In the Aftermath of Grace

Hello, hello!

You know, it truly does feel like Monday to me. For a couple reasons. I don't generally return from my travels on Saturday (as I did, yesterday), but Sunday. And, the entire reason I had planned to return to GR on Saturday was so that I could go to Mars... but then I woke up and our street is without power and we couldn't shower. And I won't torture my community like that; it just wouldn't be right. In fact, on my way to where I am, I happened across an intersection where the lights were out... and it's that funky intersection where you have to go straight and glide left half way through to go straight. I think it's Fuller and Lake (the intersection north of fulton/fuller), but I've been wrong about these things before.

Anyway...

I took a bit of a break from the 'net while in TC. It was a good move. Removing myself from something that keeps me perpetually stimulated and mentally passive most of the time, was a good challenge. Christmas day I completed 25 sudoku puzzles, in a row... literally, instead of allowing myself to be sucked into a passive state the entire day. Needless to say, my brain hurt by evening. Numbers never have been my thing. History, words, people, ministry is where I camp out. And for good reason.

I left for Traverse after a meeting in Jenison. I left at just a few minutes after 3pm. Generally, a trip from GR to TC takes just about two.5 hours. The weather and road conditions where so tretcherous that an hour after leaving, I was only just south of Rockford on 131. We (fellow bravehearts and I) were going anywhere between 5-20mph. Then some renegade driver behind me decides that the pace is simply insufficient, and tries to pass me. He swerves out of control and it's nothing short of a miracle that he or anybody else, wasn't hit, injured, or worse. He chilled out, as did everyone else feeling a little eager, after that. I arrived in TC around 7:30, a full four.5 hours after I left. Man-o-man, I was drained. But I wasn't done. Had I gone out to my parents, it would have taken about 40 minutes more. Instead, though, my little sister had a basketball tournament in town. So I stopped at one of my favorite spots and got a soy matcha green tea latte. One of the best drinks ever invented. And was on my way to find the school and a parking spot. Ha.

I'm not one real big on sports... at least at cheering when I watch them, anyway. But watching my little sister play her heart and soul out had me stressed beyond what can be healthy. I had next to no voice by the end of it and both my dad and I were pretty sure our hearts were going to burst. My sis scored 19 out of the 60 points her team scored. She had countless assists and rebounds! One of her teamates also scored 19 points. And, for the first time ever, the team that always hosts this tournament, lost. She was also named as part of the "all-tourney" team; five girls selected from all the teams in the tournament that exemplfied excellence in play, attitude, character, etc... !!! I had no voice after that. I am one proud big sis.

To make all this better, she was clueless that I even knew about the game, let alone that I'd be there. She figured it out, I guess, when they were announcing the starting players when several of her teamates (who I know) saw me and pointed me out to her. After the game my near-six-foot tall baby sister ran up to me, screaming, picking me up off the ground, hugging me. Definitely the best reception EVER. We returned home, my mom and I had a couple glasses of wine, and I kicked everyone's butt in phase 10. I have pictures to prove it.

The end of glass number one. An awkward shot of my dad, as well.

The scoreboard. I'm third over from the left. You'll notice that my score isn't the lowest.
I still won. Score is only important in the event of a tie.
You win by completing each of the 10 phases of Phase 10 before any of your opponents.
I rock.

Blurry, but my sis about to lick my dad. And people think I'm strange...

The next day, I had an early breakfast with my friend Jason and he got me on the subject of ministry. Which, of course, lights me up. I went on and on about student ministry and different successes and failures and how mentoring is the key to this and that and basically, I didn't shut up for about 40 minutes. Sorry Jason. He seemed to not mind so much, though. After that, my sister, brother, and my little brother's girlfriend (!!), and I spent the day together. It was a pretty solid. The next day, or course, was Christmas day, which began much later than normal.

My man of a baby brother. He kept commenting about how little I am.
I kept telling him I've always been this small, he's simply a man now.
He, of course, found my size hilarious.

My dad's idea of wrapping a christmas present.
The best part about this, is it was my idea. Of course, I was joking...
My dad... oh man...

Friday was a great day. I drove out to Kingsley to see a friend who was back in town from Vermont for Christmas. There we wii-d for about two.5 hours. I was exhausted afterword. Went to Borders with Lindsey (had another soy matcha green tea latte) and when we were through I went to the little chapel at St. Francis to meet up with Casey T and took the opportunity to breathe. Parker was there, too!! I hadn't seen him since my going away party, when he was randomly visiting from Chicago. He was back in town from Milwaukee this time! So the three of us went downtown to Serenity, a tea room, and talked. And there in the midst of a conversation on tattoos and Philippians (go ahead and try to figure out the connection there, I dare ya) Parker took the roll of the encourager he is and said,

"Nobody defines you, Asher."
mmmmm...

