What a view!

Imagine yourself hiking to the top of a mountain. But before you even start the hike you planned and prepared for all the things you were going to need on your journey, energy bars, water... each necessity carefully tucked into your fifty-pocket hikers backpack. You start out. About a third of the way into the hike someone stops you and insists you carry an extra ten pound weight in your bag. You continue to trek nonetheless wishing that you would followed someone else’s advice not to wear new shoes. Some time passes. Again, the person stops you and this time gives you an extra twenty pounds to carry. However discouraged you are, you continue. You’re getting higher in altitude now. With every breath your lungs fill with a colder air that burns as it mixes with your hot body temperature. All too soon another weight is added to the pack, this time thirty pounds... Can’t you feel the sweat dripping down your back between your shoulder blades? You keep giving yourself mini neck massages every fifteen minutes or so due to the strain of the weighty pack. Not only do you have shin-splints but your thighs are starting to cramp up. Just like the little-train-that-could, you keep repeating to yourself, “I’m almost there. I’m almost there. I’m almost there.” Then, all of the sudden something happens... you turn a corner and there you are, on the summit. Oh the glorious, red and golden light that spans across the horizon as you look out over the valley just before the sun goes down! Exhausted you drop your backpack next to you as you fall into a seated position.... Time passes, just enough to allow your breathing patterns to return to a normal rhythm and most of your sweat soaked body to dry. You look around... Now what?

Welcome to my summit.

For the past six to eight years of my life I have been preparing for this. Graduation. I have planned and prepped, research and studied all the best methods of how to get into nursing school and where I should go. I made sure my backpack was filled with all of the best equipment I could get, grades, test scores and connections. I began to hike. Not long after I began, I was diagnosed with my first round of diseases, a peanut and gluten allergy, my ten pound weight. I continued in peace knowing this was God’s plan for me from the beginning. Some time passed... Just when I was used to the added load God in His goodness opened my sack and added another weight. Narcolepsy. And oh, did I bitterly complain. “Why me? This is humiliating. Take it away. Do you really think I am going to get to the top of this mountain with this in the bag? No! I just can’t do it. This is just too much.” But God in His tenderness spoke to my heart. “Child, don’t you know that this is yet another step that is bringing you closer to Myself? Hide yourself in Me. Cling to Me and I will take that heavy burden off of your back and place it on My own shoulders.” And thus the hike continued... While the actual weight of the pack didn’t ever get physically lighter, the burden itself did. The more I was able to understand God’s goodness, and hand upon my life, the more nimble I was able to move to the top. But yet once again, I was stopped in my place and asked to open my pack for one more weight. Cancer. By this time I had learned at least a few lessons and not only did I thank God as I zipped up my bag, but as I turned to struggle back up the mountain I sang out loud they lyrics of Casting Crown’s ‘Praise You In This Storm.’ Something I realized at this point was that my goal wasn’t to get to the top, it was to take one more step knowing that it was glorifying God. Step by step by step I turned the corner and suddenly have arrived.

And here I sit, the sweat drying on my forehead, pack beside me, all the while thinking, “Now what?”

Have you even felt like what God is doing in your life is all in the past? Do you ever look back and say,“Thank you for that. Thank you for drawing me to Yourself... but now what?” As my family and friends cheered my on and encouraged me as I huffed and puffed up the mountain I heard time and time again, “Larissa, if this is what He is bringing you through now, imagine what He is going to do through you in the future.” As much as I have clung to this, I also fear it. First I think, am I so stubborn and thickheaded that I can only learn important lessons by being diagnosed with diseases? If so, how many more will I have in ten years? What if it’s worse though? What if God was just preparing me for something really major, like losing my brother, or one of my parents?

More than anything else I fear, what if this is it? What if God is done doing big things in my life? What if I end up being sixty and only have the medical history of my twenties to speak to the testimony of God? What if I am just destined to sit on top of this high mountain, watching each sunset come and go for the rest of my life? What if God is tired of my sin and complaining and has found someone in much better spiritual shape than me, who could surely carry twice the load in half the time?

I can only rest in what God’s Word says. For the past nine weeks I have been studying the book of Esther. Here is a few things I have learned:
1. Fears that begin in “what if” are always and should always be followed by, “Then God...”
2. When you wait on a thing/event you will always end up depleted. Instead, wait upon the Lord!
3. God is not finished with me yet. One day I will be able to look back on this and laugh to myself saying, “Ha! I wasn’t on a mountain! Just a little hill! If I had only had the smallest concept of the long hikes we’d be taking together... just the King and I...” Because His destiny for me does not end at this summit, but instead leads me all the way to the kingdom, straight into His arms.

Well, I’ve gotten back on my feet, pack securely strapped to my back. I’m not sure exactly which trail to take next, but I will tell you this... I left the zipper partially undone for Him... just in case... I mean why not? It’s not like I’m carrying the burden of this bag anyway...

