: mostly Daddy) painted the tiny house on wheels this week and she is looking very sassy! Plumbing has also been started, shower installed, and kitchen moved in. Thank you Jason, Aaron, Bekah, Joy and Randall for coming up for this project! Jason worked on plumbing with Norm while the rest organized Norm's garage. I have the best friends a girl could ask for!
We had some slumber parties in the tiny house too. My sister Tanya and I divided and conquered (or told ourselves that is what we were doing). She took the girls and I took the boys one night and then we switched off. My loft sleeps 4, when 3 are little people anyway :) My loft has been christened, cereal is smashed into the carpet, Capri Sun spilt, and one fall from the ladder. (Hannah is okay, no battle scars from the incident!) I'm sure there will be many more memories made!
I am in awe! As this tiny house on wheels starts to look more and more like its tiny version counterpart, I still can't believe that this journey I decided to embark upon in September 2009 has turned into my little home by April 2010! I look at it each time I am there and can't believe its mine. I can't seem to comprehend that all these wonderful people love me enough to share their time, talents, and treasures. So many people have put their mark on my house, in so many ways. The memories that I have made during the last 6 months will be with me forever. Each time I walk into my Harper Joy, whether she becomes my full time residence, summer house, guest house, or Maine house, I will be enveloped in love and memories of the time I spent planning and building her with faith, family and friends. Thank you doesn't seem like enough, but I sure am grateful and appreciative of all who have given this special gift to me.
You see, my Harper Joy is so much more than just a little house on wheels. It represents success, self worth, love, community, faith, and hope. The verse from Psalm 23:5 "my cup runneth over" is pretty much how I can describe it. I just think about all I have been given in this life, and I am blessed. While so many people don't have some of the simple things I have, I recognize I have been blessed with so many complexities! I have wonderful and sustainable relationships with extraordinary people and multiple resources at my fingertips. I could not have build this house without them.
Dear God,
You know how I always tell you that your plan is better than mine? Here I am again Lord, and its still true. You have amazed me again with your intricate plans for my life and the people in it. Thank you for putting me in this place, with these people, and in Your timing. Thank you for my tiny house, the hands that built it, and the seeds that have been planted. Please help me to foster these relationships and be to them what they are to me. Please keep me centered on Your plan and in Your timing. Help me to see the opportunities past the obstacles and focus on You.
I hope you have big plans for my Harper Joy, and I will be happy even if they don't include me.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father...
means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27 NLT
Meet Hannah, age 7 from Kenya! Hannah lives with her father and her mother. At home, duties include helping in the kitchen and cleaning. Her parents are sometimes employed as laborers. There are 3 children in the family. For fun, Hannah enjoys playing house and playing with dolls. She attends church activities regularly and is in primary school where her performance is average.
Do you see why I chose her? Join me in sponsoring a child through Compassion International!
Meet Hannah, age 7 from Kenya! Hannah lives with her father and her mother. At home, duties include helping in the kitchen and cleaning. Her parents are sometimes employed as laborers. There are 3 children in the family. For fun, Hannah enjoys playing house and playing with dolls. She attends church activities regularly and is in primary school where her performance is average. Do you see why I chose her? Join me in sponsoring a child through Compassion International!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Houston WE HAVE POWER~ Solar power that is!
Step 2: Connect Panels to battery box
Step 3: Battery power sent into house
Step 4: Connect charge controller, circuit breakers, inverter and batteries
Step 5: Get really excited when your panels are charging your batteries with 13.7 volts!
Step 6: Marvel at your work :)
Harper Joy is all hooked up to solar power! The 4 solar panels are on the roof, the battery box and its 6 batteries are attached to the front, the inverter and circuit breaker are attached to wall and endless amount of wires were cut, stripped are connected together! I was pretty proud of myself for my part in it all, which was very minimal, but exciting none the less!
Norm did a wonderful job of organizing all the supplies I would need, checking and double checking the connections and planning/executing the whole entire process! I tease him that he is Harper Joy's godfather, and with all the time and wisdom hes shared with me to build my tiny house, hes piratically half owner!
Harper Joy is now at Norms house again after another moving day. Next up is to put in the direct vent furnace and plumbing, T1-11 on the walls, painting, painting, and painting some more! I am excited to get the wails up and see just how cozy 144sq ft is! I ordered 4 stabilizing jacks so when Harper Joy and I find some place permanent (as permanent as you can get me anyway) the tiny house will be still and stable.