Thank you, brother Parker.
(if you want that story, Id be glad to share, email or call me)

Casey and I journeyed back to his mom's for dinner and then went to the Well. Dear God, I had forgotten how much joy the well adds to my life. I received and gave enough hugs to warm the coldest of Dark Nights (St. John of the Cross reference). I laughed hysterically, met new people, and introduced many to the joy that is the game of Fluxx. It was great to see so many wonderful friends who, ironically, were also in town just for the holidays and looking to reconnect. I even saw a few people who SCREAMED in delight when they saw me. Such a reaction was surprising (to say the least) and helped me to see how God had used me at the Well and to remember that serving God and "doing" ministry is not about doing huge monumental things for God, but being consistent and living freely in our strengths and weaknesses. {when we let our light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. ~nelson mandela} And what would the Well be without me getting hit on by a creepy older man? Yep. That happened, too. (see my facebook wall, under favorite quotes for some context) :-)

Saturday I woke up exhausted and coughing. I met Casey at Oryana for lunch. Oryana is my favorite "little" co-op in TC. It's actually quite big, as far as co-ops go, and has a cafe where they serve up amazing organic, sustainable, and local foods. Yum. (Stay away from the gimchi/kimchee, though. Unless, of course, you enjoy fermented veggies. If that's the case, then, by all means, have at it!) It was the first real food I'd had since Tuesday morning and it was amazing. Afterword I met up again with Lindsey at Borders and then I headed back to GR.

My friends, hands down, made my trip to TC worth it. I love being around them because they are absolutely beautiful souls, inside and out. I am endlessly thankful for them and the fact that they believe in me even when I don't, that they see potential and greatness and call forth life when I have forgotten how to recognize such things within myself. And the best part? They do so unprompted. They don't wait for me to ask, they don't wait for a great conversation of the soul, they just do so because they know, at the core, the the soul is truly who we are and that calling it forth into light is something they are compelled and bound to do, as willing slaves of the Father God.

So here I sit, in the aftermath of grace, Wii-shoulder and all (I did, afterall, bowl a 258), intently thankful and with a fond and gentle smile across my face and soul.

If you read all this, congratulations. And thank you.

I hope your holidays were beautiful and wonderful.

Love

As I start this note it is 3:10am. I am exhausted, but I cannot go to sleep. I had an amazing encounter with God tonight. "Mysteriously" He donned the faces and hands and feet of many of my friends.

If I were to explain to you every moment of the evening that I "sensed" God's presence, we'd be here for hours together, and you'd most likely give up trying to read it all. But there are a few stories worth sharing, I think. Most definitely.

Tonight me and several of my friends gathered early at Jacob's Well. I had invited them to come at 7pm for some dinner and one last chance to hang out. Before we ate I asked if anyone would like to pray. Personally, I believe that the food is already blessed because it has been provided to us, but thanksgiving and humility are good disciplines, and prayer is an excellent connection to God, as well as a great community builder. So we prayed. And though I cannot repeat verbatim the prayer that was prayed, I was stunned by its contents. A friend of mine prayed for me and thanked God for what I have added to their lives. It floored me because I don't generally view myself as someone to thank God for. So often I am reminded of how far I haven't come and the ways in which I fall short, that when someone, whom I know is being honest, says something along the lines of "Asher's a blessing," it really requires me to stop and process. Just one way I felt God's love.

Another way was through the chalkboard above. Since October of 2006 I have been on staff at Jacob's Well. The Well has become a sort of family, in an of itself. The beautiful, unique faces of the well have driven me to insanity at times, but mostly, and most importantly, have helped me develop into more of the person I can love.

Every night, the volunteers recreate the chalkboard with artistic expression, some type of reference to where we're they are (the Well), their names, and the event (if any) of the night. And when I looked up, I saw "Goodbye, Asher!" Sigh. Love.

A friend of mine, one that I love dearly, is my brother, Parker. Parker actually wants to become a brother. Like... Friar Tuck. I love this man. He lives in Chicago so we didn't think he could show, but show he did! Parker has been amazingly gifted by God musically. Every time he sings and plays it's like a wave of happiness and peace for me. And you can see in his face that he loves God and is in His presence as soon as he starts, even when he's improving (which is amazing and hilarious!).

He lead us in impromptu worship tonight. We were sitting around the well, talking and he started improving, silly, fun songs. But the next thing you know, we're all singing,

"Love. love. Love. love. love love love."


