What's this? A blog post?!

Yes, that's right...it's September, so now comes the fun of attempting to catch up on my long-neglected corner of the blogging world. *sigh*

A brief recap of my summer seems appropriate...let's see. What did I do this summer?

I talked. All summer long.

Ok, not really--that's just what it feels like. :P

I was involved in intense children's ministry from the end of June (middle of June, actually--the summer began with 2 weeks of training at training camp) to the end of August, teaching backyard Bible clubs all throughout my area. On the one hand, it was definitely a new challenge--God stretched just about every comfort zone I have. But it was also an amazing experience...I learned and grew so much, got to see God work in some exciting ways, got to know some great people, and had a lot of fun in the process. I could write about a hundred posts just about that....but I won't. :)

When I wasn't teaching clubs, I managed to pack a lot of fun times in. A few of the highlights that come to mind:
-A weekend trip to the Creation Museum in KY with old friends...it was fantastic! We got a one-year membership and are already thinking about who we want to take next time...I can't wait to go back :)
-Our annual day at the State Fair with friends
-Fishing with my grandparents
-Family Learning Vacation, a weekend deaf camp my family has been attending for a LONG time
-Lots of my friends graduated this year; serving in the kitchen at their parties....lots of good-byes 
-A weekly Bible study with friends; wonderful teaching and fellowship
-Game nights with friends....ultimate frisbee....a church picnic with my 'other' church family....dinner with friends just before they left for college; kick-the-can and catchphrase and so much laughter....water fights....gardening....campfires; roasting marshmallows and listening to Daddy and his friend reminisce....laying in the grass, star-gazing...swimming and picnicking with my adopted family crowd....just living, counting gifts and enjoying one minute at a time.

It was a really awesome summer. :)

And now, summer is over and I'm jumping head-first into Fall! I'm a bit nervous about some of the new experiences planned this year, but I'm also super excited about the things God is going to do. I'm officially a high-school graduate...and so happy to be done!! :D This year, I'm taking on the responsibility of teaching my youngest brother. I'm also teaching at least one, possibly two, Good News Clubs, as well as helping at a young ladies Bible study and attending another ladies study. I'm taking a college-level Western Civilization class...and I'll probably be starting an Etsy shop. Plus everything else that goes along with normal life around here--cooking and cleaning and doing laundry and taking care of chickens and yardwork and canning applesauce and remodeling our house and building/painting furniture and drying herbs and doing paperwork and learning new things and memorizing scripture and...well, you get the picture.
So, I don't know how often I'll be posting here...I'm very slowly learning how to work this thing (namely change the format and all that jazz), and I'm attempting to get it to look like I want it to. Hopefully I'll be able to post semi-regularly, but no promises.

So, there you have it: an update on my life!
And now, 'til next time...

For His glory!

Leah