My last few days before break have been busy, but so worthwhile. On Tuesday I was busy with classes and studying for my trimester exam on Wednesday, and my Southeastern test on Thursday. I did well on both of them, so it really paid off! One thing I love about Masters is the fact that I can really use what I learn here in my everyday life. For my trimester exam, I had to memorize 32 scriptures, and my Southeastern test was all about Jesus’ life here on earth. I really can’t help but love this kind of stuff.

     Wednesday night was 02 night, and Audax had a little Christmas party. We gave each other Seeing the Invisible gifts, just like PJ did last week. Our kids loved them, and it gave us an opportunity to really speak into their lives.  We had to end early that night because Atlanta was freezing over- literally! Bridges and exits were closed everywhere, which made for ridiculous traffic. Atlanta is already rated #1 for worst traffic in America… and when you add and ice storm to the equation, it’s not pretty! Now this kind of weather would be no big deal for us Canadians.... but Atlanta really has no idea how to cope with it.

     Thursday was test day, as well as roommate night. We went to the pet store and looked at puppies, bunnies, frogs, and turtles! All of us really want a pet, but sadly don’t have the time to take care of it. So going to the pet store is the next best thing!


     On Friday we had our last family time before Christmas. We decided to go to the library and pick out a book for each other, one that somehow relates to that person. It actually turned out to be hilarious! We read the books and just had fun doing something as silly as that. After that we went back to my apartment and made cookies while watching How to Train Your Dragon. That night we had “Impact Night” where we all came together to talk about what the Lord has done in us. Twelve were chosen to speak, and I was one of them! It was truly an honor and privilege to share with my Masters family about what God has done in me so far this year. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been so worthwhile!

     Only a few short hours later, I’m sitting at the airport writing this. In just a few hours I will be home! I plan on taking a nice break these next two weeks, which includes blogging. I will fill you in again after my first week back, but until then… Merry Christmas!

     This past week has been amazing. Let me tell you about something really cool I got to be a part of. Every year, Pastor Jordan does something called “Seeing the Invisible” where he buys a Christmas gift for every one of the first year students. It’s not an ordinary gift, but it is one that reflects something about them and encourages them, while challenging them at the same time. From Tuesday to Friday, outside of my regular classes I got to help PJ buy and put together the gifts for all 42 students. Wednesday night was an all nighter, and on Friday night I was up until 4 am… but it was so worth it! During chapel on Thursday and Friday, PJ presented the gifts one by one and their explanation. A lot of people were inspired, and many cried. It was so cool to be a part of something that really affected each and everyone of their lives. All the late nights and long hours were worth it, and I feel privileged to be a part of it!

     Later on Friday a few of us went out to Starbucks just to talk about what God was doing in our lives. It was so cool to just connect, and even though I was so tired, it was nice just to be inspired by what the Lord is doing in my friends.


     On Saturday I think I was a little exhausted from not sleeping, because I woke up with a cold and the flu. I decided to take a sick day and I slept the whole day away!

     On Sunday we had our Scrooge performance at the church, morning and night. It was a great show, and so many visitors came and were saved. I’m learning that hard work really does pay off, and God honored all of the Scrooge team’s efforts.

     Monday was a nice day off. We have our trimester exam this week as well as a Southeastern test, so the majority of the day was spent studying. We had our second year Christmas party at PJ’s that night too, so I went to that and had fun with my class.

     There is only a few more days and then on Saturday, I go home! I’m so excited to see everyone, but until then I’m going to study hard and enjoy my last few days here before Christmas!

     Being back from break this past week has been good, but hard. It has made me realize how I'm ready to go home and see my family and friends again! It's been a busy week, so there is not much to write about. It's fun to look back on what I've done nevertheless.


     On Tuesday we had family time, Southeastern, and prayer. Later that evening I helped decorate Jeanne's house for Christmas which was a ton of fun! We had the Christmas music going and it reminded me of all the years I would decorate my house with my mom. Speaking of her, Mom, I miss you!


     Wednesday was a fun day. We had our normal classes and I taught Creative Art and Design again. We are doing a few classes on photography, and later this week they will be decoupaging with pictures they took. Later that evening we had Oxygen, and it was so nice to see my Audax girls again! I really did miss them.


