2014

2014 has been one of the hugest years of change, growth, struggle, and strengthening that I've lived. This blog has, in small and occasional ways, chronicled various chapters and seasons of my young life as I've grown and matured. As these seasons have waxed and waned, I've written various posts, shared what God's teaching me, sometimes often, sometimes not. One thing I have faithfully rendered is a blog post at the conclusion of each year, chronicling my favorite events and memories. This has been a steady encouragement and has brought a smile to my face as I recall the lessons and memories associated with each item I've listed. So, I'm not sure if these posts are for my sake or to share a glimpse of life with my friends and family members, but regardless, here are my 2014 highlights (in no particular order):

1. Backpacking 14 miles in Banks with Hayden this Summer
2. Late night worship song sessions around the piano with Sarah
3. Getting to play city league sports
4. Completing Mission Medics and spending two weeks in Nicaragua doing medical outreach! 
5. Nurturing friendships with old and new friends alike 
6. Starting a new job as a St Luke's Internal Transporter 
7. Starting my general education pre-reqs for Nursing School 
8. Late night visits from Hayden for dinner and a haircut (before he left for West Point) 
9. Coordinating the catering for the JEMfriends banquet
10. Being introduced to musicals 
11. Hayden's graduation weekend and visit from my Dad 
12. Being taught by Jacob to drive a stick shift
13. Sister time with Hope 
14. Going to the pumpkin patch with my sisters and the Bussells 
15. FaceTime conversations with Hayden and his West Point roomie which never failed to make me laugh
16. Getting to eat my great grandmother's raspberry Christmas trifle for the first time in a long time
17. Attending six weddings in the same year! The season of friends getting married has officially begun. :) 
18. Planning and pulling off three events in a three day weekend with Maryanna
19. Getting to be a judge for the homeschool speech and debate competition 
20. Celebrating my 19th birthday with some of my favorite people and being given all my favorite things (coconut water, salt and vinegar chips, and a mango were the highlights!)
21. Playing the game of Telestration with my family... way too much laughter
22. Spending a weekend in Northern Idaho with the Young family (which also happened to involve a tree swing, a zip line, and an attempt at wake boarding)
23. Walks (whether in the sunshine or in the middle of the night) with good conversations with friends

We serve such a faithful and gracious God who loves and leads through trials and triumphs alike. I'm so thankful for each day I am privileged to live and am so excited for all He is working! Thankful for all He is revealing, all He is teaching, and all the moments He orchestrates. 2015 is going to be grand!

God speaks.

The sovereignty, endless love, and perfect plan of the God we serve is so incomprehensible by our human hearts, but in His grace, God reveals His character to us in new ways in moments we least expect.

I'm aware of moments and memories that God revealed some of His heart to me, moments in which it was often least expected. 

I remember working on a news summary for my junior high English class, a weekly assignment with which I was familiar. As I flipped through the pages of the God's World News leaflet, searching for an article about which to write, I stumbled upon a story about the persecuted Church in a third world country. My eleven-year-old heart was burdened for this family, this nation, these brothers and sisters in Christ, who were living across the world from me but served the same Savior.

I remember asking my mom where I could read more stories like this, why such injustice was in this world, and what I could do about it from my chair in our cozy little school-room, thousands of miles from this family. She gave my more articles, told me more stories, and I searched. I read of hurt and injustice, starvation and sickness, oppression and death, persecution and abuse of children... and I hurt.

This weekly news summary assignment was required to be half a page on college ruled notebook paper (single spaced). I can't tell you why I remember the specifics of that weekly assignment, but I also remember that the news summary I wrote that week totaled four single spaced pages. I wrote of these horrible injustices about which I had just read, the horrible juxtaposition of corrupt leaders and poor, starving people over which they oppressed. My little eleven-year-old hands despised handwriting and penmanship exercises, but I remember that day, writing had never flowed so freely. The cry in my heart for justice was expressed on those pages as well as I could state it. I longed to do something. 

