Be Open: Life, Its what U make it

i like this.

2010-11-02T02:30:00.000-07:00

The supreme happiness of life is

the conviction that we are loved

- loved for ourselves,

or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.

~Victor Hugo

painting again.

2010-10-16T19:35:00.000-07:00

Its been too long but I am painting again. Even if its just this one little specialized thing.

friends & twin Beds...

2010-10-12T00:22:00.000-07:00

One of the crazy things about having a husband on night shift is sometimes you can have a sleep over with your friends, and most of the time you don't sleep, and most of the time you are alone with your thoughts at random moments in the night.

Normally a sleepover is filled with laughter, silly outbursts, chocolate, & popcorn. Though this sleep over was different. You see it seems we have all really grown up... as I sleep in a twin bed and across the way is a new changing table and basket of baby goodies awaiting a sweet baby boy's arrival in February. Things seem different but a good different.

Tonight...I made dinner for my sweet husband and we rushed out the door, him to his patrol car, and me to my friends home over the hill. By the time i arrived my tired pregnant friend was fast asleep, and I was greeted by her kind husband, shown my room and had a simple conversation about life, anniversaries (they just celebrated too), and his joy over their baby coming to this world. I said goodnight at 10 closed my door and climbed into my twin bed. TEN I have not fallen asleep at ten in years. so I stayed up on the net until now when I fingers found my blog.

Tomorrow I get to go to my friends classroom at 6:40 am shhesh but it will be so worth it to be in her world. Amongst her students, and watch her use her gift of teaching.

Tomorrow after my "big day at school" we will drive north to visit our friend that is sick. We can only be there for a few hours but it will be worth it sooo soo much.

As I lay here praying I will sleep soon... I ponder...

In the midst of my unemployment I have had free time on my hands. I really see this time as time to spend with my friends, family and anyone God places in our path. It has not been easy, but the rewards have been great. Why must we always be Martha trapped in the hustle and bussel of life? Why can we not just be Mary at Jesus' feet? I miss minstry dearly but in all honestly, I was becoming martha in my last months as a youth pastor. It is these moments as a wife alone in my thoughts, as a friend & wife sitting litening to people's hearts, I am beyond blessed. This my just be what God has for us right now, so we are living in just that. As hard as it is at times. We are where God wants us. I love it.

one year celebration!

2010-10-05T00:47:00.000-07:00

Ohh for us on our weekend we had such a blast celebrating! Here are some snapshots of our adventure.

I woke to two dozen Roses...& Breakfast

Crapes ohh crapes...
Rocks and Fro yo and we got a "Local discount" even though we where on Va-cay... I suppose va-cay when you travel under a hour still means local. sweet!
Bat rays celebrating a first year too... with a bat ray kiss...
Moonrise cuddles...
Cruise ship adventures...

Scribbles in the sand...

Timing and Happiness for miles...
We snapped many scenic shots... this one was just past a beware don't cross line... sheesh breaking the law breaking the law. crazy husband.
Yeah we love each other & the Ocean!
Golfing from the pro's tee...
I love his smirk here :) oops maybe we are not suppose to be here thanks pebble for allowing us to be obvious wanderers!
FRUIT STAND! ohh i love Cali 10 avocado's for $1 yeah $1.00, pineapples for two.
Sunsets & a picnic... amongst the cliff
Laughter & joy throughout.

Yeah... we tried it... it tasted REALLY Bad. Result cake fight in the kitchen... glad we didn't do that at our wedding! Much Laughter & Pondering why in HEAVENS would anyone save their wedding cake for a year??? but only to have a good food fight with! Eat it on your one month anniversary of the nuptials!

So we raise our glasses and toast to another Good year. Focused on new adventures together! Here's to year TWO!

Honest & Amazingly Beautiful!

2010-10-04T02:20:00.000-07:00

When I spoke to my husband about the words I had picked for the countdown to our 1 year

I told him these where the words that came to mind:

Steadfast
Joy
Service
Growth
Family
Honest

My Sweet husband said, "When I think about our year I think of the words, "AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL!" come to mind." He may kill me if I mention anymore of his sweet words to me. Yet in short he is in total agreement with my word choice.

We honestly laugh about so much, and we honestly talk about every everything. An eye opening lifestyle can make feelings hurt, and in the same breath can open they eyes to your partners heart. For us the honesty, is honesty that is routed in love and care for the other person. There is where the strength rests.

More than anything our first year is covered in LOVE, love of life, love for God, love for each other. If I had a million days I could go on with more words that express how amazing our first year has been. We seek to, "love the Lord our God with all our hearts!" and in the midst of it we find so many blessings. May your marriage be just as blessed, even in the tough times, may you rest in Him the God who showed us what true love is, and honored us with the capacity to find love.

Familia and more Family!

2010-09-26T22:38:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when you fall in love you, one person has a large family and the other has a small family. For us we came with two Large families... Not only are these families large, but we are families that love to be together. In our first year together we have logged countless number of hours with our crazy, fantastic, loving, kind, and such a rich history tangled together. We don't often get everyone together through out this year but we did grab a few photos at the wedding and actually not everyone was able to make it to our wedding, due to life and what nots... but here is a small picture of our busy family life...

Below is the Left the Koenig (Pherf's Dad's side) &

on the Right the Gudnason Family (Pherf's mom's side)

The Bernal side (my dad's family)

The Solis Side (my Mom's family)

I gained 17 new Aunts and Uncles, four new grandparents, when We said I do last year and Pherf gained, shoot... where to begin our count us crazy Mexicans... we needed two pictures to cover the folks that made it to our wedding.

Family has been a big part of our first year of marriage and family has always and will always play a big part in who we are.

Yet our little branch was established on year ago. and it is blossoming quite nicely.

To SERVE & GROW

2010-09-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

I Know I Know, where have I been??? Who starts a quest and then leaves you hanging. Sorry about that, it was no intention of mine to leave such a cliff hanger :) especially with all my million readers out there. :) details.

We had to venture out of Town for a few days and we didn't take our Computer, and we acted like tourist. And it was amazing. I think heading away even for a night from time to time is a wonderful way of getting away from the norm. Our time away though brief & was soo wonderful!

These are Days 5 & 4 in our Countdown. I combined them because they really go hand in hand. Not to mention my absence. details.

TO SERVE...

You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving. ~Author Unknown

The biggest things society tell us is "its all about you". The biggest things scripture tells us is to (Matthew 22: 37-39) " 1st love the Lord your God with all your heart soul and mind... and the 2nd is to "Love your Neighbor as yourself". It is the way my husband loves God, and loves others with out a doubt is one of the first things that I fell in love with him. For us marriage has been about living that our daily.

My husband in his sweet humility often hides from me and the camera as I try to capture him

working around our home.

We enjoy a mutual serving of each other, from bring one blackberries in the morning, to picking up someones dry cleaning, to listening to music that ones loves... and the other doesn't. Its the simple things that keep us serving each other.

When you serve together your heart grows fonder together, because you both deeply love what you are committed to. The first part of our relationship Pherf and I met while i worked at high street. We both have grown so much in those years since.

This year we served together at high street until June. To the very end of our time there we loved and loved well. Serving together as a married couple was beyond what I expected.

1 Peter 4:10

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."

If you know us you know we both have very different gifting, but we have one gift that is the same, we love people and love to serve them when we can. Our prayer is that this will only grow stronger with each new day.

TO GROW

The best is we have indeed grown by far. Walking through difficult situations, our Friendship is deeper in just 365 days.

When you live with a person you have the opportunity to KNOW them. The Koenig's KNOW much more of who God created us to be. We have seen when each of us are at their breaking point, and we smile at it now... not the smile of annoyance but the smile that says i understand. It is there...we see the Growth of our marriage when we know we need to leave, and when we need to be silent and when we need to just embrace the other. Growth happens in many ways.

We had the sweet opportunity to counsel my sweet cousin Gina and Patrick. We loved talking about marriage with them, we loved talking about life, finances, and challenges that would be ahead. I preformed my first wedding for my baby cousin, it was such a joy, and could not have done it with out my sweet husband.

As the cheesy but true analogy, goes we have planted seeds in rich soil... and our lives are growing deep roots in our love with GROWTH, SERVANT HOOD, JOY, & STEADFASTNESS!

Ode To Joy: sums up our year... minus the smoke :)

2010-09-23T01:43:00.000-07:00

One Year... Second word

2010-09-23T00:14:00.000-07:00

Five days in the Count down until our 1 Year Anniversary!

Today's word is Joy. Joy is in abundance at our home.

BEFORE you continue reading I suggest you watch this Video by this link. I wanted to post the video right in this blog but I am not that cool, so Either click the link above or just push play on the post above. DO IT! please. We have already watched it a bunch! ha ha ha ha! Oh why is is so funny ha ha.

Back to our Post...

