A Year At a Glance

2011. It is over. It's been real. It's been surreal at times. But now it is coming to an end. As I reflect...which d303 taught me to do so well, so many different things come to my mind. However there are a few big things that stand out the most.
1. "In the business of life, God calls us to still waters, to quiet resting places, and to the all-embracing comfort of His love." Roy Lessin
         Life is crazy. It always will be. As humans we find ways to make things busy. I think its a weird condition. Yet still God calls us to be still. I have been so blessed by the times this year that I have listened and answered that call.
2. Abide.
         God calls us to abide in Him. In His perfect love, in His comfort, in His peace, in His plan, in His timing. This word has been a verb that I have been striving towards. I don't always do it but I am working. God is working. 
3. Where there is a need you meet it with Christs love.
         This summer I realized how true it is that it is not just the sick and widowed in Africa and India that need us to be Jesus' hands and feet. There are people we interact with everyday that need that from us. It doesn't matter if the person who is a millionaire or has a dollar to their name. They need Jesus just as much as I do. From what I've seen a lot of times I think its the millionaire that is almost more forgotten. We all need mercy, and grace, and love from our Father.
Micah 6:8 "And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
4. His ways are so much higher than ours.
          It is embarrassing how much I think I have control of my life. It is crazy how much I think that I know what is best for me. I know what is going to help me and be the best option. Really...I have no idea. My small mind has no clue what is best compared to what God knows.This video talks about it a bit (feel free to skip to 3min in)

5. He shows up when you ask.
        This semester more than ever I have asked God to show up. Not in a "Hey God....I'm gonna be here....if you want to come too you can." but in a "God I can not do this without you....show up, I need you." kind of way. and He has with out fail and without delay.

God is so faithful. I feel like I say that all the time in my blog...but it is just what I think as I reflect. As we enter the new year.. know that He goes before us. He will never fail us. I am thankful. I am blessed.

Peace

I took a break from blogging. And that's fine...because I blog for me.. not you, or you, or you. It's really a very selfish activity. I guess with the final push of the semester and tons of events to attend I got wrapped up in other things. Which is great. Busy livin. Less bloggin. I am not really sure what all I want to include in this blog because there is far too much that has happened to recap it all. So I might not. I'll include a few pictures. Finals went well, all the Christmas activities were great, hanging out with my staff was magical as always. Now I am home. It has really been restful already. After the first Christmas break and Summer... a lot of friendships change...and now a few more are even changing. But it is ok. As my roots grow deeper with friends at IWU ones from home look a little different. Which I don't think is totally bad. Probably healthy.

This Christmas season I have been focusing on how Jesus is our Prince of Peace. I have tried to maintain peace in this season where our society tells us to run around like crazy, spend tons of money, push and shove. I'll be honest. I have definitely slipped up and peace has been on the back burner at times. I'm trying to rest and be at peace in this place and in this time. God gives us a peace that surpass all understanding if we let Him.

I am excited that this year Christmas falls on a Sunday. Katie and I both wish Christmas fell on a Sunday every year. I don't want to sound judgmental or condescending...but the answer "no, we are just staying home as a family" in response to the question "are you going to church on Christmas?" It bothers me. I think it probably bothers me because more and more I've realized how easy it can be for us to put "family first". It seems like such a harmless thing...but it's really still and idol. It's putting something that is not God...before God. I just think about John 3:16...so cliche..but so intense. I also think that it will be so fun to rejoice as a community of believers tomorrow. Celebrating our blessings and the birth of our Lord and Savior. Jesus really is the reason for the season right?? haha it's not just a catchy saying. Ok, thats my rant about that. (ps blogs are a perfectly ok place to rant about things like that)

Tomorrow Alex, Ayla, and Austin join us. It will be great to have a full house.

Here is Lindsay cleaning the lobby before we RA's went home for break!

Macy's downtown. If this doesn't scream consumerism...I don't know what does.

My wonderful Dad, who is also a grandpa, working like an elf on fixing up a wooden rocking horse. 

Mom and I waiting for Christmas Eve dinner at Niko's.

Be

Be Bold, Be Thankful, Be Quiet, Be Original, Be Spontaneous, Be Punctual, Be a Star, Be Young, Be Loving, Be Crazy, Be Loud, Be Random, Be Adorable, Be Unique, Be Daring, Be Obnoxious, BE YOURSELF.

I had a class cancelled so......

I decided to blog.
Sleep in.
Shower.
Pinterest.
Look at my new favorite website goglamping.net
Go to 11 o'clock chapel.
Relax.

I think it was a good choice. I CAN NOT believe that the end of the semester is here...it absolutely blows my mind. I don't know what else to say about it but it's been great. I have enjoyed my classes. I had minimal freak outs. Always a plus. I have loved being an RA. My unit is amazing. God has shown up in more ways than I can count. I have fallen more and more in love with Him. I have made wonderful new friends and deepened relationships that already existed. I've been surprised. I've been broken. I've been energized. I've been angry and bitter. I've been uplifted. I've been encouraged. I've been cautious. I've been reckless. I've been reflective. I've moved on. I've reminisced. hahaha I could probably keep going but I won't.

The weekend will be here before I know it. I am looking forward to it. IWU is magical during Christmas time. I hope for lots of time by the fire and lots of coffee.

Christmas Tree Lighting

This week we had our first snowfall for the year. There were about 4 inches of snow that stuck. We had our East Village Christmas Tree Lighting. It was magical as always. It's now December...so all the boys shaved.

I am on duty this weekend. So I made treats to take around to all the girls.

No/So staff

The end of No-Shave November

He knows what I need

God knows exactly what I need and when I need it. It's almost embarrassing to admit to all the times that I freak out because I think I know what's best for me. I really have no reason to freak out. None. God provides.He is faithful. I am just writing this to remind myself. It all works out :) just maybe not exactly how I picture it.

