So, as I was going through my playlist in Windows Media Player tonight, I came across my collection of U2 songs. I decided to listen to them, since it’s been awhile…

But that was probably a bad idea, simply because of all the memories they bring back to me. The song “With or Without You” is especially pertinent to the last week and the memories that have come flooding back.

U2 is a quality band, and I am so glad that when I was young I was introduced to them. Incredible talent + great lyrics=amazing band.

If only music and memories could become unattached…

Today was our big day–we taught a class of 5th graders about John Adams and his presidency. APU has acquired a complete set of Presidential Signatures, so history classes are taking the opportunity to teach the kids about each president, doing a few a year.

As you can see from the pictures below, we dressed up in costumes from the era, and had a blast.

We started with an eight minute brief presentation about different aspects of the presidency and the time period. Then we split the kids up into three groups, and had three stations.

One station had quills and ink, and we helped the kids sign parchment (that we made) that was a replica of the actual signature of John Adams that the University has.

Another station (mine) taught about food and culture (and clothing). We gave the kids pumpkin pie and tea, as well as colonial hats (to the boys) and bonnets (for the girls). I played the mandolin, as well, to show folk music–which was the music of the time.

The last station was games that they played back then. They played “quoits”, which is the game that “horseshoes” came from, and we gave them all a clay marble as a souvenir.

The kids loved it, and we had a great time. I’m just relieved that this is over–it has been so much fun, but SO much work went into it. 🙂

Enjoy the pictures–we got many stares as we walked around campus!

Teaching the class (part one, presentation) 

Lesa, Sarah, Dr.Lamkin, Rachel, Brittany and Amy 

I am in amazement. I heard on the radio today that there are 39 days until Christmas…YIKES! I get out of school only a week before Christmas, so there is SO much to get done in the next 32 days!

39 days… 🙂

Every girl (I’m assuming for sake of the story) dreams of finding her “prince”…her future husband…the man who will wipe away her tears…who will love her for who she is…etc. You know the story lines…

Well, tonight, after 5-6 weeks of not really thinking about it, I really want to find my “prince”…I want to know where he is, what he is like…when our paths will meet…I want to be in love…

Yet, I know that the Lord has perfect timing, and He alone knows who this wonderful man is, and He knows when I’ll meet him. Perhaps I already have…it just tugs at my heart so strongly every once in awhile…like now…

Wow–it is absolutely amazing how sentimental chick flicks can make you…my roommates and I went to see the sequel to “Bridget Jones’ Diary”, after watching the first one tonight at our apartment. It was my first time seeing the original, and it was better than I had expected…Only downfall: now I want to date/get married more than I have in awhile.

Sigh…enough of this. I really don’t have time to date right now anyway, because of school/work/church/friends and everything else that takes up my time.

Soon enough, I’ll meet that “special someone”… and then I’ll probably miss not knowing, LOL. Life’s funny like that. 🙂

When I got out of class today, I noticed that I had a missed call. I didn’t recognize the number. I listened to the message, and it was my church’s secretary. She said that she had a surprise for me waiting in her office…so I said I’d be by in 15 minutes.

When I arrived, she handed me a huge bag, filled with stuff. I was really curious now, because I had NO idea what this could be.

Someone in the church wanted to show me that I was loved, and wanted to encourage me, so they went and got me a bunch of gift certificates, as well as some really nice clothes, just because. I was shocked. I am not “in need” by any means, so I know that this is purely someone (who wishes to remain anonymous) showing their appreciation for me…and I am so humbled!

It is times like this that I realize that the Lord really does look out for us. This week was really tough, I felt really alone and discouraged…and then my roommates left me the sweet poster…and I got the printer from my parents yesterday…and now I have some awesome new clothes and shoes (and gift certificates) from someone who wanted to encourage me. God has really shown His love in unique ways this week, and I am so thankful. My church has blessed me so much over the past 2.5 years, but never like this, and I really don’t know what to say!

Humorous note: the two pairs of shoes are the right size, but the clothes aren’t–they are about 4 sizes too small. But I’m glad that whoever did this thought that I was smaller than I am, rather than larger than I am! 🙂 So I am going to go to the store from which they were purchased today and exchange them for things that fit me. 🙂 That makes me smile.

