I LOVE WCC!!

I love the Women's Concert Choir....the gals had their last concert this last Sunday before they head off to Singapore and Malaysia on the 19th of May. They sounded so amazing, and I had goosebumps as I listened to them....I realized just how much I miss it, especially seeing the bells play. The did a wonderful job, and I know they are going to have a wonderful time ministering through music on their Summer tour. Steph and I went, and met Alison, who I haven't seen in 8 months....she graduated last year. And Katie did as well, and the four of us went to Olive Garden for some dinner and fun, and boy did we have it. There is just some kind of bond that carries on, no matter how time goes on. We shared stories, and what was going on in each others lives. I haven't laughed that much in a long time, and it was so good to be back with all of them again!!

Bells....

I miss this SO much!

Roommates...Laura and I

Katie and I with the Tiramisu (which I didn't eat because I can't stant coffee...but they said it was good!)

Steph and Alison

The gang....me, Steph, Al, and Katie

Just like old times....our crazy, silly selves!

SERIOUSLY!

So, Saturday morning, I walked out to my car, and noticed that the door wasn't closed all the way. And then, I saw the destruction. My car had been broken into. Now seriously....who would want anything from a whooptie 86 rusted olds? Come on people! And I don't have anything in there anyone would want...however, I did have a package of about 200 keychains that my friend had passed along to me when she moved that I forgot I had under the seat. Well, they got into those, and can you believe he/she had the audacity to leave me about 20 of them? I was flabbergasted! They didn't even take the little change that was in my ash-tray.

If he/she would have taken these and accepted the message, they could have been the richest person in the world!

The wonderful keychains they left on my seat....uuggh! (look familiar Susanna?)

Lincoln Park Zoo!

Last semester, my friend Ange and I were placed with a refugee family to help teach them English, as they arrived in July from Burma and the Karen tribe. Ange has continued this semester. Moses and Mu Ka Po are the parents, and Sanay Ma is their daughter. We finally made the long anticipated trip to the Zoo.


This pic is for Ella....the wild dogs!!

This guy is my favorite at the Zoo. I love photographing him, because he has so many expressions....he's really ugly, but that doesn't matter. The unfortunate thing right now is that my camera is broken, and is being cared for by Best Buy.....pray that I have it back before graduation!!

Sanay Ma and the lions

Ange

I really liked these camels...they were very hungry!

It was a wonderful day. They have only been downtown one time, because they have no car and don't speak English. They were so excited about this adventure, and we had a great time!

GO PISTONS!

This last week was spent in Ohio with my Aunt and Uncle. My Aunt and I played tennis almost everyday...it was so fun! I really love tennis...it has become my favorite sport to play, and whenever I play with her, I improve so much. It's always high on the agenda if the weather is nice. We did our usual shopping in Erie Pennsylvania, rented and watched movies, and hung out. I just love spending time with her! We also went to visit my great Aunt and Uncle...Norm and Shirley. I love these two....they always make me laugh, and I was given an adorable apron from them to wear for my newfound cooking skills. (lol) I also shared my Africa slideshow with them. It was such a fun and relaxing week, for the most part. :)

A highlight for me was going to the Cleveland Cavs/Detroit Pistons game. I love the Pistons, and my Aunt and Uncle got tickets for the game. I never realized how hard it would be to be the lone fan amongst 20,000 people. I was booed at, but I didn't care. I came to support my Pistons, and in the end, they won by ten, and I was the one sneering! :) Oh, and I ran into 3 other Pistons fans with their jerseys, and we casually exchanged our smiles and thumbs up in passing.



Sally and I, with Uncle Norm, Aunt Shirley, and their son Scott.



Tip-off!

Audrey arrived!

