It's a long way to the top... but an almost longer way down.

So for the past week, I've been in Denver, Colorado. Fascinating, I know. I was there for my mission trip of the summer. This is going to be my most "what I've done today"-ish post so far, and it's going to be long... just to warn you. And don't feel like you have to read it. Because you might not want to, and it might be a total waste of your time. Anyway, I'm going to start now.

Sunday was an all-around great day, actually. Stephen and Joy were in town, an old friend (Josh, whom I hadn't seen in practically forever) was at church, and after morning services, I, along with my fellow teens (Jason, Sarah, Steven, Paul, Melissa, Ana, and Kelly) left for the beautiful state of Colorado. We drove for most of the day. All eight of us cramped in Kelly's suburban got kinda irritating after a while, but we made it there alive. That night, we stayed at the lovely and luxurious Super 8 Motel. Once we checked in, we left to go to Casa Bonita. Yummy food, but let me tell ya, you better be really hungry and willing to pay $9 just to get in for it to really be worth it. I was fine with it, but there was some grumbling at first that I could've lived without. But it was all gravy in the end. We had fun, and Sarah scared the crap out of Kelly and me in the cave thing that said "Do Not Enter." I knew we shouldn't have entered. Then we went back to the motel and I slept on the floor. That was comfy, I have to say. I'm sure it was much better than Melissa's bed, at least. (Heehee!)

On Monday morning, we woke up and had to pick up Chris at the airport. We thought we had plenty of time. Thought was the key word there. Kelly was smart and called to make sure his flight was on time and everything, and we found out that he was arriving in about fifteen minutes and we had a forty-five minute drive to get there. So we picked him up, a little late, but we still made it. Then we drove to the Lakewood Church of Christ, which is where the real adventure began. We got there, met people (Nikki and Robbie -- two of the head people of Dry Bones -- Tricia and my "twin," Emily -- two of the interns -- and Nick... Nick is flippin awesome... and also Andrew, Weston, and Mary Lou, the other three people who were in our group), had orientation and divided into crews (I was one of the two crew leaders), then packed our backpacks for the mountain climbing. Once we were packed, we ate lunch, then loaded the suburbans and headed to the mountain. That afternoon, we hiked to low camp. We just were hanging out there the rest of the day, had a devo with a campfire that Nick built, Sarah, Jason, and I had a toothbrushing party, umm... yeah. That might be about all we really did.

Tuesday, they woke us up about 6. We had breakfast, then packed up our tents and everything else and hiked till about the middle of the afternoon when we got to high camp. More hanging out at high camp, then another devo with another campfire, another toothbrushing party, more hanging out, then went to bed.

Wednesday was "Summit Day." I bet you can guess what that means... yeah, we hiked to the summit of a mountain. It wasn't the easiest hike, mostly because of the rocks and it was kinda steep on the way up... but it was totally and completely worth it. The view was just... wow. There really aren't many words to describe it. We were just around on the summit for a while, taking pictures, resting, soaking in God's beauty. Then we all got in a circle and sang. I almost started crying while we were singing. We sang "We Shall Assemble" (great choice by Jason) and "How Great Thou Art" (great choice by Nikki). Then Robbie had us all turn around and look out in front of ourselves in silence for a minute. We all turned back around and prayed. As we were praying... oh, man, it was so cool... I was just looking around some more, and in the distance, I could see dark clouds. I could see the rain falling on other mountains. It just was like a sheet of gray from where I was standing. Maybe I didn't describe that very well... But it was seriously freaking cool. Because of the rain and the fact that if we got stuck up there with a thunderstorm it would be really really bad and we probably all would've died, we had to go a lot quicker down the mountain than we had come up. Going down was so much harder than up... no motivation of seeing something so awesome and amazing (just the motivation of not getting struck by lightning) and my feet were all pushed to the front of my boots and it hurt really bad to go down. That, and I needed a chiropractor almost more than I ever have by that point. We made it down into the trees before it started raining, so we were okay. Then we got back to high camp and rested till dinner time. One last devo on a mountain with a huge campfire, compliments of Nick, one last toothbrushing party on a mountain, hanging out in a cool circle, then we went to bed.