Thanksgiving Break

Driving home after a wonderful time with our staff. We had so much fun the night after all the residents were gone before we went home to our families. I have been so blessed by every girl on my staff this year and for that I am very thankful. I am also so grateful for the opportunity to serve these amazing freshman women. God has shown up in more ways that I had ever imagined.

Emily and I stopped at McDonald's because we couldn't find Wendy's....sad. It was tricky. But it was one of those days where McDonald's sounds good and it really was good. We also had great conversation and before we even went in I realized the need for an instagram picture. We were also wearing matching sunglasses. Duh. We left Gilbert in the car...he was pissed. (He's the fish). I am so thankful for the relationship that Emily and I have built. I am so blessed by her wisdom, joy and her love. We have a great time together.

I love this place. So wonderful to drive up to! However, the best part is the people inside. Duh. I am so incredibly thankful for our home. A place filled with wonderful memories and the things of life that we take for granted. Running water...clean water for that matter. Beds...enough for everyone and then some. A roof...that keeps the rain and snow out. Great siding that not only keeps the critters out but the elements as well. Heat....the list could go on forever.

This year my Dad and Grant (Waldo) joined me in running the Fox and Turkey 4 mile. It was so nice to have them there. Running has really become a family thing which is cool. Mom is wonderful and holds the coats and takes the pictures and cheers us on. For that we are all thankful. Alex even ran a 10k in NM. I am thankful for a healthy body that can run. I am also thankful that my parents encourage healthy traditions and motivate us to stay healthy and live active lifestyles.

What a feast! It was a nice reward after the run. Lots of laughs. My mom's cousin Bruce and my second cousin Lauren came and ate with us. My Grandma is also here for the weekend. We missed Alex and Ayla but I guess Alex is coming here tomorrow night? News to me.

I am blessed beyond belief. I want to live day to day giving thanks to my God and Savior and I hope that it pours out of my heart. Not just for a day. But a day focused on it is great.

100 Posts

This is my 100th blog. Craziness. I've been blogging for under a year and I think that 100 time is a great accomplishment. I only have one more class to go before break. Its my night class. We are just watching a documentary. I. Love. Documentaries.

Here are some random pictures of recent events.

This is Moe. Being Moe. On Grant's dashboard. I was laughing so hard.

This is a sidewalk drawing that my friend Jason from Olivet drew for me. It was raining this morning when I tried to take a picture. It says "There's always money in the Banana Stand" which is from Arrested Development. Super funny. I love it.

Grant. Doing homework? Who knows. But What this picture does document is no-shave November! He's rockin it.

 College is silly. I should clean or pack or something. Hopefully there will be more blogs to come during break.

Oh p.s. Emily and I are driving home together. It's going to be insanity (aka crazy fun).

Buy One Get One

As most of you hopefully know by now...Starbucks has had a buy one get one deal on their holiday drinks. It is only between 2-5 and started Thursday and ends today. I think. Anyways. I went on Thursday....on Friday...and...on Saturday. Lets just say I have enjoyed my White Peppermint Mocha's. And no I am not drinking two each time I go.

I am a big fan of this years holiday cups. They make me happy. They make me want to drink more coffee and have more conversations with friends over coffee. It makes me excited for all the conversations that I am going to share with dear friends next week during break and during Christmas break which will be here before we know it.

Last night we played the game of things. It is classic fun. However, people were getting distracted and playing half hearted so I called for a phone collection. As I went around the table I realized I was collecting mostly iphone's. Mine being one of them. Wow. What does that say about us? What does that say about our culture? Our school? My friends? I think it can say a lot of things. But I just want to reiterate that I am thankful for technology but I am not in love with it. I think it is useful and has its place but it should not rule our lives. I think its a great tool but it is not a necessity. Its a luxury. I hope I can maintain that thinking for a long time to come.

I decided that it's about $1,200 right there in a pile. It's almost as close as you can get to seeing a big stack of $20's. Unreal.

I am getting really excited for break. I leave Wednesday afternoon because I am an RA. I have no clue how I am going to be able to run 4 miles on Thursday morning. But Jesus got me through my last race so I am more than positive he can get me through this one.

God is able. 

Guest Blog

Many of you may not know me but I am Paige’s oldest brother, Alex.  Last weekend my wife (Ayla), my son (Austin) and I surprised Paige at Family Weekend at IWU. We totally surprised Paige by showing up at a service project that she was finishing up with the Rays on Saturday. Mom was videotaping the walk to the car because she knew we were waiting by the car (Paige thought Mom videotaping a walk to the car was totally normal).  Paige couldn’t believe the amount of people who were involved in the surprise!  The Rays, Vankerkoffs, both the Oler and Manson sides of the family and Kim Oyler; thank you all for keeping this from Paige, the surprise was awesome!

This was the first time that any of us had visited IWU and I believe I can speak for Ayla when I say we were blown away by what we saw!  Paige took us on a tour of the campus and we could not believe what a nice campus IWU presents.  Every building looked like it was built in the last 3 years!  I went to Eastern Illinois University where all of the buildings were built in the 60s and 70s so this was very amazing to me.  She took us to her dorm room where she showed that on her floor they have a small 24 hour workout room.  What a cool idea!  If you are too tired or it is too cold out and you want to get a run in you just walk across the hall.

After our tour of the campus Paige took us to McConn Coffee Shop for a quick cup of coffee while Paige went and bought a pair of IWU socks for Austin.  I was very impressed by the coffee at McConn and with the atmosphere.  Ayla and I were both shocked at the amount of people at the Student Center in the middle of the afternoon on a Saturday.  Where we went to school most of the students on 65 degree Fall Saturday afternoon are partying or recovering from partying or sleeping in their room watching football.  Very cool community atmosphere.

