The Place

Well its the week before finals and we are all stressed out so I took Peter to the place that I fell in love with the first time I ran through. It was too dark to get any good pictures of this place but its wonderful I swear. Its like this long path along the harbor with houses on the other side (anchorage Lane). The sunsets and sunrises there are beautiful. I thought I would share it with him. It's nights like these I'll remember while he is gone next semester:)

December Nights

I love my family and this spontaneous attitude we latch on to. I woke up this Saturday morning , and found out we were headed to Balboa Park. We were facing the crowds, traffic, and lack of parking. But I was stoked to go! It was not even that crowded, and was a lot of fun.

I didn't get any pictures because I thought it would be rude, but my favorite part was meeting this German man in the German cultural cottage. He sat alone at our table and ate his pastry. I do not remember how we sparked conversation but he began to tell me of his fascination of biking. Each year he goes back to Germany to meet up with childhood friends and ride all over Germany and other places in Europe.( He was originally from Germany). What an adventure! He travels and has been to places like Costa Rica, Chile, Argentina, all throughout Western Europe, and so many other places that I am missing. He had seen it all. Yet, he always came back to the fact that he still loved being home the best.

He then said his wife passed away and his daughter lives in another state so he is on his own. He enjoys any fair he can attend thats going on around town. He was such a happy man and seemed to be enjoying every part of life. He had so many good stories and opinions I was sucked into his every word. I love people with a story who have done so much and bubble over with excitement when anyone will listen to it. I can not wait to experience the things I am passionate about. To one day be able to tell someone my story.

The cute old Couple with the moves

Artist

My mom and I were all over the food:) Just don't eat Lebanon food

Nationals

After a long road of ups and downs this season, we made it here. I love this Oregon/Washington place. It is freezing, but there is something so soothing about it, you just feel kind of rested. We finished 16th in the nation. Not where we wanted, but I am so proud of with the circumstances we had. I love these girls and cant wait until next season. For now, we have to get through a track season!

Oh Dr. Wood

Roomies

Beautiful Course

After a long road of ups and downs this season, we made it here. I love this Oregon/Washington place. It is freezing, but there is something so soothing about it, you just feel kind of rested. We finished 16th in the nation. Not where we wanted, but I am so proud of with the circumstances we had. I love these girls and cant wait until next season. For now, we have to get through a track season!

GSAC- Milstones and Milestones

This weekend was like a sports movie scene. After nationals seeming next to impossible, we did it! We beat the #7 team as the #17 team. After coaches amazing starting line speech and a season seeming to never pick up, it feels like we finally are figuring it out:) Washington here we come

In n Out

i never though in and out could make me so happy. but after a race it tastes 10x better:)

Oregon

oregon is beautiful!

Ojos

Today I was fascinated with everyones eyelashes. I know this may sound weird.

In chapel I was looking around at how different each persons were. Some bent at different angles, some moved quicker, some were different colors and lengths. When I noticed the differences, I remembered how God designed each of those little angle and color differences. How he spent the time on each of us because that is how much he loves us.

I watched during worship as some eyelashes shut together as the carriers of the lashes worshiped and connected with the one who put those eyes there.

Some eyelashes continued to blink away, permitting the individual to watch the others as they rested to hear the voice of the creator. They were learning and enjoying the faithfulness God has shown to those around them.

Some closed completely as though it closed off their heart from the one who loves them, because at this point they couldnt understand why God would make life difficult or why such and such had happened to them. Where was there God?

I couldnt help but see so much in eyelashes...It helps remind me how much of a community we are as believers. I heard someone explain it as "the highway to holiness". On the highway there are guides and stragglers. SOmetimes, the guides are going to get tired and the others lead the walk.

Those seasons when I feel so overwhelmed with how amazing God is I help those who cant see him. THis works in this ongoing cycle of loving support to make the body of christ. SOme are pinky fingers and some are the eyelashes. Today the eyelash part reminded me of all of this...

Justin

My Brother had a tournament this weekend for water polo. It was cool to see him doing so well:) Its nice to be chanting that wolfpack chant again:) There is nothing like it...

This is where I realized he really is bigger then me now. Parent/Player Polo Game:)

Meet #1 "vegas Gowd"

First meet today! I would say pretty successful:)

katies picture of me at Jamba

Joy dahlberg

Back on the trail

This week training camp began again for crosscountry season Round 2. It was cool to meet the new girls and to have new people. training camp is always an awkward week, but thats what makes it fun and the reward is that beautiful PF changs in the end:) I am so excited for the season ahead, but kind of nervous.

God is working a lot in me this week. A lot of times I come out on that track ready to run to see who I can beat, how can I get better. I tire myself out worrying about the performance. I lose the joy

I think I need to remember this is God's strength and plan I am in. Maybe God gave me running as a chance to slow down in my hectic day and remember him. That he is my strength, and my savior. It gives me a chance to worship him. My abilities are a way of worship.

In other words, God is the designer, creator, engineer behind all these fearfully and wonderfully made biomachines called humans. Simply engaging in the act of running shows God's glory in His creations, shows His talent and power. God gains glory from any human, anywhere, running; simply because They Can Run, and without Him, They Couldn't.

"Running is just a side thing of what I do and my Faith comes first. It just helps in every way. It helps rebounding from tough work-outs, you know mentally just staying positive, not having my identity wrapped up in my performances. I run just to praise God with my body and when I’m out there running and having one of those days and every thing’s just clicking it’s like the sweetest worship song I could sing to the Lord". – Ryan Hall.

God is my joy....Thats why I love running

Bonding Games at the Bonfire "Tap"
Roomies!

$12.50

SO I started collecting quarters when I was nine. Today...I finally got the last one!!! I am so stoked:) This is worth $12.50 now, but one day it will be worth more I know it:)

Zoo Day!

Look at this amazing animal. He is so massive, I cant help but stare.
Pete the zoo keeper:)

Once my mom and I fed them puff cheetos. We wanted them to experience the joy of Frito Lay. I know this little guy wanted one:)

Another day at the zoo! This way a fun way to spend the last few days at home with the family. I love these goats. I feel like the one above is trying to scare the one below it. I think its only funny due to his little tuff of hair on his chin. I am an official zoo member now thanks to my mom

Lomaland Drive

I moved back in today. After my mom, maddi and I man handled all of my stuff...I was in. It is weird to tihnk I will be back this Friday. There is always so many emotions to going back to see, but I cant wait to see what God has in store:)

Ellie Mae

Ellie Mae went to her first Dog beach outing!!! I think she loved it:)