Thursday was the busiest day. We hiked all the way down from high camp to the suburbans (I was about to cry because my back hurt so badly), drove back into town, had lunch, then had another orientation thing and met the other people (Matt -- Nikki's husband and the third out of three head people -- Reb, Brandon, and Brian -- the other interns), then had a "turf tour," then hung out at the pool hall for two hours, then handed out food, then got dinner, then went back to the church. Then I could finally take a shower. Oh man, it was so nice... I hadn't been able to take a shower since Monday morning and it was absolutely disgusting. Anyway. The turf tour... that was when they took us all around Denver. They showed us where the kids we would be working with slept, hung out, did their drugs (I will never look at a Reese's Cup wrapper the same), and just other things. The thing that got me the most, though... they took us into a tunnel. It was like a sewage tunnel or something, I'm really not sure. Before we went in, they told us that if we were scared of the dark, it was going to be pitch black. Okay. I do not like the dark. At all. So at the beginning I was kinda freaking out. Then Brian said something about there would probably be spiders. Yeah. My other big fear. I was pretty dang scared. I really don't get all that scared all that easily, either. So we went in in a single file line, and we had to like waddle because there was a stream of ickiness we did not want to step in going down the middle. As we went deeper into the tunnel, it got darker. The intern in the lead had a light, everyone else was just following her (I think it was Emily in the front). I started freaking out really badly and was crying a little (I told you I hate the dark), so Brandon had a flashlight thing on his keychain that he gave me. It helped a little, I could at least see where I was stepping. But it was still very dark and I was still terrified. So then we got to where we stopped. Brandon told us he was going to turn off the flashlights and it was going to be completely dark. He made sure we were okay with that and told Sarah and me that if we needed him to turn the light back on, he would. He turned it off... I was crying by this point. Just barely, but I still was. Then Brandon started talking. He told us about how some kids sleep in there... about how that darkness was like the darkness in their lives without Christ, and some more stuff. That made me cry even more, just everything he was saying. Then we sang "Here I Am To Worship," or at least I tried to. It's not the easiest thing to do, sing while you're crying (I swear, I really don't cry very much... but this post is really making it seem like I do). After the song, we prayed. He then handed me his flashlight keychain again, and we all headed back to the opening. That was the most moving part of the whole day, maybe even my whole trip. After that, we went to some huge camping store (R.E.I.) and the Starbucks that was attatched (yeah, I'm pregnant... haha, nevermind) and were hanging out there until it was time to go to Shakespeare's, the pool hall. Played pool, played Spades, then left. Handed out food, played tag with Cheeto, Wes, Andrew, Paul, Melissa, kinda Emily, and kinda Steven. Went to Wendy's for dinner, went back to the church, and slept.

Friday, we got up, had breakfast, I straightened my hair for like the third time ever, we had a morning devo thing, then packed backpacks of food so we could have a "picnic." It's illegal to hand out food in Denver, so we took enough for all of us and for other people to eat and had a picnic. We just hung out at the park for all of the afternoon. Well, my crew did, the other crew went and saw Mr. and Mrs. Smith with some of the kids. It was really fun. After the park, we went back to the church, unpacked the backpacks, then had a free night. We went to a restaurant called Red Robin's for dinner, then rented The Count of Monte Cristo. I liked that movie quite a bit, but Sarah hated it. I think she was one of the very few people from our group who didn't like it.

Saturday was our last day. The morning routine was the same. My crew took some of the kids to see Bewitched. It was soo great! Emily said she could hear Sarah and me laughing, and we were all the way at the back, while she was towards the middle. After hanging out at the park for a little bit longer after the movie, we went to the Denver Diner and ate dinner. We then said goodbye to Nick (very sad... I love how he liked me and Sarah so much!) and headed back to the church, where we had one last devo thing. Paul cried while he was talking about what all he learned... it made my respect for him go up. (Too bad he made it drop again in the car on the way back home, just because he can be really stupid and immature.) Then we got our awesome Dry Bones t-shirts, exchanged e-mail addresses and screen names, said goodbye, talked for longer, said goodbye again, got in the car, said goodbye again, then actually left. We were going to stay the night in the same Super 8, but Chris and Kelly decided to drive back Saturday night. We got back into town about 4:00 Sunday morning, then got to Kelly's about 5:00. We went to sleep, woke up late for church, and went to church. My mission trip was done. I was very very sad about it being done. It was kinda ironic, because I didn't even really wanna go too much at first. I miss everyone there and almost wish I could've stayed longer.

I really did learn a lot on that trip. I feel different, but I'm not exactly sure how. I might seriously consider an internship there some summer, though. I dunno. All I know right now is that I'm exhausted and need to go to sleep. So ta ta for now!

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in my life

As I've been re-reading the fifth Harry Potter book for the fourth time (maybe fifth... I don't even really remember anymore), I have come up with an interesting connection.

My mother is quite a bit (and by quite a bit, I mean a lot, and it's kinda scary how much) like Dolores Umbridge. (Thank God she doesn't have a "special" quill for when I do things wrong. And also that she is not my teacher and/or headmistress and/or High Inquisitor.)

