The Blizzard of 2013

Within a few months, I got to experience two storms that were very new to me. First, Hurricane Sandy, and two weeks ago, a blizzard.
Now, for all I knew, a blizzard just involved a lot of snow. However, there are some very specific qualifications to make a winter storm a "blizzard." Watching the news for hours and hours during the storm made me very aware of this fact. And, for those of you who don't know, I will share them with you!

A blizzard is a snow storm that contains both:

1. sustained winds of at least 35 mph

AND

2. visibility of 1/4 of a mile or less

FOR at least 3 straight hours.

Needless to say, we got hit with both, for quite a long time, which meant we were in a blizzard. It's kind of weird waiting for a storm like that to hit, knowing that you will be stuck where you are, unable to leave. We had plenty of food, and never lost power, which was such a huge blessing. We did have lots of friends who lost power, but National Grid and others did an awesome job working to restore power within a couple of days.

((The beginning of the storm on Friday night))

During the storm on Friday, Nick and I watched the news, cooked, read, and Skyped with friends and family. Nick actually went out and played Ultimate with some Brown students before it got really bad, which was quite brave of him. I had no desire to leave our cozy little home.  After a couple of hours of snow, it started lightening and thundering, which was just weird! You're used to snowfall being very peaceful and calming, but this was not the case for this storm.

We woke up on Saturday to two feet of snow, and it was still snowing! Every surface, horizontal and vertical, was covered with snow. The trees were just incredible looking. Nick helped our landlord/neighbor shovel and snow blow the driveway and sidewalk, and then he grabbed his snowboard and I grabbed the sled and we headed for the park next to our house for some fun in the snow! We were some of the first people over there so we got to play in fresh powder that went up past our knees. Nick enjoyed snowboarding down some stairs and off a ramp over a fence, which was rather terrifying but he enjoyed it. No injuries to report!

((The snow from our drive, in piles taller than us))

((Nick enjoying the snow with his snowboard))

 ((Nope, not kneeling...)

There was a driving ban in Rhode Island and Massachusetts for close to 24 hours, but there were plenty of people near our house whipping out their cross country skis and snow shoes. We were very blessed to have plowed roads in our neighborhoods, however there were a lot of streets that didn't get plowed for days. I saw that some people were having to work together to shovel their streets, while others pitched in to pay for a plowing service just so they would be able to leave their house when the ban was lifted.

((Our COVERED porch))

((Our cars are in there somewhere))

((Our street))

((Driving bans make busy streets look eery))

((Our driveway partly shoveled))

((Abandoned Wickenden Street))

((Saturday night sunset, SOOC))

((Looks photoshopped, but SOOC))

Needless to say, we enjoyed our blizzard weekend of 2013. It was a little scary but mostly a lot of fun. We had a snowstorm the next weekend, and even more snow this weekend, so... I'm done with snow for this year and am ready for spring/SUMMER! Can't wait to open those windows and enjoy the beach.

Halloween in RI

This past week, Nick and I had the pleasure of handing out candy to families and kids on the Eastside of Providence (where we live). Our home group met up and worked together to put on an awesome event for the neighborhood! Two of the church plants in Rhode Island, Northpointe, and Bridgepointe, decided that the best way to reach people where they are at on Halloween is to be present in our neighborhoods, at our own homes. We met at houses with our home groups, and set up little mini carnivals, if you will.
At ours, we had the following things:
- Two games involving glo-sticks, glowing balls, and extra candy prizes
- Party baggies full of candy, coupons for free food from Wendys and McDonalds, and a reflective slap bracelet with Bridgepointe's info on it
- A huge popcorn maker and hot apple cider
All of this was free for everyone, of course, and we had such a good time meeting people and handing out goodies. Everyone who came by was so thrilled about the popcorn and hot cider, and the kids were literally lined up to the street to play the games.

We had at least 200 kids come through just our little event! Not to mention all the families that were at the events all over Rhode Island. So awesome!

It is so common for people these days to shut off their lights and hide from tick or treaters, or to just go to their church and interact with other believers there. Now, I am not hating on the church festival route, it's what I did my entire life...  However, what an incredible opportunity we have just to love on the people in our neighborhoods! Think of the relationships you might be able to build just by making yourself available to those who already live around you. Get creative, look for opportunities to shine, to be different... instead of hiding away or blending in with what everyone else is doing.

Saturdays

We have a little tradition every Saturday now that it has gotten warm. There is a summer farmer's market down the road from where we live! Tons of local vendors and farmers come out with veggies, plants, pastries and bread, drinks, meat, fish, cheese, and eggs. It's in a big park, and so many people bring their kids and dogs to play. There is also live music, which is pretty cool. We have made it a habit to go every Saturday morning. This past week, we got a zucchini plant for our garden, some dried cranberries infused with pomegranate juice, and some apple butter.  Nick loves the apple butter on his toast, and I just eat it with a spoon.

We have another weekend tradition we hope will take place almost every week: The beach!! We live 30 miles from some pretty stellar beaches. Nick got a surf board for his birthday, which gives him something to do while I lay on the beach! Fun for all! I want to try surfing but I will wait until the water gets warmer.

Also, a mom at my work brought in sunflower seed butter from Trader Joe's yesterday, and it was DELICIOUS!! So you should try it for some non-peanut fun! :)

Provision in Providence

Howdy!

