tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85024554433020012892024-02-20T18:54:46.132-08:00Brushstrokesemilyrachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01998606587564635994noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8502455443302001289.post-57609556309460214912015-09-30T10:36:00.002-07:002015-09-30T10:44:46.782-07:00My Saint My Hero<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-CMIx2qfD0ezoG5Y9MGZ4pGYj5CpRmlzU6AB3cEWzzNiuvynvudFtj_VQlKNN3mnYVppla7WvwCMCuXCz6RcbZcEzV67K2n_cOMOK8yeC1F27pm1eXBT4-cqquPlXSSnRPowNEl1qnUx/s1600/IMG_1115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-CMIx2qfD0ezoG5Y9MGZ4pGYj5CpRmlzU6AB3cEWzzNiuvynvudFtj_VQlKNN3mnYVppla7WvwCMCuXCz6RcbZcEzV67K2n_cOMOK8yeC1F27pm1eXBT4-cqquPlXSSnRPowNEl1qnUx/s320/IMG_1115.JPG" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
Recently I came across "My Saint My Hero," a jewelry company with a mission: to be a community inspired by God to help transform lives and make the world a better place. Their beautifully unique pieces reflect the mission of prayer, preserving Church traditions, and sharing the inspiring lives of saints. Recognizing that we need heroes of today - modern day saints - cofounders Amy D'Ambra and Christine Rich provide beautiful wearable blessings in order to bring Faith, Hope, and Purpose into life. </div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
Each purchase enables My Saint My Hero to use the power of giving to help transform lives. For example, Harriet from Uganda, taught herself how to sew and do handcrafts in effort to try to break free from the cycle of poverty. Harriet makes necklaces for My Saint My Hero and creates each piece with a prayer devoted to the Virgin Mary. Women from the small pilgrimage town of Medgjugorje create My Saint My Hero's blessing bracelets. The economy is not easy in the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the work provided allows them to rise above the poverty level to put food on the table, shoes on their children's feet, and the opportunity to send their children to University. The women and their families gather together to weave the bracelets and pray for those that will wear their blessings bracelets.<br />
<br />
I have two different bracelet blessings: the Serenity Blessing Bracelet and the Collegiate Blessing Bracelets. The Serenity bracelet has the Benedictine medal depicting the most powerful ancient cross of protection, and the cord that wraps around the wrist symbolizes the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit and the embrace of Our Blessed Mother. The Serenity prayer on the card also beautifully reminds me to accept the things I cannot change, have the courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEUUIabSqz8EWcKEXBiZ_kNCu45YRIXNq2vhLzTlESKtwklbJlGB3KDWerWYIBQ69mFGVN2OWG__uBY6Bn3kt5-edjIaB7YHaFjDVLNNB6kWBMe3uUdR1IcsGtA7iToUGFi3Go8LAClaS/s1600/IMG_1461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEUUIabSqz8EWcKEXBiZ_kNCu45YRIXNq2vhLzTlESKtwklbJlGB3KDWerWYIBQ69mFGVN2OWG__uBY6Bn3kt5-edjIaB7YHaFjDVLNNB6kWBMe3uUdR1IcsGtA7iToUGFi3Go8LAClaS/s320/IMG_1461.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFK0N61dmEcz6j_mZhBoCRHkIx_-VFPMDdoF7785t-TK4zTqyHM-J83ur2FlodwMdagvG4ySQWKxziCGUqpB4wZxygI1-MJe-Hzjx1L6UVj1TGfzOtbE45ef8XnGCyOgB-hWyb1VsLQ3y/s1600/IMG_1462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFK0N61dmEcz6j_mZhBoCRHkIx_-VFPMDdoF7785t-TK4zTqyHM-J83ur2FlodwMdagvG4ySQWKxziCGUqpB4wZxygI1-MJe-Hzjx1L6UVj1TGfzOtbE45ef8XnGCyOgB-hWyb1VsLQ3y/s320/IMG_1462.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The collegiate blessings bracelets, also made with Benedictine medals in Medjugorje, hold the reminder that God has given each person a mission to make the world a better place and you can choose to fulfill that mission by using your hands to do good. I have the USC colors to remind myself to pray for the campus that I served on as a FOCUS Missionary Team Director. This line of bracelets also includes tips to live out your faith!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtnPNwT3P5gdRQYHdHda0tHe1PMdWS1IBx8dUJov5BmwMaguxUnmjKv2LbuAi7acHh5uSBv9tkT0z0hzMxicsukMp2d___gCZ5GW9jM-1qhwHLqF9_P5mZS7K7kFBjLiLUxF6SpagKi6p/s1600/IMG_1460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtnPNwT3P5gdRQYHdHda0tHe1PMdWS1IBx8dUJov5BmwMaguxUnmjKv2LbuAi7acHh5uSBv9tkT0z0hzMxicsukMp2d___gCZ5GW9jM-1qhwHLqF9_P5mZS7K7kFBjLiLUxF6SpagKi6p/s320/IMG_1460.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I love the layered bracelets, but My Saint My Hero has more to offer: earrings, keychains, necklaces, prayer booklets, rosaries, sacramental gifts, and so much more! They also have a really cool Pope Francis line. :)<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>I highly recommend checking out this incredible company - each purchase makes a difference and provides an opportunity to share the love of our Lord.<a href="http://www.mysaintmyhero.com/"> www.mysaintmyhero.com</a></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Blessings,</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled" style="border: 0px; clear: both; color: #555555; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 22.5px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vhTcNwr_8qEwAYZ8V5GkimHIOfhErSHz8kLgDOuP9lrcTkEX_x3DR16JwQFNZti1tBli_EucwZL1bDScIWhzeZO7gGHatUgtixnVpl8yf4akWdMxjYQi-_DRKt9cY1VJtcCLIidr6f91/s1600/emily.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vhTcNwr_8qEwAYZ8V5GkimHIOfhErSHz8kLgDOuP9lrcTkEX_x3DR16JwQFNZti1tBli_EucwZL1bDScIWhzeZO7gGHatUgtixnVpl8yf4akWdMxjYQi-_DRKt9cY1VJtcCLIidr6f91/s1600/emily.png" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">//</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
emilyrachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01998606587564635994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8502455443302001289.post-74231785572121770592015-08-12T09:34:00.000-07:002015-08-12T09:36:08.639-07:00If God Wills It<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
*This blog I wrote was first posted on Blessed Is She. Check them out <a href="http://blessedisshe.net/">here.</a></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
People often ask when I decided to become a campus missionary. My call, actually, came to me on an overseas mission trip. As I crossed the muddy waters from the Dominican Republic to Haiti, I watched the natives bathe while their children splashed in the awful smelling, cholera-infected water. Careful not to touch the water for fear of sickness, I thought to myself, “<em style="box-sizing: border-box;">These people don’t realize that they are swimming in infected waters.</em>”</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
As a student, I couldn’t help but wonder what my campus would look like if I placed a spiritual lens over my eyes.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">I suddenly saw my own friends unknowingly swimming in dangerous, infected waters of hopelessness, confusion, and sin.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
//</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
Translating the physical poverty in the Dominican Republic to the spiritual poverty on my own college campus placed a sense of urgency and mission on my heart. I responded to this mission by giving Jesus my ‘<em style="box-sizing: border-box;">yes</em>’ to serve as a <a href="http://www.focus.org/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #804565; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;">FOCUS</a> (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) missionary where I was called to serve at Arizona State University, then at the University of Southern California.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
Inspired by Saint Pope John Paul II’s call to a “New Evangelization,” FOCUS is a national outreach that meets college students where they are and invites them into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and the Catholic Faith.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
As a missionary, I signed up to fundraise my salary, enter into a year long dating fast (in order to be more present to the students and to more clearly discern my vocation), and to move across the country in order to serve students that I didn’t even know. Each day my team (there are four of us) prays a Holy Hour, goes to Mass, and spends the rest of the day leading Bible studies, meeting for coffee dates, and finding any excuse to spend time with students.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
Recently, I was blessed with the opportunity through FOCUS Missions to direct the Dominican Republic mission trip that transformed my heart over three years before. Six USC students and I met up with 18 other students and FOCUS missionaries from across the nation to work on mission alongside two priests from the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia. These holy men serve 10,000 poor people in the rural area of the Dominican Republic on the border of Haiti. The men, women, and children they serve live on the edge of extreme poverty. Most live in sub-standard housing and approximately 25% do not even have the “luxury” of an outhouse.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
Prior to the trip, our mission group met for the first time in Miami at a retreat center to prepare for departure to the Dominican Republic. In celebration of the announcement of the Jubilee Year of Mercy and as a send off gift for our mission, the priest at the retreat center gave each mission trip participant a Good Shepherd pendant — the same pectoral cross that Pope Francis wears. The cross includes the image of Christ, as the Good Shepherd, and a dove above his head, symbolic of the Holy Spirit. The Shepherd is carrying the “lost and now found” lamb around his shoulders as He leads a flock of sheep. Adding this pendant to the chain around my neck, I got on the plane to the Dominican Republic praying that the Lord would show me what it means to be a witness of mercy in reflection of the Good Shepherd.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
Our group of 22 spent a week digging three, ten-foot deep latrines, repairing a rundown chapel and praying with families during the day. Then, we facilitated youth ministry programs in the evenings. At our departing Mass, we prepared to leave the place and people that deeply moved our hearts. During the homily the priest said, <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">“The people of Bánica did not choose their crosses, and we are not here to take them away, but to do what small things we can to help them to carry their crosses well.”</em></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
One who looks through the lens of the world may feel very uncomfortable by that statement. Suffering is the worst thing that can happen in a secular world view. It is not comfortable to see someone suffering. How often are we inclined to turn our eyes from a homeless person?</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
Often, the American approach is to escape suffering by doing everything we can to eradicate it. However, the reality is that there will always be poverty, pain, and heartache.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
The Christian approach to suffering is to live in compassion and solidarity with suffering. St. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians writes, <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">“If one part suffers, all parts suffer with it…”</em>. From its Latin roots, the word “compassion” literally means to<em style="box-sizing: border-box;"> “suffer with”</em>.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
As Catholics we understand that every human person has God-given dignity that cannot be diminished or taken away by circumstances of life. <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">A person’s worth is not in physical things, but in the fact that they were created in the image and likeness of God.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
//</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
There was a woman in the Dominican Republic who invited a group of our mission team over for lunch one day. She lived on a dirt floor in a hut made of mud and sticks, but she desired to serve us. Her words of incredible wisdom still resound in my heart. She said, <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">“I have spiritual richness. Many Americans live in spiritual poverty”.</em> In the eyes of the world, this woman has nothing, but she carried the Joy of the Cross because she has her eyes set on the joys of eternal life.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
As missionaries in the Dominican Republic, our service of digging latrines and repairing a chapel was not life-changing for the people. We did what little things we could to help alleviate their pain, but the greatest gift we could give was to acknowledge their dignity as human persons and to walk with them in the midst of suffering.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
Each day I meet students on campus who are carrying extremely heavy burdens. The weight of their crosses becomes apparent as they share with me the pain from a broken family, the loss of their purity, the pressure to perform academically, and their attempt to build their identity around image.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
As a FOCUS missionary on a college campus, I am doing what small things I can to alleviate the pain and pressures of college by simply being present and pointing them to the mercy of the Cross of Christ. It doesn’t seem like much, but the fruit of the seeds we sow is revealed when a student says,<em style="box-sizing: border-box;"> “If it weren’t for Jesus working through you, I don’t know where I’d be.”</em></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
Our crosses take many forms, and we are all called to do what small things we can to help one another carry our crosses well. As brothers and sisters, when we look beyond the surface and extend a loving hand to those we encounter, we unite our crosses, becoming the Body of Christ – the Good Shepherd – helping to carry one another in mercy to freedom in redemption.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
The faith of those I encountered in the Dominican Republic, the simple people who live off the land and mean it when they say, <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">“Si Dios quiere…”</em> (“If God wills it…”) taught me what it means to be a witness of mercy in reflection of the Good Shepherd and to find joy in uniting our sufferings with the Cross of Christ.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://blessedisshe.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/TheGoodShepherd-FreePrint.pdf" target="_blank"><img alt=" Free Downloadable Print" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSgAFmQLboCnZ3uIKaLU0OyRKtOKvOQQE4BBKQQiKZGjDE4CGdVRGy2eQyWu91kIvIV4XZqsipQ7opd6eKEc7-BmYp_oSHElA15wvh1MGlRrmdYhNAnWpVRsARfBoVle-penKg9hWKsul/s640/TheGoodShepherd-FreePrint+copy.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
emilyrachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01998606587564635994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8502455443302001289.post-48513610653939132482015-03-06T13:40:00.005-08:002015-03-06T13:48:29.569-08:00A Call To Mission<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzb3mjtd8GZuUV0mwVdMc4qcm0VgEuawXtOPLvTMAsiYpFp03CaaYfxKiUCpRD_3CHO6P3jmfEb7bcRQkV1wKgsYLNbeJUT6_A9iIBL2wkV-a8Px-9FcRuDHPZvPoQxLpQxw3MwpMBt-H/s1600/DRSB2015-art.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzb3mjtd8GZuUV0mwVdMc4qcm0VgEuawXtOPLvTMAsiYpFp03CaaYfxKiUCpRD_3CHO6P3jmfEb7bcRQkV1wKgsYLNbeJUT6_A9iIBL2wkV-a8Px-9FcRuDHPZvPoQxLpQxw3MwpMBt-H/s1600/DRSB2015-art.png" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
People often ask, "When did you decide to apply to become a FOCUS missionary?" The answer is when I was on a mission trip. As I crossed the muddy waters from the Dominican Republic to Haiti, I watched the natives bathe while their children splashed in the awful smelling, cholera-infected water. Careful not to touch the water for fear of sickness, I thought to myself, “These people don’t realize that they are swimming in infected waters.” I couldn’t help but wonder what my campus would look like if I placed a spiritual lens over my eyes. I suddenly saw myself and my own friends unknowingly swimming in dangerous, infected waters of hopelessness, confusion, and sin. Translating the physical poverty in the Dominican Republic to the spiritual poverty on my own college campus placed a sense of urgency and mission on my heart.<br />
<div style="color: #021f23; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYteWoK-fJHWWo5IfVdu7k69L_SHU1CIin4Xc3ZD7GF7SKg2KNpcwNohmaFPxT-XizOyF8XI1OQEFPt2VtZQziDGBPdpLldZ49IUrfq1_5qxXJhsWuAPen30TouDZnB0q3IkAyP11MSkVF/s1600/1236960_10201869975134022_1443867227_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYteWoK-fJHWWo5IfVdu7k69L_SHU1CIin4Xc3ZD7GF7SKg2KNpcwNohmaFPxT-XizOyF8XI1OQEFPt2VtZQziDGBPdpLldZ49IUrfq1_5qxXJhsWuAPen30TouDZnB0q3IkAyP11MSkVF/s1600/1236960_10201869975134022_1443867227_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #021f23; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Serving on mission in the Dominican Republic my junior year of college</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in December 2011 changed my heart. It was at this moment that I knew I was being called to serve Christ on a college campus</div>
<br />
<div style="color: #021f23; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #546b6d; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGhuK5zVxQ1s8W7OU_Pcv0ECak2DPFl4PSEqWnao8Xmt-jA24Gkrk8v8OsZBvPaDtG2tqKt5S22uOC9IKLNObacKulUcva5n5kKIFcr3QXpX5dnLxOaZ3URuMrZ4ZBL6eWC_6phsuWclG/s1600/appealmission.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGhuK5zVxQ1s8W7OU_Pcv0ECak2DPFl4PSEqWnao8Xmt-jA24Gkrk8v8OsZBvPaDtG2tqKt5S22uOC9IKLNObacKulUcva5n5kKIFcr3QXpX5dnLxOaZ3URuMrZ4ZBL6eWC_6phsuWclG/s1600/appealmission.png" height="357" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
WILL YOU JOIN?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
To serve on these missions I need<br />
to raise $5,000. If you would like to give:<br />
send your gift to<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">FOCUS</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">P.O. Box 18710 </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Golden, CO 80402-9809</span></span><br />
All checks should be made out to<br />
“FOCUS” with my name & the number<br />
“44220” in the memo line.<br />
-or-<br />
donate online at</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.focusonline.org/goto/emilygerman" target="_blank">www.focusonline.org/goto/emilygerman</a><br />
<br />
Thank you & God Bless!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl14Yun0AhAKPn7PXOSWr9GJL68zP_eIByMILx1m9rYFzf3byU3z-TxXTJe48lWNw0yoAKBPn35pI3v_F1-OveGQiZ0VMtcWex1mLvRnIFTpNRsMh9dinPVrrFHkC6tSupgRayHAbGr3vg/s1600/emily.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl14Yun0AhAKPn7PXOSWr9GJL68zP_eIByMILx1m9rYFzf3byU3z-TxXTJe48lWNw0yoAKBPn35pI3v_F1-OveGQiZ0VMtcWex1mLvRnIFTpNRsMh9dinPVrrFHkC6tSupgRayHAbGr3vg/s1600/emily.png" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 23px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #546b6d; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
emilyrachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01998606587564635994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8502455443302001289.post-66292184805250368712014-08-30T20:37:00.000-07:002014-08-30T20:40:22.059-07:00FOCUS USC: A New Chapter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbH_Gw0T_baSkybHZDIdfb0sL9-zJP_zXr4bmYkHCwFUi3ePpzHvJMX9Ty-LRqCPTjJYfKkXHKDGjNG04AjXCyob_lp1BXlrhZN7wt_RjOQvPgQRhs4AtG56V6l4wsF9NkdSlfIAIuLjSl/s1600/uscteam-header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbH_Gw0T_baSkybHZDIdfb0sL9-zJP_zXr4bmYkHCwFUi3ePpzHvJMX9Ty-LRqCPTjJYfKkXHKDGjNG04AjXCyob_lp1BXlrhZN7wt_RjOQvPgQRhs4AtG56V6l4wsF9NkdSlfIAIuLjSl/s1600/uscteam-header.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As many of you know, I have transitioned from Arizona State University to the team director at the University of Southern California. It's been a crazy change but feel very blessed to be surrounded by such an amazing staff & team. I am so excited to see how the Lord will work in the hearts of students here in LA! </span></span><br />
<div style="min-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Meet the new team!</span></span><br />