That is all.

Part two? Kinda short, but I'm tired, so deal with it.

On his way to the phone, Steve was praying.
“God, I know I haven't really talked to you in a long time. I guess I'm sorry for that. But if this is your way of trying to bring me back, I don't like it. In fact, it may even push me away. Hurting the person that means the most in the world to me is not going to make me start going to church or anything again. Just... whatever you do... please help Kate to get better. Please...”
Then he, too, felt a tear make its way down his face.

Ten minutes later, Steve made his way back to where Haley was waiting for him. As he plopped down next to her, she asked about her parents, who were on a cruise at the time.
“Did you talk to them?”
“Yeah, they’re getting off the boat at the next stop and catching the soonest flight home.”
“How did they take the news?” Haley asked, even though she knew what their responses would have been.
“Well... your mom started crying and had to give the phone to your dad. He didn’t have much emotion in his voice, mostly from shock or something, I guess.” As he looked at her, she knew what his next question was, just by the look on his face. “And how are you doing, Haley? Seriously... how are you?”
Haley was tempted to lose it there and then, but she couldn’t let herself. Her restrained response was, “Bad,” and he didn’t push her any further. She then scooted closer so she could lay her head on his shoulder. As he put his arm around her and began to play with her hair, he had to fight the tears that wanted to come. He knew she was having to do the same.

Hey, hey, look-ee here!

So... I know you all have been anxiously awaiting more of the story... haha... at least Sarah has, and that makes me feel special. And... well...

That's too bad.

Hahahahahahahaha! I crack myself up sometimes. But seriously. I don't feel I should write anymore at the moment... it wouldn't be "top quality;" I'm running on 3-ish hours of sleep, three energy drinks, some Dr Pepper, some Mt Dew, popsicles, and... that might be it. I don't even remember what all anymore, and that just might be bad. I will write something, though.

It's that time of the summer... the time everyone always looks forward to... oh yes. I'm talking about Vacation Bible School!!!!! Ours starts tomorrow. I'm really excited, actually. I'm in a couple skits and may be helping out with more. The past two years, I've been one of the games people. They switched things up a little this year, though. The teens (all like five of us) were going to have a class of our own this year. It would've been the first time since I was like six to actually be in VBS, which could have been pretty cool. Maybe. But no matter how cool our intern, Jason, could have made it be... I would totally rather be outside playing crazy games with even crazier little kids. I don't know for sure what I'm doing now, because yesterday, Jason said we probably wouldn't do the class for us. Hopefully, I'll get to actually do something with the kids, though.

I love kids. I don't know, I just do. And personally, I can't see how some people just don't. Last Tuesday and Thursday, I babysat an almost two-year-old for all day. I'm doing it again this coming Tuesday, too. And I've absolutely loved it. I've gotten to catch up on my Nick Jr. shows (that Lazytown one is kinda weird, but I want pink hair like Stephanie's!). I have watched more Dora the Explorer in the past week than I ever had before in my life (that show was coming out about the time my brother stopped watching those shows...). I sang and danced with Joe on Blue's Clues. I rocked a completely-worn-out-from-playing-so-much little girl to sleep, trying not to fall asleep myself. I even changed diapers. But honestly, I have enjoyed every minute of it.

On Thursday night, I went to a devo with some kids (not little ones like I've been talking about, haha, ones my age) from another Church of Christ in town. I wasn't really expecting to have too much fun... Jason and I were the only two that went from my church, and I don't have many really good friends at Central. But it was so good. I had a ton of fun. The point of this, though, was that we talked about kids, since VBS is coming up and all. And one thing that Rob was talking about was how most of us probably didn't particularly like kids or whatever because they could be annoying or just don't know as much as us or lots of other stuff. I almost laughed out loud. I mean, seriously. One of my best friends is five. I have more in common with a five-year-old than I do with half my friends at school. Maybe that just means I'm really immature. Or maybe not, I'm really not sure. Actually, I'm pretty sure that I'm pretty dang immature in some aspects, but whatever. Kids don't really annoy me that much. Unless it's my brother. And the only reason I don't like him is because he annoys me on purpose. We've talked about this before, actually. I told him one day that if he wasn't obnoxious and wouldn't do things he knows I hate on purpose just to bug me, we would get along great. And his response was, "Yeah, I know." And I was like, "Then why do you do it?!" He didn't know. Silly boy.

