The Sunshine Award // My First Blog Award!! And My Second And Third :)

Wow. I'm just not going to mention how long this took me. Not that it was hard or anything. I just have this really, really bad habit of procrastinating putting things off for an extremely long amount of time. No! It's not procrastinating! That term's so harsh.(Warning: Sarcasm level may possibly be higher than usual.) Anyways, finally, here it is. (Drum-roll please...) 

I am SO excited to have been nominated for The Sunshine Award by Natalie from The Life of a Christian Homeschooled Teenager. Her blog is full of encouraging posts about living the Christian life, and homeschooling, as well as showcasing some of her stories, and posts about life. You should go check her blog out if you haven't already!

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Well, by the time I had finished answering the questions from Natalie, I was nominated by both Megan and Ana. Both of these ladies are close friends from back home. :) Megan's blog is full of all sorts of things! She has inspirational posts, family posts, picture posts, and so much more! Ana's blog contains some of her writings and beautiful pictures! Go check their blogs out!



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So, I am going to answer Natalie's questions, and then Megan's and Ana's (since they asked the same questions. Thanks for making it easier for me gals. ;) ). Then I'll name my nominees, ask them my questions, and share the rules. I hope everyone enjoys! 

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Questions for the nominees

1. How big is your family? I am going to assume that this question is referring to my intermediate family. That being said, I live with my parents and three younger siblings.

2. Do you knit, sew, or crochet? Um... No. I do have a limited knowledge of how to sew, but don't get around to it much. :)

3. What are your favorite movies or shows? ARG!! Such a hard question!!! I could go on, and on ALL day!!!! I would have to say that some of my favorite movies are the ones done by Sherwood Pictures and the Kendrick Brothers (Flywheel, Facing the Giants, Fireproof, and Courageous), October Baby, and the Princess Bride. I'd probably have to add the original Muppets movie, Tangled, Frozen, and Despicable Me (1 and 2) to my list as well... Heehee! I know that there's more, they just aren't coming to mind at the moment, that's all. As for TV shows, I'd say Doctor Who, Doctor Quinn: Medicine Woman, Sherlock, and The Dick Van Dyke Show. Robin Hood BBC used to be one of my favorites, but the last episode in season 2 was a gut-wrencher, and left me with no further desire to watch any more. (I wouldn't be surprised if Steven Moffat helped write that episode...)  :(

4. What is your favorite Bible verse? I was asked this one both times, and I answered it below. :)

5. What is your favorite book? Another hard one!!! Do I have to answer with just one? You can go check out my Favorites page to see an uncompleted list.

6. Do you live in the city or the country? Where do you dream of living? Define city. (Do I have some of the lamest answers, or what!?!) Probably country, because that's pretty much all there is where I live. Okay, I'll admit it... Definitely country, we have to travel almost an hour before we get to a Wal-Mart. Or a Starbucks. And I won't mention how long it takes to get to a Chick-fil-a... As for where I dream of living.... I have no clue whatsoever.

7. Do you play sports, or do you like other activities? Do I play sports. Ha! What I do is not called 'playing a sport'. There are times that I may attempt at it, but I'm pretty sure that 90% of the time, I fail. I greatly enjoy English Country and International Folk dancing!

8. What is your favorite subject of study? I'll stick with the answer that I've used for several years. FREE READING!!!!! Science, history, writing, and even math contain things that I don't mind, and other things that either I can't stand or are really boring. For example, I enjoy creative/descriptive writing, but reports... eh. Not so much.

9. What is your favorite time period of history? After several minutes spent in deep thought, I would have to say either Medieval Times, or the Civil War. Or Colonial Times. Or World War Two. Or the Great Depression Era. Or the Roman Empire. Or the 1840's and the expansion of America. Or Egypt in the time of Pharaohs. Or.... You get where I'm going yet? I'm not into the 70's or later, but due to some AMAZING historical fiction books, I find it extremely hard to pick a favorite historic period. (No... You're joking. Right!?!)