Little did I realize that the Living God revealed this little piece of Himself to my young heart. I'm convicted this week that in seasons of discouragement, moments of uncertainty, and times of trial, I must seek the heart of God. The same God who revealed His heart to me that day, is guiding me every moment. I'm reminded that just in that moment when I had no recognition of this piece of God's heart that He had so graciously begun to show me, there are so many moments here and now where God is working and teaching and guiding that we don't even think of or recognize.

I'm thankful that even when God speaks hard things, He gives us strength. When He reveals part of Himself, He gives grace. When we submit our desires to Christ, He gives joy. When we walk in humility and obedience, He gives peace.

These seasons of discouragement, moments of uncertainty, and times of trial feel overwhelming at times. I'm reminded that God is overwhelmingly perfect, working His plan in those moments of pain and stress. My heart and flesh fail me, but praise God that He is still the strength of my heart, giving me grace to conform more to Himself in those trials.

7 Wardrobe Savers! Plus Modest Swimsuit Under $20 How-To

I've been asked a lot recently how I build my wardrobe modestly while still keeping it my style.Goals of my style: simple, modest, inexpensive, feminine, and practical. I prefer skirts and solid colors (especially blue -- how is that 3/4 of my wardrobe is blue, gray, or black?) and comfortable clothing. Although, a lot of these tips could be applied to most anyone's style. :)

So, here are some things I've found helpful:

Wardrobe Saver #1: Seamless Camisoles
I LOVE these things. I put them under everything because they can fix so many outfits. Shirt too low? Camisole. Shirt too thin? Camisole. Shirt too short? Camisole. Shirt hugging the wrong places? Camisole. I'm convinced without these, half of my shirts would be indecent and unwearable.

It's hard to find them, though, because most of the time they're either cut really low OR they have a built in shelf bra which is uncomfortable, too low, or bunches up. The key is to buy "seamless" ones, which are hard to find, so when you do, buy several. I just found some today at Walmart for 2.97 each. My old ones were starting to lose shape (and thus get too low) so this was perfect timing.
 

Wardrobe Saver #2: Leggings
As a little girl, I used to traipse around in skirts and dresses playing outside, running around, crawling on the floor with children, and doing pretty much everything else. So, leggings were my best friend (especially in the frigid state of Montana) and I always wore some under my skirts. I'd kind of forgotten about them until this last year when I had a couple skirts that just barely hit my knees and I felt like were too short. Enter: leggings. Not only are my knee length skirts now multi-seasonal, but the leggings underneath make me feel more comfortable and give me more coverage. Yay, leggings! "Footless tights" are cheap and snug in the waist so you have less bunching. I've bought them in the girls' section plenty of times because a kids' XL seems like it's the same size as a women's S and it's about two dollars cheaper.

Wardrobe Saver #3: Men's Section
I buy basketball shorts (that go to/past my knees), compression shorts (for under shorts and skirts), tank tops (an alternative to seamless camisoles for under sports jerseys), swimming trunks (sometimes they have cute flower patterns and bright colors), and tshirts from the men's section. :Gasp: The men's section is the only place I can find athletic shorts and swim shorts that are long enough for my tastes and standards. Not only that, but I can usually find them for under $10 each, so it's budget friendly too.

Wardrobe Saver #4: Maternity Clothes 
Ok, so it's a little weird, but maternity shirts are usually longer for extra coverage. Also, I am LOVING maxi skirts with elastic waist bands. They're comfortable, cute, and I can wear them to work.

Wardrobe Saver #5: Basics Stock-ups 
I usually try to keep my eyes open for simple, plain, cheap short or long sleeved shirts that I can layer with or wear by themselves. They're a little dressier than an athletic tshirt so I can wear them to work or social functions like showers, etc. but not dressy-uncomfortable. This past year I found some simple short sleeved shirts at Old Navy for $4 and $6 each, I think. I got a couple colors and can pair them with pretty much anything in my wardrobe. During the winter I found the same style in long sleeve, so I have several of those as well. Moral of the story: if you find well-priced, versatile basics, stock up.