Dear God,
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity that is making my dreams come true! Only you could orchestrate the pieces and plans that have gone into building my Harper Joy. She is really not just mine, but yours and all the people who have built her from the trailer up. I am in awe of the experiences I have had in the last 5 months and the people who have been a part of it. Never, in my wildest dreams, would I have imagined I would actually have a place of my own with solar power, which was literally built with faith, family, and friends. I have always thought it was a grand idea, but I feel so blessed to see it unfolding before me. When I look at my life objectively, I am excited and overjoyed that I get to be 'that girl'! Thank you for this, for the blessings and smiles that I get to be a part of. Thank you for Norm and Daddy, my 2 biggest fans. When they call or text me with news and questions about my house, I have a smile on my face that spreads ear to ear. Daddy's giggles when he talks about fielding questions from the towns people and his friends, is music to my ears. Norm's eagerness and willingness to get each task accomplished the best he can for me and Harper Joy makes me feel spoiled rotten!
Please help me to be grateful and show my appreciation Lord. Please don't let me be content with all this time and attention given to my house, but let me also give my time and energy to others who need it. Let this experience be just what you intended it to be, not just my dreams and goal becoming a reality, but also a journey of faith and patience. Help me to 'be still and know you are God' after this time in my life of experiencing it daily.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
P.S. I will just laugh if when I finish my tiny house built for one, the man you are preparing for me is ready! But I will also understand if you want me to live in it as a single woman for a time. Either way, I'm happy!Just wanted you to know! :)
Monday, January 18, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
You have got to be kidding!
WOW! Just got an email with this info and had to share! If I had a daughter I would buy all this gear! :)
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Tarsha's Barn Raising
I have mentioned before that I make grand plans with all the details. Then God says "Tarsha now that your done planning, let me show you the plans I have for you". And His are always better!
Last week kept throwing me curve balls for my tiny house build. Location, materials, people couldn't come, weather, etc. I was very stressed and had a few pity parties for myself, some in the presence of others. My original builder got paid work and my Mimi's land is having work done, so I was left without a foreman, tools or location. At times I was convinced it just wasn't suppose to happen this weekend, but I wanted it SO VERY BAD still. To make a long story short, and to get to the good stuff, Saturday came and I was amazed.
It was built at my Uncle Norm and Aunt Lulu's home. Norm is a brilliant, knowledgeable, and master of all trades kind of guy. He helped me decide on materials and has given me priceless info and resources. He offered his home and tools, with the understanding he may not be there.
Joy, Randall, and Aaron came from Massachusetts to help start my Harper Joy. They built up from the trailer, insulating and creating my beautiful hardwood floor. Aaron also helped the children 'build'.
My friend (and groom for my trash the dress photos) Tim came to help built.
My sister Tracy came, took pictures, made and served a Taco Soup lunch. Ben came, took some pictures and nailed a few nails before he had to leave for a Greek exam.
My Mom came and brought lunch, pumpkin bread, and her husband Dan to help build.
My sister Tricia came and helped build the floor while her children 'built' a table with scrap wood, Styrofoam insulation and LOTS of nails.
My sister Tanya came with chex mix and pumpkin bread and her children who also helped 'build' and keep the place tidied up. Later she went on a run for yummy Wallingford's donuts and cider for my crew!
My sister Trina came for moral support with her husband Rob who helped frame the second wall.
One of my best friend Allison came to take pictures and video to capture it all. We made the first run to Home Depot for supplies and I showed her the shower I wanted. On the next run she made 2 hours later for more 2X4s, I whispered something to her as she left! I was elated when she returned with my shower!
My cousins Beth and Dave came and worked on windows and framing the walls for them.
My Dad came between work shifts and helped insulate my floor air tight!
And did I mention Norm was there all day and ran the show?! He must have heard his name 300 times as all my people looked to him for what to do next, how to do something, or where a certain tool was. He was so efficient, kind, and welcoming to all of us.
Several times I stopped what I was doing, looked around and thought 'these people are all here to help me build my home.' They came to work hard for something I want. They brought themselves and their resources here today to do something for me?! Wow, I am abundanlty blessed. I couldn't thank people enough. Some would say they didn't do much, but being there was enough. I joked that I wasn't tallying, and if I was Norm would win hands down anyway! :)
It was getting dark, we had completed all that could get done and so people went home. Norm, Aaron and I went to dinner REALLY close to Home Depot. After we ate, I busted out some paper to talk about supplies and the next steps. Well, once I started chatting and drawing, I giggled and asked the boys if they just wanted to head on over to Home Depot, since we were so close and all. :) They didn't mind, and so my pocketbook made its way there for the thrid trip of the day! It beat any shopping trip I have ever been on! We got all the supplies for my porch, an addition to my tiny home Norm suggested and I love.