Now, I know you can't really imagine what it sounded like, but imagine a group up some of you dearest friends, sitting around, relaxed and present; being. They're there because they value you. And they love God. And then, softly and carefully, you all start singing "love" to a strum on a backpacker's guitar. We also sang something like, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall lack nothing." Now imagine everyone is completely focused on those words.

Imagine that you know, without a doubt, that God is among you. Sure, He's always there, always moving, always, but now you're aware. You can "see" it. It's not an emotional thing, no tears, no shakes, nothing but knowing.

You know God is among you.
You know He is pleased.
There is peace within and around you.

Peace that surpasses all understanding.

Good, right?

I can't think of a better "last night" with my friends, many of whom I consider family.

Here are some other favorites from the night.




Love you!

Poker

Tonight I spent my entire night at the well. It was a great release after literally cramming my world into Sadie (my Saturn) and moving out. (which means I packed! YAY!) I had hoped to read and write. Instead, I ate dinner with a couple cool cats, made a few drinks for patrons, and played an intense games of spoons. Spoons is such a great game, seriously.

When the guys tired of spoons, they suggested poker. And although I insisted I didn't know how, it's poker we played. Sorry "Sexy Rexy," (the nickname for CU's former president, who wrote a book on the evils of gambling) but I actually like the game. And I was doing alright towards the end. Mostly I just had good and patient teachers.

It's weird to think that tonight was my last Friday in TC. Kinda sad, in a nostalgic sort of way. I know that GR is my next step, but I have some amazing friends, like Casey and Jason, that I will truly miss. Sure, because of technology we don't have to lose touch, but my "arguments" with Casey won't be the same over email or the phone. I won't get to make crazy drinks for Wellers anymore, or get called into sub at the last moment.

It's all so weird to think about.

I've done the cross-state/cross-country move a few times, so it's not that I can't wrap my mind around it. Just that I wish I could have it all. The best of both worlds. Have my cake, and eat it too I wish I could have Stephanie and Casey and Jason and Aza and Casey B and Boogie and the Hockin family... and the opportunities of GR, the support system, the growth.

The truth is, though, that nothing stays the same. Casey is leaving for Ava Maria University in August to pursue his masters in Theology, Casey B and her husband are heading out to Vermont, Lindsey's headed back to California soon enough, one of the Hockin girls may be leaving the state, and Boogie is destined to be a program horse (he's old, it's a good life). Ect. So life is not static, but fluid. And we cannot hold fast to mutable things. It seems, for so many, that this is a season of change and of faith. I know countless people my age who are making drastic changes, leaps of faith, after seeking God for a bit and then just knowing, even when they're clueless, that this crazy canyon needs to be leaped into, and that God will catch them. Or at least be there when they hit rock bottom. God doesn't always catch us, I've learned. Sometimes He lets us fall and fall hard because it will grow us. Or at least enable Him to hold us close for a while.

Much like a morning page, this blog started one place and ended somewhere entirely different.

I hope that's okay with you.

The Best Surprise Ever

She's home! My twin, the woman whom I look up to and admire like crazy, is home!! I can't believe it. She's been home since Wednesday, apparently, and has been waiting to surprise me. She came up behind me at church today... and I screamed, "OH MY GOD" at the top of my lungs, in the middle of the sanctuary... She's home!

We've decided that the whole being separated by long distances isn't such a good thing. In fact, she thinks I should move back with her when she does go back. Now there's an idea...

ANYWAY, we couldn't hang out today because of family stuff on her part, but tomorrow it's she and I! It's been so hard having her away. It's been like my left arm was missing, or something. But she's back, and Linds and I are a duo again. On the same leadership team for the first time since 2003, in the same town together for the first time in 2.5 months... it's pretty shhaaweet, if you ask me.

This Week:

Monday
-Dr. Appt
-Hang out with Linds

• work on skit stuff
• youth visitors DVD
• youth magazine
  

-Job hunt
-pastor carey stuff

• worship project
• speaking Qs
  

Tuesday
-Horseback riding
-Pastor Carey Stuff
-plan training for youth leadership

Wednesday
-Dr. Appt
-work on stuff at church
-tea with Tarah!
-youth group

Thursday


Friday

Bug Watching

There is a bug crawling across my wall. I have been watching its slow, steady migration. Yeah, I am just that exciting...

On a more interesting note: some pics from easter weekend!

Kristin came to visit for the weekend! I love these two pics.
Above: happy faces
below: serious, studious, intense-type faces

And the last one: a fairly subdued me @ cracker barrel.

Okay, it seriously sounds like someone is digging up the sidewalk. I'm going to go investigate.

And then go to bed.

Night!

Community

The past 16 hours have been full of amazing expressions of love. It turns out, no one thinks I'm over-reacting, no one thinks I'm ridiculous, and everyone loves me.

