Day #3 - July 14, 2008 (Monday) - First full day of camp!!!

The day started way too early... 6:30am!! But, I wanted some coffee to start the day and that's what time I was told we had to meet to get it so I was there!! Since I found out I am lactose intolerant I have been using water to thin out my coffee and I think it works pretty well. So I had 2 cups of coffee!!! As we were drinking coffee, all the leaders were meeting to find out what the week had in store. Each group (ie. English, eNight, sports, etc) told everyone else what their plans were and we made sure we were all on the same page.

At 7:45am the students met us in the main meeting room where we did our camp dance again before eating breakfast... bread and strawberry jam!! Yumm-o!! I felt bad for Kristen because she is allergic to strawberries but I ate up my jam quickly!!

After breakfast was English time. We learned who was in each team... my team was an all girl team consisting of:

1) Me
2) Laura (another American)
3) Beckah (the American living in Slovakia -- about to return to America)
4) Anicka (Slovak leader)
5) Mirka (Slovak leader)
6) Jana (student -- I think)
7) Makja (student - my roommate)
8) Zuzka (student - very good sports player)

At first, I was afraid that being an all girl group would not be good because we may have a hard time earning points and we wouldn't be competitive in the sports games however once we started chatting I was soooooo happy that it was an all girl group! Each girl opened up so quickly -- even Zuzka who didn't speak much English -- and we all became so close so quickly, and I don't think that could have happened as easily in a mixed group. Zuzka, with how much she grew in her English and with how good she was at sports was one of our MVPs!!! It was amazing how close we were... it was like a family!!! But then, I thought the entire camp seemed like a family!

Being that one of the camp leaders, Beckah, was in my group I felt a lot better about having to be a leader! Since I hadn't led like this before I was very nervous about how well I would do. I really wanted us girls to have a lot of fun and chat a lot. I was afraid I wouldn't ask enough questions or the right questions to get everyone to open up. Luckily that wasn't an issue... everyone was very open and I got into it and wasn't so afraid. Also, Beckah always seemed to know what to say and how to ask questions so I learned a ton from her!! She was amazing!!!

In this first English class we each had to come up with a team name. After a few minutes of thinking we decided to come up with a name that incorporated all the names in the group... and it ended up spelling out:

Crazy Jammin' Lambz

What a fun name!! The other groups were:

Golden Zippers
Spit Drinking Puppy Kickers
(and something about killer) Squirrel -- I can't believe I already forgot a name of a team!!

It was great and it was fun to hear how creative the names of each team was!!

After English time was lunch. We had meat (most of the week was mystery meat... generally good but still, didn't know what it was), potatoes and slaw of some kind. All in all, not bad! After lunch we got free time so I took a nap... this became routine and I felt blessed to have it!! I am not sure what I would have done without it!!

Next came sports. And for those who know me, know I like to be warm and dry. It was not warm there (at least for my standards) and it rained most of the weekend. So, I have to be honest that I didn't have the best attitude about outside games. But if you look at the pictures you will see how fun it really was!! I wore the same outfit every day for outdoor games so it really didn't matter how dirty or wet I got and the added mud made for a lot of fun! So, even though it may not have been something I would have chose I still had a blast!!!!

So, for Monday's games we played capture the flag and ultimate Frisbee. Each one was really fun however my team had a hard time understanding the point system for capture the flag but we still had fun trying to get the flag back to our side! And, we were getting a system worked out for ultimate Frisbee by the end. Even though we lost I had a great time!!!

Of course, given the rain/mud mentioned above I took a quick shower right after games and then headed down to dinner. Dinner equaled spaghetti noodles with catsup. Hmmm, that was interesting. It was one of the few meals that I chose not to eat what was given. Kristen, Ashley and I ate Kashi bars that I had brought back from the states with peanut butter that Kristen had brought... it was wonderful!! Hehe!

After dinner we had a bit of time before the message/music started so Kriten, Tim, Beckah, and I had a wonderful conversation. I loved all the times I got to have great conversation with people! It was so fun and amazing to get to know everyone. Like I said before and will say many more times, it felt so much like a family being there!!

For the music portion of the evening, we had the camp dance followed by Issac leading worship. He did a great job!! He has way more confidence than I do... I would have been so nervous up there but he seemed so calm and collected. Not to mention that he sings much better than I do! LOL!!! After music Samo spoke and talked about how your first judgement may not be accurate. To elaborate on that point, he handed each group a picture that we had to talk about, make a judgement on the person in the picture about things like their age, their profession, their family, etc. In each instance, every group was wrong on what they assumed the person would be like. I guess my 6th grade teacher was right about what it means to assume!! Heheh!!

eNight followed and was once again amazing!! The leaders set up the room like a Chinese Tea Room and it was beautiful. I loved the tea that the Slovak's have!! I even brought some back to the states!! I sat with Kristen, Ashley, and Jay. We chatted about what our aquariums are... or what is boxing us in life and keeping us away from God. We had a great conversation and it was amazing how we all opened up!! After chatting about aquariums, us American girls taught Jay a few different English slang phrases (like 'I'm on you like a spider monkey, man') and he taught us a few Slovak words. We had a good laugh trying to speak Slovak properly!!! For some reason my French teacher, my Italian friends, and now Jay all have laughed at me trying to speak their languages... do you see the pattern that I am seeing!!

After eNight the 4 of us moved to the bedroom hallway and the 4 turned into many more. The conversation went on for quite a while and once again it was amazing. We had so many great conversations that were so funny that my stomach hurt most of the weekend. I absolutely loved it!!

Finally, around 1am it was time for me to go to bed.

Slovakia Pictures Added!!

So, instead of me taking all the pictures, captioning them, and adding them to my blog I have found sites from fellow Slovakia Student Campers and have added them to the side. The link with the most pictures is #1... that came from Tim, the leader of the Americans. He was also the production guru and at the end of each night all us Americans and Slovaks would give him our cameras and he would add the pictures to his computer and would show them on a big screen.

I do have some pictures of my own that (hopefully) today I will to my Picassa account and link here. I will update again when that has happened!

Enjoy!!!

