I am moving to Phoenix asap!
About this time every yeat I remember why I strongly dislike winter. I hate being cold. That is it, there is nothing more.
But I don’t want to just leave my family, friends, or even KU. So everyone needs to pack their stuff. We will leave as soon as class is over tomorrow. We will have a lot of moving to do since I would like to take all of KU (campus included) with me. I would also like to merge the cities of Lawrence, Kansas City, and Hesston and take them with us. This is a win-win situation for me because I would then eliminate the torn feeling. (In case you are unfamiliar with the torn feeling, it is that feeling that happens when your heart is never completely with you---it gets left in several places. It isn’t that you are unhappy, it is just that no matter where you are, you are missing someone.)
But before we start Google Earth-ing apartments in Phoenix, let’s stop and think about why Kansas winter might not be so bad. *thinking*
Let's shoot to leave at 5.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
Fun Days: Living Life
Friday was fun. I ate supper at Ingredient with Leah. Our times of honesty, grace, and truth are always encouraging. Then I went to KC and went out with one of my best friends Jessica. We went to the Cheesecake Factory. I love to be with her. I see her every weekend, but we don’t often get to be together just the two of us. After eating supper and walking around the plaza chasing a fire truck and a shopping trip to Target, we went to our friends’ house to see their new place. Then Jess took me home and put me to bed. I was tired from my fun day.
Saturday was fun. I woke up at 6:45 and got ready to watch Leah run the KC 1/2 marathon. I got to run with her miles 5 to 9. I love the racing atmosphere! Just being there and running a little made me want to train and run another one. After Leah finished (with a great time!) Micah, Jess, Jen and myself headed north for a day of fun at Worlds of Fun. We rode the ride, we saw the shows, we enjoyed the Halloween attractions! Oh, and we stood in line for 2 hours to see a haunted house. I know, ridiculous! But even standing in line seemed to be fun. I don’t know, may it was the fall air, or the fact that I wasn’t doing homework, or that I was with some of my favorite people, but everything seemed so awesome and fun! I was also happy to go home and go to sleep because I was tired from my fun day.
Today was fun. We went to the 11:00 service at Jacob’s Well. Micah lead worship and did fantastic as always. Tim spoke about what we are harboring in our hearts and how everything in our lives flow from what is in our hearts. Then I came back to Lawrence and Rachel was home. It was nice to see her. We talked for a few minutes and then Alicia came home! This was really exciting because usually Alicia isn’t home on Sundays. I took a nap because I was tired from all the fun. When I woke up, Rachel said that her parents were ordering us a pizza. We watched the Chief’s while we ate our pizza. I am not a huge football fan, but watching football and eating pizza just seemed to be right today. Oh, but I do care about KU football…oh and we won yesterday! Anyway, I got some homework done. Genevieve had a rough day in anatomy lab, but the good thing is that she is feeling better. Took a trip to Target with Alicia who I also love to be with. Then I came home and Rachel made some cookies. I guess what I am trying to say is that I am tired now from my fun day.
Saturday was fun. I woke up at 6:45 and got ready to watch Leah run the KC 1/2 marathon. I got to run with her miles 5 to 9. I love the racing atmosphere! Just being there and running a little made me want to train and run another one. After Leah finished (with a great time!) Micah, Jess, Jen and myself headed north for a day of fun at Worlds of Fun. We rode the ride, we saw the shows, we enjoyed the Halloween attractions! Oh, and we stood in line for 2 hours to see a haunted house. I know, ridiculous! But even standing in line seemed to be fun. I don’t know, may it was the fall air, or the fact that I wasn’t doing homework, or that I was with some of my favorite people, but everything seemed so awesome and fun! I was also happy to go home and go to sleep because I was tired from my fun day.
