The Hap's

Young Life Capernaum Camp

2009-06-29T14:47:00.000-07:00

Well, this last week I was at YL Capernaum Camp in Williams, AZ. At this camp I was a buddy to a special needs individual; basically I kept them on track for the day. Anyway, its a Christian camp supporting these people and helping them to have a close relationship with Christ and live normally without being made fun of for their differences.
In the beginning, before going to camp, I was a little weary. David Thames, the director for Northern Arizona came to my house for a leader/ buddy meeting make- up. There we discussed the week and prepared for the new experience. Somewhere in this mix we watched the 2008 YL Lost Canyon Capernaum video. In this video there were dances, carnivals, parties, and pool olympics. I totally freaked and prepared to be miserable. The only thought running through my head was, "Oh my goodness! We are going to be in the middle of Pool Olympics and my camper buddy is going to be holding onto me to stay up and I am going to drown us both!" Pleasant thoughts right?
So... I am there and everything is beyond it's best. I had a good time. There were many times when I felt like I could just slap my buddy, but I got through it. I also met two very special people at camp who are my new heros. First and foremost, Lori Whelan. She is the most amazing incredible woman I have ever met. I can't begin to explain how much she means to me or what she has done for me. For example, I was saved by the Lord November 2008 at a Women of Faith Conference. Somewhere along the road I got lost somehow and Lori was the one who led me back to Christ's feet. Of course you wanted to now my life story right! Well, I know I will be keeping in touch with Lori. In fact she has agreed to do my baptism sometime this summer once she has her mom at a steady pace in health and has the estate managed. Second, is Brendan McCarthy. He is a professional singer/song writer, who was at camp for the whole week and is also singing and sharing at other camps here in Arizona. I was expecting him to be there for a day or so and then be back on the road with work like any other artist, but no. He was there visiting and encouraging and setting a great example all week. He is really a great person and I am honored to have seen him in person. If he ever gets really serious with his music and stops hanging around with us crazy guys, I will most definitely be one of his travelling fans, supporting what he lives for. I love you guys. God bless you. Pray for Lori, her mom, and Trent Fogelson whos brother just died (he fell off a bridge in Alaska). Man have there been a lot of recent deaths in this town. First Randy, then Trevvor and Chase.
I encourage all to go to this camp as a buddy or leader and also send people with disabilities. It was life changing for me and I have met some very good and lasting friends.
Amen

The Motions- Matthew West

2009-03-28T20:41:00.000-07:00

Have you heard the new song by Matthew West? I have been hearing it on Radio Shine for quite some time now and today they mentioned he had a webpage for people to tell their story and problems, so I said to myself, "Cool! Lets go check out other peoples opinions!" Well, I went to the site and found that my computer wouldn't load any of their stories or comments only Matthew's side note about the song and how it came to him, etc. I started reading and was very intrigued. I was so surprised that someone in his position with fame would share themselves so openly and tell the world about what he shared. As I scrolled down the page he changed the audience to specifically the reader. I found myself one of those people who live the lives of songs. As I read what he requested of us and evaluated myself and my life I was moved. I encourage all to listen to the song The Motions and go to Matthew West's webpage.
Also, if you have time, watch the movie Fireproof. It is fantastic! And just a side note, the actor with the part of the firefighting husband does not kiss anyone but his real wife. That is sooo kul. So at the end when they are kissing at the station, that's his real wife. Do you notice the change?! I certainly couldn't tell, but that is pretty cool. Well, talk to y'all later=)

Quote

2009-01-31T18:05:00.001-08:00

This is my new favorite quote. I even have part of it enscribed on my necklace.

"I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trials and suffering. When you see only one set of footprints. It was then that I carried you."
- Anonymous

This is used to help us remember that during the most troublesome times in your life, God is always with you.

Long Time, No See

2009-01-23T17:40:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! Sorry, I haven't been updating at all. Everything is going well. School got better this last semester. Last semester I had Honors English 1, Welding, Agriculture, and Physical Education. I can't believe it, but my lowest grade was in Physical Education! Can you believe that?! Well, this semester, which began in the new year, I have Honors English 2, Geometry, Agriculture 2, and World History. It is just amazing how different and interesting teachers are.

Sports: Sports. What can I say? At the beginning of the school year I started with volleyball and took a break from soccer. After volleyball, I retreated to soccer once again. Soccer is almost over; our last game is this Saturday against Sedona. I am pretty sure we will win. All of our other games have been fairly easy. And guess what?! I haven't played goalie, but once this entire season! Wow, amazing isn't it. I have been playing forward or filling in for people who don't know how to play their position and I hold the record for the most goals scored. Cool. I guess. I think I will be playing on defence most of the time tomorow so others can score as well. I am also going out for track after soccer, so I have a full schedual this school year as far as sports go.