Husband Hunting

As promised, here is my next post. However, I changed the title from “Husband Shopping” to “Husband Hunting.” Not only does this title have a better ring to it, but also the imagery is more appropriate. With a title that includes the word “Shopping,” the reader most likely pictures entering a large building of sorts, stocked full of a variety of items, differing in size, color, etc. Hunting, on the other hand, emphasizes the complexity of the task. First, proper equipment and clothing is required. Second, hunting requires some sort of skill, as often beginner hunters come home empty handed. Lastly, so called “luck” has to be on your side as well. You may have all the proper equipment, clothing, and skills; however without “luck” on your side, all that might come across your path is a squirrel or two. Yes, looking for a husband is much more like hunting, than shopping.

Well, about a month and a half ago I purchased my license to hunt. This is a strange place in life to be. For the past couple years I have seen most of my girlfriends come home with each of their special seven-point bucks. While many invited me to go out hunting with them, I assured them that my buck was going to find me in the library or even sit down next to me in Starbucks. Shock of all shocks that didn’t happen. So here I am, hunting license in tow, and no experience to aid me in my endeavor to “catch a good one.” It is a tricky thing for me, hunting is… mostly because I have to be patient. Here I am, sitting up high in a tree, gun ready at my side, waiting… and waiting… and waiting. I will have to tell you, I did originally take a couple of shots. Sadly though, each of the prizes ran off in the opposite direction. It is so quiet and lonely up in this tree. Half of me wants to jump down, go home, and buy a cat or maybe two. However, the other part of me keeps saying “wait for it… wait for it...” So far, my Mom, grandmother, and all other married, er… ‘retired hunter’ friends have given me a list of instructions and tips. These instructions include the following:
1. Be patient and don’t shoot too soon, until you are sure it’s a keeper. (Please note this is the most common/popular tip for new hunters)
2. Make sure you cover up the scent of your desperation with a scent of ambivalence. (*sniffs self* Wait, I didn’t think I smelled desperate!)
3. Be picky, but of course not too picky! (Whatever that means)
4. Be patient (Yes, you’ve said this already…)

While I try to relax and wait for my seven-point buck to come along, I can’t help but wondering if this is really worth the wait? Hunting is very frustrating, especially if you have never experienced the satisfying ending of a prize-winning animal to tote home and show to all your friends. Alas, I will wait. Knowing… hoping rather that my wait will not be in vain. Until something changes, here you will find me… sitting high up in this dumb tree… painting my nails to pass the time…

Back to the land of the bloggers

Welcome to my newly remodeled "Square Peg in a Round World." Feel free to browse my previous posts, but know that they were all written many, many years ago. That being said, I suddenly am cognizant of the wrinkles on my face and hands. How did I get this old? I swear it was yesterday that I could hear my beanie babies talk to me, and now I can't even come up with a good story line to play Barbies anymore.
Today Alice asked me to start blogging again, which brought back all the memories I had of keeping up a blog. I loved it. It became my way of relaxing, and yet a way that challenged me to become a more thoughtful and creative writer. Throughout my day I would try to catch funny and intriguing things that happened- all to benefit my oh so adoring fans.
I make no promises sticking to this. But then again, who is even reading this anyway? Perhaps I will just pretend- it is always more fun that way. As I close, I am already thinking of the topic of my next update. Please tune in next time for "Husband Shopping" brought to you by your very own L.

A Letter to You:

Dear Friends and Family;


Everyday my mom has read to me the e-mails and notes each of you have sent. Words cannot express how encouraging your prayers have been. There are hundreds of people that are praying for me around the world- some of which, don’t even know me, and yet they pray. What a testimony to the supportive body of Christ!

I know my Mom has been doing a great job keeping you up to date on what has been happening, but I wanted to share with you what has been going on in my heart throughout this whole process.

About a month ago I was at Campus Crusade’s fall getaway, during my devotions I was very convicted about how self-reliant I was. For the whole semester I seemed to have my ducks in a row. I was doing good in school, had a fantastic job, and was a leader in woman’s ministry. I was very busy, but I was thriving. It was then that I realized how little I relied on Christ. So I prayed and asked God something like this, “God, forgive me for relying so much on myself. Father I pray that you would do something drastic in my life that would force me to rely completely on You for strength. Honestly I am a little nervous asking You for something drastic, but God I want You to be the most important thing in my life, and so I will continue to pray that You would bring me on my knees before You.” Weeks past with no answer. Until now.

I’d like to say that I have not doubted God through this whole thing, and I’d like to say that I have not been scared because my faith is so strong. But that would not be true. When I found out I had Cataplexy all I could think about was all the things I wouldn’t be able to do. I was not going to be able to finish nursing school- who would hire someone that fell asleep all the time? I was not going to be able to drive- how could I drive if I might have an episode and crash? Was I going to be able to return to the mission field? Who would marry a girl that collapses all the time?

But then it came to me. A peace that surpasses understanding. There is no other explanation as to why I am so “okay” with what has been happening to me, then to have been given God’s incredible peace. There are so many times in my life when I have been uprooted or put through scary or painful circumstances- and each time I have clung to a specific verse. James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything.” So here it is. My trial. Cataplexy. Something that will affect the way I live for the rest of my life- and I am called to have pure joy for having it. Later on in the passage in verse twelve it says, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” Please continue to pray for me to have joy in my circumstances, and also pray that I persevere under it.

