Parents

For clarification, I never wanted it to appear as if I "preferred" one parent over the other. Coming from a divorced family, it's important for me to not mention one parent merely because I mentioned the other. So, here's the low-down on my parents.



Mom- She's strong. I have seen her go through the roughest of times, and still pull out on top. She has held me while I have cried, and taught me to be strong and self-sufficient. She knows when I am struggling and too confident to ask for help. Such as sending surprise checks when I can't afford rent. She has always encouraged me to not let people hold me back, and to reach for the biggest goals. She has offered me a perspective on life that I would never get anywhere else. She has also encouraged me to get along with everyone and communicate with a variety of people.

Dad- Dad has taught me to form critical opinions and beliefs and stick beside them. It's worth it to put your faith out on a limb and risk having others not be liked. He's taught me I can survive living alone, and learn how to bake pies without dropping them in the oven. From my dad, I have also learned how important it is to create images for yourself in positive light.

In the end, both of my parents continue to challenge me to grow. Though I may not mention them equally, both have obviously had a major impact on my life.

Awesome People

I feel as if a shout-out to some of my friends is in dire need. Life has really been picking up for me lately, and it is because of some pretty sweet peeps.

Andy Jensen- Andy is always making me smile with random texts. He is so receptive to help and advice, and I am the same way toward him. We have a lot in common, and learn something new about each other everyday. Though he lives in SD, i am quite confidently able to call him one of my best friends.

Ian Andersen- He's a definite life saver. From getting away from creepy guys to borrowing your TV so you don't have to put it in storage, Ian is just one of those people I'm glad I have met in the past week.

Dave Kelly- Well, without getting into too much detail, Dave loves things that I don't. And he compliments my ruined pie.

Curtis Ullerich- No one can make me smile as much as Curtis. Sometimes I don't get his jokes, but I just laugh anyway.

The Interns- I never thought we would get to be this close. I love our hour lunch breaks and adventures in the office.

Andrew Lopez- I love watching him interact with people. Anywhere we go, he can introduce everyone and tell a story about them. He is very confident and out-going, staying up late chatting with Dave is worth dragging at work.

Keesha- I'm so glad I have her in Ames. I wouldn't know how anything worked without her in my life.

Morgan- Your company is greatly treasured when you come to visit. We think on the same page, even if we won't say our comments out-loud. Our vibe cannot be broken.

Ethan- What a patient friend. He helped make a table, dealt with my lack of grilling supplies, and even waited forever when I donated plasma.

Molly- Molly is a great friend. I know I can text her anything, and she is awesome to hang out with when she can make it to Ames. She can give me advice from miles away, and I'll be receptive.

Dad- He knows I can make it on my own, and he just offers words of encouragement despite the issue. He knows I'm getting stronger and wiser by the day and he can asses my growth in my faith as I prepare to leave for Niger.

I'd also like to give a shout-out to my good friend Saul. Thanks for being 31 and creepy.

Self-discoveries

As much as I am no where near being ready to marry anyone there are many aspects of life that show my outlook changing.

1. I am a submissive people person. I love seeing people happy, and I know that it is terrible to wait on people hand and foot, but sometimes I just want to make others feel happy. I usually say "I don't care what movie we watch," because I legit don't mind.

2. I have different lists for males. I have the list of men that I would date, and men that I would marry. Few men are in the middle of this list. Of course, someone needs to fall in-between in order for me to consider dating them, but I can't figure out why these two "lists" vary so much.

3. I now know some people guys just aren't worth it. I mean, I appreciate you buying me a drink for my birthday and calling me the most beautiful girl you have ever seen- but no, I would never go home with you.

4. I have started to refer to boys as men. Goodness, I'm getting old.

Discoveries that don't involve men..

1. I love planning gatherings, even if they aren't successful.

2. I can do anything with enough prayer. I donated plasma, have came close to meeting my fundraising goal for Niger, and even have done a few summer class assignments that I thought would kill me, lived alone... etc.

3. I can deal without structure and organization much better than two months ago. My desk at work is a mess, but I understand my system. I can't handle being tidy, unless it's my house, but even then I always make changes. I can make plans at the last minute, and not be let down when people cancel on me.

4. I can comfortably talk to people about my faith and journey to be more Christ-like. It used to be hard for me, but now I can tell when I am connected and just talk about my faith and the implications for my life.

