My home in my heart. :)

So I went to Cannon Beach on Friday and Saturday. I had a really nice time. I can't believe it's been a week since I have been home. I learned two things while in Portland and Cannon Beach: I don't like Portland that much and I still absolutely love Cannon Beach.
Portland has this whole scene of people called hipsters and they are so annoying at times. They all wear grungy clothes listen to depressing music and never shower. At the beginning of the week I found myself inexplicable being drawn to this crowd of people. I wanted to fit in with everyone in the area. Then I realized I love being clean and happy.

The beach was as usual refreshing and relaxing. I miss the slow pace that Cannon Beach has. It has a whole flow of it's own and you either adjust or go crazy with boredom. At the end of my time at Ecola I found it most natural to laze about the beach. When I got back to real life I found it hard to adjust. Even now I hate having a jammed packed day of things to do. Pre - Ecola I was always on time or early. I have realized post- Ecola i am chronically late!
Whenever I am down there I feel just a smidgen closer to God. Most likely because that is where I fell in love with Him. My student year I spent it with God. Whether reading my Bible or spending whole days in prayer. What an amazing experience God used to draw me to him. My friend Krista explained Ecola in a way that I really liked. As we sat talking she mused that Ecola didn't make her perfect but rather made her more aware of what was displeasing to God. She compared herself to a clock. "Everything has shifted inside me, my inner workings are changed." I love the imagery she used. During Ecola my insides shifted.I can picture the the knobs and wheels all shifting inside of me slowly. I was also blessed with another year as an office intern. I always tell people that God knew I needed an extra year. A lot of times people think that they choose the interns who are most qualified but, the staff wants students who will grow from the experience. Who will not only encourage the students but will rely on God and not on there own qualifications. I was the test grader. A job that I am not made for. A test grader should be organized and efficient. I am neither. But neverless I was challenged to be an example to the students.
I have to remember though that just because I am out of "The green house" that I am still growing. During Ecola I had this huge spiritual growth spurt. I flourished in an environment away from the world. Who wouldn't right? But now that I am back home I can steadfastly grow closer to my Lord. It is so awesome to even be able to call the God of the Universe "MY LORD"! I am just blown away by that. There may be another time in my life where I will have another growth spurt, but until that time I will, Lord willing, keep growing at a slow and steady pace. Something that is on my heart from time to time is the students that are there now. Maybe while you're reading this pray that God continues to soften their heart towards him and directs where they go as they consider what to do next. Believe me when I tell you it is always a little bit hard to get your footing under you after leaving such a sheltered environment.
When I am trying to convince Chantal to go to Ecola she always patiently reminds me that God doesn't use Ecola in everyone lives. "People can grow outside of Ecola Jenaya" says Chantal, but boy am I thankful that God used Ecola in my life.
Sorry this is kind of long. I always reminisce about my time there after I come home from a visit. Hope you have a better insight a part of my heart. :)
Jenaya

Oatmeal, the homeless and friends.

I am really enjoying my time in Portland. Yesterday, my friend, Addison and I went to this cafe called Sip and Kranz. I got the best oatmeal I have ever had in my life. I also had a latte that was absolutely delicious. I went to my friend Karsten and Jon's house. They have this eclectic apartment. Most of their furniture is from a dumpster. We had tea and listened to good music. I am currently sitting in a coffee shop a block away from Addie's house.