<div style="min-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Tanelle Berard</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">-first year missionary</span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">-born in Canada, grew up in Iowa<br />
-Elite Triathlon (2 time Junior National Champion & 7th place Worlds Finisher) & D1 Cross Country/Track runner)</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">-graduated from University of Northern Colorado in Greeley with a degree in Chemistry</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">-pastimes: playing sports, reading, and being outdoors</span></span><br />
<div style="min-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">John Potts</span></b></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">-</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">first year missionary</span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">-from South Dakota</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">-graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences<br />
-worked in a regional laboratory following graduation<br />
-pastimes: soccer, spending time outdoors, and education</span></span><br />
<div style="min-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Danny Zink</span></b></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-second year missionary (served at Auburn University in Alabama)</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">-from St. Louis, Missouri<br />
-graduated from Benedictine College with degrees in Theology & Chemistry<br />
-pastimes: reading, playing pick up sports, theological discussions</span></span><br />
<div style="min-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Emily German</span></b></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">-team director, second year missionary</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">-from Humphrey, Nebraska<br />
-graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in Advertising/Public Relations and a minor in Art<br />
-pastimes: painting & drawing, spending time outdoors & with people</span></span><br />
<div style="min-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Pray for us as we serve Christ at Our Savior Parish at the Caruso Catholic Center. :)</span></span><br />
<div style="min-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In Him,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vhTcNwr_8qEwAYZ8V5GkimHIOfhErSHz8kLgDOuP9lrcTkEX_x3DR16JwQFNZti1tBli_EucwZL1bDScIWhzeZO7gGHatUgtixnVpl8yf4akWdMxjYQi-_DRKt9cY1VJtcCLIidr6f91/s1600/emily.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vhTcNwr_8qEwAYZ8V5GkimHIOfhErSHz8kLgDOuP9lrcTkEX_x3DR16JwQFNZti1tBli_EucwZL1bDScIWhzeZO7gGHatUgtixnVpl8yf4akWdMxjYQi-_DRKt9cY1VJtcCLIidr6f91/s1600/emily.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>emilyrachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01998606587564635994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8502455443302001289.post-55158261987426682542014-04-09T10:15:00.002-07:002014-04-25T11:27:26.678-07:00Nicaragua FOCUS Missions Trip: The Art of Living<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdppogzzEz6L7NHdrakcNFUGRKkWTmLDpDikupG69v6ci2cng3QwMl1mG-TPBBomVKuvZXdDLOWa-zfoZcS9N46RKzjg3Oo8xBFLGoDseZRADALeLGalLTcig71Wimdfk2e3BszaV2RF7/s1600/1395175223.478827.IMG_0292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdppogzzEz6L7NHdrakcNFUGRKkWTmLDpDikupG69v6ci2cng3QwMl1mG-TPBBomVKuvZXdDLOWa-zfoZcS9N46RKzjg3Oo8xBFLGoDseZRADALeLGalLTcig71Wimdfk2e3BszaV2RF7/s1600/1395175223.478827.IMG_0292.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It's taken me a while to post about the incredible experience of serving on a FOCUS Missions trip in Nicaragua, but I think I've finally had enough time to upack (literally & figuratively) the trip to attempt to share the impact it has had on my heart and the hearts of the students.<br />
<br />
In the eyes of the Western world, the way that the Nicaraguans live - the clay huts, the wood burning stove, the lack of technology - is heartwrenching. We want to fix their lives, with hopes of finally allowing them to be happy, but we've totally missed the point. The people that I encountered<i> are</i> happy, much more than most anywhere I've ever been.<br />
<br />
During our first day of work we took the Nicaraguans off guard with our speed and focus on the task at hand. They watched us, laughing as we got lost in our speedy work and eventually asked if we would slow down. They explained that they enjoy working alongside one another. They desired to converse and form relationships as we worked to complete the task together. I began to recognize how easily I get caught up in my work, moving from one task to another, and forget to be totally present to those around me. The truth is that we can never completely eradicate poverty from the world - it just isn't possible. We can do everything possible to alleviate the pains of poverty, but the true beauty of serving is living with compassion and solidarity with those in poverty, and translating it to the poverty around us and within us.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Mother Teresa says, "The greatest disease in the West today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love. There are many in the world who are dying for a piece of bread but there are many more dying for a little love. The poverty in the West is a different kind of poverty - it is not only a poverty of loneliness, but also of spirituality. There's a hunger for love, as there is a hunger for God." So which is the greater poverty? The people that I encountered in Nicaragua were so filled with joy of the Gospel. They didn't desire more things or money - they were content with what they had. They recognized the spiritual poverty that many of us carried, and they reflected the hands & feet of Christ in loving us and teaching us the true importance of life. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Celebrating Mass with the Nicaraguans was easily the most powerful of all. In recognizing the universality of the church, we recognize that Christ is present in Nicaragua and in every Mass in which we partake. This unites us all - we are brothers and sisters in Christ. We are truly the body of Christ, and they treated us in this way. During the sign of peace I felt as if my heart may explode with love as men, women, and children flocked us with hugs & kisses. They were filled with such love and gratitude for us being there. The parishoners explained to us that merely taking the time to <i>be</i> there, we reminded them of the importance of "going outside of yourself" to share the faith. They continued to describe their joy in sharing in the body of Christ with us.<br />
<br />
Throughout the week we worked to replace the roof of a church - their tin roof had begun to rust away and had several holes. Later in the day we spent time praying with families and playing with the children & teaching them Bible stories. My fellow missionaries and I gave talks to the student missionaries to teach them different forms of prayer and to aid in translating the experience into lifelong mission. It was truly beautiful to see how the group came together and opened up through nightly sharing of testimonies and experiences throughout the day.<br />
<br />
The entire time we were in Nicaragua I felt as if my heart was coming alive within me. I've realized that traveling reveals a part within myself that I never knew to exist. God reveals the beauty of Himself to me in a new way, through nature and people. I often ponder this reality of "beauty" and of "God the Creator" and the ways that God reveals himself to me through His creations. As an artist, this speaks deeply to my heart. Blessed Pope John Paul II, in his letter to Artists says, "That is why artists, the more conscious they are of their 'gift,' are led all the more to see themselves and the whole of creation with eyes able to contemplate and give thanks, and to raise to God a hymn of praise. This is the only way for them to come to a full understanding of themselves, their vocation and their mission. Not all are called to be artists in the specific sense of the term. Yet, as Genesis has it, all men and women are entrusted with the task of crafting their own life: in a certain sense, they are to make of it a work of art, a masterpiece."<br />
<br />
The greatest lesson that I have taken from the people of Nicaragua is the art of living. I've learned that the art of living is in being completely present to the moment at hand and to love the person next to you with the joy of Christ. It is the ability to see with God's eyes, to hear with God's ears, and to love with the heart of God. In being present I am able to recognize the way that the Holy Spirit is working through and in me <i>right now</i>. How I choose to respond are brushstrokes on the canvas of my life and of others, and He has entrusted me with the task of bringing Him glory through creating a work of art, a masterpiece.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVnfb0WiMdN2fXlKpe8yTu_9oCTdvti0TEbIkh2EfYP72XPOvMmGC8-6yHE4WYn8Pc_o8-4WZ66iDJHuycqc476I-Gp8n7oODrB7XY9j1m1wGksFR4OHcNvitbQV7bQjLZnS8qRD_IgDS/s1600/1383412_10151985808694205_1417324230_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVnfb0WiMdN2fXlKpe8yTu_9oCTdvti0TEbIkh2EfYP72XPOvMmGC8-6yHE4WYn8Pc_o8-4WZ66iDJHuycqc476I-Gp8n7oODrB7XY9j1m1wGksFR4OHcNvitbQV7bQjLZnS8qRD_IgDS/s1600/1383412_10151985808694205_1417324230_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV482zhjmpVAME5gf8pGdM8sEU3Nb62nuVUuQNNaOtP63N_Anj9y2vT2nFYEW7_6ON9kVBnvLizzCCKEhDD_-U96OJhzBT4AGPGGPcAjDheLS2kfeEkc66erHTaL2VUEwSVK-F662cGFP_/s1600/IMG_2629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV482zhjmpVAME5gf8pGdM8sEU3Nb62nuVUuQNNaOtP63N_Anj9y2vT2nFYEW7_6ON9kVBnvLizzCCKEhDD_-U96OJhzBT4AGPGGPcAjDheLS2kfeEkc66erHTaL2VUEwSVK-F662cGFP_/s1600/IMG_2629.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cNIDjUM86Nls_hoKFnAwkh2a2VHsL6YKmbOmZrWSGPwIfO-bX2_wGCXOFGDQKRkbpip6VILOb-jXIn5cgDjEkFG67XDeNTz6hpxpz6-3RxH0_mnNGTq63hyphenhyphen-_mWCJbTipQdCKaRKqDBE/s1600/IMG_2679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cNIDjUM86Nls_hoKFnAwkh2a2VHsL6YKmbOmZrWSGPwIfO-bX2_wGCXOFGDQKRkbpip6VILOb-jXIn5cgDjEkFG67XDeNTz6hpxpz6-3RxH0_mnNGTq63hyphenhyphen-_mWCJbTipQdCKaRKqDBE/s1600/IMG_2679.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijN6gXRoFmPpFtToapDaI4rlsuP_JpbjjpeopXJcKSf5cLUrnzwcPWO4DO1kF3A0l7WKxkLIX9_gCskcx7cWuwPNNewj4_uWgbe2SLCMNsu8gvC2cc4x4G7nb9cju9I_jk73sHlmgKieKT/s1600/1939577_10151987526874205_834341662_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijN6gXRoFmPpFtToapDaI4rlsuP_JpbjjpeopXJcKSf5cLUrnzwcPWO4DO1kF3A0l7WKxkLIX9_gCskcx7cWuwPNNewj4_uWgbe2SLCMNsu8gvC2cc4x4G7nb9cju9I_jk73sHlmgKieKT/s1600/1939577_10151987526874205_834341662_n.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGEDQhSaKXtnNXhIWdNNM-B4n8LIktI1rxcXfAQF6EqlbfT0JAtOdJ8fcoXyXfTfyj-XVZp8Ij5-tXJaNts6eP3lXBqltRbsSdzO9Ckylao1YdjjdcMzZuluhF1DewqmZR4a7ra7RNSaZ/s1600/1979592_10151992169824205_709094822_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGEDQhSaKXtnNXhIWdNNM-B4n8LIktI1rxcXfAQF6EqlbfT0JAtOdJ8fcoXyXfTfyj-XVZp8Ij5-tXJaNts6eP3lXBqltRbsSdzO9Ckylao1YdjjdcMzZuluhF1DewqmZR4a7ra7RNSaZ/s1600/1979592_10151992169824205_709094822_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-uvMWvXU093HQQN6hBy6FOvS-eJxK1i62_sFFI0RmlrpjQyYsjMvwnSmeAYL2EfFqT3qKZZICtKPU-9WkEQJL_x70lX1Tt64FI9jBnxu9JTqE8KW_1g1qN687CkmwoHgmiIdvF3pNn2S/s1600/photo-13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-uvMWvXU093HQQN6hBy6FOvS-eJxK1i62_sFFI0RmlrpjQyYsjMvwnSmeAYL2EfFqT3qKZZICtKPU-9WkEQJL_x70lX1Tt64FI9jBnxu9JTqE8KW_1g1qN687CkmwoHgmiIdvF3pNn2S/s1600/photo-13.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1J426jtcRiQmMNn09gCpAnEQ2qQc-fq637gfB-B3dLZ0o7TKiMr63GvdJqDH7frHmt64C7H3Dj7fUnELoSI5IfO_Nb4ym2BCQZoj54pgpkboXgQafhuCaAjLF0ka7NgtdaUAU8fvpOGNF/s1600/1069944_10151987531064205_401859166_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1J426jtcRiQmMNn09gCpAnEQ2qQc-fq637gfB-B3dLZ0o7TKiMr63GvdJqDH7frHmt64C7H3Dj7fUnELoSI5IfO_Nb4ym2BCQZoj54pgpkboXgQafhuCaAjLF0ka7NgtdaUAU8fvpOGNF/s1600/1069944_10151987531064205_401859166_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWiWHpGzdETe7K16lOe_eKMr6jKEgxKHdDiYjiNOJ7RLWZezQNyXZZuDH4MpNpajyETz3cijIqLTV9dhliois8p98u8SomwEeEdnqkeokdAcKXd0cfhAZyQst6bHR_S6gwRWukww8WKyz/s1600/10013312_10152002030494205_1837724431_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWiWHpGzdETe7K16lOe_eKMr6jKEgxKHdDiYjiNOJ7RLWZezQNyXZZuDH4MpNpajyETz3cijIqLTV9dhliois8p98u8SomwEeEdnqkeokdAcKXd0cfhAZyQst6bHR_S6gwRWukww8WKyz/s1600/10013312_10152002030494205_1837724431_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2LlhJvWaqsZkR76B-7vBDrpcFfdFSS14DAngRQfjG1UsqsePyIAufQlC_KZB6XO67TXlO5BROe_tCHDAWPEfQN0B2FCohL_4UWtgFbfTVdm54PmTmSQOKv2u3cW-XVfstGpIhMbbWxST/s1600/10155243_10152000218664205_1627773503_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2LlhJvWaqsZkR76B-7vBDrpcFfdFSS14DAngRQfjG1UsqsePyIAufQlC_KZB6XO67TXlO5BROe_tCHDAWPEfQN0B2FCohL_4UWtgFbfTVdm54PmTmSQOKv2u3cW-XVfstGpIhMbbWxST/s1600/10155243_10152000218664205_1627773503_n.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MzKRlS2iWChKb-nduttKY8cuU-dsz_NC536KJaziq8N7BqwPc1Kr-8TuNT2rZjwFFWZXOOks8MEGFT0AvA0RQAoFyxkng5UJVjJ2uLv5C3lAkzDwrMbjqvdPsEM7ilQCN6_y4dEuA7kx/s1600/IMG_2785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MzKRlS2iWChKb-nduttKY8cuU-dsz_NC536KJaziq8N7BqwPc1Kr-8TuNT2rZjwFFWZXOOks8MEGFT0AvA0RQAoFyxkng5UJVjJ2uLv5C3lAkzDwrMbjqvdPsEM7ilQCN6_y4dEuA7kx/s1600/IMG_2785.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5SlLl8JUznJGBIXqr_Kui9Lv76OyjTryNgx-pTkfuCgOL3gQzDKxZfZR41wQpi-TWHiAcc6iOl23CB-sY3Z6S89XyW4thOYEYOAKmcU5UpfKfrgMmYCssgiJZXSmITSpy6PlayMgeE7V/s1600/10169369_10152016947669205_1449182287_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5SlLl8JUznJGBIXqr_Kui9Lv76OyjTryNgx-pTkfuCgOL3gQzDKxZfZR41wQpi-TWHiAcc6iOl23CB-sY3Z6S89XyW4thOYEYOAKmcU5UpfKfrgMmYCssgiJZXSmITSpy6PlayMgeE7V/s1600/10169369_10152016947669205_1449182287_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQyfaTdkQ1KhrGpiMJ3MOWExQNnpZ1r5y6Qt_Ux1RLYqnnlm7zYC0SQSP9h4mJutNZAOFCjjEKQR_1rUfTDmJYxVYBJIYham7-9Og_G2ond7iHo5Fvr-TBrjuFbQLzL4KjQ6taB8A56FV/s1600/IMG_2743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQyfaTdkQ1KhrGpiMJ3MOWExQNnpZ1r5y6Qt_Ux1RLYqnnlm7zYC0SQSP9h4mJutNZAOFCjjEKQR_1rUfTDmJYxVYBJIYham7-9Og_G2ond7iHo5Fvr-TBrjuFbQLzL4KjQ6taB8A56FV/s1600/IMG_2743.jpg" height="400" width="255" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4o0N6ODo7GKZqg3gkP_dMGUnUfsXSiudVUeNWTUQYE5rnP00Wlin0KOBPfeIh7z8RN-HLnf2D9WByb-IebpaKX_eedYS40E8VkT2KOx5uQe1Jqd4hHAoh-LxO_yn_DfiCS0Z-3HIionE/s1600/1966790_10152002041954205_1331872860_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4o0N6ODo7GKZqg3gkP_dMGUnUfsXSiudVUeNWTUQYE5rnP00Wlin0KOBPfeIh7z8RN-HLnf2D9WByb-IebpaKX_eedYS40E8VkT2KOx5uQe1Jqd4hHAoh-LxO_yn_DfiCS0Z-3HIionE/s1600/1966790_10152002041954205_1331872860_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUz55OPiGfc_Yp_zAKzM85JAnXSqQSZgpBY4pxg3BHj-10ErRP-Z1rcC-GZWwtclVODoN95FCfu7wt47Fs3leyhxErIaG9O90ZNy1R8g6mwCWOdmt7JazFZHG7mUM6Cm1uSKbJhh6WT6eS/s1600/IMG_2748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUz55OPiGfc_Yp_zAKzM85JAnXSqQSZgpBY4pxg3BHj-10ErRP-Z1rcC-GZWwtclVODoN95FCfu7wt47Fs3leyhxErIaG9O90ZNy1R8g6mwCWOdmt7JazFZHG7mUM6Cm1uSKbJhh6WT6eS/s1600/IMG_2748.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkhNiCUA8QFarNvbjZdIA9NUIyqS8cDUpjU0q0D4C45HwtPPb6jKsMnhjFkBxWW_PQJimddE6_7z32c0eZXOsbBuRRdQYfuVFmik_jt_uNBiNeQUvZ5nojTG9Osg39-dCm-YGL8xFzGtz/s1600/1457709_10151998506134205_1948558276_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkhNiCUA8QFarNvbjZdIA9NUIyqS8cDUpjU0q0D4C45HwtPPb6jKsMnhjFkBxWW_PQJimddE6_7z32c0eZXOsbBuRRdQYfuVFmik_jt_uNBiNeQUvZ5nojTG9Osg39-dCm-YGL8xFzGtz/s1600/1457709_10151998506134205_1948558276_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuv2J2XefZV-GWDcEv01qboeXORS31R3Vdg7Lrhk_c5JHnRVe_Z2bch9R6oLBAPzHdJB1i-ZEk2n76RZUO5jPIZIuGqdPoRpYJpf2etYNxAJCL1gRB8zdefFvlJZR5u2P1g3j2bQOWNH_0/s1600/1897658_10152002032774205_422482840_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuv2J2XefZV-GWDcEv01qboeXORS31R3Vdg7Lrhk_c5JHnRVe_Z2bch9R6oLBAPzHdJB1i-ZEk2n76RZUO5jPIZIuGqdPoRpYJpf2etYNxAJCL1gRB8zdefFvlJZR5u2P1g3j2bQOWNH_0/s1600/1897658_10152002032774205_422482840_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoQxui9oIlIvT1D7pjvFVIdcemVjulCVaSZWKfBMjOD8qbedA7q3VcA_G0GryVF-am946yIcyAN-XyQ0sQJu-ylFVGGOY7PUvps-jLPVafWKVtB3Vsi9BXUPypz7-T3WJD8Z_dY8um945/s1600/14870_10152002027054205_1636763407_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoQxui9oIlIvT1D7pjvFVIdcemVjulCVaSZWKfBMjOD8qbedA7q3VcA_G0GryVF-am946yIcyAN-XyQ0sQJu-ylFVGGOY7PUvps-jLPVafWKVtB3Vsi9BXUPypz7-T3WJD8Z_dY8um945/s1600/14870_10152002027054205_1636763407_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsEPfRaRuB_N9TgV01SJLbE8yFZX04hRen7h7TuvAkce5mul8on0e5oZB4aWRrcN4uIsX6hVauWJSddce9ASlyzzfnRNB5on_NL-hmG69uvb3ZcE19MQuPLbQAoF3Q6V_hJFH7QzfeoD2/s1600/1606949_10151987518764205_427884420_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsEPfRaRuB_N9TgV01SJLbE8yFZX04hRen7h7TuvAkce5mul8on0e5oZB4aWRrcN4uIsX6hVauWJSddce9ASlyzzfnRNB5on_NL-hmG69uvb3ZcE19MQuPLbQAoF3Q6V_hJFH7QzfeoD2/s1600/1606949_10151987518764205_427884420_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4YhcksP8gdBPOP3tA_ObwzFvSL9gowgoOKXSPG6N4vy1lpxH6SNA5icGO7a7JoJ9-DEPwyGmoZUnAnaz91_Lbi7be9nZXdamLdxJpXAHX_RXRfen-kITldycEy34myEqj6xkXK6iMEAW/s1600/10150705_10152016954874205_31093234_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4YhcksP8gdBPOP3tA_ObwzFvSL9gowgoOKXSPG6N4vy1lpxH6SNA5icGO7a7JoJ9-DEPwyGmoZUnAnaz91_Lbi7be9nZXdamLdxJpXAHX_RXRfen-kITldycEy34myEqj6xkXK6iMEAW/s1600/10150705_10152016954874205_31093234_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gTWID7bFinrgVkdANcOh5SQgiQHyUFY0v5C2JZRFtzWmpnLgSBJq8cnrT6yk9zbBK-_3A9c0R8hyphenhyphenp9ubfAbOyeSdA2EdGuwij5bNuClT8ULnEmVVqlsEvA3z0niuzEJSGslttQQPS44U/s1600/10003087_10152016946714205_2115420529_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gTWID7bFinrgVkdANcOh5SQgiQHyUFY0v5C2JZRFtzWmpnLgSBJq8cnrT6yk9zbBK-_3A9c0R8hyphenhyphenp9ubfAbOyeSdA2EdGuwij5bNuClT8ULnEmVVqlsEvA3z0niuzEJSGslttQQPS44U/s1600/10003087_10152016946714205_2115420529_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-ap1mMZ66URJ2wmpvL_bBTrLamsVLnmeT6CNONoyN0NlAoFSYMmqXNKLG1HcVl14-JV_lG-ACkD3V0eG4FJkrTRIdKWMnh1QuZC5l08sKTLIilLdFHngbaaBWfd-jUsJIoeCvhp4OIxN/s1600/1148872_10152002030884205_577053492_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-ap1mMZ66URJ2wmpvL_bBTrLamsVLnmeT6CNONoyN0NlAoFSYMmqXNKLG1HcVl14-JV_lG-ACkD3V0eG4FJkrTRIdKWMnh1QuZC5l08sKTLIilLdFHngbaaBWfd-jUsJIoeCvhp4OIxN/s1600/1148872_10152002030884205_577053492_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdmrczeXz1wL6xpvgKmX_HKhEYyFrS5pFwJDG5yIitNrJ0Vdq1OR3LbMhV3XLJ74HbPocv7XzgM2Wb7RKMven8tyTK6-EHdy85tKv4V5VKsruwSwNV0YDuKT_QZgG0xuAzI4lVRIteMqn/s1600/1017720_10152003924679205_64698672_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdmrczeXz1wL6xpvgKmX_HKhEYyFrS5pFwJDG5yIitNrJ0Vdq1OR3LbMhV3XLJ74HbPocv7XzgM2Wb7RKMven8tyTK6-EHdy85tKv4V5VKsruwSwNV0YDuKT_QZgG0xuAzI4lVRIteMqn/s1600/1017720_10152003924679205_64698672_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTw7-UV-BKLyJJyMPetDrPDIcCKqRysvzRxrXHePZ-ubxR2Y41WeM9hDP2adUwf9tZV0UZNGMLbcqxDal5kp-ia0kpbgCsr2EisbAhKMLwkLLT-mV2ZOqQh3w6WA-is_jMhTdR6PmE5kF/s1600/photo-20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTw7-UV-BKLyJJyMPetDrPDIcCKqRysvzRxrXHePZ-ubxR2Y41WeM9hDP2adUwf9tZV0UZNGMLbcqxDal5kp-ia0kpbgCsr2EisbAhKMLwkLLT-mV2ZOqQh3w6WA-is_jMhTdR6PmE5kF/s1600/photo-20.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkUB1OGGlyvJ7YCVirie9ClGLWw9AfVqYFdsbJyFANJAKdmukYkTU3xVADO42ICihRaxk7fIq-CkjGSSKlJuEBsf0zJI-eiFvLGdPcq5rY9luIGWAAU9KUMoq-U3uFYh5zwySKSC6gg6J/s1600/1378601_10152016947984205_1139702936_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkUB1OGGlyvJ7YCVirie9ClGLWw9AfVqYFdsbJyFANJAKdmukYkTU3xVADO42ICihRaxk7fIq-CkjGSSKlJuEBsf0zJI-eiFvLGdPcq5rY9luIGWAAU9KUMoq-U3uFYh5zwySKSC6gg6J/s1600/1378601_10152016947984205_1139702936_n.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbc5GHXi2SiEnWsgDK92NN3E9jV52qHY89R6T4jkk_l9_vCmLf-TZJ6kwk4as9S9cgVMLD3BPPh6o6elW8WuoQ7kM858SJyVz4ntgbyFWw9O0xLVaUKFApt8qO41_kb7mtV_aKcvMYFyvu/s1600/1234453_10152000235984205_1357994673_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbc5GHXi2SiEnWsgDK92NN3E9jV52qHY89R6T4jkk_l9_vCmLf-TZJ6kwk4as9S9cgVMLD3BPPh6o6elW8WuoQ7kM858SJyVz4ntgbyFWw9O0xLVaUKFApt8qO41_kb7mtV_aKcvMYFyvu/s1600/1234453_10152000235984205_1357994673_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ILv_QZehickJgx__H20Jr6_1x56adX8Z0uGYXK80DfVcQoL99-hJbpK7PI8Uu68VAR_ugZ17mMAfKYi0anAMVbJ8APtzwmwaFpAqipPwMbgukupLAJ5uMQ5yoHCyxDvWP5oabLscQUL6/s1600/1526308_10152002025179205_817536054_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ILv_QZehickJgx__H20Jr6_1x56adX8Z0uGYXK80DfVcQoL99-hJbpK7PI8Uu68VAR_ugZ17mMAfKYi0anAMVbJ8APtzwmwaFpAqipPwMbgukupLAJ5uMQ5yoHCyxDvWP5oabLscQUL6/s1600/1526308_10152002025179205_817536054_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVi4lOdkRMnB2DydCMP1MLb60XYsE2bE2Dm3f-d1HO0Xl6LzGB8axuo_JpYYO7kv3XH-RiJczoqzp0KlV7wGfb2QcppVBLqAyeEtp8c3rPtkUd_D4DnwYFrntzEpVbrPUUPDLQdKB0N74d/s1600/1979678_10152014787789205_1972432027_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVi4lOdkRMnB2DydCMP1MLb60XYsE2bE2Dm3f-d1HO0Xl6LzGB8axuo_JpYYO7kv3XH-RiJczoqzp0KlV7wGfb2QcppVBLqAyeEtp8c3rPtkUd_D4DnwYFrntzEpVbrPUUPDLQdKB0N74d/s1600/1979678_10152014787789205_1972432027_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIl-ImbWbf7pB_c2W2Ey_GvLtQHmXYMmml9pBpqdXcqFdGCDRVYvGPgnpSgsX5p_lbbL98AjSzipnlDBUTlttF743nYozTyDA2RgJXFOTc7y2lfCF_gmyay7hBtRL9e5kL8FF8BIzrOCR/s1600/IMG_2846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIl-ImbWbf7pB_c2W2Ey_GvLtQHmXYMmml9pBpqdXcqFdGCDRVYvGPgnpSgsX5p_lbbL98AjSzipnlDBUTlttF743nYozTyDA2RgJXFOTc7y2lfCF_gmyay7hBtRL9e5kL8FF8BIzrOCR/s1600/IMG_2846.