I cannot tell you how many times we are laughing in our home. What is a home without laughter? What is a home without dancing in the kitchen? What is a home without blaming a toot on the dog? What is a home without Doodling Pirate treasure maps with the niece... then wandering around the house to find meee treasure? What is a home without quoting ones favorite movies randomly? What is a home with just a seconds glance can erupt you in laughter... our home. Our home is full of all these things and more. I cannot picture it as anything but that, my words cannot do justice to our joy.

JOY "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I believe that true joy comes from only one place. God grants us Joy beyond what we can fathom. He grants us Joy in the little things.

So in our first year we have taken advantage of random events, and random moments all that have brought great joy. We have chosen to save but also to enjoy events like Giants & Sharks & even went to Cal Games, driving up & down the state, & driving across a few more states just because you can. Oh the conversations on road trips and sitting in the stands, many of you might believe my sweet husband is quiet but he is a man of many wonderful words that enrich me daily. So to all those getting married every first year does not have to be traumatic, even if life sends you down a funky path. Laugh & Smile and enjoy what God places before you.

Our first year has been JOYOUS and STEADFAST.

one year...one word

2010-09-21T04:37:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that in 6 days it will be our

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

It has actually been surprising as to how many people have been remembering that our first year of marriage is close. I brightens my day to

hear the sweet words from people, and their well wishes & prayers for us. A few weeks ago a former, students volunteer, and really a friend of ours asked me If I could sum up our first year with one word. What would it be? Such a good rich question!! (above: honeymoon photo somewhere in the Caribbean)

This Question motivated me... and So every day until then i will give one word. I have not thought them all through yet but as I pondered the question many words came to my mind. Here is the first. (Below: Sharks Game right after the Olympics)

Steadfast.

a : firmly fixed in place : immovable
b : not subject to change

2. : firm in belief, determination, or adherence : loyal

For the most part people while we where engaged, and the first months of our marriage would say, "BEWARE of the FIRST YEAR!!" We often talked about it and thought wow it must really be hard. My mind was drenched with these crazy ideas of what horrible things could and would happen to us. I began praying for life and a hedge of protection over our new family.

As the days and months have passed in our first year, I have to say that we have been BEYOND blessed in our marriage!

Our Love, Support, Laughter, & has not changed, it has indeed been a year of "STEADFASTNESS".

It has not been a year without challenge from me loosing my job, loosing my gallbladder, (RIGHT: drawing of where and what my Gallbladder does, Its apparently a non-vital organ? So we took it out.)

and a host of silly things surrounding that. In the midst of that craziness my sweet husband and my relationship has not wavered. It honestly gives me chills right now to think about how God's love has truly showed His Steadfastness to our life and our marriage. More than anything we are stronger. More than anything the steadfast Love I have felt and given, has created an amazing foundation for our family.

Love the Koenig's

"Take Your Knife & Confront your Ducks" Julia Child

2010-09-07T02:42:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I wandered through the redwoods and into my dear friends play room. With squealing children, laughter, blocks, & trains... We pondered, we cried, we sought what might God have, What might be next. It is these times in my life that i understand our dear deep relational God when I catch a glimpse from, my dear friends who never cease to amaze me, the ways they always point me to the truth, and always pointing out the truth in what I am saying. It is these people that constantly do this in my life that I know I am blessed beyond understanding, by rich (in character), family, friends, and amazing husband.

A few weeks ago I blogged about "what do housewife's do?" in response to many that seemed troubled by it, I still hold to what I wrote. I have had more time to walk through it all I know these things are true:

I know there is cleaning to do, but that is not me (don't worry I am still cleaning), its not what defines me. cleaning and organizing is more of the given. cuz I did that when i worked a 50 to 70 hour work week too.
I LOVE my Husband and I love being his wife more than I can express, and my last blog was more about the times I am not with my sweet husband.
Really its about a redefining of who I am in a good way. Loosing my job at high street and transitioning for this stage as a stay at home wife has left me with many great questions on...
Where is God taking me?
Where is God taking my husband and I?
What will God have for us as a family?
What is it that I really like to do?

In that playroom a few weeks ago my friend reminded me of that silly movie Julia & Julia. More than that she shed light on a conversations that Julia Child has with her husband Paul.

tonight I watched that movie again. and I believe that Julia & I have that same spirit about us.

in a cafe in Paris...

Julia: sigh... What Should I do??
Paul: About what?
Julia: I don't REALLY want to go back into government work. Shouldn't I find SOMETHING to do? Wives... They don't do anything here. That's not me, Its JUST NOT ME.
Paul: I know.
Julia: I saw a notice on the bulletin board at the embassy, Hat making Lessons.
Paul: You Like hats.
Julia: I do... I DO.
Paul: (with deep care in his voice) What is it you REALLY Like to do?
Julia: EAT!!! (much Laughter and smiles)

I feel like the world is telling me that I Should do this or that. Yet one of the most beautiful things about this pivotal part for Julia, is that this launches her on this quest to find what is Good, she does not listen to the things that should get her down, or the people that question why she would even need to embark on these different activities. She presses forward trying one things after another, until she finds her passion, and what brings her life. I see that God call's us to just that!

1 Thessalonians 1:3

We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

So my new quest is not to begin making a cook book... although that has crossed my mind. But the Quest is to simply to be prompted by LOVE & HOPE... to venture forward to see what Cool things are out there for the Koenig's. This is something I think we have been doing... but in my funk, I think I forgot that. So I will try new things these days and it may be a while before I "KNOW" what is next for a career, for a hobby, and just what my free moments as a wife will hold. Only God knows what these "Free Moments" carry. Its those moments that I am walking boldly into. Feel free to suggest ideas and don't be offended if I don't do them... :)

Ideas already on my mind most which will never come to be but seem cool... Things like:

Become a coffee Roaster, open an etsy sight, Paint again, Cake decorating Class, Learn how to use a fancy Camera, decorate and organize the solarium to our office and studio (that could take some money but mostly time... good news I have that). Write something besides a blog.

What does a Stay at Home wife do?

2010-07-29T04:30:00.001-07:00

DISCLAIMER: This is a valid question. Not meant to offend. And this is not the time to say have children. Don't worry we want kids someday. Its up to God when he brings them. And now my blog.

With my new found freedom, in joblessness for a time, I have come to the place where i wonder truly, "What Does a Stay at Home Wife do?".

Now please do not worry, there has been time to grieve, and I have grieved, and most likely will grieve some more. I have spent time being sad, and a bum on the couch, but lets be honest it only take a few weeks to catch up on your favorite tv shows that you haven't had time to watch. I have and will continue to get that extra renewal and time with God, which has been a blessing & in this time off. I have cleaned some here and there, & plan on continuing that as well.

Being a woman who was married at 30 and have worked all of her adult life. I find it almost conflicting to not have ANYTHING to do. I know that there have been seasons of time where people are stay at home wife's. I know there will one day be a time to be a stay at home mom. but the reality is that the world of staying home without a job baffles me. So I am here asking a question looking for some answers besides barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen. This just will not do.

I have watched plenty of "real Housewives of..." and that's not me, I love Desperate housewives, but i just can't where that much jewelery, or have that many schemes. What does the regular House wife do with their time?

i need your help! Lets hear some responses.

trusting where God Leads us.

2010-07-07T01:56:00.000-07:00

I have delayed in blogging about this because its really just to hard to write about. A few months ago our church began the conversation about finances and cut backs. It is no surprise that the reality that the financial situation for everyone is not great. In the last few years the financial reality never really seemed to effect me, I think I just played oblivious and thought my job was safe because, who lets their pastor's go?? I remained in the clouds of no no one would ever be let go at our church. As we all on staff began to cut back budgets and spending drastically, it just was not enough.

As a newly married couple. Before the choice was made for us, we knew we needed sometime to seek what God would have for us. Before we where married we talked about one day what it would look like, or what would need to happen if I where to be at home, and had projected it would be at least a few years into our marriage. More than anything, when we went to the Lord first separate and then together, the Lord kept saying the same thing to us, "No matter, what this is MY plan, and this is what I have for you guys". So on hard days one of us would always have to remind each other what God had been saying to us, and we together had to Trust that "No Matter What THIS WAS WHAT GOD HAD PLANNED FOR US."

The deacons, met, prayed, lost sleep, and finally landed on my position as Youth Pastor, would be eliminated. WHAT??!!?!?! Yet those words God has sweetly given us, "No Matter What THIS WAS WHAT GOD HAD PLANNED FOR US." So I asked God, "Surely this was not what he had in store for us" i mean, they, we, the church had to have heard wrong, right God?? With what seem like silence from God, my husband first laughed at my judgment of second guessing God, and then in his sweet tone, said Melinda, this is what God has for us, even though we don't like it right now, this IS His plan for us. So I cried, and walked through all the stages of Grief, i stayed the longest in anger stage, & ultimately we knew that our only choice was to Trust God.

On my last day of work (June 30Th, 2010), i was asked to drive to pick up the church suburban from the shop. Since November of 2005 I have loggedmany hoursdriving the church vehicles. I never thought I would be so sad to drive a vehicle for the last time as an employee. As soon as I sat in the car my tears began to fall, the five-ish miles home seemed like an eternity. I began to think of all the wonderful memories we have had in these cars, from pee your pants moments, to singing at the tops of our lungs, to deep God conversations, to miles upon miles of all over.

