things i've learned and some favorite pictures

It's been a long week of homework and class after a fabulous 2 weeks off! We've decided to stay here and do more work this weekend instead of going anywhere.. we need a break from traveling too :) So, I decided to post some of my thoughts and things I've learned now that my time here is over halfway finished..

1. museli > granola :)
2. road construction is everywhere in the world. there's no escape from it!
3. coffee "plungers" over normal filter kind
4. God is faithful in providing good friendships.. new ones here and continuing ones from home and school. I can't begin to explain what a blessing it is.
5. A.J. Hacktt is the MAN. (invented bungy jumping)
6. postcards and pictures of this place don't even begin to describe it's beauty
7. there's an opportunity everyday to witness.. something i've always known but has become more apparent to me living outside of a Christian community.
8. never walk across a wet surface in flip flops unless you want to fall
9. sounds cliche, but some risks really are worth taking.
10.my family absolutely rocks! I've received nothing but love and support from them! Thank you all :)
11. the Cubs are bad both when I am home and when I am not there...
12. I have to start thinking about grad school. prayers are appreciated!
13. SKYPE was a pretty sweet invention
14. A favorite verse from the past few weeks:
" Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:12
15. I've been learning to rest in the comfort of Christ. He knows my life, my thoughts, my actions, my fears, my joys.. He knows _____. Fill in the blank. The future has a tendency to make me nervous, however I know I will be taken care of. God's timing is perfect and each day I live has a purpose. I continue to find joy in each day and to seek out my purpose in it.

Now, here are a few of my favorite pictures from the past few weeks... enjoy!