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8uMi-QEnKmDg-hQh5mzGj3Qk_ZXGigr5YHosVD54YzpJL7dg1vFhrfF1znPCqWXJiUqOHn2yIwKiNMUcxztIi8FyAONvNtMe3VYrovr1BiuNN6vteyS1Qstjr9myEuxpnNlkITVSTQCQ/s1600/2518_10151994531004205_486699120_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8uMi-QEnKmDg-hQh5mzGj3Qk_ZXGigr5YHosVD54YzpJL7dg1vFhrfF1znPCqWXJiUqOHn2yIwKiNMUcxztIi8FyAONvNtMe3VYrovr1BiuNN6vteyS1Qstjr9myEuxpnNlkITVSTQCQ/s1600/2518_10151994531004205_486699120_n.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lH5m2J3fj9dS1bQ6DZ0dVymzMdG7c2_OD5PLnHptMoD74d1wFkFRzp2mhyDaGXZoG7__iAWlJOMQ2SZ9wZa4Z5gTfSLW9CRImZnlnf_hyEtR1Vbb9wq9aybjfZj3rsxmRiCzHO4tLPrm/s1600/10012594_10152019225284205_211856911_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lH5m2J3fj9dS1bQ6DZ0dVymzMdG7c2_OD5PLnHptMoD74d1wFkFRzp2mhyDaGXZoG7__iAWlJOMQ2SZ9wZa4Z5gTfSLW9CRImZnlnf_hyEtR1Vbb9wq9aybjfZj3rsxmRiCzHO4tLPrm/s1600/10012594_10152019225284205_211856911_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Exh2QDrn9osZuVYZ0rNg7v4FsSpWj5H6zMslj09Ps88vSUWU6o1c5iZLIBONXgdg1fayorFpBnt2z2FPVRk17oCY6AMio3wVkUmpylqxi1lyp7fyhcT4-YvOGN1Qbxnkk3AGxLRJSsWx/s1600/10009905_10152014797484205_1697318458_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Exh2QDrn9osZuVYZ0rNg7v4FsSpWj5H6zMslj09Ps88vSUWU6o1c5iZLIBONXgdg1fayorFpBnt2z2FPVRk17oCY6AMio3wVkUmpylqxi1lyp7fyhcT4-YvOGN1Qbxnkk3AGxLRJSsWx/s1600/10009905_10152014797484205_1697318458_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnDUokyU7y3RLs75TrFsnw06Daa9AxqqrWL1OTxu8cAQt-ZvDvonL7XL1OuyHBcNAIhtyOMacjfmsrXNIrd7PfI8P9wlQ0UwS0cZaOchTsk1MLOoKbFCnkkfcHrxsuxi5TTHXwVgu7j3G/s1600/1959721_10151998501239205_1055876500_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnDUokyU7y3RLs75TrFsnw06Daa9AxqqrWL1OTxu8cAQt-ZvDvonL7XL1OuyHBcNAIhtyOMacjfmsrXNIrd7PfI8P9wlQ0UwS0cZaOchTsk1MLOoKbFCnkkfcHrxsuxi5TTHXwVgu7j3G/s1600/1959721_10151998501239205_1055876500_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Y9YBzFtgU7NH_dLmXzjz1hggh6yjYX8nfUP5uQLqFpIVIzJatfH1xbdbpIFjSWStKGn9d4hVFrMU7KcddHc4ATJhNBn82eFS6d6aiBImJjJynyS_tIAT_pcFVtO0EO7Enimg6BIXSf3C/s1600/10175053_10152019223949205_749424195_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Y9YBzFtgU7NH_dLmXzjz1hggh6yjYX8nfUP5uQLqFpIVIzJatfH1xbdbpIFjSWStKGn9d4hVFrMU7KcddHc4ATJhNBn82eFS6d6aiBImJjJynyS_tIAT_pcFVtO0EO7Enimg6BIXSf3C/s1600/10175053_10152019223949205_749424195_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsjBuyewsc5zBvHFis0krc8Y5wwm32980OghsLJl-ZdXe3Ywh7TuxQX6rYIBVbqK3iVkYdwMD3xzX7OlV4x-RyBe-XM4HS3bufhyphenhyphenGkeDswQGu9FJNohlws-ZJ8U8rzg07tB7w4qsEtgXy/s1600/10247193_10152019230744205_1939549001_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsjBuyewsc5zBvHFis0krc8Y5wwm32980OghsLJl-ZdXe3Ywh7TuxQX6rYIBVbqK3iVkYdwMD3xzX7OlV4x-RyBe-XM4HS3bufhyphenhyphenGkeDswQGu9FJNohlws-ZJ8U8rzg07tB7w4qsEtgXy/s1600/10247193_10152019230744205_1939549001_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3bjUaeWylKWmTu211-sHID2U0MySauUAUd4Qx6EqBQB3q6JBA8tnw5tgS64zTSmJGCd6Cmr-GYmkgU2POTylVTowbXeZxuB7juoc6ubDytW8W8pCgFYloH-zflE_IgpXZu7ljoFkisgR/s1600/1982168_10152025502129205_6616461829444093213_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3bjUaeWylKWmTu211-sHID2U0MySauUAUd4Qx6EqBQB3q6JBA8tnw5tgS64zTSmJGCd6Cmr-GYmkgU2POTylVTowbXeZxuB7juoc6ubDytW8W8pCgFYloH-zflE_IgpXZu7ljoFkisgR/s1600/1982168_10152025502129205_6616461829444093213_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you'd like to see more pictures, check out my entire </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nicaragua Mission Trip album <a href="https://www.facebook.com/emilyrachellegerman/media_set?set=a.10203189965692961.1073741836.1322580029&type=3" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vhTcNwr_8qEwAYZ8V5GkimHIOfhErSHz8kLgDOuP9lrcTkEX_x3DR16JwQFNZti1tBli_EucwZL1bDScIWhzeZO7gGHatUgtixnVpl8yf4akWdMxjYQi-_DRKt9cY1VJtcCLIidr6f91/s1600/emily.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vhTcNwr_8qEwAYZ8V5GkimHIOfhErSHz8kLgDOuP9lrcTkEX_x3DR16JwQFNZti1tBli_EucwZL1bDScIWhzeZO7gGHatUgtixnVpl8yf4akWdMxjYQi-_DRKt9cY1VJtcCLIidr6f91/s1600/emily.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />emilyrachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01998606587564635994noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8502455443302001289.post-3623224558022612922014-03-03T13:26:00.000-08:002014-03-04T06:50:04.435-08:00What is Lent?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuppF_dsazD-JgSm5QvHN49ojNa2UTrGggp0T28hQks0qtFebSYAwdKpoDgGMK5raRdN7vS6sRCAfigDVhDBuK168hf1KnjG_nFc8voRN-ICQ7NJxRyVFJ1xQwnvxfaZUjRTIK7_o29JZ/s1600/REJOICEsquare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuppF_dsazD-JgSm5QvHN49ojNa2UTrGggp0T28hQks0qtFebSYAwdKpoDgGMK5raRdN7vS6sRCAfigDVhDBuK168hf1KnjG_nFc8voRN-ICQ7NJxRyVFJ1xQwnvxfaZUjRTIK7_o29JZ/s1600/REJOICEsquare.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />The word "Lent" often draws thoughts of "giving something up" for a period of time. But what is the true meaning behind the 40-day season? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At the heart of the Lenten Season lies preparation for Baptism and a renewal of baptismal commitment. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As the candidates for Baptism enter their final period of preparation for Baptism, the rest of the Church accompanies them on their journey and together, we prepare to renew our baptismal vows at Easter. Lent then, is truly baptismal, whether for one who is </span>entering the Church for the first time, or for someone seeking to grow closer to Christ and renew their Baptismal promises.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
So why do people fast during Lent? Lent is about conversion, turning our lives more completely over to Christ and His way of life. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lent is a 40-day season. Let's take a look at where the number forty appears in the Bible:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Noah waited 40 days before opening a window on the ark and releasing a dove. (Genesis 8:6) </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Moses fasted on a mountain 40 days and returned with the Ten Commandments. (Exodus 34:28-29)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-The Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness searching for the Promised Land. (Exodus 16:35) </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Goliath taunted the Israelite army for 40 days before being defeated by David. (1 Samuel 17:16) </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Jonah warned the city of Nineveh that they had 40 days until God would overthrow the city. Within those 40 days the people repented and God spared the city. (Jonah 3:4) </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days enduring the temptations of the devil. (Matthew 4:1-2) </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-After Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection He appeared to the disciples for 40 days and then joined His Father in Heaven. (Acts 1:3) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As you can see, the number forty has long been biblically recognized as an important number, one often associated with a period of trial followed by grace and renewal. This is exactly how we view Lent. A time of preparation followed by renewal of spirit. In order to grow spiritually, we must turn away from sin.</span> The goal is not to abstain from sin for the duration of Lent but to root sin out of our lives forever. Conversion means leaving behind an old way of living and acting in order to embrace new life in Christ. Fasting is a way to develop self-control and to gain the ability to say "no" to the small things we enjoy, even if they are ultimately good, so that you can say "no" to the things that draw us into sin. Fasting should also be connected to our concern for those who are forced to fast by poverty or are in need for any reason. Thus, fasting is linked to living out our baptismal promises. By our Baptism, we are charged with the responsibility of showing Christ's love to the world, especially those in need. When human suffering is accepted and offered up in union with the Passion of Jesus, we believe that our suffering can be united to that of Christ and so in union with His Passion. Fasting can help us realize the suffering that so many people in our world experience every day, and it should lead us to greater efforts to alleviate that suffering. (This recognition of suffering will become a strong reality as I set off for a FOCUS Missions trip to Nicaragua with several students and fellow missionaries in just a few days! Pray for us!)</div>
<br />
But why put ashes on our foreheads? The ashes for Ash Wednesday are made from blessed palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday. The ashes are sprinkled with Holy Water and incensed before distribution. Ashes are applied to our forehead in the sign of the cross as the words, "Remember, you are dust and to dust you shall return" or "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel" are spoken to us. The words "Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return" are from scripture. They occur after The Fall when God is explaining to Adam one of the main consequences of Original Sin -- separation from God and mortality. God reminds Adam that his body is dust, and after the fall, to dust it shall return. Ash Wednesday takes us back to that moment. We are standing in the Garden with Adam and Eve. We are dust and to dust we shall return. There is a great schism between God and us, and how can that relationship be repaired? Jesus' death and resurrection reconciles us with God, and is precisely the focal point of Lent -- Easter. We look forward with hope to the celebration of Easter. We remember that we are nothing but dust if we do not have Easter; it is only Jesus' resurrection that gives us hope that we too shall be risen from the dust. When we hear the words, "you are dust and to dust you shall return" it should call to mind the spirit of Lent, reminding us that not only are our bodies dust, but so are all of the things of this world. All money, possessions, and earthly accomplishments are not important in themselves. They are all fleeting. They are all, ultimately, dust. Lent is a time to re-evaluate our lives. Yes, we are dust. Do we spend our lives chasing more dust? Or are we chasing the one thing that can truly make an eternal difference? Are we chasing the one Being who can breathe life into dust? For a people of dust, this is our only hope. Receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday symbolizes our mortality as well as our need for ongoing repentance. It is a reminder that this life is short and merely a foreshadowing of what we shall become through the redemption of Jesus Christ on the cross. We look forward to when we are raised from the dust, in resurrected bodies like His own and called to the eternal communion of heaven.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vhTcNwr_8qEwAYZ8V5GkimHIOfhErSHz8kLgDOuP9lrcTkEX_x3DR16JwQFNZti1tBli_EucwZL1bDScIWhzeZO7gGHatUgtixnVpl8yf4akWdMxjYQi-_DRKt9cY1VJtcCLIidr6f91/s1600/emily.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vhTcNwr_8qEwAYZ8V5GkimHIOfhErSHz8kLgDOuP9lrcTkEX_x3DR16JwQFNZti1tBli_EucwZL1bDScIWhzeZO7gGHatUgtixnVpl8yf4akWdMxjYQi-_DRKt9cY1VJtcCLIidr6f91/s1600/emily.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
emilyrachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01998606587564635994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8502455443302001289.post-26501102768945696452014-02-14T11:02:00.000-08:002014-03-18T07:35:32.286-07:00Happy Feast of the Martyr, Saint Valentine!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4Dozlr_G3w02f8zyAtWz1lkF_P9sPUoBDqbGfirxwVn9sCv5ZKVbfekKagIx9DoUhWkqQ9gJEu0-u47aQ1Ja4gbnGGYaNudfNum-W2w-HHD2PCey0nhnEAaHWdlsHF12n7oz9GPCH0NE/s1600/1e869ace12b3671e13dc7bb253530ee7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4Dozlr_G3w02f8zyAtWz1lkF_P9sPUoBDqbGfirxwVn9sCv5ZKVbfekKagIx9DoUhWkqQ9gJEu0-u47aQ1Ja4gbnGGYaNudfNum-W2w-HHD2PCey0nhnEAaHWdlsHF12n7oz9GPCH0NE/s1600/1e869ace12b3671e13dc7bb253530ee7.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Valentines day is fun. I love any opportunity to be completely ridiculous with my cheesy puns and pick-up lines, and I enjoy showing my appreciation for all my dear friends that love me despite my punny humor. I've spent every single Valentine's Day in my life perfectly single, and I still love it. I admit, at times I catch myself thinking about how it would be fun to have an admirer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie9VxRF7ucM&feature=kp" target="_blank">(and sometimes I have to resist listening to "On My Way" by Boyce Avenue - *cue emotional chastity lecture)</a>, but having an admirer would be fun every day of the year, not just on Valentine's Day. This is because I connect Valentine's day with a different kind of love rather than romantic love. (My favorite valentines are from my mother. Seriously, isn't this the cutest?)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEint0Tn5BthNPIxHu0G9hoC5hRWp48MggeCHEQOxA49cuhCpshPJ9TOFkhFWwuLZv7fW0M_-jg42uYotnO84UKu61ZmbVcbc0SOmlSrbGrR0B0Jn3ezdseX3PKSPg9CL3AjmahJqftft7DE/s1600/Snapshot+2014-02-14+11-16-14.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEint0Tn5BthNPIxHu0G9hoC5hRWp48MggeCHEQOxA49cuhCpshPJ9TOFkhFWwuLZv7fW0M_-jg42uYotnO84UKu61ZmbVcbc0SOmlSrbGrR0B0Jn3ezdseX3PKSPg9CL3AjmahJqftft7DE/s1600/Snapshot+2014-02-14+11-16-14.tiff" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I do wonder what St. Valentine, a third century Roman martyr, would think of what has become of his feast day. His name is now connected to romance and sex, twisted into something far from the love that Saint Valentine truly represented.<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxRY5aeDb3T4b2Eo3galiJjuWfocw4NYUyLGpK_c1B6YfQEpuRZB84FVupYhswaQ83C0ZE67uTCM-509b7UJVxzx9LOXi_XX4Zvy9lm9EVs2O-FS9T_gTBN8Q6uM4jkgH184HAe93wQN5/s1600/16272_467953263253426_491787537_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxRY5aeDb3T4b2Eo3galiJjuWfocw4NYUyLGpK_c1B6YfQEpuRZB84FVupYhswaQ83C0ZE67uTCM-509b7UJVxzx9LOXi_XX4Zvy9lm9EVs2O-FS9T_gTBN8Q6uM4jkgH184HAe93wQN5/s1600/16272_467953263253426_491787537_n.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JasonBachCartoons" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Jason Bach Cartoons</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Don't know much about Saint Valentine? St. Valentine was a holy priest in Rome at the time when there was an emperor called Claudius who persecuted the church. Claudius also had an edict that prohibited the marriage of young people, based on the idea that unmarried soldiers fought better than married soldiers because married soldiers might be afriad of what would happen to their families if they were to die. Valentine secretly married couples and was eventually caught, imprisoned, clubbed, and beheaded because of his stand for Christian marriage.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
St. Valentine represents a kind of love in which one lays down their life for another, a Christ-like love. While this holiday has been reduced to something much less than its true meaning, I choose to celebrate the kind of love that St. Valentine represented and died for. I celebrate Christ's life giving love. And that is truly a reason to celebrate. After all, Christ is the...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnD2oNO9LQpxyTnys8rUaIBWWxAhWlcBUdi0GV8z30IqdQ_8aAyWsCLe2CLQOYh1ZbXiYD9IWziFTjN3gHoRrFXleY2A8fETZT35Hm5TjPlrpNl6YlYDMMLjVIqNcuevyh4NIMsiPquRh/s1600/1800177_671446799565687_1641258973_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnD2oNO9LQpxyTnys8rUaIBWWxAhWlcBUdi0GV8z30IqdQ_8aAyWsCLe2CLQOYh1ZbXiYD9IWziFTjN3gHoRrFXleY2A8fETZT35Hm5TjPlrpNl6YlYDMMLjVIqNcuevyh4NIMsiPquRh/s1600/1800177_671446799565687_1641258973_n.png" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
No matter who you spend Valentine's Day with, I hope this day calls to mind the love of Christ. Happy feast day of Saint Valentine!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Love in Him,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vhTcNwr_8qEwAYZ8V5GkimHIOfhErSHz8kLgDOuP9lrcTkEX_x3DR16JwQFNZti1tBli_EucwZL1bDScIWhzeZO7gGHatUgtixnVpl8yf4akWdMxjYQi-_DRKt9cY1VJtcCLIidr6f91/s1600/emily.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vhTcNwr_8qEwAYZ8V5GkimHIOfhErSHz8kLgDOuP9lrcTkEX_x3DR16JwQFNZti1tBli_EucwZL1bDScIWhzeZO7gGHatUgtixnVpl8yf4akWdMxjYQi-_DRKt9cY1VJtcCLIidr6f91/s1600/emily.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
emilyrachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01998606587564635994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8502455443302001289.post-56297172267727935702014-02-01T08:35:00.000-08:002014-02-01T10:15:28.950-08:00¿Quién causa tanta Alegría? ¡La Concepción de Maria!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccpFjq3x8lYkRj7vkqjLyIF-t40JryYQWhVYGyxQMLv9SHA-VBxcWKk_k38i44RcwyNvsDaMW6hQ9zeYvtPWc2dK-9dYii8YRyEaEEIhAryU0BnDgCmQuSodAVWTRDhu-qLkM22fEcWRk/s1600/nicaragua2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccpFjq3x8lYkRj7vkqjLyIF-t40JryYQWhVYGyxQMLv9SHA-VBxcWKk_k38i44RcwyNvsDaMW6hQ9zeYvtPWc2dK-9dYii8YRyEaEEIhAryU0BnDgCmQuSodAVWTRDhu-qLkM22fEcWRk/s1600/nicaragua2.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In just five weeks I will be on a plane enroute to Nicaragua. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Junction; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Over ASU's spring break, I will be traveling with four Arizona State University students, and sixteen other students & FOCUS missionaries from across the nation to serve the poor on a FOCUS Missions trip to Nicaragua. We will be serving in a mountainous community on the northeast area of Nicaragua, Ayapal. This is where the Bishop of Jinotega has deemed 'most in need'. The community is just south of the border of Honduras. Some of the churches in this area are only reachable via horse or canoe, or simply walking long distances. Living and working with the people, we will be helping to build some of the chapels from the outside communities. The people in these areas lack much of their material needs. They are war-torn people from the recent civil war that ended only in 1992 and there are many families without the fathers and/or the sons as a consequence of the fighting. The need for the message of forgiveness and hope is what the people need and we will be there for them. </span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Junction; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Junction; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Missions has truly grasped my heart. People often ask me, "When did you decide to apply to become a FOCUS missionary?" The answer is while I was on my very first FOCUS Mission, a trip to the Dominican Republic. There was a powerful moment as I crossed the muddy water from the Dominican Republic to Haiti, I watched the native people bathe while their children splashed in the awful smelling, cholera-infected water. Careful not to touch the water for fear of sickness, I thought to myself, “These people don’t even realize that they are swimming in infected waters.” I couldn’t help but wonder what my campus would look like if I placed a spiritual lens over my eyes. I suddenly saw my own friends unknowingly swimming in dangerous, infected waters of hopelessness, confusion, and sin. Translating the physical need of purification in the Dominican Republic to the spiritual need on my own college campus placed a sense of urgency and mission on my heart. I am so looking forward to seeing how the students’ hearts will be transformed as they serve and become a witness of God's love. </span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Junction; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Junction; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">The Feast of The Immaculate Conception is the patronal feast day of Nicaragua. The </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Nicaraguans call this feast "that of The Most Pure One", </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">La <span class="xspelle"><span lang="ES-PE">Purísima</span></span><span class="xspelle">. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">On the feast of La </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Purísima, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Nicaraguans honor Mary with songs, processions, and firecrackers. They call this feast day celebrati</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">on, “La Griteria” which literally means </span>"The Shouting." Year round, Nicaraguans greet one another saying, “¿Quién es la causa de tanta alegría?” (“Who is the cause of so much joy?”)<span lang="ES-PE">, and the common response is "</span>¡La Concepción de Maria!" ("The Conception of Mary!") I have a deep admiration of Our Mother, and her receptivity to the Holy Spirit and her most beautiful fiat, so I am unbelievably excited to join in "La Griteria," shouting "¿Quién es la causa de tanta alegría? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">¡La Conce</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">pción de Maria!" through the streets of Nicaraga. :)</span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Junction; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Junction; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare for this journey!</span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Junction; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Junction; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Love in Christ,</span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Junction; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl14Yun0AhAKPn7PXOSWr9GJL68zP_eIByMILx1m9rYFzf3byU3z-TxXTJe48lWNw0yoAKBPn35pI3v_F1-OveGQiZ0VMtcWex1mLvRnIFTpNRsMh9dinPVrrFHkC6tSupgRayHAbGr3vg/s1600/emily.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl14Yun0AhAKPn7PXOSWr9GJL68zP_eIByMILx1m9rYFzf3byU3z-TxXTJe48lWNw0yoAKBPn35pI3v_F1-OveGQiZ0VMtcWex1mLvRnIFTpNRsMh9dinPVrrFHkC6tSupgRayHAbGr3vg/s1600/emily.png" /></a></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Junction; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you would like to donate towards my mission trip to Nicaragua please go to: <a href="http://www.focusonline.org/goto/emilygerman">www.focusonline.org/goto/emilygerman</a></span></div>
emilyrachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01998606587564635994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8502455443302001289.post-24565283426687370482014-01-11T09:25:00.000-08:002014-01-11T16:59:52.760-08:00Home for Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGIuSOFUFNoSezH7hXEyCjb6Qm9CqRZCKz6pzuKHN-WLoW0Fkd2glk6-OSvKGoy_CxlNEt5OE7LVklBzcmaWM1LHd38MXrqe5GPB9ARrY6eGFcgiWWVwde72wl9UEKrOS4ZG_AtCHTpcb/s1600/blog-cover-ne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGIuSOFUFNoSezH7hXEyCjb6Qm9CqRZCKz6pzuKHN-WLoW0Fkd2glk6-OSvKGoy_CxlNEt5OE7LVklBzcmaWM1LHd38MXrqe5GPB9ARrY6eGFcgiWWVwde72wl9UEKrOS4ZG_AtCHTpcb/s1600/blog-cover-ne.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was blessed to be able to spend some much needed time at home with family and friends over Christmas break. It felt so good to be greeted by many dear people upon my arrival to Omaha! We enjoyed some sushi, drinks, and good conversation.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CtXFRjmkSRLH7ALSUwI4X1s5rxirPSesIivhnjGA0fh9ZDYrK1w4lEIyyVOOKeSWv2G1wuP2VzLcYiEhU4lh1VX79a2G_m1HGjl70ARYoKHME9rcMT_6OHTpEndyM-rC4J2QbGibQ2FQ/s1600/1471832_10202537459060703_2004471056_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CtXFRjmkSRLH7ALSUwI4X1s5rxirPSesIivhnjGA0fh9ZDYrK1w4lEIyyVOOKeSWv2G1wuP2VzLcYiEhU4lh1VX79a2G_m1HGjl70ARYoKHME9rcMT_6OHTpEndyM-rC4J2QbGibQ2FQ/s1600/1471832_10202537459060703_2004471056_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My high school invited me to speak to the students about my ministry work with FOCUS and how they can get involved in college. It was such a cool opportunity to share my journey with all of the students and to see their excitement to learn about the New Evangelization!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dw85awfjBtiIZx3VixFvdoG4xe9dh1cW8e4cjigXDCcz4X1x-Kk20PW6wIAVNz6PIehk0HWK_tJsInU3sep4YTmcEDhyphenhyphenzz4R3RBRHy_6j0dFRbALaHu6yd-1EbEdwVlwnva5cmuws4Dv/s1600/225754_10201015356649094_192798703_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dw85awfjBtiIZx3VixFvdoG4xe9dh1cW8e4cjigXDCcz4X1x-Kk20PW6wIAVNz6PIehk0HWK_tJsInU3sep4YTmcEDhyphenhyphenzz4R3RBRHy_6j0dFRbALaHu6yd-1EbEdwVlwnva5cmuws4Dv/s1600/225754_10201015356649094_192798703_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was able to meet up with my discipleship chain from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and their new FOCUS discipler, Megan, before everyone went home for Christmas break. It was so encouraging to hear how the Holy Spirit continues to work within the house of Delta Gamma.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLltIXCn9YNWWijRDo2yICEdtPoaDy7455xTuy10KPe5KuD_zV579JLnpgtw9Ae_wmvsFbh_NW1a13J5EObosaYVQS4uNa8wy9vfbYq36x9rQUuzylJ1zRi9xWSFiPSMw29wp4MoUglk_/s1600/1510681_10202743629694840_1870124608_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLltIXCn9YNWWijRDo2yICEdtPoaDy7455xTuy10KPe5KuD_zV579JLnpgtw9Ae_wmvsFbh_NW1a13J5EObosaYVQS4uNa8wy9vfbYq36x9rQUuzylJ1zRi9xWSFiPSMw29wp4MoUglk_/s1600/1510681_10202743629694840_1870124608_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My family and I made the trip to Iowa for the wedding of my cousin, Erin. My dad is one of eighteen children so it made for quite the family reunion! There were so many new little German babies to be snuggled, which I loved of course. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0FPcARLMdQdqp6xFNniG2fqpChoj8DASpzIa3R3BB1a9YvcVmmLnm_rDxcYm9L2oBYZGDIG6a70uFOH-Lc1bFvrouC4GRsDX-HZ-XO8nNZ9JFpuoF90I1dnG6soUieOIzSxC9restjeM/s1600/1491616_10202596092086492_1463855532_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0FPcARLMdQdqp6xFNniG2fqpChoj8DASpzIa3R3BB1a9YvcVmmLnm_rDxcYm9L2oBYZGDIG6a70uFOH-Lc1bFvrouC4GRsDX-HZ-XO8nNZ9JFpuoF90I1dnG6soUieOIzSxC9restjeM/s1600/1491616_10202596092086492_1463855532_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcfwKo_IkHHpySzpw52XS0FquNStoq4x6uUeZRP-aTunbD4gjEnU9kuuy8CmT8Lxkbo0ASlfyT_PSxIBHIz8DtNyvonKU8_WTUo3YiwO1b0Xd1USnvU7DN8Sq88Z-nOuLftPvkAaXXslz/s1600/1487448_10202595122062242_1437368141_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcfwKo_IkHHpySzpw52XS0FquNStoq4x6uUeZRP-aTunbD4gjEnU9kuuy8CmT8Lxkbo0ASlfyT_PSxIBHIz8DtNyvonKU8_WTUo3YiwO1b0Xd1USnvU7DN8Sq88Z-nOuLftPvkAaXXslz/s1600/1487448_10202595122062242_1437368141_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FTjN0whRljB-ElbeIP_pZKUulcZuOiSMLpfZZKUMmKSJe4w6H8kC4dRvkxFVJ3imDwXiqfb6gJpz8wni7aZXsT7dXgm9y8woz7NSI57mLeQEifCNWdwfv2IF_I79NGfwiLPz2ly4XZGp/s1600/1536607_10202599723817283_459773723_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FTjN0whRljB-ElbeIP_pZKUulcZuOiSMLpfZZKUMmKSJe4w6H8kC4dRvkxFVJ3imDwXiqfb6gJpz8wni7aZXsT7dXgm9y8woz7NSI57mLeQEifCNWdwfv2IF_I79NGfwiLPz2ly4XZGp/s1600/1536607_10202599723817283_459773723_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christmas was celebrated as the German tradition always goes: Christmas Eve Mass (my sister played the organ at the children's Mass for the 14th year in a row!!), home cooked dinner, and Christmas gift opening. It was lovely to have the whole family home to celebrate the birth of our Lord. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QEQu6AkZcRcHodQJvwENSOAP0YWJ_ZKznmHZtmEyH5o3HDjNB4KJsbTFiOKw7FmERq-lxnRcoJ4gZnt5xTlxdXrezcbfYa6V5jvlx_PhzRx7O64fSZIlz0G3Q9yOv0RPaV1Fi_x_Ckjy/s1600/1501834_10202616056025578_586555072_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QEQu6AkZcRcHodQJvwENSOAP0YWJ_ZKznmHZtmEyH5o3HDjNB4KJsbTFiOKw7FmERq-lxnRcoJ4gZnt5xTlxdXrezcbfYa6V5jvlx_PhzRx7O64fSZIlz0G3Q9yOv0RPaV1Fi_x_Ckjy/s1600/1501834_10202616056025578_586555072_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJ-1oB5tdqb9FUgcizGTDW60CbK2syJWI4Kt1IgfjWTNDR2R8Cc-5KYFfwgW8cHb8xl7rwleRmtt87XopskFLrNCxas58gus8I1Q0_utakdpGyz6hSBzIW3geNXMTDMT9_bYudZIlPkyz/s1600/996102_10202620104206780_1102365658_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJ-1oB5tdqb9FUgcizGTDW60CbK2syJWI4Kt1IgfjWTNDR2R8Cc-5KYFfwgW8cHb8xl7rwleRmtt87XopskFLrNCxas58gus8I1Q0_utakdpGyz6hSBzIW3geNXMTDMT9_bYudZIlPkyz/s1600/996102_10202620104206780_1102365658_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWF5QcgbN2RuPis6qoNFJNvkcWEX1B20dCdI3ER2_RyZbQ_22CBBTeZ9U6JefH91I1LJAcXd0cHkUfb4KMprGZHMl2KSUmp479VrqhswkwLYMb-1t1siLmJVtncZZ59ObE3iIgH-DWh6h-/s1600/1546411_10202639203244244_485114341_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWF5QcgbN2RuPis6qoNFJNvkcWEX1B20dCdI3ER2_RyZbQ_22CBBTeZ9U6JefH91I1LJAcXd0cHkUfb4KMprGZHMl2KSUmp479VrqhswkwLYMb-1t1siLmJVtncZZ59ObE3iIgH-DWh6h-/s1600/1546411_10202639203244244_485114341_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was able to catch up with my NHRI (Nebraska Human Resources Institute) mentee, Ashlie, who is doing big things at New York University. Ashlie is on the diving team and has even been named Eastern College Athletic Conference Division III Metro Diver of the Week as a freshman! From the west to the east, we were united once again in the heartland.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2lAS1G230GEVyLiUJcdQ-ByXuQWV7gdXEVaCW_v5FlXQ6-uU57uYvc4Dr-BwbjS8azM3GEoYrLjZtoimsqiKFzjLYk2b-La1sH15Z9WNdwER95pRe26s4h8WkxnfWm_Gl3NwvLardYQV/s1600/1483345_10202644966668326_99523436_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2lAS1G230GEVyLiUJcdQ-ByXuQWV7gdXEVaCW_v5FlXQ6-uU57uYvc4Dr-BwbjS8azM3GEoYrLjZtoimsqiKFzjLYk2b-La1sH15Z9WNdwER95pRe26s4h8WkxnfWm_Gl3NwvLardYQV/s1600/1483345_10202644966668326_99523436_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And of course, much more time with family and friends. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmK7OVJ2k_5nQLztc0rbC4jCy3VLwjMOTYXxCHrGZrEGVlCb6_hYyUWHCvSA-kgvGSBHbBhQ9vzX8bsXr3VK6yjATNi-ngWt9hi83zx-KYULwuD794skUSzikQZnslM3BSN9Kf2Rfhtsy/s1600/1525265_10202631328647384_1849807060_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmK7OVJ2k_5nQLztc0rbC4jCy3VLwjMOTYXxCHrGZrEGVlCb6_hYyUWHCvSA-kgvGSBHbBhQ9vzX8bsXr3VK6yjATNi-ngWt9hi83zx-KYULwuD794skUSzikQZnslM3BSN9Kf2Rfhtsy/s1600/1525265_10202631328647384_1849807060_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cEXQvSOL72Y3AGgQ0s9erN1XHHI48_JBC1tgrMELEXI2RUlByhoyn-AeMiHOdSqXK3Lfb5az6qpt21rxLbceALi-JLLU8UAE0cluRnvDBmQmWdnNWEbPmrc9UbNFF0BOosjVhh1dbn_h/s1600/1526384_10202567775258589_1215491763_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cEXQvSOL72Y3AGgQ0s9erN1XHHI48_JBC1tgrMELEXI2RUlByhoyn-AeMiHOdSqXK3Lfb5az6qpt21rxLbceALi-JLLU8UAE0cluRnvDBmQmWdnNWEbPmrc9UbNFF0BOosjVhh1dbn_h/s1600/1526384_10202567775258589_1215491763_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VIKswhLPDOl9D1BtEhMOMk4vTuMa_lWXYX0euS1bW-mdVTTBBenLPtNlq34NmFhbVCJwxC0sbf8N4MTnaP83vo3fJaMg038gbBvEHnSDlo2drDMPsIE2kMFriUZd1aWu8lYIAgxoeeal/s1600/1469924_10202567773058534_930927011_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VIKswhLPDOl9D1BtEhMOMk4vTuMa_lWXYX0euS1bW-mdVTTBBenLPtNlq34NmFhbVCJwxC0sbf8N4MTnaP83vo3fJaMg038gbBvEHnSDlo2drDMPsIE2kMFriUZd1aWu8lYIAgxoeeal/s1600/1469924_10202567773058534_930927011_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My friend, Wyn, was gracious enough to plan a trip for a group of our close friends to ring in the New Year in the mountains of Colorado. We spent some quality time catching up on each other's lives and enjoying good company. My friend, Emily Solo, summed up our trip best: </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">"I am so blessed to have spent the past almost-week with some awesome friends: the type of beautiful souls who help strangers (with limited English) push a stuck car, make each other breakfast, build an epic snowgirl, dance with little kids in a bowling alley, and will happily kill you in a mafia game by midnight. I am grateful."</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">My roommate and disciple at Arizona, Lesley, was even able to meet up with us as well! She brought along her best friend, Catherine who had just returned from studying abroad in Florence for a semester. It was so wonderful to see my Arizona and Nebraska worlds collide. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDai1YfMAWCdLD_WPhZ7rj4D172j5hvI_Ece4swpD2C1itegzXIyt_BG1GQlAkP6yLh37NsanVF06GDwhMi14KGxgWnHaHafNW6G8ykvp7v9Ac_8ws8xQkOnRBBlplPibVFLy4MBWachMV/s1600/1472333_10152215532113465_2039932895_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDai1YfMAWCdLD_WPhZ7rj4D172j5hvI_Ece4swpD2C1itegzXIyt_BG1GQlAkP6yLh37NsanVF06GDwhMi14KGxgWnHaHafNW6G8ykvp7v9Ac_8ws8xQkOnRBBlplPibVFLy4MBWachMV/s1600/1472333_10152215532113465_2039932895_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPH_p4EHXaU-VlQ3BJQkZE8vwP9fYbbtvbp0TBuMNcj0k6J7fPdxqtvN50BOylbHrjNdrhDOmfV9q7PgAviUw4t7tCzdVjQvLMtktErOo8e18Y2vTrlOcsxVlsDBcjrdPBcjwjbIHTDImj/s1600/1016286_10202681287656328_1149299007_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPH_p4EHXaU-VlQ3BJQkZE8vwP9fYbbtvbp0TBuMNcj0k6J7fPdxqtvN50BOylbHrjNdrhDOmfV9q7PgAviUw4t7tCzdVjQvLMtktErOo8e18Y2vTrlOcsxVlsDBcjrdPBcjwjbIHTDImj/s1600/1016286_10202681287656328_1149299007_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXebhN1bwOx0IHbdBg3USs1eIm0IJK4vWLNslPLDxWkYeRQJoXmx-Y_TwfpbhwLHX6KVzlFgC71YczcG0sj75bu2BGkSskGsNm0kecZbxz6Eh_di6nxCHGuS3-cKTWUThULI0hKwLKwzZg/s1600/564569_10202681283696229_516034926_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXebhN1bwOx0IHbdBg3USs1eIm0IJK4vWLNslPLDxWkYeRQJoXmx-Y_TwfpbhwLHX6KVzlFgC71YczcG0sj75bu2BGkSskGsNm0kecZbxz6Eh_di6nxCHGuS3-cKTWUThULI0hKwLKwzZg/s1600/564569_10202681283696229_516034926_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcT6M9uzr82I9BVH7JQd05tAJU7_ElqqyPLd3VDWEjYfjK9_5zYLvLzFwLT6cIsU9NjMT1m4UUBnBDsLxbSFgFm3nIvVeQVvivJt3fgMQMBiAABrYNFPpw3PiJrQrOGvudxn0f1vtrsnGv/s1600/1517523_10202681285976286_98823337_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcT6M9uzr82I9BVH7JQd05tAJU7_ElqqyPLd3VDWEjYfjK9_5zYLvLzFwLT6cIsU9NjMT1m4UUBnBDsLxbSFgFm3nIvVeQVvivJt3fgMQMBiAABrYNFPpw3PiJrQrOGvudxn0f1vtrsnGv/s1600/1517523_10202681285976286_98823337_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just hours after my return to Arizona I was on a twenty hour bus ride headed to Dallas, Texas for the FOCUS Student Leadership Summit. ASU brought twenty students to Dallas to explore innovative ways to carry out the New Evangelization on campus and deepen in relationship with Jesus Christ. I loved having the opportunity to be a small group coach. All of the women in my small group were in a sorority so we were able to have productive conversations about how to spread the faith within our sisterhood.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_M1P_dK2qAVRNlCGfQhI3LtM5O1Rz7YfG1oagmQy1UxW355FJeu7DCb3jS8a02IbLXES2tBmGUBBHQKAwAyydLipAGPnNC1E3zNifF_LLdKZUcfF-tmLd3OKXt81s9Ur1UCvKEVNyrA5j/s1600/1526906_10202711134802488_250408833_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_M1P_dK2qAVRNlCGfQhI3LtM5O1Rz7YfG1oagmQy1UxW355FJeu7DCb3jS8a02IbLXES2tBmGUBBHQKAwAyydLipAGPnNC1E3zNifF_LLdKZUcfF-tmLd3OKXt81s9Ur1UCvKEVNyrA5j/s1600/1526906_10202711134802488_250408833_n.jpg" height="294" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZIuD4WqfF28WWY0nvE3-oSR35ln7H49MGM40hsL8vHAcjec1v08NlD6eNA6ear43z72LDtgjb3iorr9fmQmaeSO3NlZ-tg6xdEWZEakCpnL1OQH1IPuK1VwUzR89ZUt6wGA-VDEoltX3/s1600/1555375_10202702414984498_713770311_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZIuD4WqfF28WWY0nvE3-oSR35ln7H49MGM40hsL8vHAcjec1v08NlD6eNA6ear43z72LDtgjb3iorr9fmQmaeSO3NlZ-tg6xdEWZEakCpnL1OQH1IPuK1VwUzR89ZUt6wGA-VDEoltX3/s1600/1555375_10202702414984498_713770311_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekl7g37lkLt5-YGqUmnYpUqJLpkc6NUdRSh5LyyVT_2hWDS6e2ixMP5mebnX9MU5NKgc5uOCHlvACkR9dgrJ1E8u7pVP725BkPQKdGChlw8ISX_KZpM7YlQ0rDsn85JMBRn4QI834Cyx3/s1600/1525554_10152130911625937_732365925_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekl7g37lkLt5-YGqUmnYpUqJLpkc6NUdRSh5LyyVT_2hWDS6e2ixMP5mebnX9MU5NKgc5uOCHlvACkR9dgrJ1E8u7pVP725BkPQKdGChlw8ISX_KZpM7YlQ0rDsn85JMBRn4QI834Cyx3/s1600/1525554_10152130911625937_732365925_n.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And now that I'm back in Arizona, I am preparing to hit the ground running with outreach to greek students on campus. Elissa, a student who attended the Student Leadership Summit, has been a huge help in taking over all of FOCUS Greek ASU social media. We are ready for 2014!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCP8-iMXtTb7Re6SJmFrJmqkp_3kYuWfn_Am95xasMrBqAMxA0c_6RV-1PnySsL_XKm99yN4mOxgFI-GHAZJ1i_m7Eymf5tOx3O73UrDITNeN5yDdfmTiplE3vCw69mMPaYzjE_FQ6KNru/s1600/focusgreekmish-emilygerman-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCP8-iMXtTb7Re6SJmFrJmqkp_3kYuWfn_Am95xasMrBqAMxA0c_6RV-1PnySsL_XKm99yN4mOxgFI-GHAZJ1i_m7Eymf5tOx3O73UrDITNeN5yDdfmTiplE3vCw69mMPaYzjE_FQ6KNru/s1600/focusgreekmish-emilygerman-01.png" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May the Lord bless you in this New Year!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vhTcNwr_8qEwAYZ8V5GkimHIOfhErSHz8kLgDOuP9lrcTkEX_x3DR16JwQFNZti1tBli_EucwZL1bDScIWhzeZO7gGHatUgtixnVpl8yf4akWdMxjYQi-_DRKt9cY1VJtcCLIidr6f91/s1600/emily.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vhTcNwr_8qEwAYZ8V5GkimHIOfhErSHz8kLgDOuP9lrcTkEX_x3DR16JwQFNZti1tBli_EucwZL1bDScIWhzeZO7gGHatUgtixnVpl8yf4akWdMxjYQi-_DRKt9cY1VJtcCLIidr6f91/s1600/emily.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
emilyrachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01998606587564635994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8502455443302001289.post-6225525225519087552013-12-01T10:51:00.002-08:002013-12-01T14:01:19.622-08:00Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aE9MfTD-tfcnWoxAkaVSlOR6XmM0Olg-gUnNFy3L8kkoBF-x5BesMFoZWr0hHNI0FKdC0byVUuN0kUyO5tC3f66idIB9Ob2_MCKbgFgPy_pHYv2PR_Mj50FHNr78vGCAr3olFXaITo9l/s1600/advent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aE9MfTD-tfcnWoxAkaVSlOR6XmM0Olg-gUnNFy3L8kkoBF-x5BesMFoZWr0hHNI0FKdC0byVUuN0kUyO5tC3f66idIB9Ob2_MCKbgFgPy_pHYv2PR_Mj50FHNr78vGCAr3olFXaITo9l/s400/advent.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today marks the beginning of Advent. While I am fully embracing my "Beach Boys Holiday" Pandora radio station and strings of lights and ornaments, I am reminded of the true purpose of Advent. It is easy to fall into the mindset that Advent is merely a countdown until Christmas. However, Advent is so much more than that. It is a reminder that Jesus calls us to watch in great anticipation for the most important event of all - His return in glory at the end of time! The Advent season reminds us that we are living in the end of times. The end of times begins with the first coming of Christ, His incarnation and birth in Bethlehem. The second advent is the arrival of Jesus Christ in the heart of the believer. The third, culminates in His final return - the second coming when Jesus will return in all His glory. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We must always be prepared for Christ to come, because "we do not know the day, nor the hour." (Matthew 24:36) </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus' coming is good news! God is all merciful and he gives us the grace to turn away from sin and lovingly embrace Him with our whole lives. He gives us fresh hope each day so that we can keep our eyes on the eternal reward awaiting us, God himself. The source of all truth, beauty, and goodness, and the fullness of undying love and abundant life that never ends. Advent is a time to place our hope firmly in God and His kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy! As we begin a new Church year, let's refocus our eyes on Christ in hopeful anticipation of meeting Him face to face. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In other exciting news, Papa Francesco has released a new document titled <i>Evangelii Gaudium, </i>meaning "The Joy of the Gospel." It is his first apostolic exhortation, and it is devoted to the theme of the New Evangelization. As a FOCUS missionary, this document is connects with my heart in a profound way. But what I love about this document is that he is addressing the ENTIRE CHURCH. Pope Francis makes it very clear: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Every Baptized member of the Catholic faith is called to evangelize and is called to be a missionary disciple.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 17px;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>In Matthew 28:19 we hear the Great Commision: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Jesus isn't speaking to a select few, this is a call to all of us.