Burning of the Papers Ceremony~ August 21st, 2012

2 years later, I had my "Burning of the Papers Ceremony." Finally, I could get rid of the stacks and stacks of research papers and articles, and laugh with  my classmates about the struggles of the past years. Good times!

San Antonio Wedding~July 28th, 2012

 The church was ready for another ceremony...

The "shorty" in the center was about to become one of the family.

I flew out for the weekend to support my friend, Melissa (pictured at the right)

...and have some fun!

Everything is bigger in Texas! This is her brother's truck!

Congratulations Nick and Aimee!

Mexico Orphan Camp 2012

 Just a few miles south of Ensenada.

 Setting up the army tents for the kiddos was dirty work. I got a nice washable farmers tan out of it.

 One of the nights, God put up this sunset, making it nearly impossible to concentrate.

 This was my favorite kiddo! He climbed on my lap, and we sang together. Then he wrapped his arms around my neck and gave me a big smooch on my cheek!

 I got to lifeguard again!!!

 Here's how the conversation went... Me: "So, do you think this lollipop will turn my tongue blue?" Chaps: "I don't know. Stick out your tongue. Yup."

 This was my view every morning during devotions.

 ...and just being a kid again!

Sigh. What a great trip!

MSN Class of 2012

 Ok, so I can't figure out how to rotate that picture, but you get the point!

 After a sweet message from Barb Taylor,

 ....I was being pinned by my favorite teacher, Dr. Maiden.

 What a joyous day!

 Not everyone made it, but a good chunk of us did.

 It will be strange not seeing these people on a weekly basis.

But I am very happy with my pin. Now if I could just get around to completing this thesis paper...

San Vicente, 2012

This fantastic crew from Indian Hills Camp and I headed down south for a week of working with the migrant workers kids. Let the camp begin!

 Me and Sharkbait on the road...

 Beauty in every country

 This is a new dance...it's called the Wobble. Pretty self explanatory, eh?

and, of course, you gotta love the photobomber!

Stepping back in time...

 So we made up a skit! Me: "What could be wrong with this poor camper? Does he have a frog in his throat? Something wrong with his belly button? Lost his marbles? Something wrong with his adam's apple? Are there butterflies in his stomach? Hey lead nurse! I need a second opinion!": (enter Dallas..)

 Dallas RN: "I see what is wrong with him! He broke his funny bone!!!"

 It was hilarious!!!

(this is the "gotta go Weee!" skit)

 Dallas and I had a blast coming up with that skit! I think the team staff thought it was a lot funnier than the kids. Ah well.

 Being at camp, making friends, well, it brought back memories!~

 Memories of being a camper...

 ...and team staff. But I was glad to not have to do some of the skits...like this one!

Ah, yes, the messy-er, the better!

Mudbowl 2012