The Drive– Day 2, and the Public Market Center

A few days later than I would have liked them, but here are the photographs of the second day of my drive. Do you remember when I went to Portland last time? And I got those really yummy doughnuts. I requested we stop at VooDoo Doughnuts again as we drove through Portland and my mom and grandma agreed. That was probably the highlight of day two.

Since I’ve been here, things are great. Not what I expected. I’m lonelier than I anticipated I would be. But it’s a healthy kind of lonesome I think. The kind that has allowed me time to read and create things, which is when I think I’m at my best anyway. Donna, the gracious lady who has welcomed me into her home during my stay is more fabulous than I could have asked for. We pray and eat together and have the most rich conversations. She’s teaching me to be a better listener.  And my internship? I love it. The people there are wonderful, and my only friends here thus far. I love to go to work and just be around these people, basking in their positivity. Everyone is uplifting in the most genuine sort of way; I’ve never been in a more enjoyable work environment.

I think things will work out splendidly. God is good.

Sincerely,
Kendra Leigh

Reflecting on 2010

Today is New Year’s Day, a wonderful day for reflection. This has felt like the year of all years. So many amazing things have happened to me throughout the year and I thought I’d take this time to remind myself and you of them.

January– Ryan’s birthday was in this month, my dad and I flew to Colorado on a surprise trip to visit my boyfriend for his 18th birthday. On the trip we also went and checked out Colorado Christian University, one of my three college choices.

February- My mom and I went to Portland, OR to check out another school- Multnomah University. We stayed with Ryan’s sister Ashley and her husband Jed.  During our trip we went to classes, went hiking, experienced Voodoo Donuts and Stumptown Coffee. I fell in love with the place, and still would love to live there someday. (see more pictures here, here and here)

March- For Spring break, my family and I visited our friends the Kitchens in Texas. We had a wonderful time. I also made my decision about college.

April- Ryan came to visit me and we had our senior prom! I’m wearing a lovely dress my Aunt made for me.

May- I graduated high school!!! Ryan and I celebrated our one year of dating :)

June- Ryan came to visit me. Towards the middle, my mom and I left for Texas where I left from for Panama later this month. (view more photos here)

July– Mid-July I returned to the United States from Panama. Visited Colorado. Went to New York for the FIRST TIME EVER with my wonderful Aunt Christy! (view more photos here, here and here)

August- Ryan came to arizona. I turned 18 and got my nose pierced, which didn’t end up so well (I took it out in November.) I started my first semester of college at ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

September- I had a friend who passed away this month. Not exactly a highlight. But since his family later came to know Christ as a result, I praise the Lord.

October- Went to Colorado to visit Ryan. Got a new car, since my other one broke.

November- Began my new job at Palos Verdes Senior Living. Celebrated Thanksgiving in Wickenburg with my family and cousin who had just returned home from Montana. I also went on my first road trip without my parents to Prescott (not too far, I know) with my friend Jordynn. (view more photos here)

December- went to Colorado, again, with my family for Christmas. Ryan drove back with us. (view more photos here)

I hope your year was just as fabulous as mine, and here’s to another good one!

Love,
Kendra Leigh Worsnup

My Not-So-White Christmas Adventures

My trip to Colorado has been awesome! I’ve been lucky enough to spend time with family, Ryan and Krystal, a friend I met on my mission trip to Panama. I’ve seen two movies in theater (The Fighter and The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader,) went ice skating, baked tons of cookies, played several games, made two gingerbread houses, celebrated Christmas three times (once with Ryan’s immediate family, once with his extended family, and once with my family.) Despite that I did not get to experience my first white Christmas, the time has been most enjoyable. The only thing that could have made it better is if my Papa John had been here to celebrate with us.

We leave tomorrow morning for the 15-hour drive home. Fortunately, Ryan gets to come home with me. Yay! I can’t wait to spend another 12 days with him. Please say a prayer for my family and I and that the drive home goes smoothly and safely. I can’t wait to see all my friends back home. And, of course, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Enjoy these photos taken from my new camera. I am thoroughly enjoying it. :)

Ryan and I. First picture taken on my new camera!
Daddy and Me at Denny’s after picking up Grandma at the airport.
Our Christmas Tree and presents. God has surely blessed us this year.
Krystal holding her calzone at my Aunt Christy’s famous Make-Your-Own-Calzone Night.
Shawn, a boy my cousins babysit, with his awesome Christmas Light Glasses on.
Ryan’s and my gingerbread house.
Ryan’s cousins on Christmas Eve holding their stuffed Elephants made for them by their Aunt Cheryl.
On Christmas day, our family had a gingerbread-house-making contest. We drew names for teams and were given weird rules and items that had to be used in our house. If you can tell, there is a car made of a corn dog on the left, the Christmas tree is made from a six-inch-nail, the base of the snowman is a ping-pong ball, and we also have solar panels, a sleigh, and reindeer. However, ours still came in last, after we were deemed “least creative” and “least stable” after being dropped from their second story deck. Ryan, my mom, Grandma and Cami’s team came in first, and Uncle Bill, Makayla, Garrison and Aunt Christy’s team came in second.
Aunt Christy and me making homemade lefse. It was delicious. Makayla, Cami and me. Makayla and Cami are my two cousins, and yes, Cami who is 12 is, in fact, taller than me. Notice my cute sweater? I got it from Ryan for Christmas.

Don’t forget to thank God for sending His son for us today. That is what this holiday is about after all. And how amazing is His love?! This is truly something to celebrate. Happy Birthday Jesus. I love you.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Love,
Kendra Leigh Worsnup