Wardrobe Saver #6: Buttonless Short Sleeved Sweaters
 I love putting these over sleeveless shirts or tanktops or dresses that I couldn't otherwise wear on their own. I have a few of the longer/full length shirt ones that are comfortable and casual that I like to wear with skirts or even jeans, and the shorter ones I like to wear over dresses. Dare I say that the cute denim jacket I have even borders "trendy". ;)
 

Bonus Tip: Swim Suit 
Swim suits, ugh. Why it's ok to wear underwear-similar clothing while swimming but not to the grocery store is beyond me. But, try to buy a modest non-bikini swim suit, and you either have to spend a gajillion dollars, or compromise for one that works in one area but not another. I know this is a struggle for a lot of girls to find modest yet affordable swim wear.

What I've done is purchase a pair of men's swim trunks (like I said earlier, you can usually find Hawaiian flowers or at least a cute color) that hit your knees for about $10. If you're not a shorts girl or are going for a more feminine look, you can also find some women's swim skirt bottoms (if you look enough places and find a clearance deal) and some cheap yoga capri pants to put under them instead of the men's trunks.

Then, I head over to the women's section and find a "sweat wicking" athletic top for anywhere from $8-15. I've tried the tank tops with built in shelf bras as well as loosely fitted tshirts that I wear a sports bra underneath. (Make sure your sports bra is thick enough or wear a bikini top underneath so you're covered and comfortable... ya, learned that one the hard way.) I know other girls who have purchased a tankini top from a site like LimeRicki or even from a normal store like Kohl's or Target. I haven't had much luck with that because I can't find any that aren't too low cut in the chest so I prefer the loose athletic tshirt style.


What are your modesty tips and tricks? I'm always looking for advice...
  

Recent Concoctions

I've been experimenting a bit lately with various food and body care products and thought I'd share what I'm currently working on:

1. Fermented Veggies
I made a jar of carrots and red cabbage that I fermented in real salt for a few days. They're pleasantly tart and tasty on tacos, salads, rice, lentils, and even by themselves. I'm endeavoring to make some fermented dill pickles next. They're so easy and so tasty and so good for your gut.

2. Water Kefir
My water kefir cultures so much better in the warm Summer months so I've started making a batch every few days. My all time favorite flavor is ginger lime but I've recently tried cherry and grapefruit as well. (Apricot was the most disgusting fail ever. All I tasted was sulfur.)

3. Homemade Muscle Rub
Using almond oil (carrier) and lemongrass and wintergreen essential oils, I created a sore muscle serum which seems to work pretty well. I haven't used it much myself but my sources tell me it's effective. I'm planning to make a batch to send with my mom to take to my brother next time she sees him at West Point.

4. Homemade Dry Shampoo
I can't find a shampoo that works for my long, thick hair that isn't chock full of chemicals. (Well actually, I can't find one filled with aforementioned chemicals either come to think of it.) ...Enter dry shampoo. I'm trying this no 'poo method with a dry shampoo made from arrowroot powder and essential oils. Admittedly, I'm skeptical. But desperate times call for desperate measures, people.

5. Homemade Lattes
I'm in love with my French Press. I've been making some good, STRONG coffee and then whirling it through the blender with about a quarter cup of coconut milk (much better when you heat the milk first not just pour it in cold... thanks Liberty :) and a couple teaspoons of coconut oil, some sea salt, and honey or stevia. The milk cascades into a fluffy and foamy delicious pillow and it practically feels like you're sitting in Rembrandt's while you sip your all natural, low sugar, latte that only cost you pennies. Mmmmmm.

Next Endeavors: 
1. Coconut Kefir 
According to my research, I can make my own kefir again but use non-dairy milk instead. I'm crossing my fingers that it will turn out!

2. Canning 
Yay it's Summer. :) I used my last pint of tomatoes last week and am anxious to can another big batch. I still have quite a bit of fruit from last year, but hope to put up at least a couple dozen quarts of pears and applesauce. 
 

Preparing My Body for Nicaragua

So, Nicaragua. We're heading there to do medical and health work, right? I figured it would be poor form to become violently ill while we were there to do that so I did lots and lots of natural preparations in hopes that the trip would be a little easier for my body to handle. Honestly, the transition back to the States was harder on my body, but that's another story.

