The Day Has Arrived...

To get my braces OFF!!!!!




Last picture with braces.



First without!!!

*Already July*

Don't underestimate the power of procrastation. One can get so much done while *not* studying for one's test. I finished the hem on my green dress, made brownies, and looked up a possible field site because I didn't feel the need to study. (we get to drop a test grade and this is the one being dropped)

This sewing clothes thing is really fun! I want to make a belt for the green one but can't decide how it should look. Thick, thin, ribbon...any suggestions? Should it be the same fabric or a different color? Here are some pictures of my new dresses.











I played in my very first wedding! It was really special for me because this was the wedding of a dear friend who taught my Wednesday night class for several years. The other awesome thing about this was that I got to play with other people could really play! I really hope I get the opportunity to play with them again. :)

We went jet skiing! I realized only after we passed the "slow" zone that I was on a boat thing with two teenage boys and that I may be a little nervous. By then it was too late! We reached almost 40 mph, got lost, and tipped over within 20 minutes. The second time we were tipping, we were able to balance it out and prevent it. But it was *so* much fun. :) I can't find mom's camera right now so I'll have to post these pictures later if I think about it.

My last summer of summer school will be finished in 8 days!!!!! This summer has been slow in regards to school and work. I took a 4 week class and an 8 week class. Daycare has been slow too... there have been several days I was supposed to work but didn't go in because they didn't have enough kids. :(

I can never get over how exciting the Philharmonic is! We went downtown on July 4th weekend to see them and fireworks afterwards. They are amazing!! I was practically jumping up and down when they came back on after the rain quit. I l.o.v.e. them.

Change

I lay in my bed with an empty box and a full mind. Music plays in one ear, the quiet sounds of my house plays in the other. My head is propped up by two pillows, my quilt covers half of one leg.

As for my thoughts, they are numerous. Confusing. Oximoronic (is that even a word?). Thinking over last night's conversations, posing questions, considering life outside of my parents' home and guidance. Full faith in God's direction, yet nervous in my own abilities.

The next year will bring more changes than my first 21 years put together. Am I ready? Change has always scared me- I know that change can be good, but is almost always scary. Lord be with me! God knows everything I need.


Life update with pictures to come.
Odd post, I know.

Announcement!

It is my priviledge to announce that.... wow that sounds conceided.

ready?

I, as of Friday, May 7th, 2010 at 10:30 a.m., have finished all the requirements of this semester and in doing so, have completed my Junior year. I am a SENIOR, people! It hardly seems possible that I've been in college for 3 years already. This past school year has been amazing- I have learned so, so much. It's been great!

On another note, I recently discovered the Green Ice Tea Lemonade from Starbucks! Let me tell you, it is delicious!! I may need to pick up a second job to pay for my new found love..

Friday was also a special day as it marked the 15th anniversary of beginning my life as an older sister to a brother. How can my baby brother be 15??? The pipsqueek is at least 4 inches taller than me, but still, he should only be maaybe 12. Hard to believe.

I recieved a gift card to Victoria's Secret for my brithday and used it to buy this beautiful dress in white! (Don't have pictures of me in it yet..)

Now off to enjoy my short three weeks of vacation/break until summer school starts! 9 hours this summer + 15 in the fall + 9 in the spring = May Graduation!!!

At 15

At 15, life has barely begun.
At 15, he was just beginning to "find" himself.
At 15, he wanted to be a Youth Pastor.
At 15, he had a mom, dad, an older brother and older sister.
At 15, he was homeschooled, went to church, had friends.
At 15, he believed a lie.
At 15, his life ended.


At 15, my younger brother's friend, Noah, believed a lie and ended his life. I can't even imagine what in the world would make a child of 15 believe there was nothing left to live for. His facebook page is filled with notes from family, friends and acquaintances sharing their love and last good-byes. No one could believe what he had done, it was unexpected.

At 15, his life ended.
At 15, he never "found" himself.
At 15, he never became a Youth Pastor.
At 15, his mom, dad, brother and sister are mourning.
At 15, he never graduated or went to college.
At 15, he never said good-bye to his friends.
At 15, he believed a lie.
At 15, his life ended.

15 is too young to die. Pray for his devastated family.

School- What Else?

As any other college student, I sat down to begin truly focusing on writing my papers. Unlike those other college students, I am lame- working on them during Spring Break, weeks before they're due.

I open my saved articles, the quotes I want to use and what I have so far (about 1/5th of a page of lousy ideas). As well as two of the most useful websites ever made:

www.citationmachine.net

wwww.dictionary.com

You might (correctly) guess that I am in the process of writing 3 research papers, a series of 4 developmental newsletters, an assessment summary/reflection, a summary/reflection on my field study and a portfolio. Oh, and a thank you letter. (recieved the letter in the mail today saying I got another scholarships!!!!)

I love school this semester (- one class). I've been telling myself that if I could only make it to Spring Break, I could finish the semester. Well, it's here. And I'm still alive, so I guess I'll have to finish this semester... :)

Gah, I'm such a boring person! School is the only thing I find myself talking about and I know people must get bored of it. Oh well, I'll be graduated in 13 1/2 months and then I won't have to talk about it anymore. :-D 13 1/2 months??!? I, Rachel Nilson, will have a Bachelors in Child Development! how crazy... tear, tear, I'm growing up so fast!

Hebrews 11:7

-[Prompted] by faith Noah, being forewarned by God concerning events of which as yet there was no visible sign, took heed and diligently and reverently constructed and prepared an ark for the deliverance of his own family. By this [his faith which relied on God] he passed judgment and sentence on the world's unbelief and became an heir and possessor of righteousness (that relation of being right into which God puts the person who has faith).

-By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

-By faith Noah, being warned by God of things not yet seen, moved with fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his house, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.


I believe God has forewarned me concerning events of which there is no visible sign. He has given me a love for children who are unloved. I believe God has placed me where I am to prepare me for my invisible future. As much as I want to move on with the next phase of my life, I must focus on this semester. I don't know where or what He will have me to, but I do believe He has a grand plan for my life involving the orphans within the foster care system. I have a burning desire to make a difference in the life of these children. I can hardly wait to see this new, beautiful, exciting future! The flood will certainly come and it will definitely be challanging, but to see the rainbow in the eyes of even one child will be worth the trials.

God is amazing! He will help me through whatever hardships my future may hold. All He asks is for my complete faith and obedience.