things i learned:
1. there are a lot of trucks in alabama. and i mean A LOT. i decided to count them to prove a point, but upon reaching 350 in just two days, i decided that game was far too overwhelming. aaaand that would be my point.
2. how to play ultimate frisbee. i am now a pro. once, i scored a goal. i even own cleats. yes, i am kind of a big deal. look for me on ESPN 8.
3. playing cards is a way of life.
4. hot dogs should never be eaten more than twice a week. it's a little much.
5. there is something liberating about paying $1 for a movie. take that, inflation!
6. dogs can have diabetes. when they do, you have to give them shots, which i also learned how to do...when they do have diabetes, they still eat your food. even delicious homemade pound cake, RIP
7. seeing Harry Potter in 3-D at midnight is always a good choice. they give you Harry Potter glasses.
8. Dobby the house elf does not wear socks on his ears, despite popular (or not so popular...) belief...little children are not afraid to mock you for doing so
9. i love Justin Bieber.
10. Krispy Kreme is definitely its own food group.
11. t swift's 'story of us' video was filmed at vanderbilt. a little behind the curve, i know, but it's big news. go 'dores.
12. dub step is a genre, not a band
13. air drumming is one of my hobbies. it can be intense, so you should always do some stretches or yoga poses before...
14. bucket lists...definitely a good idea. didn't quite finish but i guess that just means i will have to go back
on a more serious note, God taught me SO MUCH about myself and about His grace (the reason i was in birmingham in the first place) over the last three months...i.e.:
15. i love loving jr. and sr. high students. they are just some of the most fun, energetic, refreshingly honest and open people you will ever meet.
16. what "seeking grace from God, sharing grace in community, and showing grace to all" really looks like.
17. prayer. i need it. "i pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. it doesn't change God, it changes me." -c.s. lewis
18. He will use me even in my incredible and often overwhelming weakness. He uses my brokenness to reveal His own power, grace, and steadfast love for ME and all His children! how? not sure. why? really not sure...but he does. i heard a junior high student say this summer, "i don't understand it, but for some reason He really, really loves me." so let's just talk about how wise 7th graders are...boom
19. what a blessing it is to be constantly surrounded and loved by awesome people!--whether making copies, going to sam's, attempting to play ultimate frisbee, belly-flopping, worshipping, eating Krispy Kreme, playing cards, exploring birmingham sights, or just hanging out @ the Youth House, it brought joy to my heart to love and be loved by all the people around me.
like these kids...GOT 'EM