Day #2 – July 13, 2008 (Sunday) – Day of the Students

We were able to sleep in a bit, well I slept until 7:30am so I guess it was sleeping in… but either way it was great!! Especially after waking up at 4:30am because the sun was shining into my room!! No joke!! Apparently the sun rises in Slovakia at 4:30am. Good to know right?! Thank God I packed an eye mask… it has cone in quite handy!!!

We met in the dining hall and ate breakfast as a group. Since I called off the vegan diet for the trip I ate bread with lunch meat and white peppers. I had never seen white peppers before but they tasted great… just like a pepper. And we had the most amazing tea (in Slovak tea is spelled caj – pronounced chi) ever!! I loved it!!

And, I found another vegetarian!!!! I was so excited. And they were able to translate to the cooks that I am lactose intolerant. After a little debate, I told them that I could eat meat (figured the easier I could be this week the better), however no dairy. And the cooks have been fabulous!!! Any time there has been dairy served they have offered me a substitute! I love it!!

After breakfast we all boarded up in the vehicle and when to the mall, which also contained a supermarket, and got our groceries for the week. We didn’t get much besides cookies, flavored water, and bananas because our meals are being provided for us for the week.

Then we walked our groceries from the mall to church. It was a fabulously small church and we had an amazing service about ‘Truth verses Lies.’ I think we each walked away thinking the message was directed towards us!! I did take some pictures of the church and they will be posted as well!

When church was finished we boarded back up into vehicles and when back to camp where we had a great meal… everyone else had chicken and rice but I had vegetables and rice!! It was amazing!! I loved it!!!

Our next plan of action was to decide how the week was going to play out. Us Americans thought that everything was already planned and we would just be plugged into service once we got here however that wasn’t the case. And I was assigned to the English team. The English team consisted of American leaders and Beckah (who is also American but is currently living in Slovakia with her husband. She is pregnant and they will be moving back to the States soon... and she will probably be working at North Point so I am excited that we will still be able to meet up). We decided that we would make four English groups that would essentially be teams. Each team would work together to improve their English and then they would compete against each other in different English events, sporting events, and anything else the leaders could come up with. In the competitions each team could earn points and the team with the most points at the end would win. And, since there were only 14 students all the leaders were able to participate in all events!!

Over the next few hour we came up with a plan of action for Monday as to what we would do in the English groups to break the ice and to get the Slovak students talking. It was a lot of fun sharing ideas and 3 of the people on the English team were either teachers (Sherry and Beckah) or were former teacher (Kristen). Garrett, the only male in the English group, has done a ton of different missions previously thru Josiah Venture and was able to provide many good ideas. I was the only one on the team that had no previous experience! LOL!! Luckily we had a lot of materials to look thru so I was able to provide some input!

Then the students arrived!! It was so fun and so intimidating! I knew that we would get to know each one of these students thru the week but I was nervous that I wouldn't be good enough, that I wouldn't be able to relate, or that no one would like me. It turned out that my fears were all quite silly and I got along with the students and leaders really well (and if I didn't they didn't tell me... hehe!).

My roommates for the week became Veronika and Mikja (pronounced Mikah or we also called her Maya). Both are extremely beautiful inside and out as well as amazing English speakers!!! We had a ton of fun as roommates and I miss them every day!! It became funny because I would generally go to bed at night before they would (still it would be around 1am or 2am) however I wouldn't be able to go to sleep until they were in the room. I felt like the room mom... hehe!!

Once the students arrived we showed them to their rooms and then we all met up for dinner. For everyone but me it was macaroni and cheese however they made macaroni with corn, tomato, and white peper... amazing!! I really liked it and it was so easy to make that I will be doing it for myself now too!! After dinner we headed down to the main meeting room for a lot of fabulous ice breakers where we lined up based on height, first letter of the first name, first letter of the last name, age, eye color, etc. And we had to do it quickly!! It was fun and a good way to get us all moving after dinner. This was followed by some really amazing fun music and we learned the camp dance. I don't think we have any video of the camp dance but if I find one I will add it here!! Hehe!! It was fun!

After music and a message (the theme of the camp was Aquaworld and the first message was pretty light and went back to how we remembered our childhood -- it was an excellent message for night #1) we had our first eNight. eNight was designed as a way for everyone to wind down together and for the leaders to ask questions to the students based on the messages that we heard. This first night we met over candlelight and American chocolate. It was surprisingly creative yet so simple. It was beautiful and so amazing.

Side note: Its funny that I as an American don't think of things this easy... its like we believe it must be complicated to be good. However this was better than anything I could have come up with. So, one of the concepts that I have taken away is that creativity beats complexity or money any day. It didn't take much money to create an amazing environment. I am trying to remember this when I have friends over... light a few candles and have a simple set up. It can be life changing.

Back to Slovakia: During eNight I was able to meet with Jay. One of the amazing students and he told me about his family's house. I was quite jealous of him... I miss my family a ton and he is able to live with his and they have a garden with tons of different fruit trees and plants as well as a ton of vegetables. If I ever move out of the city and live with any amount of land I want to have a garden, even if it just includes fruit trees. I think that would be amazing. And, if I ever get the opportunity to live in a European countryside I think that would be almost like heaven. Any European countryside that I have witnessed is gorgeous!!

Philippians 2:2-4

I have been going thru all my friend's blogs trying to catch up on my friend's lives when I came across a post from my friend Rachael. Her Bible verse for the month is:

"Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should not only look to your own interests but to the interests of others." Philippians 2:2-4

I absolutely love it. Being completely unselfish has been something that I have been praying about and it has been heightened by being around my Slovak friends the past week. The giving spirit of everyone that I met last week was amazing and I want to emulate that in my every day life. This passage really embodies that and I now want to make it my Bible verse for the month. To recite it, to pray over it, to memorize it.

Absolutely Beautiful...

Slovakia Mission Trip - Day #1 – July 12, 2008 – The Day the Vegan Diet Died

After 24 hours of driving, flying, layover, flying, and driving again we are finally at the summer camp!! We all slept when we could but none of us got any real sleep on the way so at 10:00pm Slovak time (4:06pm EST) I am sitting in bed, putting my first blog together and I will be going to sleep!