Guess what else is pretty interesting. I have chickens! Weird. I had never suspected to like chickens. They are so ugly and head- bobbing. But now that I am around them they are great. Well, not great but funny. they always come running to me. I have 14 in total; I feel a little bad because I haven't named them yet. I have had them since October and still I haven't named them. I began naming them when they were little, but gave up when I couldn't tell them apart. I am showing one of them at the fair in May like always and for the first time in one hundred years I will be a novice! How cool is that?! I get to show with the little peeps. Along with a chicken I am showing a market steer, a cow, and a cow couple which means a cow and her baby. We have a pregnant heifer who is due in February. I am so excited. I will be busy this year, but I am sure it will be fun.

Well, no other topics are coming to mind at this moment, but feel free to ask as many questions as you would like. Keep in touch!

Update 5

2008-07-30T10:28:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I am home! and guess what else. I won the championship! I am having a "Holland presentation" Friday at 6pm if you would like to come. There will be a slide show of all the pictures I took and we will be having dinner. Hope to see you there. Also, just to let you know, I will be updating the blog every so often, so you can keep updated with all my school and sport events. Speaking of which, I am starting school August 6th. I am attending a volleyball camp the 4th through the 8th and I will join the freshman volleyball team the second week of school. I am enrolled into 8 classes: Honors English A and B, Ag. Prep. A and B, Welding, Girls PE, US History, and Technology Prep. I am also going to be in Teen Court and am signing up for many clubs. I will be playing soccer and volleyball. Soccer a winter sport, and volleyball a fall sport. Well, I think that is just about all.

Ashley

Update 4

2008-07-25T04:41:00.000-07:00

Today we play the Speedy Girls (USA). If we win we go on to finals to play Sweden. If we don't we just watch the finals, but that is fine with me as I told you. I am so jealous that Mom and Dad get to go to the Big Wood's Camp- Out and I don't. You guys are going to be in so much trouble. Everyone will be mad at you for not taking me. No Mom I did not swim at the beach, but the water was cold. There were many old, fat men walking around in speedos, that scared me out.
Mom, you are totally confused. I have not left Holland. I played Wales. Haha. Kate is from Maryland. She is 14, 15 in December. She plays forward and has had pretty bad luck with her food. Today she found a screw in her sandwich and yesterday she got a half a cup of spagetti for supper. No I don't think I met an of my ancestors. Today we went to the Anne Frank Museum. Very touching. It is still hot here, luckly. Larry, I have not had a chance to try any of the food you recommended yet, but I am working on it. I will give you a call and tell you if we are in the championships if you post your number. The dance is tonight 7:30 - 10:30. No, I am not excited. I wish we could just go back to the hotel and sleep.

Ashley

I'm Totally Bummed!

2008-07-24T15:20:00.000-07:00

I'm so upset that I missed your call. I'm glad you were able to talk to Daddy, but I'm jealous! You sound happy. I'm glad you are having fun.

Use sunscreen - you don't want skin cancer.

Did you swim at the beach? Was the water cold?

Where is Kate from? Have you guys had your dance yet? So far, your money situation is ok. You have about $700 left in your checking account.

Wow - you went to Wales!!! That is like the one place I want to go before I die. Did you talk to any of my relatives? Most of my ancestors live near Sherwood Forest. Did you go near there? I hope you took lots of photos. You better be using all of the available memory on that card.

Ice your knee after practices and games.

We are leaving for Big Wood tonight. I won't have internet access there - so I will just see you when you get off of the plane.

Today, Ellie was licking Isaiah and he grabbed hold of her tongue. He wouldn't let go. She just looked at me like, "Oh great. What do I do now?"

Pumkin just mopes around the house pouting all day.

Ashley came over today. She said you better call her when you get home. She is working at the corn stand next week.

What food do you miss the most from home?

Are you in goal much? Have you scored? Did you like playing rover? Sounds like a good position to play. Maybe you should talk to Buddy about that? :)
Gotta run - the boys are calling me. Maybe they know I'm writing to you and they want me to tell you that they miss you and want you to babysit them so I can go get a massage and pedicure next week. Hmmm....

Love you - miss you - can't wait to see you! Take care!

Good luck at winning tomorrow - I hope you guys make it all the way.

:-p Mom

Update 3

2008-07-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

GAMES
We have played Wales, Sweden, and other USA teams. The weather has been awesome. Always sunny and dry (I think I got a sunburn today.) We have lost every game except the ones played today which we tied and won. Tomorrow we have a by, a win without playing, then we play another USA team. if we win we go to finals to play Sweden again. If we lose, we lose. I am in great shape, although I pulled two muscles and am a little sore I can still play well. The altitude hasn't effected me and I have been playing very well. My team is ok. We have a few strong players, a few weak players, and an awful player.

