a new beginning to a new end...

today it hit me as I walked through the halls of pettisville high school...yesterday was the seniors last day of high school...they are done...they will never walk through these halls ever again as students but as graduates...whoa...I am filled with so many emotions right now I don't think I can fully grasp what all this means....emotions of sadness, loss, nervousness, anger, fear, excitement, happiness, and pressure...this years senior class was pretty awesome. all though there are some I cant say that I will miss, the overall majority of them I can say that I will. I will miss there uplifting spirits in the hallway, their smiles, their hugs, their senses of humor, and their energy. and for me to realize our class has some pretty big shoes to fill. that we are the leaders of the school next year is kind of scary. I think Im right in saying our class has tended to get a bad rep. which I think makes this whole senior leadership thing a bit more scary for me. although id love to be at a place where I feel like ive put all my trust in the Lord that unfortunately is not where im at. it is very scary for me to think that I will be leaving my beloved family. as well as all the expectations I feel like I need to live up to because it is my last year of high school. the future is a scary thing and I really don't like looking at it unless I know exactly what im looking at. then I read Isaiah 43....

But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
² When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
³ For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

 

I am comforted by these words. I feel like I will be reading them a lot more throughout the next year :) I have only just begun this journey. Although as of now all I can focus on are all my fears I believe there will be times of happiness and excitement along the way...

take care.

2 0 1 3 = p r o o f....

..2 0 1  3..

i have no doubts this year will be full of ups and downs, highs and lows, challenges and joys. remember em, take it all one day at a time. live in the present. the reality is HIS plan is so much better than yours. seek HIM and you will find joy. stay strong girl. stay firm in who you are and who you stand for. remember you cannot do it alone. people love you. build bridges. make good choices. live with intention. listen hard. laugh. continue to learn. do what you love. 

this is simply my prayer for this year. 

..2 0 1 3..

If I sing but don't have love
I waste my breath with every song
I bring an empty voice, a hollow noise
If I speak with a silver tongue
Convince a crowd but don't have love
I leave a bitter taste with every word I say

So let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love
Let my love look like You and what You're made of
How You lived, how You died
Love is sacrifice
So let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love

If I give 
To a needy soul but don't have love then who is poor?
It seems all the poverty is found in me

So let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love
Let my love look like You and what You're made of
How You lived, how You died
Love is sacrifice
Oh, let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love

When it's all said and done
When we sing our final song
Only love remains
Only love remains

Let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love
Let my love look like You and what You're made of
How You lived, how You died
Love is sacrifice
So let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love

this is simply my song for this year.

..2 0 1 3..

"Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don’t let anyone put you down because you’re young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use."

..1 Timothy 4:11-14..

this is simply my scripture for this year.

walk with me on this journey. a journey of learning, loving, listening, messing up, forgiving, and simply being. 

take care. 

beautiful BELOVED b r u n e t t e...

my name is emily kauffman northwest chrysalis flight #28 table of B cubed which stands for beautiful BELOVED brunettes (this is how we had to introduce ourselves during the flight) and wow..wow..wow..wow..i could go on forever..for me right now "wow" is the only word that can kind of begin to describe how my weekend was. like i said in the previous post i went on a chrysalis flight this past weekend. i dont think i will be able to describe my experience in just one post so this post will just be a summary of what it was like for me. there isnt one word to even begin to describe how it went! i have never felt that loved or inspired in awhile. the most important thing that i came away with was the confirmation that Ohio is truly where God wants our family to be. there was a group of 7 girls from pettisville that went on the flight. we grew so close thoughout the retreat and think of eachother as sisters now :) we shed so many tears together, laughs together, smiles together, and prayers together.  it was so awesome! all the feelings of loneliness and fear were wiped away for me. i am loved. i am accepted. i am so grateful i had the opportunity to experience something like this. during the weekend i also got to know my table group. i was so inspired and challenged by their own journeys. it was truly amazing to be placed in such a mature group of believers. i was so grateful. there were 15 talks during the 3 days. that may seem like a lot but they were all so so good. i went into the weekend thinking i had it pretty much all together. but i quickly learned that i dont. God is so good! thank you to all of you who wrote letters to me. i shed many tears while reading your sincere words to me. you all mean the world to me. and i thank God for the role you each have played and continue to play in my journey. there will be more to come, dont worry. take care. 

anticipating becoming a butterfly...