Berry Pie

b


3 cups Strawberries
2 cups raspberries
1 cup blackberries
1 cup blueberries
2/3 c water divided
3/4 c sugar
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/4 c raspberry
1 crust

Mix all berries and set aside.

Mix 1/3 cup water and sugar. Sprinkle gelatin on top, let set one minute. Boil remaining water and mix until dissolved. Wisk in jam until blended. Put mixture in fridge until think. Once thick, pour over berries and place in crust. Let set for one hour.

Sorry the pictures aren't in order! I don't know how to move pictures around!

In an attempt to grow my hair faster, I would like to share my "hair care solutions with you!" Check out this picture of the hair on my shower wall, that's about 1/16 of what I lose every shower.. Follow these steps, and I think you will lose less hair, and have better hair!

1. The classic egg and olive oil mix. My hair takes two eggs and one tsp oil. Cover your hair in it and let it set for 15 mins. (it feels dry and gross) Then rinse it with COLD water.

2. Speaking of cold water, that's all I'm going to use on my hair now! Wish me luck, cold showers are my least favorite thing.

3. Shampoo. I have an olive oil, aloe, avocado mix. I'm not sure if I will stick with this yet.

4. Don't comb your hair while it's wet (I'll have to tell you how this works for me...

5. Don't use any product or heat, and no hair ties. (Again, we shall see..)

Share any other tips! Also keep in mind that my hair is un-manageable and curly/wavy/messy.

Sins.

As Christians, we must be critical of each other, as well as ourselves. We often take our sin lightly because we have this ever-loving, always forgiving God. We think He will stand by our side no matter what. While this is true, we are the chosen crowd. We have chosen to follow Christ, and should therefore do everything in our power (as well as His) to live closer to Him everyday.

Jesus died on a cross. He suffered a painful death without even wincing for our sin. Yet, we can't do anything but rationalize our choices and make up excuses for the sin in our life.

What are some sinful things in your life you aren't taking seriously? I'll list mine below, for others to hold me accountable to with hopes that you will critically look into your own lives as well.

1. Support. I need verbal support or people to be around all the time. Rather than relying on God, or close Christian support, I will rely on anyone who will listen.

2. Along with support, I try a little too hard to make people accept me. I don't "change" who I am, but I am so versatile I often feel like people don't get the "whole picture." I also always yearn to have friends- rather than relying on God's love to fill my heart.

3. Attention to biblical time. I often find myself saying "I'll look at His word later." I should yearn to be exposed to His word whenever my heart feels pulled. The Bible isn't something that should be put off or pushed to one large reading on a Saturday afternoon.

My Walk & Niger

[12:13:51 AM] Edward Kinkade: God isnt who the secular world wants him to be or who Oprah says he is, we dont define Him, he defines us

This was a conversation via skype with my dad that transformed my life. I was in China. I felt alone, I was with a boyfriend that I had been dating for nearly two years, but I struggled with him being a "non-believer." He was practically everything I wanted in life, but both of us knew things were changing.

My faith was taking leaps. I had been to Mexico on missions, and was preparing for a trip to Haiti. I was learning how to walk for God everyday and become more like Jesus. I had time in China to read my Bible and form my own opinions. Mike and I broke up on my Birthday. It wasn't as tragic as I had expected, in fact the hardest part was hugging his mom at the airport.

God has given me a love for working with Children. When I graduated high school, I thought the only option would be teaching. I never looked into anything else. I never looked at leaving Iowa. Pella was a huge leap. As my faith changed, God gave me a love for the world. All of the Children of the world. As of now, I am not positive what my life will lead after graduation. I may teach, I may continue my education, I may... It's not in my hands, but in the hands of the higher power.

If asked, "why do you feel you need to go so far away to evangelize?" I now have an answer:

I go where God needs me. I am willing to be a servant of him for all of the days of my life. I want to live like Jesus everyday, and live like the people of the world to know their desires and match them to the Kingdoms. Even if my life does not lead to international work, I believe that God is using me for multiple purposes, and I will be able to relate to others even from a small town in Iowa.

On August 28th, I will be leaving for Niger, West Africa. I will be spending my time home schooling Tom Johnson's three children as well as learning, living and acting as a follower of Christ in my everyday life to show others the light I was shown. I am in need of lots of prater and some fundraising still needs done.

To donate visit: https://www.rca.org/volunteersupport and choose Ashley Kinkade

(the start of my faith story has multiple layers and factors, apologies if you have heard different ones)