Far Out East: Far Out West

Y'all don't know how long I've told myself that I have to get on here and do this. Things have been crazy and very busy and I just haven't had time. I'm so sorry! I don't really even have time now but oh well... :) I've also been putting off the update because I don't have all the pictures I want. My friend has a lot of the pictures I'd like to show y'all and I haven't been able to get them yet. As soon as I do get them, I'll put them on here!

I lot has gone on in my life in the past two months. A lot indeed! Now, as many of you already know, I'm "Far Out West." I've thought about creating a new blog since this one is Far Out East and I'm not really far out east anymore. But I've come to the conclusion that I'll keep this one. Many of you are still far out east and checking up on my life here so I'll keep the same blog and the same name.

I'm so amazed at how well everything went when we left and how well things have been going since we arrived in Texas! I've written that it would be the end of the earth and everything but I cannot say that it has been at any measure.

Things have been going far better than I ever would have imagined. The night we left, our dear friends came to see us and we had a wonderful time with them! They're the sweetest people ever and their family has influenced my life in great ways and I miss them very much. We had a great time of fellowship with them before we left and I was encouraged by their smiles and blessings that everything would be alright. Their family has so much faith in Jesus and completely trust him in every way. They trust him to supply all their needs and they trust his will and plan for their lives. I learned once again, that I needed to trust Him and that He knows far better than me and that going back to the States was going to be ok because He would be right beside me guiding me all the way. When we left America three years ago I was sad. I didn't want to leave, but Jesus tenderly taught me to trust him and I said.. "Ok, God, if you really know best." And I had the best three years of my life there. Of course I had many struggles but I learned so much and got to experience so much and it was just wonderful. Jesus knew that and he wanted me to trust Him. Then, when it came time to come home to Texas... I was sad and didn't know how I would ever make it. But yet again, Jesus sweetly told me to trust him. When I did, I experienced incredible peace and I moved forward. Moving forward began to be fun! When our family left the airport, I was joyful. I was smiling from ear to ear as I took my last glimpse of that country. Marshall and I were laughing and smiling as we boarded the plane. Oh, and don't forget my fear of flying. I had been nervous about this flight for 3 yrs. The first flight was great. I didn't sleep at all but I enjoyed it and I didn't understand why I was so joyful!! Then, once in Korea, we waited for years and then boarded the plane to Dallas. Believe it or not.. the flight was great! I didn't sleep but it was fine. It got turbulent at times but I was ok. I was trusting in Jesus and he put an abundant about of joy into my heart. It was crazy landing in Dallas. Like a dream. But my heart was pounding and my face was shaking from smiling so much! haha. We got off the plane and the first thing I though was.. it smells good!!! :) We went through customs and I just couldn't believe that we could go in the citizen's line. Then, we got to baggage claims. While dad got the luggage, I sat on the floor just soaking it all in. Then a man that was working at the baggage claims came by and said.. Y'all have a huge crowd of people waiting for y'all outside!! I said.. REALLY? He just nodded his head and walked off. My heart was thumping loudly and I was way too excited. When all the luggage was collected, we all walked out me-maw ran to give us all hugs with tears in her eyes. Then, I noticed Jessica and her friend had a HUGE sign that said.. Welcome Back, Kotter! :) Then, a girl that I didn't recognize ran up to me and gave me a hug saying she had missed me and everything.. and I didn't know who she was. Then, after a few minutes I realized it was Abbi. My best friend growing up! I couldn't believe how much she had changed. Then I ran into my Paw's arms! :) EVERYONE was there... My good friend Autumn and old youth pastor Brian even came from two hours away. My aunts and uncles were there and my cousins and my parents good friends and everybody else in the world. :) Then, they took us to Whataburger!! I ordered in English!! weird!! I was in total shock from driving for like 45 min and taking in all the sights and being with americans and breathing in american air and everything. It was crazy. truly crazy. More people even came in while we were there to see us. Then, you won't believe this, when we arrived at the place we were going to be staying, we saw rows of cars along the driveway!!!!!!!!!! I was like.. oh my goodness!!! who's here?!?! It was like our whole church had come!!!!! It was so nice. I was in so much shock and my face was shaking.. don't know why. haha. I couldn't believe all the people that had missed us and who had come to welcome us. Then, after everyone was gone.. I was about to pass out from exhaustion. I went into our apt. and passed out. Don't remember too much after that. haha.

Well, things have been going great since then. I'ts been two months already. I've been enjoying friends and youth group and drama practice and family get togethers. Even the thought of going back turns my stomach because all I can think of is boredom. Don't get me wrong, I love that country with all my heart but I'm not ready to go back now. Our family has made the decision to stay. My dad got a job with the highway dept. again and we're remodeling our old house. Things are always busy and crazy but I love it. There are times I miss being over there. I miss my independence but in just 6 months... I will get my license and my independence will return! :) I have done SO much shopping and have enjoyed that thoroughly!!! :) :) America sure does have it's good points but it also has it's down. I've faced several struggles and am still working through some since I've been back. Things are different. People are different. Church is different (which is hardest probably). and there are others.. But overall, it's all good. :)

I will probably be going to public school next year and I'm scared/excited/ready for that! :)

The rest of my family is doing well. Katibeth and Marshall are also enjoying being around lots of friends again. My parents are enjoying being around their friends as well but they're also VERY VERY busy every single day with the house. I don't help much. and I should. bad holli.

We got a miniature Dotson!! :) She's adorable and her name is dian dian.

This is crystal, our drama teacher. She's an amazing woman and I look up to her quite a bit. The other picture is of our drama team. Wow.. I didn't realize till looking at this how many jr. highers are in it.