Stuff [Pullman] Christians Like

Yep. Its happened. I've copied the famous book and website. Only I've spun it Pullman-style. Enjoy. Or don't, you are the one who clicked the link though.... ;)

If you are offended by any of this satire, I recommend '

a) not being my friend on Fbook &

b) not reading anything I ever write, ever, ever again. Perfect.

**Note: If you are born after the year 1990, some of these references might be over your head. Sorry about that.

Stuff [Pullman] Christians Like:

1) Running.

Alone. Or with a partner. Marathons, half marathons or the recreational 5k. It doesn't matter, you are running it. You've ran on that path that parallels Grand, and its been awesome. Or not. And then you run around Pullman and you run the hills. And you kind of want to die on Stadium. But you keep running because its good for you and there are SO many comparisons to the Christian life that go along with running. You fill that ipod up with worship music and go. Or, like me, you fill your 'pod with pop hits from about a year ago and go like crazy. Soon you start sub-conciously guilt tripping your non-running friends by nonchalantly mentioning how often/how much you ran this week. You feel closer to God as you pump those arms and charge up that hill. Good job you health nuts, wave at your lazy friends at the Rec and get that oh-so-spiritual-runner's high.

2) Pumpkin Spice Latte's @ Starbucks.

I don't like coffee so this one's a little foreign to me but evrrrahbody I know who drinks that poison drink loves this Pumpkiny nonsense. So cheers to fall and everything autumn. And thanks Starbucks for inventing one more addiction, like we needed it.

3) Mark Driscoll and/or Rob Bell.

I find that like Twilight, there are kind of two teams. Only there are no "Team Driscoll" T-shirts. 'Cause that's idolizing and we don't do that stuff 'round here. There's the Mars Hill Junkies who admire everything that comes from this holy hipster factory in Seattle. I admit, I'm one of those.

And then there's the other side who admire/love Rob Bell 'cause he writes cool stuff and has fancy books with awesome pictures in them.

Sometimes there are people who like both. These individuals also have trouble deciding which hair products to buy because everything looks great. Anyway...

4) Shopko.

Okay, no one actually LIKES Shopko but until super obnoxious Wallyworld opens October 27th across from Safeway, its all we got. But admit it, you buy a lot of your ish at Shopko and you therefore appreciate it. Barely. The alternative is driving all the way to the "Palouse Mall" in Moscow. Another real classy place.

5) Palouse Treasures.

Speaking of classy places. This place has it all--cheap furniture, outstanding Halloween costumes, Christmas decor, and the occasional random item that will make your life complete for 29 cents. Customer service isn't bad, just ring the bell. Or stand there awkwardly until someone comes to help you. Your choice.

6) Coffee Shops.

Starbucks.

Daily Grind.

One World in Moscow. *Cough*amyloncon*

Cafe Moro.

Zoe's Underground.

And so many more. You've hit them all up. Study time, yea right. You enjoy the free wireless and cool coffee shop vibe. Plus, God gives out bonus points to anyone who reads their Bible in public at a coffee shop. Or so I've been told. Guys, you've met a girl there for "coffee"...need I say more? :)

Daily Grind and Starbucks are my two favs. I sit in Sbux for approximately 12.7 seconds before someone I know walks through the door. Its great. I go to Daily Grind when I actually need to study. I hole myself up in that very back room with the couch and hide from the world for hours at a time. I've had some pretty spectacular Qiuet times at DG. Don't even get me started about PEANUT BUTTER FROSTS. Peanut Butter Frosts > just about anything else.

7) Judging all the Pagans at Football and Basketball Games.

You count the number of times the guy behind you says the F word. And then you roll your eyes at your very ethical friend next to you. 'Cause this guy is just *such* a sinner. FACT: We're all sinners and he's a Coug. Doesn't make him any less obnoxious but Jesus died for the guy who only speaks in expletives too. I'm the worst at this, trust me.

8) Dance Parties.

Right now a Lady Gaga song just started playing in your mind. Perfect. You have had the most fun at dance parties, and to be honest, at one point during Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" you really just let go and belted it. I think part of this can be attributed to Matt Ogurkow. His love for Backstreet Boys and N*Sync was infamous. In the best way possible of course.

Basically, you've let loose to Chris Brown's "Forever" way before that YouTube video came out and then the Office redid it. You've also worn something absolutely ridiculous to a dance party. My worst/best was a pair of little boy's tie-dye chonies. Worn on the OUTSIDE of my jeans, thank you very much.

9) Camp Sanders. Wooten too, but mostly Sanders.