While we were helping with a women's training, we were all going around the room sharing the ways we had learned about various women's health topics. The group was quite amused because every time it was my turn to share, I would say something to the effect of, "Well, I read some books and did a lot of research and learned as much as I could for myself." Research is kind of my style and how I process the world around me.

So you can imagine the day I had my "oh-my-goodness-I'm-going-to-a-third-world-country" moment, I decided to start researching the area, the needs, the culture, the most prevalent diseases, and traveling recommendations. Naturally, you can't learn everything from a book or Google, and there's no teacher quite like experience, but I did spend many an hour poring over information -- especially how to prepare my body for two weeks in a place I had never been to.

As you've probably picked up from reading my blogs, I'm into natural health and "crunchy natural remedies" as certain friends of mine have been known to call them. So, when the first thing that came up on "traveling to Nicaragua health recommendations" was a list of vaccines to get and drugs to take (no, no I'm not anti-modern/western medicine... I'm an education, moderation, every-situation-is-different-so-people-should-research-their-own-choices kind of girl), I started to look into other ways to strengthen my immune system.

I had vaccines as a wee child but have chosen not to get any boosters, flu shots, adult vaccines, etc. I really should sit down and write a whole post on my position on vaccines but if I'm likely incapable of summarizing without ranting.

What did I do to prep you ask? Well, I'm only too happy to share. My disclaimer is that this is what worked for me, and I'm not advocating it for the whole world. I researched and educated myself on the various remedies I used (and various ones I chose not to use) but highly recommend you do your own study before your trip! (And take me with you wherever you're going...)


Before the Trip: 

1. Vitamin D -- Helps the body maintain homeostasis and improves immune system function.
2. Grapefruit Seed Extract -- Basically it contains high amounts of anti-oxidants and is naturally anti-fungal and anti-parasitic. It's pretty cheap and I found it to be an effective way to boost my immune system.
3. Hepatitis Homeopathic Nosode -- A nosode is a natural vaccine alternative that protects the body from a specific disease for a brief amount of time. I was a little skeptical to try this but I figured it was worth a shot (no pun intended) since it was inexpensive and I had decided against getting the vaccine. There's not a ton of research out on nosodes, but my naturopathic doctor recommended and prescribed it to me. Hepatitis A was really my main concern since it's the food borne version, as I wasn't really planning to share needles or get a blood transfusion in Nicaragua. I took the nosode in three doses orally and I have no idea if it "worked" but I didn't contract Hepatitis, so I guess that's a plus. :)
4. Permethrin -- Yes it's a chemical. I spritzed the outside of my clothing with it in attempt to ward off insects. Since I chose not to take malaria prophylaxis drugs, I wanted to take extra measures to avoid mosquito bites.

During the Trip:

1. Vitamin D -- Helps the body maintain homeostasis and improves immune system function.
2. Grapefruit Seed Extract -- Basically it contains high amounts of anti-oxidants and is naturally anti-fungal and anti-parasitic. It's pretty cheap and I found it to be an effective way to boost my immune system.
3. Probiotics -- I took a probiotic with good bacteria during the trip to help my body fight off any bad bacteria.
4. DigestZen essential oil -- I put a couple drops of doTERRA's DigestZen blend into vegetable capsules and took internally if I felt sick to my stomach or had eaten something I thought would be potentially troublesome. I also brought activated charcoal in case of diarrhea but thankfully didn't have use for it.
5. TerraShield essential oil -- I made homemade insect repellant with witch hazel and the TerraShield blend and applied each morning and evening. I applied the TerraShield "neat" to my neck, ankles, and wrists when we slept in barns/churches with open air when there was a particularly high concentration of mosquitos. I was pretty religious about insect repellant application due to not being on anti-malarials, plus it smelled pretty good too.
6. OnGuard essential oil -- I made homemade hand sanitizer with OnGuard and aloe vera and applied copious amounts of it on the plane, after latrine use, between patients, when I woke up, when I went to bed... pretty much all the time.

