Confidence is Key

Best weekend in San Antonio so far.

Friday after we got off work, Reed, Doug, and I watched Reed's younger brother Jase play baseball. Jase is a very big help around Blueprint. Not only does he bring tools and supplies to us at the sites, he does it everyday with a smile. He is a constant support to us while we are working and it was great to finally be able to support him back.

Saturday I FINALLY slept in. After hanging around the house for half the day, Karen and I went out and about around an awesome outside mall called the Quarrey Market. However, the best part of Saturday was going to the Mission's baseball game with everyone. They are the AA team here in San Antonio located very close to Lakeland Air Base (we saw a lot of guys in their blue uniforms--really neat). Since it was only a AA game, there was a lot of entertainment mixed in between the innings, the favorite was the Puffy Taco Race--a little boy chased a person in a Puffy Taco costume. Only in Texas.

"I think I broke my collar bone." (The big rifle)

Sunday-Monday afternoon we spent at Reed's family's land about an hour and a half outside of SA. They refer to their ranch as Paradise Springs because they have a few springs on their land, one of which supplies water to their entire ranch house (pretty neat).  Also, it is paradise. Such an awesome escape from the world of cell phones. I did a lot of things I had never done before: driven a four wheeler myself (I did need Karen's assistance on when to shift), shoot a compound bow, shoot shotguns (I hit the clay pigeons), and shoot rifles (which we had stationary targets that I hit as well). I still cannot believe I shot a gun. I hadn't hit a clay pigeon with the shotgun yet so Doug was playing backup with the other gun for when I missed. However, I finally told him "I'm not going to need you this time." Sure enough, I hit the clay pigeon: Confidence is key- just like Austin Fullbright always says.  Besides our adventures, we really had a great deal of bonding time. We cooked, ate, played games, watched the Sandlot, and really just enjoyed each others' company.

Everyone this summer has really helped me grow in a number of reasons whether they realize it or not. Through a number of trials and events, I have learned to be confident in myself. Whether that is with fixing a roof or praying out loud, I have learned that I can be confident because Christ gives me the strength to do all things (Phil 4:13).  Coming into this summer one of my biggest concerns was inability because I am a girl. However, as the summer continues, I am learning that I am very capable to do the things the guys can do. Clearly, they can lift heavier things, but I don't need to feel incapable in comparison. Instead, I am also experiencing differences in gifts and talents. We truly need everyone to create the body of Christ. "For as in one body we have many members, and the members do no all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another."-Romans 12: 4-5 What a blessing that we are all so different.

Overall, so thankful still for all the Lord has blessed me with this summer. These memories and lessons will mark my life forever.