Spring has Sprung

Yep, it has arrived (well, not according to the calendar. . .but oh well!). Beautiful blossoms on trees big and small. The smell of nature in the crisp air. Green hills rolling as far as the eye can see. How I just love this time. ESPECIALLY after getting to go home for the afternoon yesterday. It's as if I was blinded to the breathtaking beauty of the Central Valley as a child, there's nothing like it. It's particularly enjoyable when you've got your awesome mom and a cool Dutch international student in the front seat of an old orange Volkswagen bug. And oh, did I forget to mention that it's a convertible. To feel the sun on my face and the wind through my hair as we drove down curvy country roads. . .the Lord knew exactly what I needed in order to take a break. Here are some pictures so that you can experience some of the sights with me:

Ok, I couldn't quite choose my favorites. Our Sunday drive took us to one of my favorite places, the home of my "grandparents". . .well, they're my fake grandparents I suppose but just as special to me none the less. Since all my relatives live in Holland finding some fake ones here is totally necessary. :)

And as for this Dutch international student I speak of. . .well, 2 of our students met her during "Bear Share" this past week. Through a conversation she told them that she is a Christian - then she came to our Weekly Meeting on Thursday night and I got to meet her there. I had already been planning on going home and it just made sense to invite her to go with me. Well, I think she just might be my long lost older sister. She fit in so perfectly! And my parents are great hosts, they know how to make a person feel comfortable. . .and eating good Dutch food always helps too. Sadly, she's only here for a 6 week exchange via the University of Leiden - can't wait to visit her there. Spending time with Nelleke was yet another reminder of how I just love being Dutch, wondering how God wants to use this love of mine for His glory down the road. We have plans to hit up my favorite Pakistani restaurant in town before I leave for East Asia (she'll go back to Holland while I'm gone) next Friday. I'm stunned that it's coming so fast and there's so much that's going to happen before we leave. Instead of stressing over this, here are some ways you could be praying :)

- I'm speaking at our Weekly Meeting this week (thurs), from Philippians 3 (verses 7-9 will be my focus). Pray that the Holy Spirit would give me understanding, clarity, and wisdom as I prepare and speak. I really enjoy speaking but also get a tad nervous!

- I'm attending an all day intern/new staff training time in San Francisco on Thursday, pray that I would be able to be all there and grow in my heart for God and how He wants to work in and through our lives.

- This weekend is our Women's (and Men's) Overnighter. . .I'll be speaking there as well. Also, there are a lot of logistical details to work out in terms of schedule, food, activities, etc - pray that God would lead the way!

- Lastly, for now, pray that I would keep the Lord's perspective (I love John 13:3) as I serve Him here. It really is such an insane blessing to help students grow toward beginning a relationship with God (like Jenny, Cailyn, and Alison, pray for their salvation!) and then grow to know Him more (pray for Cynthia and Denisse specifically this week). But I want to be in close communion with the Lord as I do so, we cannot live this life by our own strength. . .I am daily reminded of this reality.

Ok - this is long, thanks for reading and praying. I hope you get a chance to enjoy God's beautiful creation in many different ways this week!