hiatus.

i'm bad at blogging on here. sorry for all of you faithful readers out there.
being the case, i'm taking somewhat of a hiatus from this blog; although no worries. i will be checking all of yours, so keep them coming!

please, please, please check out my world race blog. it's updated much more frequently. and i actually talk about things that mean something. :)

http://ashleyhiggins.theworldrace.org

peace.

22 and bare.

my birthday was yesterday.  the big 22.  i guess it's a big one?  i don't really feel any different.  i think i am too focused on graduation and that whole transition to even care about adding another candle to the cake.  

i took down my picture wall today.  it was somewhat spontaneous.  i thought it might ease the pain later on if i was used to a bare wall.  i'm starting to think better of the decision.

[this is what the last week of school is doing to me.]

my mind has been moving too quickly lately.  i can't really seem to keep up.  and when i get stressed/emotional i question things.  not in a bad way, really.  i just ask myself and God many questions.  they don't usually get an answer, but it's somewhat comforting to know i am free to approach the throne of grace boldly nonetheless.  i think when i gear up for another season of questioning the lord just smiles.  it's a good thing he is more patient than i am.

on a lighter note, leash and i went to rendezvous last night in an attempt to study/write papers. little homework was accomplished although the company was enjoyed [at least on my part] and a late night wal-mart run for coffee creamer was incredibly delightful.

life.

my life feels crazy.  so today, in an attempt to make myself feel better, i put grace tape over my life.

my life feels crazy.  so today, in an attempt to make myself feel better, i put grace tape over my life.  i asked the Lord for grace.  and i asked to feel it.  and then i took pictures of myself.  i'm not sure if it was the ridiculous pictures coupled with a little 'i will survive' with the sun shining in my room and my window wide open or if it was just divine grace.  either way, i felt better as i traipsed to comm. theory class.  probably the 98% on my paper helped a little bit too.

so, while i sit in class, i will post some of those ridiculous pictures for all 3 of my blog readers.

leash got in on the action with me.

grace tape.  greek grace tape.  thanks to krystal for this.

my life just feels upside down.

i prefer to leave the red out.

white and blue.  i like it better that way.  i know, i know.  it's a terrible attitude to have.  i really do love the good 'ole U.S. of A.  really, i do.  but, i miss greece terribly.  i feel like i belong there.  i just want to be there.  but, here i am.  sitting in communication theory class as i write this.  it's raining outside and i'm so incredibly distracted.  i'm tired, jet-lagged, and spacey.  and frustrated b/c my video is not uploading on facebook.  what the junk.

i think i'll save the happy greece blog minus the bitterness for being back for another time.  maybe i'll just put it on my world race blog.  two blogs.  wow.

greece. in 38 minutes.

it's that time again.  spring break.

i am meeting my team to head to the airport in a little over half an hour.  it's been a long road to get to today.  but it's here!  the bags are packed.  money is in the bank.  passports in hand.  we're ready to go.  i'm so excited to be back in the city that really did capture my heart and change the way i see the world.  i would appreciate your prayers as we are gone for the next 10 days.  there is a lot of spiritual heaviness to ward off, and the occasional crazy down in omonia!  

i'll let you know how the trip goes, although i am sure it will be awesome!

  

provisions.

i'm learning to notice the Lord's provisions in the little things.  and the big things, too. fundraising for the World Race is going well.  we still have a long way to go, but the Lord has been showing Himself very, very faithful.  greece in t-minus 3 days.  oh my gosh!  i am so, so excited.  i cannot even hardly contain myself.  it's really putting a damper on my productivity. but, i am willing to make that sacrifice.  i'm posting a video below of my wonderful cousins.  amy and i babysat them on saturday night.  i've learned that allowing them to make videos of themselves is a great way to keep them occupied.  ethan has also taken a liking to my good friend julie, who is out in california.  so, we make her videos when i babysit.  it's a win-win for all.  my favorite part is when hannah, who is only 2 1/2, says "are you kiddin' me, ashley?"  they are just precious.  what joy they provide me.  i hope you enjoy it as much as i do!

bleh.

that's how i feel.

kinoki.

so.  abby and i have been wanting these kinoki foot pads for awhile now.  tonight, we were out and about and decided to stop at walgreens to pick up said item.  i had a coupon, so these beauties only cost $13.88.  not too shabby of a price for our health and well-being, right?  we're hoping these lovely, lavender scented wonders will cleanse of all that is not welcome and free us up to be all that we can be.  if nothing else, it makes for some fun pictures for your viewing pleasure.  enjoy, and no worries.  i'll let you know how well they work!

abby was a big fan of the lavender scent.

ice is nice.

especially when it gets me out of school.  glory, hallelujah.

no tefl tonight.  praying for no class tomorrow.

it would just be nice.  sitting in my sweats all day.  playing some skip-bo.  maybe take a nap.  yeah, i could handle it.  i know, reality will have to take precedence sometime.  but, i'm going to enjoy it while i can.  and i'll thank God for answered prayers.

that's all.

ask.

and ye shall receive if you have faith. matthew 21:22

i've been asking a lot of the Lord lately.
direction, wisdom, provision, strength, peace, courage, more provision.



the great thing is that the Lord is answering my prayers.
novel, i know.

and he does far more than i could ever hope or imagine. ephesians 3:20

growth is a good thing. being able to recognize that growth is a true blessing. one i have been able to take a glimpse at lately. and for that, i am truly grateful.

debrief (ing)

it's going to be an ongoing process, figuring all of this out.
twms was A-mazing. i wish i was back there. not cincinatti, necessarily.

i'm very much looking forward to what is in store for me.

i really don't feel like i can put into words what i am feeling yet.
but i will. hopefully soon, for all of you. sorry.

greece in t-minus 53 days! i will probably lose my passport in the riots, just so you all know. so if i don't come back, sell my stuff and send me the money. works for me.

blessings and sweet sleep, friends.