It's a white Christmas.

Let me lay out my surroundings for you before you read any further. First of all, it's Christmas Eve, but that's not a surrounding, that's a fact. I'm currently sitting at a high, mahogany, dining-room table, on one of those comfy, black, luxurious seats. There is a beautiful, decorated Christmas tree with tinsel and lights that glisten in the evenings. As I look around the room I see three stockings hanging on the fire place, waiting to be filled with Santa's treats. I see presents wrapped, with bows and pretty paper, just waiting to be torn open come the morning. As I continue to gaze around my surroundings, I look out the glass-paned patio doors. This is where the real beauty comes. I see the white snow piling up as the sky lets more snow fall each day. The trampoline is some-what covered and weighed down by the huge amount of snow that has fallen on it. As for the volley-ball court, all you can see is the two wooden posts, and a limp net hanging from either end. In-front of the court, there's the foundations to a rather accidentally large wannabe igloo. As I look behind the court the trees stand high without a care in the world. The branches are laden with snow, yet you can still see some slight tinges of red and green. It really is a beautiful site, and I wish you could share it with me. Yes, YOU! I don't know where you are reading this from in the world, but I'm writing it from a beautiful home in Bracebridge, Canada. I am more than 3000 miles away from home, and yet I feel a slight peace about it. Yes, of course I miss my family, and I would have loved to spend my break from school back in Scotland, but that is not where God sent me to. 

I have been blessed with some of the most amazing friendships this year, ones I hope to never lose. I am so excited to be spending my break here in Canada, in this beautiful winter wonderland, with some of these friends. Some plans were changed as power left the homes of friends and family around the area, and yet, I still felt this constant sense of calmness. God has gifted me with a home to stay in, and three beautiful women to live with. I have gained yet another mother figure, and two younger sisters. As the three of us girls snuggled in my futon bed, we discussed the travel arrangements for the next couple of days. I reminded the girls a reminder that was not just for them, but for me too. We come together at Christmas to remember the significance of Christmas day. The day that God's redemption plan came into full-frontal GO. We use this time to remember the gift that God gave us, and also to spend time with family and friends. Whether you have to drive ten minutes, or 10 hours, it's still worth the travel, to share love with your family. God has given me this family to be mine for the break. I reminded them that yes, travelling sometimes isn't the ideal thing to do on holidays, but when you're travelling to spend time with loved ones, it's so totally worth it. Especially when other people around don't have family to spend it with. I suppose I was talking about myself here in a sense, yet I knew that these girls were my family too, and I am just so happy to be here. 

If I wasn't here there are a number of things I would not have been able to do:

1. Build an igloo

2. Have a white Christmas

3. Play in the snow

4. See close friends

5. Share my testimony to the girls

6. Spend time with the girls - hopefully as a good influence.

7. Adventure through Toronto

Lastly, I probably wouldn't have been able to appreciate what it is to find family out-with your own home.

Here's a few things I'm excited for this Christmas:
1. Waking up with the girls in the morning.

2. Spending Christmas in a beautiful country

3. Continuing to remember the grace God has for us, and how much He has changed my life.

4. Christmas carol service tonight.

5. Family time.

6. FOOD.

7. Giving to others.

My prayer for you this Christmas is that you not only enjoy yourself, and have fun with family and friends, but that you also remember the wonderful gift that God gave us. He sent Jesus Christ as a real man, so that YOU could be saved. 

Have a wonderful Christmas

For a better world through Christ, 

Sarah xox

p.s. Enjoy some fun pictures from my break so far.

p.p.s If you haven't already, I would LOVE to receive your newsletters or cards, get in touch and I can message you my address :)

What God has prepared for us.

"No eye has seen no ear has heard, no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

All I can really say about this verse is YES!

I often wonder the direction my life is going in. A year ago I would never have been able to tell you that being here in Chicago was even a possibility. I never saw this opportunity coming, and in a matter of a few months I was accepted to this wonderful school. I was reminded this morning, that even in the midst of finals week fast approaching, and all the stress that comes with it, someone else wanted to be in my place. It was not God's will for them to be here, but it was His will that I be here. That blows my mind. It's such a gift. 

I just got back from a fantastic week off. I spent it with one of the most amazing families. I love them so dearly, and I can't begin to imagine what God is going to do with these new friendships. One thing I can tell you is that I am so content with resting in his presence and waiting to see where He leads me. 

