Adventures in Portlandia

It’s incredible how in one moment nothing has changed...and yet, at the same time, everything has changed. There are beginnings and there are endings, togetherness and separation, love and loss. Beginnings are so foreign and unknown. They require a letting go in order to move forward. They provide space for newness—new connections, growth and joy. But when one beginning has journeyed into something so profound, so transformational and love-filled; the inevitable ending is all the more hard. How sweet it is to have an ending come with such grief because it is better to love big than not at all. The things we have truly enjoyed, we cannot fully lose. Because that which we have loved deeply becomes a part of us. This is what I take comfort in today, a day of huge sadness and unending gratefulness. I’m going to miss Santa Cruz, but I’ll miss the people who made it home even more💛 (at Mount Hermon, California)

It’s incredible how in one moment nothing has changed...and yet, at the same time, everything has changed. There are beginnings and there are endings, togetherness and separation, love and loss. Beginnings are so foreign and unknown. They require a letting go in order to move forward. They provide space for newness—new connections, growth and joy. But when one beginning has journeyed into something so profound, so transformational and love-filled; the inevitable ending is all the more hard. How sweet it is to have an ending come with such grief because it is better to love big than not at all. The things we have truly enjoyed, we cannot fully lose. Because that which we have loved deeply becomes a part of us. This is what I take comfort in today, a day of huge sadness and unending gratefulness. I’m going to miss Santa Cruz, but I’ll miss the people who made it home even more💛 (at Mount Hermon, California)

Dreams vs. security ~ action vs. complacency ~ passion vs. comfort ~ joy vs. pain Choice. Sacrifice. When all these things are tugging our hearts and minds in different directions, finding a balance can feel impossible. Discover where you are and what you’re moving towards; find balance, fall down, get back up, repeat. Life is made up of hundreds of choices and sacrifices we make each day. There can be tremendous joy or pain at the center of these decisions we make. But why, why, can it be so much harder to share the depths of our joy rather than the extent of our pain? Why does our culture find pain/struggle/hardship easier to bear and receive than a person’s happiness and joy? We feed on the frenzy of drama, conflict, chaos, gossip—pain. But when a person is pursuing their dreams and passions...chasing and choosing joy, we shy away from that; it makes us uncomfortable. Why? I’ve thought about this concept for a long time and I’m only beginning to understand and be able to put it into words. But what I do know is this, I want to be someone who doesn’t shy away from my own moments of joy, who chooses to chase the dreams God puts on my heart and who doesn’t shy away from others. I want to share in another persons joy and happiness too; to partner with people not just in hard moments but in the happy, beautiful moments too. (at Barcelona, Spain)

What’s better than sista sista time? Not much...except maybe finding out there’s a Philz nearby! Then you go and discover the shop isn’t officially open yet so they give you free coffee! Sometimes it feels like God is just smiling down and delighting with us.

Thinking about where I was a year ago to where I am now; the Lord has been so faithful to me. I feel affirmed and encouraged by sweet little reminders and whispers of the work God is doing in my heart. Anddd super stoked on staff retreats because the people I work with are the best!🍁 📷PC: @jerihallallar #getoutdoors #optoutside #staffretreat (at Hume Lake)

Spending a cozy night with my 6 roommates...who are my best friends. It’s such a beautiful thing to celebrate each other. Friendship is something that should be celebrated all the time! It’s such a gift✨ (at Mount Hermon)

Thankful for October days...where change is in the air and everything is golden🍁 (at Castle Rock State Park)

I love smoothies. But lately, I've been wanting to experiment with more veggie-based smoothies. Tonight I tried a beet-cauliflower-ginger-strawberry smoothie and it is 🔥 (at Felton, California)

"EARTH TO KELLY" has been today's mantra🌎😂💛 (at Golden Gate Bridge)

Spent the weekend ringing in October (and my fav season!) the best way possible: with apple picking, line dancing, zip lining and of course the best of friends. Spending the weekend in Scott Valley is always dreamy but working fall festival made it extra special. 🍎🍂 #readyforpumpkineverything (at Mount Hermon | Kidder Creek Camp)

Stoked on weekend getaways with my favorite ladies🦄 and for beautiful escapes like this!!! (at Point Lobos State Reserve)

How amazing are figs!? I can't help but be mesmerized every time I eat one; they are just so pretty!! On a side note, today I taught a juicing class. I had just a couple boys join me. It was so fun watching them grow in their confidence, become so excited on making different concoctions and then want to share it with everyone! I'm so proud of them. (at Felton, California)

It seems impossible to watch a sunset and not dream🌟 #getoutside #lassenvolcanicnationalpark #summitlake (at Lassen Volcanic National Park)

Year two ✌️ I am so happy to be together with this fam and to be gearing up for another year of teaching and laughing. There is so much that is being developed and cultivated in this space. This season of life feels so so sweet and special. I am really grateful for the gift it is to be here for one more year together. (at Mount Hermon)

Painting turned into these eyeballs! Haha. Today is the best day because I'm with @kaygee123 . Karla is the coolest person alive and I love her to pieces. I love dreaming, hiking, eating and being silly with her!

Today is the last day of camp and my last day in China! What a whirlwind. I am so so grateful for all of the new friends I've made here. One of the biggest things I've been learning while here is how to love without words. Language feels like a big barrier to connection. But the kids have taught me how to engage and play in ways without words. Words are helpful but not necessary to connect. There have been some pretty profound moments...and my heart has been changed in the ways I've learned to love and to also receive love. Man I love these kiddos! And so much love for all the counselors and new friends who have supported and loved us so well! (at Singing Deer Lodge)