Friday, September 14, 2007

Update

Obviously I haven't been very motivated to post about our vacation, since I usually do so right after we return from adventures. Life has been a roller coaster. Just a few days after accepting the job offer with Heifer, my Grandpa Ed passed away. The mixed feelings of elation & sorrow, of alternating my thoughts & worry between my family & my career, & of looking forward to the future & then also re-living memories of the past, has been draining & at times almost confusing. Being in transition between my two jobs & attempting to come to grips with the major changes on my life's horizon all feels a bit surreal. I can't seem to even define or precisely lay my finger on the feelings of having lost both my Gowey grandparents, of walking out the door of Nordstrom on my last day, of finally being an employee of Heifer International & the changes this will bring to my life.

So, I leave you with that friends. I'm sure posts will follow later about our vacation trip, & about my Grandpa.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Some pictures from the trip

Here are some photos from the trip. I am sure Liza will add more as we find time. as always we will update flickr as well.



Gotta visit Trees like this when you are in California.



Half Dome the Mountain we climbed. From the valley floor to the top and back was 16 miles and about 4500 ft of elevation change.



The last climb to the top was an adventure. This is me descending.



Yosemite is known for the waterfalls. Unfortunately most of them were dry since it was Fall, but we did pass a few on the way to half dome.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

We are Home

And safe. It was a fun vacation. Many pictures and maybe some stories to come.

Monday, September 03, 2007

Budgie

HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY, BOO!!

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Hallelujah!!

I GOT THE JOB!!

I found out Thursday morning, less than 24 hours after my interview, but have been waiting to get my official offer from headquarters before I tell the whole world--it's been tough!

On September 20th, I will start the brand new position as Community Relations Coordinator for Heifer International in the Northern NW region. I'll be based in Seattle & while much of my focus will be on the growing volunteer base & activities we have here, I will also travel often within my extended region of Washington, Idaho, Montana & Alaska.

I can't thank all of you enough for your support & encouragement as I have moved along this journey to my chosen career in helping to end hunger & extreme poverty.

For your entertainment, some history...
It all started at Keystone UCC, the church I grew up in.
Here I am on the left, collecting donations for Heifer in a paper bag.My cousins & I took over the Heifer booth when I was 9. I'm in the middle.Here I am again at 14, running the booth at the annual Festival of Hope.And here I am last fall, at the same booth.It's been quite the journey (& it will only get more exciting!) & I am so happy & blessed to finally be starting my career doing the work my heart desires to do most.

There's one special person who I wish I could visit & share my news with...
Grandma Donnie.
She was a big supporter of Heifer & I know she would be so proud of me.

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Warning...

Lots of photos ahead!

Birthday Girl

My adorable niece turns one year old on September 2nd & her Grandparents hosted a party in Shelton on Saturday. I definitely think she enjoyed the day. :)
Tillie getting some help from her parents.
Reaching for that cake!
She liked the frosting best.
Boo & me with our bro.
A bath was needed to get all the frosting off.
Baby butt!!
Boo gave her a little mohawk.
Smiling!
Tillie flyer!

Wedding

Friday night wedding at the arboretum=beautiful.
Whitney got married! In addition to being my sister-in-law Elyse's best friend, she is also part of the family, so we all turned out & had a great time.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LEVI!
I love you, baby!

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Flying high

The interview is over...the waiting begins.
As many of you know, I had an interview today for the Seattle-based position with Heifer International, the non-profit I have volunteered for my whole life. My tummy is glad it is over--while many people told me I have nothing to be nervous about, I don't think that I've wanted anything as badly as I want this job & that right there made my tummy a bundle of nerves.
After my flight out last night was canceled, I finally made it into Sacramento around 11pm & was able to relax & enjoy the hotel pool this morning before my afternoon interview.
Thank you to everyone who was praying & sending me positive thoughts today. It helped--the interview went well & I feel really good about everything. I will know their decision within two weeks. The views on my flight out today were gorgeous & I had a nice, relaxing, introspective flight home.
Crater Lake.
Columbia River.
Rainier.
Clouds to welcome me home.