I share this with you to hopefully encourage each of you in your prayers. The Father has heard each one of you and has blessed me because of it.




Here are some lessons that I have learned while being in the hospital:

The food COULD be worse.

Nurses = awesome- I can’t wait to become one!

3. Spending your birthday in the hospital is kinda like spending it in a spa- you are treated like a princess, no one lets you lift a finger, you get breakfast, lunch AND dinner in bed, everyone brings you flowers and presents when they visit, and it makes for an unforgettable birthday.

(on a more serious note...)

4. So many times I am so wrapped up in my ambitions, that I constantly pressure myself to just get through school so that I can get back on the mission field and do what God has called me to do. However, I have learned that “what God has called me to do” is not just a career or one specific calling, it is a daily changing task. Some days I believe that God specifically calls me to minister to a specific person, or to be extra devoted in school. And by trying to rush through days or months, I miss out on what God has called me to do that specific day.


Thank you again for all your support, love and prayers. Keep praying because our God is not limited by anything.

Lots of love,
Larissa

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For out light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Cor 4:16-18

The Phone Call that Changed My Life: a true story

Anyway, I just wanted to share with you a crazy, ridiculous story...
and yes, it is true... let us call it "The phone call that changed my
life" (no guys, don't get too excited I didn't win the
lotto...)..............................

Once upon a time....last Friday that is.... there was a student. This
student's name was Larissa. Larissa was very excited. She loved her
college. Loved her room. And loved her roommate. Things were as you
say, "picture perfect". As she looked forward into her first semester
she saw absolutely no bumps. (Well, okay maybe a few, but they were
only little ones). Little did she know that her life would be changing
with one, simple, innocent phone call........

After eating breakfast that morning, I went to my room to play on my
wonderful new computer. My phone started to ring and I saw that it was
my mom. My mom started out by saying that she had just come from her
doctors appointment and she had some very interesting news for me. My
blood-work had come back...... I didn't have asthma. Naturally I was
extremely confused. As you all know I have had a ton of trouble
breathing. I was extremely confused. Mom continued. "Larissa you
actually have some pretty severe food allergies and the doctor said
after seeing all of your allergies to never walk around without an
Epi-Pen with you. My not being able to breathe was not a result of
asthma, but as a result of going into mild anaphylactic shock....

I was in stunned. Bracing myself for the worst I asked, "Mom what am I
allergic to?" "Larissa," she said, "get out a list.............. You
are allergic to wheat, nuts, soy, corn, shrimp, clams, and chocolate."
(and then she went on to list many different kinds of grass and trees)

I was in total shock. All I could think is that "I can never eat
anything good for the rest of my life." I totally started crying. I
kept thinking, "I can never have bagels, tortillas, cookies, cake,
brownies, shrimp, CHOCOLATE, nuts, and bread ever, ever again."

Now hopefully you all are feeling totally sorry for me, because at
this point I was really feeling sorry for myself. I was in shock and I
didn't really know what to do. But then, it hit me.............. the
whole picture. And all the sudden I was filled with praise for God for
doing such an amazing thing in my life............

My roommate, Anna Davy has almost the exact same allergies. She knows
what to eat, and what not to eat. She even brought herself a whole
bunch of food that she could eat, like rice cakes, rice-pasta, 100%
fruit jam, olive oil, and snacks that were safe for us.

Finally, a lot of pieces fit together. God had told me to go to FSU a
lot later then everybody else because He knew that I never would have
roomed with Anna if I had known sooner. He also planned it so that
Anna and I lived in Reynolds Hall because it is the closest to the
cafeteria. Not only did that happen, but Friday morning (the day I got
the phone call) I had gone down to eat breakfast with Anna, but before
I could eat I went with her and her mother to talk to the managers of
the cafe about Anna's allergies. Now, I was starving and the bagels on
the counter were calling my name, but I couldn't leave because it
would have been very rude. So there I stood listening to everything
the cooks were going to do for Anna because of her allergies. I kept
thinking "This is useless information for me, why do I need to be
here, I am so hungry." Little did I know that God had me there
listening to all of that for a purpose. Only hours later was I told of
my own allergies. I was supposed to be there listening to everything,
because it all applied to me!
Guys, the managers and cooks are amazing! They are going to buy us
our own toaster and deep fryer because of cross-contamination issues.
For instance we can not toast a piece of gluten-free bread in a normal
toaster because the crumbs from normal bread gets on our bread and
we'd be eating gluten. Or we can only have certain oils because a lot
of them have soy in them. So then when we have our own fryer they will
only use a certain oil and ONLY fry things like french fries and
absolutely NO breaded things (because once again there would be
cross-contamination if they did).