Kids are just great. I want to be a mom so bad. I really don't see myself doing anything else, except maybe writing (since Mr. Schneider really thinks I should). Sure, I'll go to college and get a degree, but maybe mostly to find a husband. Then, I'll write children's books for my job. Sara Beth already said she'd be my publisher, so I'm all set! I'll write from home so I can be a stay-at-home mom (I'm using those little dash things a lot tonight... oh well), and I'll test my stories out on my own kids... it'll be great. Basically, I love kids. I just do. And I can't wait to have my own.

Maybe I'll be a copy cat...

So okay. Everyone practically loves Christa's story (and if they don't, I will punch them in the face), and I want my blog to be just as interesting. So. What I'm going to put in here is the beginning to one of my two Understanding the Times finals. After the first little bit, I'll change it, because I don't necessarily want it to be about different world views. I really don't know where it's gonna go. But here's the first part.

“Steve... Steve, it’s Haley.”
“Haley, what’s wrong? Baby, you sound really upset. What is it?”
“It’s Kate... she’s been in a... horrible accident.”
“Where are you?”
“Mercy Hospital. Steve, I--”
“Stay there. I’ll be there in five minutes.”
Upon hanging up the pay phone, Haley slid down the side of the phone booth. She had been in the hospital, but it was too much to bear. Nothing like this had ever happened. Haley didn’t know how to cope; she wasn’t sure if she could. She was trapped in a glass case of emotion, but she couldn’t go anywhere. Hopefully Steve would speed. She needed him now more than ever.

Steve had never heard Haley this upset. But how could she not be devastated? Kate wasn’t only her twin sister, she was her best friend. He was praying there were no cops around to catch him going twenty over the posted speed limit.
When he arrived at the hospital, he decided to drive around first, just to check if his girlfriend was outside. He spotted her almost immediately. The sight crushed him: her crumpled form looking helpless inside the telephone booth, trying not to break down, even though the tears behind her eyes were obvious.
Steve parked his car, got out, and walked toward Haley. He was about to cry himself. He peered at her through the glass; he then opened the door and gently pulled her out. He led her to a nearby bench where they sat, cradling each other in their arms.
“It’s okay... I’m here now.”
And with that, she let down all her defenses and cried.

A release had never felt so good to Haley. She needed to just cry for hours. Her twin, her best friend, in critical condition, all because of a man who had fallen asleep at the wheel. She hadn’t yet told Steve what had happened, but she couldn’t bring herself to say it out loud. It felt as if she actually said it, then it would have to be true. She wasn’t going to admit it. She couldn’t let herself believe it. It was all just a bad dream.
Slowly, she sat upright, looking at Steve with tears still flowing down her cheeks. The way he looked back at her was almost enough to make her feel better. Unfortunately, it wasn’t quite enough.
“Okay... let’s go in now,” she said, almost hesitantly.
“You sure?” Steve looked worried.
“Yes... let’s at least go to the waiting room. I can call Mom and Dad from there.”
They stood up and walked hand in hand to the hospital. When they entered the lobby, Haley let out a broken sigh, but she refused to cry anymore. She was always the tough one. Now wasn’t the time to go soft, no matter how badly she wanted to.
Steve led her into the waiting room and sat next to her on an open couch. She wanted to tell him how much she cared about him and how thankful she was for this; she just couldn’t find the words.
“You stay here,” he told her. “I’ll go call your parents.”

Okay, okay... if you caught it, I'm proud of you. But I couldn't not put the Anchorman thing in there. I mean, seriously. That movie is just amazing. Anyway... hope you like it...?

Home...

I'm finally home... what a relief. Sure, seeing old friends on a very busy vacation can be fun... but when school has been out for twelve days now and I'm still exhausted from finals week, it means that vacation was just too much too quick. We were on the go the whole stinkin time. And I almost killed my family. But that's not the point.

The point is, I'm home. And it's wonderful. I know, I know... I complain about it here all the time. Haha, and within the first thirty minutes I was home and mom was yelling at me, I would've loved nothing more than to just leave my stupid house. But it's still home. Home is where the heart is, right? Being gone made me really realize that. It also made me think about how much my friends really mean to me. Poor Matt, Ben, and Abby... I'm sure they got sick of my talking about everyone so much! I think I feel most at home with my really good friends, though. Not so much with my family, which probably isn't too good... I'm supposed to be close to them, but I'm really just not. Things will probably get better between me and my family when I move out, or at least I hope they will, and when I don't have to see them every freaking day, and when they won't just annoy me to no end... Anyway. I think I'm pretty much rambling and want to go read Harry Potter, so I'll end this. I missed you all! And maybe I'll actually write more often, now that I'm home.