However, I am so excited to be here!! We got in a little late but dinner was ready (thank you God cause everyone was hungry)! We did a little group meet and I met my Slovakian roommate Veronika and we will have a student share our room starting tomorrow. There are less students then was originally anticipated so we will have two leaders (one Slovak and one US) for each student. They thought there would be about 40-50 students, however there are currently 14 signed up. I am excited because we will each get to know each other better this way!!

And one change had to be made… over here meat in chopped up in everything. For the first 24 hours I had a hard time finding food. Finally as I was famished (ok, not really – I have weight to lose and a starvation diet may have worked but I was hungry for more than a few nuts… I wanted real food) I gave in!! I will keep the dairy out, since my body actually fully rejects that, but meat will be allowed this week. I have to say it felt really weird eating chicken tonight and my stomach did hurt a little bit afterward. My rule of thumb will be to not eat meat if possible.

Very, Very Quick Post

I feel the need to post since I got back from Slovakia on Monday but haven't updated yet.  I apologize but I have been so tired and busy that I just couldn't get on here.  But, I wanted to let you know that I had the most amazing time!!!!  I miss being there already.  And, as you could guess, there wasn't Internet access at the camp.  

So, as the week progresses you will be filled in on the adventures.  And, I have to get the pictures from the group leader, Tim, and that should happen tomorrow.  At that point I have no excuse not to fill you in completely! 

Stay tuned...

Can I Post From Slovakia?!?!

That is the question on deck... unfortunately I will not know until we are there!!  If not, I will be updating every night to a document and then mass posting when I get home.  If so, I will be adding pictures and commentary nightly.

Pray that I am able to post!!!!  I know I am.

Well, I am sitting at the apartment for the last few minutes.  I need to get up soon and get moving.  I want to stop by the bookstore and pick up 'Organic God.'  7|22 will be having the author to interview at the next gathering and it will be the Tuesday after I get back.  I want to go and listen, but I prefer to have read the book first.  I had ordered it online but it was shipped to the wrong address so they will be crediting me the money back and I will get it from a local book store.

After that I will be picking up Marcus from work and he will be taking me to the airport.  He will keep my car while I am gone so he can replace the brakes, tires, and rims!!  I love that he can help me out with my car as much as he does!!  And, he does a fabulous job!!

And then onto the airport to meet up with the team.   I got up at 6am today and went for a long run so hopefully I will be tired early and will sleep on the plane.  I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Alright, time to make the final rounds around the apartment...

About Packed!!

I am almost packed up for Slovakia!!!  And I have to be honest... I am crazy excited!!  The countdown to take off begins... and the debate for me...

sleeping pills for the plane or no sleeping pills???

I bought some from Target today so we'll see!

Slovakia here I come!!

I got the flight info for the mission trip... I am so excited and can't wait. Tonight I pack.   For those who want to be in the know:

Departing To SLOVAKIA:

Friday July 11, 2008

Air Vendor:   KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLI

Flight Number: 622

From:  ATLANTA GA (HARTSFIELD JAC)

Departs:  04:40 PM

To:  AMSTERDAM (SCHIPHOL)

Arrives:  07:25 AM on July 12, 2008

Saturday July 12, 2008

Air Vendor:  KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLI

Flight Number:  1845

From:  AMSTERDAM (SCHIPHOL)

Departs:  12:30 PM

To:  VIENNA (VIENNA INTL)

Arrives: 02:20 PM

Arriving In ATLANTA:

Monday July 21, 2008

Air Vendor:  KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLI

Flight Number:  1838

From:  VIENNA (VIENNA INTL)

Departs:  06:45 AM

To:  AMSTERDAM (SCHIPHOL)

Arrives:  08:55 AM

Monday July 21, 2008

Air Vendor:  KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLI

Flight Number:  621

From:  AMSTERDAM (SCHIPHOL)

Departs:  10:20 AM

To:  ATLANTA GA (HARTSFIELD JAC)

Arrives:  01:40 PM

I Hurt!!

Well, a few ways actually! 

The first, I actually miss having Lucy here!  She would crack me up!!!  I didn't miss her this AM when I had to get up... I was glad I didn't have to do the work... hehe!!  But I would dog-sit her again anytime!

Second... I worked out this morning and did a lot of shoulder exercises and I hurt my left side!!! I can barely lift my left arm!!  Guess I will have to either rest tomorrow or only run!

My goal for today was to clean the condo since Lucy left yesterday but I decided not to strain myself and I am only doing the laundry.  I did organize the different areas that Angela, the condo owner, has set up for cleaning.  I am too, too organized and I was having a hard time because I felt like everything is everywhere.  Now I have he cleaning supplies set up in a way that works for me and I should be ready tomorrow!  

Long Day!!!

It wasn't supposed to be!!  But it was a really, really long day!  It started out at 6am... (fading back in time).

My alarm went off and I knew I had to get up right away because I had to add in time for taking Miss Lucy out for her morning walk.  I wasn't too concerned because I had planned on coming home right from work so I figured I would be back around 2:30pm.  I got everything done that needed to be and make it to work right on time... 7am!!

I had a great day at work (I love that work is right in my church)!!  I was able to go to the 11am service and it was amazing!!  I wish that Buckhead Church would put the music as well as the service on the website but its much easier not to.  Either way... my friend Carlos rocked the house followed by an amazing sermon by Andy on the idea of forgiveness.  That you can go to the website for an I would highly recommend it!!

As I was sitting at work I realized how busy I will be the rest of the week and I needed to do some very light grocery shopping and I needed to get some of the crafts for the mission trip... can you believe we leave on FRIDAY!!  I am super excited.

At 2pm, with the new idea that I had a few stops to make, I promptly left work.  When I started my car up in the parking garage at work it stuttered a little bit but started right up so I didn't think anything of it... that is until after I checked out from Michael's.  I got to my car, put everything away, and turned the key... to nothing.  I could hear a click but nothing else.  I turned everything off and tried again... nothing.  