Today was fun. We went to the 11:00 service at Jacob’s Well. Micah lead worship and did fantastic as always. Tim spoke about what we are harboring in our hearts and how everything in our lives flow from what is in our hearts. Then I came back to Lawrence and Rachel was home. It was nice to see her. We talked for a few minutes and then Alicia came home! This was really exciting because usually Alicia isn’t home on Sundays. I took a nap because I was tired from all the fun. When I woke up, Rachel said that her parents were ordering us a pizza. We watched the Chief’s while we ate our pizza. I am not a huge football fan, but watching football and eating pizza just seemed to be right today. Oh, but I do care about KU football…oh and we won yesterday! Anyway, I got some homework done. Genevieve had a rough day in anatomy lab, but the good thing is that she is feeling better. Took a trip to Target with Alicia who I also love to be with. Then I came home and Rachel made some cookies. I guess what I am trying to say is that I am tired now from my fun day.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Friday in Speech Class: and Other Unrelated Thoughts
Something happened in my speech class today that got me thinking about when I first decided to come to KU. I should warn you that this story really has nothing to do with what I am thinking about but it still applies, sort of.
My speech teacher, who I must first say I really like. I think she and I will be friends after this semester because being friends with your teacher while they are your teacher is against the “student code.” Anyway, my teacher was talking about persuasion. She painted this scenario about how you and some of your friends are out on Mass St. tonight. You and your group decided to go to a movie and you really want to see the new romantic comedy and one of your friends wants to see the new sci-fi. What do you do to persuade your friend to see the movie you want? Some of the replies from the class were offer to pay for their ticket, buy them popcorn, or promise to see the sci-fi next time. She was pleased with these responses. Then she posed this question, “Would it ever be alright to lie to persuade someone?” The answer she got from the class of KU students…no.
At this moment I had a million thoughts rush to my head. Oh my goodness, they just said no, which means they believe in a standard of truth, but they would never admit that. And then my thoughts turned to this which is only slightly connected to the above story.
People have said that KU is not honoring to Christ. Sure there are a lot of things that happen here that are not, but there are also a lot of things that are. Today I was thinking of just a few random ones. So I will write an outline that would make my speech teacher proud of how pieces of KU are honoring to Chirst.
I. Campus itself is a reflection of Christ.
-There are times when I am walking to class when I look around and am blow over by the beauty around me. Beautiful building with details that are unnoticeable unless carefully observed, grass that is manicured with seasonal flowers and over 1,000 trees, sweet chimes flowing through campus from the Campanile, and hills that create lookout points and amazing calf muscles.
II. Truth is being sought out.
-Never have I ever seen so many people who are wanting to know and understand the world around them. Often, this quest is misguided and is looking for meaning through being a well-educated person. But nevertheless, people are seeking to know truth and understand what truth is.
-As a part of this truth seeking, many students are hungry for Christ. Some people are meeting Christ at KU, some are learning to follow Christ at KU, some are growing in Christ at KU. Those who are following Christ are being confirmed in their faith by seeing how Christ offers a much better story for their lives than what is going on around them.
III. We are broken.
-Sure, KU is known as a party school. (side note: we did not make it on to the top 20 party school in the US this year for the first time in over 25 years. We should have a party to celebrate...wait, i mean...) Students here have problems and sin in their lives. But most of these problems could be solved with Christ’s love, a 12-step program, and rehab.
-I sound like I am making light of the partying, which I was in jest, but really it is not something that should be made light of. However, students here do have one thing right. They admit that it is a problem. And in this honestly with our sin and problems is where I think KU may be ahead of some of our churchs and Christian institutions.
I warned you my thoughts might not flow together.
KU needs Jesus and grace. The Church needs Jesus and grace. The end.
My speech teacher, who I must first say I really like. I think she and I will be friends after this semester because being friends with your teacher while they are your teacher is against the “student code.” Anyway, my teacher was talking about persuasion. She painted this scenario about how you and some of your friends are out on Mass St. tonight. You and your group decided to go to a movie and you really want to see the new romantic comedy and one of your friends wants to see the new sci-fi. What do you do to persuade your friend to see the movie you want? Some of the replies from the class were offer to pay for their ticket, buy them popcorn, or promise to see the sci-fi next time. She was pleased with these responses. Then she posed this question, “Would it ever be alright to lie to persuade someone?” The answer she got from the class of KU students…no.
