Haunted Trail...

We were invited by some friends to go to the Haunted Trail in Gloucester last weekend. We declined because neither of us are into scaring things. We were invited again this weekend, and decided to go. I was sooo scared before we got there. (I even prayed that God would protect me!) My friend who's dad owns the Haunted Trail left me this text message-

"Don't worry Leah, they aren't allowed to touch, chase, or grab you."

Oh my word...I would hope not!! We had a good buddy system on the trail. Courtney protected me the whole time. It wasn't too scary. I was startled a few times, but it was way better that I had worked up in my mind. Here are some pictures. It was actually really cold last night! After the trail, we went to a friends house and played games. Good times!

Wake everything...

Smith Mountain Lake

Weekend Getaway

John and I are leaving work early today to spend the weekend with friends at Smith Mountain Lake, in Roanoke, VA! We are so excited to have a chance to leave home for a few days, and go to the quiet mountains. I've been telling John that I really miss 'NY fall'. The leaves changing, chilly fall days, and so on. I'll get my dose of that this weekend, where it's much chillier than here. Pictures to come!

Hillsong Worship

My girlfriend Claire got me into Hillsong a few months back. I am totally in love with them! They are an amazing worship band, that approach worship from an angle I've never experienced before. I listen to their songs often, and everytime I listen to them, God shows me something new and brilliant. Some awesome Hillsong Songs:

* Hosanna
* From the Inside Out
* Lead Me To The Cross

Well Hello World...it's been a while...

(Big Sigh....)

Wow...the last few weeks have been crazy busy, preparing for school to start.

There are so many jobs that I think about, and think to myself, 'That would be fun...you'd just have to...' Or 'That would be easy, the only responsibility is to...' I think a lot of people think that way about teaching. 'Well, all you have to do is teach them'. Friends...you couldn't be more wrong. There are SO many responsibilities, and tall orders that us teachers face a million times a day.

Within the last few weeks, I went from a relaxed schedule, sleeping in, hanging out w/friends whenever to every minute of my day being accounted for, waking up early, staying at work late, not making home-cooked meals and more...sadly. I know that with everything, it's a season and it will change.

Although my life is hectic right now, in some ways I am really thankful for it. It keeps my mind off certain things, and helps me to be, and stay productive. I love the feeling of working hard at something, and seeing the fruit of my labor. And I am SO excited to say that even in just the first 4 days of school, I am already starting to see the fruit of my labor! Praise God for learning minds!

Turn, turn, turn

I feel like my life is similar to the lyrics of The Bryds song- Turn! Turn! Turn!

My summer is coming to a close, but also is the season of me not working full-time. In many ways, I'd lived in the lap of luxury, not working full-time for the last 10 months. It's been a great season of rest, relaxation, travel, and change. I would not have been able to do a lot of the things I have the last few months, if I had been working. I really hope this season that is ending will serve a great purpose: that I can start a fresh school year with a good attitude, and rested to the max! I am able to start working in my classroom pretty shortly, which I am excited about...but also a little nervous about starting work again. I've been so spoiled! To everything- turn, turn, turn...


To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven

A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep

To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven

A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones
A time to gather stones together

To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven

A time of war, a time of peace
A time of love, a time of hate
A time you may embrace
A time to refrain from embracing

To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven

A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time to love, a time to hate
A time of peace, I swear it's not too late!