The weary world rejoices!

I can't believe it's actually Christmas Eve. And I can't believe that I'm going to write a post about my dog.

But, alas, it is somehow Christmas Eve and I am actually going to write about my miniature schnauzer-Emily.

I've never cared too much for animals.

I'll pretend to like them if I want to seem cutesy or please their owners but truthfully, I think they are usually a burden, ugly, smelly, messy, and [insert any other gross generalization here]. However, apparently when I was 8 years old I really liked dogs and therefore received Emily as my birthday present. She's a funny dog. She howls when we sing, she kills squirrels and birds, and she's not so miniature. I've always liked her okay but I wouldn't go as far as to say I'm an attached owner.

Emily is now 13 in dog years, making her a whopping 91 in human years! I came home to find that she's lost so much weight (for once she fits her breed name), she makes weird noises, and she sleeps all the time. We think she will die any day now.

And somehow-looking at my decrepit old dog-I've fallen in love with her like I am 8 years old again. My favorite part about Emily is that when she was a puppy (and still at 91), she is SO excitable and finds great happiness in the little things. Even though I know she's tired, she still jumps up on our laps, plays when let outside, and begs for just one little bite of her favorite human food-bread. Today, we found her playing in the wrapped presents under the Christmas tree.

My favorite Christmas song is "Oh Holy Night" simply because I love the following lines: "A thrill of hope/the weary world rejoices!"

How many times do we all feel weary? Emily's certainly weary (she's 91 for crying out loud!). But this Christmas, every Christmas, and every day for that matter, we can have great HOPE through the great gift God has given us through His son's birth and ultimate sacrifice. Like Emily, even when we're weary, we can choose to find happiness. We can REJOICE in all of God's many blessings.

God help me to stop complaining about being weary and rejoice in all that you've done. For YOU have given us much hope!

Cherish these precious moments with your family, friends, and even pets.
Merry Christmas everyone!

Adventures in Tutoring

These last 10 weeks, Kitty, Caitlyn, Aaron, and I have been tutoring at the City Rescue Mission in downtown Oklahoma City.

City Rescue Mission (CRM) is a "relief shelter to meet the needs of the homeless by both providing services that fill immediate physical needs (showers, food, clothing, a night's rest, etc.) and offering longer-term, assistance programs that give members the "confidence and knowledge to become productive members of [the] community".

I think the four of us would agree that the kids that we have had the opportunity to love on at CRM have challenged us more than we initially expected. Quite frankly, they are undisciplined, defiant, and significantly behind in school. Honestly, when I first thought about tutoring at a homeless shelter, I painted a rosy, self-glorifying picture of us teaching these pitiful children to read while they sat dormantly on a rug, taking every word we spoke. Such is not the case. God calls us to serve, but as they say, "nobody ever said it was going to be easy".

So here are some of each of our more interesting experiences thus far. I hope that these make you laugh but also stir in you a desire to pray for these hurting kids and admittedly, our patience while working with them.

Experience #1-"The Poker" and I.

Day 1 at CRM. J. walks in, smiling, and moseys my way. I introduce myself and ask if he has any homework. Rather than taking out his folder from his backpack, he removes a pencil and begins to poke me incessantly. Being that it's the first day and I want to make a good impression, I tickle him and affectionately nickname him "The Poker". Thoroughly enjoying his new nickname, he spends the majority of the day poking me and no homework was done. I think, "Oh well, he will forget about it by Wednesday and we will actually be able to get some homework done". Day 2 at CRM. "The Poker" walks in and walks over to me. I was wrong, he has not forgotten. Poke, poke, poke, poke...we still don't get any homework done. Day 3 at CRM Poke. Poke. Poke. Are you seeing a pattern? Needless to say, "The Poker" has certainly lived up to his nickname. We're approaching week 11 and have yet to crack a book together.

Experience #2-Kitty's Cling-On

Kitty works really well with the kids. So well, in fact, that they never want to let her go. Literally. From the moment G. laid on eyes on Kitty, she jumped into her arms and has remained there ever since. She refuses to do her homework, all she wants to do is snuggle Kitty. One day, it took us an extra 15 minutes to leave because G. wouldn't let go. The head tutor man (not quite sure his title) had to PEEL her off in order for us to leave.

Experience #3-Caitlyn's World

All who know Caitlyn know her way of filling an entire room with joy. Caitlyn's joy is quite contagious, particularly with the kids. One day, I look over to find two of the kids who are absolute ENEMIES playing in complete harmony with one another. I then discover that it's Caitlyn who has orchestrated this miracle by creating a virtual world for the three of them to play in. I had to laugh as I heard her yell, "good defeats evil, once again!"