Crazy, huh? Now my eatings habits are such that I have to constantly
ask anytime I want to eat anything. Ask to look at the box or
container to see what the ingredients are. Here are a few things that
I never would have guessed I couldn't have.
Salad dressings- have soy in them,
Candy- corn syrup,
Ketchup-corn syrup,
Orbit gum- soy,
some hot dogs-corn syrup and soy,
soups- soy or corn.
It is amazing how much soy is in everything. Seriously! It is
ridiculous. But God is so good, He has provided lots of vegetables to
eat for lunch and dinner (salad every day) and fruit for breakfast.

Are you in shock yet? I know how you feel. But don't feel sorry for me
guys, God is teaching me a lot. And through this amazing story Anna
and I are able to share about God to a lot of different people. It is
a really amazing testimony. We found out through the managers that
there are only three of us who have these allergies on a campus that
has over 40,000 students. And two of us are rooming together. This is
far to amazing to be a "coincidence" and as such we are able to share
about how there is a God and He has everything in control. What a
privilege it is to have God using me to share my testimony to
unbelievers!

I know this was a long story, but I hope you all enjoyed it and were
encouraged. I want to say goodbye by leaving you with two things that
are an encouragement to me. First of all a song that Casting Crowns
sings: Praise You In This Storm. And secondly a verse that has given
me such peace not only through this, but any other trials I have
experienced in my life.

Pray for me. Pray that I would be thankful for the food I CAN eat, and
also thankful for these allergies that through them I might further
the kingdom of God.

I love you all and miss you.
Larissa

Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.


And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm




James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many
kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops
perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be
mature and complete, not lacking anything.

The BIG decision is made!!

How long did I wonder where I was going to go to college?? How many countless hours did I toil and ponder over different ideas?!? But hark! I have news for thee!

I AM GOING TO FSU BABY!!!!





I am very, very excited! They have one of the highest (if not the highest) nursing program in FL. The college itself is beautiful! All the buildings look like the picture. There are huge trees everywhere and it kinda feels like Europe.
But I know you don't want to know all of the boring stuff here is the exciting stuff-

1. The college has its own movie theater (with all the latest movies) and as a student I get to go to every movie for free!
2. FSU has its own big-top circus and as a student I get to go for free!
3. All home games of any sport are FREE!!
4. They have they have the best dance/arts programs in FL
5. Because their arts programs are so amazing there is either a symphony or dance recital (or both) every night of the year and as a student I get to go for FREE!
6. FSU also has a huge gym (5 stories high i believe) and i can get, as a student, personal training for (take a wild guess...) FREE!!

Also, on a more spiritual note, this school has an amazing campus ministry! When we visited I was so surprised at their serious faith and ministry-centered mind.

Looking back, I can't believe how far God has brought me and how He has provided for me. He is so good and leads me right where He wants me.
love you all,
sorry about "lying" about when I was going to update next...

XXOXOXOX

Criminal Blogger reporting for duty

I have realized that I am guilty of one of the most horrible, hideous bloggers crimes in history.... I have not updated in almost 6 months!!!!! *GASP* I must apologize with my saddest voice!! I can't believe it has been so long! I swear it was only a couple weeks ago that I wrote that...

I am going to try to update regularly because I finally remembered my password!! Horray! So my audience I will try to catch you up on my life (if I still have an audience left, if not I'm sure there is some weird creepy guy out there reading this... juuust kidding)

1. I am offically an adult!! Hip Hip Hooray! I love it! I can use it so well against my parents in the heat of a battle "you can't do that" "LEGALLY I can" "not under my roof" "well I can move out now because I'm an adult" But then ofcourse they win because I'm not going to move out yet! :-) We did nothing special for my birthday because at this point I did really have too many friends. Therefore, my family and I went out to a resturtant. It was kind of small compared to what I NORMAL do for my birthdays BUT my big birthday present made up for it! I got a-----

OH it is absolutely amazing! I love it and really am so spoiled to have it! (I have a pink case for it and I named it Baby)

other then that nothing else really happend on my birthday...
tune in tomorrow for the next little event that happened....

Mmmm... it smells like robbery

Well, last night we had guests and so we decided to go out to eat. Now we had hundreds of places we could have gone and dozens of debates which we could have engaged in to fight for just the right restaurant. However, it was not necessary as well all happily agreed on Cracker Barrel. Nothing like some good ol' American cooking. One of the best things about the place is the store and how it has all these unique items/toys/and decorations. So of course I tottled (what a great new word) about and looked at this, and looked at that. But then low and behold I saw it with its brightly colored wrapper, the zebra gum!!! Oh, the memories behind this gum! Let me take you back about 14 years to when I was 4 and at a grocery store with my mother...........