At this point I called my Dad who reported I needed to get a jump.  I called around and found that my friend Terrance would be able to jump my car.  After waiting a few minutes he made it and we chatted while the battery charged.  Once charged it started right up!  Thank you God!!! I immediately went to Sears and sat there for about 45 minutes for them to verify that the trouble was in fact the battery.  A few minutes and a few dollars later and I have a working car again!  

With all the driving I now needed gas.  I make a quick stop there and another quick stop at Publix to pick up some veggies and fruit so I could make it thru the rest of the week and I finally made it home at 6pm.  LOL!!! Only slightly later than I anticipated.  Needless to say Lucy was quite excited when I finally made it home.

I felt pretty bad that it took so long so I took her for a long walk before grabbing some dinner.  I have about an hour before I will be heading to the airport to pick Marcus back up from the airport!! I have had fun with Lucy here but I realized that I am really not a dog person!  Hehe!! A weekend is a perfect amount of time for me and I think she is ready for her Papa to be home too!

I think she has warmed up to me...

Lucy, the same dog that has been running from me the past few days, jumped up on the couch and sat with me today.  At one point we were both sleeping!  Haha!!  But, I figured since I have this great computer that can take a picture I need to capture this moment...

Haha!!  Hilarious.  

Fireworks

Last night my friend Kedrick stopped over to my place and we watched the fireworks from the roof of the building.  It was amazing!!! I didn't take any pictures but they wouldn't have done the night justice had I taken any.  We could see all of the fireworks going off all over Atlanta (Lenox, Ansley, Centennial Park, Turner Field) as well as all of the fireworks from the surrounding areas.  There were so many fireworks to watch that I woke up this morning with whip-lash!!  Ok, maybe not but I could have.

W Hotel

Yesterday afternoon I was lucky enough to spend some time with VJ, Vic, Bobby, Dallas, Chris, Keith, and David.  We had a blast hanging out at the pool at the W Hotel in Midtown Atlanta.  See the pictures here!!  

Happy 4th of July!!

Peachtree Road Race

So I told you last night I was exhausted... I wasn't kidding!!  I went to sleep at 8:30pm and woke up this morning at 7:30am!!!!  It was just in time to take Lucy for a walk and then watch the runners going down Peachtree...

I can't believe I forgot to sign up for this!!  Next year... I need to write it on my calendar so I don't forget!!

I'm a new dog owner!!!

Well, at least for the weekend... hehe!

Meet Lucy.  She is Marcus's dog and I am watching her while he is in Chicago.  She is quite a scared little girl so she pretty much keeps to herself.  She like to keep an eye on me and follow me around, but as long as I don't turn around.  As soon as I turn to look at her she runs the other way.  However, when its time to go out for a walk she runs to me as soon as I grab her leash... which is good cause I would have a hard time chasing her around to take her out to the bathroom.

Last night Marcus came over to drop her off.  We ate dinner and hung out.  Then this morning I dropped him off at the airport... at 5am!!  It was early!  I came home and tried to go back to sleep but Lucy was quite upset when I came but Marcus didn't.  She wined for the rest of the morning so I got up.  Once I was up and walking around she did a lot better.  She hasn't made a noise since I have come home from work.

Needless to say, I am exhausted!!  

Ritz Carlton Pictures!!

Check them out here!!

Ministry Services Retreat: Day Two

Aka. the day you should all be jealous of! 

Amazing!  Absolutely amazing.  I was so excited last night that I couldn’t sleep.  I was up every few hours checking the clock to make sure I didn’t miss my alarm… at 6am!!  For those who know me you know that’s crazy!!  But, my alarm did go off, I got straight up, and was at the workout room by 6:10am.  I ran for 30 minutes and lifted weights for about 15-20 minutes.  While I was running my hair tie didn’t want to stay on so I pulled it off and tried to put it back on when it broke!  Once I stopped running I spoke with the receptionist of the workout room (yes, the workout room had a receptionist, two actually) and she had a spare for me to use!  I was so excited that I had a way to pull my hair back and it felt like she was anticipating my needs.  Excellent customer service!

After I finished I came back to the room, showered and was ready for breakfast by 7:30am.  I couldn’t believe I was ready in a half hour!!  Something must be wrong! But, my batteries for my camera were all charged up so I took a stroll around the hotel and took pictures, which I will have posted as soon as possible.

Little side note about me that I learned… I like to take pictures, I just get nervous about taking them with people.  I feel bad asking them if they want to be in a picture!  How funny (or crazy) is that!  I am so silly sometimes!

Around 8am I met up with some of the ladies for breakfast and I have to tell you that of all the customer service experiences here (which have been overwhelming fabulous) this lacked even by Waffle House standards.  They sat us but then didn’t get us drinks for about 20 minutes. A girl can’t wait 20 minutes for her coffee! Hehe!  After that it took about another 10 minutes for them to get our orders from us.  When our order was finally taken the waitress repeated the orders back to us and two of us ordered their caramelized grapefruit but when the food came they didn’t bring it out. When we commented about it they went back and brought some out that hadn’t been caramelized… which was the whole reason we ordered it so they took them back again and when they brought them out the 3rd time they were burned.  I don’t know if anyone else has had burned brown sugar but I found out today it is horrible, it reminded me of pepper and I don’t think that’s what they were going for!  Since we had to be in a meeting at 9am and it took so long to begin with we didn’t have time to reorder so I still haven’t had a caramelized grapefruit!  But on a positive note, I ordered their French toast and it was amazing!! 

For the rest of the morning we were in our meetings (aka classes) and learning about customer service and how it relates to us.  They gave us a matrix to gage how we should think about our customer service and how to make it the best for our customers.  What I love out North Point Ministries (NPMI from here on out) is that they also practice what they preach.  At my previous job, which will remain nameless, they would preach great customer service but the management never followed up on it and the policies and procedures were only numbers driven.  I love that this environment really promotes excellent customer service!

At noon we were fed an amazing soup, salad, and sandwich lunch before being let free.  We had free time from about 1pm until 5pm.  Of which I spent the entire time at the pool!!!  It was amazing and I have a beautiful, glowing tan!  I am loving it.  I also loved that I was able to spend so much time getting to know some of the people at the churches that I am not always able to chat with!