LATELY
Mom, Grandma Goof told you that it would drive you nuts not to know what I have bought and that is just one other thing I can grate on you and you can talk me out of, so you can see what I have bought when I unpack. I will tell you that I have bought everyone presents (Larry, Dad, Grandmas, Cousins, Gramps, and you.) I haven't had to play an official game in the rain yet so I have not bought sweats. Today, we went to the beach. Then, my friend, Kate, and I went up to a food place thing and ordered a sandwich. We sat and sat and sat. Then, we paid and didn't eat. We had to leave so we didn't get food. Does it really take 45 minute to make a sandwich. So we played on an empty stomach, then got a slice of pizza. The game before last I got to play Rover. Rover is the position where you may go anywhere on the feild. My coach much really think I am good. The last game I was angry because I did not get any playing time in the field, but I am beetter. Ha. Yesterday we went shopping. guess what I got. A single thing. It will surprise you and that is one of the reasons I got it. Hint: Mom, you will have to fix it up a little for me. My roommate is 14. She hurt her knee and the trainer doesn't think anything is wrong with it. I have been writing in my journal except last night because I was very tired and I was not in the mood to listen to my roommate. The bike ride was great. The weather was awesome, sunny. my knee didn''t bother me until today when both bother me, but I will live. I want a bike like these. They are so smooth. Holland is great. The cheese tour was cool. I got to sample most of the cheese. they had really old cheese. I tried cheese that was like 5 years old. No flavor! I have not had to get money from an ATM yet and I have about 47 euros. I have not used my VISA card yet and I am not planning to until I absolutely need to. Got to go. I will try to get you soon and Larry, I will see what I can do about the food items. By the way, Wales is really nice and they have the coolest accent.

Ashley

Concerned Parents

2008-07-23T16:37:00.000-07:00

Hey Ashley - Candy, Cassie's mom called Dad. She was hoping you could get a message to Cassie and have her call home. Her mom hasn't heard from her and she wants some news.

Be sure to read Larry's comment on Update 2. Take picts of the foods you are eating.

Love you!

Mom

2008-07-23T11:21:00.000-07:00

Hi! Your mom let me read your updates, funny thing is that usually when things do not go as we expected, they become our best memories. Hope you are doing well and enjoying your games. Wish we were there to watch. Sounds like it will make you appreciate the good old USA. We are so lucky to live where we do. Make the best of your time there, we miss you and love you..
Grandma Jo

Where Are You Today?

2008-07-23T07:25:00.000-07:00

Hey Ashley,
It's absolutely driving me crazy that you don't have internet access daily. I want to know how your games are going. Do you like your team? What is the competition like? If you don't have laundry time - at least rinse your muddy stuff out and hang it to dry.

I've checked your bank accounts. So far so good. Hey - I can't tell what you are buying because the statements are in Dutch! What have you bought so far?

Miss you lots!!!

Love,
Mom

Think Positively

2008-07-21T12:11:00.000-07:00

Hi Ashley!

OK - first of all - think positively. This is such a quick portion of your life. You might be miserable now, but you will have so many great memories. I'm glad you are having this opportunity to explore the world on your own (kinda) and grow as a person and as a player.

Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity? Job 2:10 Take strength in the knowledge that God will comfort you and this weather issue you are having is an earthly trial. I will pray that God will comfort you and give you strength to keep pressing on. Don't let you get yourself down.

Now - about the sick/ear infection thing. Take 2 non-aspirin (Tylenol) every 6 hours. That will help with inflamation and pain. I don't remember you packing airborne or vit. c, so - buy some if you need to. Do you have your headband with you? You could wear that over your ears. If you need more sweats or a sweatshirt - buy it. Don't stay wet and cold.

How did you do bicycle riding? Did it bother your knee? Is the weather affecting your knee?

I'm glad you think that you are playing good. You are a great player. I'm glad you are finally able to see that for yourself.

RE: the water issue. It is probably expensive, but maybe you should try bottled water. That might help your stomach issues. Keep trying to eat healthy. If you can get already cooked pasta and a pesto sauce - that would be good. Look for turkey and cheese, or something. You are a good eater - I'm sure you will find something. You might have to eat a sandwich for lunch!

I talked to the athletic director at Mingus - she said you are ok to play, but you must get your packet in before camp. We will have to get that done on Monday when you come home.

What type of souvenirs have you purchased? Was the cheese factory fun to tour?

Have someone take a photo of you in your uniform and one in goal. How is it playing mid? Are you liking it? I'll be sure to call Buddy and tell him you are getting all kinds of mid practice. Are you in pretty good shape for the altitude and stuff?

How old is your roommate? Where is she from? Are you making other friends?

Write as often as you can. I'm keeping track of your bank accounts. What is the conversion rate right now?