Before I go any further, a big thank-you to the Mars Hill community for making their worship project available online for listening. The inward direction has brought me a lot of comfort today.

It started last night with DeAndra allowing me to not talk, Aza allowing me to talk... and today started with the prayers of my friend Casey, followed by Jay who called to make sure I was alright & pray for me. DeAndra came and got me from work and we grabbed dinner together. I came home, sat alone for a while, and then Casey called me and we met up at the Well. We talked some about Nicholas and such, but soon he got me in a debate over baptism (he's catholic, I'm not) in order to distract me from the hurt for a bit. I got to laugh tonight.

Even though I spend most of my time numb over this, I know I'm messed up, or at best incredibly distracted. I forget conversations and events not long after they happen. Like, I completely forgot that DeAndra had dropped me off at my car and that I went home and then drove myself to the Well. I was convinced we came together. eh!

I think tomorrow Aza and I are going to hang out and probably DeAndra and I in the evening.
Sunday, of course, means church, Monday, nothing yet, and Tuesday is horseback riding, so I'm trying to look forward to things and keep myself occupied.

Thanks for your patience, friends.

AA

:-)

The sheer joy I am experiencing now.. I can't really explain it! I returned from a long weekend in Grand Rapids (my home away from home) just two and a half hours ago. I already miss it; longing for the environment of love, encouragement, and joy that I have down there. Prior to heading for GR I felt worn out and lacked confidence in my ability to survive the winter. Just an hour and a half into my vacation there I began to feel renewed, loved, significant. I had more energy than I knew what to do with. Strange, huh?

I talked with Dr. Adams, who shared some of his own ministry experiences that helped me realize, seeing where he is now and knowing many of the things God has used him in, that one bad go of it isn't the end of me... or anyone else... in ministry. After that I hung out with Perini (mentor/friend 1) for a while, spent some quality time with Heather, had dinner at B-dubs, etc. The next day I went to chapel and simply "was" in the company of 300 or so, albeit tired and sluggish, of my peers. I then had coffee with Larry (mentor/friend 2), Lunch with Christine (mentor/friend 3), and spent the rest of the day with Megan, the Birthday girl. Saturday, Heather and I (along with a couple others) went to lunch and a movie and then went home to her family's, went shopping for Superbowl with the girls, went to coffee with Brad and Rebekah, and then to bed. Sunday was Church and the Superbowl. And then I left. Boo. On the upside, I got to see some friends and the Well when I got in town. Including this man:


This post is kinda list-y, and for that I apologize, but the refreshing that my soul received cannot be overstated. And I'll write some specific thoughts later. But for now, I must rest.

Peace,
AA

Youth Group & Lindsey :-)

Okay, I meant to peace off the net as of yesterday, but because of my failure to think through things, it'll be another day or two. Basically, my church does a media fast every year, and while they aren't starting that portion of our 40-day church wide fast for another 2 weeks or so, I'm on the net a lot and want to start early. So, this will be my last (I think?) post for a while.

I cannot even try to tell you how exciting it is to be working as a part of a youth ministry again. It's fun! It's also very nerve-shaking for me as I'm confronting fear and questioning my "skills." Almost always I feel inadequate and fear that Pastor Jay (the YP) will come up to me, tell me I'm a fraud, and disallow me to be around the kids. I know that's not really going to happen (or at least I hope!) but I fear it, nonetheless. I find myself being fairly timid around the kids and having to force myself to talk with them. I remember feeling this way the first month of my internship at GR First and am hoping that with time it will fade.

Memories! Lindsey and I made some today!











A note: I did, in fact, take more of Lindsey. They're on her camera and she uploaded them for me, so I have far more pictures of myself! (btw: I'm the redhead, she's the blonde, and I'm wearing her super-sweet hat)


This last one is of Jay, the Youth Pastor at my church. Lindsey and I decided we wanted to get him a funny gift, so we found a mug at the hope chest that reads, "You are a very special uncle." Hehe. I'm quite proud of us!

AA

Christmas Day!

What a great day! It was really good hanging out with the fam! We, of course, opened gifts, and watched movies/played card games. And I took a three hour nap! Actually, I spent 90% of my day laying down. Absolutely amazing! Christmas was my first day off in nearly three weeks, so I enjoyed every moment of it! I am sad to see it pass.

Materially, I was really blessed! I received a HUGE crock pot and cookbook, a certificate for an hour-long massage, new comforter and bathroom towels, among a few other things. My dad is convinced that I am the world's biggest dork because I was beyond excited to get my crock pot. Hey man, I love to cook but I don't usually have the time anymore.

I finished my day out with Casey and Aza. Casey and I watched a movie and Aza helped me stretch out my ankle (that is mysteriously injured!