During our drive back to St. Louis we mentioned numerous times how impressed we were with how nice the campus was and how nice the people were.  We now understand why Paige tells us that she goes to school at “Disney World”.  I believe she made an incredible decision to go to IWU.  It was great to finally see where Paige goes to school understand why she chose to go there.  We are very glad we made the drive and that it all worked out as well as it did. We love you Paige

-AO3

It feels like Prom weekend

It feels like prom or (insert busy/fun event here) weekend. It was/is family weekend at IWU. This started with my parents arriving Friday afternoon to take me and a few friends out to dinner. We went to UpperCrust Pizza. Always a win. It was 11/11/11. We spend the evening sitting around the fire place in North Hall talking and talking and talking. My parents retired to their hotel but Kendra, Moe, Grant and myself stayed by the fire and continued to talk. We celebrated 11:11 11/11/11 by going to get ice cream. We didn't realize how many things are closed at 11 but it was a success anyways.
I woke up early to go on a morning jog with my Dad. It was fun getting to show him my usual route.

We then participated in the Family Service Project with the Rays. We have been to enough camp clean up service projects that we knew exactly what job we wanted. We were on team fence. We took down a chain link fence at the front of the camp. It was great from my point of view. We had lunch at the camp finished the fence and started to leave to go back to IWU.

As we were walking to the car I saw a family walking our way. It was from what I could see a Dad, a Mom, and a baby. As we got closer I started to think...that Dad, Mom, and baby look like people I know.......I do know them!!!!! It was Alex, Ayla, and Austin! I then started saying "No Way!" over and over. I was so surprised! It was so out of context and I had no clue that they were coming. I then started to cry. I was so amazed that they had driven all that way and that I could finally share that piece of my life with them. I was in a surreal state as we drove back to campus.

 We then toured IWU and it was nicely peppered with them meeting important people in my life. The wonderful visit concluded and they drove on to Afton and Jimmys and we went to the family banquet with all the food Baldwin is capable of making but never does, and with an Improv show. Then we drove up to the Ray's house in Warsaw a little over an hour away. We stayed here last night and went to church with them this morning. It was a good weekend of Oler/Ray time which is always needed. Mrs. Ray has been a saint in letting my do laundry and helping with that, and cooking amazing food. I feel like I am on such a retreat. My parents headed back home this afternoon but I am still here. Tonight I will sleep on a sleep number bed and Matt and I will head back to school tomorrow morning for our scheduled 10 o' clock events. So Family Weekend lives on with the Rays (they are family as family gets as far as I'm concerned).

If all the world were a village of 100 people...

Only 53 people would always have enough to eat.

Slap in the face

Does Jesus ever just slap you in the face with songs? I think that is what is happening to me right now. I decided to listen to Tenth Avenue North this morning and Jesus is making me not just hear the words but actually listen to the words and it is kicking my butt/slapping me in the face/ totally comforting me and being awesome. So I figured I'd share.

Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn graceWhy are you crying
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away

Why are you looking for love
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enoughTo where will you go child
Tell me where will you run
To where will you run

And I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you
Look at these hands and my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life
I want to give you life

Cause I, I love you
I want you to know
That I, I love you
I'll never let you go

Strong Enough To Save - Tenth Avenue North

You faught
but you were just too weak
so you lost
all the things you try to keep
now you're on your knees, you're on your knees

But wait,
everything can change,
in a moments time you don't have to be afraid,
cause fear is just a lie
open up your eyes

And he'll break
open the skies to save
those who cry out his name
the One the wind and waves obey
is strong enough to save you
Look
now is not too late
lift up your head
let the rain fall on your face
youre not far from grace, your not too far from grace
And he'll break
open the skies to save
those who cry out his name
the One the wind and waves obey
is strong enough to save you

I know the weight of this world can take you down like gravity and I know the current of yourself can take you out, out to sea but hold on, hold on
And he'll break
open the skies to save
those who cry out his name
the One the wind and waves obey
is strong enough to save you

A week at a glance

A week at a glance was the title of the email we sent out to all of student council at the start of the week. It said all the meetings we had and any other important events. This is more of a reflective week at a glance. I will now share some of the events that have happened this week (not including my birthday).

I went to a Professors house for a book discussion with 10 others from my class. I felt like I had walked into Pinterest. It was adorable. He had two little boys who were not going to go to bed anytime soon once we showed up. He had chocolate chip cookies, apple cider, and hot chocolate. It was wonderful. I wish I had a picture but that might have been creepy. It was a great experience and not just because we didn't have to write the paper for that book.

Last night Emily and I went to the McConn Barista competition. I love coffee. I won a free shirt. President Smith was there. He was the head judge. After that Kendra, Grant, Moe, Josh, and I went to Ivanhoes. I think it was only my second time this semester which seems really reasonable to me. It was great. After that we watched Crazy, Stupid, Love. It was crazy.

I had a presentation this week in my Sociology class. It went way better than I expected. There was great conversation.

Tonight I register for classes next semester.

I am incredibly entertained when I think about what will be going on in my life a year from now. Who knows. It's absolutely crazy. These 4 years have so much potential for so much change. But for now its one day at a time. One day is enough for me.