Mark joined Aaron, Norm and I on Sunday, as did my Aunt Lulu. We finshed the walls, started putting up siding, and created tresses for the roof! I'll be there with bells on bright and early Friday morning with Mark....and whomever else might like to join!
Thanks again to my family and friends who came, gave of yourself, and made this girl feel very special! I love you!
Last week kept throwing me curve balls for my tiny house build. Location, materials, people couldn't come, weather, etc. I was very stressed and had a few pity parties for myself, some in the presence of others. My original builder got paid work and my Mimi's land is having work done, so I was left without a foreman, tools or location. At times I was convinced it just wasn't suppose to happen this weekend, but I wanted it SO VERY BAD still. To make a long story short, and to get to the good stuff, Saturday came and I was amazed.
It was built at my Uncle Norm and Aunt Lulu's home. Norm is a brilliant, knowledgeable, and master of all trades kind of guy. He helped me decide on materials and has given me priceless info and resources. He offered his home and tools, with the understanding he may not be there.
Joy, Randall, and Aaron came from Massachusetts to help start my Harper Joy. They built up from the trailer, insulating and creating my beautiful hardwood floor. Aaron also helped the children 'build'.
My friend (and groom for my trash the dress photos) Tim came to help built.
My sister Tracy came, took pictures, made and served a Taco Soup lunch. Ben came, took some pictures and nailed a few nails before he had to leave for a Greek exam.
My Mom came and brought lunch, pumpkin bread, and her husband Dan to help build.
My sister Tricia came and helped build the floor while her children 'built' a table with scrap wood, Styrofoam insulation and LOTS of nails.
My sister Tanya came with chex mix and pumpkin bread and her children who also helped 'build' and keep the place tidied up. Later she went on a run for yummy Wallingford's donuts and cider for my crew!
My sister Trina came for moral support with her husband Rob who helped frame the second wall.
One of my best friend Allison came to take pictures and video to capture it all. We made the first run to Home Depot for supplies and I showed her the shower I wanted. On the next run she made 2 hours later for more 2X4s, I whispered something to her as she left! I was elated when she returned with my shower!
My cousins Beth and Dave came and worked on windows and framing the walls for them.
My Dad came between work shifts and helped insulate my floor air tight!
And did I mention Norm was there all day and ran the show?! He must have heard his name 300 times as all my people looked to him for what to do next, how to do something, or where a certain tool was. He was so efficient, kind, and welcoming to all of us.
Several times I stopped what I was doing, looked around and thought 'these people are all here to help me build my home.' They came to work hard for something I want. They brought themselves and their resources here today to do something for me?! Wow, I am abundanlty blessed. I couldn't thank people enough. Some would say they didn't do much, but being there was enough. I joked that I wasn't tallying, and if I was Norm would win hands down anyway! :)
It was getting dark, we had completed all that could get done and so people went home. Norm, Aaron and I went to dinner REALLY close to Home Depot. After we ate, I busted out some paper to talk about supplies and the next steps. Well, once I started chatting and drawing, I giggled and asked the boys if they just wanted to head on over to Home Depot, since we were so close and all. :) They didn't mind, and so my pocketbook made its way there for the thrid trip of the day! It beat any shopping trip I have ever been on! We got all the supplies for my porch, an addition to my tiny home Norm suggested and I love.
Mark joined Aaron, Norm and I on Sunday, as did my Aunt Lulu. We finshed the walls, started putting up siding, and created tresses for the roof! I'll be there with bells on bright and early Friday morning with Mark....and whomever else might like to join!
Thanks again to my family and friends who came, gave of yourself, and made this girl feel very special! I love you!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Tiny House Updates
I have a heater.
I have blueprints (sort of).
I have lumber, insulation, roofing, T1-11, nails and more. Home Depot is now my favorite store.
I have a (beautiful) door and 6 windows. I need one more (egress window for my loft).
I have picked the color and theme. Barn red with a gambrel roof.
I have recruited my building crew.
I have a start date. November 21, 2009!
