Here we go!

I am officially back in school! Going to TJC, in Survey and Mapping. I love it! I love my teachers, love the classes- Definitely a cool field. Taking 18 credits this semester, and scheduled for more next, its very challenging, and a little grueling at times. I am doubling up, taking freshmen and sophomore classes at the same time. So I feel like I am going backward and forward at the same time.

Youth Praise team is going well, lost a senior and gained a sophomore, so we are relearning and reworking a lot. Its been a rough start with some strife trying to creep in, but we have been working through the drama and learning to see what's going on behind the scenes and who the "other" players are- spiritual warfare.

Shep is back in Mississippi, gearing up with his new skills and Seabee Combat Warfare pin which will apparently let him have more fun...

We are driving up to Clarinda this weekend to pick up the Phoenix (great times eh Rach?) so I will not have to sell rights to my firstborn to pay for fuel. My truck is trying to fall apart and as of yet is still not allowed... :)

Thats mostly it right now- I am staying in Van renting a room and taking care of my new adopted grandmother Lynda, aka Meme.

Love to all,

Liz

There is a lot going on in my heart. I had this vivid sound-dream. I don't remember ever having sound in dreams like this. An orchestra was playing my lifesong- it began with two different melodies and other instruments came in and out and the two melodies became one and it sounded like they "birthed" a completely new sound when they played the same! This sound became the new melody and I listened as more instruments came in and out and riffs and lines were added. Then this absolutely beautiful baritone harmony began to rise from the "background" I could hear the two almost dancing, sometimes disagreeing, but the passion, the adventure, the lively, bold strong symphony was overwhelming! I could almost name the movements...And then I woke up...

This season is harder than I thought. I guess its the way it goes.

I guess I just need to unload for a min ute.

Shep is in Africa, for another 153 days. (Til August) This is okay, I had prepared for this. Mentally, emotionally- its okay

I think that some of the hardest things is knowing that my decisions are not mine, - not that they ever were, but I am finding that I don't want to make them by myself, and communication is precious and limited right now.

My job feels a little fragile right now. Or maybe its my imagination, or it could be the job offer I got last week to go work in Oklahoma for 12k a month. Only catch is a 4x4 truck that I don't have. If I had heard about this a year ago- I would be gone in a heartbeat. My priorities have changed a lot. Where I used to live like I was going to be single forever, I just want to be debt free and ready to go wherever is next.

And that craziness is that I am getting married sometime this fall!?! I don't know the date yet and I have at least 5 people an hour ask me when the day is. And I will be moving. Everything new. A tiny bit apprehensive...

I am working mega overtime to pay off my student loans before Shep gets home, and save money for a wedding where 80% of the people will be coming in from out of town, no matter where we have it. Top that with crazy stalker inlaws, its been interesting.

I have so much to learn!!!!

It is all very exciting, but at the same time it's that old hurry up and wait again. My best friend Keith Weis, or many of you know him as Shep, and I are officially dating. It has been a long wait, and it still will be, but it is worth it.

Shep is in the US Navy and is currently stationed at Gulfport, MS and is a Seabee (Construction Battalion). He would like to work with the UCT, or underwater construction team.

He is set to be deployed to Camaroon, Africa in February for 6 months, while the rest of his group is going to Kuwait.

We met at the Honor Academy, in 2004. We were in the same family core and on the P-Crew, or production crew, working sound, lights and power point for the auditorium. After I graduated in 2005, he stayed on as Ministry Team, working as a sound tech for the Acquire the Fire and Battlecry events for another year. Shep joined the Navy in June of 2007 and has five more years on his current contract.

And me? Well I am going to school to be an RPLS or Registered Professional Land Surveyor. I had chosen this career for the flexibility and good pay, so that I would have the time and money to do what I really love, which is write music. I am currently plugged in to an awesome church body, New Frontiers Cowboy Church, where I lead worship for the youth group and help in a variety of different ministries.

So there's the update.