September sails by

Ah, school has begun, summer is 'over', and research just keeps going and going and going. My project continues on through mid October when we will wean the calves. The project itself went well overall this month. There are always small hiccups and challenges, but overall, the calves are growing, eating more forage, and sampling is getting easier and easier. Praise the Lord!

Since probably mid Juneish my best friend Christa and myself have been plotting and planning....and we kept our mouths shut about it too! Talk about being proud of ourselves! Two of my dear friends that I have known since I was 13, got married on Sept. 11th. I REALLY wanted to make it, but wasn't sure if I could make it with research, tickets, etc. So, God totally worked it out and I was able to get a CHEAP ticket out of Denver, CO, got the ok from the ranch manager, and one of the ranch crew guys was willing to feed my cattle for me. So, neither Christa or myself told hardly anyone and didn't say anything on facebook or other communications that could leak my surprise.

It was sooo hard at times to keep it under wraps. I hadn't been home since Christmas, and I needed this pick-me-up to get me through til Christmas break this winter. The irony of me being such a homebody and God continuing to call me farther away from home. All part of His bigger plan that I don't know about yet. :) BUT, we did it! I flew in to Portland on Friday, the 10th and Christa picked me up from the airport. I was even blessed with a quick visit from a dear friend at the Denver airport who came to hang out with me for a bit before I had to go through security. Christa and I had some sweet time and fellowship together, making memories and a bit of shopping. Christa had set a coffee date with my sister Jessica that evening and I happened to tag along....tee hee hee. The surprise look on her face was priceless! I think she forgave me rather quickly and she gave me lots of hugs! I don't get any hugs being out here at the ranch.

The weekend flew by. Christa bought her first pair of real cowboy boots (black squared toed with grey/blue tops!) and I got my first pair of All Stars (kelly green). We showed up at the wedding a bit early to see my friend Drew (the groom) before the ceremony started and to find my family so they weren't in complete shock when they saw me at the ceremony. My dad was officiating the wedding and did a double take when I walked up to him and said, "Hi daddy!" (chuckle). My mom didn't believe it was me when I walked across the field to say hello. Ah, sweet success! I was blessed, so many others were, and it was a great wedding! It was like a big camp staff reunion.

I was able to spend Sunday at my church and with a mentor and her kids. Also, just family time! Much needed time with my immediate family, grandma, and aunt Faith. It was one of the hardest things I've had to do in a long time when I boarded the plane to fly back to Colorado and then drive back to Nebraska. It took sheer will power to board that plane Monday morning.

The rest of the month flew by juggling research, studying, the ranch practicum class, and 'attending' class via skype....that doesn't work so well. God is so faithful to continue to stretch me in ALL aspects of my life to grow me more into a young woman after His heart and to be more like Him. Life proved new challenges and even the possibility of not being able to go home for Christmas due to research time crunches in Lincoln. And yet, when the storm cleared and after two weeks of communicating with people in Lincoln, constant and persistent prayers, God worked it out once again-that I will be able to go home for Christmas!!!! AND make it for anther dear friends wedding. Due to research deadlines, I have to leave later than I had planned for my break and ticket prices jumped. On top, I have to be back early for a class. Someone in my church in Lincoln heard of my plight and blessed me to help me get home and timing wise with our research lab, I am able to go home! God truly knows our heart and what we need most in life.

He continues to prove His faithfulness for those who choose to serve and honor Him with their lives as a spiritual act of worship. I still have so much to learn and grow in. Thankfully, He doesn't give up on me and is there to lift me up when I slip and fall. All praise, glory and honor to HIM.

August at a glance

Yes, I am alive and ta da! posting again. I am sorry to those that I have failed to do this more regularly. I decided over the next couple of days that I shall update you all about life in the sandhills and all of the mischief I've been up to. :) Last time I let you know what I did in July, so this is my tale about August.

I was able to go back to Lincoln for the weekend during the end of July/beginning of August to take care of business, check in with professors, and see friends and church family. I even had the opportunity to play guitar and sing on our church's worship team. I know...I'm a bit over zealous, but it was some much needed fellowship and spiritual filling up of my spirit! I ended up house/dog sitting for the people who are watching Bella for me this summer/fall and she could not believe that I was actually there! I miss her dearly.

The month plugged along with continuing to feed my cattle daily, collection periods, and the beginning of school. Most of the schools in the midwest begin classes at the end of August. I am enrolled in one class, Feedlot Nutrition and Management. Since I am still at the ranch, we decided to try to use Skype for me to 'attend' class. It sort of worked. Unfortunately, the connection did not work well or consistently. This has become very disheartening in trying to learn material, hear and see what is going on in class. Thankfully my professors and AMAZING TA have been very helpful, supportive, and lenient in me getting work to them.

All of the other graduate students and undergraduate worker have gone back to Lincoln for school. It became very quiet after they all vacated the dorm. It wasn't too bad. I have realized that I am a social person, loving to be with people, interact, and mentor them. Yet, I also like peace, quiet, and my own personal space. I'm definitely learning and have a better understanding/grasp of the balance of what it takes for me to be sane, healthy, and happy. :)

There is a ranch practicum class that I am attending through the university extension services. It primarily meets at the ranch (major convenience for me) and have been studying plant ID in the sandhills prepping for an upcoming exam in September. Fun fun...walking around on hills carrying my notes on a clipboard and looking at plants. I think I have the 20 or so that we are supposed to learn down fairly well. We shall see how the test goes. FYI..there are over 400 species in the sandhills alone! Thankfully I don't have to learn them all.

God continues to stretch me in all areas of my life. Relying and turning to Him first has been a biggie lately. Being in his word and keeping my focus and thoughts on Him is definitely a challenge being out here in this remote area. I am confident that He who began a good work in me, will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ's return! Learning from the past, God has used events and situations in my life to prepare me for the future and the people that come into my life. It's all part of the journey. Gotta make the most of it and look for the little blessings each day that He provides us to help us get from one day to the next.