At 5pm we headed out to dinner.  We had a choice of 3 options… I (with 37 others) chose Japanese hibachi!  It was as amazing as any other hibachi I have had.  I do love it!!  After dinner we had one more breakout session to further examine customer service and then we had a fun meeting.  The last few days have circled around the theme of NPMI University and everything has been geared towards ‘courses’, ‘curriculum’, ‘professor’, etc so for the fun meeting we had Homecoming!  We had different clicks (jocks, activist, student body, etc) and we each at to make a handheld float, have one person have a skill and perform one minute on stage and then answer a question, and have a chant that we did.  I was in the activist group and our theme was saving the planet so I chat was “go green, go green” and our skill was one of the team member read a poem. We had fun with it but every other group went all out and it was hilarious!  It was really cute! 

Of course afterwards I was back by the fire having a s’more!!  I can’t get enough of them this summer!!

I have the alarm set for 6am again tomorrow.  This time I am going to go for a run thru the hiking trails.  But, if I am going to have any energy I have to go to bed now!

Night, night!!

Ministry Services Retreat: Day Two

Aka. the day you should all be jealous of! 

Amazing!  Absolutely amazing.  I was so excited last night that I couldn’t sleep.  I was up every few hours checking the clock to make sure I didn’t miss my alarm… at 6am!!  For those who know me you know that’s crazy!!  But, my alarm did go off, I got straight up, and was at the workout room by 6:10am.  I ran for 30 minutes and lifted weights for about 15-20 minutes.  While I was running my hair tie didn’t want to stay on so I pulled it off and tried to put it back on when it broke!  Once I stopped running I spoke with the receptionist of the workout room (yes, the workout room had a receptionist, two actually) and she had a spare for me to use!  I was so excited that I had a way to pull my hair back and it felt like she was anticipating my needs.  Excellent customer service!

After I finished I came back to the room, showered and was ready for breakfast by 7:30am.  I couldn’t believe I was ready in a half hour!!  Something must be wrong! But, my batteries for my camera were all charged up so I took a stroll around the hotel and took pictures, which I will have posted as soon as possible.

Little side note about me that I learned… I like to take pictures, I just get nervous about taking them with people.  I feel bad asking them if they want to be in a picture!  How funny (or crazy) is that!  I am so silly sometimes!

Around 8am I met up with some of the ladies for breakfast and I have to tell you that of all the customer service experiences here (which have been overwhelming fabulous) this lacked even by Waffle House standards.  They sat us but then didn’t get us drinks for about 20 minutes. A girl can’t wait 20 minutes for her coffee! Hehe!  After that it took about another 10 minutes for them to get our orders from us.  When our order was finally taken the waitress repeated the orders back to us and two of us ordered their caramelized grapefruit but when the food came they didn’t bring it out. When we commented about it they went back and brought some out that hadn’t been caramelized… which was the whole reason we ordered it so they took them back again and when they brought them out the 3rd time they were burned.  I don’t know if anyone else has had burned brown sugar but I found out today it is horrible, it reminded me of pepper and I don’t think that’s what they were going for!  Since we had to be in a meeting at 9am and it took so long to begin with we didn’t have time to reorder so I still haven’t had a caramelized grapefruit!  But on a positive note, I ordered their French toast and it was amazing!! 

For the rest of the morning we were in our meetings (aka classes) and learning about customer service and how it relates to us.  They gave us a matrix to gage how we should think about our customer service and how to make it the best for our customers.  What I love out North Point Ministries (NPMI from here on out) is that they also practice what they preach.  At my previous job, which will remain nameless, they would preach great customer service but the management never followed up on it and the policies and procedures were only numbers driven.  I love that this environment really promotes excellent customer service!

At noon we were fed an amazing soup, salad, and sandwich lunch before being let free.  We had free time from about 1pm until 5pm.  Of which I spent the entire time at the pool!!!  It was amazing and I have a beautiful, glowing tan!  I am loving it.  I also loved that I was able to spend so much time getting to know some of the people at the churches that I am not always able to chat with!

At 5pm we headed out to dinner.  We had a choice of 3 options… I (with 37 others) chose Japanese hibachi!  It was as amazing as any other hibachi I have had.  I do love it!!  After dinner we had one more breakout session to further examine customer service and then we had a fun meeting.  The last few days have circled around the theme of NPMI University and everything has been geared towards ‘courses’, ‘curriculum’, ‘professor’, etc so for the fun meeting we had Homecoming!  We had different clicks (jocks, activist, student body, etc) and we each at to make a handheld float, have one person have a skill and perform one minute on stage and then answer a question, and have a chant that we did.  I was in the activist group and our theme was saving the planet so I chat was “go green, go green” and our skill was one of the team member read a poem. We had fun with it but every other group went all out and it was hilarious!  It was really cute! 

Of course afterwards I was back by the fire having a s’more!!  I can’t get enough of them this summer!!

I have the alarm set for 6am again tomorrow.  This time I am going to go for a run thru the hiking trails.  But, if I am going to have any energy I have to go to bed now!

Night, night!!

Ministry Services Retreat: Day One

Amazing is the only real word to describe this experience this far.  The North Point team all drove up to the Ritz together and stopped for lunch at Zaksby’s and had some good food.  It wasn’t too far from the Ritz so it didn’t take long after that and we were here.  After a seamless check-in we had our bags in the room, our bathing suits on, and we were down at the infinity pool enjoying the sun and the company.

Let me back up a minute… the look, the feel, the design… it’s like the Grand Hotel on steroids.  The design is upper-class cabin.  There is beautiful dark wood everywhere.  It reminds me of what you might see in a TCM movie for a get-away.  The staff has been absolutely wonderful.  We are back in the woods on a beautiful lake.  If I didn’t know better I would think that I am sitting on Mackinac Island on the cliff overlooking the Upper Peninsula.  I don’t know how I could describe it better without pictures.  Of course I have my camera but the batteries are dead.  I have them plugged in and plan to take a ton of pictures tomorrow!  Count on it!

