My gap year is coming to a close. My friends in Oregon had this tradition of taking a year of before going off to college. It was not something I planned on doing. It seemed like some sort of stalling tactic and I was excited about college. Why put it off? When I did graduate from highschool, I was about four years behind. So, naturally I was frustrated when I found myself looking at doing nothing but cooking, sewing, reading and writing the next six months. Then the six months stretched into more like eleven months.
Luckily, I did a little bit more than cooking, sewing, reading and writing. Ministry, gardening, driving and language learning got added to the mix. I learned a lot about myself.
I learned that I love to cook! My most favorite kitchen appliances are my Vitamix, my Bosch, my oven, my stove and my sink. My go-to seasonings are celery, thyme, bell peppers, mushroom seasoning, cayenne and turmeric. I hate processed food especially canned tomato sauce and bread (I'd rather make my own). I love my garden! I would rather cook fresh than store bought any day. I'm also very adventurous. I love trying new dishes. I think a lot of people think of cooking as good preparation for being a stellar wife and mother, but it's a huge plus for being a better missionary. I certainly learned that this year.
Sewing turned out to be super fun! I made a couple of things for myself, but mostly I used my skill for ministry. I sewed Joseph coats, kingly robes and curtains for Cradle Roll/Beginner's sabbath school. I also sewed some gifts for my friends. I wish I got my sewing machine earlier.
Reading took on a new dimension. I explored the blogosphere and did most of my reading there. Among my favorite are Seán Nebblett's "Lofty Studios," Beth John's "Evolution of a Teacher, "Verily Magazine's blog (if I had money I would subscribe to the magazine their stuff is so good!), and the "Hands Free Mama" blog. I also read online magazines. I wish they had easier access though. My favorite has always been Set Apart Girl. YouTube was also a place of absorbing information. My favorite channels were THNKR, TedTalks, TedEd, Superfoods, Wendy's Lookbook and uhmerah. I like THNKR because of it's mind-blowing ideas on everything. Superfoods was chock full of food facts and fun recipes. Ted is already famous for spreading great ideas. Wendy is an awesome fashion vlogger. I love her humble attitude and her simple yet elegant sense of style. Of course, uhmerah is my favorite vlogger ever! I always enjoy how she makes everyday adventures fun with her optimistic narration and keeps things pretty short and sweet, plus she's my friend so her channel is kinda like the news for me. Going back to books... The best books I read this year were Wall of Silence by Rosemary Gibson and Janardan Prasad Singh --a book on medical mistakes, and To Sell Is Human by Daniel Pink --book on sales.
As for writing, I disciplined myself to get an original devotional thought on my tumblr every week. I also organized a writing group to put together a lesson for the collegiate Sabbath School lesson study guide. That was my second time writing for them and my first time managing. That was a fun project. I also submitted a story to Guide, but got rejected.
My favorite part of this year was ministry. I started out the year frustrated because I couldn't be a part of either Pathfinders or Adventurers. However, God blessed me with CAMPUS Hope, canvassing and Cradle Roll/Beginners instead. I loved every moment of my time in those ministries!
I had always wanted to visit CAMPUS Hope ever since one of my friends had pestered me to go when I first stepped foot in Edinburg, but wasn't until this year that I got to go. I somehow convinced the president to let me cook lunch for them once in awhile and found out I love being a hostess. I learned that there is probably nothing that better convinces the palate toward healthful eating then a well prepared meal. It was also a blessing for me providing me with a chance to get out of the house and some yummy spiritual food. I did miss the chance to present a worship though. I kinda regret that.
I finally went canvassing! Oh, how I loved it! It gave me a purpose to wake up every morning, a reason to sleep at night, a motivation for exercise and a deeper relationship with Jesus. I've posted some of the stories on my tumblr already. Elton, Michael and Mr. Prewitt, I'm forever indebted to you guys for getting me out there!
