in living color

Recent email conversation between chick #5 and chick #1

#1- I still dream of all of us living on the same cul-de-sac some day.

#5- Glad someone else shares my pipe dream.

Seasons Change

Here I am. It's been almost two months since I finished camp, and here I am. I'm currently sitting at my parent's kitchen table in my pajamas sipping the amazing hazelnut coffee my mom just bought as I think about my limited plans for the day (I think I'll get a pedicure and get my car washed). I don't mean to gloat. Trust me, being ok with this "season" has been a long and hard road. But from where I sit today I can finally recognize how much the Lord has blessed me the last couple months. I would never have guessed that time at home without work or responsibility would have been so necessary for my spirtual, physical and emotional survival. But it has. God's taught me to wait on him. He's taught me to rest in who he is, and, incidentally, who I am not. He's teaching me to be content, but to find complete satisfaction in Him alone. In this "quarter-life crisis" (as some have called it), I've longed for my home more often than not. Its tough to accept that true, deep, tangible satisfaction won't come this side of heaven. This world is not my home so the insecurity and confusion that often come with it are part of the territory.
I wish I was writing this entry to tell you that I know where I'm going next. Sorry to disappoint, I'm still waiting for that direction. However, I will update on some things I've learned since I've been in this season:

#1. I just don't think I can describe the blessing of family - my family atleast. I've had a birthday since I've been here. I'm 24 now (CRAZY!) and my parent's showered me with gifts. They've bought me a car, contributed to my new camera, a new phone (not too bad - the contract was up :) )and helped out a little with a trip to see one of my best friends who pours it out for Jesus in New York City.


#2. I love to accomplish tasks (check things off of a list). I spent an entire day a couple weeks ago going through my parents books and alphebetizing them on their new bookshelf - it was amazing!

#3. Getting your driver's license renewed is a pain!

#4. Finally with some time for pleasure reading, I can report that Karen Kingsbury writes a mean novel

#5. I love to have a HOME, my own space, my own decorations, but long for community and fellowship with others

#6. Everyone (and I really do mean almost everyone) in Friendswood gets married early (right out of high school) :)

#7. the Wii makes for hours of great entertainment

#8. after a year of no TV...I think I've made up for it thanks to abc.com and alluc.org

#9. Garage Sales are hard work and I'm not really sure that they're worth the money...the jury is still out.

I think that'll about do it for now. For those of you who are worried...I will work hard to keep this blog alive. Don't you doubt...the six chicks still live, breathe and BLOG!!!!

~js

Texas our Texas...

...All hail the mighty state!

Or something like that.

Oh the Places You'll Go.

I must admit, I've been a bit out of pocket for the last year or so of my life. This would explain the lack of 'Jessica' you've seen on this blog. As for the others...I don't know their excuse. For some it is a streak of independence (starting their own blog - PISHAA!), others it's a new marriage, and still others it's a new job and other new adventures. But I'm back...out of pocket no longer, and with so much to report.

Graduation gifts....that's what this entry's title makes me think of. While I never received this beloved book by our friend Seuss (may he rest in peace) for graduation, I feel like I've experienced much of what he spoke of in only a year and some change since my own college graduation. 2006-2007 has been a crazy time of travels. I've had the oppurtunity to set foot in 5 continents in only a year. This entry will be my report...

Let's start off with my travels to North Africa in February. This trip was facilitated by the Forge...so as you will see my 13 roommates/friends/classmates/cohorts/comrades/etc. served to be most of the entertainment. We were fortunate enough to have a twelve hour layover in London on this journey, which is where we will cover our first continent.

EUROPE!

So this is us in front of Buckingham Palace. We were proud of ourselves. We ended up doing London in only 5 hours. Obviously only seeing the major sights, but it was fun. I felt a little like I was on The Amazing Race. Next stop....

AFRICA

We spent almost 2 weeks in N. Africa visiting friends and getting to know college students. This picture is from the ancient ruins of Carthage. So much neat history there. It was so neat to experience a totally new culture. Only I am so suprised at how westernized our world is becoming. Walking along the city streets there felt almost like I was in a US city. Ok...for our next stop...one in which you will all be very interested, I went to...

ASIA

This is us in Thailand. Now obviously I'm not in this picture, but don't be fooled. Brooke and I were on an another elephant taking this photo. For more picture and details on this trip please click here - http://brookebrandon.blogspot.com/2007/05/fastest-week-of-my-life.html.

and finally for my last international trip of the year (so far)...

CENTRAL AMERICA

Now this picture is from the great country of Costa Rica. I was fortunate enough to spend about ten days this past summer with Pine Cove at a church called La Communidad de Amor. This is a picture of my team at the church. What an amazing time of ministry and growth. We were fortunate enough to assist these Tican people as they put on camp and outdoor ed classes to little ones. Such a cool time!!

So...it was really only 4 continents, but I feel like Costa Rica is kind of in South America so I like to say 5. Needless to say, it was quite a year of travel for me. Which only makes me excited about what's to come. I guess we'll just have to wait and see, because Oh the Places We'll Go!!!

Beau and Jenna are Engaged!!!!

Beau Haralson proposed to Jenna Fagen on July 5 in Colorado Springs, Co at the Broadmoor Hotel.

In true Beau fashion it was an elaborate, romantic, and creative proposal.

Basically he surprised her in her front yard as she was leaving for work. He let her go change (good move) and he took her to a special breakfast at the Broadmoor.

Side note: The Broadmoor Hotel is spectacular. If you are ever in Colorado Springs or near it, try to go see it!

Midway through breakfast he excused himself for a minute.
The server brought a clue to Jenna.
This clue led her to a special place they had many fun conversations last summer when they were able to stay at the hotel with Jenna's parents.
Another clue led her to a special bench right by the pond where they had another memorable conversation.
At this point our new friend, Charles, from the Broadmoor met her at the bench and led her to the final location.

He took her to the open air tower you can see in the background of their picture.
There were rose petals leading her to the top.

Side note: Apparently no one ever gets to go in this tower.

When she got in the tower, a scrapbook of their letters and pictures and memories that Beau had made was sitting on a chair for her to look through.
She didn’t know that Beau was also in the tower…he was right around the corner. So he started to play his guitar.
She came around the corner!

Side note: My family and all the Fagens were way down below on this little bridge and we could see what was happening!

So he played the song he wrote for her called “My Beloved” (also engraved in her ring) and then proposed!

She said YES


A few more pics of the proposal:



The view from the tower



Our view of the proposal. If you look really close you can see the little specks that are Beau and Jenna.


Beau pre-proposal...so excited!


The Scrapbook






It was a really exciting day! I’m so happy for my brother who found an incredible girl to be his wife!

hh