This has been rough for both Pherf & I. My emotions have been a roller coaster. I have loved these moments with these students, and we believe we have finished our ministry well. My Edge & Oasis students old and new! We love you and we will always be here for you! We want to hear your happy moments, sad moments, and God Moments!

life love and other mysteries...

2010-02-23T17:05:00.001-08:00

It has been far too long since I have graced these pages with words. I believe its time to come back to the world of blogging. This last weekend we attended a wonderful friends birthday party and my friends mom happily said, "I read your Blog" sheepishly I replied about my lack of posts, and how we both tend to not blog as much any more. Sadness! So I return. Sooo much has happened. Where does one even begin to start with....

This Post was started in feb... its now almost July! That is almost 5 months later!!!

What has happened...

on September 27, 09 I married the love of my life. It was a day more hot than I care to admit. Funny how I said that I would never get married outside... then again I also told God I

wouldn't: Go to school in fresno, work at a church, work with jr highers, & I would NEVER marry a cop! Who knew that all of my fears would turn into some of my deepest loves. God has a funny way of dealing with my heart, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." luke 12:34.

I never figured it out until God opened my eyes to how my heart was captured by all these things.

On of the best thing about our wedding was that we had so many people that we loved by our sides. We where overwhelmed by all the people that loved us through this day, but really through this amazing season! I cannot express the love we felt, nor the reality of the outpouring of hospitality from our friends and family.

"I took a picture so you could Blog About it"

2009-07-27T20:45:00.000-07:00

This last Friday I embarked on and adventure that quite honestly I had only been on something similar once before. My Fiance loves to bring people together, and more than that loves to allow anyone that wants to join join, and more than that loves a great adventure. One of his hopes is that we can enjoy some of these adventures. Trying to be the loving and supportive Fiance that I am, I agreed over a month ago to accompany him on this days journey.

As the days moved closer, I began to ask more questions as to what the day might hold.

There would be a 3 mile hike in, and a 3 mile hike back out, we would walk along some rocks in the river, we would find a waterfall, stop at places to cliff jump off of, and swim through many pools of water. I would need my outdoor shoes, a camel back, & any item to join us would have to know that, "on this adventure, everything gets wet!"

Everything seemed fine... until a few days before the trip... I begin to realize that even though we are a few months before our wedding I am in the worst shape of my life... this excursion could be painful. I also recalled the last time i was at a hiking adventure and remembered THE ROCKS. Oh the Rocks, how I hate them. If we combine my lack of Balance and fear of Falling the thought of walking on WET rocks TERRIFIED ME.

Melinda, "Are these rocks, small rocks?"

Pherf, "No, they are these really great boulder rocks, that are all kinds of different sizes, and really fun to walk on"

Melinda, "would you say that the rocks are a Small portion of the trip?"

Pherf, "Ehh I would say they are more than half of the trip"

Melinda, "....silence.... long pause....."

Pherf, "You ok my love??"

Nothing in me wanted to back out, but I had to tell him, I was terrified to go on this trip. I didn't want to embarrass myself or him in front of his friends. So after a long conversation and an amazing Fiance assuring me that everything was going to be OK...and that if I didn't want to do something I didn't have to.

We started our day with collecting our crew of 13 random people. We began our decent in I felt pretty good about it and was having wonderful conversation the whole time... don't mind me sweating horribly. eeek. After a few miles on the fire trail, we made it to the top of the trail that would lead us down to the River. There at the top we ran into many of my people seeking the same river and waterfall we where going to. Of course the boy talked with them and payed no attention to the man with the machete, but calmly (of Course) asked if they had gone before and if they knew how to swim. apparently I am the only mexi that was excited about the swimming portion and apparently everyone else was fine with these stupid rocks.

I must say that for me the "prideful person" that I am was indeed frustrated with the rocks. I slipped, I stepped on every unsteady rock, my feet slide off and under half of the rocks, I was most constantly the last person on the adventure to catch up to the group.

In the midst of one of my "Moments of Frustration" I looked up to see my fiance, just smiling at me. On numerous occasions he just... he just loved me well. He encouraged me, and was just so happy that I was with him. My attitude, was littered with sadness that I was not in shape, with fear that my muscles where about to give, & my knees could take no more.

Yet my love, smiled and held my hand, and hugged me as I felt like I was done. More than anything he loved me beyond what I expected. I expected him to be mad at me, or be embarrassed by me... all my expectations of how someone would treat me where thrown to the side.

Many times as he held my hand and patiently walked with my I felt my emotions rise, as he calmly looked me in the eyes and said, "your letting your frustration get the best of you, relax I am here with you, I love you."

...Who am I that I should deserve such love from a man... when I look back at this silly day I am in awe as how God used it to show me once again that I am so easily down on myself, and so un-willing to accept help from others especially those I love. I couldn't take my eyes off the rocks because I felt trapped in a prison of fear. I could not enjoy the company, nor the beauty that surrounded me due to my fear. The Psalm comes to my mind. ohh the lessons from this Psalm, sigh... The older I get the more I have to learn and re-learn.

Psalm 121

"I lift my eyes to the hills -

Where does my help come from?

My Help comes from the LORD,

the maker of heaven & earth.

He will not let your foot slip -

he who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you -

the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day,

Nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm -

he will watch over your life;

the LORD will watch over your coming and going

both NOW & FOREVERMORE."

Venessa is in India...

2009-07-11T13:59:00.000-07:00

Hey Gang some of you may have know but Venessa took off for yet another adventure serving God this summer. Last year it was Africa and this year its Calcutta, India. As I drove her to the airport monday july 6th, we talked about how uncertain this trip was. I could not get over how I was not sure what this trip would do for her...How when I prayed I felt as though something would be different. What I am not sure... So my prayer has been that God would use her and work in her heart for a lesson that is unknown to me and venessa. God knows what is to happen in her heart. I feel like there as you read her words below that you will see his workings already. Check back here for info, and updates.

One thing for sure, She arrived safley in india, with only minor confusion and PRAISE GOD she met up with her team!!

Here are some of her updates so far:

JULY 7th
"i'm paying like a buttload to e-mail for a sceond, but i just wanted to say that i got here. i have never sweat before in my whole life, my clothes are actually soaking. i am in a bit of a shell shock." - venessa

JULY 9th
"this has been a blessing...my crew happened to come in a day early, right when i was signing off gracie was able to get my e-mail and i guess they bumped their flight up...i was able to race down to the airport in what seemed like a bumper card...i actually put my backpack in front of me just in case we got in a wreck and could protect the front of me from being stabbed by some piece of an auto...not joking. the amazing thing was that she e-mailed me before i had even sent her e-mail so i was kinda a surprise at the airport. i waited for like an hour and was just so blessed for the lord's protection. i woke up at 4 am this morning to rinse off outside and before i put my clothes back on i was in a thick layer of sweat. i sorta lost my appetite when i got here yesterday morning, so other than the starburst that melinda bought me that i had this morning...i have had no substance of food since on my plane at 2am. i am hoping to force feed food down my throat tonight. jayne gave me some books for my devo and i have been so blessed....can someone maybe forward this to her.......it is so overwhelming and yet it felt so wonderful to wake up at 3am and here a man outside singing out prayers....it was that wake up call where you realize...im not in kansas anymore.....i literally feel like i am in the jungle book....only the sad version of jungle book, the one that disney would ever put out. anyways, i have to go...must e-mail the madre before time runs out...i may have a chance to sneak in here tomorrow..." - venessa

July 11th, 2009
"sorry i am writing so much hahaha. i never guessed i would hahaha. today was our first day at the mother house volunteering. i couldn't decide if i wantd to be at the house of the dying or with the sick and handicap children....in the end i chose to be with the children...i kinda got a little feverish and almost passed out when we visited a friend who works at kaligaut (the house of the dying) after i saw some leg wounds with maggots crawling in it. i hate that i don't have the stomach for things lke that, i felt like i would be more of a pain walking away every time something made me sick...i was quite disappointed with myself, and had to remind myself that we all have different gifts....working with the kids was way harder than i thought. it is basically the same thing only they are children and i really just didn't know what to do...here we are experienced nannies/teachers/people who love children and we didn't know what to do and just felt so inadequate. i have so much admiration for the sisters and the begali women who work there day in and day out. they give us volunteers a chai and piece of bread break...and yet they don't take a break once. there were two little girls who didn't have eyes...everytime i looked at them my eyes would get watery- ... at mass there is a statue of mother teresa where she always sat in the corner and worshipped....its cheesy i know....but ever time i caught it with my eyes i would swell up again..just seeing the way she sat...how uncomfortable we all are with our bug bites, the heat and position of sitting....and here she/the all are i their suris, washing out of a lil bucket...im a wreck to say the least....but i am so glad i have a community here to experience this with. my emotions have gone down the toilet....so anything gets me now hahah. one of the sisters pulled me to the side and asked to look at the back of my leg...which apparently, got attacked with bites all over it and she was worried about me...i wasn't worried until i was surrounded by sisters gasping at my leg...and how did i not notice or feel them.....we came to the conclsion after they took me to the clinic that i have bed bugs. so gross. the surprisingly hurt so bad...and anytime we are on the streets someone comments on them....so i just have to go to bed again and hope that maybe they will get tired of eating me or eat my other leg to make it even. we will see. hahah so with that i have to go...we ae going around the corner to grab food but i will most likely check in tomorrow after the mother house. love you" - Venessa

So those are the updates as of now...Keep praying for my amazing friend who once was afraid of doing anything like this, who is in the midst of serving in conditions I hate to say I am afraid to walk in. I am proud of her and praying like no other for her.

times & title changes

2009-07-01T00:55:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that in the fall of 2005 when I first came to Santa Cruz as we pulled 2 part time jobs together to create one job. From that point on my job began to morph and change, next I became the youth assistant, to the assistant youth pastor and now 4 years later, on July 1 2009, I become the Full Time Youth Pastor of jr high & sr high ministries at High Street Community Church.