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 17px;">If you would like to learn more about this document, check out a FOCUS blog post by Kevin Cotter <a href="http://www.focus.org/blog/posts/evangelii-gaudium-summary-pope-francis.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">here</span></a>! While it is a long document, I highly recommend you reading <i><a href="http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/francesco/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20131124_evangelii-gaudium_en.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Evangelii Gaudium</span></a></i> as well. I've only reached page 27 so far, but it's totally rocking my world. A must read. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 17px;">And now for an update on what has been going on with FOCUS at ASU!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhCCKACzfIleo35pX0DDHATEY4ujjbgUklDcKKPGAUae3YO6vcfjWfEA7AdbOEvQoI1eHX8p1ocn5jd0Dl4RhK83kmvptfpDFLmM-3SExAtUrMT9YWkBn1TL71iyBuF00jAxa1DuooPNZ/s1600/yogurt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhCCKACzfIleo35pX0DDHATEY4ujjbgUklDcKKPGAUae3YO6vcfjWfEA7AdbOEvQoI1eHX8p1ocn5jd0Dl4RhK83kmvptfpDFLmM-3SExAtUrMT9YWkBn1TL71iyBuF00jAxa1DuooPNZ/s320/yogurt.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fro yo outting with Bible Study girls.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GQ6KVBDf_1DfNNmTXQJreqsWEu2hyBZyyQxdSAe9h2qodF0ab2kcNILw6P4avkcqApehykBwTDFRthyYzU-2Qi37YGUbF19cpCrClcXe9uzRXlxUnwEeNOqv6QvumBEZ_vIKyshLMUek/s1600/rg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GQ6KVBDf_1DfNNmTXQJreqsWEu2hyBZyyQxdSAe9h2qodF0ab2kcNILw6P4avkcqApehykBwTDFRthyYzU-2Qi37YGUbF19cpCrClcXe9uzRXlxUnwEeNOqv6QvumBEZ_vIKyshLMUek/s320/rg.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I so enjoyed our FOCUS West Regional gathering in San Diego. It was so good to see several missionary friends and to bounce outreach ideas off one another.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1kj4__NxzSBEN2OVwZk167OMBL4U6XLrbHMtNmyJ9LIgUdIFxKypijdX-_LLFdW78iD3k8lNc1v_H9_TF9UPl8xlmRyWiOGbGtE2UqIdus1BrqtRFqk4K80ujAgBYJVSRXCV1KrZ0rVQ/s1600/secretgarden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1kj4__NxzSBEN2OVwZk167OMBL4U6XLrbHMtNmyJ9LIgUdIFxKypijdX-_LLFdW78iD3k8lNc1v_H9_TF9UPl8xlmRyWiOGbGtE2UqIdus1BrqtRFqk4K80ujAgBYJVSRXCV1KrZ0rVQ/s320/secretgarden.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A little adventure to the "Secret Garden" on ASU's campus.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eN6PiE5In_6oNQZpo8Pn_RroVh_WUsmsFgBTn5iE1XpfEaM4sheNENGUMaRt_6V_gUwuMq3xyRqoClBu03FJi25YLU7QK6eEHCqWbv09AUGcZiP23xp54Dkj0LRmv1AOfJP5KkL96tpW/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eN6PiE5In_6oNQZpo8Pn_RroVh_WUsmsFgBTn5iE1XpfEaM4sheNENGUMaRt_6V_gUwuMq3xyRqoClBu03FJi25YLU7QK6eEHCqWbv09AUGcZiP23xp54Dkj0LRmv1AOfJP5KkL96tpW/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Newman Center revealed a mural that will be placed in the church at the "Divine Beauty" night!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPdyf28Wf7bDs2aeC7yG61GjsNYclTognGWDgBBF6NoTfhARcIpVPUiQz6hXRCMDP0G2yG45YqB6jhkzwwUB7qwtO-f2a9g2rTeMSuOoNzFjthc4r2RsQJyRcajF-ArigV5KFRQLMrV25/s1600/iw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPdyf28Wf7bDs2aeC7yG61GjsNYclTognGWDgBBF6NoTfhARcIpVPUiQz6hXRCMDP0G2yG45YqB6jhkzwwUB7qwtO-f2a9g2rTeMSuOoNzFjthc4r2RsQJyRcajF-ArigV5KFRQLMrV25/s320/iw.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was blessed to have had the opportunity to serve FOCUS at the Denver Interview Weekend. We had two students from ASU interview! </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XxskGRONMqEiOAj2TQNRqZA9SR6Peq-vBLhRq4ThfNeiXxTHlojiAJgXOZ4PqnxP32PFbay1MVFp5zAN3MPI3hiEFjkTFlPYixYCRo2Xg5x1nN4_w970EEmqizdKQoa3c-fRrl5cNffx/s1600/picnicpark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XxskGRONMqEiOAj2TQNRqZA9SR6Peq-vBLhRq4ThfNeiXxTHlojiAJgXOZ4PqnxP32PFbay1MVFp5zAN3MPI3hiEFjkTFlPYixYCRo2Xg5x1nN4_w970EEmqizdKQoa3c-fRrl5cNffx/s320/picnicpark.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My girls and I enjoyed a picnic in the park on Veteran's Day.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzCHZwB_l-WYfnkRlzJpJ04kuzO10VQLU9lh9JPx1cTb1Nw82aH9PpCgCY2W9Vt-f7eUYCZNj8LNV5F04KJDZ6IDNGFHqJtpjXg4FEMJ6C1zMLo2kE_i0Y0YW1N6INBO9ciAvwMgx1tzX/s1600/fuzzy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzCHZwB_l-WYfnkRlzJpJ04kuzO10VQLU9lh9JPx1cTb1Nw82aH9PpCgCY2W9Vt-f7eUYCZNj8LNV5F04KJDZ6IDNGFHqJtpjXg4FEMJ6C1zMLo2kE_i0Y0YW1N6INBO9ciAvwMgx1tzX/s320/fuzzy.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">FOCUS held a "Get to Know Momma Mary Night" at Fuzzy's. Students were given the opportunity to learn more about who Mary is and different Marian apparations.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn29LSULdUV2K-RINbWIdgOSJq_9Ai9YB9NBLqwjZSlqta2mYg0jZFaUApKxro7joM-kaB2uIlzHaz9twRMs3LKI4DLmEI4T57Pc62mokeNgDdnldyIC2rVkolMu9gYI5A4L8yQp5q3ymL/s1600/catchingfire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn29LSULdUV2K-RINbWIdgOSJq_9Ai9YB9NBLqwjZSlqta2mYg0jZFaUApKxro7joM-kaB2uIlzHaz9twRMs3LKI4DLmEI4T57Pc62mokeNgDdnldyIC2rVkolMu9gYI5A4L8yQp5q3ymL/s320/catchingfire.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some girls in my disciple chain and I went to the Hunger Games: Catching Fire midnight premiere! Sooo good!!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouCuKiz5_Tvu-IBRonUmbGQ3R7izRqh9ExEn5eIwF6gje5_EWao6hZctTRU145stvIgY0D4Sk8Yhi05NFVIdp_Ob6ga4Fh-gbiukHfXBSfRUqkePliUBQn-37G8VnvwuiaLphW1hNU0yg/s1600/ang2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouCuKiz5_Tvu-IBRonUmbGQ3R7izRqh9ExEn5eIwF6gje5_EWao6hZctTRU145stvIgY0D4Sk8Yhi05NFVIdp_Ob6ga4Fh-gbiukHfXBSfRUqkePliUBQn-37G8VnvwuiaLphW1hNU0yg/s320/ang2.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We celebrated Angelica's 19th birthday with a tea party at her home.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZjZy9FVGcno-Yg2P8E9Mw5ciMw61HBnUy3gf8hndEmP_QsihUL0MfwnQ5UG5zJRFLGNKAkfAE0wJiIcGJi8SqFENP0EC_T9qm_vHLoy0dsgEfN_OdUM85eaGwmN_elbCsQBTD7EFELWQ/s1600/ang1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZjZy9FVGcno-Yg2P8E9Mw5ciMw61HBnUy3gf8hndEmP_QsihUL0MfwnQ5UG5zJRFLGNKAkfAE0wJiIcGJi8SqFENP0EC_T9qm_vHLoy0dsgEfN_OdUM85eaGwmN_elbCsQBTD7EFELWQ/s320/ang1.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love making new Nebraska friends. :)</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MKfKlfLwWpxiulBN9UE-mtbTEXMjOb-_htkD1yGo7L-ZRjMt0c5aYDTulDJ1V17JvxpJG-JqJ8CuvzdctsIhTtv-u1p16tvz_HlvEvPw5xIav2t6fmvNWodPTZzqiQGnOlPA3ey250uC/s1600/Catholicjenga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MKfKlfLwWpxiulBN9UE-mtbTEXMjOb-_htkD1yGo7L-ZRjMt0c5aYDTulDJ1V17JvxpJG-JqJ8CuvzdctsIhTtv-u1p16tvz_HlvEvPw5xIav2t6fmvNWodPTZzqiQGnOlPA3ey250uC/s320/Catholicjenga.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have started "Catholic Jenga Tuesdays" on campus. This giant jenga game has questions about the faith on each block. It's a great attention grabber and conversation starter!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-w7DVuCViDm3IRv_aBmU9eC6ENWZQ7uEpJ-LwgKFFOOuFnT4TujIiasjARJbMX9tyKySnrM8DJLldvdt24DHxhVbW7PPlfy6CmJVVMu-421XgoNH4v98EN3zcp8vQxA2N_9WqprHjujn/s1600/upperroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-w7DVuCViDm3IRv_aBmU9eC6ENWZQ7uEpJ-LwgKFFOOuFnT4TujIiasjARJbMX9tyKySnrM8DJLldvdt24DHxhVbW7PPlfy6CmJVVMu-421XgoNH4v98EN3zcp8vQxA2N_9WqprHjujn/s320/upperroom.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We recently had our November Upper Room event for our student missionaries. I led the event which was focused on the Gospel and how to present it. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoZZgEf7-m6UZMw0ltVCHi0m7I_R77yQCQuSAN1jqhOTmQxuEIL56FhQFNyFFOVDy6hyphenhyphenkfis_TrY-tbsXExkslBbDtR109fi4Z20vJE8KQlpER6v3TqVjHJP_5evmxBeLGxyxJPo0JatB/s1600/sugar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoZZgEf7-m6UZMw0ltVCHi0m7I_R77yQCQuSAN1jqhOTmQxuEIL56FhQFNyFFOVDy6hyphenhyphenkfis_TrY-tbsXExkslBbDtR109fi4Z20vJE8KQlpER6v3TqVjHJP_5evmxBeLGxyxJPo0JatB/s320/sugar.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My discipleship chain enjoyed some ice cream at the Sugar Bowl in Old Town Scottsdale!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46r6g_YyHVKZZAafpKQpdHKIzhudhbU5BRbTWGGdO0ZHhhAuKVgiRtaK5vJ0oS0vWf-uaUuh1Q2k4qmJv2NNn1dvy-3PojE9OVOSucWV7fMZ048skCL0LhtRZi3ksF6Sk3d5lB84fMTa0/s1600/jess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46r6g_YyHVKZZAafpKQpdHKIzhudhbU5BRbTWGGdO0ZHhhAuKVgiRtaK5vJ0oS0vWf-uaUuh1Q2k4qmJv2NNn1dvy-3PojE9OVOSucWV7fMZ048skCL0LhtRZi3ksF6Sk3d5lB84fMTa0/s320/jess.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I wasn't able to make it home for Thanksgiving, I was invited to celebrate the holiday with my dear friend and fellow missionary, Jess Kunz! Her family was so welcoming and wonderful. We even enjoyed a taste of country at a bull riding bar!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wishing you a blessed Advent season,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vhTcNwr_8qEwAYZ8V5GkimHIOfhErSHz8kLgDOuP9lrcTkEX_x3DR16JwQFNZti1tBli_EucwZL1bDScIWhzeZO7gGHatUgtixnVpl8yf4akWdMxjYQi-_DRKt9cY1VJtcCLIidr6f91/s1600/emily.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vhTcNwr_8qEwAYZ8V5GkimHIOfhErSHz8kLgDOuP9lrcTkEX_x3DR16JwQFNZti1tBli_EucwZL1bDScIWhzeZO7gGHatUgtixnVpl8yf4akWdMxjYQi-_DRKt9cY1VJtcCLIidr6f91/s1600/emily.png" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />emilyrachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01998606587564635994noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8502455443302001289.post-1839879399472392422013-11-05T07:03:00.000-08:002013-11-24T20:27:18.433-08:00Lesley Minervini: Casting Out Fear of Image<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>300</o:Words>
<o:Characters>1712</o:Characters>
<o:Company>University of Nebraska-Lincoln</o:Company>
<o:Lines>14</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>3</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>2102</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCp3u83-vagcJznkPJosYj5iuqHlujarwWWjAM-d5z4DwGmpNSVC1FLYI-ozS4Tcxo7C1aqmEmtDKP2iHZV69na_K3rZleis1WvpLS5m8XDQPkhlXAbMn03DClICHp4e8aMYIwxGYD5c0/s1600/les.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCp3u83-vagcJznkPJosYj5iuqHlujarwWWjAM-d5z4DwGmpNSVC1FLYI-ozS4Tcxo7C1aqmEmtDKP2iHZV69na_K3rZleis1WvpLS5m8XDQPkhlXAbMn03DClICHp4e8aMYIwxGYD5c0/s400/les.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On October 27th, the ASU FOCUS team held a day retreat at the All Saints
Catholic Newman Center titled, “CASTING OUT FEAR”. The entire retreat was based
on 1 John 4:18 which says, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love casts out fear.” Four talks were
given casting out fear of loneliness, vocations, image, and forgiveness. Lesley,
a junior at ASU and a student missionary that I am blessed to work with, shared
her testimony of how Christ has cast out her fear of image.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When
Lesley was in seventh grade she was diagnosed with a disease called “alopecia.”
Alopecia is an autoimmune disease in which white blood cells (that are supposed
to attack dangerous elements in the body) begin to attack the hair follicles because
they have mistaken them as something foreign. When they attack, it causes
her hair to fall out unpredictably. She was first diagnosed with Alopecia
Areata, meaning her hair fell out in small patches, and later it developed
into Alopecia Totalis, which is when she completely lost her hair. Since her
freshman year of high school, Lesley has worn wigs, and continues to do so
because Alopecia comes back in repetitive cycles. Lesley has written a book
about her experience, titled “Falling Out”. The book describes the various
situations she has struggled with and overcome. She talks about how each
difficult experience has made her stronger, and how she now views alopecia as a
blessing from God, rather than a disease. Her purpose of writing the book is to
inspire those who experience or have experienced Alopecia, cancer patients
preparing for chemotherapy, and anyone who battles with their own
insecurity. She hopes her witness of how Christ has worked in her life can
allow others to see their true beauty as well.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can listen to Lesley's talk given at the retreat here: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-<a href="http://youtu.be/hxIyCpuruAY" target="_blank">Lesley Minervini: Casting Out Fear of Image - Part 1</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-<a href="http://youtu.be/vvK2dGkxOkA" target="_blank">Lesley Minervini: Casting Out Fear of Image - Part 2</a></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can listen to a talk Lesley gave to middle and high school girls here:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5X6aZLXejh0" target="_blank">Lesley Minervini: Bella Vera Talk</a></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In
her book, Lesley describes a powerful experience in Eucharistic adoration when
she encountered Christ in a very real way. This encounter allowed her to see the
splendor in her value as a daughter of God and to find peace in her disease. In
this moment, Christ cast out her fear of image. Here is an excerpt from her
book describing this experience:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"He pointed at the water in front of me, signaling for me to look. I looked at my reflection. "Nothing too special," I thought. Jesus then gently held my face with both of hands, turning my head toward Him. He gazed into my eyes, and then, slowly, moved His hands to my hair. I hadn't realized it until then, but I had my wig on. He grabbed each edge of the wig and slowly pulled it off. He kissed my forehead and said His first words to me. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's okay," He smiled. He motioned for me to look again into the water. This time I took a deep breath, and peered into the water, recognizing my reflection again. But this time, I had a bald head with a couple patchy areas. It doesn't sound beautiful, but it was. I felt the prettiest I ever had in my entire life."</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JzBOGG6pkwJGZfJUI166jgRsippkYtyGuP6u9lxwi-3G7Hra_T1xm3XRG8exAVB-SStAC9mTfEIelcTmvsD6Y6mCk1JzWTXg1__TFDc8Js5m25YC_165kXK50WWfygp0pzPVcAM9obmx/s1600/404119_10151202703789893_290845806_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JzBOGG6pkwJGZfJUI166jgRsippkYtyGuP6u9lxwi-3G7Hra_T1xm3XRG8exAVB-SStAC9mTfEIelcTmvsD6Y6mCk1JzWTXg1__TFDc8Js5m25YC_165kXK50WWfygp0pzPVcAM9obmx/s320/404119_10151202703789893_290845806_n.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beautiful Lesley</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYrxDBPEFgkGExo1LXf4XNzDnyG8McgDXpa0o5WzqtixTDm9ZONLduOIGD87K7fWI5zPsIBcV_7-AbgZUy6mqtDHuK48a0KId5wfbtuszLOFMpY9CQAzT1oBa077ZtQiB3w7_3JWu-F9t/s1600/1380818_10202149419639960_313656030_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYrxDBPEFgkGExo1LXf4XNzDnyG8McgDXpa0o5WzqtixTDm9ZONLduOIGD87K7fWI5zPsIBcV_7-AbgZUy6mqtDHuK48a0KId5wfbtuszLOFMpY9CQAzT1oBa077ZtQiB3w7_3JWu-F9t/s320/1380818_10202149419639960_313656030_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lesley sharing her testimony</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rzGL6lkZljM8Lc1CVPTVnYPisB03i0fjeGBlXBGYBQbU2EYA4ceaz6nkbFNDmz337zkInV48daFES8Eas_fD4Yp65BgSyI5YNJHEGhgzDKDewgi6rI4tpPf2J7rx4VNUpMMgdVmWhWo0/s1600/1377194_10202149417319902_1562545544_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rzGL6lkZljM8Lc1CVPTVnYPisB03i0fjeGBlXBGYBQbU2EYA4ceaz6nkbFNDmz337zkInV48daFES8Eas_fD4Yp65BgSyI5YNJHEGhgzDKDewgi6rI4tpPf2J7rx4VNUpMMgdVmWhWo0/s320/1377194_10202149417319902_1562545544_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Following Lesley's talk</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODlzjBXZ-jCDt5xboIwOfK5eIg1v0AyOCEKB2qZRL835ZALWgaFh2DyIv5t9PaFrgpeI8MXtEast4ApBtEW6y-WLUtBjfUsBiKjWRlJicP_9TNZIqUQ5h1QVi3z-4WNRet1fAqLmXcQEk/s1600/181030_10151507925564893_2072335144_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODlzjBXZ-jCDt5xboIwOfK5eIg1v0AyOCEKB2qZRL835ZALWgaFh2DyIv5t9PaFrgpeI8MXtEast4ApBtEW6y-WLUtBjfUsBiKjWRlJicP_9TNZIqUQ5h1QVi3z-4WNRet1fAqLmXcQEk/s320/181030_10151507925564893_2072335144_n.jpg" width="279" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A tattoo Lelsey got after learning about Blessed Chiara Badano</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Chiara kept her spirits up, even when the harsh chemotherapy for her bone cancer caused her beloved hair to fall out. When a lock of her hair would fall, Chiara would simply offer it all to God saying, 'For You, Lord.'</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmrx6kxCiZ_tqVyvvlCNOgqWqrncK32GpKZXfoSU20VyUJ9vx8NTGu2BVEati3vkUy_UWLt2vcAotknMNUy3FziJc0Loec2ER3HXRzVcSYzikG-sOFBmBvQQPYwEogyuQujziZnXDKA_z/s1600/320840_10150359882024893_1787245985_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmrx6kxCiZ_tqVyvvlCNOgqWqrncK32GpKZXfoSU20VyUJ9vx8NTGu2BVEati3vkUy_UWLt2vcAotknMNUy3FziJc0Loec2ER3HXRzVcSYzikG-sOFBmBvQQPYwEogyuQujziZnXDKA_z/s320/320840_10150359882024893_1787245985_n.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lesley's book cover</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out Lesley's book, <i>Falling Out, </i>on Amazon <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0982967659/ref=dp_olp_0?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&qid=1312135368&sr=8-1&condition=all" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am so grateful for the gift of Lesley and her beautiful witness as a disciple of Christ on the campus of Arizona State University. Please keep Lesley in your prayers as she continues to fearlessly live for the Lord.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God bless,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vhTcNwr_8qEwAYZ8V5GkimHIOfhErSHz8kLgDOuP9lrcTkEX_x3DR16JwQFNZti1tBli_EucwZL1bDScIWhzeZO7gGHatUgtixnVpl8yf4akWdMxjYQi-_DRKt9cY1VJtcCLIidr6f91/s1600/emily.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vhTcNwr_8qEwAYZ8V5GkimHIOfhErSHz8kLgDOuP9lrcTkEX_x3DR16JwQFNZti1tBli_EucwZL1bDScIWhzeZO7gGHatUgtixnVpl8yf4akWdMxjYQi-_DRKt9cY1VJtcCLIidr6f91/s1600/emily.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->emilyrachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01998606587564635994noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8502455443302001289.post-73304378719784094662013-10-18T12:24:00.002-07:002013-10-18T12:38:04.597-07:00A Visit from FOCUS Founder, Curtis Martin, & Much More<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg816-HMcvDOjs4kkZbyz6TA8ILRdPlf_Y4PpM1HsA6OJ9sxWcwSiG48V2qEclooOum2m1DO9iV9w8C0h_N2IvUP_hyphenhyphenk4msDBaUpCC66uvh3oiyrNGXK0PEDyavm7_EuxwayBwHMChyphenhyphenQPD/s1600/curtis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg816-HMcvDOjs4kkZbyz6TA8ILRdPlf_Y4PpM1HsA6OJ9sxWcwSiG48V2qEclooOum2m1DO9iV9w8C0h_N2IvUP_hyphenhyphenk4msDBaUpCC66uvh3oiyrNGXK0PEDyavm7_EuxwayBwHMChyphenhyphenQPD/s400/curtis.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The last two weeks have been blessed with many exciting events. I have been busy setting up one-on-one meetings with each of my Bible study members, holding events, and entertaining some very important guests. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>"Get to Know FOCUS"</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On October 9th, the FOCUS team held a Wine & Cheese "Get to Know FOCUS" event for upperclassmen students. We shared testimonies about why we joined FOCUS and offered a Q&A session for the students to ask us anything about our lives as FOCUS missionaries. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkRUvT0rtFtISRcOwEuctkD-e4YxYV3VE_xREzkUtseQWnFQzh1uWLyEuU-CzlzmJpHE7iALfRYYF-Xu7YW4ItDmrwuWclPQNF60i0Q3UGV_WITc1_iFxopAub6dql7IR_GZxcvpuG3XS/s1600/1375026_317640841709303_1059645537_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkRUvT0rtFtISRcOwEuctkD-e4YxYV3VE_xREzkUtseQWnFQzh1uWLyEuU-CzlzmJpHE7iALfRYYF-Xu7YW4ItDmrwuWclPQNF60i0Q3UGV_WITc1_iFxopAub6dql7IR_GZxcvpuG3XS/s320/1375026_317640841709303_1059645537_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHkuLixo4xqPO-17Qi-cRBUCCQHVsAWnZnvEFuCgdqv-AHyeUzpux76jNKhQBYxLJ-ykFNVxreiX7CZxkK2JxkM3HrqRFH2n3v8H3-VSkmBdfx9klClj5G9hkxRNYEQZeTyuBj12NnBbL/s1600/1377468_317640958375958_1245716199_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHkuLixo4xqPO-17Qi-cRBUCCQHVsAWnZnvEFuCgdqv-AHyeUzpux76jNKhQBYxLJ-ykFNVxreiX7CZxkK2JxkM3HrqRFH2n3v8H3-VSkmBdfx9klClj5G9hkxRNYEQZeTyuBj12NnBbL/s320/1377468_317640958375958_1245716199_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Birthdays, birthdays, birthdays</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We have been holding many birthday celebrations for our students! This image is from the birthday of my roommate and student missionary, Lesley. She is such a joyful soul. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtguE1sAkAV8CnOpt03wYEzw20GRo5idx_OeVMweRmSRnGCeLgaVrxUoW0qxNXFmqgYc3w92mZe2i9iKP-hE93wuO_ASxtX86z8o3hMivhCas3KWeS-xADUhSMQ02zw6D0dz3jWzCOSpd/s1600/1380108_10151938214774893_1416554720_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtguE1sAkAV8CnOpt03wYEzw20GRo5idx_OeVMweRmSRnGCeLgaVrxUoW0qxNXFmqgYc3w92mZe2i9iKP-hE93wuO_ASxtX86z8o3hMivhCas3KWeS-xADUhSMQ02zw6D0dz3jWzCOSpd/s320/1380108_10151938214774893_1416554720_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Natalie Visits from Boston</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My sister, Natalie, came for a visit from Boston during ASU's fall break. We celebrated our German heritage at an Octoberfest celebration and explored much of the state's different landscapes. We made a visit to the mountains in Flagstaff, hiked the Grand Canyon, and trecked through Sedona with students from the Newman Center. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI88VoXgQGJtWdXWf8lS2Rlmc-QteHS1qA_hizT1Cm3pAxYTEzgqpqCu3bQ5RdWWs5a8srnHOi0TTgMVZh7j-cNnQU3S_tYfSniarGhAy3zzMS_AH-Y53sFrH8jGCuscKHC6bU5VNSRy0b/s1600/1378671_10202041196774456_1288023862_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI88VoXgQGJtWdXWf8lS2Rlmc-QteHS1qA_hizT1Cm3pAxYTEzgqpqCu3bQ5RdWWs5a8srnHOi0TTgMVZh7j-cNnQU3S_tYfSniarGhAy3zzMS_AH-Y53sFrH8jGCuscKHC6bU5VNSRy0b/s320/1378671_10202041196774456_1288023862_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICLRR3fBDs8Rms-JrY2HnoAxPAUBdCygHSABo_nPC4YcIFtuGgEBAua96Ru5lwRf9_-1oC63bNIVzUnvcSn-Y_chJjAQoWDo82hLakYCu4Ds1_dAA8Qti_k8k3dj4jyXeKVi15pkq6XRz/s1600/1374280_10202041309217267_1348475298_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICLRR3fBDs8Rms-JrY2HnoAxPAUBdCygHSABo_nPC4YcIFtuGgEBAua96Ru5lwRf9_-1oC63bNIVzUnvcSn-Y_chJjAQoWDo82hLakYCu4Ds1_dAA8Qti_k8k3dj4jyXeKVi15pkq6XRz/s320/1374280_10202041309217267_1348475298_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1h1tTcPB1o7SIr5tF6MRrcRWO5_vDqMihdzeNEKcYyPCnXVsucB4eDAFR5VOOwA4W4dVS4_Pxwwl2YhwG3imueiZ4GWxPdTrdEQKnqPfWtuDt_rZmSABW_NnA-MY6YwRRlHVUp7gsauqx/s1600/1381328_10202053651765823_1246884244_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1h1tTcPB1o7SIr5tF6MRrcRWO5_vDqMihdzeNEKcYyPCnXVsucB4eDAFR5VOOwA4W4dVS4_Pxwwl2YhwG3imueiZ4GWxPdTrdEQKnqPfWtuDt_rZmSABW_NnA-MY6YwRRlHVUp7gsauqx/s320/1381328_10202053651765823_1246884244_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlZ_Oq50J-9HyMnpVDkCcYEWD0Aj5NLMeXXhFcpwgbqQjJj_F-ZUqHkk4gnmzm4aYDzmQcavI96UQRnxniGj65W4A5BCnKRYMRQHm2i04KfbAp-r8uoCxRWFVjtN2TYznd0diinqm_F8O/s1600/1385435_10202053652565843_615855685_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlZ_Oq50J-9HyMnpVDkCcYEWD0Aj5NLMeXXhFcpwgbqQjJj_F-ZUqHkk4gnmzm4aYDzmQcavI96UQRnxniGj65W4A5BCnKRYMRQHm2i04KfbAp-r8uoCxRWFVjtN2TYznd0diinqm_F8O/s320/1385435_10202053652565843_615855685_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_IytYqpiOJ7QlAcHrdqFUVOUkdyNghrIeBgiqdEGpxgdiYU9kDqrYll4szi0CGM_wXvINdwu1deSlwoa2qEE6ATaiPmJ9vn2WNECaUEZnNK4DKFN5iMMHGLeK2uvX9mY06HDgzuVmUw2/s1600/1396003_10151764107179542_751262704_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_IytYqpiOJ7QlAcHrdqFUVOUkdyNghrIeBgiqdEGpxgdiYU9kDqrYll4szi0CGM_wXvINdwu1deSlwoa2qEE6ATaiPmJ9vn2WNECaUEZnNK4DKFN5iMMHGLeK2uvX9mY06HDgzuVmUw2/s320/1396003_10151764107179542_751262704_n.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOkWHz3bRn6rooKwBN4C9M6gceKHl8bEFOoiplleLTRdFodcolOeAj2Vnoe7IMH2Skc5014A03sZOnbAXknMHFnpOGmI-AnWvUOjCFJsyOanGi4z2QtNIxuVrBrhEGYYCY07wTB_kYHOE/s1600/1375167_10151764103959542_1638363140_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOkWHz3bRn6rooKwBN4C9M6gceKHl8bEFOoiplleLTRdFodcolOeAj2Vnoe7IMH2Skc5014A03sZOnbAXknMHFnpOGmI-AnWvUOjCFJsyOanGi4z2QtNIxuVrBrhEGYYCY07wTB_kYHOE/s320/1375167_10151764103959542_1638363140_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>NAU FOCUS Missions Fiesta</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was invited to share my mission trip testimony at the Northern Arizona University FOCUS Missions Fiesta on Tuesday, October 15th. I LOVED getting to see my dear friend and fellow missionary, Sarra Stanley, in the beautiful mountain air. Two students also joined me for the trip, and we enjoyed the luxury of seeing the aspen leaves changing colors in the Fall season. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH961zx4yuie4FwEgqYiuX6AeKrygosfFz-n5JS_zjlbXhrya_Jsb80rfTjzHqfjPHByDC_kJXe4e_PRwqeNGKD0GLFj8XA84NwU_jom-u-7vpqPTJmqle-POLKVCOzzpfd9S2UTplDhGt/s1600/1375736_10202068181089047_1602366491_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH961zx4yuie4FwEgqYiuX6AeKrygosfFz-n5JS_zjlbXhrya_Jsb80rfTjzHqfjPHByDC_kJXe4e_PRwqeNGKD0GLFj8XA84NwU_jom-u-7vpqPTJmqle-POLKVCOzzpfd9S2UTplDhGt/s320/1375736_10202068181089047_1602366491_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcZyd_VWHqEwgXdD6XH4Ew03v_wWAmfY1VyNAo3Rsl51RE4E7nbGASGsS7V52UGs73nTZSAo2rpfinhv-WeL8acKl6_O4oetOVmmknuO-IOrP29-cAhTvex4nWcsxE2U5bA_v88FV7zKP/s1600/photo-19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcZyd_VWHqEwgXdD6XH4Ew03v_wWAmfY1VyNAo3Rsl51RE4E7nbGASGsS7V52UGs73nTZSAo2rpfinhv-WeL8acKl6_O4oetOVmmknuO-IOrP29-cAhTvex4nWcsxE2U5bA_v88FV7zKP/s320/photo-19.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4SZUfuYxEfmsZrCP9bXJG0AId0B9qlRfkhLvf9pxTKG5o46JY1EdmLBgoVhPxgOzJJvFrbPp86B_gRlE-iNypDPs0TrLxbjKEujhd0driezeEr_Vb5O9rE0r4a8YA5-MFs5ndBLksaTZ/s1600/1396073_10202078769713756_206196630_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4SZUfuYxEfmsZrCP9bXJG0AId0B9qlRfkhLvf9pxTKG5o46JY1EdmLBgoVhPxgOzJJvFrbPp86B_gRlE-iNypDPs0TrLxbjKEujhd0driezeEr_Vb5O9rE0r4a8YA5-MFs5ndBLksaTZ/s320/1396073_10202078769713756_206196630_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1YWYRBA66v3_h2JCC8uQhHhEo5rDx4kznMbP_6aUR8xO8z4gGbCbEKmJq2wq7tKo4df68NA8DHKH5WCqdQumOVJ_-dAXlOvIVMRimQlBv8AXaRNHNSXA4ZOVRz-uvMlopS5QmLR6yMXz/s1600/1374847_10202078772873835_1899657384_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1YWYRBA66v3_h2JCC8uQhHhEo5rDx4kznMbP_6aUR8xO8z4gGbCbEKmJq2wq7tKo4df68NA8DHKH5WCqdQumOVJ_-dAXlOvIVMRimQlBv8AXaRNHNSXA4ZOVRz-uvMlopS5QmLR6yMXz/s320/1374847_10202078772873835_1899657384_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>A Visit from FOCUS founder, Curtis Martin</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On October 16th, the day we anxiously awaited, CURTIS MARTIN came to visit ASU! We enjoyed lunch with Curtis followed by a tour of the large ASU campus. After Mass in the evening, Curtis spoke to our students about how the college campus is the epicenter of the New Evangelization. Listening to the Holy Spirit speak through Curtis always impacts my heart in a new way, and the students walked away from the event awestruck and excited to participate in the New Evangelization. It was such a blessing to have him here in Tempe for the day!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAHzsxEUYIVHD9L63WDxGe5IBl_EXHM5Ze8sWL_dtJMFwRBxhSsF0NUIA9xsXcF4SOtNowSSXzpXp2cw1bJX5_shipsv7FU7syAYEXMPkhm1Evt8n2I0gsNl3v_U4niC7_JZSErco2lzO/s1600/photo-18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAHzsxEUYIVHD9L63WDxGe5IBl_EXHM5Ze8sWL_dtJMFwRBxhSsF0NUIA9xsXcF4SOtNowSSXzpXp2cw1bJX5_shipsv7FU7syAYEXMPkhm1Evt8n2I0gsNl3v_U4niC7_JZSErco2lzO/s320/photo-18.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Swaying to Country Tunes</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last night my teammate, Anna, and I attended the Jason Aldean concert with students. I loved getting a taste of some live sweet country music...it took me right back home to the country dirt roads!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKEy69QEi6bg4q5Gb4rZL9gOBbNgQocXtvwTEWqFzLCQWmKA9BA55Q6NKMgy873gM2z4vefUF9t8gdS2z0arDuj-NGfiqK0nQwykN_A3VdD01gm4pUtPTaeSDzVilRYI4XUtG2sOP-gEA/s1600/1394451_650941334927099_826211344_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKEy69QEi6bg4q5Gb4rZL9gOBbNgQocXtvwTEWqFzLCQWmKA9BA55Q6NKMgy873gM2z4vefUF9t8gdS2z0arDuj-NGfiqK0nQwykN_A3VdD01gm4pUtPTaeSDzVilRYI4XUtG2sOP-gEA/s320/1394451_650941334927099_826211344_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So much has been happening here at the ASU All Saints Catholic Newman Center, and there are so many exciting things to come. Stay tuned for more updates!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
God bless,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vhTcNwr_8qEwAYZ8V5GkimHIOfhErSHz8kLgDOuP9lrcTkEX_x3DR16JwQFNZti1tBli_EucwZL1bDScIWhzeZO7gGHatUgtixnVpl8yf4akWdMxjYQi-_DRKt9cY1VJtcCLIidr6f91/s1600/emily.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vhTcNwr_8qEwAYZ8V5GkimHIOfhErSHz8kLgDOuP9lrcTkEX_x3DR16JwQFNZti1tBli_EucwZL1bDScIWhzeZO7gGHatUgtixnVpl8yf4akWdMxjYQi-_DRKt9cY1VJtcCLIidr6f91/s1600/emily.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />emilyrachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01998606587564635994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8502455443302001289.post-78691135210710600782013-10-03T21:57:00.000-07:002013-10-04T07:10:38.283-07:00Moving Forward<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XF2v12q8_1z2ujpH9jwkuzw8WCtPzWdH-E8LXz2lneo-Cejrb-MXfmiT3xRUCQbuOxzaXVfNp4jABkaUYrZwSQr7guI4QlcbQz2i1hQUjfCod85VRCT3ROccj8hKzyBUeeip5sla7qu1/s1600/blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XF2v12q8_1z2ujpH9jwkuzw8WCtPzWdH-E8LXz2lneo-Cejrb-MXfmiT3xRUCQbuOxzaXVfNp4jABkaUYrZwSQr7guI4QlcbQz2i1hQUjfCod85VRCT3ROccj8hKzyBUeeip5sla7qu1/s400/blog2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bible studies have begun, and events are in full swing here at ASU. Next week will mark the fourth week of my Bible studies. Currently I am leading three studies: two within the Barrett Honors College and one FOCUS Greek study. To make the girls feel special, I made them all little notebooks to use as a prayer journal. On the front inside cover I placed directions of how to pray the rosary, complete with a listing of all the mysteries. On the back inside cover I placed a quote from Pope Francis on World Youth Day in Brazil, and the Gospel presentation. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6cladwCG7NCXrBXq2HFkk09z1WD5xyfxOlirRobqFBs2yGCDbAP61TURrjew_s4IUhd3_WBalz2GZCvsr6Lz4xDbHIAQcI4tKCOlnwBfEPMyn3AfgNGvyoxNHkVSrEQRYUENducaRKAL/s1600/notebookgift2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6cladwCG7NCXrBXq2HFkk09z1WD5xyfxOlirRobqFBs2yGCDbAP61TURrjew_s4IUhd3_WBalz2GZCvsr6Lz4xDbHIAQcI4tKCOlnwBfEPMyn3AfgNGvyoxNHkVSrEQRYUENducaRKAL/s320/notebookgift2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzE3gMF7C8tNZ6YFMpa1ezcr4QCc8HPNgj0u0bVSuxSy0_TtkN7dGZ58iq8347sYDEMpbU66Ga3XiCIpF9AWlRj3jqOL8CzdTjnQDmtIS4JQ_AVWePa5XtU0w0PrWExz18GweSx6c2Dv2j/s1600/notebookgift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzE3gMF7C8tNZ6YFMpa1ezcr4QCc8HPNgj0u0bVSuxSy0_TtkN7dGZ58iq8347sYDEMpbU66Ga3XiCIpF9AWlRj3jqOL8CzdTjnQDmtIS4JQ_AVWePa5XtU0w0PrWExz18GweSx6c2Dv2j/s320/notebookgift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQ_XSsCvin5RO-T89mmAVNTsKvCAV_CHOT5cG_lZdqxtJs7Xf8EXrQ9QkDMBwFXvjyslwvD4_8RNsVQWSLLEwuMzSUcacXTbOWdJXAOnARaNDI554YXptNSwEactL8RsW-HXMe_l1xM6t/s1600/Snapshot+2013-09-27+12-39-13.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQ_XSsCvin5RO-T89mmAVNTsKvCAV_CHOT5cG_lZdqxtJs7Xf8EXrQ9QkDMBwFXvjyslwvD4_8RNsVQWSLLEwuMzSUcacXTbOWdJXAOnARaNDI554YXptNSwEactL8RsW-HXMe_l1xM6t/s320/Snapshot+2013-09-27+12-39-13.tiff" width="247" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wTNPVn2fSmklGckcO-qGCvl_VN71JXPUrRLL8lOC3io4pfRRtHL47wF6ImwQsOcX6mzrfINTE7WNnn3Ak6KXIMVwcH5o76VBQ6pOwa2XRwbFRLT-GZ6aMwci7MGTy6DHq8SKqmMiq0oS/s1600/Snapshot+2013-09-27+12-38-03.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wTNPVn2fSmklGckcO-qGCvl_VN71JXPUrRLL8lOC3io4pfRRtHL47wF6ImwQsOcX6mzrfINTE7WNnn3Ak6KXIMVwcH5o76VBQ6pOwa2XRwbFRLT-GZ6aMwci7MGTy6DHq8SKqmMiq0oS/s320/Snapshot+2013-09-27+12-38-03.tiff" width="247" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The weekend of September 20th the FOCUS team and I served on the All Saints Catholic Newman Center's Freshman Retreat in Payson, Arizona. I LOVED spending the weekend up north on a mountain top, surrounded by fragrant pine trees and pleasant temperatures. It was the first time that I was able to cozy up in sweatshirt in months! (Never thought that would be something I would miss.) I led a small group and gave a talk about authentic freedom. Overall, the retreat was a great success, and we had the opportunity to get to know several new students.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEc8BGXpK50W3-sugRsuihTsymHq0SJK1Jq1da4X288KeYZuHM-AMgq6Zq8oOsGY0giZ2gHXoiM1-SlpchrPYR-r0Wvk89zkXH8mkyErz7FBJcfzbP35lSoELvBWo2-YsOQNWxneYrgEmv/s1600/retreat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEc8BGXpK50W3-sugRsuihTsymHq0SJK1Jq1da4X288KeYZuHM-AMgq6Zq8oOsGY0giZ2gHXoiM1-SlpchrPYR-r0Wvk89zkXH8mkyErz7FBJcfzbP35lSoELvBWo2-YsOQNWxneYrgEmv/s320/retreat2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bus leaders/AKA Super heroes</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9SQLwocoPiDzMc8PFii_otXq_x8biygKCTkA7FrLAg5PQYF5GLA-yR-t_Pz_hMP4kSmCYPInTuVeEr82fYrkLbh0SFJxw13Jwf74LiOyYVbx6KEzROEIx-DCRkc5ZRCujPEzTyKHapXJ/s1600/retreat3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9SQLwocoPiDzMc8PFii_otXq_x8biygKCTkA7FrLAg5PQYF5GLA-yR-t_Pz_hMP4kSmCYPInTuVeEr82fYrkLbh0SFJxw13Jwf74LiOyYVbx6KEzROEIx-DCRkc5ZRCujPEzTyKHapXJ/s320/retreat3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Some of my Bible Study girls</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-EDlD0gCU5nh8w-ED0-NI7GNXkTZMAarCWeWpLGh3D9sACv4vYU8royt6ymAtk1mh0JmSrtEjSUc68NDFaMEME-PJtyYasPj6Rz2FuafpHJKQ14VIcbOeemHTuMfvGmp5Koahig5EWpXg/s1600/retreat4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-EDlD0gCU5nh8w-ED0-NI7GNXkTZMAarCWeWpLGh3D9sACv4vYU8royt6ymAtk1mh0JmSrtEjSUc68NDFaMEME-PJtyYasPj6Rz2FuafpHJKQ14VIcbOeemHTuMfvGmp5Koahig5EWpXg/s320/retreat4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">My small group</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZsjTheV7iLPZqqliGR5ImlIQzzgbp9cdlDBeetQ8j7KchboZUpbV1uPK-ued4Tih0pNzkIqJ5KJrPbAqJ3TsBI5vzjVeLaApaXGNEjgtTx2MALchsWODCWFt0iUN995HYrBlyINE7aHT/s1600/retreat5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZsjTheV7iLPZqqliGR5ImlIQzzgbp9cdlDBeetQ8j7KchboZUpbV1uPK-ued4Tih0pNzkIqJ5KJrPbAqJ3TsBI5vzjVeLaApaXGNEjgtTx2MALchsWODCWFt0iUN995HYrBlyINE7aHT/s320/retreat5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Enjoying a hike</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLPr4sHc3mZwUeCUgliUOANpG0Bh25URDtVuNbKTbFEsOESNwp0LDZO990ooBcJ6Bh3AunXUNUjhEHfzitzdLRKnLKSUwjI1pfwlvfSyKglWbGpxjgmC9fxtf5RcL0WGA8IHWomjV6QDP/s1600/retreat7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLPr4sHc3mZwUeCUgliUOANpG0Bh25URDtVuNbKTbFEsOESNwp0LDZO990ooBcJ6Bh3AunXUNUjhEHfzitzdLRKnLKSUwjI1pfwlvfSyKglWbGpxjgmC9fxtf5RcL0WGA8IHWomjV6QDP/s320/retreat7.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Nothing like roasting s'mores!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfcGOlyYAYyO3A-cyAnjjWUFRpytbgh3HmmrJEJfW_eEhYciQoZS3Dx3neyDGl1CBOLytcLCbRBFTEZtwaNHriRS6bf-CDSXMlJKcqas3Pkd-5AHvtCpRgP_Rw295tNUMa-GmzdcCyBzN/s1600/retreat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfcGOlyYAYyO3A-cyAnjjWUFRpytbgh3HmmrJEJfW_eEhYciQoZS3Dx3neyDGl1CBOLytcLCbRBFTEZtwaNHriRS6bf-CDSXMlJKcqas3Pkd-5AHvtCpRgP_Rw295tNUMa-GmzdcCyBzN/s320/retreat.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">My cabin</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBSrAXr0jQxWKGCXtuPMst26x8fFifGorke6inDBe2L-BWudt1mjb08bbEZyqLwfNBa2_z1-dc1NCeD941hTVoqHiTiBXUgSZ_3Sr5n4QBdiHJQ9ud7UDA1v1mQSe70eKWs9WP3TIzGBU/s1600/retreat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBSrAXr0jQxWKGCXtuPMst26x8fFifGorke6inDBe2L-BWudt1mjb08bbEZyqLwfNBa2_z1-dc1NCeD941hTVoqHiTiBXUgSZ_3Sr5n4QBdiHJQ9ud7UDA1v1mQSe70eKWs9WP3TIzGBU/s320/retreat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">My roommates-minus Lesley</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffzRngqZuwE70aYto6idUYfVHsQkEpOBguDT_yoNefB5tzFBKpOIamP0fbwmKdAaN4YoAXrKS8Pu1hjEWLKTpol_uhSqRvXFjMSP1INGCwceBsljioR6BNDrjB73M1sn_EAEHTe9md6Fk/s1600/retreat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffzRngqZuwE70aYto6idUYfVHsQkEpOBguDT_yoNefB5tzFBKpOIamP0fbwmKdAaN4YoAXrKS8Pu1hjEWLKTpol_uhSqRvXFjMSP1INGCwceBsljioR6BNDrjB73M1sn_EAEHTe9md6Fk/s320/retreat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The whole group</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was blessed to have a brief visit from my dear friend, Ali, last weekend. Ali is my Delta Gamma "daughter," and it meant the world to have her take the time to visit me all the way from Nebraska. Ali tagged along to my bible studies and our student missionary's Upper Room event. We also had the chance to do some hiking and exploration of the Tempe area. My heart is so grateful for such great friends the Lord has given me, and it was good to have a little taste of home through Ali. :)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPvOIh0I6J4a5jMtmBrU2XCFpKdgZ0_oF9x1lJXFIAHJLul5hoXlh1fhW8p3kO7rRWA4x8l7xgLxRLxzOndfL5lF5FjCqryekjvMojPL4kzYXUW0J1XWF3CabCcE-gudVmbZgkEZNQfkX/s1600/camel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPvOIh0I6J4a5jMtmBrU2XCFpKdgZ0_oF9x1lJXFIAHJLul5hoXlh1fhW8p3kO7rRWA4x8l7xgLxRLxzOndfL5lF5FjCqryekjvMojPL4kzYXUW0J1XWF3CabCcE-gudVmbZgkEZNQfkX/s320/camel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">At the top of Camelback Mountain</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKCDvare_axhDSxC7k6hT50pXwOyESuN-y1jnc_IDsVd2VuHkyIekvjL2UWYT4NAl4XvuAY2d_cDRMudOIVjcE4v-jDgonrETz8p8uIlHn-34PKtTv3bZdnhNWV3lxDil69hbUsEsxNtn/s1600/ali.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKCDvare_axhDSxC7k6hT50pXwOyESuN-y1jnc_IDsVd2VuHkyIekvjL2UWYT4NAl4XvuAY2d_cDRMudOIVjcE4v-jDgonrETz8p8uIlHn-34PKtTv3bZdnhNWV3lxDil69hbUsEsxNtn/s320/ali.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Enjoying some slickables!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vlPKql8E1jQrthj9WrkBGp9TxnZbe7J9P4gYR6foBKqSYjaFpXa3eZPrjzn6Jirhz3dh4DFqLo2NJU2WonZJqwcg-1VPYVW7WCslw57cICBzQ-3Qv7z-DFZAKp732VuH4916knSBOEHS/s1600/ur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vlPKql8E1jQrthj9WrkBGp9TxnZbe7J9P4gYR6foBKqSYjaFpXa3eZPrjzn6Jirhz3dh4DFqLo2NJU2WonZJqwcg-1VPYVW7WCslw57cICBzQ-3Qv7z-DFZAKp732VuH4916knSBOEHS/s320/ur.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">At our monthly Upper Room event for student missionaries</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63FTwOufETWkjm9XHWiVy-YccBYfJflX6R3R4EYIw7sZztf5k4d3H1tF4R4mJ5eQWkht-TIk0mX9dHkZsfXg9ApMp_OBjdrOG72jz1FquTZN39bTodZcCK-DnPzA1Fhw8CushSybI9Ow_/s1600/Snapshot+2013-10-03+21-22-37.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63FTwOufETWkjm9XHWiVy-YccBYfJflX6R3R4EYIw7sZztf5k4d3H1tF4R4mJ5eQWkht-TIk0mX9dHkZsfXg9ApMp_OBjdrOG72jz1FquTZN39bTodZcCK-DnPzA1Fhw8CushSybI9Ow_/s320/Snapshot+2013-10-03+21-22-37.tiff" width="248" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">At the ASU Newman Center tailgate</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On Wednesday we celebrated our very first ASU FOCUS Missions fiesta. The event included, a FOCUS Missions promo video (which you can watch<a href="http://vimeo.com/55178466" target="_blank"> here</a>), four testimonies of how a FOCUS Mission trip transformed one's spiritual life, horchata, snow cones, fajitas, piñatas, a ¡Three Amigos¡ photobooth, and LOTS of salsa dancing! We also had quite a bit of fun with fiesta promotional materials.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYB_l0ByE3wn7ETKk_DioOj9vO3oj0Uj8DvwstukvGz2JYaLPmMEbZX0WjT8Pg7tSi4-O3Tz4ugskrBS1Bc6R8Tocz89Uf-OXglrutX2V0JnkU5nUCx625OSNU7nGP2iPfDvbYz4963W2i/s1600/fiesta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYB_l0ByE3wn7ETKk_DioOj9vO3oj0Uj8DvwstukvGz2JYaLPmMEbZX0WjT8Pg7tSi4-O3Tz4ugskrBS1Bc6R8Tocz89Uf-OXglrutX2V0JnkU5nUCx625OSNU7nGP2iPfDvbYz4963W2i/s400/fiesta.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvCJwxDK5NsZHhEB2IvcteW3wPP8BLCxNcv5WtwHFKJEIEN5xcOfHrA3Awh8cTrI_c3rP9t368fNz2NN1N1JsEz17Y89brO2j59ihqenojpkY0omoAP_vdR5ZAvgU4mMV_nXNQuAfRIDT/s1600/clements+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvCJwxDK5NsZHhEB2IvcteW3wPP8BLCxNcv5WtwHFKJEIEN5xcOfHrA3Awh8cTrI_c3rP9t368fNz2NN1N1JsEz17Y89brO2j59ihqenojpkY0omoAP_vdR5ZAvgU4mMV_nXNQuAfRIDT/s320/clements+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-cXYS-tzSwknbKz6eL7Ti06AZ6ikZmFQMyyd2VF9gEzjiIBojuu3vjWWtWxlnOiKspuVSU6AUewkcXCo3xA4YtkLStbwxnNqIZnQRq1pg6ok3ugK6T_e4_kqsEFH9x2ytTqUgcKkiJ3g/s1600/pinana+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-cXYS-tzSwknbKz6eL7Ti06AZ6ikZmFQMyyd2VF9gEzjiIBojuu3vjWWtWxlnOiKspuVSU6AUewkcXCo3xA4YtkLStbwxnNqIZnQRq1pg6ok3ugK6T_e4_kqsEFH9x2ytTqUgcKkiJ3g/s320/pinana+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwO20tjKx5LM0AO-fBrOBCUIFryt9i7dnmfIt3DOf5EoMKzJ8fv43RjIgiJYP-Vrw6MLio-jCuxPH4q-N4G1RDQ1AvHYeKovmn30nm9EMuipsJJfEUo7QOAovaWjkNOamB-uX59ueEGN1/s1600/DSC01087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwO20tjKx5LM0AO-fBrOBCUIFryt9i7dnmfIt3DOf5EoMKzJ8fv43RjIgiJYP-Vrw6MLio-jCuxPH4q-N4G1RDQ1AvHYeKovmn30nm9EMuipsJJfEUo7QOAovaWjkNOamB-uX59ueEGN1/s320/DSC01087.