20

20 years old. Goodbye teenage years. It's pretty crazy. The past few years my birthday has been kind of awful. However, this year set the bar. It was so great. Sunday night my residents surprised me with my room all decorated and cake and cookies. That was just the start. Then on Tuesday, my actual birthday, I woke up, opened some presents that my family sent for me. After that in walks Kendra with a fruit pizza. I LOVE fruit pizza. It was so yummy!!! I had lunch with Kendra and got my mail. I had a few cards and a package. It was a box of cards from my residents. So sweet! They really out did themselves. I had a class then did homework on the porch. I went to dinner with Kendra, Grant and Moe. We then moved on from dinner to shots (of espresso) at McConn. Grant bought the first round then a friend who was working gave me a free second shot...little did I know until the next day that there were two shots of espresso in the second one. I thought I would be wired after that but I really wasn't. They then walked me to night class. Night class got out early thankfully. We had covenant at 10...but I was surprised by a party with our brother staff. We also celebrated Lindsay's half birthday and Jfer's half birthday. We had ice cream then the boys wanted us to have a reunion tour of our Ke$ha and Mulan dances from opening night. So we did. It was great. All day my facebook was going crazy. I was getting wonderful texts and voicemails.
I felt so loved.
I am so blessed.
I am so thankful.

Guest Blog

First off I would like to thank Paige for letting me be the first guest blogger on her blog.
Paige is the youngest of 3 children. My older brother Alex and I tried our hardest to raise her as a boy teaching her to play sports and trying to drill the sports knowledge we had acquired into her brain. I can remember being a little kid about 3 years old and hearing that we we’re going to have a new baby sister it was a this point I thought CRAP now we wont be able to go on bike rides anymore (she has since learned how to ride a bike). In my 20 years of living with Paige I have been able to observe and learn the in’s and out’s of her personality. I feel that it is my duty to provide you an “Idiot’s guide to Paige Oler” so here are just a few things to look out for.
To start you need to be wary of your seating position relative to Paige during the dining experience. This is important because if you are sitting next to Paige during a particularly large meal you will find that she becomes Slanty. “Slanty?” This means that Paige might slant your direction and use your shoulder to support her as the food has put her into a “sleep like” state.
Paige is actually her middle name which most people are surprised to hear but with so many Kathryn’s or Katie’s in her early classes as a kid mom wanted her to be different and thank God she did because Paige is different, not in a weird way but in a Paige way she likes to do silly things and as long as it makes her happy it doesn’t matter what other people think.
Paige has blogged about this but I was really happy that I got to work with Paige this summer at All Star Sports. I have had a lot of memories with my little sister and from time to time you might get to hear one but I really treasure those vacations and little trips I’ve gotten to share with her. I know I’m kind of rambling but I really hope that Paige posts this on her birthday and has a great day and am so blessed to have such an awesome sister.

Grant (Paige’s Brother) Guest blogger

There IS an app for that.

I am on my iPhone. This baby is a gift over and over. Which is great because it is my birthday gift. My birthday which is next week. This phone that I've bad since summer. I keep finding great new apps that make me use my computer less and less. I just got the blackboard app so that I can see my grades and class announcements, assignments, info where ever I am. It just keeps getting better. And now I can blog on the go. Im at home. At caribou. Doing homework with the wonderful Kim. She is blogging also. Cute.

No class

Today I was suppose to have one class. Our professor wasn't going to be there...yet we were suppose to show up and watch a movie. I didn't really like that idea but I would have done it. Until I got an email this morning that said it was cancelled. I woke up early for staff breakfast at 7. Went back to bed till 10. Found out that my class at noon was cancelled. Went back to bed till 11:30. It was absolutely beautiful. I feel lucky. Now I'm still in my PJ's, listening to Taylor Swift and I can justify time to blog! I love it! I'm happy.

My computer is dying. The hard drive is going to die any day/hour. I'm surprised that it has lasted this long since its initial signs of death. I am going to go home again this weekend to get it replaced. Thankfully everything was backed up last weekend so I am not worried about that. It is also my Dad's birthday on Monday so we can celebrate that. My computer could not have picked a better week to die. My classes are as calm as ever. This weekend is a great weekend to go home. If I had to pick a week for my computer to die I would pick this one. I also want to figure out what is wrong with my feet and why they burn so much when I run.

During this season I have often found myself looking back on what was happening in my life a year ago. Not because I am still hanging on but because it is amazing how much things have changed. It is a good thing. I have grown in ways that I never saw coming. "Maybe its me and my blind optimism to blame"-Taylor Swift. "I see it all now that your gone. Don't you think I was too young to be messed with." I swear Taylor sings about my life! Anyways...its amazing to see where God has brought me to today.


 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" Ephesians 3:20

John Wesley Weekend

I think that "Fall Break" is a misleading title. I was chatting with a friend that I was driving home after the weekend and we decide that saying "Break" makes both us and others think that its longer. However, Columbus Day weekend, or Memorial Day weekend you know is just one extra day to the weekend. We decided it should be called John Wesley Weekend (JWW). Not that anything significant with John  Wesley happened that weekend but its just a weekend to celebrate his life. My JWW was great.

Cider. Donuts. Muffins. Friends. Laughter. Family. Coffee. St. Charles. Flash backs. Survivor. Modern Family. Omega 3s. Grilled Salmon. Apple Crisp. FBCG. Early Risers Sunday School. Sunshine. Leaves. Olivet. Running. Leroy Oaks. Planning classes. Conversation. Encouragement. Sleep. Naps.

I am so incredibly blessed. God is so faithful. It's absolutely insane to think back a year ago and where I was at and to think about how far God has brought me and then to think about where He will bring me next year.

Guard your heart Paige. Guard your heart Paige. Guard your heart Paige.

Recently 2

On the last episode of The Adventures of Paige..

