Growing Up

Part 1:
This weekend was a new chapter for the Miller family. My older sister is now married. After months of planning, and over a year expecting it, the deed is done.

Months ago, this wedding loomed in front of me. Threatening the very foundation of my life. I have always hated change. It meant my security was gone. Everything that kept my world stable was rocked when change came to town.

This weeding was the biggest change to date. As long as we are all single, happy, independent, people leading our own lives, nothing would rock my foundation. But when I got the call a year and a half ago telling me my sister had a boyfriend, I wasn't really shocked. I was certain it would change my life forever.

Today I know my sister is married, I know that there is a man, now officially part of my family. A brother in law. I have a brother in law! Crazy.

I tried so hard to get used to our family changing. Desperate to be excited for this marriage. I am excited for my sister, but it is still weird. Give me a couple months and I will get used to this change. Just like I have every other one.

Part 2:
While I am adjusting to one change, I just well adjust to more than one. So to all the hot, kind, listening, wise, godly, spiritual males over the age of 27 applications are being accepted for dates with my older sister.

Warnings: Applying requires passing the sibling test. Which can be full of undisclosed questions, scenarios requiring quick thinking, and possibly road trips with potential in-laws. 

But upon passing these tests, you are permitted to continue pursuing an amazing woman of God. A woman who has spent years of her life sacrificing to share God's love with those around the world. Every step of her life has been spent pursuing how best she can serve those around her.

Yes, she is crazy, and frustrating at times. But she's my sister and I want to see her loved and cherished by someone. Preferably a good one.

Disclaimer: I figured I have already dealt with one just well deal with another asap. After all I have the dress, shoes, and sore calves. 

Blessed

Occasionally you wake up and just realize how amazingly blessed you are. The past week has been like that for me. Christ commands us to love everyone. At times it is difficult to love those around you. And other times it is extremely easy and blessed to have the community and fellowship of believers you love.

It started last weekend when a few of the people I have served with in Alaska all came to College Station. We went to the football game, it was fun to share our crazy Aggie traditions with those who don't know anything about being an Aggie.

After the game we all went back to the guys house and just chilled all afternoon and evening. It is not often that a group of college students will come together and be real with each other. We talked and laughed, told stories and caught up on life, watched movies and slept. I will always look back and know that weekend was an amazing gift. Some of these people I have worked next to for 100s of hours in a summer, others I barely know, but they are all a blessing in my life.

The amazing blessings in life continued this week. A great Bible study with a group of people who aren't scared to stay until midnight studying God's word. Not just one night, but nearly every week.

A short road trip and an amazing night of fellowship came Friday night. To be able to sit at dinner with a couple I know and love. To be able to talk with them about what we have been studying in Job, or where my life is going or could go. To be given so much encouragement and wisdom.  The whole night was full of laughter.

Having people around me that I can be real with and know genuinely care about me. Who can encourage and support me when I have no idea what to do in life.

People are a blessing, at times it is just difficult to be open and real with people. Living life in such a way that people know who I am. Who God has made me and how he is continuing to build and grow me into someone more like him.

Three Musketeers

Brian took this amazing picture. So I just wanted to share :)

This trip to Alaska was so different and exciting for many reason. The short notice, unsure feelings, and extreme unpreparedness, are all things I had never really experienced before. And they all contributed to an exciting trip.

Throughout all of this, once I made it to Alaska I was gifted with some amazing blessings. Two of the biggest, being whom I was able to work with. Brian Whitson and Daniel Wise.

I met Brian in March when I was serving in Nome for Iditarod. The first thing he told me was how much his kids loved the video of my roommates and I sliding down the stairs in our house. I quickly came to appreciate Brian for his unique sense of humor, wise words, calm spirit, and even his quirky match making attempts.

When he called me in late June to ask, or more accurately beg me to come help with Salmon Frenzy. I was floored. My plan since October was to go back to Nome over spring break, then wait and see when I would be able to go back, probably spring break of 2013. I was fully expecting to wait for over a year to return to the state I love so much. But with the help of an extraordinary God, I got to go back early. Twice actually.

Brian says he prayed me back to Alaska, and he pretty much did. When I got to Alaska I learned so much more about Brian. How he is married to one of the most amazing woman I have ever met. And how he and Kristin never planned to be together and have grown into an amazing couple serving Christ together with their children. How much he can teach, correct, and provoke improvement all by being himself.