tomorrow morning at 8AM i will be embarking on a new adventure. i will be traveling to Maumee, Ohio and spending a weekend of what is called a Chrysalis Flight. to explain it simply it is like a spiritual retreat. i do not know much about what all i will be doing but i have heard nothing but positiveness from previous attenders. i am really looking forward to seeing how God works through me and the others there. i know of 8 other girls from my school that will also be going on the flight. i cant wait to connect more with them throughout the weekend as well. through all the excitement i also have some concerns as well. my prayer for the weekend goes like this:

jesus... 

i come to you with some burdens i want to hand over to you. i'm kind of anxious about this weekend. not really knowing what to expect. i want so badly to go in with an open mind and heart. im excited to see what you want to teach me. help me to step out of my comfort zone and meet some new people. i have no doubts it will be a great experience. but i dont want to go in with high expectations. i want to participate and not anticipate. work through me jesus. help me to break free from my chrysalis and become a butterfly that in turn will fly to you someday. i love you. 

amen. 

i would appreciate your prayers this weekend. i will definitely let you know when i get back how things went. 

take care. 

talking to Him...

my day started out on a really refreshing note. a group of about 20 of us students gathered at 7:30AM at our school. we split up into small groups and went throughout the school praying. we began by praying as a large group over our principle and superintendent's offices. my group then went off and prayed through the elementary wing. it was such a powerful experience for me. knowing that God's presence is so evident through the Pettisville community and school. we also took time to pray for a family in our school that is grieving the tragic loss of a loved one. i realized that even though i go to a public school God is still real. i have a unique experience. coming from a private Mennonite school to a public school it has given me a new perspective on things. i can think of both positives and negatives about  both my experiences at two different schools. to end the day i met with a beloved friend. we met to gather our thoughts and plans for leading FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) on Wednesday of this week. our focus throughout this month in FCA has been prayer. so our idea  for this week is to talk about different ways of being in communication with God. sometimes, at least i know for myself i overlook the power and importance of prayer. but then i realize how much i am in communication with so many people on a daily basis (talking, texting, Twitter, Facebook, etc.) just think if we would talk or "tweet" God as often as we do with others? how would our relationship with Him be different? God wants to know us but more importantly He wants us to know Him. the more we seek Him the more we will find Him. the more we find Him the more we will fall in love with Him. a love so deep. a peace so overwhelming. prayer is about getting to know God...anyways all that to say i was reminded as we were planning our talk togehter of how special this friend has been and is to me. i was feeling a little depressed coming home from VA. realizing how much i had missed my beloved friends in VA. but today as i was talking to her i realized that God has blessed me with a really good friend. not only someone i can trust but someone who has been such an inspiration and motivator in my walk with Christ. a midst the hard stuff God always provides. so a good day overall. it always helps me to look back on it and realize the many different ways God is at work :) take care. 

rekindling the words

its kind of been awhile since i've wrote on my blog. so much has happened since january 2nd, 2012. so many memories. so many learning experiences. i have grown so much in the past year. i have grown in my relationship with God, with my family, with my friends. i have begun to realize more of who i am and what God is calling me to in NW Ohio. it hasnt always been easy. it hasnt always been fun. but i am stronger because of it. i came home yesterday after a short trip home to VA. i was able to surprise my friends in their musical The Sound of Music. so many emotions consumed me as i was able to be in the place i once called my literal home although i still think of it as home. feelings of anger were present as i realized how much i have missed home and how much i wish i could move back. and feelings of pure happiness as i reminisced with my friends i realized how no matter how far apart we are nothing will change. they still love me for who i am. all to say as i was experiencing these multiple emotions i was reminded of my blog. i wrote in it quite often when in VA. and now that volleyball is over and all that my life consists of as of now is school, i thought to myself "emily, start writing again." so i pledge from here till i find its impossible i will keep you updated with my journey. my journey with my friends, with my family, but ultimately the one who holds my everything--JESUS.  take care.

Looking Back....

Its hard for me to believe that almost a year ago the decision was being made that our family would move to Ohio. I find myself trying to relive the emotions that filled my body as I delt with the thoughts that entered my mind. But as I try to relive the emotions I realize I cannot truly feel the way I felt when I was in the midst of the process. The process/journey/transition is not over, the emotions and feelings of loss, sadness, and fear are still present. And as this journey has progressed the question that has played in my mind over and over again is "Who Am I?"  More specifically...Where do I fit in in this community? Where do I use the gifts God has given me? Who do I choose to connect with? Can I be myself? I'm struggling a bit as you can see.

I'm missing home the place where I felt connected, affirmed, and loved. I don't think you can ever realize what all you have until its not with you. Truth is its gonna take time for me to become connected here in Ohio..to feel affirmed for WHO I AM..

***

Romans 5:3-4

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Pettisville Ohio...