I've made all my major life decisions at a Campus Crusade retreat or conference. No joke. I think Camp Sanders is my personal fav. though because there is always this excited anticipation for the school year that is just starting. Dino nuggets are the best. Hands down. Nutritionally pointless however. Giant, outrageous, face melting camp fires. Everybody-Cries-Their-Eyes-Out Saturday nights. Busting out your flannel (for those of you who don't wear it all the time like yours truely) or just busting out your crew neck sweatshirt over and over again all weekend. Super cold showers. No matter how early you get up. Man time. Whatever THAT entails. That half an hour where you get real with the Lord and He gets real with you. Jackpot.

10) The Doughnuts at Real Life.

'nuff said.

11) Wearing a Completely Non-Sexual Halloween Costume.

Because Pullman turns into Victoria's Secret on Halloween, we Christians try to counter-act all the sensualness by wearing a funny costume that is completely unattractive. This one actually might just be me...yea, I think this one is just me but whatevs, I'm the one writing this. I can say whatever the heck I want.

12) "Meeting" People at the Cub.

Its centrally located. And you can be obscure enough if your friend that you are supposedly meeting doesn't show up 10 minutes early like you. You like to people watch too, while you are waiting. Turn in any direction and someone is having a super intense convo. And hey, didn't that guy walk by two times already? Dude, find a place and wait it out, you look ridiculous wandering around making awkward eye contact with every single person in this joint.

13) Tyrone Wells.

He's from Spokane. He's legit, and getting more famous. He's got that super cool vibe that you can study too or picture yourself in a movie with his soundtrack playing. Okay, that last part is definitely just me.

14) The Karate Kids at the halftime of Cougar Basketball Games.

I'm signing up my future children for Karate for sure. These kids kick butt, literally. When the little girl punches the bigger boy in the you-know-where, its just about the best thing you've ever witnessed.

15) Experiencing all of God's wonderful weather, in ONE day.

It snowed in the morning. Hailed a little too if we are honest. Then it rained, and then the sun came out. And now its almost 80 and your eighteen layers of clothes are clinging to your sweaty back because you are trudging back home to change out of your snow boots. The girl with the UGG boots and shorty shorts walks by with her Homecoming sweatshirt on, and you are suddenly regretting wearing your long underwear when a tankini would have been ideal.

16) Swing Dancing.

Its wholesome. Like a cold glass of 2% milk. Its a good, clean (somewhat sweaty) fun time that only costs 5 bucks. Driving to Moscow and back with your friends is half the fun. Learning to dance is tough at first but once you're good--you're golden. Cowboy boots, jeans with the buckle. Meeting all the U of I students. Watching other people make fools of themselves, what's not to love? Nothing. Everything about swing dancing is awesome. Join the fun.

All It Took

I was recently discussing with a good friend my singleness. I talked about how surprisingly happy I am, how I love the ways God is currently stretching and molding my heart and how I love learning to be a teacher. We laughed at some funny stories of dates gone wrong, bad set-ups, and how awkward I can be when I don't know where I stand with someone.

This friend asked me, "Kaley, what would it take to win your heart?"

My mind sobered up. Such a loaded question. I had no idea really.... a long list of character traits, qualities and things I am attracted to entered my mind. But the Holy Spirit whispered into my heart. And my heart sighed that happy, soul-deep, freely shown sigh of utter content.

And in a quiet voice I replied, "All it took was a couple of nails and a wooden cross."

And you, who were dead in your trespass and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgive us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

-Col. 2:13

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. -Matt. 6:21

20 Things I Learned on the First Day of First Grade

1) "Jimmy" doesn't know how to zip his jeans.

2) The copy machine is my worst enemy. We have a hate/hate relationship where I am ultimately always the loser.

3) Watch out for the single dads.

4) A hug can be the difference maker that changes everything.

5) The laughter of little boys in the bathroom is a mystery..."WHAT is going on in there and why is it so funny??"

6) Sometimes the parents need the reassuring smile more than the child does. "Yea, I've got this. Go, get your grocery list checked off. Your child already loves me...I can tell by the way she is hugging the back of my legs, k? Everything is fine..and by everything, I mean you."

7) By the end of the day my feet are killing me but my heart is full.

8) Every little girl has something sparkly on the first day. Shoes, shirts, backpacks, keychains, hair clips, shoe laces, pencils, earrings, glitter tattoos...but mostly, their eyes light up and sparkle when you notice the sparkly thing that they have secretly been wanting you to notice since they walked in the classroom.

9) Document cameras are the ish and the kids are mesmerized by them. Jackpot baby.

10) I can do anything through Christ who strengthens me.

11) My organizational skills are being honed and perfected.

12) I crave something warm and caffeinated around 2:15. Or just some sort of adrenaline rush.

13) 6 and 7 years olds think I smell great. Viva la Juicy.

14) We all win with recess.

15 I have this irrational fear that my class will be the ones to set fire to the room, 'cause a whole school mutiny or stab each other with the freshly sharpened pencils their parents bought.