10. What is your favorite food? Definitely depends on my mood. I think I tend to like chocolate things, and salty-cheesy things best. Or, at least that's what I most often get a craving for. ;)

11.Do you have any pets? What is a wild animal you would like as a pet if it were possible (for example, an elephant or deer)? No pets. At one point in time, we had a pet named Tom. He was adorable. He spent his days on the ceiling of our dining room watching us go about our various activities. He was the best little eight-legged friend I ever had. Till Mom got tired of seeing him one day, and 'accidentally' vacuumed him up. (sniff) I'm glad I'm too big to fit in the vacuum! Haha. In reality though,  ever since then, we've been skeptical when Mom says yes to us getting a pet. ( I'm being totally sarcastic here! Maybe..)

As for a wild animal pet, I don't know. I haven't thought about it much. Maybe a raccoon. But that makes me think of a really sad movie, so now I'm going to go cry. (The movie shall go unnamed because i don't remember what is was. If you have any clue as to what it's called, comment and let me know!)

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And, now for my answers to the questions from Megan and Ana!

 

1. What is your favorite Bible verse?

I would probably have to say either 1 Corinthians 13:1-8/9 or Galatians 5:22-23

2. Would you sacrifice your life if it would save a life of a stranger?

Yes.

3. Given the chance to swim with dolphins.. would you accept?

Probably. I don't know if I would accept if I had to pay, or go a long way out of my way to have that experience... But now that I think about it more, it would be an amazing experience that I would never forget, so maybe I would. (The movie Dolphin Tale is now playing through my head. In that case, yes. I would accept.)

4. Are you more fascinated with light or darkness?

Because I'm so legalistic about certain things (perhaps the correct wording would be 'I am OCD about certain things') I looked up the meaning of fascinate.

Captivate: to hold somebody's attention completely or irresistibly

Immobilize somebody or something: to make somebody or something unable to move, especially out of fear

These two definitions are rather strange don't you think? The first one makes me think that fascinate is a good thing, but the second one... Let's just say it doesn't quite ring the same bell.
That all being said, I think I'm more fascinated with light. That's a question I could think upon for hours..

5. Can you speak in a different accent?

I try. Sometimes I succeed. Sometimes... eh. Not so much. I find that after watching a British show, I can talk with a very good British accent, but sometimes my accent bounces around between Irish, Scottish, and English.

6. Would you rather be disliked or forgotten?

I would rather be disliked. I'd rather have people be annoyed/upset/angry at my presence than have no one remember me. Besides, I would get tired of having to introduce myself to the same people over, and over, and over again.

7. Has the ocean ever filled your dreams?

I don't think so. I've never had a dream with an ocean in it, if that's what you're asking, which I think you are. Once, after we had been to the beach, I was lying in bed almost asleep, and I felt as if my bed was rocking to the rhythm of the waves, but I don't think I was asleep yet at that point.

8. Assuming you have one, how often is your journal put to use?

I recently started a journal that I use on a periodic basis. Sometimes, I use it several nights in a row, sometimes it's a few weeks before I pick it up again.

9. What is your favorite fictional character of all time?

Of all time! That's such a HARD question!!!

Some of my favorite fictional characters are (see what I did there!)...

Christy ~ Christy Miller Series and Christy and Todd: The Collage Years by Robin Jones Gunn

May Amelia ~ Our Only May Amelia by Jennifer L. Holm

Sherlock ~ BBC's Sherlock (How can you not like him! His quick wit and observations are just priceless!)

I'm sure there are several others, but that's all I can think of right now. :)

10. What is your favorite hymn?

Amazing Grace, The Battle Belongs to the Lord, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, He Lives, and O Holy Night, just to name a few.

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Well, this was probably the hardest part of the whole post. Mostly because all the people who I was going to nominate have already been nominated. (For example, Ana and Megan. (: )

So, I'm going to switch this rule around for my sake and give a list of people who I am unofficially nominating. For those of you who have been esteemed to this high level of honor, it is entirely up to you whether or not you chose to participate. (Technically it's your choice whether the nomination is official or unofficial, but... please love me and give me some grace and let me word it whatever way I so chose to word it. )

And without further ado, I unofficially nominate the following awesome people:

• Ana ~ With Every Step 
• Megan ~ iMeg
• Natalie ~ The Life of a Christian Homeschooled Teenager
• Ajax ~ 21st Century Renaissance Man
• Willa ~ Willa Nicole Scribblings

All of these people have wonderful, amazing blogs, and you should check them all out. :) 

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Here are my questions:

