ISI-First Semester (Part 2)

Here is the second part of the video I posted earlier....

Returning Home and Life Over the Last Year!

Well, as everyone (whoever might still check out my blog....) can see, I am finally getting around to updating this thing! :o) I have now been back in the United States for over a year. It's hard for me to believe that it's been that long. At other times, it seems like time has gone by so slow, and that I've been away from Nicaragua (and the love of my life, Jes) for much longer than that.

Since returning home, life has been a roller coaster for me. I began searching for a job right after my return at the end of July in 2009. Finally, in March of 2010 I got a job at Lowe's Home Improvement stores. I'm still working there and continuing to enjoy my job. I started out as a Cashier, then got moved to Outside Lawn & Garden Cashier, then was moved to be a Customer Service Associate....sometimes you will find me at the Return's desk and other times I will be at the Customer Service desk. I also still get to be a regular cashier from time to time. I enjoy the job, enjoy the people I work with, and am so thankful to have a job!

I think the hardest part about my returning home was getting adjusted to life in the Untied States. Even though I have lived here my whole life, I found it very difficult to adjust back to life here in the US. (My adjustment to moving to Nicaragua was much easier for me!) Things are at a much faster pace, everyone is always so busy (that includes me)! It was hard to adjust to having electricity all the time, a television in the house, water that runs all the time, a washing machine, a dryer, a dishwasher, an air conditioner (this one too me the longest time to adjust too)...and above everything else...getting adjusted back to a life of having EVERYTHING! One thing I have come to realize over the years, but especially after living in Nicaragua for 9 months...we have TOO MUCH STUFF!!! Living in Nicaragua really put it into perspective what is a WANT and what is a NEED. I'm thankful for the many lessons I learned while living in Nicaragua, and look forward to many more in the future. I also had to get adjusted to the food. While living in Nicaragua I was eating healthier and fresher food, as well as exercising each day. Over the 9 months I lived there I lost over 50 lbs. I was so happy! Once returning home, I fell back into old habits and eating routines and unfortunately have put weight back on...not all 50 lbs. of it, but a lot! While in Nicaragua I had someone there with me each day to exercise and go running with, here, I was missing that. (For a while I did have a running partner, but between my schedule and theirs we slacked off and just completely stopped...) Jes was such an encouragement to me, and we enjoyed running together each night. I know that once we are together again, we will continue to do so. I look forward to when I'm living in Nicaragua again and am living a healthier lifestyle...I only wish I could jump start it here! It's so hard to do it alone!

Another adjustment, was getting used to being under my parents roof again. I have always been an independent person, but even more so after living alone for 9 months and having my own place. It was hard getting adjusted to that...I enjoy having my own space and place to call my own, I guess for now that is my bedroom!

I think the biggest adjustment was getting used to not having Jes around. We spent so much time together while I was living there. We grew closer together as friends and as a couple. I miss being able to see him and talk to him whenever I want. Although we try to talk on the phone (through Skype) each day, it doesn't always work out that way. Between my work schedule and his, we sometimes miss each other. Also, with the electricity in Nicaragua, it's not always a sure thing that his phone gets charged while on the charger! Often times his battery is dead! We both know that even if we do not get to talk each day, that our love for each other is still there, and we will talk to one another soon. It's been such a long journey for him and I, we are both ready to be together...FOREVER!

So, since my return home there has been joy and sadness. One of the great things that has taken place in my life since returning home is the volunteer work Heather and I do with ISI (International Students Inc.) on the campus of Lindenwood University. Our church (First Baptist Church of Harvester) became partners with ISI in August of 2009, immediately Heather and I knew this was something we would be interested in. Each Tuesday night we meet on campus with the other volunteers and international students. Sometimes we play games, sometimes we have discussions, sometimes we watch a movie. We also do many activities throughout the semester to keep the students busy and entertained. We are also there to just be there friend and help them whenever we can. Over time, it also opens doors to being able to share Christ love with them. Since volunteering, my family has had many students enter into our home and visit with us. We've done things such as movie nights, game nights, Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas Day, Carving pumpkins, putting up Christmas decorations, and so much more! It has been a true joy and pleasure to volunteer with ISI! I have made so many great friends, whom I will always hold dear in my heart. Many have become family to us, and I am proud to call them my brothers and sisters. This ministry and outreach has been a true blessing to me...not only have I been able to meet many wonderful people but it has helped fill my empty time and keep my mind off of missing Nicaragua and Jes so much!

I guess that is about it for life over the last year...at least all I can think of to write about for now. I'm sure any of you reading this will be stunned to see that I have even written this much...usually Heather is the long-winded one! Currently I am preparing to visit Jes...in 18 days!!! Although we have talked on the phone, and seen each other via webcam, we have not seen each other in person since July of 2009. My trip is well overdue! We are both anxious and excited to see each other and make wedding plans. Hopefully, I will update the blog and little more often now, so you do have to read so much at once! Below I'm adding a video of pictures I put together from my volunteer work with ISI....I will add another one later as well! Enjoy and Blessings to all of you and your families.