And some may laugh, call me crazy, obsessive, or say I have too much time on my hands, but I built a scaled model of my tiny house. Its got everything, including windows ('glass' with the grids-a must have) IKEA storage, ladder to loft, sofabed with storage, a toilet, shower, kitchen, and closet space. I could. not. wait. any. longer! And it helped me tremendously when I brought it places and explained what I was doing and what I needed! By the way, its built with the cardboard boxes from the children's new Leapsters. More pics to come!
I have blueprints (sort of).
I have lumber, insulation, roofing, T1-11, nails and more. Home Depot is now my favorite store.
I have a (beautiful) door and 6 windows. I need one more (egress window for my loft).
I have picked the color and theme. Barn red with a gambrel roof.
I have recruited my building crew.
I have a start date. November 21, 2009!
And some may laugh, call me crazy, obsessive, or say I have too much time on my hands, but I built a scaled model of my tiny house. Its got everything, including windows ('glass' with the grids-a must have) IKEA storage, ladder to loft, sofabed with storage, a toilet, shower, kitchen, and closet space. I could. not. wait. any. longer! And it helped me tremendously when I brought it places and explained what I was doing and what I needed! By the way, its built with the cardboard boxes from the children's new Leapsters. More pics to come!
My Dad is still my biggest fan, but I have another one too. He's helpful, excited, and a huge source of knowledge about tiny houses on a trailer, because he built one himself! My Uncle Norm has been a huge asset to this project of mine and I would not be this far along without his help! He has sat down with me to figure out my needs and resources for them, given me ample ideas on how to save and utilize every inch, and cut the rails off my trailer. He's solar power savvy and will be hooking my Harper Joy up in the spring (when I can afford it!) He gave me my first gifts for my house, a propane detector and a ceiling fan! Thanks Norm ~ you are greatly appreciated!
I would like to share some background information on my tiny house adventure. I didn't just decide one day to build a tiny house for the heck of it. You see, I have always loved small things. I like the tiny version of anything, babies being my favorite 'small' version of something. :) I have known for sometime now, 5 years anyway, that I wanted a small house. While I didn't know it would be this tiny, its been in the cards for a while. When I saw Elizabeth Turnbull's tiny home in June in a magazine, the wheels in my head started turning! My house will be 144 square feet, 216 if you count the loft.
In more recent years, I have come to appreciate going green. I think of the everyday ways I waste and consume more than I need, and quite frankly it stresses me out. My goal for 2009 was to purge and only spend money on travel and education. I did this, well I might add, and have become addicted to it! Ask my friend Joy, its like Christmas every time I go to her house! Save water, produce less trash, reduce, reuse, recycle, and less is more have all become thoughts as I brush my teeth, shop, and purge unneeded stuff. I'll be completely off grid with solar power, a composting toilet, and propane heat.
Next, I love barns. The old building (including the farmhouse) where people use to work and make a living, along with the quaint feel is exciting to me. Something about it feels like home. My tiny house will be barn red, with a gambrel roof and look like a tiny barn.
I have always loved and wanted a loft in my house someday. One problem I kept struggling with is "how can I justify the wasted space?" I'm talking about the ceiling area the loft creates opposite it where heat rises and is wasted. Well folks, I found my answer to that problem because if your loft is only 4 feet at its highest point, and your house is only 11 feet, there isn't much wasted space!
Solar power is another great way to be green, as I'll be getting my energy from the sun! Where my space and need for energy is small, the solar gear I need will only be a little bit expensive (compared to a normal $20,000 set up for a regular house). Its been a goal of mine since graduating college to own/build my own home, and this tiny version allows me to do just that with the solar power to boot!
So, there you have it, the road to where I am now was paved with loves and losses ~ literally and figuratively! Isn't it always the case with anything worth waiting for?!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
And she shall be called...
Just to school you in the art of naming a boat, or in my experience, a tiny house on wheels!
Choosing a Boat Name
For those of you who have not yet selected your boat name, keep reading...You'll find the top ten boat names from last year, celebrity boat names - or should I say, yacht names, as well as stories and pics of boat names from other FirstBoat visitors. You can even visit the Boat Name Blog for even more boat name ideas. Here we go...
Once you've picked out the boat of your dreams, you have an even more difficult choice to make. Now you must name her, which is not an easy task. You have several considerations, including classic superstitions, and whether your friends and family will be embarrassed or offended by the name you choose.
One boat naming superstition revolves around whether or not it is okay to rename a previously-owned boat. Some say it is bad luck if you remove an old name on a vessel. However, if you christen the boat with a new name and splash some champagne across the bow, you'll have nothing to worry about.