This summer was the second time I worked alongside Daniel during Salmon Frenzy. Last summer was crazy for us. There were multiple times this summer we looked at each other and said, "wow, things are so much smoother than last year. We can actually sleep more than 4 hours a night!" Last summer marked the beginning of an amazing friendship. It was so comforting knowing there was finally someone at school that understands my love for Alaska. Daniel has a gift of being able to work with people no matter their age and persuade them to work hard. At times they don't even know how much he is getting them to do.

Daniel works hard, does not complain, and is willing to do whatever necessary to accomplish the days project. From playing with kids, loving on them, and listening to them. To fixing whatever is broken, building whatever needed, taking out the trash. Or giving up his love of fishing to spend every moment he stood in the river helping those around him catch salmon. And not stoping at helping them reel in fish, but process them as well. From gutting, filleting, and packaging. Many people went from having a fish on their line, to picking it up out of the freezer ready to cook.

It was crazy how as the days continued on, Brian, Daniel, and I would go do things together, just to work together. We became such good friends while in Kenai working together, something I never really expected, much less imagined.

I could not have picked two better people to serve alongside this summer. I absolutely loved everyday we got to spend together. The three of us became such amazing friends, that when it came time for me to leave we had one last hooray of taking me to the airport. Just the three of us. It was tough to say goodbye. But nice to know it would not be the last time I would see them both. Out of everyone I met and became close with, the two of them are the ones I would catch myself missing. A lot.

I was blessed beyond measure this summer. God did so much on the beaches of Kenai and I had the privilege of being a small part of it. And to be partners with two amazing men just made it that much better.

Brian, Daniel, and I. Best Friends!

The Team

I would like to introduce you to the amazing team from Texas that served during Salmon Frenzy. This group of Go Now summer missionaries were amazing. What we saw God do would not have occurred without them ready and willing to do whatever was needed. 

Guys, I loved working with you, and I am sorry it took me writing down what I think of you guys, and not taking the opportunity to say it in person. You all are amazing and it was a pleasure, privilege, and blessing to serve next to you. Until next time. Love you guys!

L to R: Lisa, Jared, Courtney, Lauren, Andrew, Meredith

Clockwise: Andrew, Angela, Lisa, Courtney, Lauren, Meredith

Angela: 
The inspirational leader of the six Go Now summer missionaries. Angela was the one to get up early and go to bed late just to insure that her team and the volunteers were taken care of. She was a frequent shopper at wal-mart, daily purchasing the needed items to provide breakfast to hundreds of volunteers. 

From sending us uplifting, spiritually refreshing text messages. To a hug right when you needed it most. Angela made us laugh and pushes us to focus on what we were really doing in Alaska.

Angela, First Baptist Kenai would not have been anywhere near as comfortable and easy place for me to work without you playing host. I was supposed to be your partner, but in all reality you did it all. Without you, I am certain some day would have come wehre we did not have milk or eggs for breakfast. You jumped on the task of taking care of the churches, and did an amazing job. 


Jared:
Always smiling and joyful. Jared worked hard and inspired the rest of us with his willing attitude. Whether cracking jokes or challenging us spiritually. When Jared spoke you always listen. 

Jared lead us in worship. His gift of bringing people into worshiping our savior is amazing. From Texas to Alaska Jared is on track to change the world. I was so blessed to serve alongside him in Kenai.


Meredith:
One of my fellow Aggies, one of the best parts of serving with her is it is not over. Mer was the quite one who always had a smile on her face and an encouraging word on her lips. From hosting at First Baptist Soldotna alongside Jared to serving on Kasilof beach. Whatever was asked of her she was always quick to jump up and serve. Serving with Mer was a blessing, and I look forward to how when we can serve together again in the future. 


Jared and Meredith, by the end of the first night the people at First Baptist Soldotna had already grown to love you. Their is no question why either, ready to serve, always smiling and joyful. The two of you made an amazing host team with nearly double the volunteers. You guys rocked. 