Experience #4-The Stabbing Incident

A few days ago, Miss. G. (Kitty's Cling-On), walked in with a scowl and began to climb (yes! literally climb!) on the windows of the tutoring room. I start to walk over to get her down but notice that Aaron has beat me to the punch. As Aaron attempts to PEEL G. off the wall, she freaks out and slaps him across the face. Now attempting to calm her, Aaron reaches for her arms; however, she's much to quick and takes her pencil and stabs him in the hand and drew blood! After summoning her mother to settle her down, G. was allowed back into the room, though her sassy attitude remained all day.

Experience #5-HIV

More than an experience, this was the moment that tutoring homeless children became real for me. Several weeks ago, one of our favorite kids informed Aaron that him and his sister are HIV positive. On the drive home, our hearts broke for C. and K. After some brief research, we learned that HIV is the onset of AIDS. People with AIDS live ON AVERAGE for only 23 years after infection.


If you are the praying type: PRAY, PRAY, PRAY, for these kids and their families! If you are the monetary-donating type: please email me at alexandrianoel@ou.edu to find out more details on how you can give to the CRM kids through my sorority's fundraising initiative. And if you are the action type: come with us to love on these kids. They will change your life!


"Open your mouth for the dumb, for the rights of all the unfortunate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy." Prov. 31:8

"The truth about it is, whether we is rich or poor or somethin in between, this earth ain't no final restin place. So in a way, we is all homeless--just workin our way toward home." -Denver Moore

Halloweekend

Hello friends!

Should I reiterate the fact that I'm a terribly inconsistent blogger? Should I promise to be better this month? Should I motivate myself to write more frequently by asserting that every blog post justifies a 711 icee purchase?

Nah. For now, I'll just tell about the most amazing weekend I just had. Halloween weekend, or in my Seth Cohan-esque terminology- "Halloweekend".

The weekend began with a bang! Or rather, a pop. My oldest and bestest (am I 5?!) friend Mallory had the big question popped to her by her wonderful boyfriend of 2+ years. That's right, my "old pal Mal" is ENGAGED!

anxious mom




finally, a text!


the happy couple's arrival






father/daughter moment


sisters



That night was followed by an early morning run with my dad who came to visit me for family weekend at school. Time spent with my silly dad is most precious to me and I throughly enjoyed every minute!

Right after the run, Aaron and I took off to visit my Nana. We spent the evening learning about plants, eating my favorite beef stew, and playing Yahtzee.



In case you're wondering, I won. Hence, this face:


On Sunday, we headed home to good 'ol Tahlequah and spent the afternoon hiking by the Illinois River.







Followed by some "Popcorn on the Porch", a Lewis family Halloween tradition.









It was the perfect weekend FULL of time with those I love.

There's truly no place like home.

new hair, new me? hardly.

After 20 years, 11 months, and 2 weeks of never before coloring my hair, I finally gave in last Wednesday and let my hair stylist have at it. I know you those of you who are regular "choppers and dyers" are probably scoffing at my innocence; however, for me to change my hair (again, I made it nearly 21 years, people!), it was a pretty-cue Kara-EPIC moment in my life. With the onset of fall, many changes in my life (see last post), and now, NEW HAIR, I have been thinking a lot about how God uses change in our life, and not just emotional change, to teach us about the constants that He gives us.

I realize that I am slightly dramaticizing a pretty standard procedure in the life of a female; however, think of all of the physical changes that we go through within the course of our lifetime. I personally have endured much awkwardness of growing up in a physical sense. While I could try to describe "awkward Alex", perhaps it would be of greater benefit to just show you...

If you only knew the time my mom
spent "poofing" those bangs:


I can't decide what's worse:
the face I'm making or the
high-waisted soffee shorts?



















Was the tie-the-jacket-around-your-waist
look ever really IN?!


Here I thought I was having a good hair day...

















It is evident that as far as physical appearances go, I have come a long way from my middle part, pantyhose necklaces, and unfortunate style. But really, in 10 years will I be looking back having a laugh at my (current) beaded bracelets, track shorts, oversized tshirts, and even my new hair? Probably.

Do you ever wish that you were one of those women who could pull off the "timeless look". You know...the Audrey Hepburn-esque style. The Chanel-wearers of the world. I certainly do.

I think that, despite the ever-changing world around us, God has instilled a desire in each of us to seek out the constants. We all LONG for that which is timeless. Simply put, our heart's ongoing search for consistency only further reinforces our need for the Savior's UNCHANGING love.

Honestly, my biggest attempt to find consistency is in my relationships with others. Because my friends, parents, boyfriend, etc. are all human, I am continually let down and disappointed by their actions. My disappointment turns to bitterness and, in turn, I harbor selfishness, resentment, and even anger. While I rarely outwardly act on these emotions, inside, they tear me up.