These last four years have brought me joy, laughter, growth: spiritually and emotionally, tears, struggle, depth, and happiness. I have learned more than I had ever expected from my students, volunteers, and my boss (now the former Youth Pastor Todd Trowbridge)

, lessons I will never forget, lessons that I am forever grateful for. Know that Todd is still around at church... God has just moved him around a bit, he is now an associate pastor taking care of children & administration at HSCC.

Todd & I worked as a team in this ministry of jr & sr high ministries. We found that we where most like siblings, knowing when we did something that it would make the other person mad and knowing exactly what buttons would be pushed, and knowing when to push for excellence, and when to pause in grace.

We fought over students souls, we dug for the best topics and lessons we wanted our students to understand about who Jesus is.

So where is this new adventure taking us... I don't know, but what I do know is that, my heart is, scared, excited, fearful, filled with eager anticipation, and praying for full confidence that we are right where God has us. Hope, is what I have. Hope that God will continue a good work here at High Street in Oasis and Edge. My heart still wrapped in love for students and volunteers, and parents, to come to an understanding of who God created them to be.

Pray for continual smooth transition, and life in the ministry that is before us. Pray for Pherf and I as we walk into our first year of marriage, and more ministry than we have had before, that we be wise with our time and balance our love for people, ministry, family, and our new beginning. Pherf and I have prayed, cried, and processed through this. we believe High Street and the jr & sr high ministries are where God has called us right now.

Details on our Wedding

2009-05-06T02:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends... would you like to stay updated on our wedding details???

Well our friends at the KNOT have such an easy interface to help us comunicate to you about the upcoming event of the Boy and My little party.

So check it out makes some comments and enjoy our story there!

http://www.theknot.com/ourwedding/MelindaBernal&KristopherKoenig

Texas 2009

2009-04-03T01:16:00.000-07:00

Well tomorrow morning I am suppose to be waking up and getting on a plane to TEXAS...

We are talking 20 people adults and students to Texas, Galveston to be exact. We are staying with a church called University Baptist. Funny part is that, is our church's old name. What are we doing???? Hurricane Relief work, some people think its all better but the town we are going to, only the businesses are up and running... little to no people are back living in there homes. Just goes to show you how the when the media goes... so do our thoughts.

Well at this time I should be sleeping... But Honestly Please pray for us! We will need it.

But if you want to keep updated on our trip check out our Youth Blog: hsccOasis.blogspot.com

Clean sheets

2009-03-29T00:06:00.000-07:00

Who knew that planning a wedding amongst the rest of my crazy life would cause me to finally this weekend realize that I couldn't remember when the last time I washed my sheets was. So this weekend I washed my sheets.

"Why is that significant or worth blogging about." - you say.

Why because tonight I am climbing into clean sheets (OK so they where cleaned Friday but that's beside the point...) and I can rest easy that I have one thing I checked off my personal list of to do's. So Shoot, THAT'S WORTH CELEBRATING! Do you ever find that in the midst of one more thing in your life... that the practical necessities (like clean sheets) get left by the wayside?

These last few months of bliss, have indeed been bliss! Yet...I am watching myself, make lists, yes the non list making me, is MAKING LISTS, which has been out of necessity for productivity, as well as keep my sanity. I should have paid more attention to my old housemates list making skills. shoot.

Not to mention, did you know how many list managers are out there for weddings, granted they all make me feel like I am behind in something eek. But really the reality is we are on the ball!! I say we because my WONDERFUL FIANCE, keeps me organised, keeps perspective and still is making me feel beautiful and loved through it all. I am blessed.

on fine night...

2009-02-26T23:35:00.000-08:00

What does one say when their heart cannot say anymore.

Have you ever felt so happy and so excited in on fine moment that you have no words...

Have you ever felt so surprised that in one fine moment you have no words...

Have you ever known that with all your heart sitting before you is the man you want to spend the rest of your life with is in front of you on one knee, asking you to spend the rest of your life together.

I have never felt so loved, I have never felt so special, I have never been so happy!

How did it happen how does our story of the boy and I begin?

We have been dating just shy of 1 year (one week and 1 day from when he asked me)

There feels like so much to tell. I will be back to share... Know I am loved and my heart is in a whirlwind :)

Final Moving days, Last Night...first night.

2009-01-03T02:17:00.000-08:00

Its all really surreal.

Originally typed Friday Night

Today (as in the day we actually hand in our keys)

I will spend a few hours sleeping

(cuz its 2 am and i still have time wink)

then people will arrive to move

the final pieces

the big pieces

and then the daunting task of cleaning.

Ok so now its technically Sunday the 4th...

We are moved into the church Apt. as temp tenants. We should be here for 2 weeks to a month, as we eagerly await the finalisation on our new house. I was blessed by the Boy, the boy's best friend, my Parents, one of our new roommates, and a handful of other randoms that crossed our paths to aid us in some way in our move. Seriously everyone worked so hard I know I would still be moving today if not for the amazing help. To those who helped we are SOOOOO Grateful. To you I say thank you!! To those that helped in spirit thanks as well. wink.

Pictured below Pherf (the boy) in the midst of

the organizing/packing chaos. He was tired wink.

There where many things that where frustrating about "La Villa", but all in all our little Cabin in the woods was DELIGHTFUL. So many guest so many memories, so many times of depth, growth, & Life truly living out in hospitality in a christian community, where we loved well, and fought well. Even though there where times where I was done with guests and just needed a time to be alone in my house, I still would not trade a thing, and loved having people in our humble abode.

Now we wait for the paperwork to be finished on our new house with our new roommates on the west side of SC. Now we pull as little as possible out of boxes and bags so our next moving day is not so hard. Simple. Right is anything really that simple? That's my hope. Want to know our move in date...so do we...so don't ask trust me we will let you know when we know. : )

Ride along

2008-12-30T03:03:00.000-08:00

I almost forgot...

Tomorrow or that is Today the 30th... I am doing a ride a long with the boy. I am nervous but excited about seeing his world.

Pray for us. And our safety. Shoot I always pray for his safety.

love you all!

I should sleep now

late night thoughts

2008-12-30T02:16:00.000-08:00

what an amazing few days I have had...yet full of craziness. It is hard to think that so much has happened in so little time... not to mention the days ahead

23rd:

Last day of work (before the holidays)

Visit with Barrett & Marta by the fireplace

Late night opening of one present with the boy, i just love my ipod touch

24th

Wake up & pack

Get picked up by the boy and head to his family's Christmas

Santa puzzle

Delivering Presents

Christmas meal of this amazing soup: all I can say is goodness in a bowl.

Story telling & laughter

Late night drive to Bako

Laughter & the open freeway & the boy and I

25th

wake up to coffee with my mom to realise

the boy and the dad already gone to see the homies and get the masa

tamale making, & much laughter, much learning, and much making fun of my siblings for not

Christmas (eve (wink)) Dinner

Photo shoot

opening of presents

Wii playing

a truly lovely day

26th

Tamales & eggs

hanging out with my familia

watching Across the universe

more tamales

dinner at tail gators with the McPherson's & Bernal's

Condor hockey game

late night at denny's

Late night watching too long of the series "whale wars" commercial seemed so much better...wasted hours of my life.

27th

Tamales & Eggs

Visiting good friends & their baby boy & playing with blocks

Coffee with good friends

Cal Game in HD

Tahoe Joe's with family

pack...and drive back to SC

28th

sleep off the tiredness

read a good book

Lunch with out of town friends

cleaning & packing some before more sleep

29th

Packing and organizing

driving to the boys for some coffee & bowl of cheerios before his work

Laughing at home with my best friend, in our home of two years

Friends arrive...

we travel to our mentors home

we reunite with more old friends at her house

we travel to Woodstock's pizza and spend 4 hours by the fire as if it where our home

rice crispy treats & hot coco: I'm going to miss our little red cabin in the woods

all this while watching Muppet Christmas: letters to Santa : ) the small lines above do not do justice to the joy I have had in the last few days.