Andrew: 
The one so full of energy he made me tired just watching him. Yet, he could get quiet and serious and surprise you with what he was thinking. The man who took on hosting the teenagers every week and worked with them on their beaches. A job, few could have done as well as he and Lisa did. I know it was hard on them, but they pushed through and persevered to finish strong. I do not know what God has in store for him, but it will be crazy and exciting I am sure. 


Lisa: 
The only person on the Salmon Frenzy team crazy enough to return for a second year. Smiling, excited, full of energy. From day one Lisa was ready to tackle any challenge given her. From making sure dozens of teenagers had a pillow to lay their head on, to making sure those same kids did not use thousands of gloves. Lisa was ever watchful and so helpful in keeping a handle on what was being used. The last year Lisa has grown and changed, it was a privilege to see her return and continue serving her Savior. 

Lisa, you and Andrew took on one of the biggest challenges at College Heights Baptist Church. Serving groups of youth was not easy. But you did it with a smile on your face. You two where the only ones for the job. 


Lauren:I don't know what your name means, but I am pretty sure it could mean full of wisdom and fun. It feels like every time I was around you I was either laughing hysterically, or listening as you gave, sound godly advice. You where the only girl I did not know before I met you, but that fact was quickly erased as you worked yourself into my heart. From balancing Courtney, to taking the time and prompting of the Spirit to buy ice cream and build a relationship with George. You are always focused on kingdom work. I can name few women your age I look up to as much as I do you. From talking about my life, to talking about your vision for ministry, your loving heart is always visible. 

When I will have the blessing and privilege to serve next to you, I do not know. But I know this, the next time I see you won't be soon enough and the next time we work together will be a huge blessing. 


Courtney:
Ahh Court. Without you our whole entire experience would have been radically changed. There were so many times we needed a good laugh, and you gave it to us. Your openness and desire to be real with those around you was refreshing and a blessing. I knew where I stood with you because you were not afraid of letting people in. I have known you for two years now as an Aggie, but I feel like the four weeks we spent together has been a greater time of bonding and growing as friends than all the rest combined. I am so glad I can still be around you to laugh with you and learn from you. 

You and Lauren rocked at Kasilof Community Church, everyone who stayed at your church loved you. It was easy to see why. Two amazingly beautiful women, in love with the Lord and ready to do whatever to make their time more comfortable. 


Coming soon: 
A few of the other amazing people I served alongside.
The two guys that I worked closely with and who kept me sane and made me laugh. 

Salmon Frenzy

A week ago I returned home from Alaska. Many of you may not have even known I left Texas to go serve during Salmon Frenzy. I was not planning on going. Everyone I talked to asked when I was going back, and my answer was always I don't know. But as soon as possible. Two weeks before I flew from Texas to Alaska, I got a text message from a guy asking what he could do to facilitate getting me to Alaska for Salmon Frenzy. I was floored. Surprised. Unsure.

I had made a commitment to be home all summer. Spending time with my family, working for my Dad. I did not know what to do. I felt needed in two places. I wanted to be in two places at once. But in the end I decided that for now, God wanted me to spend my month of July in Kenai, Alaska.

While there I worked to prepare the supplies needed to enable nearly 400 volunteers to serve on the beach. The vision of Salmon Frenzy is to provide for a need of the people. For three weekends, white tents appear on three beaches and one boat dock to meet the needs of people. We give out free hotdogs, lemonade, hot chocolate, water, have a kids club with crafts, balloon animals, and a bounce house. We direct traffic, pick up the beach, anything that is needed we work to meet that need.

My job was to make sure the volunteers had the items they needed to meet the needs of the people. I spent hours in the barn counting, organizing, re-counting, and counting again, hot dogs, buns, lemonade, hot chocolate, spoons, pots, propane tanks, and the list goes on.

From buying, to sending out. I had to make sure that whatever was needed made it on to the trailers to go to the beaches everyday. Was it easy? No. Did it push me? Yes. But through hard work, and amazing people beside me, I made it.

The next post will introduce you to the amazing people I worked with. Without them, I would have had a zero success rate. But together, we had a small part in changing Alaska.

A crazy week, the Short and Long versions

This past week has been one of the craziest, strangest, most amazing, mind blowing, God's grace and love revealing week I have had in a really long time. So here goes the short version.