Recently I have had a good amount of papers and tests...and still have more to come this week. My Grandma and Mom came for grandparents day. Then as a staff we went to Chicago and stayed at Emily's grandparents. It was so much fun. I was actually amazed by how relaxing it was to get away. I absolutly love our staff. Today we have North Hall Day away. My running has been less than ideal. I can't seem to get myself up in the morning when I want to run...then I beat myself up about it. Its stupid. But I have been running with Kim in the afternoons. So that's been a joy. I spend a lot of my time on the North Hall porch with friends doing homework. I have to enjoy it now while the weather is still tame enough. I get to go home on THURSDAY! I am going to stop by Olivet Nazarene University on my way home to see some awesome people. This is the longest I have ever been away from home. I am so excited for home cooked meals, sleeping in my own bed, hugging my family, looking out at my yard.

Its so weird to me when I think about where I was at just a year ago. I actually feel like I've gotten younger. I get a second chance at the whole freshman dorm thing haha. I love it. My roommate is awesome. We have way too much fun together. It's incredible how much more I love IWU. My heart is so much more content. My heart is filled. This has really become a home to me.

We're Going to Chicago!

Last night we had No/So worship night (see post from last year about that...I could link them but im too lazy). We also found out where we are going for our staff retreat this weekend. We are going to stay at Emily's grandma's house outside Chicago. I'm excited to get away with our staff. It will be weird being so close to home....and not being able to be home. Luckily I will see my mom TOMORROW and Friday for Grandparents weekend. I am so ready to go home for a little bit. But that won't happen for few weeks. It is amazing how at home I am here this year compared to last year. I have a lot more to do.

My nephew is wearing shoes now...so I basically feel like I am missing him grow up. I wish St.Louis really meant Indianapolis or something. I got free sample kcups in the mail yesterday and I'm trying one now. Its delicious. I love me some coffee. Fall is here. The weather so far this week as been fantastic. I have two flag football games tonight. That's pretty intense. Again... not sure where things are going to get done. But God provides in funny ways. I am also in constant fear now that my computer is going to crash. However when I think about it crashing I feel like I wouldn't be able to remember what I was missing. Weird. Hopefully it doesn't. I wish I had more time to blog. I miss it.

Grace and Peace

I'll blog for a hot second

I'm not sure why I haven't felt inspired to blog recently. Here are a few sentences that might not be sentences that probably won't be connected. There is always something going on. I am so thankful for my mornings. They are beautiful and peaceful.
Life is seldom what you plan.
National Coffee day was great. I went to a new coffee shop. It was cute. I'm not sure how I am going to stay up till 2:30 tonight on duty... Its homecoming chapel today...last year was a sex talk so my guess is the school is going to try and redeem itself. The weather is yucky. We hung out with our brother staff last night. They are fun. I enjoy it. We had bro/sis mini golf yesterday. Huge success. I miss home. Last night I hung out with the dirty 6:30 crew (aka people from home who go here/taylor). It was great. "You wont tell your kids about the night you went to bed early."I think I'd like to sleep all morning. I probably should have slept in at least a little bit today. Oh well. Everything goes so fast. A week ago we had No/So movie on the lawn. It seems like yesterday. I wish my running was more consistent. I blame myself.

Ohhhh there's the wall!

I hit a wall yesterday. But its ok. It happens. This is the song that Jesus kept putting in my mind. Enjoy.

Time to get out and away

All week I was craving a nice little hike. I wanted to be outside. I wanted to breathe fresh air. I wanted to see lots of trees. I wanted to be off campus. I wanted to be in God's beautiful creation. So I planned that Saturday morning I would go to a state park 30 min away and hike a little-with someone or without. I just needed to go. I ended up bringing a friend who also has a great love for being outside. It was great out. A little chilly but it was nice. It felt like fall. We found a great trail that I would love to go back to and run sometime. We hiked for about an hour and a half and headed back to campus.


I then went to a picnic...followed by puppy play day (they bring in puppies from the humane society for us to play with). Then got McConn and did homework on the North Hall porch.

It was a pretty great morning. I then was asked to go out to dinner with the Ray family! I love the Rays..and what college student would turn down a free dinner? Not this one!

Friday night was pretty epic as well. I went to dinner at Casa Brava with friends. That night was all campus capture the flag. So for sure I played. They were trying to break a world record but we were 1,000 people short. Bummer. I think around 300 people played which is still great. I was super intense into it...like I am with most things.

And people say there is nothing to do! They just dont try. They will probably be "bored" the rest of their lives.

So active

. Here are words I do my best not to use: stress, worry, and now busy. I don't like that one. I'd rather say active, or something positive like that. I hate when people always talk about how busy and stressed and worried they are. I don't think its healthy. I think its annoying and unattractive....and maybe if you didn't talk about it so much you could get things done...and be less stressed...and not so busy? The word busy is new on my list. So I've probably used it recently. Enough venting about that!

I have been very active recently! It has been great. Here are some high lights. This week Kim and I went on a bike ride together. It was cute. We went on a trail I had always wanted to go on but had never had the chance! It's actually really nice! In the fall (once the leaves turn) its going to be stunning. We biked for about an hour and stumbled upon a random little zoo of strange animals...baby buffalo included.

Last night we had an RA par-tay. We were told that we were just celebrating all the hard work that was put into training and RESlife week. We all figured it was just a little dessert and we would be on our way. However....when we arrived there were people with name tags taking pictures...which was just a little odd. I mean yes we are all the fun that exists on this campus...but you cant really capture it with a picture. We did some RA appreciation things and then they announced it....the cow walked out. We were at a VIP premiere event.. for Chick-fil-a! It wasn't going to officially open until Monday but all the RA's were going to get it tonight... for free-anything on the menu. We went crazy. They were throwing out little stuffed cows and it was insane. We all acted very American and just hyped it all up. So great.

The riches of YOUR love will always be enough.

Wait...summer happened?