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FPEzqU5YSQzMuh1gUZuclI9Xx3bz84WnPcPm_mol9biY61aZ0AcyN2rSt_kilw3qpDdc84daqhL28BLGNeCwLaHKS0EP04G1rDIRutq_ostz-KKSJWpHObzUTN8Sv4jKp3sKGhB7roKS/s1600/DSC01091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FPEzqU5YSQzMuh1gUZuclI9Xx3bz84WnPcPm_mol9biY61aZ0AcyN2rSt_kilw3qpDdc84daqhL28BLGNeCwLaHKS0EP04G1rDIRutq_ostz-KKSJWpHObzUTN8Sv4jKp3sKGhB7roKS/s320/DSC01091.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrq2Mv3vNp45HvD0G06AnNjFnxPrzyo3O4kcSTQOx-YPCGoAIF5D7LLKcQ-BlMpopwoQXW4tcPO2rb4GGC9Zv9YFAPCRhhR6IMMqT4JcLouqq3jShOP4WCBVr_saE_8LLZUtV4S_UYI8CM/s1600/DSC01122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrq2Mv3vNp45HvD0G06AnNjFnxPrzyo3O4kcSTQOx-YPCGoAIF5D7LLKcQ-BlMpopwoQXW4tcPO2rb4GGC9Zv9YFAPCRhhR6IMMqT4JcLouqq3jShOP4WCBVr_saE_8LLZUtV4S_UYI8CM/s320/DSC01122.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5elqXtO81iTzD00dnMeKyD2LAXEZKDBqpoe6SmUJlFYQKICwRxkFjysIMid-sW-WdqiAwKNv3QuftiezdYX3Fp1DzMj2BJBNz7euM6IrZxAVUwjgJtU4HrXrMsLSzEe1qyeeUNBIXKRD1/s1600/DSC01085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5elqXtO81iTzD00dnMeKyD2LAXEZKDBqpoe6SmUJlFYQKICwRxkFjysIMid-sW-WdqiAwKNv3QuftiezdYX3Fp1DzMj2BJBNz7euM6IrZxAVUwjgJtU4HrXrMsLSzEe1qyeeUNBIXKRD1/s320/DSC01085.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZxNwJfGZI6_bQRVkwIhBk2JZ-gS2LI4kknxl3skm7GSjZ53x0FS96kWKxHEIT9v1Xe4Wwa41di9vHndWHLinY_32KiZ6pr4pRFoPZ3ZbA3b47Kq-7epZqR_S9-CvT4oIk6PkKKXcWsV6/s1600/f1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZxNwJfGZI6_bQRVkwIhBk2JZ-gS2LI4kknxl3skm7GSjZ53x0FS96kWKxHEIT9v1Xe4Wwa41di9vHndWHLinY_32KiZ6pr4pRFoPZ3ZbA3b47Kq-7epZqR_S9-CvT4oIk6PkKKXcWsV6/s320/f1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio19MAFOQGwqfuTxNJ5HUAAvdHhIKyQT0JW7bs-cbZFmMCXuPa9PvTMa7tEXAP0ulDXEryefGcQvENnBD_zUl0Szb7nZcQmius00m1q0qsDW9EgUZXrlNMC3OphmBxY1qsW3XcO8SGqMWw/s1600/f2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio19MAFOQGwqfuTxNJ5HUAAvdHhIKyQT0JW7bs-cbZFmMCXuPa9PvTMa7tEXAP0ulDXEryefGcQvENnBD_zUl0Szb7nZcQmius00m1q0qsDW9EgUZXrlNMC3OphmBxY1qsW3XcO8SGqMWw/s320/f2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkEauR8HBCm5K_GFNS5CjiEG6C83Tr336DF3whNU7TiKHFGXA0a7nY_88qoxs48n4xbNrgtNSJmkLFIFWSxUgJDu4TS1WCKvI3qlz5Af4SWWfWWL4XOTIr2bfHlZhGlQiHVk-V0EZZXon/s1600/f3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkEauR8HBCm5K_GFNS5CjiEG6C83Tr336DF3whNU7TiKHFGXA0a7nY_88qoxs48n4xbNrgtNSJmkLFIFWSxUgJDu4TS1WCKvI3qlz5Af4SWWfWWL4XOTIr2bfHlZhGlQiHVk-V0EZZXon/s320/f3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the midst of meetings with students and Bible studies, the team and I have been preparing for several more big events coming up, one of which includes our very own FOCUS founder, Curtis Martin! He will be speaking to the students of the ASU Catholic Newman Center on Wednesday, October 16th, to "Spark the Faith" here on campus. We will be welcoming him with lots of love, as you can see. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFoXmEhGozTFmW0qc6kkzvhXRbdGdPqozptBuG9KCRahb8B_w0cC1VgaRhFWKq_eBGl9Lnl9KHMADoUS0WnyY-reo3ZKGBP3juUvubP3p2FjfSZ8fSnDeaRreM_ccYnRmJnF-TYuGN-Lg/s1600/cm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFoXmEhGozTFmW0qc6kkzvhXRbdGdPqozptBuG9KCRahb8B_w0cC1VgaRhFWKq_eBGl9Lnl9KHMADoUS0WnyY-reo3ZKGBP3juUvubP3p2FjfSZ8fSnDeaRreM_ccYnRmJnF-TYuGN-Lg/s320/cm2.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6aqCa5nlm1XHLj8qshAdWcHvOd53_jzDMRy0oxW0aJOrVosRTAte2MylfvXSqPCE8gmg-gkTC301w1fHg79dGS2BMqfVSYbgI9G9V35CLgblN4lMzoZilqovDlzw9SHTDBpd5iMsUmPU/s1600/cm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6aqCa5nlm1XHLj8qshAdWcHvOd53_jzDMRy0oxW0aJOrVosRTAte2MylfvXSqPCE8gmg-gkTC301w1fHg79dGS2BMqfVSYbgI9G9V35CLgblN4lMzoZilqovDlzw9SHTDBpd5iMsUmPU/s320/cm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Things here have been busy as ever, but I feel so blessed to work with such incredible students. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue the mission of Christ here on ASU's campus! God bless.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vhTcNwr_8qEwAYZ8V5GkimHIOfhErSHz8kLgDOuP9lrcTkEX_x3DR16JwQFNZti1tBli_EucwZL1bDScIWhzeZO7gGHatUgtixnVpl8yf4akWdMxjYQi-_DRKt9cY1VJtcCLIidr6f91/s1600/emily.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vhTcNwr_8qEwAYZ8V5GkimHIOfhErSHz8kLgDOuP9lrcTkEX_x3DR16JwQFNZti1tBli_EucwZL1bDScIWhzeZO7gGHatUgtixnVpl8yf4akWdMxjYQi-_DRKt9cY1VJtcCLIidr6f91/s1600/emily.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />emilyrachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01998606587564635994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8502455443302001289.post-76281153356457933102013-09-20T11:57:00.002-07:002013-09-20T11:57:56.071-07:00Sedona Getaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFUn6p1W5VgmeH1VGhC6PxOIuu7N41n7hhR82Y0ecyAs9YWKCZZuCs3iN57q_VmBMCk06NcTfFN344RNA71GRjMXHAuTcxPkfv3cXqvV3_BNxXVkdTaUOSFhMSY1l-69hvuqBDnQanKYq/s1600/sedona1+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFUn6p1W5VgmeH1VGhC6PxOIuu7N41n7hhR82Y0ecyAs9YWKCZZuCs3iN57q_VmBMCk06NcTfFN344RNA71GRjMXHAuTcxPkfv3cXqvV3_BNxXVkdTaUOSFhMSY1l-69hvuqBDnQanKYq/s400/sedona1+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
With the busyness of preparing for the first week of Bible studies to begin, I realized I could use a day of exploring and adventure to refresh my soul. Conveniently, Arizona is full of beautiful places to range over. So a couple of students and I made the trip north to Sedona last Sunday! I had so much fun with my new and dear friends, Angelica and Saundra. Enjoy some photos from our adventure!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFW7ZYqJPzj4J-obGaiygyKBWHIxuoaeAnQEatYZhg4pN4UPxsSZWWmtX2E76fOiEgKqdA0Cc073AizzHde4vG9JLGc_RmYogIgj-TB9gZKTZuiqdd2Bbragl-5tkFz9-VWQryj88OYw4/s1600/emily.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFW7ZYqJPzj4J-obGaiygyKBWHIxuoaeAnQEatYZhg4pN4UPxsSZWWmtX2E76fOiEgKqdA0Cc073AizzHde4vG9JLGc_RmYogIgj-TB9gZKTZuiqdd2Bbragl-5tkFz9-VWQryj88OYw4/s1600/emily.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtx8M4HlSe5SW4rbsPGg8lD_PzHBi0D9tIRDQvA6P7j8xt394Lqz-TtST0O07FiEuxHgouSeJCvsfXf1YmALNCaa5-RSXitUdTHmSyJmeSxsNt1cfCU0PKkgbqqR4Pkro2KWCvagXn4EY9/s1600/sedona2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtx8M4HlSe5SW4rbsPGg8lD_PzHBi0D9tIRDQvA6P7j8xt394Lqz-TtST0O07FiEuxHgouSeJCvsfXf1YmALNCaa5-RSXitUdTHmSyJmeSxsNt1cfCU0PKkgbqqR4Pkro2KWCvagXn4EY9/s320/sedona2.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXv7_HsykhvI8_80RegA6NaH-ze3v6cZlIg8QEaO0T7AHTljV_8XzErmzMTaLLQ772LgHCz2J-KZipkodx1HRzRSOJbADBirGo0qqRE_mVRxZslqwyiwh29r5X9gybJZwTRiKgV9uIo9G6/s1600/sedona3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXv7_HsykhvI8_80RegA6NaH-ze3v6cZlIg8QEaO0T7AHTljV_8XzErmzMTaLLQ772LgHCz2J-KZipkodx1HRzRSOJbADBirGo0qqRE_mVRxZslqwyiwh29r5X9gybJZwTRiKgV9uIo9G6/s320/sedona3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YqolfLlU5bncD9Zv4MTYiLajzIoFBERj9jIEPSmcL22L42iGfwTO5qkFwWoQfjeOL0c7uXmLsdPGLg89PQW46yfVcwb3CIS3wjLpEHhqK2pLap_T8IhHjFd0I5eXChM0IM4LiLmo0GNJ/s1600/sedona4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YqolfLlU5bncD9Zv4MTYiLajzIoFBERj9jIEPSmcL22L42iGfwTO5qkFwWoQfjeOL0c7uXmLsdPGLg89PQW46yfVcwb3CIS3wjLpEHhqK2pLap_T8IhHjFd0I5eXChM0IM4LiLmo0GNJ/s320/sedona4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfJ64P6PWBuKq3Bqih-aV7P3OITP4wX5OG52l4L7jM4yKYp_jk_mwQBxbRz3B1TLXyb-c3-en9OzV-DoEGfWtxNBTah7bKmqgf9CPKs96eNVKG_6LhdQ6Gj-C0PMex_SOMzO5dX8hyNnH/s1600/sedona5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfJ64P6PWBuKq3Bqih-aV7P3OITP4wX5OG52l4L7jM4yKYp_jk_mwQBxbRz3B1TLXyb-c3-en9OzV-DoEGfWtxNBTah7bKmqgf9CPKs96eNVKG_6LhdQ6Gj-C0PMex_SOMzO5dX8hyNnH/s320/sedona5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK33J7tsZIeGU95LMJcKNAYKWa9q7yfdfYTzWsHFkJkHe9ChoKwC_rJs12agZxe6lO286nW-ziK_BzjLZ2NY3t90UaUgsWc4YFetzjNUy44Blz0UaXN7iufhfHM8V8ZQPwwxEYcyXPhb0m/s1600/sedona7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK33J7tsZIeGU95LMJcKNAYKWa9q7yfdfYTzWsHFkJkHe9ChoKwC_rJs12agZxe6lO286nW-ziK_BzjLZ2NY3t90UaUgsWc4YFetzjNUy44Blz0UaXN7iufhfHM8V8ZQPwwxEYcyXPhb0m/s320/sedona7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_3ku0prq8WPZ1hyphenhyphenGdGsm1GeYSpjPs-ZXYBfsZp183TPyYR5pa9WMkrRDFVsWQLhoXGaudj5OKLn_kd4LWp9T1d4RrK-KsW_fYn5F8BJp7EElpu3IbG7hH-i3GPrZgTlF0FZcP71vS9DK/s1600/sedona6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_3ku0prq8WPZ1hyphenhyphenGdGsm1GeYSpjPs-ZXYBfsZp183TPyYR5pa9WMkrRDFVsWQLhoXGaudj5OKLn_kd4LWp9T1d4RrK-KsW_fYn5F8BJp7EElpu3IbG7hH-i3GPrZgTlF0FZcP71vS9DK/s320/sedona6.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmUJ44Qf9R0aD4B7FjQbZ3l38Uxi1PrxSIQQeaCb0OaIcDHjupqrWuYj9XzdfovK6cdP5YUWpG94DWubG4SoTPPIBcsnfwNRNpPHMDdvUGUM1e6JBDueLM1yzYfWde5Ya5Q4rH5WNS8Lw/s1600/Chapel_of_the_Holy_Cross%252C_Sedona%252C_AZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmUJ44Qf9R0aD4B7FjQbZ3l38Uxi1PrxSIQQeaCb0OaIcDHjupqrWuYj9XzdfovK6cdP5YUWpG94DWubG4SoTPPIBcsnfwNRNpPHMDdvUGUM1e6JBDueLM1yzYfWde5Ya5Q4rH5WNS8Lw/s320/Chapel_of_the_Holy_Cross%252C_Sedona%252C_AZ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Holy Cross Church-so beautiful!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEY3CnAbynSEBFTDsH57qGm-C3xBlmctnjW7M8P6Qrq4GzFfyfSUn0VJfYowiv3AZwbeSkG5AONP6BEqcv3KlikCoPJZlmvxVNqY5ttP4h8jdhZMeKlzEmYze4p5FOz337dnKbgabxsl2/s1600/sedona9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEY3CnAbynSEBFTDsH57qGm-C3xBlmctnjW7M8P6Qrq4GzFfyfSUn0VJfYowiv3AZwbeSkG5AONP6BEqcv3KlikCoPJZlmvxVNqY5ttP4h8jdhZMeKlzEmYze4p5FOz337dnKbgabxsl2/s320/sedona9.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_9uUToGjED3xFNooknynPmnJ2RKJZ_dZkjriKJsBYDU-RQHlh9sm_HPHZY96dibAwYz9fAuPZHXPL08uQQabmnCkOzrSjqwoR5TyC090EpCR9s3nUgqW_PvzU-YyrjFf9R6-OSiFZdBn/s1600/sedona8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_9uUToGjED3xFNooknynPmnJ2RKJZ_dZkjriKJsBYDU-RQHlh9sm_HPHZY96dibAwYz9fAuPZHXPL08uQQabmnCkOzrSjqwoR5TyC090EpCR9s3nUgqW_PvzU-YyrjFf9R6-OSiFZdBn/s320/sedona8.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVfkD_L1X8lCKN-xNYT-C3ic1DrnO7JKYs-zCwr46d7pb2wyUwPqljVBUIqZqJ5yYCScB1tElOgKRfWO-T79jKATIlMfhQ0gPrbXcuSHLau3W1uWdnW4xvzUVCbN2xkuibXEzLf5v1Wmq/s1600/sedona10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVfkD_L1X8lCKN-xNYT-C3ic1DrnO7JKYs-zCwr46d7pb2wyUwPqljVBUIqZqJ5yYCScB1tElOgKRfWO-T79jKATIlMfhQ0gPrbXcuSHLau3W1uWdnW4xvzUVCbN2xkuibXEzLf5v1Wmq/s320/sedona10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pcV5kG_4_DA3tVC-X-N3XWHqQ_8A3T8_p5RkeMH8rzYB3CrLdsCz9TJ2oOTrTEuxgSpzD1c_VFkon2konSgVsfSzZpGDZdyLQ6nAKpTEfT0Yig_M39YyvhHqM8KJ3xMXDqMo4j39PLiH/s1600/IMG_8932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pcV5kG_4_DA3tVC-X-N3XWHqQ_8A3T8_p5RkeMH8rzYB3CrLdsCz9TJ2oOTrTEuxgSpzD1c_VFkon2konSgVsfSzZpGDZdyLQ6nAKpTEfT0Yig_M39YyvhHqM8KJ3xMXDqMo4j39PLiH/s320/IMG_8932.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A good day always ends with ice cream. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />emilyrachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01998606587564635994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8502455443302001289.post-83139041452347533952013-09-13T11:37:00.001-07:002013-09-13T13:37:41.112-07:00A Time of Investment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGvA5C8K07Ln1d5_dOE7cr4QgU4-qqDOAJYX6mgRlJumWJYJUyHMTYZlzVzhUL5zlOka1Q1CJV3HC37Cwv7QOTE39d9De4wktLvnixulz09zbtAc_lBvekXGx3dqyTqrjp4WX2RWAs4Em/s1600/blog-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGvA5C8K07Ln1d5_dOE7cr4QgU4-qqDOAJYX6mgRlJumWJYJUyHMTYZlzVzhUL5zlOka1Q1CJV3HC37Cwv7QOTE39d9De4wktLvnixulz09zbtAc_lBvekXGx3dqyTqrjp4WX2RWAs4Em/s400/blog-cover.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The last two weeks have been a time of investment in students and preparation for Bible studies to begin. In between several of my one-on-one lunch, smoothie, and fro yo dates, we have held events to allow the students to continue to grow in community. Here are some of the things that we have been up to here at ASU!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Mark Hart</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b></b>We had the well known, "Bible Geek," Mark Hart, join us at the Newman Center to speak about how to live out a faith life on a college campus. Mark's humor and wisdom drew 130 students to the event! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvYIzIdKuI2YRcL4DCRBRVCnrhWQ2rJAeQM2mxkSt0CbdDKT9EPQN6bvKpn-j-7mwcePjnMsKwQb_Rzjmmk-nevux2w9PHjB6uCe8UUaWsu9dbK5h5n34pJwTZ2lMrxE8A-WOVhbEmGNr/s1600/markhart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvYIzIdKuI2YRcL4DCRBRVCnrhWQ2rJAeQM2mxkSt0CbdDKT9EPQN6bvKpn-j-7mwcePjnMsKwQb_Rzjmmk-nevux2w9PHjB6uCe8UUaWsu9dbK5h5n34pJwTZ2lMrxE8A-WOVhbEmGNr/s320/markhart.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>ASU Tailgate</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The Newman Center put on an opening game ASU Football tailgate on Thursday, Setpember 5th. We had everything you need to make a good tailgate: a game of cornhole, lots of food, a grill, and some good jams. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNe3X7WtHdCJVyUtHKl0XOIfLg7jIHwJ_VSguimdlKV0GfGR00MT0NySedkRBWFzBgxzypsvfwLH1oRgMbeVDaO1dgi_cSDk5Tb32GJb21phM3Nbux4n9ap1h6UEU1mehMMXlPCsz_w_5g/s1600/les.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNe3X7WtHdCJVyUtHKl0XOIfLg7jIHwJ_VSguimdlKV0GfGR00MT0NySedkRBWFzBgxzypsvfwLH1oRgMbeVDaO1dgi_cSDk5Tb32GJb21phM3Nbux4n9ap1h6UEU1mehMMXlPCsz_w_5g/s320/les.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>House of Gold</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">My teammate, Anna, and I had our second "House of Gold" event on Friday, September 6th. We led a discussion about how we as women can say "yes" to God this year. Just as Mary gave her "yes" to bring our Savior into the world, we discussed how we, too, have a choice to invite God into our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The early Church
Fathers tell us that all of heaven held its breath, waiting for her answer, for
the salvation of the world depended upon it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> H</span>eaven must have sighed in relief when Mary said, “I am the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according
to your word.” (Lk 1:38).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her
“yes,” allowed redemptive grace to enter the world and alter the destiny of mankind. The Blessed Virgin Mary was uniquely commissioned to bring
Jesus into the world, and God extends the call He issued to Mary to every woman. Through our "yes", God will empower us with His
Holy Spirit and we, too, will be filled with the life of Jesus Christ. We become a channel of
grace through which the love of God enters into the world. The rest of the night was filled with fellowship and food, and ended with a spontaneous dip in the pool. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlmxzx9QtpG7BsO6yvk5WpJevOs-gKmXn0whNENweYRigri0pCHVRhpoQTijWyQEt8bGBcJKu06OdzWjoYVl9mSCe0axzOAuOZHP7PZkmQoc9h6pem_i9ihsnvYJ1_ezWrZP19qocIm3p/s1600/photo-16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlmxzx9QtpG7BsO6yvk5WpJevOs-gKmXn0whNENweYRigri0pCHVRhpoQTijWyQEt8bGBcJKu06OdzWjoYVl9mSCe0axzOAuOZHP7PZkmQoc9h6pem_i9ihsnvYJ1_ezWrZP19qocIm3p/s320/photo-16.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Prayer for Syria</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The ASU Newman Center joined the rest of the world in a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, the Middle East, and the rest of the world on Saturday, September 7th. It was beautiful to see all the students come together for Mass, adoration, a rosary, and a divine chaplet to pray for peace. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xKQvfPcp_soTA1CkI8Nig6JWeoOkKqO5DD3LJqfYTg-y7ZO-85JRxR9MqTtpPdPeUincFhdIfwCynbEIn7jmEiGP3eyPxQbNNCb5xPsM8x1TbGjWRD_IGpRp1B9QcPi25n8O9jjH88e6/s1600/syria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xKQvfPcp_soTA1CkI8Nig6JWeoOkKqO5DD3LJqfYTg-y7ZO-85JRxR9MqTtpPdPeUincFhdIfwCynbEIn7jmEiGP3eyPxQbNNCb5xPsM8x1TbGjWRD_IGpRp1B9QcPi25n8O9jjH88e6/s320/syria.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>One-on-One Investment</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have had meetings with women every day to invite them into my Bible studies and to begin to form friendships. It's been so great getting to know many wonderful women with different backgrounds!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbnCmSxosCKEFi092VVamiVN8a5dbWl39stS2AfBiTly4QON2eNF9mJMg4HBP_LOE2md5Ph4t5S_8e5_DsYuDB0NHgqC-5oja4Rxm9822kLvR09S9-F9nxMI2KolaN2jmo3T0vM4mGAKa/s1600/bennie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbnCmSxosCKEFi092VVamiVN8a5dbWl39stS2AfBiTly4QON2eNF9mJMg4HBP_LOE2md5Ph4t5S_8e5_DsYuDB0NHgqC-5oja4Rxm9822kLvR09S9-F9nxMI2KolaN2jmo3T0vM4mGAKa/s320/bennie.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So far, things have been great here in Arizona. I've been blessed with wonderful roommates, teammates, and priests to work with. Of course, I miss all of my family and friends back home, but I find peace in knowing that I am exactly where Jesus has called me to be. And that is the only thing that matters. God bless you all!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgkIhb1tgHz_Sb0JEQiYI1YWYgT0l8vtZeL18m8YycMqGVoLkcajefZkpj10DOH9J6hSAQw0XWPmJ5i2-_Th-zxm5LDo9M0VV13WuM_9QGFzOy4mWZywx_h2SZc8WJIoTq0CPFosxUMnc/s1600/emily.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgkIhb1tgHz_Sb0JEQiYI1YWYgT0l8vtZeL18m8YycMqGVoLkcajefZkpj10DOH9J6hSAQw0XWPmJ5i2-_Th-zxm5LDo9M0VV13WuM_9QGFzOy4mWZywx_h2SZc8WJIoTq0CPFosxUMnc/s1600/emily.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
emilyrachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01998606587564635994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8502455443302001289.post-31612251977303074612013-08-30T14:08:00.001-07:002013-08-30T14:11:00.794-07:00Double Welcome Week Wrap Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a40096; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrE0XFtR8w8cr6IfZ3yhNjaWBCbk33ojsXwe5wGgJdiGPAkBV3nV8Cxx-9HaxNQxnd5qJ0ujFhVXO-ZQn7Zzq7AjipM5QWjYI89K7ui4syfiwSq6T5LS8QuJdU7P2kcRtnePB35m7LO00_/s1600/wrapup.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrE0XFtR8w8cr6IfZ3yhNjaWBCbk33ojsXwe5wGgJdiGPAkBV3nV8Cxx-9HaxNQxnd5qJ0ujFhVXO-ZQn7Zzq7AjipM5QWjYI89K7ui4syfiwSq6T5LS8QuJdU7P2kcRtnePB35m7LO00_/s400/wrapup.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today marks the end of our "Double Welcome Week" here at ASU. Throughout the last two weeks, the ASU FOCUS team and I have been busy meeting hundreds of students to get them plugged into the All Saints Catholic Newman Center right away. To do so we have been meeting with students one-on-one, holding daily events, working a booth outside the Memorial Union on campus, attending every Mass offered at the Newman Center, and sending up A LOT of prayers. I've also been lucky enough to work with the ASU Delta Gammas, aiding in recruitment and banner making. Tonight we have our first "Upper Room," event for our student missionaries. The "Upper Room" is where Jesus appeared to the disciples following His Resurrection. Each month we hold an "Upper Room" to gather our student missionaries for formation, prayer, and vision setting. Then the ASU FOCUS team and I are off to San Diego, California for a relaxing weekend on the beach for our team offsite. Praise Jesus! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5d_mF_FomydG1LOCRQ3ik9AnKVVASTDe5t2ey3-LCNjNW0fZJIr0HHfcyqYnLhewOI1r5PDfrsYKfJXnjSbEaYousyzOsqFmm7eBjDqShGsQyKU6GlOXrs-nLNGGa6GBigZYkFU-CLaQ/s1600/emily.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5d_mF_FomydG1LOCRQ3ik9AnKVVASTDe5t2ey3-LCNjNW0fZJIr0HHfcyqYnLhewOI1r5PDfrsYKfJXnjSbEaYousyzOsqFmm7eBjDqShGsQyKU6GlOXrs-nLNGGa6GBigZYkFU-CLaQ/s1600/emily.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are a few recap photos from the last two weeks:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Student Missionary Pool Party & Vision Setting</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtg4qbMcEIlugRUWRfz9fWnBGc_7e_ZSyMp35lugUY3gKfdgWa59JwAUrJcSupDw6tTqcg-IS00xG9YrFUl_MZa1YxJxL3p5Q1CTKlODLQQ6QJZImRczLbiaQwiN0SyiOGOxcYjV7ZHGR/s1600/1098294_10201663262486335_1667691761_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtg4qbMcEIlugRUWRfz9fWnBGc_7e_ZSyMp35lugUY3gKfdgWa59JwAUrJcSupDw6tTqcg-IS00xG9YrFUl_MZa1YxJxL3p5Q1CTKlODLQQ6QJZImRczLbiaQwiN0SyiOGOxcYjV7ZHGR/s320/1098294_10201663262486335_1667691761_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">ASU student missionary, Caelen, Fr. Clements, and I throwing the Delta Gamma salute!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxJ5mMFAa9nWksHZGERoS5ZwZB_Q-UK7Nc0mHSNxN-d9BTXw-BJRpZxc94CgVwAKlzRz3WAit_7GlUWH7n1pWFfEcc6MnoQdV9C8VkufSJ3bvSo7MWZNZ2iCeeiexO_xFbleZdiwSYfQf/s1600/1186185_10201662904157377_1869716946_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxJ5mMFAa9nWksHZGERoS5ZwZB_Q-UK7Nc0mHSNxN-d9BTXw-BJRpZxc94CgVwAKlzRz3WAit_7GlUWH7n1pWFfEcc6MnoQdV9C8VkufSJ3bvSo7MWZNZ2iCeeiexO_xFbleZdiwSYfQf/s320/1186185_10201662904157377_1869716946_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Pool Volleyball & Anna's "creative" net.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Shaving Cream Baseball</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXC_jLiDiD-ynySIDQDyOYjN8Im1Yc-2xWshl9CpVY6ce7EtV_xbtHPyfyI90iGtk1OnzxeD4rt7shkYcYaoE1RXwo4FkkD45FGlufQYM2MfZLopWy9H6lw0nb951Mlew-DeQTLCk7WrX2/s1600/IMG_1377+(2)+(800x533).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXC_jLiDiD-ynySIDQDyOYjN8Im1Yc-2xWshl9CpVY6ce7EtV_xbtHPyfyI90iGtk1OnzxeD4rt7shkYcYaoE1RXwo4FkkD45FGlufQYM2MfZLopWy9H6lw0nb951Mlew-DeQTLCk7WrX2/s320/IMG_1377+(2)+(800x533).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4LSlsyyeGjI6aWeFDn1ToTSA7YkCtpYms6WH_vV7wsLNbE4T4unG4xuJvspRF4MXwpsLUFkLtKZphriy6D1w1kQ0VRGicIHjYy-R6RDrE-pTVOcQAITBgvT9AcQ3FuizZCC396y1xfVO/s1600/IMG_1399+(2)+(800x533).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4LSlsyyeGjI6aWeFDn1ToTSA7YkCtpYms6WH_vV7wsLNbE4T4unG4xuJvspRF4MXwpsLUFkLtKZphriy6D1w1kQ0VRGicIHjYy-R6RDrE-pTVOcQAITBgvT9AcQ3FuizZCC396y1xfVO/s320/IMG_1399+(2)+(800x533).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Passport at ASU</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HKBbqqZFNpknDHd5REmEpmyyb0GItbsgWSfBU6fSmnyR7oaTMKtpY5p3ic0kgOyqAQ4U0l3gn9ezdx3XFYxv_rSyKB0xn3LqReuu75-wBMmQ6uX6l4PidhXZX5mDHkZ2Ljme4NQ6Kps9/s1600/1185601_10201704224870369_967526251_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HKBbqqZFNpknDHd5REmEpmyyb0GItbsgWSfBU6fSmnyR7oaTMKtpY5p3ic0kgOyqAQ4U0l3gn9ezdx3XFYxv_rSyKB0xn3LqReuu75-wBMmQ6uX6l4PidhXZX5mDHkZ2Ljme4NQ6Kps9/s320/1185601_10201704224870369_967526251_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