16) Teaching is the letting loose of my pent up loving/nurturing/helping side. I get to provide a safe and homey place for people (well, little people)... and my heart thrives on that.

17) Clorox wipes are money.

18) Um, they can't remember the flag salute.

19) There are kids who fart and get embarrassed. And then there are the repeat offenders, who the cafeteria staff know: "are not allowed to participate in 'Taco Tuesday' or 'Burritos & Beans' on Fridays."

20) The fact that I own a skateboard makes me the coolest teacher, like, ever.

Haha & Amen,

Miss Adams

Water and this Post Siena Life

So, I've been back from my big Italian adventure for over a month now. Much has happened since my return to American soil, and much hasn't changed at all. I'm switching things up a little now-- this is now just going to be a regular old blog about the thoughts I have that I decide to type up and share.

The quick and dirty update on my current life: About to start my "Advanced Practicum" @ Wiley Elementary in West Richland. Working as a nanny right now. Single. Learning a lot about the multiple facets of grace: its cost and worthwhile blessings included.

Water.

I like to run my hands under warm water when I'm stressed. Something about it soothes me and calms my frenzied mind in a gentle way. My relationship with Jesus is the same way. I come to Him, my heart beating at a frantic pace as the imagined crisis at hand is seemingly taking over my life. And Christ looks deep into my eyes through this fractured heart of mine and quiets the turmoil within. I turn my tear filled eyes to the safest place I know; the feet of Jesus. The truth and the grace that I have so desperately been craving but never thought to ask for is shown and given.

And my life is centered once again on what it should have been centered on all along. Sometimes I look in the mirror when the warm water is running over my hands. Depending upon the day or situation I see something altogether different in the reflection looking back at me. A proud woman who is putting on a brave face. A little girl with big dreams. A sinner. A saint. Someone dangerous for the kingdom of Heaven. Someone who dances to pop hits from 2008. Me. Who I want to be. Someone I've always been. Princess. Prostitute. Loyal to a fault. Miserable because of my affections. Strong. Tired.

You name it, I've seen it staring back at me in the mirror. Who do all those reflections need?

They, I, need Jesus. So I turn the water to 'warm' and reflect on how Christ walked on water. The water from the rock. God parted the Red Sea. Noah built the ark and then the rains came. Jonah and that whale. Water to wine. Becoming fishers of men. The woman at the well. Something about water reminds me of Jesus. And my world is centered. My focus is shifted from me to Christ. Problems pale in comparison to the riches that are found in a life with Christ. I blink and in the mirror I see myself a little more like how God sees me. Beautiful. Redeemed. Worth it. Learning. His. Kaley Dawn.

God is Faithful

Hi Friends!

First off, I apologize for my serious lack of blogging while I have been here in Siena. I thought I would have way more free time with a computer to do all sorts of in-the-moment updates. The reality is and was, the free time I do have is usually spent bonding with my team, or taking desperately needed rests with the Lord. Taking time to recharge my batteries after long days on campus quickly became a necessity.

However, I have a free morning today and would love to share with you what has happened in Siena while we have been here thus far. We (my team and I) have become friends with dozens of Italian students. Every day we go onto campus, in pairs, and strike up conversations with random groups of students who are taking smoke breaks, eating lunch or just talking. Yes, smoke breaks. Sad to say, but almost ALL Italian college students smoke. Every day my hair smells like cigarette smoke. Once we have opened up a conversation with a student or group of students, we tell them who we are and why we are in Italy. Most are very curious because a) we aren't on vacation and b) we aren't study abroad students. After that, we usually do one of two things:

One route we take is using Soularium. Soularium is an evangelistic tool that uses about 50 4X6 pictures of various things. The pictures are all random things--a picture of a girl dancing in the rain, a picture of a telephone booth, a picture of an ocean sunrise, etc. We show the students we are talking with the pictures, and then ask them to choose 3 images to describe your life RIGHT now. They choose the pictures, then we ask them to explain why they chose those pictures or what the pictures mean to them. Next we ask them to choose 3 more images out of the stack to describe how they WANT/WISH their life to be. They explain after why they chose those images. Finally, to get into "spiritual conversations" we ask them a third question. We ask something to the effect of, "Can you pick three images to describe God?" or "3 images that represent God or your beliefs about Him?"

Once students have answered these questions we have a clear picture of who they are, who they want to be (aka what they are missing in their life) and their views about God. From there we share what we believe about God, and the Gospel story. This technique allows us to get into conversation and then steer the conversation quickly to spiritual things without it being akward. Most students answer the questions very honestly and go much deeper into their lives than people in America.