Summer feels like a year ago I know I'm getting less and less tan by the minute. I feel like I have been at school for a year. I have only had class for a week. It feels like 8 months. Is that bad? I have no clue. I'm happy. I do love it here. Do I love summer? Yes. For sure I do. Oh how true it is that there is a time for everything.

Right now I am just excited that Reslife week is over. Is Reslife week great? Yes it is. Is it a little crazy? Yep. Do I only get to participate as a college student in Reslife week 4 times? Probably. That's how I try to look at it. Did I want to go to the Shatford gong show? Not really..but hey its things like that you don't get to enjoy after college. So "Eastside live it up!". My residents were for sure "Living it up". I was so excited by how many turned out to different events even if they were just cheering.

E1E getting pumped for lodgeball!

This is my first semester that after attending all my classes I didn't panic and think I needed to drop/add anything. I finally felt content and prepared for every class on my schedule. Its going to be a good amount of work but hey...its college... only 3 more years.

Emily at dinner last night said that we should get a vacation after this week. I think that is a great idea. It probably will feel like a vacation without all the craziness of the first week of classes. Still craving a normal schedule. I am sure it'll happen soon.

#Godisfaithful.

This place about to blow

This right now is the calm before the storm. Training has gotten a little less intense. I actually got to sleep in again! We are now mostly working on plans for the first night the freshman are here (Friday). This morning we are going to pray over all the rooms. Monday a bunch of awesome people moved in. All the people serving as mentors on west side, all the McConn workers, all the desk workers etc. That included my dear friend Kim! We had a beautiful reuniting of sprinting down the hallway into each others arms.

So the events right now are more relaxed. However, I know this won't last. Some freshman move in this afternoon because they have not registered for classes yet. Friday the masses arrive. It's gonna get crazy. I have adjusted to this new norm. It seems normal that we have 9 people living in one whole dorm. We can be crazy, quiet hours don't apply yet, we all just eat together...its simple. Don't get me wrong I am totally excited for the residents to get here. It just seems surreal. Sunday I am sneaking away (with approval of my boss) to go to a wedding in Indianapolis! I will get to see my whole family (both my brothers are in the wedding). Kevin and Jessie (the bride and groom) are adorable and I am so excited for them! This weekend will take the strength of someone else to get me through it! Tuesday school starts...I guess they actually expect me to take classes while I'm here?

 This is Kevin and Jessie with baby Austin who is their Godson!

10 minutes

This is a 10 min blog. I have 10 min till we are going to go watch a movie as a staff. I don't have a vision for this blog post only that it will take 10 min to write. Emily is also blogging next to me. That's cute. Today we finished Behind Closed Doors training. For those of you who don't know its where there are ARD's and returning RA's that act out scenarios in rooms and we have to be the RA in the situation and act how we thing we should. Some were pretty intense and some were easier to handle. But we learned a lot from each one. I was amazed by how much we learned each room we went to. For example a scenario could be a resident having cigaretts in the room or alchohol, or a homesick resident. Tomorrow we have a day away from campus. We don't know what we are doing but we are going somewhere as a staff. I have nothing entertaining to comment on or to say but I am excited for the rest of my dear friends to get to campus! More and more people are arriving each day! It hasn't been 10 min but I am running out of things to say.

So many good things!

I have been blessed by so many good things in the short amount of time I've already been at IWU. When I got to campus I was greeted by fantastic flowers.

 It may seem crazy but I keep talking about the flowers to everyone. It looks so great! I love the coziness of our room. I've been having a blast with my roommate Emily (click here to read her blog). We have a crazy awesome staff. Eastside get ready! I had a wonderful visit from an absolutely hilarious guy named Jason (who better be reading this). My unit decorations are coming together. We get to go camping tomorrow. I finished my phone calls to all my residents.

Under Construction

Yikes. haha my blog looks a little weird right now. I changed my background and it was late and I didn't want to change anything else. Ill get to it! Well I am all moved in! Am I all settled? Nope not yet. But its definitely getting there! I LOVE our new room. We made a specific effort to make it feel cozy. However, it is also still a little under construction. We have started RA training. Do I know everything yet? Nope. Still under construction and learning. So basically under construction was a great title for this blog post. I started a new journal this morning during my quiet time! Pretty pumped about that but basically when we are trying to become more like Christ each day we are under construction. Its a cool concept if you think about it. God is molding us and using us and fixing us, removing things, adding things, cleaning things in our lives to make us more like Jesus (who was how God intended humans to be).  But God is good and He is faithful to complete the works that He has started in us.

I started to call my residents tonight! Pretty crazy that I finally know their names! Once faces play in it will be unreal! Time to get to sleep!

Last night in the 630

Yikes. I can't believe that tonight is my last night of summer. It seems like last school year was forever ago but yet I don't think summer was long enough. However, I am happy with it. I had a great summer I will not deny that. But I loveeee summer. I have richly enjoyed being home. Its weird thinking that now its back to facing the world on my own (I know its not really on my own but you know what I'm saying) again. But overall my heart is full. I am so incredibly blessed and I have been reminded of that over and over and over this summer.

There are a billion reasons that I am looking forward to these next few weeks and to this next year. Ill try to list a  few but keep in mind that this is only a few. I'm so excited to be an RA. I am pumped to room with Emily and live in a short fat room! I am thrilled to see Kim and even more thrilled that we will see a lot more of each other this year since we both live in North Hall. There will be 2 more North Stars (people from my high school) joining me to be Wildcats and another friend from home. Overall, I'm really excited to see what God has in store this year. I look back over last year and I can not believe how much has happened, how much has changed, how much I've grown, etc! Its crazy to think that by this time next year another year will have happened and be gone.

I feel like my blog posts have been kind of lame this summer so hopefully they will get juicer when I am back at school. Writing in my blog is always a good way to avoid homework haha.

2 things.
God is good.
God is faithful.