Newman Center BBQ </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielhmHHloU-s8WceKDT9ymsao3rovkJdBe5_9Y8_yrFYlth_uVSKk_jTu_2HqZOscoCuOev2Eh3jnBNYBZt_G7d78OubV5rj1i1Qhx1wZzmHUcLW9SFEwMBhBK8daJtpNSh6Lvv3AIQ7Vx/s1600/IMG_1430+(2)+(800x533).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielhmHHloU-s8WceKDT9ymsao3rovkJdBe5_9Y8_yrFYlth_uVSKk_jTu_2HqZOscoCuOev2Eh3jnBNYBZt_G7d78OubV5rj1i1Qhx1wZzmHUcLW9SFEwMBhBK8daJtpNSh6Lvv3AIQ7Vx/s320/IMG_1430+(2)+(800x533).jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
Girls' Night at "The House of Gold"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOM_OIeeoxd7TWsNM_visUfKXemJVhTNgVJX82UNVRKZ3h4dDteaT6jPN1MiHJITk1wvz7MiL5NdJDqlOhqzjZOkVGCP23f9QYgpO_uo_hbDqtNmjfgaOE_NjX2buWKKatGDi6kTd5b3Hj/s1600/IMG_2613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOM_OIeeoxd7TWsNM_visUfKXemJVhTNgVJX82UNVRKZ3h4dDteaT6jPN1MiHJITk1wvz7MiL5NdJDqlOhqzjZOkVGCP23f9QYgpO_uo_hbDqtNmjfgaOE_NjX2buWKKatGDi6kTd5b3Hj/s320/IMG_2613.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fuzzy's Dinner with Students</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJe5w6lRpQ1god2-8HZB0Cbkcb7KOq_aO7tvtu_kOvG_lILrUBxcxvXZ1qlpUh4vnYzcUvbNbaAc1jWJAyJWmdp7pEYiJPQ6bMkvQ31YZfcRgb3BtYAVf1dB9HRXrqWb3mM3FjMcgll4wC/s1600/1001950_10201743260726241_667727267_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJe5w6lRpQ1god2-8HZB0Cbkcb7KOq_aO7tvtu_kOvG_lILrUBxcxvXZ1qlpUh4vnYzcUvbNbaAc1jWJAyJWmdp7pEYiJPQ6bMkvQ31YZfcRgb3BtYAVf1dB9HRXrqWb3mM3FjMcgll4wC/s320/1001950_10201743260726241_667727267_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
Southern Arizona Team Outing with Fr. Clements</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0PskT5ioh-5pqeZnIWOcypZO8hn8ZGhkueMNhgbp3sskmR3yXZLpqD7xLSYc2nUhE_VYeBqP4GouRPA4bUjF3i0ZAF1P176-mDtWKJWfH9nm7zGjeN9AiCtKEg2hELWdVD_pUh5OX6QlW/s1600/526296_10201751780739236_1091536863_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0PskT5ioh-5pqeZnIWOcypZO8hn8ZGhkueMNhgbp3sskmR3yXZLpqD7xLSYc2nUhE_VYeBqP4GouRPA4bUjF3i0ZAF1P176-mDtWKJWfH9nm7zGjeN9AiCtKEg2hELWdVD_pUh5OX6QlW/s320/526296_10201751780739236_1091536863_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHX8unL6YgaKq1SGZ7OjIP6kcCXK7hvR6aODd92v9BBBX64lGB1FCTsl7R3_MYz6Op5TB0u_2VHvm-aFGbIqTPZ8LuzllENO0JoApLNm7ZaCg1IGMvJUoQw3tIuxXeVg9ZQYH1NNE3JBd/s1600/1175294_10201753236575631_376054097_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHX8unL6YgaKq1SGZ7OjIP6kcCXK7hvR6aODd92v9BBBX64lGB1FCTsl7R3_MYz6Op5TB0u_2VHvm-aFGbIqTPZ8LuzllENO0JoApLNm7ZaCg1IGMvJUoQw3tIuxXeVg9ZQYH1NNE3JBd/s320/1175294_10201753236575631_376054097_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Swing Dancing at Moonshine with Students</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAX9PTl3M_NCz0cQf5o6faA0LVEk6XpetI_tBpiqHD7MA2ia4H7wgUxLj6A_izpdjlzDPZ9Aj9ehc8CShk4sMNhwmaoeZGIAsc2FBsikP_I-p-GPtSgBkf_djQpv-3yZ_AFG3CGJ8uKAqr/s1600/1002622_10201758498587178_1211003891_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAX9PTl3M_NCz0cQf5o6faA0LVEk6XpetI_tBpiqHD7MA2ia4H7wgUxLj6A_izpdjlzDPZ9Aj9ehc8CShk4sMNhwmaoeZGIAsc2FBsikP_I-p-GPtSgBkf_djQpv-3yZ_AFG3CGJ8uKAqr/s320/1002622_10201758498587178_1211003891_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />emilyrachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01998606587564635994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8502455443302001289.post-14396765829219776702013-08-26T09:00:00.000-07:002013-08-26T14:21:30.796-07:00Meet the Priests<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIMZHheKoQ6UPWF3UH_A94siK0yAipfINpcXZ_i749G6YCGA8fnCw-R5AGFnwuh5t3KM2-Y5JIibxCiJ47YG9o0cXTdaYPotZi0QfE3QCvh4sQYJIMzfiZbZqMmdkDBZcGNuwZqvILCmV/s1600/IMG_1266+(2)+(800x533).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIMZHheKoQ6UPWF3UH_A94siK0yAipfINpcXZ_i749G6YCGA8fnCw-R5AGFnwuh5t3KM2-Y5JIibxCiJ47YG9o0cXTdaYPotZi0QfE3QCvh4sQYJIMzfiZbZqMmdkDBZcGNuwZqvILCmV/s400/IMG_1266+(2)+(800x533).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Meet Fr. Rob Clements, the ASU Newman Center pastor & director and mystery man of the century. Fr. Rob is an ASU Sigma Chi alumna who has a heart for DG (since his mother, grandmother, and aunt were all Delta Gammas). And he likes wine. I knew we'd get along well immediately. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHZ6apNn-p2e47rlsYZGcApvnnDQhztkuRPd80s3TdTXW6qflnzBgt3QFzIgmMSKkKCjOaMRgS6XnoIrAnuqVO5wVPz-jovRahHnV32onbc3-fdOc2dH5pfOo2_BgQr4xaSbJFazYAEg7/s1600/IMG_1331+(2)+(800x533).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHZ6apNn-p2e47rlsYZGcApvnnDQhztkuRPd80s3TdTXW6qflnzBgt3QFzIgmMSKkKCjOaMRgS6XnoIrAnuqVO5wVPz-jovRahHnV32onbc3-fdOc2dH5pfOo2_BgQr4xaSbJFazYAEg7/s400/IMG_1331+(2)+(800x533).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Meet Fr. Ramirez, proud filipino who claims the age of forty-five. He is entering his first year as assistant director at the Newman Center, but has proved to be a huge help thus far, especially in sending me to real life episodes of "Hoarders" to find some quality goods for our new home. He specializes in double back flips and photo taking. </div>
<br />emilyrachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01998606587564635994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8502455443302001289.post-82155078111233125442013-08-24T10:50:00.002-07:002013-08-24T11:16:26.386-07:00The House of Gold<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwU6gyPjhaxAyL8C3xzrPcffRhLCzBD9R1qPMRfzRx4dosjbM7MGZYyikOSZCWpRfEJx5NW2Cxrp05nBzlK8IFKCWy5tZ8V1AyZ10OMX-WQBam_Cp15opeCZQ1AP0JQRUlqAF1Y8AxnET3/s1600/house-of-gold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwU6gyPjhaxAyL8C3xzrPcffRhLCzBD9R1qPMRfzRx4dosjbM7MGZYyikOSZCWpRfEJx5NW2Cxrp05nBzlK8IFKCWy5tZ8V1AyZ10OMX-WQBam_Cp15opeCZQ1AP0JQRUlqAF1Y8AxnET3/s640/house-of-gold.jpg" width="488" /></a></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>746</o:Words>
<o:Characters>4254</o:Characters>
<o:Company>University of Nebraska-Lincoln</o:Company>
<o:Lines>35</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>8</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>5224</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">As we begin the schoolyear, my teammate, Anna, and I have begun our semi-monthly Friday night "FOCUS Women's Nights," but with a new spin. After a bit of brainstorming, we are now enjoying one another's company in Christ at "The House of Gold." </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">“The House of Gold” is a Marian title. Gold is the most beautiful, the most valuable, of all
metals. </span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">In the ancient world, as
today, gold was symbolic of worth. The title, "House of
Gold" finds it's origin in the Old Testament, in the description of the
magnificent Temple built to the Lord by King Solomon.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">“And he made the oracle in the midst of the house,
in the inner part, to set there the ark of the covenant of the Lord. Now the
oracle was twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty
cubits in height. And he covered it, and overlaid it with most pure <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">gold</span>.</b> And the altar also he covered
with cedar. And the house before the oracle he overlaid with most pure <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">gold</span></b>, and fastened on the plates with
nails of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">gold</span></b>. And there was nothing
in the temple that was not covered with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">gold</span></b>:
the whole altar of the oracle he covered also with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">gold</span></b>. And he made in the oracle two cherubims of olive tree, of ten
cubits in height . . . And he overlaid the cherubims with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">gold</span></b>. And the floor of the house he also overlaid with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">gold</span></b> within and without. And in the
entrance of the oracle, he made little doors of olive tree, and posts of five
corners . . . And two doors of olive tree: and he carved upon them figures of
cherubims, and figures of palm trees, and carvings very much projecting; and he
overlaid them with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">gold</span></b>: and he
covered both the cherubims and the palm trees, and the other things, with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">gold</span></b>.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">(3 Kings: 6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Why was there such an abundance of gold used in the
construction of this Temple? Solomon's Temple was built for the same reason
that Churches are designed-to be places of beauty to call our minds away from
the mundane world for a time, to speak and to listen to God. Churches serve as
earthly <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">dwellings</span> for the
Almighty. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">The Blessed Virgin Mother is a
"temple" which was prepared to receive the Living God, the same God
Who <i>filled the house of the Lord</i> in the time of King Solomon. She, too,
was "designed" to honor the Lord, to be a fit dwelling for God. The original Temple was overlaid with gold everywhere. Gold is
symbolic of purity. Mary was kept free from the stain of Original Sin, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">preserved</span> from any stain on her
perfect soul. Thus, she became a worthy dwelling for our Lord, Jesus Christ. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">The grand Temple built by Solomon, was a pale
foreshadowing of Mary, the true <i>House of Gold.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Blessed John Henry Newman said, “</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Mary
is the house and the palace of the Great King, of God Himself. Our Lord, the
Co-equal Son of God, once dwelt in her. He was her Guest; nay, more than a
guest, for a guest comes into a house as well as leaves it. But our Lord was
actually born in this holy house. He took His flesh and His blood from this
house, from the flesh, from the veins of Mary. Rightly then was she made to be
of pure gold, because she was to give of that gold to form the body of the Son
of God. She was golden in her conception, golden in her birth. She went through
the fire of her suffering like gold in the furnace, and when she ascended on
high she was, in the words of our hymn. Above all the Angels in glory untold,
standing next to the king in a vesture of Gold.”</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Friday nights at the "House of Gold" provide the women of ASU a community to grow in virtue and selfless love of others in reflection of our Mother Mary. Together we strive to become</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> houses of gold, too, growing in grace and purity through the intercession
of our Blessed Mother, so that we may allow her Son to live with us, in us,
and through us. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WtHLPLioSP9NYtmA9xZ-b7Q46nyZZwuA-H4x3UyYhTYBeadKvXv63X_PuhWENiYV-f6HncKPx6ORCY_DcFpqHQpRDlKPaf4amkJuxw0noq2p5MdzQv8i7S2WFiuznjzI84ne0Z_ebtfv/s1600/emily.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WtHLPLioSP9NYtmA9xZ-b7Q46nyZZwuA-H4x3UyYhTYBeadKvXv63X_PuhWENiYV-f6HncKPx6ORCY_DcFpqHQpRDlKPaf4amkJuxw0noq2p5MdzQv8i7S2WFiuznjzI84ne0Z_ebtfv/s1600/emily.png" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYhDWW2plMBqVTiC1mTrcIKFC4Nl-_i5acKZdM_TQcu31VqQ5fFBHbZx8aI0hcZTZc-goaG1FbD-RY4gF2O4ylfa8kGqItXHpGysYdllBqhiIlhHEguGPKKDynxXyF7u8gkfVXdYinBG_/s1600/IMG_2613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYhDWW2plMBqVTiC1mTrcIKFC4Nl-_i5acKZdM_TQcu31VqQ5fFBHbZx8aI0hcZTZc-goaG1FbD-RY4gF2O4ylfa8kGqItXHpGysYdllBqhiIlhHEguGPKKDynxXyF7u8gkfVXdYinBG_/s400/IMG_2613.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had 30 girls attend our first "House of Gold" event! As a craft we all made friendship bracelets with miraculous medals. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0fCyg9PH8RVSIq0vTia8EWrpZQGQ5tMuyjlfaX2HLxbTK0kLWn3sj1c78euDwEdLSE1TKr3ty6Vs5Dhsym4-41pOWtdxtMbwhVFyg6DA1wbv0ENvMm0rhiGX90H_TPDcbRAQtK0n-rUY/s1600/IMG_8522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0fCyg9PH8RVSIq0vTia8EWrpZQGQ5tMuyjlfaX2HLxbTK0kLWn3sj1c78euDwEdLSE1TKr3ty6Vs5Dhsym4-41pOWtdxtMbwhVFyg6DA1wbv0ENvMm0rhiGX90H_TPDcbRAQtK0n-rUY/s400/IMG_8522.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The roommates of the "House of Gold."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Anna Brzozowski - FOCUS missionary</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lesley Minervini - junior landscape architecture student</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Marisa Lopez - senior civil engineer student</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Katie Bandy - senior kinesiology student</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Emily German - FOCUS missionary</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->emilyrachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01998606587564635994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8502455443302001289.post-35801401701835024082013-08-19T15:57:00.002-07:002013-08-19T16:11:25.086-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfBSB9IAVY6NBLxRPZ6w2oOLMwpSOrDI-zHDGFMZ1wrw_8aZCZUqoAElkPp4QDK2dhwOpdQuF4kFfMeiQx9AnfKBXZK12IIGkmU4AgLzSRk-1UY933vzsZzAqqUFqAOwr9PD_lrNVmCKc/s1600/blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfBSB9IAVY6NBLxRPZ6w2oOLMwpSOrDI-zHDGFMZ1wrw_8aZCZUqoAElkPp4QDK2dhwOpdQuF4kFfMeiQx9AnfKBXZK12IIGkmU4AgLzSRk-1UY933vzsZzAqqUFqAOwr9PD_lrNVmCKc/s400/blog1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Hello! My name is Emily German, a first year campus missionary with FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students. I am a small town girl with a heart for traveling the world and sharing He who created it. I recently graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in May with a degree in Advertising & Public relations, a minor in Art, and a concentration in History. As a full-time campus missionary I am able to devote my entire life to inviting college students into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church, inspiring and equipping them for a lifetime of Christ-centered evangelization, discipleship and friendship in which they lead others to do the same. I am doing this through one-on-one investment, bible studies, and large group outreach (such as conferences).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I recognized my specific call to serve Jesus Christ on a college campus while on a Varsity Catholic FOCUS Missions trip to the Dominican Republic in December of 2011. As I stood on the border of the
Dominican Republic, preparing to cross the muddy waters to Haiti, I watched the
native people bathe while their children splashed in the awful smelling,
cholera-infected water. I crouched in the hollowed-out log as a local pushed us from one side
of the river to the other. Careful not to touch the water for fear of sickness,
I thought to myself, “These people don’t even realize that they are swimming in
infected waters.” I couldn’t help but wonder what my campus would look like if
I placed a spiritual lens over my eyes. I suddenly saw my own friends unknowingly
swimming in dangerous, infected waters of hopelessness, confusion, and sin. Translating
the physical need of purification in the Dominican Republic to the spiritual
need on my own college campus placed a sense of urgency and mission on my
heart.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">College years are some of the most pivotal of a young person's life. Without the support of family and friends, the majority of freshman students fall into the party culture, swallowed by promises of happiness from destructive influences. As a campus missionary, it is my hope to be a light in this darkness. In Luke 12:49 Jesus says, "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already ablaze!" Jesus has called me to serve Him at Arizona State University, and to set ASU ablaze with Christ's love.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This blog, titled "Brushstrokes," will mark the journey that the Lord is leading me on as I serve Him through FOCUS. As an artist, the words of His Holiness Benedict XVI, Pope-Emeritus resound in my heart. He states, "Art is like a door opened to the infinite, opened to a beauty and a truth beyond the every day. And a work of art can open the eyes of the mind and heart, urging us upward."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In the Letter of His Holiness Pope John Paul II to Artists, Blessed John Paul II says, "Human beings, in a certain sense, are unknown to themselves. Jesus Christ not only reveals God, but “fully reveals man to man”. In Christ, God has reconciled the world to himself. All believers are called to bear witness to this; but it is up to you, men and women who have given your lives to art, to declare with all the wealth of your ingenuity that in Christ the world is redeemed: the human person is redeemed, the human body is redeemed, and the whole creation which, according to Saint Paul, “awaits impatiently the revelation of the children of God” (<i>Rom</i>8:19), is redeemed. The creation awaits the revelation of the children of God also through art and in art. This is your task. Humanity in every age, and even today, looks to works of art to shed light upon its path and its destiny."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I wish to use my God-given gift so that I may lead others to see themselves and the whole of creation with eyes able to contemplate and give thanks to our Lord, Jesus Christ. I view myself as a paintbrush in the hand of God. Each stroke and blend of colors is guided by the Author of Creation. It is my hope to allow the Lord to use me to inspire the picture painted on the canvases of those I meet. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQORuTKbq80A7paEKlbHPkXaSgkiGxRGSwyX_oarZtWoZYOo36GVC0PR6Qc3MiBMGFXOwH_5_edsieyMKAELTFbtSWHJk2u1hxx5BS6vv69uPshNx31GKGsd88WQZNhoVfktb858zAGeRP/s1600/emily.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQORuTKbq80A7paEKlbHPkXaSgkiGxRGSwyX_oarZtWoZYOo36GVC0PR6Qc3MiBMGFXOwH_5_edsieyMKAELTFbtSWHJk2u1hxx5BS6vv69uPshNx31GKGsd88WQZNhoVfktb858zAGeRP/s1600/emily.png" /></a></span></div>
<br /><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="maintable3" style="background-color: #fdfeff; box-shadow: rgb(0, 51, 85) 5px 0px 20px, rgb(0, 51, 85) -5px 0px 20px; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><div align="center" class="maintable2" style="margin-left: 178px; margin-right: 178px;">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
emilyrachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01998606587564635994noreply@blogger.com0