Back to the pool.  We spent a few hours laying out this afternoon at the most amazing pool.  The infinity pool overlooks the lake and I was sooooo relaxed sitting poolside with my feet dipping in the pool.  I should have worn sunscreen (go ahead, yell at me now) and my shoulders are a little red.  So tomorrow I will be wearing some (so back off.. hehe)!

After the pool we skipped the hotel in favor of Mellow Mushroom for dinner.  They have this amazing vegan hoagie that was amazing.  I will have to get the recipe and try to duplicate it myself!

After dinner we had our first session that went into what we will be learning tomorrow.  I am excited because I have the alarm set for 6am and I have my workout clothes ready to go.  I think I will spend tomorrow morning at the gorgeous workout facility and then Wednesday morning I will go for a long run thru the grounds.  I want to make sure to get a weight-lifting day in and tomorrow will be perfect for that.  Wednesday will be perfect for a long run, which I always seem to do once I get outside. 

Off to sleep…

New Computer!!

Well, my job is going really well at the churches and I am loving it!  Today I came in quite early... I tried to get here by 7am however it was more like 7:30 before I made it.  The reason for wanting to be this early... my new computer was ready!!  I have been working from a PowerBook G4 since I started as a contractor however as a full time employee I have been upgraded to a MacBook Pro!!  I will miss the condensed size of the G4 but am loving the capabilities of this new laptop!

One of my favorite new features... a built in camera!!

Say hello!!

First Sunday!

And have I been busy... but I love it!!  This is my first Sunday working for Buckhead Church... and how wonderful that they let me go to a service.  It has been so long (about 8 months) since I have been able to attend a service on site here!!  In some ways it feels like I have been gone forever... in other ways it feels as though I never left.  It felt good to be in the auditorium for a service instead of behind this Mac!!

Russelpooluza Pictures!

So, I was only in 1 picture from Russelpooluza but here it is:

Check out the rest of the pictures here!!

Bright Futures

This morning I went with my friend Amy and her boyfriend Adam to Bright Futures to volunteer.  Both Amy and Adam had volunteered here in the past thru Buckhead Church and they really enjoyed it.  They picked me up and we headed over.  I wasn't sure what to expect but I had a great time!!  When we got there the director told us a little bit about the camp... basically its designed to bring hope to the inner-city youth of Atlanta.  That's a mission I can get on board with!!   

There were many different jobs however Amy and I were commissioned to re-stain the deck you see in the picture above.  Unfortunately we don't have a before and after picture because the stain job looks amazing!!  We rocked it out!

Russelpooluza

I had a fabulous Friday off!!  I started the day by eating breakfast before going to the roof to sun bath.  Once the clouds started rolling in I moved myself down to the workout room and got myself in shape.  After cleaning up and eating lunch I moved over to Atlantic Station to discuss an issue I am having with my glasses and check out the new H&M.  I was disappointed with both. Maybe H&M was just too crowded or maybe I was just not in the mood to shop (shock of all shocks) but I didn't find anything that I really fell in love with.

Since there wasn't anything to really check out, I went back home for dinner and to freshen up to go out for the evening.  I started out the night by going to Tangela's going away from Cbeyond party.  She and I worked together and she also found a new place of employment so a group of us had a few drinks at Applebee's to celebrate.  Tangela took a few pictures so if they are sent to me I will add them to the blog.

After Applebee's I headed over to the Highlands to help Marcus celebrate the birthday of one of his friends from his community group... Russel (hence Russel-pooluza).  We had a ton of fun at Diesel and I met a ton of new people.  It's been so long since I have gone out at been social... lately every time I go out its just with all my friends, which I love to do but from time to time its good to meet new people.  I had a blast!!

Flicks on Fifth

So last night I went with Mariah, Lynette, Chris -- Lynette's boyfriend, and Chris -- Mariah's friend to Steel for free sushi again.  I generally get 2 kinds of sushi but last night I ate three... and the third must have had lactose in it cause my stomach cramped right up!  And mine was the only one.  Now I know I have to be careful with what is put in my maki rolls!

Stomach ache and all, Mariah and I headed over to Flicks on Fifth to watch the Bourne Ultimatum.  We stayed thru most of it and I love seeing free movies with a ton of other people... they clap and scream at the screen!!  Its so exciting!!

Tonight Marcus and Mariah are coming over to eat dinner on the roof... as long as it doesn't rain!!  I need to start making my part (vegetable rice) pretty soon!!

First full week in!!

I have my first full week in at North Point and I am sooo excited for this opportunity still!  I am learning a little bit of what is expected of me and it seems like such a good challenge.  Today is my Friday so I work Sunday thru Thursday.  

I start my next week on Sunday and I get to work at Buckhead Church.  Then on Monday we are going off-site for our admin retreat.  I found out we will be going to the Ritz Carlton at Lake Oconee.  I know we will be extremely busy but I also know it will be a ton of fun!!  I can't wait.

The Shack, Revisited

William P. Young, the author of the Shack, visited 7|22 -- a gathering for post-graduate Atlanta singles at Buckhead Church --  last night.  I have to tell you, I thought the book was amazing, and now I think that Mr. Young is as well.  He was more authentic than anyone I have ever meet.

One of the fabulous things about 7|22 is that they post all of the messages online... you have to check them out!!

Consumerism

I found this to be quite interesting...

Maybe you will too!!

Vacation was wonderful!!

I need more time to tell you how it all went but I wanted to throw a quick update in here!!  I had the most fun hanging out with my parents this week!!  We went to two baseball games... one was for my cousin Brennan and one was for Colton.  While there I was able to see my Grandma and Grandpa E, Aunt Dawn, Uncle Scott, and Dave!  It was great!!  

Food was wonderful too!!  We at at Zender's one day, I had a ton of Slurpees, got a vegan pizza at Tommy V's (which my parents loved by the way), and I ate SMORES!! Couldn't ask for more than that!!

We also went to the B93 Birthday Bash and spent 2 days listening to country music! It was fun... and I got to spend some time with Marie, Adam, Uncle Rogor, Kelly, Aunt Linda, Mikey, Amy, Shanna, Grandma P, and Josh!  We had a blast!!

