It's Official!

I have finally signed up to take the GRE (Graduate Record Exam)! This test is required in order for me to apply to Physician's Assistant Programs so God will use this test to determine the next 3 years of my life. I'm a bit nervous about the verbal section of the test, but I have a month to study for it so we'll see. The test will be on August 21st and is 4 hours long. I'll let you know how it goes.

Disa Lynne Tiemeier

Disa Lynne joined us on July 18th at 11pm. She weighs 6 pounds 8 ounces and is 19 inches long. Disa is the name of a Swedish heroine known for her wisdom and also mean active spirit. It is also the name of a type of orchid. Both mom and baby are doing well and arrived home this afternoon. My parents and I arrived this evening and have been cuddling her since we walked in the door! She looks quite different from Cora with her dark hair and eyes, but they definitely have the same nose. Below are some pictures of her first few days of life.

Mommy, Daddy & Disa

Daddy and DisaTiemeier Family

Disa Lynne

Disa with Auntie Kendra

Traveling Home

I've just arrived back in Cardiff after an amazing trip on Norway (pictures to come). I will catch a train in a few hours up to Manchester and spend the night with Amy Cole. The journey will continue tomorrow morning from Manchester Airport and I will arrive in Chicago in the evening. Speak to you all then!

Taking a much needed rest...for now at least.

For the past two days I've been relaxing and taking a true rest which I don't think I've done for a few months now due to work and all. We had a great bbq at Neil and Del's yesterday and I got a sunburn, but all is well and I had a great time. Today I went out to lunch with my lovely friend Hayley, my British twin, and of course we just popped around the corner to Cafe Mao. It rained all afternoon, but as I wasn't feeling the greatest it was a good excuse to sit on the couch for the remainder of the day. James made a wonderful curry for dinner and then we watched this really stupid chick flick. For the past few days I've been going back and forth about wether or not to take a trip somewhere since it tends to be pretty inexpensive to fly around Europe. I didn't think it was going to work, but everything has been sorted out and I will be flying to Norway in the morning! I still can't believe it since it was completely unplanned but I'm incredibly excited and have been told that it will be amazing. I will not be taking my computer so I will let you know how it goes when I get back. Bye for now!

Day 5 - The Wedding!

I'm sitting here after the wedding reminiscing with my old housemates from School of the Word and having a very good laugh. It was a fabulous day and God's favor was seen throughout the day. It started with glorious sunshine, which apparently hasn't been seen in several weeks and remained sunny all day. I personally started the day with a full english breakfast from Cafe Mao which I greatly enjoyed after not having it for a year. Sarah and I then went to the building to finish up the decorations for the reception and other last minute things that we discovered needed to be done. Then we hurried home and quickly got ready. The ceremony was a very joyful celebration and we had a wonderful time of worship. Roger Aubrey led the ceremony and Keri Jones gave the message all of which was excellent. The reception started a bit late, but the food and drinks were fabulous. There was an actual roast pig (pictures to come) and loads over other food. The speeches followed and Gary did a great job entertaining us all. There was a swing band at the end and everyone had a great time dancing and laughing together. It was a very memorable day and I'm so greatful that God gave me the opportunity to join Gary and Hannah on this special day. I'll post pictures as soon as I can, but it's after midnight and I must be off to bed so I can get up in the morning. Ta!

Day 4...and it actually was sunny today!

Today was gorgeous although it was a bit windy. Sarah Carr and I went to Delyth's house and looked at all the remodeling that they've done over the past year. Their kitchen is absolutely beautiful. We then went to lunch at...you guessed it...Cafe Mao. It was fabulous once again and I don't think I'll ever tire of it. Afterwards Sarah and I went to the building to help Hannah with decorations and ended up spending 5 hours putting things together! Hannah is doing very well and was still dancing at the end of the day so I don't think she's TOO stressed. When we finished we came home to the lovely surprise that James had made a roast lamb dinner for all of us. It was excellent and we had a great time hanging out together. It's late now so I must head off to bed. More fun to come!

Day 3 in sunny Wales

So it's actually rainy and not sunny but thats ok. I finally recieved my luggage this afternoon after being told it would be delivered yesterday. It was definitely a lesson of patience especially since the only number provided for the delivery company was an automated one so I couldn't speak my mind to a real person....not very helpful to say the least. But praise God all is well with the luggage (a little more roughed up from the long journey) and all my belongings are intact. Today I went to lunch at the Grape & Olive (formerly the Allensbank Pub) with Beth Jones. The Allensbank became a regular spot for us students at the end of the year - a bit run down, but not as loud and smelly as the Heath Pub. The Grape & Olive is very chic and classy and has wonderful atmosphere. Delyth was able to join us for a coffee afterwards and it was fabulous to see her and catch up since it's been a year since the last time I saw her. After coffee Beth and I meandered our way over to M & S to pick out tops for the bible week choir. It was a great time of chatting and catching up. My lovely friend and sister Sarah Carr arrives this evening so I'm very excited to see her. Getting ready to have curry with Katie so shall be on my way. Ta for now! xoxo

Day 2 - Happy 4th of July!!

First of all...HAPPY 4th OF JULY AMERICA!! It's the middle of my 2nd day here and it's fabulous. I've found out that my luggage has arrived in Manchester Airport so praise God - I'm just now waiting for its arrival into Cardiff and believing that it will be tonight. I walked in the rain today which I quite enjoyed since I hadn't done that in over a year. It was sunny yesterday when I arrived, but today it has been very rainy...typical Welsh weather I must say. I was able to eat lunch with James and Esther Hinks at Cafe Bar Mayo (formerly Cafe Mao) and I had the classic chicken mayonaise baguette. It was glorious to say the least :). Tonight I will be spending the evening with Hannah to help her finish up some wedding stuff and then of course having girl talk til the late hour. I feel I've adjusted already to the time change which is a huge blessing since last time I felt like I had jet lag the entire time. Thank you all again for your prayers especially for my luggage. Hope all is well in the States and have a wonderful time tonight with the fireworks!! Ta for now!

Safe Arrival

I have finally arrived in Cardiff! James was patiently waiting for me outside the train station and it was so wonderful to see a familiar face. The two flights went well, there were no delays, and I got about 3 hours sleep. Please pray though....Air Canada lost my luggage!! This is the first time it's ever happened to me and having a great lack of sleep I was not too pleased with having lost my luggage and the delay it caused resulting in me missing my train. What a trip huh?! So I've been praying and confessing all day that my luggage will arrive tomorrow morning safe and sound with nothing damaged or missing. I will keep you all posted as much as I can. Thanks for all the prayers!!

Off to Wales...Again!

I leave for Wales this afternoon for a much needed vacation. My dear friend Hannah Pingree will be getting married this Saturday so I am very excited to be able to go. I'll be gone for about 2 weeks. Will try to post something while I'm there, but if not then I will when I get home. Much love!