How was your Christmas? What did you do?

Love: A Discussion about Stereotyping

Next to the Jesus Camp discussion I participated in back in July, the discussion I had with a group of people last night at Jacob's Well was, quite possibly, the best conversation I've ever had. In fact, I believe it trumps the JC conversation, quite easily.

Because I entered the conversation late I sat and listened for the first 15 minutes or so, as good social etiquette. They then started another conversation based around the question, "How did stereotyping become so prevalent in American society?"
Origins (I think, for Americans, it's an immigration thing, for humans as a whole, it's categorizing so we can function),
led to a distinction between good and bad uses of stereotyping,
which lead to "what can we do about the negative,"
which came to, "a change in focus isn't enough."
what needs to happen? the conclusion: acceptance
how can we become a people that accept? a change in heart to "everyone is worthy and valuable"
how does a change in heart come about? experience
experience what? love, acceptance
why is experiencing love and acceptance so important? more able to love

At roughly this point in the conversation people started to share stories of how they had never experienced real love and how one relationship or two totally changed that. The stories of hurt, neglect, abuse are heart-breakingly beautiful. I call them beautiful because I believe, firmly, that a messy misery can and will be redeemed. And these people spoke of the hurt and confusion... but then of the redemption of the thought they they could receive love... real, unconditioned love.. and that hope and belief was born in a relationship.

And perhaps the most amazing thing about this conversation is that we were not all Christians. Yet we could go nowhere beyond the teaching of Jesus of Nazareth: Love one another. Love your neighbor as you love yourself. In the company of wiccans, athiests, agnostics, christians, and a few other belief systems, I'm sure, people felt safe enough to bare their soul for a moment and in that, we were united: we've all been hurt. And love, we decided, is truly the answer!

Sloppy Joes. MmmmMmmm.

So today (Wednesday) I decided to try and get a few people together and make dinner. Originally I was planning on 4 or 5 of us and tater-tot casserole. But then I realized 2 things: 1) I was a little rusty on the recipe; and 2) I don't own a casserole dish. The second reason being the clincher, I decided sloppy joes was a great sub. Quick. Easy. And generally, a crowd pleaser. But then, as luck would have it, my compadres were busy and the one person who was up for it was still fighting a month-long sickness. SO... I decided to take dinner to him. Nothing fights off the cold-blues like a home-cooked meal and some chill company! And then Aza joined us. I let the men be men and we watched UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). I'm not gonna lie, it wasn't all bad. I have some experience in martial arts. If nothing else, it made me want to get back in to it. :-p

Then we watched League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Interesting movie. Definitely worth philosophy hours. (for all you Bonzonians lurking out there).

I brought myself cookies for dessert. I wouldn't let my sick friend have any because when you're sick there are a few things you should avoid, and refined sugar is one of them. He whined. I stuck to my guns. It was pretty humorous. And he ended up fetching himself a granola bar (which are loaded with refined sugar!), Which is fine, he's a grown man and can eat sugar if he wants... just not sugar from my cookies!

Folks, if you're ill: get plenty of rest, green veggies, water, vitamin C, zinc, and calcium. Avoid milk/dairy products (especially if you have a cough, as the lactose coats your throat!) and refined sugar. Refined sugar is pretty much like bits of glass to a down immune system. Okay, I'm off my soapbox, now.

It was a good evening! And it made me feel good to be able to make a good meal for a good and under-the-weather friend. :-) When I'm able to do things like that I feel as though I am truly giving redemption hands and feet.

Asher

vay-kay-shun

Don't you just LOVE the English language? ...

After experiencing my WORST birthday to date I frolicked my way down to GR for some Sabbath and community.  I read once in a book by Nouwen that to one often has to look outside of the community they exist in to find the things they need (Asher's paraphrase).  I find this true.  But only because I don't live in GR. ;-)  (the book is The Inner Voice of Love. It really helped me when I moved back from New Hampshire)

For those that don't know, God used Grand Rapids to save my life.  And although I can't say in any certain terms that the salvation was physical, it was, without a doubt, the best thing that has ever happened to me.  During my time in GR I discovered hidden darkness, ignored wounds, and a plethora of other such unpleasant things.  The reason these discoveries were good is that I had amazing friends and mentors who loved me to healing & truth.  I had a confidence I had once only dreamed of.  In retrospect, it would have been better to move back to GR after NH.  And apparently Aza's been saying that ever since I moved back.   (I don't recall that.  But I'll trust him here)  

This most recent trip was for two reasons.  1) Sabbath.  2) Celebrating my birthday.  And I am glad to say, that after a month with no real break, I rested.  And after the worst birthday in the history of Asher, I had amazing birthday celebrations with good friends who really are family.