I am now on my second day at the new job and I am loving it!!  Ok, back to work...

Last Day!!

Today is my last day working for Cbeyond!! Tomorrow I get to fly home to see my family.

Big sigh of relief!

Flight Info!!!

I am lucky enough to go to Michigan on Tuesday and I am so excited to get to go!  I can't wait to see family and I am trying to remember what a Michigan summer feels like!!  Heh!  For those who want to be in the know... my flight info is as follows:

    June 17, 2008, Flight 253 [Non-Stop]
    Departing Atlanta, GA (ATL) at 12:20 PM
    Arriving Flint, MI (FNT) at 02:12 PM

    June 22, 2008, Flight 256 [Non-Stop]
    Departing Flint, MI (FNT) at 05:44 PM
    Arriving Atlanta, GA (ATL) at 07:50 

Counting down the hours...

See you soon!!

Retreat Photos!!

We have photos!! Check them out here!!

For Sale

Wanna see where I live?? Well, it is for sale and I found the listing online so check it out.  Its such a beautiful place and I totally wish I could afford it... nonetheless its a great place to live for now!

Mission Trip Retreat - Camp Highland

Oh what a fun, exhausting, exhilarating weekend we just had!!  The Slovakia mission trip team just went on a team building retreat to Camp Highland in Ellijay, Georgia.  We left from Buckhead Church at 6:00pm, stopping to have dinner across the street at On The Boarder.  After dinner we headed up to Camp Highland and arrived around 9pm.  I rode with Laura and we had a great time getting to know each other a little bit better.  

Camp Highland is a summer camp and everything is all outdoors... I wanted to preface the rest with this just so you understand the following:  there was no air-conditioning, we were outside almost the entire time, and we are in Georgia (aka humid as all can be and even at night it didn't get below 85 degrees --  during the day on Saturday it was mid-90's).  This is an added element to everything that we did!  But with everyone sweaty and gross we used the opportunity to let our guards down even further.  It was amazing!!

I figured that since we arrived so late we would just put our bags away and maybe have an 'around-the-campfire' type of event.  I was so wrong.

They gathered us all up, threw us in the back of a military type truck, and we went to the first team build event.... a huge swing 30 feet in the air.  One person would get harnessed up to a rope, the rest of the team would pull the rope so that the harnessed person would go to the top of a 30 foot pole, then the harnessed person would have to let go of their rope and they would swing out over a huge cliff.  Granted it was pretty dark but it was still a little scary.   All that you could see was what was available via flashlight.  Of course I went 2nd to last, was so nervous from watching everyone else go that when it was my turn I let out a blood-curdling scream as I let go!  It was soooooo much fun!  And it was great for us to start working together as a group.

After the swing we stopped by the main cabin for dessert before heading to bed around 1am.

The next morning we awoke to breakfast served around 8am and then headed back out for more team building.  The first event was a rope course.  The rope was a tangled mess around knee height and we had to get the entire group from one end of the rope course to the other, we had to step thru the course without hitting a rope, and if you hit the rope you were frozen where you hit it making someone have to come thru the course to rescue you.  To begin, we decided to each go thru individually, two people made it safely thru before I attempted the course.  And on the first step I hit the rope!  After that it was down-hill from there and we managed to get everyone caught in the course.  We were allowed a reset, came up with a new plan (that the 'weakest link,' aka me, would go thru first and then if I got stuck someone would come behind and rescue me).  I got about half way before hitting a rope.  The team lead, Tim, came thru and rescued me.  We found during the rescue that the course was soooo much easier when done in pairs.  We could support each other, balance each other, and hold each other up.  Once we realized that, everyone went thru in pairs with the rest of the teammates coaching from the sideline.  This time we made it all on the first try!!

After a discussion on what we learned and how we can apply what we learned to the group, to the mission trip and to Christianity we went onto the second team building event of the day... the 12 foot wall.

We had to climb a 12 foot wall using only each other.  This time we worked much better as a team. We put a plan of action together and got one of the ladies (Ashley) up the wall.  We found that our original plan needed adjusting and we adjusted after each person was on the wall.  We worked very well as a team and on the first attempt we were able to get everyone over the wall!  It was a lot of work and by the end we were all tired!!

After a discussion on what we learned and how we can apply what we learned to the group, to the mission trip and to Christianity we went onto the third team building event of the day...    lower ropes course.

We had a tight rope about knee height from the ground going between about 7 different trees.  We had to work together as a team to get everyone across the rope and to touch the last tree.  As a team we decided to try to snake everyone across the rope together by linking up as a long group.  We used each other as well as the trees to balance and we made it all the way to the last length before one person fell.  Once someone falls we have to start over.  By this time we are exhausted and hungry!  We have been working hard to balance, we have been chatting the entire time about what is not working and what is working, we have been pulling and pushing and gripping on each other to stay on the tight-rope and now we have to start over!!  After a regroup we tried again.  We made it to the exact same spot before someone fell again.  However this time we are too tired.  Its 2:30pm and we haven't ate since breakfast!  We decide as a group that if we really wanted to keep going it would take another 1/2 hour to an hour to figure out a solution that would work but we were fine with not passing this course.  We just wanted lunch!!

After lunch we went to the last course of the day... high ropes.  And they aren't kidding with the high ropes.  You do some of the craziest things imaginable about 30 feet in the air!  First we got all harnessed up and walked up to the first tree.  There were about 7 elements that you had to go thru and they each got more difficult as you went along.  On this one I knew that if I didn't go first I would get too nervous so I volunteered quickly to go first.

Element #1:  tight rope with 2 ropes on the side for your hands.  Since this is the first element the hardest part is knowing that this is the first element.  I was just beginning and when I looked down I could see how high up I really was.

Element #2:  wooden bridge.   I had to walk across a wooden bridge that is held up by 2 tight ropes and wooden planks that are set different lengths from each other.  There was no where for my hands to go and the bridge can be quite wobbly.  I am not too afraid of heights however the hardest part is actually picking up your feet.  It takes a lot of lower body strength to keep the bridge stable and every time you pick your feet up the bridge would move.  Scary!  I got to the point where I was saying 'I trust Jesus' on every step.  That I would be ok even though I was scared to pick up my feet.