Anyway, things are better now. I feel loved…which has definitely been needed in the midst of the stress that school brings.

Today was a fairly good day…Here are the highlights.

I woke up to find a sweet note (more like a poster) of encouragement from my roommates on the bathroom mirror…it was definitely needed, and helped me to start my day off right. I’ve been so stressed out and overwhelmed lately, and my roommates have had to put up with a lot–mainly my silence and my seclusion in the world of homework. 🙂 Thanks girls!

1–my interview for Tunisia went really well. The Lord gave me the clarity that I needed, and helped me to formulate coherent responses to the questions I was asked. I really clicked with the three leaders and we had a great time. December 10th I will know if I will be spending four weeks in Northern Africa–and I am going to celebrate by going to a Tunisian restaurant with my friends. 🙂

2–my parents surprised me by having a new printer sent to me. I checked my mail and found a notice for a large package…and there was a brand-new printer (which I have needed, since my old printer will not work with my new computer)…my parents are awesome–always providing for me.

3–I got quite a bit of research done on Wahhabi Islam for my papers. I am fascinated by this research, in part because I have learned tonight that Americans in general have a completely wrong idea about why bin Laden is the way he is (I had the wrong idea as well until tonight, when I learned more about him and the way that he has gone off the deep end, basically)…perhaps I’ll extrapolate upon that at another time.

4–My new checks came today. I am proud to be the owner of NASCAR checks! Woo hoo! 🙂 (I know that a few of my readers adamantly oppose NASCAR, but I don’t really care). Fun stuff!

For now, I am going to bed. It’s much later than I had wanted to be up, but that’s okay. 🙂 Goodnight!

Right now, this is really the only way to express how I am feeling right now…I’m just so tired, so worn…



This is a poem that I wrote this summer, and I needed to be reminded of it’s message tonight. I thought I’d share it with the world once more…





There are twists and turns on this path I tread

With little notice of what lies ahead.

But, I will follow and I will seek

For You are strongest when I am weak.



Unexpected crossroads, I must make a choice

I wait, I listen for Your still, small voice.

Some paths cross, some diverge

I cannot merely follow an inclination or urge.

I must look to You, and You alone

For You will guide me, wherever I roam.



Alpha, Omega; Lord of my life

Through every hardship, through every strife.

Through every victory and every defeat

Through times of joy, when I feel complete.

I know I can trust You to light my way;

Then why do I struggle, argue and sway?

Why do I question Your perfect plan

The power of the Great ‘I AM’?



Oh, Lord Almighty, lead me on.

This road is narrow, windy, and long.

I am weary, tired and worn

From the endless distractions and storms.

You are the Lord of my entire being,

Not merely my advisor, or Lord of some things.



I know not the direction or the length of this road

Only the Maker whose hand I hold.

You created the stars, the seasons, the light

Still You hear every thought, every laugh, every plight.

How wondrous You are; such a mystery

That the Creator of the Universe cares deeply for me.



Help me to ponder this great thought each day:

You will never stop loving, or leading my way.

Though I often wander, stumble and fall,

Your love is with me, through it all.

Lesa Close

July 26, 2004

So, tomorrow is my interview for the mission team to Tunisia…and I’m only a bit anxious because I really want to go. The more I learn about the country and the people, the more my heart is open to going and to completely leaving my comfort zone. I was reading about Tunisian cuisine today, and that was especially “scary” (if you know me, you know that I am NOT adventurous when it comes to trying new things)…but I found a Tunisian restaurant in West L.A. that I will try out upon acceptance onto the team. We don’t find out until December 10th–which I suppose is good ONLY because if I knew I was going before then, I would be completely preoccupied with that.

I ask that you say a prayer for me tomorrow, 3pm PST, as I interview for a position on this team. I am so excited!

Also…

Happy Birthday Cheyenne!!



My Pennsylvania sister is 21 today!! Have a wonderful birthday, and know that I love you!!

Back to writing…SO many papers to write, so little time…