Friday I hung out with Larry and we had amazing Chinese, played a game, talked.  Then there was game day.  I only had enough "E" left in me for two games.  The first I won!  After that I found a corner and read.  Later Heather, Kelli, and I went out to dinner at TGI Fridays.  Collectively, we had nine to-go boxes.  Go us!  

Saturday was my day to hang out with two of my favorite teens, ever.  Katie & Alyssa.  Well, Katie and I were suppose to do breakfast, but she ended up being grounded.  ooops.  I did get to see her for a few minutes, at least.  Then Jim, Momo, & I had lunch.  Good times.  Then it was time for me to frolic off to Grandville to find Alyssa's home.  I had rough directions, but they were of little help.  After a good hunt, I recognized some street names from nearly two years ago when I interned! I found the house.  Woot!(side note: she was grounded, too!  we almost didn't see each other!  whoops.  her mom reconsidered at the last minute, though.)  Alyssa & I spent our time at Starbucks talking and laughing.  I miss her already.  During that conversation I remembered exactly why I majored in Youth Ministry.  And there's nothing... NOTHING in the world I'd rather do!  

Alyssa & I

Saturday night Megan & I hung out.  There's another woman I missed like crazy.  She means so much to me.  We grabbed a pizza from Papa Murphy's and went back to her place and chatted.  She is one of the few people I can be completely me and at peace around.  Her boyfriend came by and I got to know him.  He's a great guy, and I'm so happy for her.  The three of us tried stumping each other with riddles and tricks and then we watched Stranger than Fiction. I loved it!  Then Megan & I drove around and talked before she dropped me off.  

Sunday was an "oops" day.  I got LOST on the way to Mars Hill.  No, I'm not going to explain.  I didn't end up going, though.  It was sad.  I spent the afternoon with Heather's family.  I won at monopoly! WOOOHOOOOOO!  I never win.  And we play every time I come over.  About time.   After dinner we all went to town and got dessert in honor of my birthday!  YAY.  The only cake/ice cream I had in honor of it, this year.  So I've decided that this year my birthday wasn't really on the 25th.. but the 28th, 29th, and 30th.  I stayed an extra night and got up this morning, drove north, and went to work.  And now it's back to the work-sleep cycle that is my life.  

I am hoping I can move to GR in the Spring.  Although, I'm not really sure.  I haven't prayed about it at all.  All I know is that I fit a lot better there than I do here!

Asher

ps- I found out Thursday night that my best friend is having a BOY.  Ahhhh!  yay.

why i have the best girl friends in the world...

Megan, Elysia, and Heather and three of my best buddies ever.  At the risk of embarrassing them, especially elysia, here's why:

Megan and I... well, we just get each other.  I love our honest, real conversations.  And the mutual "pushing" and unconditional love.  And she's really just amazing.  

Elysia and I... well, here's an example from this AM:

(we're on the phone, both of us had just gotten up)

me: so I spent like 50 dollars on myself yesterday trying to do some therapy shopping.  I kinda feel bad about it. (it was totally impulse, out of budget and unnecessary.  rather than telling me that I did, in fact, make a bad decision, she says...)

elysia: it's okay!  you could just say it's your birthday present to yourself.

me:I already bought my present to myself.

e: just add to it then.

... a few minutes later...

e: paul left me a treat.  a bag of oreos.  I meant to eat breakfast first.  but I'm eating oreos... I told myself just one... but...

me: it's okay, you're pregnant.  eat up!  

(we're just all about encouraging and validating one another... it's amazing... I love you, Elysia.)

(heather and I, just a few minutes ago)

heather: I should be fine!  that's the whole reason I have six holes in my stomach.  I mean five.  so if it makes me sick I've got bigger problems

... separate comments about different things...

me: well, we could always take a wheel chair in my car just incase you get tuckered out...

...

me: I am taking a break.  that's what GR is about.  I'm gonna make everyone carry me while Im there.

h: we could share the wheel chair!

me: yeah... I could sit on your lab... maybe you should sit on my lap... Im pretty sure Id hurt your surgery if I sat on yours.  We could make Jim push us.

h: there you go.

me: well, that could be scary.

h: true.  we'd probably both end up back in the hospital.  (sorry, Jim!)

...

h: you're up a level by getting things thrown at you.  it's a good thing!

(this probably doesn't seem funny to you, but the convos are truly hysterical in person.  and this post is more about remembering, anyhow)

Random Moments of Happy

A friend of mine spent 3.5 months in Siberia this Summer.  He got home a couple weeks ago and gave me a call, letting me know he was home but would be leaving in a week for Oregon where he'd interview for a long-term missions stay in Siberia. Sweet, right?!  That meant we wouldn't see each other til after September 1.  