God, help me to realize that the ONLY thing that's timeless and worth placing stock in is YOUR unchanging character and YOUR gift and promise of grace for my life. Let me have faith in you only, because you are the only true constant I will ever find. Lord, let me develop relationships with others and teach me to love them how you love me. As many times as I disappoint you and let you down, Your abundance of grace always affirms your never-ending love for me. Thank you for providing the ultimate example of love through the sacrifice of your son.

“Earthly love is temporal and slight so that it has to be given again and again in order for us to feel any sense of security; but God’s love, God’s voice and presence, would instill our souls with such affirmation we would need nothing more and would cause us to love other people so much that we would be willing to die for them” -Donald Miller

It's Just a Season Thing

To call me the worst blogger in the world would be an understatement. I was supposed to blog my Italy adventures. Fail. I was supposed to give a final update on the ol' summer adventure list. Big fail.

However, in the spirit of a new year of school, I figured I better give a brief update on my life and try really hard to be better about blogging regularly. By regularly I mean once a week. Tops.

Italy was everything I hoped for and so much more! It was truly the trip of a lifetime. I learned so much about myself, other people, and the world in general. I will forever treasure the memories made and the relationships that I formed while there. I could go on and on but rather, I'll leave you with some of my favorite pictures.

Trevi Fountain in Rome

Canyoning in Northern Italy

Cinque Terre, Italy

Fields of beautiful sunflowers!



Since Italy, my life has been a whirlwind of change leading to personal growth like never before. My sweet Nana was diagnosed with cancer, I have met the guy of my dreams, and ultimately, it's time for me to decide what I want to do with the rest of my life. These past few weeks, God has continually laid the following verse on my heart: "In the multitude of anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul!" (Psalm 94:19) Regardless of my anxieties, I delight in the fact that I have a wonderful family. I delight in the opportunities that God has given me to travel (the world!). I delight in the encouragement that my friends give me. I delight in the adventures that my sweet boyfriend and I have been able to experience together. I delight in the smell of the onset of fall, a kid's chocolate-smeared smile, and the touch of my Mountain Hardwear fleece. Big blessings and small, my life is FULL of God-given comforts.

In short, a new season or chapter is beginning in my life and I am anxious to see what it brings forth. I can confidently say that it will be the best yet.

A/C Por Favore!

It's day 3 in Arezzo and our first day of school. I am actually looking forward to class because it gives us somewhat of a routine to our day.

Again, Arezzo's perhaps the most charming little town that I have ever experienced. I love it here! Maybe this is an all-around Italian thing, but I really love the "relational vibes" that all of Italian people give off. The locals literally spend their evenings eating gelato together, strolling through the winding alleys, and playing games in the parks. People stay out until all hours of the night just chatting away. I know this because we hear them each night out of our window which (along with a lack air-conditioning) is contributing to very dark circles under my eyes. Oh, another fun fact about Italy is that all of the stores close shop from 2-4 every single day...to NAP! Mallory and I were seriously considering joining them until we discovered our class takes place each day during that time. Alas, the dark circles will remain.

However, I'm not complaining; I will sport dark circles and frizzy hair the entire trip if it means that I get to see and experience more of this beautiful country. Needless to say, I am having the time of my life! Rather than describing it, I'll show you some of my favorite pictures...

La Piazzo Grande and the market:




Our hotel (for mom and pops):



View from the park:





Me, the roommates, and the hotel manager celebrating the 4th of July:




Ciao!

I'm Across the Pond: A Lesson in the Lack of Luxury

I finally have internet so I thought I would type out a quick blog post updating everyone my experiences thus far.

First, let me just say that, for me, this whole "study abroad" adventure has been quite the lesson in surviving (and thriving!) in a land that lacks many of the luxuries we have in the U.S. I'll name a few...1) WiFi is either A) really hard to find, B) expensive, or C) spotty. 2) The showers are oh, about 12" x 12". Seriously. You practically have to dance the robot to shampoo. 3) There is little to no air conditioning. I eat in 90 degree weather, I shower in 90 degree, and I am definitely sleeping in 90 degree weather. Needless to say, Italia is certainly not as um, convenient, as the good ol' U.S. of A. but each day here I am learning more and more how to "live simply" and enjoy the small things. However, I will say that as today is the 4th, I have never felt so "proud to be an American"!!!

Arezzo is beautiful and oh so exciting! I have told several people this, but it reminds me of a college town. There are lots of cute coffee shops, boutique stores, great places to eat, and of course, yummy gelato!

I will definitely post more (and pictures) as soon as I have more accessible internet.

XOXO from Arezzo (If you say that, it rhymes!)