I have an amazing boy

2008-12-24T15:32:00.000-08:00

he bought me an ipod touch. : )

Recap. Part one

2008-12-19T14:24:00.000-08:00

It has been far too long since I have typed anything here on my blog. It just seems that I have been rushing between one thing to another. I cannot believe that my last post was November 1st! wow. I have to say I am unsure where even to begin. Maybe I should start with my dash board of post it notes as a time line of events I have yet to blog about. As I look at the list I am aware that there is no way I will actually be able to write about all of them, I suppose yes if I was on my game about typing as they came well I would not be writing this but such is life. Bear with my my friends.

New Office: yes finally I have my OWN new office! Granted It did not come with a door, as we where still eagerly awaiting the insurance money from the burglary. I have to say the first days in my office felt surreal, I sat and pondered those that served at High Street and honestly felt very unworthy, though knowing my place was secure and even supported by those who once served there.
NEW BABIES: The day of my last post the boy's sister brought a lovely baby girl into the world. We went to the hospital and visited and held the sweet "Baby G". A few days later we drove to visit the boys friend and there new baby girl. All so beautiful and both Baby G & Baby J had Sooo much hair, its the Mexican in them :)
Bernal Family Reunion: Oh my where does one begin to talk about the chaos, depth, laughter, deep family ties, casino, wheel of fortune, mini golf tourney, karaoke, Don't forget the lyrics family style, so much good food, new family, dancing, & deeper connections with Aunts, uncles, cousins whether they are 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or shoot even a 4th Generation relative is that possible?! Overall an amazing time Full of true heritage.
MY COFFEE POT DIED: really I have nothing to say here. Only that this could be the reason I have not been able to write and that reason that my coffee allowance has gone up in my frequented coffee shops. I'm just saying... I love my french press but really it takes too much effort.
Pherf's Birthday and Party: I was sad that I actually was in Arizona while his birthday happened and well I love birthdays, even though I never remember what days they are on. I love them still. So when I returned we had a little celebration : ) I also left the boy with envelopes for each day I was gone sending birthday wishes.

This ends my Part one of my update on life here in Santa Cruz. I promise I will be better at this.

So why am I stopping in the middle of this Blog update, because tonight we will celebrate "YEAH the BOY is OFFICIALLY a DEPUTY SHERIFF!!" He has been now for 3 weeks but as noted in the first paragraph I have been a little behind on the updates : ) Tri tip burritos for all, along with some Rock Band I am sure!! Until Update # 2

Love ya.

Rain thunder and dark skies

2008-11-01T15:04:00.000-07:00

So on Thursday it started to rain...

So Yesterday it continued to raining. For the most part it has not stopped.

I know last was Halloween, but the rain made me happy last night because it meant that all the crazies where NOT out causing trouble for the boy in his patrol car. Although The Boys feeling was different on that, even though he wanted rain because he knows how crazy things get around here and the holidays, I don't think he expected last night:

Me: "so How did last night go?" the Boy "Man Last night was Boring, we couldn't even find anyone doing anything wrong" ha ha ha! I may have been too happy about this.

So Today being Saturday its still raining here!

So I ponder does this really mean I have to start wearing shoes???

So, yesterday I wore flip flops and slip on's I think in protest of winter coming.

So today maybe I will where shoes. Ehhh I'm going to a movie theater... Who Needs REAL SHOES???

Truly, I love the rain. Here in Santa Cruz I think it rains just enough for you to love it and not hate it.

update on life: Part 2:The Boy meets Familia

2008-10-01T23:46:00.000-07:00

So as we drove home from Don't forget the lyrics, my mom was on the phone with my aunt, and then it rang and again and she was on the phone with my uncle and so on and so on. Knowing my family I didn't think much of it. You see there Saturday night there was a birthday party for like number 28Th great grandchild, and sadly the boy and I had to leave town early, thus missing the birthday party. Yet the word was out: MELINDA WAS BRINGING THE BOY. So those phone calls where about having early dinner with us at the house. Picture the family dinner in fools rush in, yeah but we traded the mariachis for the wii : ) Which led to my crash course on who my family was, names stories and relation to us. Comical to say the least. Lets just say the boy had a few questions.

The Mexican Stats:

1 grandma

2 aunts

2 uncles

3 cousins

5 great grandchildren

My three Mexicans

1 brother in law

Total Mexicans/Relatives in the house = 17 + Pherf & I + 1 visiting Indian = 20 people : )

So he met my FAMILIA! Yeah above is not all of us pictured but alas we never get everyone : ) Those where just the people that where there early to meet the Boy, and visit with me. He said as we left, "I'm glad I got to meet ALL of your family" to which I laughed and said, "ohh that's not all of them" Shoot how did Tad do it? So far, the Boy still loves me and i suppose understands my love of throwing big parties, and loving big groups of people who I love, as well as faces to my family that I love so much. We took a girl photo missing my tia Ysidra, and one of the newest great grandchildren Mia (Barron found his way in the photo in my cousin's arms).

update on life: part 1

2008-10-01T22:38:00.000-07:00

So I realize it has been quite the time since I have updated. So I am going back in time some to talk about the fantastic things that has been my life.

After the time I spent in the middle of my vacation cleaning up the objects strewn across my old office floor (due to the burglery) it was time to get out of town for a few days. For me I was excited and looking forward to the trip. The Boy I believe was excited... yet in the same breath unsure of what to expect in the days to come. & could you blame him.

We climbed in the car and off we went to my PARENTS house. EEK! Yeah Following is a brief recap and some pictures on what happened on our trip.

DAY ONE: The Boy Meets the Friends

(Dinner Party with Friends)

Such a lovely time. Small simple. We arrive 30 minutes late (classic) which we had kept them updated on our travel staus that we would be late since we where arriving late into town. Unknown to us our host thought I said I would be there 2 hours earlier, so that's when everyone arrived ha ha oops. where we thought they where all just waiting 15 minutes or so. We had are really good time. My dear friend toward the end of the night and I quote, "Wow this must really suck that your girlfriend just brang you to a dinner with all of her friends watching you, wow, I'm so sorry" eek. to which we laughed. I suppose its just hard when you live in a town away from your close friends.

We also saw Bryce and Kelly at the market place which led to seeing: Van & Gay (Jeremy's Parents), Kristen C her mom and grandma, & Jeff & Tracy & the kids, to name a few.

**I took no pictures. Not sure why?***

HOME:

The whole weekend honestly hanging out with my family was really good. The boy was able to see us in our element, at our 'finest' , at our goofy time, late at night and in the morning. Shoot even Goliath liked the Boy : ) Probably both of our favorate times.

DFTL Taping:

Famous people: Meat Loaf and his daughter, & ooh Wayne Brady touched Pherf.

From the Car ride, to a walk through the studio, to actually watching the show, to dinner after, our time was Seriously fun.

My Brother is the Game Producer for "Don't Forget the Lyrics"

so it felt like we received the celebrity treatment. VIP Passes, free food, & we got to kick people out of there seats wow. I have to be honest I was worried when Meatloaf requested and hour more to practice than time was allotted however After the first 10 minutes or so, his star power was back. The Show was amazing. There was a time I was laughing so hard at him, I felt like something

was close to me like a high school student in my personal bubble, and Low and behold I turned to my right and a HUGE camera was in my face.

I am a little worried about what will make it on the show as i turned like a deer in headlights as soon as I saw the camera. eek. I was glad that even though my brother was working, that we where able to spend time with him as well, and I miss him so that made me happy. Look for us on TV Very soon cuz we are famous.

ODE to my Camera...

2008-09-26T12:13:00.000-07:00

Hello friends.

It seems that indeed it has been a long time since my last post. As noted in an old post, "NEW POST<>

& now... I give you: THE POINT OF THIS POST.

Last friday the boy and I where about to be off to watch a plan in San fran. We already had a full day of breakfast with good friends and my favorite friday location (Harbor Cafe), taking a car to the shop, Go Cart racing (which I fear should be another post with much more of a

story), In&Out, and finally a rushed getting ready to go to the City.

So as I wandered into the living room... as if all video cameras where on me... The camera which captures so much of my life. hit the floor and died. So there it sit no

w near the dead plants, its in good company.

so today I am buying a new one. TRAGIC.

Grand theft in the midst of Vacation

2008-09-03T14:48:00.000-07:00

Seriously What on EARTH are people thinking.

Good news is our Santa Cruz Police Agency's are fantastic...the Boy was leaving his patrol car as it happened.

So Last night 3 lovely Smart and intelligent people bro

ke into our offices. Breaking and

destroying Doors, their frames, and so much more. They took computers, printers, petty cash, and our Senior pastors LARGE EAGLE statue??? WHY? Not only did they take things but they opened all Drawers, Cabinets, boxes, and threw them ALL over our office floors. Did I mention they stole One of the Church Suburbans (which was actually where they stored all of our stuff.) with the key carefully locked away...oh wait they broke that open too.