From a little girl, i have always loved America. As I grew older, I always thought it would be super cool to live in America and work. When I had the opportunity to study here, I grabbed it with both hands. This was my chance. The only thing is, God's been preparing my heart for something else. I don't know where I'm going to go after I graduate from here. I still have three and a half years to go until that becomes an actual real thing, but it's still crazy to think that He knows exactly where He wants me to go. I pray that that is exactly where I will go, even though I don't know where that is right now. 

My heart has been torn for the UK. To see how deprived it is from the gospel, and to see youth growing up in a culture that tells them that sex, drinking and partying is normal no longer sits right with me. I was one of those teens. I used to scream at my parents, "YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND, WHAT I DO IS NORMAL!!!" How is that sort of lifestyle normal for a 16 year old? IT ISN'T. But our pears, the media and the people we look up to tells us differently. I'm not sure if, in 3.5 years I will go back to the UK, but I certainly pray for my homeland that people realise their need for Christ, and they realise it soon. I also know, that I can't even begin to comprehend what God is going to do with my life. I love Him SO much, and I'm excited for this journey I am just beginning.

For some strange reason I have found this so easy to write, as for the other ten or so essays I have to write over the next two weeks, not so much. I hope you can be encouraged by what I have said tonight somehow. Let me just leave you with the verse I began with:

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9!

Enjoy your day, night, sleep or work! Whatever you're up to right now! Oh, and here's a couple of pictures too, cause every blog needs a picture to go along with it!

I'm down to my last Crunchie bar. Thanks pops for sending me them! I'm super thankful for sweet, little gifts like this! Love you! (P.s. If you're wondering what to send me for Christmas, some classic, non-nut, sweets will be happily accepted. Also, I would LOVE to receive your family newsletters! I hope to have one sent out soon!)

I decorated my wall. Can you see the treeee? :D

YAHOO.

I feel like I have so much to write, but I'm going to keep it down to just a few things. The picture above is how I feel about having to put everything into words.
Since arriving in Chicago, I've had the most phenomenal time. I have made so many friends, and learned so much already! I've already hit 10 states - not including the ones from previous years that I've been too and boy, has it been fun!

I suppose I'll work backwards in tellign you some.. stufff..
Today I will be heading back to college. I am currently writing to you from Wisconsin. I'm in a beautiful home, around cut down corn fields, with beautiful scenery all around. It reminds me of how I want to have my home one day - bursting with my own kids and other people's too. I have spent my first thanks giving in the home of the Kloths. I go to school with Christian, and I had the privilege of meeting his mum a few months ago. When we connected over times from our pasts, a beautiful friendship was created by God. Melanie asked me to come join the family for thanks giving, and I couldn't wait for break to arrive. Now, it's so crazy that it's already over!

I wish I could go back to the days where I got
thrown in the air onto a bed, and could
find the fun in it over and over!!

I have spent my five day break with one of the most wonderful families. I am so blessed to be here, and to have found a home. I have been so relaxed all weekend. We have watched movies, played games and sat up late talking. I want to share with you some of the things I have been thankful over the short break.

The first thing I am thankful for is family. My family at home, but also the family that I have spent the past few days with. There is so much love here, and I LOVE that! I am thankful for the new little sisters that I have. Many of you will know how much I love kids, and so having the opportunity to spend time with these three sweet girls has been great. I'm sad to leave them, but can't wait for them to come to Chicago to visit.
I am so super thankful for the opportunity to travel. To be able to be at a college in Chicago, where I am constantly getting into God's word, and growing in my relationship with Him every day. I love that I have the chance to visit different states, and see different places. It's SO cool!

Check out our straight faces.. And Nata.. Biting..

I am thankful for the friendships God has given me here in the states. As a people person, it would SUCK to have no friends. Growing up, I was constantly seeking friendship, but struggled a lot, and constantly moved from friend group to friend group. God has totally revealed himself to me, and shown me how He is the most important friend I could have. When I then chose to accept that he then gave me other friends here. I am just so thankful for the people who I now have in my life.

The view out of the window was beautiful!

Something else I would love to share with you is just the work of Christ in me. I have been in Christian college since September last year. Every time I had the chance to go home, I slipped up majorly with some of the things I have been struggling with over the past few years. I knew that if I trusted that God to keep me from those things, he would, but I always just gave in, and got involved, or wrapped up in those things. My break away from college this time has been a time of struggle also. However, this time, I have been able beat the things Satan was really tempting me with. It's been so cool to see what can happen when you really get so serious! :)

My first ever REAL thanksgiving dinner! YUM!