There we were standing in line at one of the main check-out registers, when I noticed all the different kinds of gums and candies. I carefully choose which one I wanted and presented it to my mom with my strategic argument as to why it was so important to buy it. "Mom" "Yes Larissa" "Can I please have this pack of gum, I will be really good. And this gum is special cause it has tattoos on the wrapper and it is my faaaaaavorite Pleaaassssseee?" "No Larissa. You don't need the sugar and besides I don't like tattoos." Ohh my hope was dashed as Mom coldly turned away from the poor, adorable child. I looked at the pack in my hand. Looked at Mom's back. Then again at the pack and quickly slipped it into my coat pocket. She'll never know I thought as long as I am smart and hide it well
For the next few days as Mom would be cooking in the kitchen I would sneak out to the dark hallway and have a piece or two of my oh so delicious fruity stripe gum. Then one night (which I specifically remember) while Mom was talking to my grandma in the other room, I creped out longing for my adolescent fix...I was so enraptured with the amazing flavor and fruit burst that I didn't hear Mom walking toward me. Then All of the sudden her massive shadow illuminated out of the darkness and with a loud voice she announced her suspicions "Larissa, What are you doing!?!" The next few days were a blur for me, getting lecture after lecture from grandparents and mother alike. Suddenly my memory jumps to standing back in the grocery store, in front of a large man wearing a red vest. I admitted to him that I stole the gum but that I was returning it....Slowly I held out my little chubby hand and there in the palm was a half eaten pack of the fruity delicious gum.......Once again I was given a stern lecture, however this one was meaner then all the others and soon I was crying out of shame and watched him take back the pack of half-eaten fruity delight.


Fourteen years later I stare at the same gum which caused me so much trauma and drama in my childhood. I couldn't resist, I needed the same fruity fix which had been illegally given to me years before hand. So I did the mature thing. I purchased it and once again experienced the same, memorable fruity fix with the beloved gum.

Say no to the A-frame hug!

Well, I'm back from one of the most amazing weeks of my life. I was hoping to have a good time, but God went way above and beyond my expectations. There were 14 of us MKs and all of us bonded so well. Each of us could really understand one another and support each other. This camp was so good! Not only did we learn about some ways to handle grief, and such, but also lots of practical cultural tips about Americans. Such as: the a-frame hug. This is when you hug the person with your arms, bending at the waste so that you have plenty of space between persons. The counselors (who were MKs themselves) said that this is the way you hug in America and it is never body to body hug. Also, growing up in Europe I have learned how touchy I am. In the US that is very strange. To move somebody out of the way in the supermarket you NEVER lay your hand on their shoulder and gently push them out of the way. (Touching them would therefore break their “physical bubble” heaven forbid!)

I also came back with killer arms! I am very proud of my newly found muscles and would be happy to flex for you all. At the camp we had all sorts of fun activities such as: rock climbing, archery, the zipline, paint-balling, lazy river, lake, the blob, and high dive. Therefore after such wonderfully fun activities it should only be normal for me to become the next Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, being so active did take its toll. I had the most amazing collection of bruises. At one point on my legs I had over 30. Yes, 30! They were so bad that before I went to church (in a skirt) I had to put cover-up on my legs because Kelly said I look like I had been abused.

On a more serious note, I have finally started to grieve, which is really healthy. I was holding back and holding back, which actually caused me to start to get physically sick. But because of the support I got and the advice I got at the camp I have started that process. And because I went to this camp and bonded so well with the MKs and the counselors I know I have a strong support now here in America (as we all are going through the same thing) and back home in Bosnia (with all of you praying for me). Thanks for all of your support guys! I wouldn’t be able to make it without you guys!

One more thing before I close, our shipment got here!!! I am very happy to say that all my pictures are safely on land and not floating on the Atlantic thousands of miles away from me. Oh! I got a job! I will be working here at the Pioneers office as a receptionist/office assistant/housekeeping. I can’t believe the opportunity there is here in America! I can get a job in the blink of an eye while my dearly beloved friends back in Bosnia can’t find any jobs. How truly blessed I am! I think about you all a ton. I’m sorry about the length and no pictures but sometimes a post has to just be an update.

Love you all! And remember, JUST SAY NO TO THE A-FRAME HUG!

What hill?

It is amazing how someone’s life could change so much in a short amount of time. Two months ago I was enjoying the green mountains, walking street and deep friendships. Yet, today as I write this I am in a place very unfamiliar to me, surrounded by people I know only on a “small talk basis” (with of course the exception of the Eslers). However, none of this has really sunk in yet. I still think that I’m just visiting Florida and then will head back home to Bosnia. Although this is not true and I am just prolonging the shock of realization, we will all take benefit of my disbelief, as I will tell you what has gone on over the past month.

As you know from my previous entry (from which I got an amazing amount of uplifting and encouraging comments, which I thank all of you for) we, as a family, went on a dream trip through the amazing continent of Europe. We went to so many places that I can’t even remember all the places we went in order. Literally we went in a huge circle starting the journey in Vienna and ending it in Vienna. I have drawn you all a little map to give you a ‘visual’.


