Picture 94: memories

I didn't take a picture today.
But I really miss my family.
And Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland.
So...without getting any of their permission to use said photo - I thought I'd reminisce a little about the glory days.
If I didn't have to work tomorrow - I'd sure love to hike up to the Schilthorn!
Or grab a Rösti up at the Mürren.
And go to Trummelbach Falls.
And eat some Lola chocolate.
And play on the seesaw.
And lose to my brother on the giant chess board.
And wake up to the sound of waterfalls.

Or just sit at the campground and play cards.
I'm not picky. I just miss it. And I miss them.

Picture 33: Haven

 Do you want me to show you my feet? I am happy to do this instead of finishing my dinner!

I love this little girl more than....breath. I will fail in trying to describe to you what a joy Haven is and what joy she has brought to my life. There are few little girls with such LIFE, excitement, verbal skill and zest, facial expressions and sound effects. I could sit for hours and hear her tell stories about the zoo or the great adventures she had in the yard that day. Or watch her as she shows me her new dance moves and sings for me the new songs that she's learning. There are few things in this world that will make me melt more than the sound of Haven's little voice saying "Juju! Juju!"and then proceeding to boss me around. I will do anything that girl tells me to do! She has me wrapped around her little finger.

I love being apart of the Schuh family. It has made California feel even more like home. I don't know what I would do without Karla in my life (I am sure you'll get a picture of her at some point, but for tonight, just her daughter!). And the fact that she would allow me to come over all the time, eat all their food and play such a role in their kids lives is astounding to me. Family is the most important thing in the world - and I am lucky to have a second one, right close by in California.

Picture 29: Athanasius

The truth? I didn't take a picture today. It was a pretty boring day. The morning started out great - coffee with my girls. This is always the best part of my week. But the rest of the day was just errands, errands, errands, errands. So, I guess I could have taken a picture of target, the bank, or the carwash - but I just didn't think that was that exciting.

So, instead, I decided to cheat and give you a picture of my adorable nephew: Athanasius. Athan is the cutest kid EVER. He has the greatest little personality. He makes the best sound effects ever. He will never do anything that he doesn't want to do which is frustrating on one hand because you can't make him play or cuddle with you if he doesn't want to - but on the other hand it is WONDERFUL because you know that if he runs and JUMPS into your arms, it is because he loves you and really wants to be there. He really likes to shoot nurf guns, vacuum, talk on the phone and play musical instruments. And my brothers are doing a good job of teaching him how to play video games.

I wish I lived closer to my family so I could see them more often.

Sickness Sucks

A family friend facing devastating odds, diagnosed with a degenerative brain disorder.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/toddmacdonell

If you're the praying type, please lift up Todd MacDonell and his family.

When Parents Meet Our Passions

As I continue to research and study sexual exploitation - God continues to expand my heart in ways I didn't know possible. He continues to open up doors and ways for me to get involved. Whether it be contacts and new friends in Nepal or the After Hours Ministry here in L.A., it has been so life-giving. Sometimes in Seminary you can feel like such a waste of space - too much learning and not enough applying and doing. My heart just explodes with overwhelming love for those caught up in the sex industry. Sometimes it is hard to put into words the incredible passion God has given me. And sometimes it is hard to find enough action to put into practice the incredible passion God has given me. But daily I surrender and trust that He is leading me.
A couple weeks ago I got inked. That's right. With a message that I think is quite powerful and really portrays what I am all about. The entire reason I exist and am on this planet.

































My mom is not a huge fan of tattoos. But she is a huge fan of me. This is my second tattoo and I knew that telling her about it was not going to be easy. I was right...she was not that happy. I told her a bit about it and then sent her the above photo. This was her response:

"Makes me proud of your passion Julia. You are really in this all the way aren't you? Tears are running down my cheeks as I think of you and your future. Fear of what your future might hold as well as excitement of what changes you may make in lives through your work. My heart is full of graditude to God for a child like you. Go and make a difference Julia, tattoo and all, you have my blessing."

I can't even begin to express what a gift that email was from my mom. She gets it. She might be a different generation - and she might do it differently - but she is entering into my heart and my passions and she gets it. I would not be the person I am today, I would not have a heart for the things that break the heart of God, if it were not for my parents. They are the ones who (for better or worse) gave me the chance to see the world beyond myself and experience a God who doesn't always fit so nicely inside the four walls of our Midwestern mindset. And I'll never be the same.

And they'll be beside me the whole way...
I love you mom.