After the Trip: 

1. Veggie/fruit "cleanse" -- I literally ate nothing but vegetables, fruit, and homemade juices and smoothies for an entire week, then the next two weeks ate this way about 80% of the time.
2. Probiotics -- I doubled my normal probiotic good bacteria dose after the trip to help my body fight off any bad bacteria.
3. DigestZen essential oil -- I was miserable for about two weeks with stomach cramps from gluten detox and this made life just a little more pleasant. It really does work wonders.
4. Albendazole -- See, I believe drugs have their place. ;) I took an anti-parasitic dose after the trip because there was a good chance of acquiring them and there are so many health issues they can cause. I opted for the preventative single dose of Albendazole and highly recommend it to others. 
5. Artemisia/Wormwood -- Natural anti-parasitics, and artemisia is actually the herb they derive certain anti-malarial drugs from. I took what I had on hand until I ran out.

*I take a multi-vitamin and cod liver oil daily, and continued to do that before/during/after. I also take a vitamin to support my adrenal glands and doubled that during the trip.*

What I would do differently next time: 

1. Try with all might, force, and power to not eat any gluten. I seemed fine with eggs and the little bit of dairy I had but oh my goodness gluten is really really really bad for me.
2. Bring lemon essential oil. My whole body, especially my ankles, got so so so swollen. Lemon essential oil helps a lot with swelling and I would have really found it handy to have some on hand in attempt to nip the swelling in the bud a little. 
3. Pack a pillow. Does this even need an explanation? 

So there you have it: my crunchy natural remedies for third world travel. :)

The Obligatory Pictures

It's kind of embarrassing to have written more about pre-trip planning than the actual trip. Well, they say a picture speaks a thousand words, so, here are a couple thousand more:

Puerto Cabezas



Putting together an anatomy model


Little ones


With the AMOS team -- I know it LOOKS like I'm about to punch Manaal for tickling me, but that's purely coincidental

Jamie and me praying for a child with encaphalathapy


Teaching a hygiene lesson... we love glitter!

Nicaragua

I've sat down to write this post several times, but for some reason, it's never felt quite right. It's been over a month since returning from Nicaragua and my heart is full.

I could tell you all about the heartfelt hugs and sometimes toothless smiles of the people of La Vina Puerta Cabezas as we said goodbye after an evening of singing, teaching, and fellowship. I could tell you about the moment I walked into the baby room of the daycare in Bluefields, twelve pairs of tiny eyes peering curiously out of their cribs. I could tell you of the tears that welled up in my eyes and how my heart felt as though it consumed by entire body and instantly wanted to hold and hug in the moment I witnessed all twelve babies sitting contentedly in their cribs, not getting out except for a meal or diaper change twelve hours a day, five days a week. I could tell you about the child who beamed at me only to scowl with distrust when I pricked his finger for an anemia test, but ceased his tears when I offered him a sticker. I could tell you of the peanut butter sandwiches that could prepared on seemingly any surface -- including but not limited to, beds, cots, and Manaal's lap.

But somehow, as a smile creeps across my face as I muse about the events and details of the trip, I'm reminded of what Luke said about Mary after she had delivered Jesus and the shepherds had come to worship:

"But Mary treasured up all these things in her heart and pondered them." Luke 2:19

In moments when you can't communicate with people, when you can't offer any solution to a mother of a dying child or a man who's lost his livelihood and pride in an injury that's left him unable to work, in moments when you are exhausted just from post-trip recovery... somehow, in those moments, God taught me something big. God taught me to treasure the moments in my heart and ponder what He is doing. In my weakness, he is strong, and in my silence, He works.

So while I've told some stories, shared some moments, and showed some pictures, there's so much treasured up in my heart. God is overwhelmingly faithful. He is working all over the world and I'm so thankful I get to wake up every day and serve Him.

People keep asking me if I'm going back to Nicaragua, if I'm going to start another continuing education program, if I'm going to get married, if I'm going to stay in Boise my whole life... And what I tell them is that God knows. I'd go back to Nicaragua in a heart beat, but I'd also never go back again. I want what God wants from me. I want more of Him, and less of me. God, more of you, less of me.

~Hannah