A Police Officer this morning summed it up best when he stood next to One of our Deacons, and our Financial Secretary as Finger prints, as well as a perfect foot mark on one of the doors they kicked in said,

"You can steal from Businesses

You can steal from Offices

But you can't Mess with God"

~Santa Cruz Police Officer~

I suppose that it is just life where things like this just happen. The great thing is we indeed are getting everything back as the three where arrested last night before they had a chance to separate the loot. We are waiting on the Doors to be repaired, to hear back from the police, and to hear how the Grand Thief Auto & Burglary,

destruction of property, and Destruction of religious property & vandalism charges go for our new three friends. I am mostly Sad, and Confused as to why? Its not like any of the property was really worth much. in fact they would have made more money if they took the doors instead of breaking them ha ha! But seriously...such is life.

vacation.

2008-08-31T17:40:00.000-07:00

Vacation...

This week I am on Vacation...

YEAH.

the end.

Spiritual Direction

2008-08-23T16:32:00.000-07:00

Reason and Thoughts on Choosing a Spiritual Director...

This is something that I have thought about since my friend Mitch in YFC started talking about his new spiritual director 4 years ago at a Student Led Ministry team Retreat, I was at in so cal. Since then it has always been something on my mind and I thought to myself off and on through the years, why not?

They seem to many to be something that is strange, but most often foreign. I will have to say that this has been something that I have pushed away as something that is for "other people" and not me. However, as we walk through ministry, (now entering my 6 th year of Full Time Youth Ministry, wow) if we do not take time to invest in our own relationship with Christ, how can we expect that we will continue living healthy personally, as well as having a healthy ministry. We cannot.

I have over the last year been attending once a month spiritual retreats from Eagles Wings actually led by my pastor and his wife which have indeed brought me life. So much life that I believe it has prompted me to take the next step. Also I am planning on attending a Spiritual Retreat Weekend with Jayne Price, through Mount Hermon...cuz sometimes you need so life breathed into ya. It starts on Halloween and its for the weekend, and I am excited because Jayne is amazing and she has told me wonderful things about it.

So I write here that I am looking into finding finally a spiritual director. Pray for me and guidance, as well as an openness. If you are in ministry or have been a christian for a while its something that I would encourage. Because I have waited way too long...it would be a shame if you did too. So I sit resting in his presence and taking in all that he has in front of me as gifts & beauty.

PS. I don't think I am lost spiritually just paying attention to the fact that MY walk is so important that I need to pay attention to it. So please don't call for fear that I am loosing it... just know I value your prayers. Know that I am excited to see What God is beginning to do in me yet once again.

The empty Toilet paper role...

2008-08-21T22:13:00.000-07:00

It seems that no matter where I am, the office, the home, the friends' house, the boys' house, or the Coffee House. I always with out fail am the one that finds, "THE EMPTY TOILET PAPER ROLE" What are the odds that I would find these roles in multiple bathrooms across the state? I would say that I have about an 80% chance of walking into a bathroom and finding an EMPTY or Next to Empty Role. It has become a joke among some friends and co workers that they will hear me say, "its my spiritual gift to find empty Toilet paper roles" I have to say as far as spiritual Gifts go, I am really using this to its full glory.

But seriously it made me think, and then laugh and then think again. This is where my thoughts ventured to.

To often in life there are those of us that just love people. We love so much that it hurts from time to time... with a rush of emotion we pause and realize that we indeed have forgotten again about self. Which in our minds is silly because self and should not need anything. I would say that we even go as far as to say with our relationship with Christ, we to pour into and yet do not pause to be poured into by Him the only one that can give us the energy to love anything. Until that one day or moment where every place we turn feels void on some level. It is the thought of which I say everything is so good right now, why do I run on empty. Why am I with every turn finding the empty toilet paper roll in my life.

As I spoke with a dear friend, the other day we realized that we, for being a christian as long as we have, that we know what we need to do, however most often we fail to actually do what we need or should do. We know how we should feel about our relationship with Christ, yet we pause and forget the essentials. So here I go...back to the essentials that I know I should be present in.

lake trip... and now river rafting : )

2008-08-09T23:52:00.000-07:00

Alas its been a busy few weeks I am just trying to stay awake and say hello to as many people as possible. Where has the Summer gone when I have only been once to the beach, and it was really windy, but we laughed and enjoyed it ALL!! Life in a nut shell has not been easy, its been fun but has not been easy.

Have you ever had the weeks where you just need to keep a running tab of what is next because you end up forgetting what you just did with enough time to forget what is next. shoot! That's how I feel. I will say that the beauty of it all is while life is indeed crazy, Pherf (the boy) makes life easy. He makes me smile, he makes me laugh, he brings me flowers and we hang out with many, many friends both his and mine. Seriously in the midst of the chaos we have had two BBQ's with friends multi: splatt & Kim, Sammy, Cassie, Isaac, & Andrea, & Lunch with Becca & her Boy, Dot & Leslie, Dinner and a movie with Frits & Carrie, lots of Hummus with Monica, Grete, Ginny, Andrea, Moses, & Isaac, went to the Boardwalk with sweet Angie, Gator and Tuesday, hung out at Chris' new place with Alison, ahhh Did I mention that during that time I feed the DC 2008 Staff at my house, & last week my power was out.... Somehow we manage to have full time jobs and I still care for him more with each day. In all this craziness, keeping in mind that I was out of town for one full week with tomorrow at 7:30 am RAFTING with Jr Highers.

Something that I didn't talk about yet is that I just returned from our Houseboat trip 2008 with my High school students. It was amazing and stressful, and such a joy. I am still trying to unpack it all in my head. Its not easy. From my graduated seniors who I had a hard time being around cuz i didn't know how to say goodbye, and the truth is...I miss them already. To laughing at my new freshman who are just trying to figure out what this whole High School thing is about. To the water level dropping by the second and us having to move the houseboats by having 20 guys push the boat while the ladies are in the back jumping in order to dislodge the muck from the boats. I really didn't see the point half the time but new this stress was a necessity, I will not lie I asked God to stop dropping the water level but He had other plans.

So I sit her not packed for my 3 day adventure its 12:30 sitting with a full stomach of Crepe Place delight...I ponder...where has the time gone...and where has my energy come from. I honestly woke up early on the houseboat trip on 3 of the 5 mornings...I know right WHO THE CRAP AM I. But the Point is that I was able to see this what I used to call a myth, of the water being glass on the lake. WOW. I was in awe. Tonight I cling to that image of tranquility and Beauty, and I look forward to the unknown Chaos of a Jr High trip. So Pray for us : )

title changes.

2008-08-02T17:30:00.000-07:00

I have worked at High Street as many things for almost 3 complete years now. Strange How time indeed does fly. I have meant to write this blog for a while but the time as always has slipped away. I started in December of 2005 I left YFC Kern County and came to Santa Cruz to embark on an experience of growth, life, and fun, entering into a youth group, as an, office assistant & youth intern, Then it changed to a Youth Assistant or something.

However on the 13Th of July I was officially called as a pastor on the High Street community staff. Its strange because this whole process has been an evolving thing, and yet the whole time I have been enjoying every minute, even the hard ones.

God has really been blessing me with a partner that is like a brother, he challenges me, laughs at me, and is proud of me. We work I think as a pretty dynamic team working. I have fallen in love with santa cruz, the kids, and this one volunteer (but that's a different story).

Its still kind of surreal to tag officially the word "pastor" on as a title for me but, I think it will grow in me. The biggest fear in general is just the responsibility that that title carries. So I continue to attempt to be grounded in where HE wants me to be. And Pray he will help me "feed my lambs...feed my sheep" John 21

venessa august begins

2008-08-02T17:22:00.000-07:00

Finally Venessa has been able to have some internet connection Yeah!

Time there is still scary but its good, God is Good, Ministry is hard but good.

She has pictures and beautiful words on her Blog Please CLICK HERE and see through her eyes and her words.

Update on Venessa

2008-07-25T02:33:00.000-07:00

It is hard for Venessa to get to email while she is away in Africa.

I miss my friend, my roommate, and I find my self constantly in prayer, Constantly concerned for her well being. In fact some times in tears, or lost in emotion with the total unknown of her trip. What she will not tell you is that her journey to Africa is much more challenging and unknown with each day that passed before she left, and even now as she is in Africa. She is a combo if humble and stubborn to ask for help from you all and in fact she may just get pissed for me posting this....Point is I don't care if she gets mad, I doubt she will but I ask that you keep praying my friends for my friend who is there.

So I leave you this note she sent on the 23rd, and I ask that you pray.

"So i finally arrived today. it took ages to get here! it is really weird and the being alone settled in when I go to the hostel and tried to lay down and couldn't sleep. i proceeded to walk around and it just quiet here, and I feel like my day pack has to be on me at all times and im just tired of carrying it.