Element #3:  tight-rope with 2 ropes attached in almost a x form.  I had to grab the first rope, go half-way down the tight-rope and pick up the 2nd rope.  Scary to reach out and grab at something when you are so unstable. 

Element #4:  A tight rope with another rope for your hands that is very droopy.  What I had to do was get the droopy rope as tight as possible before crossing.  I was so nervous and scared on this one that I had one of the camp counselors help hold the rope tight as I crossed.  I was not afraid to say that I needed help.

Element #5:  3 hanging logs.  There were 3 logs that had foot grips on them.  I had to grab the first log, pull it close to me, wrap my left leg around it, and then hold on for dear life while I let go of the platform and put my right foot on the second foot grip.  Then, once the log stopped swinging, I had to let go of the first log with my left hand, grab the 2nd log, wrap my foot around the second log, and go thru the process again on log 2.  Then again on log 3.  Knowing that I was just dangling from a log brought out a ton of fear!!

Element #6:  3 hanging ropes.  The next element had a tight rope with 3 hanging ropes across them.  You had to walk on the tight rope, grip the 1st rope, keep it tight as you walked to the 2nd rope, then let go of the first rope, tightened the 2nd rope, walk to the 3rd, and do the same process all over again.  This was the scariest one for me.  I had the hardest time mentally with this element and I had to really focus on getting across and on nothing else!  Luckily I was able to also hold my safety harness and use that to balance as well.

Element #7:  wooden planks.  There were 4 wooden planks hanging from 2 tight ropes.  The planks were about the size of a balance beam (from gymnastics) and they were very swingy.  I had to use the tight rope that was able to hold myself up with my arms while scooting my feet along the wooden planks.  Once I got to the end of one I had to stable myself, grip the 2nd tight rope, move my feet from wooden plank 1 to wooden plank 2, and then do the same thing 3 more times.  The hardest part about this was that I was already physically and mentally exhausted.  I was drained, I was sweating profusely, I knew it was the last one, and I just didn't want to do it!!  Hehe!  But I made it across and I felt so accomplished!!

The final part was a zip line.  They got me all harnessed in and this was the easiest of them all.  The only hard part was leaving the platform, knowing that you are safe when you jump however still having all the built up fear from the rest of the course.  It took a minute for me to jump but once I did it was a fun ride!!

By the end we were all exhausted but had gotten soooooo much closer.  We stopped by the shower and then headed back home.  We mixed up the car rides a little bit and we were able to chat some more to get to know more about each other.  We stopped at Zaxby's for a quick meal.  

Sherry took a few pictures of all the events so if I am able to get those from here I will add them all here.  Unfortunately I forgot to bring my camera!!  I will have to remember it for Slovakia!!

Up and Coming

So, this should be the last post for today (was it enough, did I make up for the lack of recent posts??).

Here is what my life has in store for the next few weeks... so if I don't post again for a little bit, here is why!

Tonight I am hanging out with Marcus, a new friend Mariah, and her friend TC at Steel.  They are doing free sushi night and I am all excited.   Afterwards we are going to take a bottle (or 2) of wine up on the roof and we will enjoy the view of Atlanta at night.  This is one of my newest most-favorite things!!

Tomorrow I am doing dinner with my friend and old small group leader Susan.  We are getting together to celebrate my new job!!

Friday I am having brunch with Terrance before heading up to North Georgia for a Mission Trip Retreat.  This is an overnight event geared to force us to get personal.  Its a phenomenal opportunity that we get to get away before going away. 

Sunday after work I am hanging out with VJ.

Next week:

Monday is small group night.

Tuesday so far is open, however I doubt it will stay that way!!

Wednesday I have my normal SATC girls night!

Friday I am going to Cbeyond to do a good-bye lunch for a few people, including myself.  There are quite a few people who are leaving my department in the next week so they are doing one big lunch.

I work my normal shift over the weekend.

Monday, June 16, 2008 is my last working day at Cbeyond.

Tuesday I fly out of the ATL and back to Michigan!!  I have an opportunity to spend Tuesday thru Sunday in Michigan with my family... you know I will not be passing that up!  I am excited to see everyone and I just know the time will fly by!

Then on Monday I start my new job!! Please continue to pray for me in the next few weeks of my life... as always... I will need it!!

Two Weeks!!!

I put in my two week notice at Cbeyond yesterday!!  How exited was I!! Don't get me wrong... I had many excellent opportunities there and met some extremely amazing people however I have been ready to move on for quite some time.  And, I think I will be in a job that I will love!

I have been hired on full time at North Point Ministries as a Customer Technology Liaison.  I will be working I.T. related issues (i.e. fixing computers, working ont he network, etc) however my main job functions will be project management and contractor management.  I have never managed anyone before and I have been giving this awesome opportunity to get my hands dirty in a new way!  I am so excited to start the new job.  Keep up with updates here!!

New Place!!

While we are on the subject of Angela... I thought I would show you my new place!!  Well, at leas the view from the deck of the new place!!

Check out the pictures!!

Ok, I am all moved in and loving it!  I can't believe the difference between here and my last place.  You know how sometimes you don't realize how bad things are until you step away from the situation.  Yea, I thought I knew how bad it was living at the Heights At Lenox (i.e.. hell) however its even more understandable now!  

I praise God every day that I am able to stay here for however long He lets me!!

Angela's Birthday Party

So, here was one of the many events that I have attended in the past couple of weeks.  I should have taken these off my camera a while back however just never seemed to find the time.

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY ANGELA!!

We had a blast hanging out and eating tapas for Angela's birthday.  We went to the same restaurant I had gone to for my birthday (however the name is escaping me right now) but it was ooooohhh so fun!

Check out the pictures!!

Lonnnng time!!

So, it has been forever.  Yes, this I know.  And today I am about to create a few posts to inform you as to why it has been so long.  I could have put them all in one post, however it would be much harder to label.  LOL!