At this moment I had a million thoughts rush to my head. Oh my goodness, they just said no, which means they believe in a standard of truth, but they would never admit that. And then my thoughts turned to this which is only slightly connected to the above story.
People have said that KU is not honoring to Christ. Sure there are a lot of things that happen here that are not, but there are also a lot of things that are. Today I was thinking of just a few random ones. So I will write an outline that would make my speech teacher proud of how pieces of KU are honoring to Chirst.
I. Campus itself is a reflection of Christ.
-There are times when I am walking to class when I look around and am blow over by the beauty around me. Beautiful building with details that are unnoticeable unless carefully observed, grass that is manicured with seasonal flowers and over 1,000 trees, sweet chimes flowing through campus from the Campanile, and hills that create lookout points and amazing calf muscles.
II. Truth is being sought out.
-Never have I ever seen so many people who are wanting to know and understand the world around them. Often, this quest is misguided and is looking for meaning through being a well-educated person. But nevertheless, people are seeking to know truth and understand what truth is.
-As a part of this truth seeking, many students are hungry for Christ. Some people are meeting Christ at KU, some are learning to follow Christ at KU, some are growing in Christ at KU. Those who are following Christ are being confirmed in their faith by seeing how Christ offers a much better story for their lives than what is going on around them.
III. We are broken.
-Sure, KU is known as a party school. (side note: we did not make it on to the top 20 party school in the US this year for the first time in over 25 years. We should have a party to celebrate...wait, i mean...) Students here have problems and sin in their lives. But most of these problems could be solved with Christ’s love, a 12-step program, and rehab.
-I sound like I am making light of the partying, which I was in jest, but really it is not something that should be made light of. However, students here do have one thing right. They admit that it is a problem. And in this honestly with our sin and problems is where I think KU may be ahead of some of our churchs and Christian institutions.
I warned you my thoughts might not flow together.
KU needs Jesus and grace. The Church needs Jesus and grace. The end.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Old Blog: Still Agree
i wrote this blog right after week 9 of camp this summer. it has been fun to go back and read it now looking back over the summer and as whole and this week in particular. this week we were in a pinch for co-cabin leaders and this is how fantastic it worked out.
August 5, 2007.
a FANTASTIC week with mom.
setting the stage. A 10:00am phone call on Monday morning went much differently than expected. I called my mom to get a phone number of another friend to see if she would be willing to come yet that day to volunteer cabin lead with me for the week. Cabin leading this particular week involved being responsible for the well-being and fun of 18 girls heading into the 8th grade. Mom said that our friend would be unable to come due to previous commitments, but then half sarcastically-half seriously suggested that she come. “Would I for sure get to be in your cabin?” “Yes, Mom, please come! (scream)! I want you to come so bad! Call me back as soon as you know!!!” This is when mom realized what she may have just gotten herself into. And in typical mom fashion, she quickly lists off everything that would need to happen to allow her to come.
1. Call Lori to see if she can do care plans.
2. Call dad to see if he can take care of Grandpa on Thursday.
3. Work until at least 2 today to set Lori up for care plans.
4. Have a momentary freak-out. Done.
Four things on the list, one already taken care of. Short list, yet I have a sick feeling in my stomach that she is not going to be able to make it. After I hung up the phone, I had to go to staff worship. Usually something I relish in, but I could not even sit still. I even cried two tears thinking about how disappointed I would be if she couldn’t come. Fast forward to 6:28pm. Mom gets to camp! This is the story of our FANTASTIC week.