Well, being that it was Sept. 2 he was on my mind on Sunday.  I decided not to call him because I didn't want to overwhelm him.  I was washing dishes tonight at the Well and I felt my partner standing next to me, so I look up... only it's not my partner, it's Eric!  I was/am so excited!  We swapped summer stories.  He forced me to talk about me... but all I wanted to do was hear about Siberia.  I compromised and vaguely explained my summer.  Then he shared about Siberia.  I'm so happy he's home!   Before we parted ways he made sure I knew I hadn't escaped talking about my summer.  eh.  Anyway, Eric's back.  And although we'll need to do some creative scheduling in order to hang out, I look forward to our friendship again!  And hopefully his faith will encourage me.  =)

I really need to get to bed now.  Night!

Asher

Camping Pics

Fred, aka Bob, the Chipmunk

Sunset through the trees over the water... from our campsite


Me...

Me again


Kristin








One more of K-to-the-ristin

I've got an hour...

So, I'm going to recount some camping adventures.

Kristin had reserved a campsite for us but when we got to the campground it turned out that there had been a mistake and our site wasn't actually available. And the campground was booked for just the second time this summer. After being assisted by a sweet female DNR officer who, when she found out I had a disability, asked, "Are you mental?" we settled down. Now, normally that might be offensive, but you can tell it was an honest question and, after further reflection, I think it makes sense. How many physically disabled people do you see wandering around a rustic (read: no electricity, running water, bathrooms = small outhouses) campground? Juuuuust me, usually. So, long story short, we ended up with a campsite nestled quite beautifully in the woods and above the water, facing west. They told us they never "rent" that site out. We felt blessed. It was gorgeous. And they didn't charge us extra. Also cool.

Kristin went to get ice and I sat on a little hill, stick in hand to beat away the 8 different species of daddy-longlegs we discovered on our site (I don't like arachnids). I watched the water lick the shore methodically and unrushed. Soon another DNR officer walked up to empty our firepit. He and I began talking and I discovered he's a social worker for a local ISD and had been a houseparent in Grand Rapids for a while. He also calmed my fears about the overabundance of arachnids; "a normal, healthy crop," he said. I tired quickly of fending the eight-legged beasts off and relocated to the picnic table where I was soon joined by a very friendly and tame chipmunk Kristin and I named Fred. Several times Fred came right up to my shoe and sat there and stared at me. He also loved to entertain us by running in and out from underneath our tent.

When Kristin returned started grilling dinner. But we had neglected to bring spatulas, so Kristin flipped our burgers with spare stakes... I think the count was four for how many times a burger but the sand. (Don't worry, we rinsed off the meat). We made our way down our private path towards the beach where we watched the sunset. Stunning. Then we built a fire. Last time I had gone camping my friend Alex had taught me the offical way to make a fire and I am glad to report that it worked! We didn't have a lot of wood, though, so it was short lived.

We packed away the food and retreated to the tent. Occassionally we heard a rustle here and there but chaulked it up to Fred scurrying about. When we awoke in the AM we discovered that 1) it was not Fred that had visited our site the night before and 2) Raccoons had done away with our breakfast, even though we had stored it away. Oh well, we decided. We accounted for all the food containers that we brought... except for the cream cheese. No word on what the raccoons did with the cream cheese... I busted out my reserve of Clif Bars and we partook.

We took down camp and packed up the car. And there we were stopped by another DNR officer who wanted to make sure our stay was good. He thanked us again for our flexibility (Kristin and I decided it was goofy to be stressed about it all when we were getting away to destress) and was talking to us about the site and the spiders when all of the sudden I see Fred scurrying behind him. So I point him out and explain our experiences with Fred and the DNR officer says, "Oh, yeah! That's Bob. He's way more tame than the other animals around here. I think he's still mad at me. He likes almonds and a couple days ago I gave him a spicey almond. He didn't come see me for a couple days." hehehe. Oh, Bob. Apparently he follows the officers around and gets scared if he gets left behind. Now that is a domesticated chipmunk if ever there was one!

Kristin and I have concluded that the people of Charlevoix, especially the DNR officers, are incredibly nice. And I think God had a hand in us getting that super sweet site. Pics of the weekend to follow.

I'm back...!