1. Have you ever had any broken bones or stitches? If so, when and why?
2. What are your top three favorite genres of books to read?
3. What is your least favorite book genre to read?
4. What are your top three favorite genres of music to listen to?
5. What is your  least favorite music genre?
6. Do you prefer to watch a movie or a TV show?
7. Do you play a musical instrument? If so, what instrument(s) do you play? If not, what instrument would you/do you want to play?
8. What did you want to be when you were younger? Is that aspiration still the same today?
9. What are you most likely to be found wearing on any given day?
10. What would you say are your best talents or skills? (ie: singing, art, a sport, etc.)
11. I'm not sure how to ask this question... Is picking a favorite something an easy task for you? Does it come naturally? Can you pick a favorite easily? Answer whatever question makes the most sense to you. :)

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I think in getting passed around by so many people, the rules kind of got changed, so I'm going to tell you the rules twice.

First, the way I got them from Natalie by way of the Calico Sisters.

If you are chosen and want to participate:

1. Copy and paste the image above or create your own.
2. Answer the following questions.
3. Nominate your own bloggers (as many as you choose).
4. Let your nominees know.
5. Put together 11 of your own questions to ask them.
6. Publish your post!

And, the rules that I got from Megan and Ana.

1. Thanks the blogger who nominated you and link to their blog.
2. Nominate other bloggers and let them know on their blogs.
3. Answer the list of 10 questions.
4. The Sunshine Award must be posted on your blog.

Isn't it so funny how, as things get passed around, they change! It reminds me of the whisper game. You know, the game where everybody sits in a circle, and they have to whisper a sentence into the next person's ear till it goes the whole way around.

Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed reading, and I can't wait to see what the nominees' answers are!
Once again, to those who nominated me, I'm so sorry for taking way to long to finish this, and thank-you so much for nominating me in the first place!
Also, if you'd like me to answer the questions for me nominees, let me know in the comments!


Love,
Rebekah

4 months

Sunday, October 6, 2013
Today marks four months since I left. Four months since we packed all of our belongings into a truck and a half and our van, and left. Four months since I last saw my closest friends face to face. Four months since I last felt their arms wrap around me. Four months since I last grabbed them in my embrace and held them tight. Four months since I heard their voices, loud, and clear. Four months since I said goodbye.

I had dreams of staying. The thought crossed my mind once or twice several times, about not leaving. Staying behind. Moving in with another family. (I had had more than one mention it, and at the time, I had taken it rather seriously.) It meant dance, and babysitting. Friends, and fun times. Sleepovers, and silly moments. It meant that I didn't have to leave. And, sometimes, I was willing to make that choice.

Unfortunately, I wasn't legally old enough to make that choice. Which meant that I had no other choice but to leave...

I left living within a day's drive of my family. I left the house that had housed me and my family for nine and a half years. I left the only house my sisters ever remember. I left the church we had attended, the reason we had come in the first place. I left the church where we had gone almost every Wednesday night. I left the churches where the people had watched me grow up from a little girl, to a young woman. The churches that had seen my youngest sister born. I left a homeschool group with almost 100 families, always loving, laughing, playing, teasing. I left biweekly dance classes. I left babysitting for some of the best kids and parents ever. I left my closest friends, and the friends that weren't so close. I left them all.

And, I had left my life. Or so I thought.

We left. And I was still alive. Still breathing. Still thinking. Still looking, and hearing, and feeling. Although, there were some things that I tried not to feel. Some things, that I didn't want to think about, especially while I was in the noisy van. Because, I knew I would cry. Because, I knew it would hurt. Because, I knew that there was no turning back. I knew, that things would never be the same. I knew, that no matter how hard I hoped, how hard I wished, how hard I prayed, things would change.


Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Today, marks four months since we arrived. Four months since we stepped through new doors. Four months since my dream had ended. Four months since reality hit once again. Four months since we walked into an empty house and sat down on the living room floor. Four months since I knew that life would have to carry on... here.

And I was right about things changing. It's been four months. Things there have already changed. A new set up for babysitting, not to mention new kids and parents. New teachers for dance. New programs, and new leaders for youth group and Wednesday nights. New faces and new activities in the homeschool group. New things, that I will never be able to experience the same way that my friends experience them. Things that they have fun at, and talk about, and I have no clue what it was like. Things, that change our relationship.

