Friends + Midterms/Papers + 4 Ferries + Weddings + Music = one busy girl

In a nutshell, I've been a little swamped lately, but only a week until Spring Break and then I can rest for a bit. So I'm going to post a whack of pictures in hopes that they can speak a thousand words while I only write a few.
My lovely gal pals from Capernwray came for a visit last weekend for a few days, which was a blast to have them at Trinity. It was really squishy in our room, Hannah was a trooper and a half. Days were full of classes, goofiness, and late night studying, but we had a rad visit. Terri and I recorded some songs so we may finally end up with a CD one day. I headed over to Capernwray for a night and a day to get a final visit in with them, as well as catch up with our other two roommates, if only Larrissa could have been there. Sadly (sorry guys) I must have deleted the pictures of the 5 of us gals, so I have none to share. But our Capernwray extravaganza basically was going around to all our old favorite spots, Cas and I found our old cow Sumo, who we think may be steak soon, and we snuck into our old cabin - shhh, and then we drove out to Pilkey Point for a photo shoot, and to find our tree where we carved our names into last year...and yes it was still there. Along with a dead bird - but that's another story. We kidnapped Alanda and Sarah for a bit of the afternoon and all hung out like good ol' days. It was so good to be back there with the girls and connect with the LTS and staff again, always does my heart good. I also had a fun trip back to Van. Island on the Chemainus ferry because I was the only person on board other than the workers, no cars even - kind of strange, but definitely fun. I miss the ferry rides, so it was a treat to have a solo sailing.

Then I went home, which was SO good to relax. My lovely friend's Ben and Lindsay had their wedding on Saturday, and I was so happy I was able to make it home. It was beautiful and perfect for them, it's been cool to see their relationship progress, and I'm excited for them to start this new season in life together. Rachel and I were talking about how crazy it is that one of us girls from our old sunday school gang is already married, we missed Jayme quite a bit, so we just pretended she was there anyways. The trip back to Trinity was fun, Hannah had taken Kelsey and Sarah home with her for the weekend, so Rach, me and the those three headed back. Nice to just bum on the ferry together, and then some friends picked us up at Horsebay to take us 'home'.

Back at school now, and on a few more exams and papers until I can take a break for a bit. But, exciting fun - a few of us went to the Vancouver Symphony last night, and it was a blast! The music was amazing. I've always wanted to go to a classical concert, so it was a blast. Hannah and I definitely aren't the kind of girls that enjoy getting overly dressed up, so it was quite the production finding 'classy' clothes, but the girls in our dorm were fantastic and helping us get ready to go.

So hope that gives you a good snapshot into the life of Jen. Thanks to all of you who have been praying for me lately. It's been a very neat, but challenging time. Some nights when I've been up in the wee hours of the morning, feeling like I'm at the end of my rope, it's been a spectacular blessing to feel the Lord come along side of me and say, 'It's going to be okay''. It's been humbling seeing His continous faithfulness to me, even when I'm doubtful. But I'm enjoying having the moments when I feel like there is no other way but Christ, and I hope that it becomes engraved into my heart so that I depend on Him with all that I have in all that I do.

"The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus." - 1 Timothy 13:14

Perfect for a good laugh...

A cute video that just makes you smile.

I Love My Friends!
(and a glimpse of Missions, Mucus, Mischief)

Amidst the craziness of the past week with midterms flying and papers and projects and all things that school throws at you, I've been able to stay above water. I dug myself a pretty deep hole in some areas of school this semester, but when I've needed a hand climbing out, some amazing people have surrounded me in reaching down a hand. It was like swimming or surfing at the beach, when a huge wave unexpectedly grabs you in the spinning of its grip, unsure whether you'll make it out in an okay condition or not. But above all, the Lord has been so faithful in helping me realize the importance of discipline, and resting. Sometimes I never seem to grasp some of His lessons, thankfully He hasn't given up on retreaching them to me. I've also realized that life isn't all about school...but at least right now it's a big portion, so it's been humbling learning to honor that aspect.

But I love my friends, because I have a spectacular roommate. Hanbanan has been so supportive during my craziness these past weeks, in giving up time to help me with my work, bringing me little treats, taking care of me when I've been sick, and just loving me. She's been such an example of a servant's heart and loving people, and I appreciate her more than she knows, she's absolutley fantastic.

I also love my friends, because two of my past roommates, Cassie and Terri, are coming out for a visit this weekend! I'm so stoked to see these two lovely girls, they're both so special and dear to my heart. It will such a blast and a gongshow to connect and hang out again.

Then, just a tad more background to the past few weeks: Mission Fest was in Vancouver at the end of January, and it was amazing. I had the opportunity to connect with some good friends and staff from Capernwray, as well as youth pastors and youth groups from back home. I was just really encouraged and refreshed by the many small conversations I had with people, and getting a glimpse into the work that the Lord is doing here, and near and far. (I'll also post a sweet video of the music group Rescue that we saw there soon...)

Thus, after some busy weeks with little sleep, and busy weekends, sickness overtook me once again and I turned into a mean green mucus machine. Pretty sick I know, my kleenex box turned into my best friend for a few days as I carried it to all of my classes. Then after the Superbowl, I was attacked by a lame flu...not so fun. But I've bascially recovered - sleep does wonders. Hannah quickly went to work disinfecting our whole living area, so we should be germ free for a while - she lovingly gave me the nickname of Typhoid Mary...

Last but not least, the mischief of Dorm 4W. What kind of mischief you ask? Well, a while back, our dorm was pranked as some boys dragged a large tree up four flights of stairs into a hallway. So we 'retaliated' when they least expected it. Overall, the prank was well recieved and fun all around, except for our lame 'mistake'. We foolishly awoke a boy as we were leaving, which caused us to dash off in a wild frenzy, leaving behind two sets of our room/building/food card keys, and our complete list of pranks and who was doing what. We sighed with frustration as we realized what we'd done. So now we're just awaiting the wrath of a dorm ful of boys and the retaliation they will bring. (there will probably be more photos and video footage of this early morning escapade to come...) So life is good, but prayers would be most appreciated through these next two weeks. Discipline, rest, and perseverance will be needed. Agreeing with the well known song of Gloria Gaynor - 'I Will Survive!'

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus...Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass." 1 Thess. 5:16-18, 23-24

Monday....

Just a little something, you may have to copy the link
http://www.hallmark.com/ECardWeb/ECV.jsp?a=2126612242112MooooooN&product_id=