So I have some prayer requests its a lot more scarier here than I thought. they keep soldiers outside the hostel and Gracie was able to book me the first night and the rest of the time it is full. camping is an option here... and I went to check it out and lets just say it was a bit freaky, and its first come first serve. i am going to try and do that tomorrow... but a better complicated journey that involves... well my contact to answer her phone otherwise it would be dangerous to take the bus there and leave me in the middle of nowhere. i am going to look into other places to stay... so we will see." Venessa 6:47 am july 24th.

So there it is for now. I'm praying her contact answers there phone as I know the faster she can get to the baby haven, where she will be helping staff, an orphanage for babies dying with aids. Venessa will love, hold, and embrace the kids with that deep love she has for young ones. I know there will be tears, yet blessings.

vacancy & africa

2008-07-21T18:41:00.001-07:00

It is hard for me to sit here in my quiet house with "more that words" playing in the back ground and the sun setting on my dinning room table. I cannot help but reflect on what has happened in the last 48 to 72 hours. My house that seems to always be filled with noise and sound only echos the sounds of my ipod and the typ ing of the keys.

So what indeed am I thinking about? This last week I spent time in Catalina with good friends and a small crew of family enjoying the surroundings as we meet to celebrate my dear friends dan & annie's wedding (that is wedding number 4 of the summer that I referred to in a past post). Its strange how much people can truly become brothers in your life. Dan is a friend, amigo, roommate, and brother, which makes them family. Annie's brother's toast at the rehearsal dinner was ended with this final great line, "May you love each other as much as your family loves you" and it hit me...such power again in those words as two families begin to merge. Such a bond with family.

Family is about pissing each other off, sticking up for each other, laughing with one another, giving up your room as they visit, making fun of each other, picking up boyfriends from the air port before they even have meet them, killing spiders for you, speaking on behalf of you, telling you when you are being a mean, loving you because you are who you are, makes tortillas together even if its been 2 years since the last ones, understanding that you are stressed, praying for each other, standing along side they decide to go to Africa for a month, and standing along side you as walk down the isle. These are the things that make family both Blood related, and Life related, truly real family.

Ps.

I want to talk about Venessa's humble spirit and her journey to Africa to hold babies...but time is running out. I will post again soon. But know that She should be landing in Africa now. Pray for her safety, her heart, her health, the children and local adults she is working with, and her spiritual and emotional well being. Not only is Venessa in Africa but our blond friend Julia "bruin" is in Kenya (she boarded her plane sunday, Venessa boarded her plane monday) at the same time as venessa is in Namibia.

So my Dad and everyone I know has purchased a Wii

2008-07-04T09:03:00.000-07:00

So this last Father's day I drove to Bakersfield to be with my family in a day which we celebrated my sister's birthday and Father's day on a saturday, and inbetween I went to an Indian wedding. (Yes I am talking about fathers' day and I am clearly aware that it has passed, yet since on vacation I didn't truly update this blog with all recent fun things...I figured I would take this holiday to talk about the most recent holiday)

Two things have become a tradition...one only because I think it will happen next year and the other has just always happened. One We have celebrated the mexican Mothers day which resides on a saturday and created our own (the mexican calender doesn't celebrate fathers eek) Mexican father's day on Saturday. TWO: My Dad buys his OWN Fathers day Gift, Birthday Gift Ect. We buy gifts to go along side it.

Therefore about a week and a half before Fathers day roles around I get a Txt message from my father saying something to the effect that, "it has begun, he now owns the Wii!"

So like any good children we bought him Mario Cart.

We have always loved playing games together, but until the wii came into our lives we have never (other than kids) played interactive video games. ha ha!! Never thought I would say that! But my brother does play Guitar band just as if he was on stage so...its totally natural!! ha ha!

Did I mention my sister Visited??

2008-07-04T02:15:00.000-07:00

Yeah that was last weekend, and yeah its already one week later but still it was fun. They where in SF for their anniversary then stopped by on their way home. So it got me thinking, my sister and her husband, with each time they are together I think wow, they are really Sooo good for each other! It was brief but it was good, as they stopped by for lunch and chats. Who would have thought that my sister and I used to fight like we did, I venture to say that in the last years we have gotten along better than ever before. I am grateful for that!

Since the joke with the family is that they, always go to the same restaurants while visiting Santa Cruz, thus every time they come I try to bring them to a place where they have never been before. This is both challenging and fun to find a place that is new and yummy. Actually in SC its pretty easy. This time it was Cole's BBQ by Sunny Cove. More food than

you can handle, not flashy yet clean, and just fantastic when it comes to messy as in all over your face.

This restaurant was a crowd pleaser as we all left full and

happy. Probably too full!! ha ha Venessa's food came last,

poor thing. We waited...ok so we all ate some fries.

Did I mention that my sister has a new blog?? Well she does and Venessa found it by accident. So enjoy. Blogging is taking over the world no matter what Chafer says...its really lovely!

3 out of 4 Weddings this summer

2008-06-26T23:39:00.000-07:00

"Every Human Longs for love. The possibility that God is Love is almost an overwhelming prospect." ~ Erwin McManus - Soul Cravings

Love is indeed a beautiful thing, and marriage is often a public display to celebrate that union and desire to commit two people together who have fallen in love. This last year has indeed been a year where I have been trying to understand what God's true LOVE is for me. I didn't understand it for the most part other than head knowledge, yet being, going, and being a part of weddings provided me a glimpse into that window. Since this journey, going to weddings this year has been a whole different view and enjoyment for me.

One thing that I have admired in the last few weddings i have attended is that people's recent desire to have their friends and family to commit to walk with them through the journey. So Beautiful. Marriage is an extension of friendship, from what I can tell and ultimately brings beauty to family, and displays on earth Christ love for the church. Which Christ Love for the church in itself is such a long conversation, I will spare you and stay away from that for now other than I agree. wink.

This Year there have only been a few weddings (and I am blessed to only attend this year, because I have been feeling like the Girl in 27 Dresses, so the relief is all mine) but they have all been thus far unique and true to each couples personalities. We laughed smiled and I enjoyed each moment. My prayer in general is that God will Bless there unions and will allow them all to continue to see HIM more, as they learn really who each other really are. I do not know from experience but only from what people tell me, that the first year of marriage is hard, and as they walk through together it can make or break the marriage. My prayer for these four is that this first year makes it for them!

1. Dave and Meg Lockwood,

Meg seems to hold her beautiful heart out for all to embrace and love. And Wow Dave is married....hard to believe my dear friend walked down the isle...There is hope for us all Wink! Anyone who will choreograph a dance with Dave is amazing...I only wrote a song ha ha!

2. Jacob and Jordan Tracy.

I have always enjoyed this couple. Their carefree spirit for freedom in life and style as they approach all that is before them. With Bluegrass in the background I was blessed by this wedding, to the setting of winery, to the fantastic music selection! I have known them for a while, and have seen their kind hearts as I am now a new closer friend due to their friendship to one of their Groomsman whom I am fond of.

3. Shiba and Samir: She is indeed like another little sister as she is one of my best friends little sister. What a beautiful cultural wedding, the Indian culture is deep in tradition, and surrounded by family. Even though the weather was hotter than hot...it was worth the heat to witness the entrance on the white horse and the 5 plus times we where served Indian food that I had the change to fill my place with Indian (Dot not feather) Cuisine : ) yummy!

4. Gator and Tuesday Meyer STILL TO COME : )

We are going to Catalina, and we get to play mini golf tourney!! What more can you ask for! I just love them!

time with friends

2008-06-26T15:19:00.000-07:00

I love spending time with friends while I am off : )

Today we went to the park, played in the sand, and had deep talks over coffee while kids napped. All makes happiness!

Last night I enjoyed the college ministry where Roxanne and Chafer are a part of leading. What a beautiful space to worship and invite people into. I was blessed by the different element where people where welcome to worship in freedom.

Catching up my blog, months may & june

2008-06-25T03:11:00.000-07:00

Well since I have been really busy in the last two months on this week of vacation I plan on catching up my blog on the past happenings : ) the wallpaper post happened on June 1st. yeah much has happened since...and much has happened in the month before.

LIFE HAS BEEN CRAZY.

So sit back and bear with me and I'll fill you in on life. WAIT THERE IS MUCH TO TELL. HA HA nothing but random details, alas fun. Then we will be back to normal life again : ) well that's the plan

wallpaper and cherubs and home improvement

2008-06-25T02:33:00.000-07:00

So a few weeks ago we began a project on a house they call Bob. Well honestly I should say I just work on random things while they do all the hard work...lets be honest here.

Priority ONE: Cherubs removed. COMPLETE

Seriously why? Cherubs?? Honestly!? I am constantly in awe of the way people do things. I realize that art and decorations are truly in the eye of the beholder but wow. When I walked into the room it was indeed hard for me to not laugh at the fantastic cherub border and rose wallpaper. So I turned it into a joke, on how Pherf should leave it just as is on his walls, he didn't agree. Lets put it this way, he smiled and said nothing...to kind to tell me I was crazy, maybe that's why I like him. I know there was no way he would think of keeping it, and could anyone blame him?!?!?!

