The Most Beautiful View

I captured this moment, the leader praising God as the sun is finally rising. Such a beautiful moment. 

 On the 1st of the New Year, my mom, sister and I climbed up 'A' mountain to watch the sunrise. It was nearly 30 degrees or less with wind, our packed toast gone ice cold, and bones shivery. It was there before the sun climbed over the mountains  we met a group of international ASU students who had made their own adventure up the mountain  It was a group where every New Year's day, they would pray for the city, ASU, restoration and the leaders of the city and government. On top of the mountain.
  The leader of the group invited us to join in with them for praying. We worshiped with only the harmony of many accents mingling together to create such a unique chorus. As we prayed, the sun streamed though the buildings and the massive Cardinal stadium. Our eyes were some of the few to see it rise for the first time of the new year in 2013.
  It seemed you could feel God's presence among us, with our prayers and our words as they turned into steam as they touched the air. When we came up here, we wouldn't have thought someone else was doing the same thing. Coming up here to worship and praise God's creation and pray for the new year.
  Afterwards, we all took communion. An older lady of the group had a baggy full of communion crackers, the ones where they are extra crispy and taste like rice. We had no wine or juice, any of the traditional liquids, but that didn't matter. I think it was being there far away from the city that we truly got to enjoy God. Look upon His creation. His beauty and awe-inspiring world.

Whole View of the City

Prayer Sheet of the things we prayed for and a Psalm.

My mom (left) me (middle) and Sarah (right)

 
 

Take His Hand.

It is now officially 2013. Ha, even as I wrote this I have to go back and replace the 2 with a 3. That seems to be something I have to teach myself in the beginning of each year.
  The day before the year ends, it seems as if we look back at all the things of the year.
  There are things we regret that happen.
  To us or to someone we know. Or to a stranger. The new year brings promise of a new chapter, a new hope. I think it varies for each person. For me, it would be a new adventure. 2012 has been so many things.
  Exciting, heart wrenching, interesting, saddening, informative, compassionate, adventures, peace, shock. So many words to explain a year, I could go on and on. For the things that happened this year, good or bad, I wouldn't take away even if I could. I learned so so many things. Saw so many things that shocked me, opened my eyes to a different world. It developed me into a more cultivated person.
  With 2013, I will see and learn so many new things. Meet new people, go on amazing adventures and continue on a breath-taking experience with God. He will take me so many places and use me for so many things.
  The same goes for you. There are hurts in our life that only God can restore and with a Father so loving and gentle, He will gladly take away your pain. He wants to go on a wild adventure with you. He wants to know you. All you have to do is take His hand.
  It's really incredible.

P.S Today we are going to see the sun rise at the top of the mountain. A beautiful site for the beginning of a new year. I'll keep you posted.

Home for Christmas

  It finally seems the rush of Christmas is settling down, but then the excitement for New Year's is replacing it. I am especially eager to start school again in January. I love being with my family, but I also love to be out and about, learning and exploring!

  Christmas was so nice, but then so busy, as I'm sure everyone's is. A few days before Christmas, we took in a family that had just lost their apartment and didn't have anywhere to go for Christmas. They had only a few gifts for their three kids and barely any money to their name. The Mom was pregnant with their 4th child. We were able to provide them a home for Christmas, where their children could wake up to Santa's gifts under the tree. It may have been hectic at time with 5 boys in the house, but the memories they were able to get were priceless. Having the opportunity to minister the Mom and her children was humbling and taught me many things about myself and God. 

  A few days after Christmas, they were able to find somewhere to stay. We're still in contact with them and always on stand-by if they need somewhere to stay again. Overall, Christmas was wonderful!

I hope you all have a blessed Christmas! 

Cristian is the oldest of their family. 8 years old and a very wild, but silly boy!

Isaiah (my brother) opening up a chocolate gold coin.

Zachariah is the youngest of their children so far. He is such a charmer with those eyes!

Levi (my brother) so excited for super hero underwear. 

Still learning how to use the shaving kit. 

Playing on their new trampoline from Santa!

  

P.S You can't see Joey in these pictures, who is the family's middle child who's 3. I swear he looks almost identical from Go, Diego, Go! Good time! 

Love, England

  I have the greatest friend Ruby We became penpals almost three years ago and ever since have been writing and sending each other packages. About a year and a half ago, I even went and visited her in her homeland, England. It was amazing and ever since my love for travel and Europe has increased more and more.

  I could go on about all the things I saw and did in England, but I'll save that for another post. Anyways, Ruby recently sent me a Christmas package. Every time I go to open up one of her letters or parcels, it's exciting. Words and treasures from a different country. And especially hearing from my best friend. 

  How I loved what I found when I opened my presents from her. England goodies!

  Take a look for yourselves! These are just a few of the many things she sent me. I feel as if I'm a bit closer to England in my room now. Thank you Ruby! 

Letters to Santa

A few nights ago, Isaiah and Levi wrote letters to Santa. With construction paper, stickers and crayons they were able to tell Santa the things they wanted for Christmas. With Frank Sinatra singing Christmas tunes in the background and the mess the boys were making in the process of a Santa letter, it was pure holiday bliss. 

Afterwards we enjoyed Tiramisu, fair trade coffee and the feeling of cold toes and warm hands holding cups of hot coffee.

There really seems to be something about Christmas that brings people together. Maybe the cold winter air or knowing that everyone comes together. It is a holiday were everyone will settle their busy schedules and sit down to talk and watch a Christmas movie. Where houses are decorated with shining lights that make everything seem fancier. Our Savior was born this season and that it is the time where we bring praise for being saved. 

In a way, I wish it could be Christmas all year. Not the presents, but the feeling of family. It is so much stronger. Coming together to decorate or bake, simply being with each other. It seems as if the distractions of life  fade away.

Tasty and fair trade!

Their mail boxes for Santa to receive his letters

Doesn't this look delicious?