I'm excited to get back to school, but also sad to be leaving a lovely home. As we come into this next season, can I ask you again, just to pray for my home sickness. Apparently, the 3rd, 6th and 9th months away from home are the worst. It just so happens, my 6th months comes right on Christmas day. I am going to be surrounded by another wonderful family who I love dearly, but it will still be a funny day being away from home.

I pray that you will be encouraged by what you've read today somehow, and that you will have a lovely winter season, and remember the real reason that we celebrate Christmas!!

I love this little munchkin!

See you some time buddy.

29.9.06-20.11.12
Caden is alive forever more. 

I can't believe it's been a year since Caden Beggan died. That little boys life had a HUGE influence on me. The strange thing is, that came after he passed away. As many of you will know, I have been running with Moody Bible Institute's Cross Country team. It has been a pleasure to be a part of a Moody Sports team, and I loved it so much, but there were also the horribly difficult trials that it brought.

For those of you who don't know who Caden is, he is a little boy from a town near where I live. When I heard the story of what had happened to him, my heart broke for him and for his family. God used this to really open me up to praying, and to ask others for prayer too. Between the 23rd of October, the 20th of November 2012, Caden fought Meningococcal Septicemia, but after four weeks of  fighting, he passed away.

I struggled so hard with the news, even though I didn't personally know him. I felt like I knew this little boy like the back of my hand. His funeral was the first I have ever witnessed, and it was beautiful. I watched through the online stream, as I was still studying in England. I really struggled with God over why this had all happened, and why it had affected me so much. Now, on the 20th of November 2013, I know the reason why.

We often forget how much of a blessing it is to have the simple things. I remember being challenged about the cross country team here at Moody. My reply was always, "I'm not good enough," "I'm not fit enough," or something along those lines. Not only was I lying to myself, but I was lying to everyone else.

Caden had been in my mind one day when I was challenged about running, and all of a sudden I had this tiny voice questioning WHY I couldn't go out and run? I have been blessed with two perfectly working legs, that had been made strong from sports all through high schools. Who was I to say I couldn't do it when I hadn't even tried. Remembering the life Caden may have had on earth, without his natural limbs suddenly made me feel very selfish, and just not right.

I arrived at Moody, knowing what I had to do, and honestly, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. All I knew was that I was doing it for God's glory, and to remember Caden.

I can't believe that the season is over. I never got to run at a meet, but I got to be a part of the team. I got to go from running to the end of the street, to running a 5k. You might be reading this, and thinking that's pathetic, but for me, I'll take that. It has been a roller-coaster of emotions, and I came close to quitting, but God gave me the strength. I have had so many cool opportunities with being a part of the team, and I am so thankful.

"THIS SUCKS!" "It's absolutely s c o r c h i n g here." "I RAN 5K!!!!" "I crossed over the road and got to the driving range. I NEVER KNEW IT EXISTED! BOOM BABY." "IT HURTS" "run 100 metres flat out.. I decided to just go for it, and I think I kind of surprised coach."

I'll never forget Caden Beggan, and the impact he has had, and is still having in my life. It's been a year, and I know why God had me as a prayer warrior for this little guy. I can't wait to spend time with him one day.

I have a vision.

I have a vision. A vision where teenagers are no longer looked down on. Where teenagers are no longer stereotyped into one or the other. I have a vision where teenagers will lead, follow, help, serve, listen, teach, and rise up to be the best that they can be. I have a vision that teenagers will no longer sit at the back, tapping on their phones, facebooking, tweeting or checking out who's posted what on instagram. My vision is that these young men and women will find purpose in their lives, and not in an empty bottle of vodka or their favourite book. That they will rise up to be leaders, teachers, pastors, servers and helpers. That they will be honest, faithful, just, kind, caring and confident.

Most of all, my vision is to see young men and women stand up for OUR GOD. The God who knitted them together in their mothers womb. The One who has called them by name. The One who knows how many hairs are on our head. I want to see these young people stand up and take action in their own lives, in their friends lives, and in their church's to glorify THEIR GOD.

I want to see the younger generation rise up and realise that they have a place in the church. That they are wanted in the church, and that they need to be in the church. I want them to realise they are loved not only by their friends and family, but by OUR HEAVENLY FATHER. I want them to realise HOW MUCH they are loved, and HOW MUCH they are worth.