The boy is moving in with his best friend and there are some home improvements that are in need before anyone can move in. So being the nice person I am I helped take wallpaper down!! This was a first for me, on a Saturday but I believe that it can be labeled as a "Friday firsts" because its is still something I have never done before. I actually really enjoyed this.

I suppose wallpaper seems to me to be something that was a quick fix, as we have also just this last week spent time painting, and final coats to finish the room to remove even the thought of Cherubs. The simplicity and the ability to decorate off a base color has so many more opportunity's but wallpaper...seems limited, I mean you can only do so much with Cherubs!!??

My point...and yes I have one. simple is better, it allows more freedom farther along. Wallpaper is stupid, and no one in there right minds should use or create it anymore. As for fixing up a fixer upper: I need to watch more home improvement shows cuz I don't know how to do anything! ha ha! Alas, even with not really knowing, the progress makes me happy and the finished makes me feel accomplished. Truly I love the idea of progress, I love to see things develop. Trust me this house is developing... from the first day when I was sneezing from the cat hair from the renter to now...even though its still in process...I LOVE IT. I know I am crazy, and I am documenting the progress of "bob" Isaac's house will be lovely all around. indeed.

Priority Two: Paint COMPLETE

Priority Three: REMOVE NASTY CARPET, replace with nice comfy CLEAN Stuff: COMPLETE

Priority Four: hot tub. pending

Priority Five: Move the best friends in. pending

Priority: Way to many to list: PENDING

The summer has begun.

2008-06-24T00:51:00.000-07:00

indeed.

Even though the fires keep raging, we decided to have a bonfire while our dear friend visited. What a time to relax, laugh and enjoy! We all have such busy lives, and much going on, but to pause after a much busy week for all, was a pleasant breath of fresh air. I almost would say its been the most carefree we have all been in a while.

Its is indeed only the beginning.

Currently I have a week off. Day one equals: fantastic, as I spent most of it thinking that I needed to be somewhere. I was grateful that I was able to ignore phone calls, and even take a nap in the middle of the day. Gasp! I have not done that in a long time I woke up smiled and thought wow, I think I like being on vacation! Not to mention I was able to watch a movie with my dear friends! Kung Fu Panda. ohh my I laughed much, and enjoyed it much, I doubted the goodness of it, however the tall house mate gave me hope, hope that came through, fantastic.

We have finished VBA, the college kids are returning, and finally the graduations have finished. What more can I ask for. I suppose if I wanted to I would ask the Northern California would stop burning. Actually our friend Isaac received a call during our bonfire, and he is off fighting them...so I am praying.

As for the next few days of vacation. I plan to catch up on friends, life, and the pile of book that seem so distant to me. I cannot wait.

Vacation Bible Adventure

2008-06-17T23:51:00.000-07:00

makes me happy

makes me tired...yet sleep is hard for me right now as many thoughts spin in my head.

so much that today i sat in my office and stared at the wall and with out thinking, mind you I was all by myself, said as I sat lacking only the words to sigh and say, "So Tired"

and that is me so tired...and so much on my mind to makes this thing go smoothly. indeed and undertaking, however an undertaking well worth it.

This year it seems streamlined, yet not perfect. We have around 35 student leader, and 15 to 20 Adult Helpers (One that is my mom.fun.). How Amazing is that! Not only do we have help but we have help that is ready and willing to do what needs to get done. So Even though between Todd and I we much to pay attention to, with a team as great as this we don't have much to complain about.

Blessed but Pray that we get rest and our joy continues, since there seems like we don't have much time to spare or rest. eek

eye lids falling...I must seize the day and begin sleep!!

Ode to my Seniors Class of 2008

2008-06-13T00:49:00.000-07:00

(L - R) Back Row: Melinda, Colin, Daniel, Sierra, Chris, Timmy, Katherine, Emily, Marz, Ben, Abbi, Ryan. Front Row: Jane, Lyndsie, Lindsey, Trevor, & Todd (my boss). Not Pictured: Sarah &, Shayln

Ohh this class.

I am lost for words in how lovely they truly are. three years ago I met most of these kiddos.

They have led me through a gamete of emotions, and they have touched my heart in many ways. I have watched them grow through laughter and tears, and I am not sure who has learned more from who. What I do know is that these students understand what it means to be true friends...even when life is tough. I have watched them journey through trials that most friends don't deal with until they are older. My hopes and prayers go with them in this transitional time. Ekk THEY ARE or HAVE GRADUATED!! T

Don't Worry I am safe.

2008-06-11T20:40:00.000-07:00

Hello friends yes its seems again that the news in your far away cities is report that Santa Cruz is burning Down. However, there is still a fire burning in Bonny Doon CA, which is still very close it is being called the Martin Fire as it started near Martin road. As far as I know the fire is headed south for the most part. My house is East of the Fire, and my work is South East of the Fire. Click on the link above to see the news report from the people that know what they are talking about.

There are many trees and many of my students, as well as people from our church, have been evacuated. Through the tears on through the phone of my student who's home was evacuated before she even knew about the fire, through tears she said, "I'm just scared, because I don't know what's going to happen!" And that's the heart of many here. Right now.

So though I am not worried...there is great Fear in the Bonny Doon to the coast, and the next few days there are graduations all over from UCSC to Santa Cruz High, to Scott's Valley High, to mission hill...point is much is going on and the fires are just in the way.

This is a picture around 6 ish tonight in the parking lot of my church on high street. Looks cool.

hope Venessa

2008-06-09T00:41:00.000-07:00

My long time friend Venessa is fulfilling her life long dream to go to Africa.

Read her Blog...its new

Help fund her trip by looking on her Etsy sight where she is selling BEAUTIFUL clothing and Jewelry.

When people have dreams to go to places they have never been its one thing. However the thing that I love about Venessa going to Africa is that she going to serve...she is going to serve along side of a girl named Gracie (You should also go look at her Blog: O Africa) I borrowed one of my favorite of the beautiful pictures of the children that are in her orphanage, I would put more words to how amazing it is but I cannot put words to the beauty that it is this opportunity.

All I can say is pray when you have a chance make a purchase.

Two things...

2008-06-07T01:28:00.000-07:00

Two things keep me awake tonight.

ONE:

At about 2 this afternoon my grandmother was admitted to the Hospital with a blood sugar level that to my knowledge was just a large number. The reality of that large number that until about 10 tonight did I realize that, the large number was actually something that could have been fatal. My boyfriend said to his knowledge he

didn't think that the number was a good thing, so he got a hold or a friend of ours who is a paramedic, he said that on calls, in all his shifts he has never seen someone with that high of a reading. This of course did not set my heart at ease being so far away...and having too many things on the calender to just jump in my car and be there. Trust me that's all I want to do. Yet I know that while she is in the hospital they are monitoring her and her high blood sugar is dropping. It basically still scares the crap out of me. I wish I had a happy answer but sometimes it just sucks. So I am praying and thinking about how amazing my grandma is (even though I don't speak much Spanish and she doesn't speak much English) how much fun i had the last time my mom brought them to my house in Mount Hermon. How they love drinking coffee and sitting in my house. Lovely image. lovely.

TWO:

pictured Left to Right (Alisa, Isaac, Melissa, Me, Manuel, Angela, and Dave. (missing Frankie & Jessie))

Not to mention that recently we have found our long lost cousin who do to age should be in this photo above sitting between me and melissa or between melissa and Isaac not sure. Yes indeed its possible that there is one more Solis out there that we have not been able to claim. We as kids all met him in brief encounters, encounters long enough for us to know, and then he was gone. I believe the last time we saw him was when we where about 5-8 years old. My grandma carries a picture of him in her wallet. My cousins Isaac and Angela found him..and sent him messages of all places on my space. At first he didn't want to talk to them...at first he thought they where lies but can you blame him. We are a tight family, and due to choices of his parents we have only heard from him now 24 years or so later. wow. So If grandma is better he plans on coming to a baby shower to one of my younger cousins...not yet born to be pictured above. Its just crazy and yet another reason why I want to be in my car and to the valley as we speak. humph.

the next 3 weeks uhh maybe 4

2008-06-02T23:24:00.000-07:00

life.

the next three weeks.

there is much to be done.

i am already tired.

yet I am excited about what is to come.

example today we had back to back meetings all important all. Yet in between on of them that ended on time and our next was starting late. I said ooh good i have a chance to use the restroom. My hope is that I will have time to stop and breath (or pee wink) in these weeks. truth is...I am not stressed yet. But I know that with everything I will be worried about giving people enough of my time, which is impossible, as I only have so much to give. These next few weeks I will only be able to give truly small pieces of my time, which kills me as a quaility time, and valuing people kind of person. So if I miss returning your call, seem like I was only there for a moment, I am sorry its not my intent.

If you call after 7 pm. My phone will be on silent its my way of not having service and having a small piece of sanity in the night hours.

In those night hours where my cell phone is on silent,

I may be able to finish project's I have started in the day.