F is for fun. My mom is fun. It does not matter that she is 46 years old. Sure there were times when she was not the cool one…but that‘s what I am here for! Sometimes she felt out of place when the official camp fun was taking place. But lets be real, official camp fun is more ridiculousness than actual “funness.” She tired to participate in the cha cha side and scream her head off to get the spirit stick. But when the actual fun came out was when she would go water sliding with the girls or let them play in the rain instead of having reflection. Those are memories that the girls will never forget and a reason this week was fun.
A is for abnormal. Cabin leaders do not get nights off…usually. I had asked my supervisor at the beginning of the summer if I could have Thursday, August 2 off to be able to go to the Fray concert which I had a ticket for from a previously scheduled then canceled show. Jen said she would love to make it work. Her plan was to hang out with my cabin throughout the week and get to know the girls. Then she would stay in the cabin and lead cabin time and put the babies to bed. Just so happens that three cabin leader girls got sick week 9 making it so that Jen is unable to stay with my cabin while I went to the Fray. I offered to stay and skip the show, but Jen said, “No, Kayra (no not a typo, she really calls me Kayra) I promised you a long time ago. We will make it work.” As it turns out making it work was trusting mom to stay with the girls by herself with little guidance due to unforeseen and unavoidable problems. But Mom was great with the girls in spite of a torrential downpour and uncooperative girls.
N is for nurturing. She is a mom. She brings a lot of experience to the table that is valuable for the girls to get in on. After all, she put up with me when I was that age. Thank the Lord. I don’t remember being like the girls were¾ she said I was. As if…whatever! (eye roll)
T is for testing. Week 9 Cabin 13 was the most difficult cabin I have had all summer. Some say the cabin is cursed, and after this week I have reason to believe them. Bad attitudes and disrespect were a constant battle. All Jr. High students test the limits at first to see what is actually expected. They are experiencing freedom for the first time and are unsure how to handle it, but these girls did more than test the limits. We failed cabin inspection on Wednesday--a girls cabin has never failed all summer--so we spent some quality time cleaning during free time that afternoon. After this incident the girls realized that we were not the only ones who expected them to behave. But the battle still raged on.
A is for accurate. This is not the first time mom has been noted for her accuracy. One word-- dodgeball.
S is for scheduled. “Here at YouthFront Camp West we pride ourselves on running a smooth program. This is only possible if you as Cabin Leaders have your kids at events ontimeearly (yeah, all one word).” Can we all just take a moment to realize what they are asking us? Eighteen thirteen-year-old girls out of the cabin before 7:50am...sure, done!
T is for timely. Since I believe that everything works together through Christ who is sovereign over all I should not be surprised. But thinking back over how the events of the summer panned out to bring me to a place where I needed my mom week 9, I am pleasantly surprised. After weeks of doing the same thing and facing the same problems time and time again, it is nice to have your mom around to get taken care of. She wrote all the Christmas cards for me. (don’t tell the campers we write them while they are still at camp. It would ruin the surprise.) She woke the girls up one day when it was definitely my turn. Small things like that make my role much more enjoyable.
I is for insane. Mom got to see me in my element, as she so sweetly put it. Dancing is one of my favorite things in the world and the great thing about Jr. High girls is that they think you are a great dancer even when you are far from that. She watched as I was Mrs. Incredible, Nightstrike Barbie, Grandma Betty, Beach Party Barbie, and Birthday Princess Barbie. What mom wouldn’t want to see her daughter make a complete fool of herself…all for the sake of Jesus of course! Haha. Oh and the constant screaming and dancing at Hype. I love all that stuff too, mom not so much.
C is for community. For me, the most meaningful thing that has resulted from Mom sending a week at camp with me is that she was able to see my community firsthand. I have talked to her a lot about the staff as a whole and about individual people. She was finally able to get a glimpse of what makes camp amazing. It is not the blobbing or hype or even the teaching, but it is the community that God has blessed me with.
closing statements. At 6:28pm Mom arrived at camp. At 11:07 on Saturday morning, Mom left camp. The time in between changed both of us. I have always said that camp messes with your head. I think Mom may agree now. It is a good mess though. God meets people at camp. God mends relationships at camp. God draws people closer together and closer to himself at camp. Mom and I have always had a unique relationship and this week proved that even more. I had the privilege of co-cabin leading with one of my best friends as well as my mom. At the end of the week the cabin leaders have evaluate their co’s. How did your co do in leading the campers? Fantastic.