You can see the huge circle we made as we went through eight different counties. However, my favorite city was Paris! I loved it! All the cafes with one row of two-seater tables lined the sidewalks, the beautiful buildings, the food and, of course, the looong row of amazingly cute guys. How much better could it get? I wished though that I had someone around my age to go around the city with, someone who would like to look in the shops, etc. Oh well, I still had an amazing time and I will definitely be going back hopefully next time with some girlfriends (start saving up, it will be worth it!). I also LOVED Holland. (It probably helps that Rod, Jo, and Lisa were there to make it all even better and definitely funnier.) All the houses were so quaint, and clean. The open market was great too! Yes, I did love Italy too, Venice being my favorite city in Italia. We were in Florence, Rome, Venice, and took a day trip out to Pompeii. After four weeks of traveling we returned to Vienna, (stopping and seeing my grandparents first) and went site seeing with Aunt Jaki and Uncle Jim. But all good things must come to an end, teary eyed I took my last breath of European air and stepped into the first of many airports.

After arriving late (midnight) Saturday night we were picked up by Uncle Rob and Mr. Esler who took us to our 700sq. ft. mobile home. We didn’t waste any time and began to register for school, look for a car, find our way around the very spread out city, and shop for essentials such as food and shampoo.

Here I sit, a week and four days after we landed. I am completely register for my college classes (I am taking US government, math, Speech, French, and English), I also have a interview tomorrow for a job here at the Pioneers office, I have attended church, college group, and youth group, and have meet far to many people to remember their names. Oh and I also attended a 5-day long Connection ‘conference’ with a whole bunch of other MKs that just got off the field. (Which the picture below is from)



In all I have been extremely busy. But I think the busyness is a good way for me to get my mind off of what is happening. As much as I hate to say it, it really hasn’t been that bad here. The people have been amazing! So friendly, so encouraging, so inviting. And I can’t really complain about the heat either, I mean the only time we really feel it is when we step outside to walk to another building. Also, I haven’t gotten bit by an alligator yet, another positive. However, I think one of the BEST things that has happened to me is getting a cell phone. I have been on the phone with Kelly and Shannon constantly! It is great! Just today I think I have called them 6 times (with different questions and such). But there as been a couple times when I’ve been in a store (Walmart) and just walked around talking to them for like an hour. Kelly and Shannon, you guys are awesome!

If you want my cell phone number just email me and I would be happy to look it up and hand it out (no, I don’t have it memorized yet). Also, another thing we don’t have email in our mali mobile home so I have to check it at the office, not really a big deal, but it does mean that I can’t check my email as much as I would like to.

Another exciting event coming up is the MK re-entry camp. I was originally going to fly to Columbia, SC which is right by the camp, however tickets were 400 bucks! Therefore I am going to be flying up to Washington DC where the Pedronis will pick me up. Then we well all drive down (with Kait too!) to the camp, seven hours away. We are going to talk and talk and talk. I’m very excited. The camp itself is 9 days, 8 nights (yes it is long) but I am really looking forward to it and hope that it will be really good for me and that God would work in my heart (you can pray for that for me).

I have to go, I have been online for three hours figuring out my course schedule and writing this very, very long update. I hope you enjoyed it, thank you for being my faithful readers. I don’t even need to ask for your prayers because I know that you already pray faithfully for me. I am so blessed to have friends like you.

Love you all lots,
look forward for some more updates from me, your square peg living in this very round world.

The Land of Wooden Shoes

Most of you may know what is going on right now but some of you, my faithful readers do not and may be wondering where Larissa has gone. Well, Larissa has gone, and is on vacation with her family. I am now in Holland (hence the title). I have officially left Bosnia. I never knew that it was possible for a person to cry so much, but yes, physically the human body is capable of crying heavly for hours and hours and hours and still the tears keep coming.

I really did not want to make this post all about crying... that is for the next post ;-) I wanted to tell you what we are doing. We first went through Germany, now we are in Holland, tomorrow it is D-day beach and then for the next two days Paris. Then we go to Italy for lik 8 days or somehting like that, then Vienna were we fly out for FL on the 21st or 22nd.

I would appriciate it if you would still keep me in your prayers as this is extremely difficult for me who is more Bosanka then Amerikanka. Love you all, make sure and comment to let me know that you are reading. "Ik ben farkun" (that is all I can say in Dutch and it means taht I am a pig. Haha)

Bye

Overdue

Many of you know what I have been doing lately, and therefore you have granted me extra measures of grace for not blogging in almost a month. However, for those of you who do not know, let me tell you. I am moving. I’m sure you knew it was coming, but we are right in the middle of it. I have been trying to juggle school, moving, yearbook (even though Scott is the man in this area), blogging, and spending time with Bosnians, unfortunately I have not been able to keep all those balls in the air. I have dropped blogging, and have dramatically fumbled the yearbook-ball.

So here is what is going on. Today is May 31st (oh my goodness I forgot the deadline for the MK-transition camp is today!!!) This means that I have exactly 26 days to wrap up my life in Bosnia. How can eight years be wrapped up in twenty-six days? How can I possibly say all the things I should have said? How can I do all those things that I said, “I’ll do later”? On top of trying to wrap up my life I have to pack and do school. Overall, I hope you can see why I have not blogged in a long time. I’m sorry about that.

Okay, since you have not heard from me let me tell you a little bit what has happened for a month.