Friends will you pray with me as I pursue this need and no longer let is stay a vision. Pray over the young people in your church, the ones who sit at the back with no interest at all - that was me - but also pray for the ones who sit with their family, seemingly interested. Pray that their hearts will be being formed by God to fully acknowledge the gift we can have in knowing our heavenly father as our own personal Saviour. Pray that God will stir their hearts, and they will follow their new-found passions. Pray for the people who are working with the teens right now, that they will equip these young men and women for not only the future, but for NOW. Also, thank God for the teenagers who are rising up, and taking a stand, who are making a difference, and who are following the call God has given them. Lastly, pray for the teens who have no connections to a church. Pray that God will use someone to reach them, and show them what life with Christ is like. 

Finally, I want to thank YOU for taking time to read this blog-post. I know not all churches are like this, but it's something that has been on my heart a lot recently, and as a youth min major, you can probably understand why. Sorry if I have been slightly stereotypical myself, but these words came from my heart. I want to encourage you to daily pray for the church. Your own church, your pastor, leaders and congregation from babies to eighties and older. Pray for the people who are going to be the future leaders in your church. YOU matter and THEY matter. Let's work together to fit everyone in, and find their place. 

One final note: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as Working for the Lord, not for human masters." Colossians 3:23

My parents.

Two of the most influential people in my life. I am so thankful for you two. When I failed you, you told me you love me. When I showed no respect, you still showed me you loved me. When I disobeyed you, you made sure I knew you still loved me. When I ran away, you came and found me. When I came back to Christ, you rejoiced with me. When I was baptised, you celebrated with me. When i shared my heart, you listened. When I told you my dream, you believed in me.

You have showed me how marriage should look, with Christ at the centre. You have showed me how to love, how to care and how to serve. You have been a great example of how God loves us. When we fail, are disrespectful, are disobedient or run away, He still loves us and calls us by our name. He rejoiced when I gave Him my all, and when I publicly declared my love and choice of following Him. He listens when I share my heart, and He drives me to fulfil my dreams.

I am so blessed, and honoured to have you as my earthly parents, but even more blessed to have a heavenly father that would place me in your hands to bring me up in His family.

Now, for others who may be reading this, aren't my parents just the cutest?!?! I can't wait to be re-united with you next summer, hopefully in Texas!! We'll for sure have to get some dancing going on! And to everyone who has played a part in my life up to now, thank you for playing a part in the person I have become.

Reminded.

So today I wrote out some long blog post. I just deleted it. I want to tell you a few things today/tonight/this afternoon. Instead of giving you a massive few paragraphs. 

I guess the first thing is more of an "ask."

My friend, and friends of our family are currently spending time in the children's hospital in Glasgow. Mark, the youngest in the family has been hit with a virus that his body is fighting hard to get rid of. His health is improving, but please, keep continuing to pray for him and his family. In the words of his dad, Brian, "If you pray, please pray. If you don't, please start. If you can't, please try." 

Tonight I spent my evening rocking a one and a half year old, little boy to sleep. He was so tired and just clung on to me and slowly finally let himself fall asleep to the humming of my voice. It made me feel so warm inside. Thinking about this now, and after some things I've heard recently, the way Teo was clinging on to me, and finding rest on my shoulder, this is the way we should be with our Lord. Clinging to Him for HIS strength, not our own. In June I got sick. I was stressed. I was lonely. I was lost. I was damaged. I was hurting. And I had forgotten about the one who could change all of that. I was in my final stretch of Bible School, and I had forgotten about God. I then spent a week and a half out of lectures, in the beautiful country side of England, praising God, talking to Him and giving my life back over to Him. I guess i wanna encourage anyone who's in Christian ministry, or is studying it, that just because you're CONSTANTLY in The Word, it doesn't stop Satan from slipping in and taking control. We need to daily spend time with God, not because we HAVE too, but because we WANT and NEED too. We need to cling onto him, in the good and the bad. 

Something else I wanna share is just how thankful I am. God has used so many people to speak into my life, especially in the last couple of years. I have been blessed with friends here at Moody, that I could never have dreamed of. To have gone from going to Capernwray Hall Bible School, in the countryside of England, for a year cause I never got into uni, to going to Moody Bible School, in down-town Chicago, USA to study Youth Ministry, because I know it's what God's calling me too is crazy! God has put me here, and I pray I never forget how much of a gift this is.

