I've been thinking a lot lately about a conversation I had with one of my friends. We were talking about being real and how you first have to come to the place where you are content with who God made you to be. I think a lot of times we are better at being someone else than we are at being ourselves. We think we know who people expect us to be, so we become that person, when really all people want is for us to be ourselves. I've learned that it's much more relaxing to just be who you are, and when you are genuine, that gives the people around you the freedom to be themselves, too. I was listening to this song, and I thought about how true it really is. So here it is -- something for you to think about.

STAINED GLASS MASQUERADE

Is there anyone that fails? Is there anyone that falls?

Am I the only one in church today, feelin' so small?

'Cause when I take a look around, everybody seems so strong; I know they'll soon discover that I don't belong.

So I tuck it all away, like everything's okay; if I make them all believe it, maybe I'll believe it, too. So, with a painted grin, I play the part again, so everyone will see me the way that I see them.

Are we happy plastic people, under shiny plastic steeples; with walls around our weakness, smiles to hide our pain?

But if the invitation's open to every heart that has been broken, maybe then we'll close the curtain on our stained glass masquerade.

Is there anyone who's been there? Are there any hands to raise?

Am I the only one who's traded in the altar for a stage?

The performance is convincing, and we know every line by heart; only when no one is watching, can we really fall apart.

But would it set me free, if I dared to let you see the truth behind the person that you imagine me to be?

Would your arms be open, or would you walk away? Would the love of Jesus be enough to make you stay???

Did you know that the coldest possible temperature is -459 degrees Farenheit? I was studying for my Chemistry class that starts next week, and came across that fact. At that incredibly cold temperature, molecules are not even MOVING anymore! Ok - enough of that. These are just some random pictures that I thought were worth sharing. :) First we have a picture taken this morning, after the snow we had ALL weekend. :(

Next we have my sis and I - attempting to entertain ourselves on an otherwise dull trip to Indiana!

And here we have a giant gumball I saw in a candy store -sometimes I wish I had bought it for some of my students who like to talk a bit too much! Just kidding! :)

This was taken on one of our many shopping excursions. And no, we don't have an obsession with Ritz Toasted Chips - we just thought it would make a unique background! :)

And last but certainly not least, well . . . I believe this picture deserves an explanation. We went to the toy aisle (obviously!) :) and chose a toy that was an expression of ourselves. It was rather interesting! :)

I wish all of you a blessed 2009!!

sharri, andrea, rhoda - this one's for you!!!

One Heartbeat At A Time

 ~ Steven Curtis Chapman

You're up all night with a screaming baby

You run all day at the speed of light

And every day you feel a little bit less

Like the beautiful woman you are

So you fall in bed when you run out of hours

And you wonder if anything worth

doing got done

Well maybe you just don't know

Or maybe you've forgotten

That you, you are changing the world

One little heartbeat at a time

Making history with every touch and

every smile

Oh you, you may not see it now

But I believe that time will tell

How you, you are changing the world

One little heartbeat at a time.

With every, "I know you can do it"

And every tear that you kiss away

So many little things that seem

to go unnoticed

They're just like the drops of rain

Over time, they become a river.

I believe that you, you are changing the world

One little heartbeat at a time.

well, people, this is officially my last "jamaican" update. i'm going home on wednesday, so if you think about me, please pray for me. it is going to be so incredibly hard to leave this place and these kids. but, God does all things well and right now He wants me to go home. i'm going to be teaching school as soon as i get home, so you can pray about that, too. :) that will be an interesting experience for me, as i've never done it before. but anyway. i thought i would post some pictures of these dear people who i will miss so much!!!

how can you resist that face?? :)

hannah, i thought you might like this one. :)

all dressed up and ready for school!

aww...how precious. :)

and these pictures are from my last friday night. i'm going to miss you guys so much!! thanks for all the fun times, the laughs, :) and for listening. y'all are the best! trina

andrea

rhoda

i love you guys!!!!

hi everyone! i sit here thinking that in 3.5 weeks, i will be on my way home. it brings thoughts of joy and much sadness to think of leaving all of this behind. but for now, i'm going to focus on today, and share some pictures of the adorable children who make up my world. :)

we went picking limes the other day, and so we had to taste them. i just love the expressions on their faces!! :)

this is a little boy from blossom. he's so sweet and full of energy and just loves life, and i just love him!

hannah, this one is for you. see that sad face? that's how much he misses you!!!! 

and in case you ever wonder if i get bored, well.....just take a look at this. :)

this little princess was 6 months old on wednesday.

i think she has the most beautiful feet in the world.

and there were a few times where she was not impressed. :)

hannah, i miss you soooo much!!! love you girl!!

and another beautiful, amazing sunset.