Many people name a boat after their spouse or children; this is nice, but you can run into problems if more kids are on the way. And, it's not very original. Think about how you paid for the boat when trying to come up with a name. You can always name your boat after your profession or industry; or if you are paying for your boat with money made in the stock market or gambling proceeds, perhaps you should incorporate that message into your boat's name. Of course, if you own your own company, it is a smart marketing move to name your boat after the company, and instill your brand at every port.
Coming soon :) Its very strategic and appropriately named, trust me!
Because everything starts somewhere...
Isn't she lovely?! I officially purchased her today, with my dowry as a friend called it! This isn't a picture of mine, but its the same thing. The rails are being removed so I can build out over the wheels for every extra inch I can get! I just need a pink hard hat and I'm ready to be the General Contracter! Name to be revealed soon! :)
Saturday, August 29, 2009
525, 600 Minutes ~ How do you measure a year in the life?
I knew my 27th year was going to be big, (after all I planned it) I just didn't know how BIG! While it wasn't what I planned, I couldn't have planned it any better, and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. The only thing I can say about it is that I have been blessed beyond measure by Him, and to Him be all the glory!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
I thought my big plans of nannying in Massachusetts, hearing Elizabeth Gilbert speak, seeing Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith in concert, online dating, going to New Zealand and Guatemala, and graduating with my Masters Degree were going to be big deals in 2008/2009, but instead He knows the plans He has for me.
Let's start with my job, i.e. the best job opportunity in the world for me! I signed on in September 2008 for a yearlong nanny position with a wonderful family, great kids, and options for planning activities, housing and health insurance included, with parents who love their children and are supportive of school and time off for me. The children and parents both have great boundaries and respect for my space and time. I love Matthew and Aliya like my own niece and nephew and miss them when I’m away. I often think, at times such as skiing with Matt, at the American Girl store with Aliya, camping in Maine with them or sitting by the pool watching them swim "is this really what I get paid to do?" I appreciate the children, my time with them and my position. Not only is it my job, but practice for when/if I have a family of my own. In December 2008, I negotiated the year long nanny contract to include: a 4 month extension until December 2009, with a promise to help fill my position when I leave, and they would pay for one master’s course. It was a win-win situation, especially in this economy, to be blessed with a great position I LOVE and more job security for the future. He knows the plans He has for me.
I knew I needed a church community when I moved to Massachusetts, so I did my research before moving. I found a few close to my new home and made plans to check them out ASAP. Now, when I say church, I mean I knew I needed to go to the church and hear His word and grow in my faith. I didn’t think beyond that or have any more expectations. I church shopped for 2 weeks and met a couple who referred me to another church, which had a young adult group starting called Bridge. That group Bridge is now my church, in the community sense of church as God intended. I have since spent immeasurable amounts of time within this group, and with the individuals I now call my friends. We have been worshiping Him, hearing His word, studying His word, camping, at the beach, at the pool, started a book club, playing games, chatting in person and on Facebook for hours on end, bowling, eating, giving and receiving advice, planning and executing events, and all while nurturing my relationship with Him. He knows the plans He has for me.
I was afforded the opportunity to go Guatemala in December, but due to snowy weather it was rescheduled to February. If we had gone in December, Safe Passage would have been closed. I would not have been able to see the sites, the children or the organization during its normal daily activities. I got a tour of the facilities, met the children, saw the dump where they work and the atmosphere of what 6 weeks of service might look like down there. I was overcome and speechless by what I saw. I came to the realization that I didn’t want to go there alone and work with the kids, but instead needed to do service alongside others I knew and I would work better with the adult programming at Safe Passage. That was 6 months ago and I haven’t revisited it yet. He knows the plans He has for me.
The spring 2009 New Zealand trip I had anticipated with my friend Sarah was canceled due to a change of plans. It wasn’t very long after that while chatting with one of my best friends Jaimee, that my Aruba vacation was booked. $600 for 7 days/7 nights at the Marriott and a flight was exception ably cheap and the opportunity was taken! I spent time with Jaimee, which is not easily attained with both of our busy lives, met and enjoyed some of her nurse friends, played hard, relaxed a bit and had one happy week on “One Happy Island’. Although I had New Zealand, with a pit stop in Sydney, Australia in mind, He knows the plans He has for me.
