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.