We (the co-op) had the banquet. It went perfectly! All the girls looked beautiful, the boys looked handsome. The food was delicious. The dancing…crazy. It was incredible! Since I was in charge of the whole thing I was a little bit worried, but all went smoothly and we had an unforgettable night.

We also had a graduation ceremony for me, Kelly, and special recognition for Shannon. It was amazing. I was not expecting to cry, but I did. It was kind of hard not to when your own father gets up on stage and can’t get a hold of himself. Needless to say, I was bawling. But it was so sweet when a lot of my closest Bosnian friends came, despite the fact that they could not understand anything. It was a day I will never forget.

My family then had our annual Cinco de Mayo party, however it was different from all others. It was really our e-may sale (get it, e-bay…e-may…)We had practically our whole house up for sale. The bigger items were up for the silent auction. It was rather funny because when it got down to the last minutes, the missionaries were pushing past each other, running up and down our stairs trying to get to the item they wanted to buy, making sure no one had written down a bigger bid. Women and children were squished in the mob. Life-threats were placed on the biggest bidders. Guns and knifes were used in order to insure an item to a buyer. …Okay it might not have been that bad, but it was true that they were pushing past each other, and running up and down our stairs. It was quite funny to see grown adults panic when I yelled the 30-second countdown. If you were not there, you missed out.

This week is my last week of classes on Potter School. (Although I do have my last assignments due next week) I can then concentrate on more important things then school. However, I still have far too much to do, in way too much time. Please be praying for me and my family.

Make sure and check my blog tomorrow as I will post pictures from the banquet and graduation. Don’t forget to keep on checking for updates, my dear readers.

I leave you with rather funny pictures that Tiffany sent me. This would be true if “Women Ruled the World.” I laughed pretty hard. And as one of the biggest goals of my blog, I hope I made you laugh, at least once.

Until next time…

Oh! Don't be so fickle!

I swear parents have some of the oddest habits. I grew up under the strictest rules for my movies. I wasn’t allowed to watch Aladdin until I was 13! (I'm not even gonna mention that fact that my brother was 8 when he watched it!!!!!!) Now days, I pretty much pick the movies I want to watch. However, there still are "family rules" that we go by whenever we watch a movie as a family. Well, these so called rules are actually more like guidelines. Here is an example of how weird and fickle my parents are. About six months ago my mom and brother rented Peter Pan, the newest, real-life version of it. But they turned it off because of, well; now that I think of it I forgot why they turned it off. I think it had to do with it being too evil or something. Yet, today as I sit in bed (yes, I am still sick) I can hear in the other room my parents and Lucas finishing up the second disk of season 1 of Pimp My Ride. Is there something wrong with that!?!? However, you don’t hear my complaining. Could you ever hear me saying “Mom, Dad, your movie ‘rules’ are pathetic and fickle. You need to be more strict.” I DON’T THINK SO! Anyway, so as I enjoy the perks of having ‘guidelines’ on the movies we watch, I have to wonder… are all parents as fickle as mine?

Presents, cevapi, and sickness...

Well, Mom and Dad have come home! With them they brought a ton, and I mean a TON, of presents! Most of them are for my room in FL. I had already picked out my colors (deep orange, red, some browns, and yellow-gold) therefore when mom went to Thailand she bought me a whole bunch of silk pillowcases and decorations for my room! In all it has been nice to have mom and dad back, although I had an awesome time with Tiff!

Speaking of have an awesome time I had a lovely 1 May. Lucas, Tiff, and I all went up to Visoko for some yummy cevapi and drustvo. It was the Jocques, Andy, Mario, Slado, Lina, Amanda, and Elizabeth Ann, and Scott. Unfortunately it was raining. But of course Donovan built a marvelous shelter for us involving a tarp, a sun umbrella, a broomstick, two vehicles and duct tape. For the meals we all sat in side the van while Mario and Donovan cooked the cevapi under the protection of the van’s trunk door. Needless to say it was very smoky inside the van, but the pasta salad (compliments to Joce) and the cevapi were really yummy. Then when it was only drizzling a bunch of us went out and play Frisbee in the mud. About an hour before we had to head back home it stopped raining completely we sat around in a circle while I took weird pictures of Brugger’s beautiful eyes. J Then we headed home from a joyful reunion with my parents.

However, on a more negative note- my sickness has relapsed. I didn’t do anything yesterday or today. I will be very upset if I am sick tomorrow, for I have a very important date I must attend. The date is with the hottest hottie ever…Tiffany Winters! We have a date to watch the new Pink Panther, which will be in theaters tomorrow night. Oh, I hope I will be better.

Wow, two post in a row!

Here are the pictures I told you I would post. Click on them to see them full size.

This is Me, Joce, Sarah (Joce's sister, one in black, she made me laugh all week), Katie (the red head who I am huggin, loved her to death!) and Lauren (Joce's cousin, and the Visokin celebrity amoung the boys)



At the retreat I got my first chili-dog. They are quite good.



Lastly here is a picture of all of us. I had such a great time!