I didn’t graduate in the spring of 2009, as I have one more class left. I was going to go to South Africa with a cultural leadership study abroad program, but have since changed my mind. I was excited to get a chance to go to Africa and jumped at the opportunity. However, the time has come to apply and my feelings have changed. When I think of Africa, I think of my Somali students back during my VISTA post. I want to go where they lived and serve the people there. While it would still be a wonderful opportunity, I am not nearly as excited about it and think I will hold out, save my money and graduate in the spring of 2010 alongside one of my best friends, Allison. Also, I might just be in Peru joining my sister and brother-in-law to bring home a couple new nieces early next spring, so I must save for that! He knows the plans He has for me.
My cousin Tia walked 60 miles for a 3Day Breast Cancer walk in Philadelphia in October 2008. Our Aunt Barb died of breast cancer in the 1970s so we never met her, but she was so very special to her brothers, our fathers. After raising some support and awareness for her, and then hearing about her experience, I decided I too wanted to embrace this opportunity to raise support and awareness for the cause. Thus my 3 Day journey began. I started walking in March with Joy, a Bridge friend I met in January 2 weeks after she got married and moved here from South Carolina. My employers bought me a double stroller to push the kids in while we walked at the mall. 42 very special people sponsored me as I raised $2300 towards the cause. My father was my biggest fan and supporter and it felt great to honor his sister in that way. I surprised myself by walking 20 miles the first day and I have to say, I was proud of me! My mother came and walked with me, my four sisters, brother by law and cousin came to cheer me on Sunday, and some of my Bridge friends, including Joy, came to the finish line and closing ceremonies. I ended up walking 50 of the 60 miles due to blisters, but I finished and will be doing it next year with my father on the crew, and maybe even as a part of the San Diego walk! He knows the plans He has for me.
I was given 2 weeks paid vacation at the end of August when my employers take their vacation. When I found out I decided I too must take a vacation. Where will I go? Well my friend Katie lives in Los Angeles and had said I could come for a visit. I wrote her with the dates I wanted to come and booked the tickets the next day. I spent 5 days in Los Angeles with Katie, who was the best hostess ever! We crammed in so much in those 5 days that I have wanted to see forever and had such an amazing time. He knows the plans He has for me.
The summer of 2009 should probably have its own song in the soundtrack of my life, much like Brian Adam’s summer of ’69. While music and falling in love aren’t the topics of my summer of ’09 song, it has been some of the best days of my life. I went camping on my Mimi’s 100 acres and with my Bridge friends, had numerous cookouts with family and friends, spent time at pools, lakes, and oceans (Atlantic and Pacific), walked in the 3Day, had my 10 year high school reunion, saw Blue Man Group, went to Los Angeles and most importantly, I did this all while being single. I dated me and filled my single scrapbook with all things Tarsha! He knows the plans He has for me.
I planned my year; I filled it with adventures, destinations, and some dating experiences too. He had bigger opportunities and obstacles for me though. I grow and learn so much from each of the experiences. I prayed for patience and He’s coming through for me. I think He needs to hurry up sometimes, but given my plans verses His plans for this past year, I’m going to practice this patience thing a bit longer! For He knows the plans He has for me!
Dear God,
You are an amazingly beautiful and wonderful designer! You know my needs and wants when I cannot even identify them. You know my future and that of my friends and family too. I am so thankful that my parents made God a part of my life and that my faith is in you. Thank you God for all of the opportunities I have been given in this past year alone. Thank you for the awesome people you have placed in my life and the not so awesome ones you placed there for me to learn from. Thank you for keeping me healthy and able to walk in the 3Day when others weren’t afforded the chance. Thank you for providing me with the people and funds to participate and the support along the way that kept me going. Thank you for this wonderful job you gave me that is preparing me to be a mother and allowing me to work through all my fears around it. Thank you for the grace you have bestowed upon me as I make some of the same mistakes over and over and over again. I am a work in progress and long to get it right, but I stumble and you lift me up. Did I mention I feel like I don’t deserve this? I am abundantly blessed Lord and I know you deserve all the glory. This life isn’t about me and I long to serve you anywhere anytime. Thank you for the happiness and the smile I wake up with each day and the people I get to share it with. I know how very lucky I am to be blessed with my health, my socioeconomic status, my family, friends, and even my skin color. I am trying not to take these for granted Lord, and I am asking you now to keep me focused and centered on you and your will for my life. Please be with my friends and family that don’t know you like I do, that they might come to and be eternally grateful.
