Going up in a plane...and jumping out the window!

Wow! What an experience. After an awesome weekend at my Grandpa Burnell's camp, Camp Dwight, a bunch of us drove to Mulalla, Oregon. There, I fulfilled a "as-long-as-I-can-remember" dream of mine and went skydiving with my Daddy--and a bunch of great friends.

Skydive Oregon was a super professional place and I felt so safe the whole time (okay, so aside from when I was diving toward earth at 200 miles an hour...but I got over that in a few seconds). I know I can always trust Jesus with my life, but being buckled snuggly to my burly, experienced, instructor satisfied the doubting Thomas in me. I guess it was comforting too, knowing that if I was going to plummet head long into this planet I was not alone. =)

I can hardly explain how it felt--I guess you will just have to experience the ride yourself--it was so unlike anything I have ever done. Basically, my brain couldn't catch up to what my body was doing. It's probably a good thing though. I mean, if it registered that I was willing subjecting myself to being thrown out of a plane's giant window self-preservation might have kicked in. As it was, I just did what I was told and reminded myself that either I was going home, or going home. At both places I had family, and a Daddy who loves me...one place is just quite a bit more permanent.

Thanks everybody who made this day the "exclamation mark" at the end of a wonderful weekend! I feel so blessed to have shared this experience with each of you!

You are awesome, Daddy! Thanks for pushing me when I've needed it

..and allowing me to push myself! =)

Getting ready to leave the ground--I felt so secure in my retro, rugby-looking helmet.

The first group back on the ground...PUMPED!

Thank you, Jesus, for allowing us to feel your laws of gravity in a safe, exhilarating way! It is such a comfort knowing that you are with me wherever I go. So blessed, that you are the ride of my life! No thrill compares to following you!

Breakdown!

"Katie, when you buy a car, never buy one that breaks down," Daddy told me. "Never."

Oh, breakdowns couldn't be that big of a deal. I could just picture myself by the side of a quaint, country road, wrench in hand; perhaps laying under an old classy car with my hair pulled back in a bandana. I had never experienced a car falling apart. It sounded adventuresome. Maybe a bit romantic.

I was wrong.

This month, our van finally broke down. Engine trouble!

Thankfully, we were "stranded" for almost two weeks in a great place...my Mama Joy's home in Fullerton, California! Our cousins were also staying there and together we had a blast.

Us three older girls and Christina, our fun-loving cousin, took advantage of Mama Joy's thrift store shopping, and rode those retro bikes all around town. Aside from feeling like my ride was going to fall apart with every turn of it's wheels, I felt biking was a very reliable source of transportation--seeing that I was the engine (in good working order).

When we did want to go to the beach, or a water park, or a friend's home as a family, we drove a car. It brought our close family even closer. Literally.

Enter, the Buick Enclave (Daddy's work car).

Seats seven legally; fits thirteen comfortably (if your definition of "comfortable" is Baylor's foot on your head, Kloe's shoulder in your ribs, heavy compression from your two floor mates, and a crying baby on your lap). Good memories.

We Love you, Mama Joy! 

Kordelia (Kordi) Mae turned 1!!!

Yes. We are surrounding an empty chair. Don't ask why...because I don't think anyone knows. =)

After our van received its new motor, Mother and us kiddos decided to drive North. However, Daddy stayed behind for work reasons. We had a wonderful time in So Cal and I was reminded once more that
even in "unwanted" events, God is totally in control. 

God always knows what's best!

Let's see, what have I learned this month...First of all, God plans better vacations than I can. Number two, God allowed our car to break down. That time turned out to be a wonderful bonding time with family and friends. Hmmm. There is no third point. What's up with that?

Time for breakdown #2

Ahhh, here it is. I have heard that God speaks in a still, quiet voice, but this time he seems to be yelling.

"Katie, do you trust me? Can you see that I know what you need...perfectly? Will you give me every, single, one of your plans and let me change them?"

As I write this I am in Sacramento. Our one night stay at our Uncle and Aunt's has turned into two...possibly more. They have been so hospitable! The van is at the dealer, with it's new motor threatening to keep us in Sacramento for a couple of weeks. But I can trust my Creator. He knows what's best even when I don't have the slightest clue what tomorrow will hold. But really, I never know.

What I do know, is this: God knows best. Praise the Lord!

Jesus planned for us to jet ski with our awesome cousin, Parker!

Building a raft. These weeds actually held the logs together for awhile. However,  Robinson Crusoe was blessed to be stranded on a tropical island--we could have used some vines.

So...it was a bit skinny and long. Very aerodynamic.

Can't wait to see what the future holds! =)

                                                          ~Katie

Isaiah 55:8-9

⁸ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
⁹ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

P.S. I wrote this a couple days ago. Today, July 5th, we are safely home!