Party AND Vacation!

Last week was crazy. We had a big party for Alex and Ayla on Saturday (slushy machine included) then Tuesday left for vacation in Michigan.

The party was fun but super exhausting. It was great getting to see so many family members and friends.

For Vacation we rented a house (that I picked out) in New Buffalo, Michigan. The house was awesome! It was a change of pace with a baby along but it worked out. The house came with a golf cart that was greatly enjoyed. We picked blueberries but I didn't get to pick as much as I did the past few years. 1. The place we usually pick just wasn't having a great year or something... my parents and I attribute it to poor or lack of pruning...and lack of weed removal. Tragic. 2. On the big picking day Austin didn't think it was a good idea.

We took our bikes and one morning my parents and I rode around the awesome neighborhood. I think Oprah might have a house in that neighborhood some of the houses were THAT nice. The morning before we left my Dad took me to the bike store to get new handle bar grips put on (now it doesn't look like I have black buggers all over my hands after a bike ride). I also got a water bottle holder. And do you know what that comes with?? A free water bottle!

I was greatly blessed to have abundant quiet time during the trip. There was a big comfy chair in the sun room that was perfect to spend time reading and praying. Big fan.

10 days till I am back at IWU!

Recently

Recently...I've been working. Coaching t-ball and kickball and dodgeball. Having end of the session water fights. I've also had the privilege of working with my brother Grant!

Its been fun :)

I've also had the privilege to hang out with my friend Allie (who I've known since I was 3) and swim in her pool!

More recently...we have been getting ready for the big party here this weekend! More on that later!

Throw Pillows

*I understand that this topic is lighter than a lot of my most recent blogs....and I don't care.*

I love throw pillows. I know they seem silly. But I like throw pillows for what I think are good reasons. I like to hug them...they give me great comfort. I blame one of my Student Council Advisers/teachers. She had this pillow that she kept in the classroom for kids who were having bad days. She always knew when something wasn't right and would say "Paige...do you need the pillow?" I'd nod for fear if I spoke that the tears would come rolling out. She'd give me the pillow and I'd hug the crap out of it. I think that those days have really impacted my current love for throw pillows. I find such a sense of comfort and love and security.

It is vital to me that the pillow is comfy. I don't like pillows that are just for decoration purposes. I think a pillow can look great and have great squishiness. Last year I had two great throw pillows on my futon that were perfect.

The other day my mom and I were running errands and we bought throw pillows in 3 different stores. Here's one of them!

A summer of contrast

God has been pretty funny with me this summer. It has been a summer of extreme contrasts. Here are my examples.
1. Mission trip in Malawi, Africa, vs. Mission trip in St. Charles/Geneva IL.
2. Helping out in pre-school in Africa vs. Coaching soccer at a pre-school IL.

This morning I assisted my brother in coaching soccer for All-Star Sports at a pre-school. Its amazing how much bigger the kids looked here than they did in Africa. They all had shoes, I bet they all had underwear. I bet they will all be wearing different shoes, underwear, and outfits tomorrow.

My eyes were reopened to how privileged we are. The facilities at the pre-school seemed incredible to me. The classrooms were bright and colorful. Haha anyone reading this has probably seen a pre-school classroom but it seemed all new to me. It is probably just the intense contrast from the whole under the tree with no supplies to what I saw this morning.

This school is also a Goddard school "Goddard Schools practice what they call a "Flex Learning Program" where children are assessed individually and given lesson plans across a variety of disciplines that are tailored to them." (Google hahaha) This concept at the Grace center pre-school would probably get a good laugh. In Malawi it was pretty much all repetition learning. The teacher would say something and the kids would just echo it back.

The difference is incredible. I'm not saying one is awful and one is great. I just think its crazy how different it is and how I've had the opportunity to see both extremes in such a short amount of time.

I still have a blog (Lead 222)

It has been quite a while since I last posted a blog! #1 things have been busy but great. #2 I feel like I have not written enough about Malawi yet so that will still be to come. I just reread a journal post from the trip and it feels like that was forever ago.

This past week I've been at the church an unmentionable amount of hours. I was asked to help out with a week long event our church hosts called Lead 222. Seven youth groups (180 kids) from around the country came to stay at our church and serve at different sites in the area. I along with around 8 others were hosts. Our job was to make sure that they teams had everything they needed to be able to serve to the best of their ability. It was a crazy week. It felt like 3 weeks. But I loved it. My group served at Riverwoods Christian Center which provides camp and other serves to under privileged kids.

For me the concept of people coming to the suburbs of Chicago to serve was a little strange. I just went to Africa and there was definitely clear need there. But really...a mission trip...here? It was awesome to see be able to play the role of host in a way that was like how I was hosted in Malawi and to serve people in my own community. Its not like I've never served in my community before but never to this extent.

It doesn't matter who has the need or what the need is....if there is a need...as Christians we are called to meet it and give the glory all to God.

This week really went along with the title of my blog. Lots of adventures. I went into it not really understanding what was happening or what I was going to be doing. Adventures like doing the students laundry in 3 different houses at the same time at 11pm.

Now I am camp-sick. Which is a term I came up with when I was younger and would come home from camp. I'd sleep for a few hours then realize how much I missed it. This wasn't technically camp but it was a lot like it.

Changed

I saw this video years ago and just refound it? if that makes sense. It's an awesome song with a sweet video! Enjoy!

Joy

Dictionary.com describes JOY as: the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation. The joy in Africa can be surprising. The sad commercials never tend to depict joy. I am here to tell you that people in Africa do have joy and a lot of times I think they have joy to a greater level that we here in the states experience. They find joy in the little things and tend not to dwell on the more difficult things in life or feel sorry for themselves.