Things in my life have changed too. New schedules, new activities, new subjects. New responsibilities, new experiences. New faces, new layouts, and new rules. New things that my friends won't know. New things that my friends won't see, the same way I see them. Things that they have no clue about. Things, that change our relationship.

 I miss them. I cried the other night, envisioning their faces in my head. Faces, that were fuzzy, and weren't clear. I replayed their voices. Voices that didn't sound right. I thought of scenarios and experiences that we had been through. Experiences, that I couldn't quite remember.

Oh, yes, I'll always remember them! No, I'd never forget!  I'll always remember my friends. The friends who I saw four times a week for several weeks, the friends who always made me laugh so hard at the end of our writing co-op. The friends who sang with me up on stage. The friends who I danced with every, single week. The friends who I saw maybe once a month. The friends who I've known so long, I just don't remember how we met. The friends who were the first ones I met when we first came. The friends who tell me stories of when we supposedly hated each other, and I have no clue what they're talking about. The friends who can play certain instruments like nobody's business. The friends who will break out in joyous song, just because. The friend whose always willing to help me with some technical problem The friend who laughs at my silly antics (which sometimes, were just for her). The friends who ask me for advice. The friends who love to talk. The friends who are quiet. The friends who listen to the music that I listen to. The friends who listen to music, that I would never listen to if I had the choice. The friends, who are so diverse, in so many ways. The friends who I have number upon number of priceless memories with. The friends, who don't feel like friends, but like family.

I'm thankful for letters, and phone calls, and e-mail, and text. For chat, and instant messaging, and video calls. But, it's not the same.

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Now, I was told several times before we moved, 'Oh, you'll make new friends!' and 'Oh, it'll be fun!' and 'Oh, it's an adventure!' (I would cringe when I heard that last one after the first few times.) I could see that it was obviously God's plan, and I knew that he was in charge and in control, and that it was for his glory, and that it would all work out. But, honestly (since I've been rather honest in this post so far) I didn't really care. I was losing my friends, my life for nine and a half years. I don't like change. (If you haven't been able to tell already) I didn't want to move.

I came across a quote the other day, that really struck me.

 

I didn't want the move. I was sick of it, tired of it having been my family's focus for several months. I hoped and prayed for another alternative. This move was everything the quote was talking about. Not only was the move for God's glory, this move is preparing me for my future with God, in my glory.

 

Now, that doesn't mean that all of a sudden, I decide that the move is/was the best thing in the world. That doesn't mean that I'm so happy, happy, happy about the move. That doesn't mean that I forget the past nine and a half (plus four months) of my life.  It doesn't mean that I think or say things that are false, just because this is preparing me for glory!

 

It doesn't mean that I never look back, that I never dream, what it would have been like if I had stayed. It doesn't mean that I don't cry when I think about my friends. It doesn't mean that I don't feel sad when they all get to experience new things without me. It doesn't mean that I don't miss my friends, and the kids that I babysat, and the people I knew.

 

Sometimes, I'm not sure exactly what it means.

 

But, for me now, it means cherishing, and relishing over the times that we had. Keeping in touch, and keeping those relationships, no matter how hard it is, or how busy I may be. It means loving, and missing those people. It means wishing things, that are, in such, wishes. It means hoping and dreaming for things that may, or may never be. And sometimes, it means crying for things that will never be the same again.

 

Because what I lost, I will regain. It may not be the same, but I will see my friends again. I will see the kids I babysat, and the people from church. If not on this earth, then in glory.

 

Because what I go through, the trials, and the heartache (and maybe even sometimes, heartbreak) it is preparing me for glory.

 

What you go through. The trials, and the heartache, and, sometimes, the heartbreak. Is just preparing you for glory.

 

But, most importantly, it's all giving God glory.

 

It's been four months since I left. It's been four months since I've arrived. I haven't always had the best attitude, and there were times where I had the worst (WORST!!!!) attitude. But, all in all, I am being molded and formed, and God has gotten the glory.

Friends, I love and miss you all, and I will never, never, never, forget you, or the times we've had together. I love and miss you all beyond words. Words, that I can not express no matter how hard I try.

Love,
Rebekah

Side note, I'm not sure what happened (whether it was my brain or calendar...) but it's actually only been 3 months... Like I said, not sure what happened, but I just wanted to clear that up. :)