I've taught Youth, Juniors, Primary, and Kindergarten sabbath school classes, but never Cradle Roll/Beginners. I have always shied away from that class because I'm not a big fan of babysitting. However, my friend April G., got me involved. Beginners in Edinburg is no babysitting! The parents come with their children every Sabbath. I learned I prefer to stay in the background and help. However, if I'm well rested and well prepared I feel comfortable giving the lesson. I learned that I enjoy giving religious instruction to kids of all ages.
I was in charge of the flower garden in the front. I regret not putting more soul in it, but I was so afraid of messing it up. I wish I had opted for the vegetable garden, because I actually used that and would probably have been more engaged in it.
I got my restricted license! Driving makes me nervous, but I'm determined to get the hang of it! I wish I had started earlier. Think I would be less stressed. I thought I was invincible at age fifteen.
I also learned quite a bit of Spanish! Between Rosetta Stone and canvassing I'm on my way to being quite fluent. Mi gusta estudiar español. Es un idioma muy bueno.
In general, I learned that I'm most productive when I have a consistent schedule (especially mealtimes), when I am well prepared and when I have a good support system. I hate canned stuff whether it be tomato sauce or children's programs. It takes l more effort to to make something canned my own (except four tomato sauce that's hopeless). I discovered another love language of mine that I didn't know I had: words of encouragement. I loathe being flattered, but harsh criticism and doubt will murder me every time. However, when my sister says, "Yes, she/you can!" I can conquer the world.
There were some things I didn't get a chance to do though. I wanted to teach myself guitar, but it turned out to be harder than I thought. I did teach myself almost all the songs in my book though, but I wanted to learn chords. My canvassing leaders all invited me to canvass with them for the summer. I got offered a job in Sweden as a nanny. My job requirements were cooking, cleaning and gardening beside taking care of the kids. I thought that would have been the ultimate final exam for everything I learnt this year. Alas, it was not to be. I spent the summer packing boxes for my move to Puerto Rico.
I took a gap year. It wasn't part of the plan, but honestly I enjoyed it and surprisingly looking back I actually got a lot done. I can truly say i was blessed. I feel better prepared for life. Now, I'm looking forward to building my career as a medical missionary. Say yay! God is good!
Luckily, I did a little bit more than cooking, sewing, reading and writing. Ministry, gardening, driving and language learning got added to the mix. I learned a lot about myself.
I learned that I love to cook! My most favorite kitchen appliances are my Vitamix, my Bosch, my oven, my stove and my sink. My go-to seasonings are celery, thyme, bell peppers, mushroom seasoning, cayenne and turmeric. I hate processed food especially canned tomato sauce and bread (I'd rather make my own). I love my garden! I would rather cook fresh than store bought any day. I'm also very adventurous. I love trying new dishes. I think a lot of people think of cooking as good preparation for being a stellar wife and mother, but it's a huge plus for being a better missionary. I certainly learned that this year.
Sewing turned out to be super fun! I made a couple of things for myself, but mostly I used my skill for ministry. I sewed Joseph coats, kingly robes and curtains for Cradle Roll/Beginner's sabbath school. I also sewed some gifts for my friends. I wish I got my sewing machine earlier.
Reading took on a new dimension. I explored the blogosphere and did most of my reading there. Among my favorite are Seán Nebblett's "Lofty Studios," Beth John's "Evolution of a Teacher, "Verily Magazine's blog (if I had money I would subscribe to the magazine their stuff is so good!), and the "Hands Free Mama" blog. I also read online magazines. I wish they had easier access though. My favorite has always been Set Apart Girl. YouTube was also a place of absorbing information. My favorite channels were THNKR, TedTalks, TedEd, Superfoods, Wendy's Lookbook and uhmerah. I like THNKR because of it's mind-blowing ideas on everything. Superfoods was chock full of food facts and fun recipes. Ted is already famous for spreading great ideas. Wendy is an awesome fashion vlogger. I love her humble attitude and her simple yet elegant sense of style. Of course, uhmerah is my favorite vlogger ever! I always enjoy how she makes everyday adventures fun with her optimistic narration and keeps things pretty short and sweet, plus she's my friend so her channel is kinda like the news for me. Going back to books... The best books I read this year were Wall of Silence by Rosemary Gibson and Janardan Prasad Singh --a book on medical mistakes, and To Sell Is Human by Daniel Pink --book on sales.