From forest-frolicking, ginormous daddy long-legs assassinating, galabanting racoons eating all our food, and the entertainment of Bob the Chipmunk, the welcoming committee of Fisherman's Island State Campground. And now that I've hurt your head with that rediculously running on run-on sentence, I've got nothing more to say than this:

Lindsey & I leave 8pm Thursday night for Chicago to see the Anathallo concert late Friday night. We'll get into Chicago around 1am Friday, crash for a few hours, go exploring and eating and picture-taking... and then to the concert. And then it's straight home to Kristin's after the concert so Linds and I can get some shut eye before getting up at 6am Chicago time to hit the road and return to TC so Linds can shoot a wedding (1pm) and I can get to work (3pm)... hehehe.

Finally... some adventure in my life. I'm lovin' it. AND... it's with Lindsey & Kristin. It doesn't get any better!

I'll share about camping... maybe... later... but I gotta go. Showers and soap enthusiastically call my name...

mmm... the smell of camp...

Boys, Girls, & Sewing

Lindsey and I decided to be random and we went to Walmart, got fabric and other such things, called Aza, Adam, and Jess and came back to my house. It's now about 10:30pm. We told the guys when we called them that we'd be sewing. They came anyway. And the guys (Adam & Aza) spent the next 45 minutes or so figuring out how to use a sewing machine. We girls figured that since guys like contraptions, we'd leave them to it. They figured it out and then spent the rest of the night teaching me how to sew with a sewing machine.

Adam kept saying, "Asher! Slow. Be patient." (he's got me pegged already...)

hehehe...

And at one point he told me not to talk. I was apologizing for not getting it right away. When Adam said this Aza started laughing... along with everyone else. They just left. It's been a good night. And the guys taught me how to sew. It was great. A bunch of 20-somethings sitting around teaching ourselves life skills that we wish we knew how to do. Even the guys! Just goes to show that I belong to a generation of overcomers. =)

I'm making a messenger bag. I'll post pics of my masterpiece when I finish it. (it'll be several days, probably)

An unrelated pic: My baby brother (15) and his girlfriend. I'm so in love with this kid. He makes me so proud. Plus, look how CUTE he is??? And, he's talented and sweet-hearted. Definitely a lover and not a fighter. Okay. Enough mush from the big sister. Here's the pic:


(he doesn't know I have this pic... smiles)


Peace... and sleep.


Asher

...And the Natives Flee...

(warning: this post contains lots of pictures)

Wee, it's official! The 2007 National Cherry Festival has begun! YAY!

With all the fudgies causing mayhem, Joe, Alex, & I headed north for Leelanau County. Our destination: the open road.

:-p

With no real destination in mind we stopped at various fruit stands and hole-in-the-wall markets to support the very happy people and the all-natural goodness they sell. We also went to a couple Vineyards, the first being Blackstar Farms where I did my very first first wine tasting. I didn't sample anything there that was horrible (except for one at the other winery we went to), but my favorite was their 2004 A Capella Riesling Ice Wine. But no, I didn't buy any. It's $90/bottle. Yikes! I also liked their Sirius Cherry Dessert Wine and their 2006 Arcturos Late Harvest Riesling. Woot for new and fun experiences!

I had mentioned when we first left that I had my camera and wanted to stop and take pics somewhere. So, quite randomly, Al stops the car, and says, "Is this good for pictures?" It was absolutely gorgeous. And my subjects were pretty great, too...


This is the road we were driving down. I love this picture. We were on a hill and you can see two hills in the distance.

A better shot of the house in the first pic. I love old farm houses. And, I love how the road comes towards you out of the right side of the picture!

The hill across the road from where I took the first two. The weeds and such were so tall. I was seated on the ground for this pic.

Pretty yellow flowers! Up close! I love how it stands out against the brown fieldness.

The horizon. Absolutely gorgeous. The color/distance contrast is amazing. It was beautiful out there!

Alex & Joe. Two very great guys. Al's on the left, Joe is on the right.

I asked them to pose. This is what I got. :-p

Pose #2.

This is a great pic. I'm lovin' it! The lighting was perfect.Look at the sky! And Al pretty much uprooted the enire thing to chew on.

And now Joe. :)

My shadow. I was playing around and it actually turned out!

West GT Bay (aka Lake Michigan). This is another one of those instances where Al discovered that I was trying to take pictures through my window, so he pulled over. This is the best of the two of the bay that I took, but it's still not that great. It doesn't do the bay justice. But the traffic was too heavy for me to trapse across the highway.
_____________
You'll notice that the only picture of me is my shadow. Well, that's intentional. I woke up this AM with my neck bugging me again and could barely do my hair. Just putting it in a ponytail was very painful. Al asked if I wanted any pics of me and I said no, thanks, and explained why. Both he and Joe scoffed at me and explained that my hair's so beautiful that it doesn't matter how I fix it....

Awwww....

Anyway. I blushed, declined, and moved on.

The day's conclusion: 1) I still have a few good friends. 2) We need to go on random adventures that only cost $10 total.