As a follow up from the post before my friend asked if I could talk a bit more about Pettisville,OH (the town I live in). Pettisville is a very very small town. The towns main attractions are Sunday's Market which is a locally owned store/restaurant that has odds and ends..Kids like to go there and get candy after school and during the summer. Some also go there for lunch some days during school. Pettisville Meats is another store that is located in Pettisville. It sells meats, cheeses, and side dishes like potato saled (which is AMAZING). Right beside Pettisville Meats is a chocolate store called Stella Leona, where delicious chocolate, coffee, and hot chocolate is sold. Then there is Pettisville Garage and the Post office. Those are the shops in Pettisville. Then there is the school which is located sort of in the middle of the town and houses surround the school. Down the road from the school is the baseball and soccer fields and Pettisville Park. Close to the park is Pettisville Grains, where you will find big grain silos, and also a recycling center is located in the town.  

The atmosphere in Pettisville is much like in a smaller town. Everyone knows who everyone is and who there family is and so on. Which is nice at times but then also at times makes it a little less comfortable. In comparison to where we live and Pettisville. We live across the road from the town if that makes any sense. So our address is technically a Wauseon address. Another thing we've had to get used to is the sound of a train. Many trains come through the town each day.

So I don't know what kind of impression this leads you to have but I'm still getting familiar with the town as well. I'm really enjoying where we are living. We have our own space not in the town but it also feels like we live in the town as well. 

Thanks Evan for the request, I hope it answers your questions :)  

IT'S SUMMMMER!!!!

Hey Everyone! I hope you all are enjoying your summer as much as I am. No school, wonderful weather, relaxing, and being outside all day :) :) I'm lovin it...So I was just thinking that you might like to see some updated pics of our new home, so I took some for you!

View from the front door

Our favorite place to be these days..our campfire circle/cove within the trees :)

The new part of our school thats being built..this is the view from our house

Zoom in a little closer..

These are the BEAUTIFUL flowers in bloom here at our house...

I just LOVE this time of year! Ok so I'm gonna do something a little different now...If any of you reading this would like to see a picture of or video or want me to write a post about something you'd like to hear or see about life in Ohio right now...I'd love it if you would comment on this post or email me something..and I would be glad to show/tell you more about it...For example...my plans for the summer...our house....the school...our gardens....what it looks like around here...church....Pettisville...or really anything..I hope this is making sense :) Ok so just let me know and I will be glad to fill you in!

Take Care!

Softball, Spring, Flowers, and Warmer Weather=A Happy Emily

Hey so I know its been FIVE long weeks since I've posted but hey I've been busy which is a good thing right?! :) Someone asked me this week, "So Em, what's new?". I had a hard time answering them at that moment but as I thought about it I came up with a few things. The main thing I immediately think about that is new for me is starting softball. I have never played before on a team but sure I've thrown and hit ball with my dad and grandpa as a kid but never anything this serious. I'm loving it SOOO much though. I love my teammates and coaches. I have a feeling this is gonna become my favorite sport. Of course playing any sport requires some equipment soooo....

I've been equipped with some pretty nice stuff..A new glove, batting gloves, and a pair of softball cleats. Oh and my favorite new thing --Under Armor which I didn't take a picture of. I've been learning a lot lately and I am already seeing myself improving so much. I look forward to learning more as the season goes on. 

With the softball season approaching the season of spring is also on its way. Which means flowers and warmer weather will also make its way here too. I am sooo ready for spring and all that it brings. I tired of brown grass and coldness. Hope you're doing well!

Take Care, 

A Few Words....

So I'm sitting here looking out through the large windows inside our living area. Squinting my eyes because of the brightness the sun that is reflecting off the snow that covers the ground like a blanket. No school today or yesterday which has been nice to just have a break and be able to relax and be with my family. As I'm trying to decide what the best word is to describe how I'm feeling or how everything has been I can't think of one word in particular. I've told people this new journey has been a roller coaster ride with ups and downs. So my response of how I'm feeling really truly depends on the day or the hour or the minute. Overall, I would say simply I've been good but I could be better. These past few weeks have been a struggle. It's been hard to find time to just do what needs to be done whether that is to just cry or journal about how I'm feeling or just take time to be silent and let God's spirit be known to me. At times I do feel myself trying to underestimate how I'm feeling deep down. I want all this change to be easy. I want friendships to develop easily and quickly, for adjustment to new surroundings to come easily or for contentment be known and felt. But what I've come to realize is that it just takes time.....Not an easy thought to hear at all. Although there have been times of hope and excitement right now the thoughts that fill my mind are of no extreme happiness or sadness but instead of indescribable feelings. I can't really put into words how I'm feeling during this moment, but I know that I'm not alone and thats all that matters.