August 5, 2007.
a FANTASTIC week with mom.
setting the stage. A 10:00am phone call on Monday morning went much differently than expected. I called my mom to get a phone number of another friend to see if she would be willing to come yet that day to volunteer cabin lead with me for the week. Cabin leading this particular week involved being responsible for the well-being and fun of 18 girls heading into the 8th grade. Mom said that our friend would be unable to come due to previous commitments, but then half sarcastically-half seriously suggested that she come. “Would I for sure get to be in your cabin?” “Yes, Mom, please come! (scream)! I want you to come so bad! Call me back as soon as you know!!!” This is when mom realized what she may have just gotten herself into. And in typical mom fashion, she quickly lists off everything that would need to happen to allow her to come.
1. Call Lori to see if she can do care plans.
2. Call dad to see if he can take care of Grandpa on Thursday.
3. Work until at least 2 today to set Lori up for care plans.
4. Have a momentary freak-out. Done.
Four things on the list, one already taken care of. Short list, yet I have a sick feeling in my stomach that she is not going to be able to make it. After I hung up the phone, I had to go to staff worship. Usually something I relish in, but I could not even sit still. I even cried two tears thinking about how disappointed I would be if she couldn’t come. Fast forward to 6:28pm. Mom gets to camp! This is the story of our FANTASTIC week.
F is for fun. My mom is fun. It does not matter that she is 46 years old. Sure there were times when she was not the cool one…but that‘s what I am here for! Sometimes she felt out of place when the official camp fun was taking place. But lets be real, official camp fun is more ridiculousness than actual “funness.” She tired to participate in the cha cha side and scream her head off to get the spirit stick. But when the actual fun came out was when she would go water sliding with the girls or let them play in the rain instead of having reflection. Those are memories that the girls will never forget and a reason this week was fun.
A is for abnormal. Cabin leaders do not get nights off…usually. I had asked my supervisor at the beginning of the summer if I could have Thursday, August 2 off to be able to go to the Fray concert which I had a ticket for from a previously scheduled then canceled show. Jen said she would love to make it work. Her plan was to hang out with my cabin throughout the week and get to know the girls. Then she would stay in the cabin and lead cabin time and put the babies to bed. Just so happens that three cabin leader girls got sick week 9 making it so that Jen is unable to stay with my cabin while I went to the Fray. I offered to stay and skip the show, but Jen said, “No, Kayra (no not a typo, she really calls me Kayra) I promised you a long time ago. We will make it work.” As it turns out making it work was trusting mom to stay with the girls by herself with little guidance due to unforeseen and unavoidable problems. But Mom was great with the girls in spite of a torrential downpour and uncooperative girls.
N is for nurturing. She is a mom. She brings a lot of experience to the table that is valuable for the girls to get in on. After all, she put up with me when I was that age. Thank the Lord. I don’t remember being like the girls were¾ she said I was. As if…whatever! (eye roll)
T is for testing. Week 9 Cabin 13 was the most difficult cabin I have had all summer. Some say the cabin is cursed, and after this week I have reason to believe them. Bad attitudes and disrespect were a constant battle. All Jr. High students test the limits at first to see what is actually expected. They are experiencing freedom for the first time and are unsure how to handle it, but these girls did more than test the limits. We failed cabin inspection on Wednesday--a girls cabin has never failed all summer--so we spent some quality time cleaning during free time that afternoon. After this incident the girls realized that we were not the only ones who expected them to behave. But the battle still raged on.
A is for accurate. This is not the first time mom has been noted for her accuracy. One word-- dodgeball.