Short Version:
I was asked to help drive a vehicle up to Alaska. So on May 5, I am leaving Texas and headed north on an adventure I have wanted to take for a while, but didn't think I would make for several years. I will work up there for a few days until I fly back to Texas on May 21. The end :) For the long version keep reading.

Long Version:
Monday night a friend told me that one of the women that has become like a mom to me, is flying down to Texas. I called found out what was going on and what her plans where. So we made tentative plans to road trip to go see her. Tuesday I was asked if it so happened that the lady moving from Texas to Alaska was able to trade in her truck for a car, would I be willing to help drive it up. I said yes I will consider it, but I can't make any promises.

While I wanted to be able to say yes. I honestly did not think I would be able to. There where several things that would have to work out perfectly for me to be able to go. First, the truck had to get traded in. I had to get a final changed to earlier. I had to talk with Mom and Dad about getting home later. And kind of important I had to find out if I would have a passport.

I had at one time considered going overseas this summer, so I reapplied for it April 10, because it expired at the end of May. The passport is supposed to take 4-6 weeks to be delivered. Well by some miracle I might be able to get it before we would need to leave.

Wednesday night I got the message that the truck was traded in and there was a need for my help if I would be able go. That night my parents gave me the blessing to go if everything else worked out. Found out I can get into Canada without a passport, but I can't get out. That helps me so much.

Thursday morning I called the passport office, thinking that maybe I would be able to go to Houston and get my passport that way. But I was told that my passport was in the process of being mailed out and should be in Perryton in 3-5 days. Wow! Praise the Lord that was amazing! and not at all expected.

So then I was down to getting my test changed. Thursday night I got to tell some of my friends what I was going to get to do. When I told two of my friends that are getting to serve as summer missionaries this summer they where ecstatic for me. I was totally blown away by how excited they where for me. It made me realize how blessed I am to have the friends I do. Ones that are so excited I get to go to Alaska even though I will be there when they aren't and when their there I'm not. But they where still totally excited for me which totally made my day.

Friday my professor told me I was not the first person to ask if I could take the test early and that she was going to try to have it ready about a week early. Which is perfect for me. So all the hurdles I feared would not allow me to go. Where in fact movable and I am off for a huge adventure in may.

So to all of you who I said I would not see for months, I am blessed to be able to say I will be there for a short while in May. And for those I said I would see in a few weeks, well...it will be more like a month before I make it back to Perryton.

And I promise I will post updates and pictures from our time crossing the country.

Familly

This past weekend was Parents weekend here in Aggieland. While my family was not able to be here, I had an amazing weekend. Saturday was totally different than what I had planned. I woke up thinking I will go to work for a couple hours. Go home and do some homework, and take a nap. Then head back to the BSM for the banquet, then possibly Breakaway after.

Well when I got to work, I started thinking and decided I would go to Kylee and Katelyns soccer games. Since I had not seen Katelyn play yet. So I worked, went to two soccer games, got sunburnt, ate lunch with the Gilstraps, made two girls day by caring about them enough to watch them play. Talking to Kylee why her sister played, and having Katelyn sit on my lap while Kylee played where pricless. Was I hot, and burning, yes, but I would not trade it for the world.

I did get my nap in, though it was short. Then got dressed for banquet. I ended up serving during banquet which was great, it is a huge blessing to be able to show support of my fellow students by letting them enjoy time with their families. Even if it was a little strange to be dressed up and serving.

I then went to Breakaway and met up with two of my teammates from this summer. It was great to get to see Mia, it is amazing to think about how close we all became over the course of the summer. At the end of Breakaway Ben asked everyone to pray as families. Not only was part of my Alaska family there, but the "real" family of one of my teammates was there as well. I have been blessed to be welcomed into their home on multiple occasions, and each time I gain so many blessings. When I was asked to join their family as they prayed together, I was suprised. But it was extremely cool. I know these people care about me and have already done many things to help me in life. From advice, to planning, to taking care of me.  Long story short, I loved that moment.

Then to round out the night we all went dancing together. To see so many different friends from several parts of my life come together to have fun was awesome. I stayed up way to late, but we had a blast. Sunday morning was a little rough, but I was extremely blessed in Sunday school by the community I have been able to be a part of.

Family comes in many forms, and this past weekend I realized how many I have been given. All are a blessing and I love them all.