     On Thursday, we did some filming for "Oxygen Live", our annual Christmas party for our youth. I'm not an actor, but was asked to be in a few skits... so we will see how they turn out!


     Friday and Saturday were fundraising days for my New York missions trip. Even if we make hundreds of dollars, it's split between 21 people. We made around $150, which is about $7.50 each. Every bit counts though, and I'm grateful for what God provides our team with.


     On Sunday we had an exciting morning service. Steve Brock, worship leader for Benny Hinn was at The Tabernacle! It was great to hear him and have him minister to us in song. I really felt like I was in the presence of royalty. Later that day we had an Alliance meeting with our Oxygen leaders, and I got the opportunity to head up our discussion on where we can improve. That night we had a powerful lecture with Dr. Edy on holy living. It really made me realize how much I have grown from my first to second year. Classes with Dr. Edy were somewhat boring last year, but this year I really do take in everything I can from him speaking. I had a really great phone call with my old roommate Danielle last night, as well as my co-leader in Audax, Hosanna. I love having friends that I can talk to about Jesus. It really does help me so much, I don't know what I'm going to do without them!


     Today I woke up, went running, ran some errands, and then came home and studied. My roommates and I had a movie night together and made our apartment favorite; bazookies. If you haven't had one, you are missing out. Ice cream and half-baked cookie dough just can't be beat!


     This next 12 days before break are going to be very busy for me, but I'm excited about it. One thing I'm learning this year; no matter how busy I may be, if I'm too busy for God then I'm failing it all. I know that God is going to use me and show me new things, and I'm determined to put him first no matter how busy I get. That being said, I need to go study! God bless, and for everyone back home: see you soon!

Thanksgiving Break

Going to the Pirates Dinner Show

Lyn and I 

Crissy, Lyn and I

     It's been an amazing week in Celebration, Florida. I am so glad to have been able to come here for Thanksgiving break! The past few days I have been visiting with Lyn, my RA from last year. It was so refreshing to spend time with her again and just relax. On Wednesday Crissy, Jordan and I woke up at 4am, hopped in the car, and drove down to Florida. We met up with Lyn late that afternoon, and got settled in. Her youth group was having a Thanksgiving dinner that night and so we went and just had fun together! That evening we also met up with a few guys from Masters and visited downtown Disney. It amazes me that my family at home would come here vacation, but to them places like downtown Disney is their neighborhood. It's crazy!


     On Thursday we all got some much needed rest and slept in... and got up to eat Thanksgiving dinner! It was quite the international dinner; Lyn's family is Dutch, and they had students from France, Wales, and Austria there as well. I represented Canada, Crissy's from Spain, and Jordan's from Scotland. The only American was Scotty from Oklahoma! It was a great meal but I couldn't help but think about my family at home. I've missed Thanksgiving with them for two years now. It's good to know that I'll be home in 19 days from today, however! Crissy's Dad is the king of dinner shows, and managed to get 6 of us in for free! Later that night, we went to Pirates Dinner Show and had a great time.


     Black Friday was a lot of fun. Crissy and I went Christmas shopping at Millennia Mall and I got some good Christmas presents for the family! Later we came home and met up with Lyn, Jordan, Scotty and Anders at Starbucks and walked around downtown Celebration.  I even saw a real Alligator only a few feet away from me!


     Saturday was also a sleep-in day. Lyn and I went shopping at Target and out for dinner at Panera Bread to catch up. I am so thankful for a friend like her in my life! Later that evening we went to downtown Celebration to see the Snope fall from the sky. You may be wondering what Snope is? Well in Florida, it obviously doesn't snow. Their solution is to make snow-resembling soap suds and have them fall from the sky. It looks pretty realistic! We played in the snope, went to Starbucks, and looked for more Alligators!


     On Sunday we went to church, and spent the rest of the day driving home. We got home at 3am Monday morning and went right to sleep. It was great to get home, but hard to leave Lyn behind! I'll see her after Christmas break, so it's not too bad. Speaking of Christmas break... 17 days until I come home! :)