While in Malawi we worked with translators who were also the pre-school teachers. One of these teachers, Isaac (remember this means laughter), was extremely joyful. He would sometimes have up to 90 3 or 4 year old children in his small classroom. Kids would be crying, screaming, pooping and peeing.Yet somehow he remained joyful.It was hard for us to understand how he managed to do his job each day. He is basically a volunteer. I dont know of anyone who would volunteer to teach 90 pre-schoolers with few supplies, everyday and not get paid. I remember him saying that even if one kid walked out of his classroom and learned something it would be worth it. After pre-school he would then go out into the villages with us to put on back yard bible clubs. And he continued to be joyful. You could see him become so passionate when he would get to translate the bible story or read the bible story in their language.

We also spent time with kids from an orphanage called Timothy's Home. My heart broke hearing the stories of the homes and situations they came from but yet still the kids were filled with joy.

1 Peter 4:7-11

At aboveground (my church's college ministry) we have been studying the book of 1st Peter. It was the Sunday before I left for Malawi that we talked about chapter 4 verses 7-11. It really stood out to me and screamed "Paige, stop being distracted by all the small things and focus on what God wants from this trip." Our team had been sending tons of facebook messages about packing and the schedule of travel etc. These verses encouraged me to send them to the team to refocus our aim and remember the whole reason we were going to Malawi.  Our team leader Noelle, brought it up the night before we flew out that we should think of ideas for a trip verse. It was another girl on the team that said we should do the 1 Peter verse I sent the other day. We read it as a team and decided that it went along perfectly with what we wanted our trip to be about.

⁷ The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. ⁸ Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. ⁹ Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. ¹¹ If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Throughout our time in Malawi we would meet as a team and read this verse every time. We also would write words from this verse on our wrist so we would see it during the day. For example, pray, earnest( in a different version it says to love earnestly), love all. There are so many different things in this verse that stuck out to me on the trip and that I still want to live out in my life all the time.

Reflections

In Malawi we didn't have running water, and even if we did it probably still wouldn't be safe to brush our teeth with. So we would brush our teeth with the water in our water bottles from the filter. There was a drop off area on the compound that we didn't walk by so that's where tooth brushing took place. The view from that spot was stunning. This picture cant even capture it. There were mountains in the background and no sign of civilization. I would brush my teeth and just reflect on the beauty of God and of His amazing creation. When we would brush our teeth at night it was a whole different experience. The stars were incredible. I would always think of the song Indescribable "you placed the stars in the sky and you know them by name". Our God is so big and so powerful!

I would often make jokes about how when I got home I'd go outside and brush my teeth and gaze at Gods beauty. Upon returning when I brushed my teeth in my bathroom in front of the mirror I was crushed by the thoughts in my head. I was reflecting (literally) on my outward looks. It seemed incredible superficial and sad. I should be reflecting on how God made me...He created me in  a way that is beautiful and wonderfully made just like the stars or the landscape of Africa. He knows every hair on my head and every thought on my mind.

Every Nation

By God's amazing grace and love the entire team has arrived safely at home. I will be posting more blogs about the trip as time goes on and as I can process everything. Today I kept thinking of a song that captured the intense difference yet similarity in a Sunday morning worship service in two very different culture. It was captured by the song He Reigns.

It's the song of the redeemed
Rising from the African plainIt's the song of the forgiven
Drowning out the Amazon rain
The song of Asian believers
Filled with God's holy fire
It's every tribe, every tongue, every nation
A love song born of a grateful choir

It's all God's children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns

To me its such an awesome concept to think about how in Malawi on Sunday morning it may be a long service, it may have lots of dancing, it may be sitting on a dirt floor but they are still singing that He the one true God reigns. It may be in the suburbs of Chicago, in an hour long service, sitting in comfortable chairs but they are singing the the one true God reigns. I think we often forget how many other believes who look nothing like us, speak different languages, have different worship practices and styles are worshiping the same God.

Africa Bound

This will be my last blog until I get back from Africa. When I return I plan to post the journal entries that I will do while I am there. If you are reading this I ask you to pray for our team. Pray often! If your reading this and will pray everyday from now during our trip that would be amazing! Here are some ideas of more specific things to pray for:

Travel- a lot of people are driving to Indianapolis, and when we return will have to drive home, that flights will all arrive on time, that we will be able to be Christ like to everyone we come in contact with during travel, that during the travel days we will grow as a team and bond.

In Malawi- Pray for our Backyard Bible Study- my role is leading activities, pray for a minimal language barrier. Circle of Hope International- the organization we will be working with. That our team will be servants to not only the people of Malawi but each other and the missionaries. That God's love will be shown to everyone we meet.

Health

Families of the team members- peace, comfort.

Thank you!!!!!!!

Ephesians 3:20-21 "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen."

In a few short days...

In a few short days I'll be leaving STC and headed for Indianapolis. Then from Indianapolis my team and I will be headed to Malawi. I can not believe that I will be going back to Africa on Tuesday. For a while it seemed so far off that I was almost like in denial that it would ever actually be time to go/pack. That brings up packing.......packing is awful. We are suppose to pack like its a carry-on...but please tell me who in the world ever brings a sleeping bag in their carry-on. I have a feeling that it is going to take up a ton of space.

 This is clearly not me...but it is kind of how my packing looks but not that extreme.

This past weekend my brother, sister in law, and nephew visited! It was so much fun! We also went down town Chicago for a day.

I won't be able to blog while I'm in Malawi. However, I plan to keep a journal that I will post after I get back.

Things to be praying for about the trip:

• Packing-that we will only bring the things that we need
• Team unity
• Easy Travel-no major bumps
• Health-especially with Malaria meds side effects
• That our team will be helpful and encouraging for the long term missionaries
• All the glory be given to God