Pumpkin misses you!!!! He lays around and pouts all the time.

I love you! Take care. Keep drinking liquids to get the sickness toxins out of your body and to stay hydrated. Been into any coffee houses lately? Remember what Mary Lou said..... ;)

Love, Mom

Update 2

2008-07-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

Hey,

Sorry, I haven't had access to a computer. Anyway, we started training yesterday. We trained with a Dutch man and today we trained with our coach and scrimaged in the rain. It is freezing and I think I am getting sick. Yesterday we went to the training session, then the cheese factory, then we rode bikes, and last we went to the wooden shoe store. Don't worry Dad I didn't by any. Mom, yes I do have to pay to use the computer, but only like 5 euros. Tomorrow we start the tournament. We are garrentied four games, two a day. Thank you all for your posts, comments, and helpful tips. Holland is beautiful and it would be nice to live here, but I hate playing in the rain. It really agrivates me that they don't give us a choice of what we want to do outside. We played 3 15 minute games with 3 3min breaks non stop in the rain. I think I am going to get an ear infection. Today after breakfast we went to the grocery store to get lunch. There was nothing to eat really that was healthy or that did not have to be microwaved. I got a salad and some apples. Apparently, I had to have a ticket for the apples, so I went back to get a ticket and everything was in Dutch. Ahhh! Luckly, they had pictures and they spell apples almost the same way. Then I couldn't figure out how to print the ticket. Well, a Dutch worker came and figured out my problem and printed my ticket for me. It was so cool! it has only stopped raining once today and I was put in goal making one of my jackets extremely muddy. I have done very well in my opinion. I am backup goalie only because they don't have enough midfeilders. I had a few problems staying on my feet while in goal, but I didn't let any past me. i am ready to come home though. The weather ruins everything. My rumate doesn't stop talking about her boyfriend. We won't get back until at least 10 tonight. How are we going to get rest getting back that late? Plus the water here gives us all really bad stomach aches. The food here at the friendship village isn't very good, but when you are hungry nothing stops you. Well, got to go!

Love Ashley

God's Promise

2008-07-20T22:58:00.000-07:00

Hey Girlfriend!

Here are the picts of the rainbow I was telling you about. The picts aren't bad for being taken from the window of a moving vehicle being driven by your dad - the speed demon!

Pictures Before Take Off...

2008-07-20T22:47:00.000-07:00

Ashley,

I'm so proud of the young lady you have become. I'm excited for you on your journey. Enjoy your time abroad, and know that I'm jealous. I pray that God gives you courage, strength, and perseverence while you are touring and playing. Give it your best shot, girl! You are a wonderful soccer player, and I'm sure you will learn much and be an even better player when you come home. Keep taking lots of picts. You never know when you will take the best shot of all...that is the beauty of digital - you can delete.

I love you, bear! Take care and kick butt!

Love,

Mom

2008-07-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

Hey Ash! I'm so glad to finally get a computer with internet!! Isaiah is helping me so there might be a type-o or 2...

Colorado was nice. Want to move there? The boys did really well on the drive. Yes, they cried a little, but not excessive.

OK-some tips for the camera.
Check your settings. If you are taking picts from a moving vehicle put it on the "sport" setting or "in motion" setting.
You also might want to check the flash setting.

I saw the most amazing rainbow on the way on today. I will get the photos uploaded tomorrow and post the rainbow one for you. You could actually see where it reflected off of the ground. Daddy was looking for the pot of gold!

Did you start your training today? What did you do for teambuilding? Why was the plane ride rough? Was there turbulence or just lots of talking and no sleeping?

Do you have to pay for your online time? I'll check your credit accounts tomorrow.

Love you lots!!

:) Mom

PS: DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!!!!

Update 1

2008-07-19T05:49:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, I only have fifteen minutes so I have to make it quick. Beautiful weather. Beautiful houses. They are all different and have many large windows. The feilds are nice, although very wet. Mom, your camera takes pictures too slow I can't get any good shots. I have made a few friends that are pretty cool. We are all exhausted. The last plane ride was awful. You couldn't sleep or anything. I fortunately, didn't lose my luggage and all wheels are in tact. Everything is green and many people have gardens. The time difference is huge here but it has not hit me yet. I probably won't be on very often but you still need to comment because I don't know what to say. Love you all and just wanted to let you know I made it safely to Holland. It is a little bit hard to breathe here and the food I just ate for lunch was by far not the greatest. Ketch you later!

Ashley

Hey Everybody!

2008-07-17T13:03:00.000-07:00

I am new at this so bare with me. I will try to get access to a computer as much as possible, but here is how this will work. I will post something and you can comment. Simple enough? and that is how we will be in contact while I am unaccessable. Thank you.

Ashley

By the way, I got your letter Pinky Liverchunks!