In Jesus name,
Amen
P.S. You know I’m serious about going anyplace anytime to serve your people. I know you have plans for me better than I can imagine.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
I thought my big plans of nannying in Massachusetts, hearing Elizabeth Gilbert speak, seeing Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith in concert, online dating, going to New Zealand and Guatemala, and graduating with my Masters Degree were going to be big deals in 2008/2009, but instead He knows the plans He has for me.
Let's start with my job, i.e. the best job opportunity in the world for me! I signed on in September 2008 for a yearlong nanny position with a wonderful family, great kids, and options for planning activities, housing and health insurance included, with parents who love their children and are supportive of school and time off for me. The children and parents both have great boundaries and respect for my space and time. I love Matthew and Aliya like my own niece and nephew and miss them when I’m away. I often think, at times such as skiing with Matt, at the American Girl store with Aliya, camping in Maine with them or sitting by the pool watching them swim "is this really what I get paid to do?" I appreciate the children, my time with them and my position. Not only is it my job, but practice for when/if I have a family of my own. In December 2008, I negotiated the year long nanny contract to include: a 4 month extension until December 2009, with a promise to help fill my position when I leave, and they would pay for one master’s course. It was a win-win situation, especially in this economy, to be blessed with a great position I LOVE and more job security for the future. He knows the plans He has for me.
I knew I needed a church community when I moved to Massachusetts, so I did my research before moving. I found a few close to my new home and made plans to check them out ASAP. Now, when I say church, I mean I knew I needed to go to the church and hear His word and grow in my faith. I didn’t think beyond that or have any more expectations. I church shopped for 2 weeks and met a couple who referred me to another church, which had a young adult group starting called Bridge. That group Bridge is now my church, in the community sense of church as God intended. I have since spent immeasurable amounts of time within this group, and with the individuals I now call my friends. We have been worshiping Him, hearing His word, studying His word, camping, at the beach, at the pool, started a book club, playing games, chatting in person and on Facebook for hours on end, bowling, eating, giving and receiving advice, planning and executing events, and all while nurturing my relationship with Him. He knows the plans He has for me.
I was afforded the opportunity to go Guatemala in December, but due to snowy weather it was rescheduled to February. If we had gone in December, Safe Passage would have been closed. I would not have been able to see the sites, the children or the organization during its normal daily activities. I got a tour of the facilities, met the children, saw the dump where they work and the atmosphere of what 6 weeks of service might look like down there. I was overcome and speechless by what I saw. I came to the realization that I didn’t want to go there alone and work with the kids, but instead needed to do service alongside others I knew and I would work better with the adult programming at Safe Passage. That was 6 months ago and I haven’t revisited it yet. He knows the plans He has for me.
The spring 2009 New Zealand trip I had anticipated with my friend Sarah was canceled due to a change of plans. It wasn’t very long after that while chatting with one of my best friends Jaimee, that my Aruba vacation was booked. $600 for 7 days/7 nights at the Marriott and a flight was exception ably cheap and the opportunity was taken! I spent time with Jaimee, which is not easily attained with both of our busy lives, met and enjoyed some of her nurse friends, played hard, relaxed a bit and had one happy week on “One Happy Island’. Although I had New Zealand, with a pit stop in Sydney, Australia in mind, He knows the plans He has for me.
I didn’t graduate in the spring of 2009, as I have one more class left. I was going to go to South Africa with a cultural leadership study abroad program, but have since changed my mind. I was excited to get a chance to go to Africa and jumped at the opportunity. However, the time has come to apply and my feelings have changed. When I think of Africa, I think of my Somali students back during my VISTA post. I want to go where they lived and serve the people there. While it would still be a wonderful opportunity, I am not nearly as excited about it and think I will hold out, save my money and graduate in the spring of 2010 alongside one of my best friends, Allison. Also, I might just be in Peru joining my sister and brother-in-law to bring home a couple new nieces early next spring, so I must save for that! He knows the plans He has for me.
My cousin Tia walked 60 miles for a 3Day Breast Cancer walk in Philadelphia in October 2008. Our Aunt Barb died of breast cancer in the 1970s so we never met her, but she was so very special to her brothers, our fathers. After raising some support and awareness for her, and then hearing about her experience, I decided I too wanted to embrace this opportunity to raise support and awareness for the cause. Thus my 3 Day journey began. I started walking in March with Joy, a Bridge friend I met in January 2 weeks after she got married and moved here from South Carolina. My employers bought me a double stroller to push the kids in while we walked at the mall. 42 very special people sponsored me as I raised $2300 towards the cause. My father was my biggest fan and supporter and it felt great to honor his sister in that way. I surprised myself by walking 20 miles the first day and I have to say, I was proud of me! My mother came and walked with me, my four sisters, brother by law and cousin came to cheer me on Sunday, and some of my Bridge friends, including Joy, came to the finish line and closing ceremonies. I ended up walking 50 of the 60 miles due to blisters, but I finished and will be doing it next year with my father on the crew, and maybe even as a part of the San Diego walk! He knows the plans He has for me.
