los estados unidos!

So I recently had a great trip to the US.  It was a little crazy, like all trips back seem to be, but it was great!  And a true gift.  This trip was a little bit of everything.  I went back to be part of a dear friend's wedding, but managed to squeeze in some catching up, some fundraising, a meeting with a church, some time at home, and ended my stay with a YL conference in Grand Rapids, MI.  Here are some highlights - Thanks to so many who helped make this trip a success!  Places to stay, cars to drive, food to eat...it was an absolute JOY seeing you cara a cara, being in your homes, drinking coffee, celebrating fall and life.  THANK YOU!!

Let the festivities begin...Wescott-Latham Wedding!

October 11, 2014

Rehearsing at the beautiful West Manor Estate in Lynchburg, VA.

Bridesmaids

The women of 414 N Sheppard St - Y'all are the best!
Thanks for the memories and your friendship!  RIP apartment #7.

Next Stop...Indianapolis!

October 15-17, 2014

One of my favorite places in the world!  Yes, in the world!  I was able to share with a church what is going on in and through Young Life in Costa Rica and invite them to be a significant financial partner.  Please join me in prayer as they consider supporting ministry here!

I also got to spend some great time with my favorite family!  (Thanks Darc, for the precious Insta of y'all!)  These people are the best.  They are the real deal.  They live and they love deeply.  They care about people and are part of their community in a real and raw and transparent way.  So grateful for y'all - For what your family has taught me and for the way you are loving the entire Zionsville community.

Andy, Corbin, Charlene, and Darcy Miller!
These people are world changers!!

Even got to go to YL Club where I used to lead!  Who doesn't love giant Twister, racing around trash cans, and eating milk (from the gallon) and Oreos to Roxanne?!

Real Fall!  Holland/Grand Rapids, MI.

October 18-23, 2014

Wow.  Fall color is stunning!  Like makes my jaw hit the ground stunning.  What a gift to experience real fall.  Bright blue skies and even brighter colored leaves, bursting with reds, yellows, and oranges!  Wow.  It was the best to bundle up!  To be home and wear my favorite Better Sweater jacket, boots, and a scarf!  Thanks Mom and Dad for always welcoming me with open arms.  It was the best to be with you for a couple days - Zumba, the best burger of all time, and three hours+ at the Apple store.  Y'all are great!

Wow.

My time in the US ended with the YL International Schools Conference in Grand Rapids, MI.  My team and I traveled from Costa Rica, and we were joined by staff from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.  It was a great time to be encouraged.  To see the larger community we are part of.  To share and learn and grow together through sharing our experiences.  Our success and our failures.  Our celebrations and our devastations.  It's all happening all of the time all around us, and it was great to step back and process it together.

We were able to experience some more fall, introduced some friends to "The Big Lake" (which I'd like to remind everyone, has a BEACH), and got to hear my teammate Kelly's amazing guitar skills.

Team Rica dominating the corn maze!

Becca (intern) and I
My first ever corn maze - not sure how that happened!

Who knew there were such things as "giant umping pillows"?!

Grand Haven Pier

Group shot at Pastor Heather's house

It sure was a whirlwind, but one of the best kind!  Full of friends and family and love!  All my favorite places and people in one trip - VA, IN, MI!  Lots of traveling, but so worth it!  Love you all!  Thanks for welcoming me home with open arms!!