Oh, other news. That weird thing in my mouth is gone. It came and went. Very strange.

Bad first, then Good

Whenever someone asks, “which do you want to hear, the good news or bad news first?” I always want the bad news first. Might as well get it over then listen to the good news. So I will begin with the bad.

BAD- I am not feeling good. I have been slightly sick for the past two days

GOOD- I have had a WONDERFUL time with the team from Michigan. First I was in Visoko for a couple days. There I taught ESL, and visited with my old friends there. I also got to hike the pyramid. It was an amazing view!! Then half way through the week we all went up to Jahorina and had a spiritual retreat with the other MKs. It was amazing! I really felt like I was drawn closer to God, especially with Paul’s devotions. We made movies like last year (the girls TOTALLY won this time!! Our movie rocked!!) The Girl’s was titled “Pimp My Whale”. I have so many fond memories making that movie! Then we played steal the bacon (only we were stealing a plastic tug-boat) in the snow. It was great to play this in the snow so you could tackle each other to the ground. Overall, I had one of the most memorable weeks. I felt like I was able to really get close to all of the girls on the team. Normally I don’t let myself get to close to team members because I know that they have to leave. But this time I could not help it. I felt like I got so close to them in just a week.

BAD- The team had to leave. *Sniff Sniff* For the next few days all I could do is talk about how much I miss them… hey… I am still talking about how much I miss them! COME BACK!

GOOD- After the retreat I spent the night at Janelle’s house. There we had a committee meeting about the banquet which is coming up on May 12th. Ohh.. it is going to be amazing! I am really working with a awesome committee (which includes Lauren, Janelle, and John)

BAD, REALLY BAD- My wonderful, adorable cat Chili is missing and has been for about a week now. We all think something bad has happened to him. He would never just leave. He is not like that. He is very, very faithful to our family. We have even stuck up reward/lost signs. Still he has not come home. I know it is just a cat, but he still is so important to me and my family. Could you guys pray that he would come home?

GOOD- Today is my half birthday!!!! Happy half birthday to me!!!! I am officially 17 ½ How exciting!

BAD- My parents are in Thailand without me and Lucas. There was not enough $$ this time for us to go. But I guess next time…maybe.

GOOD- Although my parents are gone I have Tiffany to ‘baby-sit’ me and Lucas. It has been lots of fun! She is so awesome! I love her to death!

BAD- I have this really, really weird thing in my mouth. At first I thought it was a canker-sour, but then I actually looked at it the mirror. It is a see-through lump/ball thing. It is also really hard. I tried to pop it open and see what would happen, but it is too hard to even get open. All I can say is that this has never happened to me before. I think it might be an allergic reaction to this mouthwash that I have been using for the past two nights. Anyone care to do research on this one?

GOOD- I am finally watching the 5-hour version of Pride and Prejudice. So far I have finished two hours… slow but surely…

BAD- I have not posted in a very, VERY long time, I am assuming I have lost half of my audience.

GOOD- I have posted again! Tomorrow expect some pictures from last week with the team.

TOP SECRET!

Do you ever want to know what people are thinking? Well, I have a secret to share with you. Warning!!! This has NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!!!!!!!

WARNING! CONFIDENTIAL!!!!!

Come on now...

Do you ever have one of these conversations with your parents... and in the end you are in the exactly the same spot you started? (Click on comic to enlarge)



Well... I do.

It is finished

Finally. Done! Do you every have something you have to do and you dread it day and night? For some of you it might be cleaning your room, or Chemistry homework. But for me it was my book review. It all started when I was back in the States. I knew that I had to read a book by an author that we had already read another book on. Since I liked The Scarlet Letter so much I decided to pick Hawthorne. I gave strict instructions to my mom to pick out the shortest Hawthorne book at the store. She then came back with The House of the Seven Gables which was not that short, by the way. So anyway I was somewhat excited to read another Hawthorne book, after all The Scarlet Letter is now on my favorite list. So I started reading. After the first chapter i was saying to myself, "Okay, Larissa it is going to get better." The second chapter, "you are just not into the good part yet." I said the same things up until the last chapter of the book. I read page after page, after page of prolonged, agonizing detail.

What is worse is that I had to write a book review on it. How could I write neutrally on a book that was so utterly boring? It is not just an old book report that I have to write either. My teacher (from Potter's School) has very strict rules about how I have to write, what I have to write about...etc... Anyway, less then an hour ago this huge burden that has been hanging over my head for the passed three weeks has been lifted. I am done. I just love the feeling of freedom. *deep breath in, and out*

I'm a geek

Look what I did yesterday in my spare time.(which was like 10 min) I just learned it yesterday in my Trig/Calculus class. It is a great short cut! If you don't understand it I would be more then pleased to explain it to you in real life.
CLICK ON IT TO MAKE LARGER AND THEREFORE TO COMPREHEND IT BETTER


(Notice it is all color coated to make it easier to read. I tell you it was not easy transferring all the math symbols to the computer. But you, my public are worth it. My hope is that at least one of you can appriciate how awesome of a short cut this really is)