Something to astonish those who know me I forgot to bring a book with me. Since I never leave the house without something to read this is a big deal. However addie's roommate Rachel lent me her book Under the Over Pass by Mike Yankoski It is about two guys who decide to be homeless for six months. They travel to six different cities spending about a month in each place. It is very interesting so far. It's a true story of two men who wanted to learn how to really live their faith and see how the homeless live. It gives so many examples of Christians who won't even look them in the eye. In their travels they encountered a man named George who the homeless people on San Fransisco call "the Jesus man". He came and brought pizza to the homeless. When asked why he did it this was his response: "I do this because my faith tells me to. The Bible clearly says, if you see someone hungry, feed them; if you see someone naked, clothe them. Those words weren't meant for us to make books and sermons about. They're written so people don't go hungry and naked. And they require action from all of Christ's followers, not just the rescue missions.... So I am trying to live my life that way and be pleasing to Jesus."
God has really been teaching about the excess in my life. Through not having a job, this book and God's word I have been learning that I live a privileged life. While I am not wealthy as some would consider wealth; I am blessed in so many ways. I have at most points in my life had a roof over my head and food to eat. I have more clothes than most and really amazing friends and family that surround me. Discontentment is something that sneaks up on you and taints everything in your life. I am learning as Paul did to "be content in all situations."

:)

Portland and Guitars.

I have arrived in Portland safe and sound. I got here at ten or so. I slept on something called a love sac. Basically it's a huge bean bag. It was quite comfortable.
Ryan will be happy to hear that this morning I am practicing the guitar. That G cord is giving me trouble though. I think my friend Millie's guitar is out of tune which is also causing me grief. :)
Oh good news, I had Rob, the owner of the Lakleland Hill Forza call me this morning to see if I could come in for an interview. I am going to call him when I get back into town. Yay! Hopefully this means the end of my 3 month unemployment. Well the guitar is beckoning me to practice more. :) Jenaya

Dog Sitting.

Monday I went to the Earman's house for Japanese food with their foreign exchange student. We had sushi! It was delicious!



Today i have the pleasure of watching the Allen's new puppy Joey. This super cute puppy follows you where ever you go. While I watched a movie he nuzzled into me and slept. It was a very relaxing day overall.
Before I knew i would be dog sitting Chantal and I had made plans to exercise today. Since I couldn't leave Joey we decided to take a walk around the block. The instant that Chantal saw Joey she fell in love. Well who wouldn't? (Save Amy and Ryan). He would not leave the yard unless we dragged him. So we gave in and carried him around. Who owns who again? :) As iI type this Joey is sleeping at my feet.
On a different note I am trying to recover from this cold that started out as a sore throat. It has been terrorizing me since Sunday.
You can pray for the Allen's. Tova isn't doing well, which is why I am dog sitting. Bob and Judi are at the hospital right now.
Jenaya

Chantal's Blog...

So Rachel and Me decided to start a blog for our friend Chantal. Rachel and Me will be writing on it. You should check out if you want. Okay that's all i got. Love Jenaya

Phones and Japanese Food!!!!

Well you are probably thinking what do Japanese food and phones have to do with eachother. Nothing! I left my phone in my pocket and it went threw the wash. Ummm if you know me I am sure that you are super surprised. I am usually so put together that i would never be that irresponsible! Okay i was being sarcastic. I've actually dropped my phone in the toilet a couple of years ago. I lost another phone on the side of the road in California. Another phone of mine, I lost the charger. I am not able to count how many times I have misplaced my phone.

Now on to Japanese food. Tomorrow night The Blosser and I are going to the Earman's house. Their Japanese exchange student is making us dinner. I am soooo excited! I love interesting food from other cultures. I will tell you how it goes.

I still don't have a job. Which sucks. I have barely any gas and bills due soon. I know God is faithful and will take care of me. Pray that I stop worrying. In my head I know that God will take care of me I just need it to transfer to my heart.
:) Jenaya

P.S. Anna Sophia is really cute and got to see her on Friday and today at night church. Amy and Ryan have the most adorable children. :)

summer...

It's a boy!!!!

My brother Chad's baby is a boy!!! Here is my little nephew. I am really looking forward to meeting him in June! They haven't even talked about boy names yet because Chad's wife Stacey was convinced it was a boy. Yay for babies!

Anna Sophia has arrived!!!!

Yay! Anna Sophia was born today at 6:59pm. Amy was so amazing and brave. I'm sure Amy and Ryan will have posts about it in the next couple of days so I won't say to much. :) But just thought everyone would be excited to know.