I recently started a new ministry job in Henderson, Nebraska. Population 986...now 987. When I first arrived I instantly felt welcome...the small homey feeling of the town did wonders to my nerves. Everywhere you drive people are waving and smiling, instantly eager to welcome new comers...and being new and having an "accent" I suppose I was easy to spot. The smell of crisp winter air and the few trees that Henderson brings to this lifestyle is hard to adjust to compared to cold Minnesota with tons of trees and lakes...now I am in the land of corn fields and flat lands...and of course the wonderful Nebraska wind. So after getting settled into my off duty house...very old fashioned with creaky floors and pipes but very adorable. I finally started working December 23rd after getting into town the 22nd. I worked 6 days straight with staff and 4 girls in one house. I never fully realized how challenging it would be until in the field. Working with at risk teens and living with them are definitely not something we covered in school.  It makes me realize that I need to up my game in being authoritative. These kids definitely can pin point your weakness from day one and I knew that but never fully paid attention to that point up until now. My first week was fun but also very stressful. I suppose you could say that trying to adjust to everything is very overwhelming plus add in the actual start of working a new job, paperwork to fill out and read, insurance forms, student loan forms and finally add in a mix of being sort of a "parent" to teenagers at the age of 23 can take a lot out of you. However, I do have faith that God has put me here for a purpose and that who knows maybe part of it is to work on my authority skills but mostly that God needs me to be here at this time to be here for these kids. I am definitely excited to see what is in store on this journey both the challenges and the joys along the way. If you are reading this I ask for prayers along this new adventure and I will keep you updated with what is going on along the way.

                     My friend Caitlain trying on some pink skinny jeans...no she didn't get them but funny to try on!

                                                   Our Valentine's Day craft with the girls!

                                         Yes Caitlain drinks a lot of Starbucks...will she share? :)

 So on Valentine's Day our boss Chuck who is in his sixties, came over during staff meeting and to every staff girl he handed her a rose and said "will you accept this rose?" Bachelor style haha funny but sweet!

 Our attempt at making a homemade Velvet Cake for Valentine's Day exploded...never follow that recipe again...took forever to clean up!

                       I made a new recipe found on Pintrest called Cowboy Chicken Pot Pie! It was great!

 The girls wanted to eat outside on the deck since it was so nice out...nice setting for the four of us!

                                                                  It's All done!!!

                                                            One girl even made a cake for us!

                                                                 Dinner is served!

                                         Dinner, deck, mood music and flowers what more could you need?

                                                     How about great company and a sunset!

                                  I took this picture while sitting on the bridge the other day with the girls! :)