I hope your doing well. May you experience God's peace in your hearts in the coming weeks and months. 

Take Care, 

New, New, New

Hey Everyone! I am sure all of you are wondering how my first week of school went and how I am adjusting. Well I am happy to say that I had a great first week! I met so many nice and welcoming people and I am so grateful for this! Sure there is a lot of change I am getting used to but I feel it is going smoothly so far :) 

Another new thing I'm getting used to is NEW FURNITURE!! This week our new furniture arrived and it just adds to the homey feeling in our house now. I love the furniture and I'm sure you want to see what it looks like well here you go:

 The Sofa

The Chair-and-a-half and the leather recliner

 And the two awesome arm-less chairs

I love each of the pieces! It just makes our new home more comfy! Thanks for all of you who were praying for me and my sisters this week! I know many of you were and I want to personally thank you!
Take Care,

Looking Back

First of all, Happy New Year to everyone! I wish you all the best in the coming year. I learned from someone who I admire greatly that in order to go forward you need to be able to look back at where you've come from. So here are some of my highlights and memories from 2010....

JANUARY

During the month of January I received my Nikon Coolpix S650 in the mail and then had an amazing year of taking pictures. I will continue to take photos throughout the years, because of a passion for photography :)

FEBRUARY

In February when received the boat load of snow in Virginia. Which was a HUGE surprise and a lot of fun!

MARCH

In the month of March, going snow tubing with my youth group and then going to Hank's Smokehouse for supper was a highlight :)

APRIL

In April, Jessie my dog ate a whole chocolate bunny and didn't die thankfully!

MAY

My favorite month of all probably. In May was when our nanny goats gave birth to the little ones. It was fun being able to play with the kids and give them names.

JUNE

In the month of June, I had the opportunity to speak the message for Youth Sunday. Which was such a rewarding experience in so many ways!

JULY

In July, my youth group at Ridgeway went to Indianapolis for a week to do service. I learned a lot and grew so much from the different challenges that brought.

AUGUST

August was the month summer slowly started to come to an end. Volleyball season began and the preparation for school started.

SEPTEMBER

In September, I had the joy of starting as a player on the JV Volleyball team as a freshman. It was a lot of fun to play and connect with some pretty awesome girls. Also being able to make it to the championship and coming in second place!

OCTOBER

October was a busy month with balancing school work and volleyball. School also had its rewards like making many new friends and just having fun!

NOVEMBER

November was the month that the idea of moving really began to set in. We began the process of packing and had so much help moving!

DECEMBER

December was a month of mixed feelings. The joys of Christmas and a birthday filled the air while also the sadness of having to say goodbye was also present. My highlight of this month was on my birthday when my dad surprised me by coming to VA from OH where he was getting our new house ready. Thanks again dad, I will never forget that!

I think what overall this year will be remembered for is the process of our family discerning what God wanted for us and then following his call to the state of Ohio. As we begin a new journey and a new year here in Ohio there will be many challenges and surprises ahead of us and I am really looking forward to what God has in store for us.

Take Care Everyone,

The New House

I thought everyone would like to see some pictures of the new house. So there are and I will leave a caption on the bottom to explain each one.

Our new home in Pettisville Ohio.

Isn't it unique? :)  On the left wing is where the kitchen and living room is located. In the middle is where the porch and hallway is located, and on the right wing is where the bedrooms and basement area is located.

The view from the back. 

The cool and sorta messy kitchen :)

 The sitting area....

The Living Room..

The cool shelving in the living room space.

The screened in porch.

The hallway that connects the two wings.

The view from the front door out to the road.

The guest/ the girls bathroom.

The basement space where we are thinking of making a space to have friends over and watch movies or play games. Also use it as a place where our guests can sleep.

Mama and Papa's room :)

Dad's office area

Kate's room on the loft.

Anya's room on the loft.

Looking down at my space.

Closet and desk space in our room...

Well hope you enjoyed looking at the pictures. There will be more to come as we begin our life here in Ohio.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE!!

