Long Time No Type

Well, once again, it has been a while...and more has happen then you have time to read about. I am going to do my best to give you a wonderful update, and in true Lauren style it will be chronological. Here goes...

9/21/2006--Late in the evening I received a call from my mother that my Uncle Mike, her brother, had been in a motorcycle accident. Unfortunately, he did not survive. I returned home to Ohio the next day to be with my family. I can honestly say this has been the hardest death for myself since my father died more than 10 years ago. However, this time in Ohio with my family confirmed for me that I needed to return to Ohio when my term in NYC is complete--so I will be home the end of July. Through this time, I was blessed with being able to spend time with my extended family--to support them and mourn with them--and many friends of my Uncle's. I have attended too many funerals in my short 28+ years, but this was the most moving I have ever been too. There were more than 1,000 persons who came to the calling hours, including a bus load (literally) from my Uncle's work that came from 1 hour away. Almost 50 bikes blocked the entire highway during the processional to the grave site which was over 20 miles away--it was one of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen. It has been a hard 6 months, but a time of growth for me. Here are some pictures...

This is a picture of the line of bikes that processed to the grave site

This picture and a mat were set out at the calling hours for individuals to sign--this particular mat has signatures from the club my family are members at. The picture now hangs on the wall of the club as a tribute to my Uncle Mike.

10/2006--I had the opportunity to attend a Deaconess Discernment event and the bi-annual Convocation for the Deaconess, Home Missioner, and Home Missionary community. For those of you who have not had the chance to hear me go on and on about the Deaconess relationship with the United Methodist Church, here is the information. This is a lifetime lay relationship with the Church (very different from Ordained Deacon) for individuals to be connected to areas of love, justice and service within the denomination. I had been thinking about pursuing this relationship, but through this event it was confirmed that this is where God was calling me. I have completed my application and will hopefully be a certified candidate in the next few months. I am excited about this lifetime connection to the UMC, as well as the connection to a wonderful community with a 120 year history of fighting for justice.

11/2006--It has been a VERY long time since I had seen much of my step-mother, Pat's, family, but in November, I was able to visit and attend my cousin, Jennifer's, baby shower. I flew to Rochester where all of the family lives (at least in the area), and where Pat and her husband, Mike, recently moved to. It was wonderful to see everyone again. Everyone but my step-mother I had not seen in at least 10 years, and many of them I had not seen in 15 years! I plan to go and visit more often, especially now that Pat and Mike are in the area. Again, here are some pics...

Pat, her sister Marcy, and Jennifer and Heather, Marcy's daughters

12/2006--The holidays were very nice and it was good to be home with family for a positive reason. While there, Dana, Stephanie (my sister's) and I went out. There has never been a time when just the three of us went out in Ohio. It was great to just relax and chat. Here is a picture from of them from our fun:

Also in December, the epiphany of what I am going to do next came to me...Seminary! I know this sounds either really crazy or the next logical step. Some days I sit on both sides of this fence. But, after lots of prayer, discussion and even a visit to the Methodist Theological School in Ohio (located near Columbus, OH so Iwill commute there for only a few days per week), I do believe this is where God is calling me next. I need to complete 5 seminary courses for my Deaconess commitment, so in addition to obtaining another Master's degree (of Divinity), I will be able to complete these classes. Though a bit apprehensive--am I ever going to get a "real" job??--this next step feels good, peaceful.

1/2007--I got to have lots more fun with my sister! Dana came out to visit me for her birthday. We had lots of fun shopping, dancing, and even playing in the snow! We went to see the musical, RENT on Broadway (thanks Shermaine!). As usual...here are some pictures...

Dana and I waiting to go into the theatre.

Dana and I out painting the town!

Dana making a snow angel on the sidewalk of my street--she is so silly!

2/2007--On the road again for me...I traveled to California for a week to visit two US-2 missionaries I work with. I flew into San Francisco, spent a day and a half being a tourist, and then traveled two hours north to spend a day with my US-2. As usual, it was great to see where she is working and what she is doing. I then returned to San Francisco for an evening before leaving the next morning to drive down the coast (Route 1/Pacific Coast Highway) to the LA area. The drive was AMAZING! I spent the entire time in awe of the magnificent power of God...it was very difficult to comprehend the ocean and mountain right next to each other. I was able to stop in Santa Barbara and see where my Aunt and Cousin spent so much of their lives. I then went on to Ventura to visit with a good friend, and spend the night with her. The next day I finished my drive down the coast through Malibu and went East to spend a few days with the other US-2 I traveled to see. Again, great to see what my missionary was doing and spend some time with her. Pictures continue to be the way I document my world, so here I will share more...

Lombard Street--the crookedest street in the world

Views of the Pacific Ocean and the Mountains

Present--I am now in the middle of preparing to interview, hire, make placement matches, and finally train our new classes of Young Adult Missionaries at work...so needless to say, my brain is a bit too full right now. My life is pretty much consumed by work! But, Austin and Kylee will be coming to visit me for 5 days in early April so I am very excited about this. I do not have much time left here in NYC, and since most of it is completely planed, it seems even shorter. I am looking forward to being back in Ohio and being able to settle near family. Keep me in your prayers as all of these transitions come up, and I will try to post more often so you can keep up with my crazy life a bit better. Thank you for being a wonderful support!

Peace and blessings, Lauren