I was given 2 weeks paid vacation at the end of August when my employers take their vacation. When I found out I decided I too must take a vacation. Where will I go? Well my friend Katie lives in Los Angeles and had said I could come for a visit. I wrote her with the dates I wanted to come and booked the tickets the next day. I spent 5 days in Los Angeles with Katie, who was the best hostess ever! We crammed in so much in those 5 days that I have wanted to see forever and had such an amazing time. He knows the plans He has for me.
The summer of 2009 should probably have its own song in the soundtrack of my life, much like Brian Adam’s summer of ’69. While music and falling in love aren’t the topics of my summer of ’09 song, it has been some of the best days of my life. I went camping on my Mimi’s 100 acres and with my Bridge friends, had numerous cookouts with family and friends, spent time at pools, lakes, and oceans (Atlantic and Pacific), walked in the 3Day, had my 10 year high school reunion, saw Blue Man Group, went to Los Angeles and most importantly, I did this all while being single. I dated me and filled my single scrapbook with all things Tarsha! He knows the plans He has for me.
I planned my year; I filled it with adventures, destinations, and some dating experiences too. He had bigger opportunities and obstacles for me though. I grow and learn so much from each of the experiences. I prayed for patience and He’s coming through for me. I think He needs to hurry up sometimes, but given my plans verses His plans for this past year, I’m going to practice this patience thing a bit longer! For He knows the plans He has for me!
Dear God,
You are an amazingly beautiful and wonderful designer! You know my needs and wants when I cannot even identify them. You know my future and that of my friends and family too. I am so thankful that my parents made God a part of my life and that my faith is in you. Thank you God for all of the opportunities I have been given in this past year alone. Thank you for the awesome people you have placed in my life and the not so awesome ones you placed there for me to learn from. Thank you for keeping me healthy and able to walk in the 3Day when others weren’t afforded the chance. Thank you for providing me with the people and funds to participate and the support along the way that kept me going. Thank you for this wonderful job you gave me that is preparing me to be a mother and allowing me to work through all my fears around it. Thank you for the grace you have bestowed upon me as I make some of the same mistakes over and over and over again. I am a work in progress and long to get it right, but I stumble and you lift me up. Did I mention I feel like I don’t deserve this? I am abundantly blessed Lord and I know you deserve all the glory. This life isn’t about me and I long to serve you anywhere anytime. Thank you for the happiness and the smile I wake up with each day and the people I get to share it with. I know how very lucky I am to be blessed with my health, my socioeconomic status, my family, friends, and even my skin color. I am trying not to take these for granted Lord, and I am asking you now to keep me focused and centered on you and your will for my life. Please be with my friends and family that don’t know you like I do, that they might come to and be eternally grateful.
In Jesus name,
Amen
P.S. You know I’m serious about going anyplace anytime to serve your people. I know you have plans for me better than I can imagine.
All Things Hollywood ~ One Sassy Time
I went to Los Angeles to visit Katie and do all things Hollywood. In no particular order...
Went to the Santa Monica Pier and rode the ferris wheel
Got pictures my favorite way, in the photobooth of course :)
Went to the Santa Monica Pier and rode the ferris wheel Got pictures my favorite way, in the photobooth of course :)
I got some bangs
Saw Michael Jackson's star
Drank some marvelous martinis
Went shopping
Went out on the town, not just once
Not only twice
But THREE nights in a row!
With one of those being out to The Beauty Bar
Saw Michael Jackson's star Drank some marvelous martinis Went shoppingWent out on the town, not just once Not only twice But THREE nights in a row!With one of those being out to The Beauty Bar Got TWO $25 massages
Window shopped on Rodeo Drive Baby!
And last, but not least, enjoyed myself immensly and had the best hostess ever! Thanks Katie!
Window shopped on Rodeo Drive Baby!And last, but not least, enjoyed myself immensly and had the best hostess ever! Thanks Katie!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
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