Saying Goodbye

As I sit here in our apartment two days before we leave for Ohio, reality begins to set in. Yes Emily your moving your going to have to say goodbye. Wow, isn't that hard to comprehend. I guess I have been trying so hard to not think of what is to come but at this moment I can't help it. I have lived here in Virginia for what feels like my whole life. So many memories flood my mind as I begin to think of the best 10 years here in Harrisonburg. From where we began living in the dorms at EMU to the parsonage by Weavers, to our farm on Singers Glen. I will never forget all the wonderful and sometimes challenging times I have experienced here in Virginia. I will always remember the beautiful rolling hills and mountain ridges on either side. I will remember all the many friendships I have made and how each one changed my life for the better. I'm not going to lie I am really struggling right now. The biggest thing for me is fear, its not new for me though. I have had to deal with fear of the unknown, and even though I know God is right here with me through it all it still is hard. I don't ever think I will get to a place in my life where fear doesn't test me. I am fearful for the unknown and what is come. I have never been through anything like this before. It's all new, I have never really had to completely start over. I do have some excitement though, but for right now its just a lot of grief. Saying goodbye will be one of the toughest things I have ever had to do. Thanks though to all of you who have been in prayer. I truly appreciate it.

Take Care and may you each have a very Merry Christmas,

Loading the Truck

On Saturday November 26th was loading the truck day. We were so privileged to have family to help us load and pack. A huge thanks to my grandparents and Aunt Kandace and Uncle Jerry for helping us pack and clean before loading the truck, and then helping us load it too. Another huge thanks to our family across the field Carmen, Chad, Ginny, and Clint for helping us load the truck and even being willing to keep some of our stuff at their house that wasn't able to be loaded onto the truck. And to Kathy, Polly, and Monica who so generously brought us food to enjoy while working, it was delicious! Thanks to everyone who helped we truly appreciate it! Also to those of you who have been praying for my family, we want to thank you also. Your prayers are truly appreciated! And now for a few picks from loading day!

Me, Clint, and Kate

Boxes are much needed in the process of moving :)

Tape is also VERY helpful :)

And of course markers to label all the boxes :)

Loading the truck...

Anya labeling a box

And my awesome dad who had the privilege of working with Chad in fitting mostly everything into the truck.

Our comfy mattresses

All of our stuff. During the process of moving you definately become aware of all the stuff you have. Which can be a good and bad thing.

Anya + Ginny= Best Buds :)

Again, thanks to everyone who helped out!

Take Care,

Giving Thanks

I have so many things to be grateful for. 

• Family
• Friends 
• Food 
• Water 
• An Education
• Freedom of Religion

 The list could go on. I am especially grateful for the answers during this transition of moving to Ohio. For the selling of our house and the buying of one in Ohio, I give thanks. For those of you who don't know this week is moving/packing week. We will be moving all of our stuff out to Ohio on Monday, and then me and my mom and sisters will come back to VA to finish up the school semester while living in an apartment. Thanks to those of you who have taken time to pray for my family and I we truly appreciate it.

To all of you, may you have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Beginning a New Journey

We have been called. We got the news on Sunday that the vote had been taken and it was 98% positive.  We will be moving.  I truly believe we are being called to Archbold OH and Zion Mennonite Church. I rejoice with the answer to a long wait. Our God is a good God! Amen. Though this new adventure will have its bumps along the way, I firmly believe that God will be with my family throughout the tears and the smiles. God wouldn't call us to Archbold if he knew it wasn't the best thing for us.

There is no doubt in my mind that it will be the hardest thing that I have ever done in my life. But what do I have to worry about when I know I have God right beside me the whole time. I will truly miss Harrisonburg, Virginia. The friendships my family has made here, I will miss so very much. 10 years of my life I will cherish here in beautiful Virginia.

Please be in prayer for my family. As we say goodbye and as we start anew together. We would appreciate it.

Thank you...

God Bless,

What's Been Happening....

Hey everyone, sorry its been a while since I have posted. I have been diagnosed with loads of homework, volleyball, and just pure busyness :) Your probably wondering how the school year is going for me so far. It has been going fantastically wonderful, except for the fact that I have a lot of homework and have to stay up late pretty much every night working on it. Other than that, its been great. I am glad to be social again, and most importantly playing volleyball! I made the JV Volleyball team and so far we are 1-1. I think we have a good team, we are still learning but practice makes perfect. I really like my teachers, and I think it will be a good year. It has also been good to reconnect with my friends and also make new ones :)

Just wanting to let you know of something else that is beginning to develop here at home. My dad has been in conversation with a church in Archbold, OH about pastoring there. This weekend we will be traveling up there for a canidating weekend. Dad will preach on Sunday and have some meetings with the elders and some other people from the church. The church will vote to see if they want Dad as there pastor, and if so we will be moving. This will be a big transition for me and my family. I have mixed feelings about the whole thing. Parts of me is happy because I feel this as an answer to prayer. I also have all the feelings that you could have knowing you are moving-anger, sadness, worried, anxious, and sometimes I really don't know what to think. Your prayers would be appreciated as we as a family embark on a new journey together. Thank you.  I will let you know as soon as we know for sure if we will be moving..

Take Care,