I have been blessed with not only a sweet, kind, hilarious  loving room mate, but a great, encouraging, beautiful, fellow sister in Christ. My floor never fail to make me smile, and our brother floor does the same. I have some amazing team mates, who encourage me when I'm so ready to give up. My coaches push me, but love me at the same time. I have friends in my classes who don't mind that I have no idea what there question to our CDOC professor even means and they are okay with that. I have friends from all over the world who love the same God as i do, and share in the same passion to serve Christ and to make HIS name known! I am truly blessed!!!

Finally, I want to share a few pictures of my recent antics. 

Thanks again for all the prayer and support, I appreciate it so much.

This is my hillarious room mate. She makes me smile
Constantly, and cheers me up so much.

This was taken after I played with a friend of mine for the opening
of a new Missions centre. It was a super fun night, and this
picture looks suppppper cool!!

As part of a program called FYT (First Year Transition) We went on a retreat,
I got to go to another new state! WOO. We had a lovely time of fellowship out by the
lake. It was super fun!

A little while I go, I got to be a part of a choir, singing with the
Thursday night praise group. We had a fun night of worship
in the plaza at school, and it was great to see so many people
gathered to worship God.

Finally, we painted. We painted a big black strip on our nice creamy walls.
But don't you worry, we haven't gone crazy, this black strip is actually
blackboard paint, and so we now have a super sweet
chalk board in our lounge!

Have a swelllllll day! 

My room. My life. The blessing.

So.. I'm moved in. I'm officially a college girl now. Many of you have asked me about my room, so I thought I would give you a little tour.

Our door..
The door that either locks in our craziness, or welcomes in the craziness of the girls on the floor. I have been blessed with such a great, hillarious, god-fearing, strong, beautiful, floor of girls. I love having them walk in and hang out, but also having "outsiders" pop in to visit. Being on the top floor, we have the easiest access to the roof which gives you the most stunning view I could imagine ever being able to have on a college campus. 

I feel my mom will be proud to see that I invested in one of these. I think my roomie was too.. But yeah, this thing is great!!!

I surprisingly have plenty of space in my closet, which means plenty of space to buy more.. in the case I had a job.. and time to actually go out and clothes shop.. and then actually be able to find something worthy of the Moody Standard. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind our dress code, it just takes that little bit longer to actually find something that complies.. That isn't fifty years old.

We have such a dinky little sink, but it fits snugly into a little corner which is nice. Here, we also have our second mirror, with the brightest light EVER which we don't use.

You can NEVER go wrong with pictures, right?! So we have strung up a bunch of our pictures along the wall. If you're special enough, you may even be up there! :) 

People moan about these beds.. They clearly haven't slept on a Capernwray bed. HOWEVER.. One of my profs had to stay in Houghton during a conference, and said he could understand why people would be so tired due to not being able to sleep on these. I fall asleep almost instantly.. I apparently don't have high expectations for the beds..

Lucie, and my nicely made bed and some more photos, cause again, you can never have too many pictures!

Then we have the mini fridge. Which currently doesn't serve to much purpose, but rumour has it, come a few weeks in to school it'll be stocked up and raring to go. Right now, the freezer holds ice cream and frozen berries.. To use with the magic bullet I bought for the early mornings without breakfast.. :D

I am going to try SO hard to keep this desk tidy. Currently all four drawers are in a jumble, but I'll get to that soon.. Maybe. I love our little fairy lights and lamp, it looks pretty sweet at night time! :) 

MY LOVELY ROOM MATE! :)

We have a good view over the plaza, and hten just need to step up a few stair to get on the roof and check out the other side of town with the skyline. It's AMAZING!

So that's a view into our dorm room. Dorm life is so much fun. Certainly different to living with a whole bunch of other girls. When I say I have the best floor, I really mean it. I mean, I haven't exactly been on any other floor yet.. But I just love my floor, the girls on it are so great! It helped that I got to meet a couple of them before school actually started.

I thought I could also share with you a few things about what I've been learning here so far.

The first thing I want to share with you comes from one of my classes and the book that we are reading for that class. Here's a thought for you, have you ever wondered what you CAN'T do in heaven, that you SHOULD be doing on earth? No? I hadn't exactly done much thinking on it either. I was talking with my roomie last night before we went to sleep and I told her about this too. Her reaction was "wowwww.. I've never thought about that before." In heaven, we're all going to be christians. There won't be anyone to share the gospel with. So this really challenged me to share it while I'm here, as christians, that's what we're called to do! So yeah.. SHARE!!!!

