Just me, Jesus, and James Dean

I finished packing up my room today. Took down all my pictures and boxed up all my things. I feel strangely out of place in the room I've spent the majority of the past 3 years in.

With nothing but a crucifix and my James Dean calendar on the sickly, teal stained, wood paneled walls I tried so hard to disguise with pictures and posters I feel like I am in some sort of monastery. Although no monastery I am aware of would have pictures of James Dean next to their Jesus.
Pretty sure Jesus would be cool with it though, I've heard he eats with sinners and saints alike.

As weird as it is to have a room with barren walls, I had to do it, once I entirely vacate my room on Friday Heather is moving in. I don't blame her, if a piece of real estate as good my room had become available to me I would have jumped on it just as fast. Available real estate is a rare commodity in the Grimes household.

Tomorrow, or today rather, is my fundraising dinner. It's shaping up to be a good time. I decided not to stress over it a long time ago. Mostly everyone who is coming are our close friends anyways, so they aren't expecting anything elaborate or showy. I'm just going to be myself and be comfortable. Not get worked up about it, what comes of it will come. I'm trusting that it'll work out.

SIDE NOTE: I'm still looking for sponsors who want to support me financially while I'm in Ireland. If you're interested, you are amazing! I love you intense amounts, please email me. If you can't donate, I understand, please please please pray that some people with generous hearts will stumble into my path.


I'm enjoying my last few days at home, defeated the huns with H last night (Chinese food style) went blueberry picking with Colleen today, and on Sunday we're going climbing with some amazing friends from soulfest.

However, I am still slightly stressed out about the fact that I only have six days left at home. It scares me a little, ok a lot, that so soon I will be thrust into something completely and totally new to me. All new people. All new places. All new responsibilities and commitments.

Half of me just wants to RUN, turn in the total opposite direction and hide.
But the other half of me knows that change is good and being outside my comfort zone means that I am learning and growing.

And besides, God wants me here to do my part in the Kingdom, so it must be good. When we were at soulfest this year I heard this amazing praise and worship song for the first time. (It's probably really popular, we just don't get very much of the P&W at the Cathedral...) I think it's called "The Stand" and the chorus says

"So I'll stand, with arms high and heart abandoned, in awe of the one who gave it all. I'll stand; my soul Lord to you surrender, all I am is yours."

So instead of running, I'll stand. I'll stand and surrender my whole self to God.
I'm pretty sure it is going to be the most agonizing, but the most rewarding decision I've ever made.

Speaking of agonizing, I have to give up my facebook and my phone while I am on NET, so that is really the purpose of this blog. Yes, yes, it's going "to suck" (such eloquent vocabulary) and yes I will miss creeping on, I mean talking to, you all, but it is a small sacrifice and I'm pretty sure I won't die from it.
The optimal and most efficient way to get in touch with me is on here or by email kelsie.grimes@gmail.com. Or there's always good old fashioned letter writing. As soon as I get my address I will put it up on here for you all.

Thanks for reading and I'll do my best to keep at this. Love you all!