The Friend Who Saw it All

This is my partner in crime throughout the year (well only for the last half since it was a graduation present). But it is the Robin to my Batman, the Pinky to my Brain, the Sheep to my Moses... ok enough of that but seriously, it has been a good journey friend.

P.S. I still have don't have a name for my camera. Suggestions? (and the first time I've asked for audience feedback. This is fun).

Wonderful

I consider myself a very fortunate person because I have a lot of amazing friends. Many of them have been featured throughout this blog and as it comes to an end (and naturally I become all sentimental) I once again realize how much God has blessed me over the past year.

When I was asked to go back to FUI (Fresno Urban Internship) I was very taken aback, the whole thing had come by surprise. I had already faced a lot of rejection of other internships and positions I had wanted so to be basically handed this was weird. I had never planned to return to Fresno - I even told everyone I went on the project with that I would only go once, that was all God wanted of me. But exactly one year ago - at Urbana I felt God call me to go back to Fresno. So many things happened while I was there that I never would have predicted but what I was most blessed with was a new and important friendship in my life.

I never expected to be such good friends with Sol past FUI. Not at first. Only when we realized how similar we were and how we faced very similar things in life, did we bond like atoms. Her friendship help get me through the hardships I faced during the summer. She sat and listened as I verbally vomited all over her but also wouldn't let me settle in it.

So today I celebrate her birthday and the awesomeness that she is while also remembering how far God has brought me in a single year.

Snow Capped Mountains

One of the many benefits to the mass amounts of rain California experienced last week is now our mountains have snow on them. This barely captures the awesomeness that was this site.

Candle Light Service

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne on over his kingdom establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this."

Isaiah 9:2-7

Christmas Explosion

This is just a taste of the insanity that is my Mom's house. As you can see, our house is a Christmas explosion. But the stockings that you see - are some of my favorite items in the house because we've had them since I was born. Also, there are no regular ornaments on the tree - no bulbs that you buy in bulk, no each one was hand picked every year that I have been alive - from the baby blue one for my first Christmas (my mom thought I was going to be a boy) to the 'Smore-Man to the chalkboard to signify that I am going to be a teacher.

Beers of the World

This was my birthday present from Sarah Henry. Needless to say my bags are packed for this awesome adventure. Ten countries, ten new beers to try, seriously greatest present ever.

Around the World

Dylan successfully completed his Around the World Challenge. That meant that he drank 40 beers from around the world in less than a year. I don't know if that's impressive or just kind of sad. Maybe a little bit of both - but that's a lot of beer my friends. I am currently trying it but will probably succumb to the fact that I like my beers and don't venture far out from my favorites.

Santa Maria High School

This is where I will be commuting to for the next two and a half months to do my student teaching. 60 miles everyday roundtrip. I will spend more on gas than I do on rent, probably.

I am really excited though - it is out of my comfort zone and a cross-cultural experience but I love those (you don't do FUI twice and not love cross-cultrual experiences). I think I need to get a SMHS sweatshirt to rock.

Etch-A-Sketch

So the oldest daughter that I live with drew this on the Etch-a-Sketch. Seriously, this girl is talented. I can't believe it myself, this is legit stuff. I'm slightly jealous right now.

Flyers and Business Cards

Blog to come. Right now the wonderful people who want see my work come to this particular blog but soon I will be creating one specifically for my new on the side business.
Any logo suggestions?