I just can't imagine knowing that you have a little life growing inside of you, and when you deliver, you have no idea how long they will survive. Wow, my heart has been so heavy for Todd and Angie this week. I've cried so many times when reading their blog, and realizing what an incredible legacy Audrey left after spending just over 2 hours here on Earth. To know that she is with Jesus today is an amazing gift, and yet I know Todd and Angie are grieving for their little girl. Please visit their blog. www.audreycaroline.blogspot.com. Angie has written a letter to Audrey, and it is simply beautiful. I'm thankful for the hope we share, and pray that you who read this have that as well. Please continue to uphold the Smith family in your prayers in the coming days. They have the burial on Thursday, and the memorial service on the 20th. Thank you Lord, for those 2 precious hours with their baby girl, as many beautiful memories were made and created. Only you knew Lord, what a joy that would be for them.

I LOVE flowers. Everthing about them. The smell, look, feel, and yet, I never get them. (probably because my record with plants and such isn't all that good....but flowers are different!) I think that is why I enjoy going out to the Botanical Gardens so much. Andrea and I took advantage of the warm weather on Sunday, and played some tennis, before heading out there. They happened to be having a orchid show and sale, and it was amazing! I have never seen the likes of some of them...it was gorgeous! Enjoy the beauty in these!

This one reminds me of Africa

**When I was in Africa, Ella got me a dozen roses, and had then waiting in my bedroom for me...so unexpected, and yet such a delight! :)

Easter

Steph, Maddy, and I-Maddy ran into my arms when she saw me. I couldn't believe how much she had changed in the 7 weeks since I had seen her.

The flight home was long, but I was greeted at the airport in Chicago by my friends Tad, Steph, and Maddy. It was SO good to see them for 45 minutes before I boarded to go back to Detroit. Once I got off the plane, and figured out all the stuff that comes with losing a bag, I went straight to my church, with a quick stop to shower at my Aunt's, to practice the bells for Sunday service. I was exhausted, but it was fun to see people. Friday, I was like a zombie.....I was exhausted, but couldn't really sleep. Saturday was spent with my best friend, and then I went to my Aunt's for Easter. I forgot my computer with all my pics from Africa, so my cousin and I went back to my house to get it. During that time, we managed to get a flat tire, and had to stop and get a small bite to eat from taco bell because we were starving, and knew we wouldn't be eating until 4:30. It was fun spending time with my cousins, and sharing about Africa with them.

The following week was full of visiting with people, and sharing with everyone about Africa. It was great to meet with so many of you. I don't get to spend too much time with my cousin, so we had a girls day, and went bowling, out to lunch, and then shopping.

I was also able to visit with Don and Megs, the wonderful children I nannied for a few years ago for 3 summers. I've neved played Nintendo Wii before, and they accustomed me to it right away. I loved the system, and especially loved playing Guitar Hero. They have grown so much, and will soon be passing me in height! aigh-yigh-yigh!!

Well, I am back in Chicago now, and continually missing Africa. I grew to love the people and country, especially the Embree family. They became the only family that I had, and I couldn't have asked for anyone better, although they are a bit crazy! :) I think about them all the time, and am thankful we are able to talk to each other, well-chat at least, weekly. Please continue to pray for them as they have various ministries they are invloved in, and as they get ready to come home on furlough in July, for details to come into place. (housing, transport, churches to share in, etc.) I'm looking forward to a scrapbook retreat with Ella in July....we both love it so much, and this will be a fun time for us to reconnect and do what we love to do!!

And finally, my favorite meal that Ella cooked, and can I just say that Ella always had a meal on the table for dinner, and the food was amazing! I really miss sitting at the table each and every night, sharing a meal together. I don't know how she did it with everything else going on....home-schooling the kids, taking them to swimming, gymnastics, recorder practice, ballet, and being full-time mom....amazing is all I have to say! Sesame chicken was ranked as one of my favorites, and so I made it for my parents when I was home last week. Needless to say, Ella's was WAY better, but it had to suffice, and actually tasted pretty good! (for those of you who know me, I don't really like to cook....but after living with Ella, I have a greater appreciation for it, and actually enjoy making meals now!)

Have a great weekend!