Missing LMU Friends

My friend/old roomate Laura came down to Orange County from San Jose to visit last Friday. I was so excited to see her because I hadn't seen her since Malia and I had moved out of our L.A. apartment. The reunion was complete when my friend Allison drove down from L.A. to go to dinner with us and then go out afterwards. It was so fun to all be back together and catch up on each other's crazy lives (cause, you know, a lot can happen in 3 months). Malia and I are staying in Orange County, or as long as we know we are, Allison is living in L.A., and Laura is moving to Limerick, Ireland on August 31st to do a master's program over there at the University of Limerick. Luckily, since Jessica and I are going to Europe for a little over the month in October/November, I'll be able to visit Laura in Ireland since I'll already be over that way. I'm already getting excited.

The picture from left is Malia, Allison, Laura and I at another Hot N' Swayze performance in a friend's backyard.

There's No Place Like Home

Last Saturday the High School group returned from Hume Lake and let's just say it was the BEST homecoming EVER. Without going into too many details it was the most trying week for me, emotionally and spiritually, and I am so glad that it is over. Overall I learned that God has a plan in any circumstance and that I just need to give everything to Him, because I can't do anything on my own.

On a better note, while up at Hume I was able to hang out with my friend Jocey, who is working up at Hume this summer, and who recently signed on to work full-time up at Hume. Although I was so sad to hear that she wasn't going to be coming back to Tustin, I was more excited for her that she finally knows what she is going to be doing these next 3 years, and that God has opened these doors for her up at Hume. I have to admit I am somewhat jealous that (A) she has a job, and (B) she gets to work and live up at Hume Lake. We were even able to bike ride up to the house she'll be living in while working up at Hume.

I have to say that even though it was a tough week, the Lord truly blessed me with an amazing staff that was so encouraging and really lifted me up during a hard time. Jocey, Jessica, Alyssa, and Katelyn really encouraged me up at Hume while I struggled with my cabin. Mark Adair was also someone who really lifted me up when I wanted to go home and was in hysterics. I am completely grateful for these people who put a smile on my face when I was completely hopeless.

All I have to say is the LORD IS GOOD.

Here are some snapshots from the week.

My Cabin

My Small Group

High School Staff

My Best Friend, Jessica

My friend, Whitney, who is working up at Hume this summer

Together since Calvary: Alyssa, Jocey, Me, and Jess

My cabin on crazy spirit day!

My best friend, Jocey, who is working up at Hume indefinitely

My Cabin

Hume Lake

Alyssa and I leave for Hume Lake Christian Camp tomorrow morning with Calvary Church. We are both going to be counselors, and are super stoked about our cabins!! Alyssa has senior girls, most of whom go to Calvary Chapel, and it is pretty much the same group of girls she had last year. I, on the other hand, have a different group of girls than I have normally. I still have junior girls, but only four girls from my small group, along with 7 other junior girls. Since Jessica and I co-lead a small group of fifteen girls, there's no way we can all be together, especially when almost all of them signed up to go to Hume (which is AWESOME!). Unfortunately that means splitting up our small group, but I know the Lord has placed the girls in the cabins they should be in, there is no doubt in mind mind about that. My prayer is that these girls grow closer to the Lord and continue to love him with all their hearts.

The theme this year is "Rise of the Kinematics". Kinematics is the study of motion without regard to its cause. The theme's goal is to give cause to Christian experience and action. Brent Eldridge is our speaking and he will be discussing the topics of God, Man, Christ, Justification, Discipleship, and Scripture. The overall goal is that students walk away from camp with an understanding of these foundational principles of the Christian faith. The root scripture for the summer will be 2 Timothy 4:1-5. Be praying that the students from Calvary Church will open their hearts, become broken, and be prepared for the Lord to work in their lives.

Also, please pray that God will give me strength to keep up with these high school students and the patience and diligence to really pour into them spiritually and emotionally. Things can get pretty crazy up at camp and I know it is only the Lord who can give me the silence to listen and the right advice to offer. I know the Lord is going to do amazing things this week up at Hume!

If you want to email Alyssa or I up at Hume just go to http://www.humelake.org/content/yc_emailcamper.php. We absolutely LOVE getting mail!

Cutest Kids in the World

Tonight I babysat for five of the cutest kids in the world: brothers Jackson and Houston, and their cousins Max, Kate, and Avery. It was only my second time watching them and they are becoming two of my favorite families to sit for. Not only are the kids adorable, but they are so much fun as well. I have to give so much credit to their incredibly kind parents because their children are so well behaved and respectful. I always leave their house wanting to stay a little bit longer.

I brought my computer so that we could play around on the photo booth. It never fails-all the kids I babysit for just LOVE it! Here are some of the pics that crack me up.

Hot N' Swayze

On Sunday night my friend Colin's band, Hot N' Swayze, played at my friend Forrest's house. The night was quite an event with Forrest's youngest sister, Brooke, turning 13 years old and the numerous high school reunions going on throughout the night. The ages of the attendees ranged from about seven years old to probably close to the mid 50's and it really generated a feeling of family. The band raged on throughout the night, which included one of the most epic dance parties since Alyssa and my birthday party at Oceanside in early February. It was a great night, and Hot N' Swayze rocked it.

Fourth of July

So it's taken me awhile to post, but here I am nonetheless. I spent another Fourth of July in Oceanside and it definitely was worth it. My best friend from LMU, Allison, came down to Oceanside, as well as my old neighbor, Sean, who brought his girlfriend, sister, and good friend along. Alyssa also had some good friends from PLNU come up from San Diego, so it was a good group of people. In addition to our friends, our entire family was there, as well as the Journigan family. We had a lot of fun swimming, bike riding, playing paddle ball, throwing the football and frisbee, and of course tanning all day. Unfortunately the fog settled in when it got dark, which kept us from seeing any fireworks, and believe me my Mom was upset- it's her favorite part! Luckily my Dad is taking her to Disneyland so she can get her fireworks fix. What a great guy!

This is Allison, Mason, and I.

Alyssa and I (and somehow Mason crept in...)

Doing what I do best...

Hanging Out: Mason, Alyssa, Anthony, Trevor, Allison and I.

THE WHOLE GANG (you can really tell how foggy it got in this picture).

Countdown to the 4th

One of my most favorite family traditions is going down to our beach house in Oceanside and spending the fourth of July with extended family and close friends. This year the tradition lives on with some new friends. I'm so excited to celebrate this momentous holiday with such great people!

Here are some pictures from past Fourth of July's....enjoy!