The second thing I'm learning is perseverance. And today, my perseverance came through on my run with the cross country team. As you may know, I decided to do cross country mainly because of  Caden. He's in heaven now, but I am not. I still have time on this earth. Time on this earth to run for God's glory. I said I couldn't. But I can. God has given me the gift of two strong legs, and I will not give up as long as I'm healthy to run. The past week of practise has SUCKED! Blood, sweat and tears (well.. not so much blood, but there has been pain) have filled my afternoon hours running in a temperature I'm pretty sure you shouldn't be allowed to run in. But today, it paid off, and I got to see the first bit of progress. 

I feel so blessed to be part of such a great, encouraging team and love everyone in it! When I say I can't, they tell me I can. They remind me of the strength that's there, even though my bodies telling me no. I pushed past that voice saying I couldn't, and proved that I could! I am so fortunate that God has given me such blessings over the past few weeks, and I can't wait to run more. With God's strength in me, I will keep on going! And I will NOT give up! 

To whoever is reading this. If there is something you keep telling yourself you can't do.. Re-think about it, because unless it's something crazy, or you have a legitimate reason preventing you from it, you most certainly, probably can!

A blessing.

The sun was beaming down, a truly beautiful day. The soccer (football for my British people) team were playing at home, against a - what we think was - non-christian team. The first part of the game was played by returning players, but the next two were played by a mix of freshman guys and returners. Not knowing much about the game, I thought they were doing well and I managed to cheer at the right times (bonus)! The final third was in play (they split it into thirds for a reason I am unaware of.. haha) There was about fifteen minutes to go when two players from opposite teams  collided head to head with each other. The guy on the other team seemed to be alright, but our player was on the ground. In a matter of seconds the coaches were on the field. We couldn't see who was on the floor, but we knew he wasn't moving. 

What happened next took my breath away. The guys who were on the pitch huddled together, got on their knees and began praying. Soon after, the guys who were off the field did the same on the sidelines. There was almost complete silence on the pitch. A couple of names were said, and my heart started to pound as I realised who was down. The sirens of a fire truck pierced through the silence, and soon the ambulance echoed back. Adrian was taken away to hospital and the game eventually continued.

My heart had honestly swollen so much, and I had goose bumps EVERYWHERE. The thing is. If this had been just any soccer game with a regular club, the guy who was down would get seen too, and probably applauded off the pitch. But this game was different. As soon as the team knew something was wrong, they fell to their knees and prayed to our Lord. I think this reflected back on to the bleachers as people watched and prayed in silence. I have never witnessed something so beautiful in my life. The sight of an injured friend, with brothers sold-out for Christ praying for Him. My heart hurt for Adrian as I knew how much he loved the game and none of us knew what the next few hours held. 

The special, precious, blessing that we have as Christians, is that we can call out to our Lord in times of need. In times of worry and in times of anxiousness. When we don't know what's going on, or when someone is hurt. Seeing the guys do this made me feel allllll kinds of emotions. I just love how we can do it so openly here! Praying before and after a sport or class, was never a normal thing in high school. And I'm pretty sure, if I'd stayed in Scotland, it wouldn't be for uni there either. It's awesome being a part of a Christian college and groups!!! :)

As well as praying for my friend Adrian, a few of my girlfriends and I also prayed that what happened on the field yesterday would impact the lives of the guys on the other team. They were watching on as the coaches and medics surrounded Adrian, but also as the guys prayed. My prayer for them is that they'll have seen something different. And that they will yearn for what they saw on the field. I pray that this will have ignited a fire in them and that they will begin to pursue what it is that the opposition had, that they didn't.

I was thrilled to hear that Adrian got out of hospital, and he got to come back to campus last night. For those who would like to pray, pray for a speedy recovery as he has quite the headache, and will be taking the week off from practise. Also for his knee as it is not at it's full potential. You could also pray for the guys on the other team, that this event will have stirred something in their hearts. Also thanks God for great team mates, and for the outcome that Adrian got. It could have been much worse, but by God's grace he will be back to joining the team soon! Another thing you could pray for is my sports team. I'm part of the cross country team, and as many of you will know.. I'm not exactly the long distance runner. So I'm asking for prayer that I will keep at it, and build beautiful relationships with my team mates :) Also, remember my little angel Caden who reminds me continually of the blessing I have to run. I can't wait to start college classes tomorrow, and also my first training session with my team! :)

Also, if you want to write to me, or send me a package of anything lovely.. here's my addresses..