S is for scheduled. “Here at YouthFront Camp West we pride ourselves on running a smooth program. This is only possible if you as Cabin Leaders have your kids at events ontimeearly (yeah, all one word).” Can we all just take a moment to realize what they are asking us? Eighteen thirteen-year-old girls out of the cabin before 7:50am...sure, done!
T is for timely. Since I believe that everything works together through Christ who is sovereign over all I should not be surprised. But thinking back over how the events of the summer panned out to bring me to a place where I needed my mom week 9, I am pleasantly surprised. After weeks of doing the same thing and facing the same problems time and time again, it is nice to have your mom around to get taken care of. She wrote all the Christmas cards for me. (don’t tell the campers we write them while they are still at camp. It would ruin the surprise.) She woke the girls up one day when it was definitely my turn. Small things like that make my role much more enjoyable.
I is for insane. Mom got to see me in my element, as she so sweetly put it. Dancing is one of my favorite things in the world and the great thing about Jr. High girls is that they think you are a great dancer even when you are far from that. She watched as I was Mrs. Incredible, Nightstrike Barbie, Grandma Betty, Beach Party Barbie, and Birthday Princess Barbie. What mom wouldn’t want to see her daughter make a complete fool of herself…all for the sake of Jesus of course! Haha. Oh and the constant screaming and dancing at Hype. I love all that stuff too, mom not so much.
C is for community. For me, the most meaningful thing that has resulted from Mom sending a week at camp with me is that she was able to see my community firsthand. I have talked to her a lot about the staff as a whole and about individual people. She was finally able to get a glimpse of what makes camp amazing. It is not the blobbing or hype or even the teaching, but it is the community that God has blessed me with.
closing statements. At 6:28pm Mom arrived at camp. At 11:07 on Saturday morning, Mom left camp. The time in between changed both of us. I have always said that camp messes with your head. I think Mom may agree now. It is a good mess though. God meets people at camp. God mends relationships at camp. God draws people closer together and closer to himself at camp. Mom and I have always had a unique relationship and this week proved that even more. I had the privilege of co-cabin leading with one of my best friends as well as my mom. At the end of the week the cabin leaders have evaluate their co’s. How did your co do in leading the campers? Fantastic.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
After the Final Rose: Kayla Tells All.
Deciding on the name of this blog was much harder than expected. I was torn between choosing a title that would reflect the more serious side of me, perhaps something more spiritual in nature. Or something that would reflect my unique personality, maybe something creative and witty.
I believe that everything is spiritual. Being a Christ follower is not a section of my life. I desire to be my life. It is impossible to separate the things that are considered spiritual from what is considered normal. So the unique mix of personality traits, and the randomness of my interests, and my style of writing all are spiritual. This began to solve the dilemma of naming my blog.
I decided to name it After the Final Rose after the ABC reality TV show The Bachelor which I faithfully watch. I have wanted my own reality TV show for some time. It would be riveting television--drama, hilarity, and some pretty dynamic characters.
You are probably confused now about why I was worried about spiritual things and then named my blog After the Final Rose. My life is not something that I have to categorize as spiritual and normal. Everything fits into the spiritual category. The drama, the fun, everything.
Welcome to the sneak peak of my show. God is writing the story and I am excited to see what happen.
I believe that everything is spiritual. Being a Christ follower is not a section of my life. I desire to be my life. It is impossible to separate the things that are considered spiritual from what is considered normal. So the unique mix of personality traits, and the randomness of my interests, and my style of writing all are spiritual. This began to solve the dilemma of naming my blog.
I decided to name it After the Final Rose after the ABC reality TV show The Bachelor which I faithfully watch. I have wanted my own reality TV show for some time. It would be riveting television--drama, hilarity, and some pretty dynamic characters.
You are probably confused now about why I was worried about spiritual things and then named my blog After the Final Rose. My life is not something that I have to categorize as spiritual and normal. Everything fits into the spiritual category. The drama, the fun, everything.
Welcome to the sneak peak of my show. God is writing the story and I am excited to see what happen.
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