As for writing, I disciplined myself to get an original devotional thought on my tumblr every week. I also organized a writing group to put together a lesson for the collegiate Sabbath School lesson study guide. That was my second time writing for them and my first time managing. That was a fun project. I also submitted a story to Guide, but got rejected.
My favorite part of this year was ministry. I started out the year frustrated because I couldn't be a part of either Pathfinders or Adventurers. However, God blessed me with CAMPUS Hope, canvassing and Cradle Roll/Beginners instead. I loved every moment of my time in those ministries!
I had always wanted to visit CAMPUS Hope ever since one of my friends had pestered me to go when I first stepped foot in Edinburg, but wasn't until this year that I got to go. I somehow convinced the president to let me cook lunch for them once in awhile and found out I love being a hostess. I learned that there is probably nothing that better convinces the palate toward healthful eating then a well prepared meal. It was also a blessing for me providing me with a chance to get out of the house and some yummy spiritual food. I did miss the chance to present a worship though. I kinda regret that.
I finally went canvassing! Oh, how I loved it! It gave me a purpose to wake up every morning, a reason to sleep at night, a motivation for exercise and a deeper relationship with Jesus. I've posted some of the stories on my tumblr already. Elton, Michael and Mr. Prewitt, I'm forever indebted to you guys for getting me out there!
I've taught Youth, Juniors, Primary, and Kindergarten sabbath school classes, but never Cradle Roll/Beginners. I have always shied away from that class because I'm not a big fan of babysitting. However, my friend April G., got me involved. Beginners in Edinburg is no babysitting! The parents come with their children every Sabbath. I learned I prefer to stay in the background and help. However, if I'm well rested and well prepared I feel comfortable giving the lesson. I learned that I enjoy giving religious instruction to kids of all ages.
I was in charge of the flower garden in the front. I regret not putting more soul in it, but I was so afraid of messing it up. I wish I had opted for the vegetable garden, because I actually used that and would probably have been more engaged in it.
I got my restricted license! Driving makes me nervous, but I'm determined to get the hang of it! I wish I had started earlier. Think I would be less stressed. I thought I was invincible at age fifteen.
I also learned quite a bit of Spanish! Between Rosetta Stone and canvassing I'm on my way to being quite fluent. Mi gusta estudiar español. Es un idioma muy bueno.
In general, I learned that I'm most productive when I have a consistent schedule (especially mealtimes), when I am well prepared and when I have a good support system. I hate canned stuff whether it be tomato sauce or children's programs. It takes l more effort to to make something canned my own (except four tomato sauce that's hopeless). I discovered another love language of mine that I didn't know I had: words of encouragement. I loathe being flattered, but harsh criticism and doubt will murder me every time. However, when my sister says, "Yes, she/you can!" I can conquer the world.
There were some things I didn't get a chance to do though. I wanted to teach myself guitar, but it turned out to be harder than I thought. I did teach myself almost all the songs in my book though, but I wanted to learn chords. My canvassing leaders all invited me to canvass with them for the summer. I got offered a job in Sweden as a nanny. My job requirements were cooking, cleaning and gardening beside taking care of the kids. I thought that would have been the ultimate final exam for everything I learnt this year. Alas, it was not to be. I spent the summer packing boxes for my move to Puerto Rico.
I took a gap year. It wasn't part of the plan, but honestly I enjoyed it and surprisingly looking back I actually got a lot done. I can truly say i was blessed. I feel better prepared for life. Now, I'm looking forward to building my career as a medical missionary. Say yay! God is good!
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