For letters..

Sarah Ross 
CPO 2044
P.O. Box 10060
Chicago IL 60610

For packages..
Sarah Ross 
CPO 2044
820 N LaSalle Blvd
Chicago IL 60610

Oh, and one more thing! Thank you for everyone who has been a part of my journey so far. On this Sunday last year (26th) I was baptised. It was such an exciting day, and I'm just in awe of how far God has moved me in my life and how much he has changed it! :) THANKS! :D (ps, mommy and pops - I LOVE YOU!)

How many states in a day?

Texas to California.

I got to spend a week and a half with one of my best friends.

I got to experience sun. sun. and more sun.

I ate a scorpion.

I went to a ghost town

I remembered how allergic I am to cats.

I drank raspberry ice tea.

I helped out at a chinese themed ten year old birthday party.

I made new friends.

I managed to visit three states in one day. Cali, Arizona and Nevada. It was so much fun. 

I got up twice on a wake board.. fell the fifty or so other tries.

I knee-boarded - successfully.

I drove a boat.

I tanned - lots.

I made friends with the cutest little puppy and a five year old. 

I was questioned on my tattoos and piercings.

I sunbathed on the back of a boat.

I nearly went night swimming.. but chickened out..

I watched donkeys trot down to our site and drink from the water.

I got chased by bees.

I saw horned sheep.

I water rafted on a three seater myself.

I saw God's beauty in the landscape.

My time with Gentry was fantastic. I had some stressful moments, but watched how God brought all my problems together and sorted them out. It was so cool to be reminded of how much prayer works, and how important it is. I'm gonna miss that girl so much. Her family were so warm and welcoming. I had so much fun with them!

We took a trip with her aunt and uncle to their holiday home in Arizona, which was a ten minute drive from the river. We were on the Colorado river and I'm not entirely sure how it all works, but when we're on it at a certain part we were still in Amazon, but we were also in Nevada. It was super coool! Anyway, we had loads of fun and I got that tan I'd been waiting for haha. I felt very much part of the family, and loved every minute of being both at the river and at home in California. I hope I can go back some time.

Anyway, from California, I travelled to Nevada where I flew out of Las Vegas on my way to Toronto. Mia, a friend of Gentry's family, Gentry and I decided to make a day of it as I wasn't flying out until night. We had so much fun visiting the shops in some huge casinos, with really cool decorations and also hitting up the M&m facotry place.. Safe to say it made me really hungry.. Haha. We had a yummy dinner and then i caught my flight to Toronto. I cried.. lots. I'm almost positive the guys in the line in front of me were worried about me haha. Anyway, I got through security, and got to my gate and waited for the next plane on my journey.

ANNNND HERE I AM.

I'm now in Canada. And I love love love it! The weathers very different to what I had gotten myself used too. But it feels like home almost, and that's nice enough. The only difference is the rain isn't as cold and miserable as it is back home haha. But it's still a bit of a bummer. I do love it here though. And I am so glad I have Vanessa here! She has such a sweet, funny, sarcastic  family. I love it!! And some super cool friends too. 

I've went to a rib fest.

I've ate too many ribs, bloomin onion, and a sandwich I have no idea what is.

I've ate out at the nicest restaurant, getting to dress up and be silly with Nessa.

I've watched a billion movies and tv episodes.

I've played my fiddle - missed it loadddddds.

I've dressed up as a super hero.

THE MOST EXCITING ONE!

I've camped. For the first time everrrrrrr.

It was real camping. Like with a real tent, a real fire and rain.. With a lake to play in and some cool people to hang out with.

I've seen a moose. A MOOSE! (And sang the classic moose campfire song..)

I've drove a truck. And didn't kill anyone. Or myself. Or the car. 

I've ate smores over a fire.

And finally, I've had my tummy filled by a Timmies. Nomnomnom.

Anyway, my time here has been so much fun already, and i look forward to going to Midnight Madness with Vanessa tonight. It'll be funnn! 

God has been teaching me patience, again. And also reminding me to rely on him. I leave for Moody in less than two weeks, but i continue to find problems rising. It's so difficult trying to deal with this stuff away from home, but I know it can be done. And I know it will be done. I'd appreciate prayers over these next few weeks for figuring out plans for heading to school, and for working my problems out. Keep checking back for more updates, and enjoy the pictures! :)