I have heard more stories about hard break-ups, depression, difficult times, fears and deep-rooted longings in the first five minutes with some of these Italians than I have ever heard from some of my close friends. It is astounding how relational the Italian culture is. I am a human, they are a human and Italians believe that is enough connection to discuss anything and everything with. Its refreshing, eye opening and has taught me so much about how complete honesty creates a friendship that crosses all language barriers, time restraints and culture differences.

Of course, we have had conversations where student outright call the Gospel story foolishness (because of the corruption of the Catholic church here in Italy most students do not trust organized religion in any form, at all). I have learned so much about how to answer questions, what Bible verses are strategic for answering said questions, and how to explain what I believe in a way anyone can understand.

Besides using Soularium, the other way we get into spiritual conversations is to just share our life stories. It sounds so funny to say that we just sit down on park benches and share our lives with complete strangers but that it exactly what we do. In sharing our stories (usually in 5 minutes or less!) the Gospel is always the end result we come to and center upon. But again, Italian students don't mind doing this and are very good listeners. Most often I only can do this with Italian students who speak English proficiently. Otherwise using Soularium is a better way to get points across, go deep etc.

We are sharing the Gospel as fast and as widespread as we can here as this is possibly the last Siena Summer Project for a while we recently found out. To date, our staff leaders Steve and Megan Yen have told us that they are so proud of our team because they believe that never before on a summer project has the Gospel been shared in its entirety, as much as on this trip. I know for myself I have shared my life story and/or the Gospel with at least 2 dozen students who I now have friendships with. How many have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior, we cannot know, but God does.

How many times have students thanked me for sharing the Gospel with them? Almost every single one. They always thank us for sharing our life stories and our views about the Gospel. Even the girl this last Tuesday who told me outright during Soularium that God does not exist, thanked me for sharing the story of WHY Jesus died on the Cross and told me the next day that she had thought about what I had said that night while she tried to fall asleep. We only have about a week and a half left here in Siena before we leave for our project debriefing in Florence for a few days. I will try to update again.

We have an outreach next Wednesday night. We are doing an "American Night" where we have invited all the Italian students we have talked to, to come hang out with us. We will be cooking "American food"--think hamburgers, french fries, corn dogs, lemonade and Coca-Cola, playing American music, and playing American games. It should be a good time with a lot of friendships strengthened and the solidification in the students minds that we are missionaries, but moreover, Evangelical Christians who can have fun and not be legalistic.

Hope this update finds you all well, I am healthy, happy and so thankful for all of your support and encouragement!

For His Glory,

Kaley Dawn Adams

Safe and Sound

Ciao!

We made it! Our team has made it safe and sound to Siena, all our luggage arrived safely also. After 20 plus hours of straight traveling, we all fell into an exhausted yet restless sleep last night. The time difference here is nine hours ahead of the Pacific Northwest. I was overwhelmed when we first pulled into town here. The beauty of Siena is truely amazing. Last night we went out to dinner at a small restaurant. Sitting by candle-light, we all tried to order our food with our best attempts at pronunciation. Much laughter was had but our waiter was patient. As I sat around the long table with my team-mates, I was overwhelmed again by how blessed I was to have actually made it to Italy. In our exhausted stupor, most of us could only answer with "this is just so amazing" or "I cant believe we are actually here" when our team-leader Steve Yen, asked us how we were feeeling at the end of dinner. There are 13 of us total. 7 students from WSU, a girl from Maryland and a girl from Utah. We also have a Utah Campus Crusade staff member named Alex with us. Alex is engaged to a Stinter who has been living here for the past year. A "Stinter" is someone who lives in a city like Siena for a year long time period to help set up a campus ministry and share. Basically like what I am doing only for a year instead of 6 weeks. They were very excited to be reunited. Rounding out our group is Steve, his wife Megan and their 1 year old son Oliver.

I was woken up this morning by loud church bells ringing. It is raining in Siena this morning and will be all day. Today we are going to do a city-wide scavenger hunt to "discover" Siena. Already I am getting more and more excited to start getting out there and sharing the story and love of Jesus with the people here. Everyone is so friendly and curious about why we are here in Siena. It has already been quite easy to get into conversations.

I will be sending out updates periodically when time is available, if there is another email you would prefer these updates to be sent to, just let me know. Pray for my health (got a little sick mainly due to exhaustion) yesterday but am feeling better this morning. Pray for the hearts of the people we talk to and that God would work in us and through us while we are here in this beautiful place. Gratzie! (thank you!)

AMEN!

1 Week

Leaving for Italy in one week.


This time next week...well, I will probably still be on the plane, but that's beside the point. I'm excited to spend time with my family this weekend, and then a few quick days in Seattle visiting friends! School is done, whew. Now I can completely concentrate on packing and getting ready for the big trip.

That's all for now.

Ciao!