I am sitting here, waiting for the Rangers to end the top of the 9th so I can go to bed! Something that is definitely taking getting used to about living on the East Coast is the tv schedule. It's almost midnight here, and I'm sleepy! Nick went to bed over an hour ago. But alas, I had to stay up for my Rangers. I might be the only person in Rhode Island cheering for them! ha. That may be an exaggeration. But probably not.

Today was fairly slow... Nick went to Boston for a meeting with Sojourn, and I painted our coffee table! Pics to come later.

[BOOOOM. 2 outs. Epic. One more and I am going to bed and Texas is one game away from winning the World Series for the first time EVER!]

Anyway, I wish there was a way to write down everything we are experiencing here in Providence. But moving to a new place is difficult to describe! There is so much I could say. We are loving the people and the weather here. The only things I have really missed about home thus far, besides people, are the State Fair and the Ranger games.  And then Baylor Homecoming is in two weeks, and I am so sad I am missing that.

Regardless, life in Lil Rhody is great! We really do love it here. We are still working on fundraising, though.  So if you or anyone you know wants to help tell college students in New England about Jesus' love, we could definitely use your help! We are about $500/month from what we need to meet our budget. If we could find 50 people to give $10... one meal out to eat... 2 Starbucks coffees... a month, we would be set! We have so many friends and family who are giving sacrificially, and we are so grateful! And we are resting in God's provision. We know He will provide and praise Him for that. So please pray for us and this!  And let us know if you or someone you know needs more information. You can also visit www.jensensinprovidence.wordpress.com.

Welp, it's over, Rangers win! Woot! Later, yall.

Hello from Rhode Island!

Hello from Rhode Island! We are so so glad to finally be here. There will definitely be more updates as we get settled, but I wanted to fill yall in on the past week and a half.

We are starting to feel at home in our cozy apartment. Our furniture finally all fits and our pantry is full! Our walls are adorned with pictures of loved ones. We are definitely grateful for our new home!

The people at Northpointe have been incredible. We feel so welcomed. There is definitely a great community there that we are excited to become a part of.

Some snapshots of New England:

 New England hot dog buns! So awesome!

 I made this for a space under the bar, above the couch, out of paint chips and yarn.

 Lincoln State Park is right by our apartment... less than 5 miles away! It is so pretty! There were so many people throughout the park, walking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and kayaking...

We visited the park so that Nick could do some rock climbing... I was more just moral support. 

I will post more at another time. But I just wanted to update friends and family, and let you know that we are so grateful for yalls support. We are so excited to finally be out here and can't wait to share more!

Friday Favorites

Well hello! Sorry it has been a while. This week has been crazy. Curve balls all over the place! After I mention my favorites for this week, I will share an update on the Jensen fam.

Favorite Christmas Idea: Stockings made from burlap

 (Both photos found at HGTV dot com)

Nick and I got married 2 weeks after Christmas, so this year will be our first Christmas as married people! Hooray!  I realize that Christmas is a few months away, but it's never too early to start thinking about decorations! I love this idea and could easily sew some for our new home. Plus Nick likes them too, which is always a plus. :)

Favorite Workout

Pinterest is so wonderful. This workout popped up on my feed, and Nick and I did it yesterday. Minus the 10 minute run, because I don't have running shoes with me here in Texas. So he rode the stationary bike and I walked on the tredmill in TOMS. ha.

(From 117lbs dot tumblr dot com)

This morning, both Nick and I were pretttty sore. Mind you, I haven't sufficiently worked out in quite a while, besides hiking in Yellowstone. Anyway, I am a fan. 

Favorite Free Sleeperstar/Jillian Edwards Concert

I am so so excited about this. If you have never heard of Jillian Edwards, please click on her name and check out her lovely music. She was a year behind me at Baylor, and would lead worship at UBC when dc*b was on tour. She is absolutely precious and I love her music. 

On September 9th, Sleeperstar is having a fan appreciation concert at House of Blues Dallas, and Jillian will be there. If you order tickets HERE before September 5th, you can get as many as you want for FREE. Holler!

And now, a short update: 

We were supposed to be in Missouri at this time, and moving to Providence on September 30th. However, the apartment we thought we would be living in became unavailable to us, and we found out 2 days before we needed to leave for Missouri. As you might already know, during this time of transition, we have been living with my grandparents in the DFW. Last week, my Papa fell and broke his femur near the hip. He had to have surgery and is now at a rehab hospital. He is doing GREAT. However, Nick and I felt very uneasy about leaving my grandparents during this time. We were still planning on moving, and then the apartment fell through. The lofts had another apartment available, but it would be over $200 more a month, which is not in our budget. So, we decided put a hold on a cheaper apartment with a move in date for the beginning of October and stay and help my grandparents for the next month.  We have been trusting in God's timing with those whole thing. His timing has definitely been a comfort over the past couple of days with news of the hurricane heading toward the Northeast.  Rhode Island is preparing for an emergency, and I am grateful we will not be moving in the middle of a tropical storm.

So, a summary: We will be in Texas for another month... God is good... Pray for my Papa and his recovery.

Back from camping!

Hello from Texas!

We are finally back and adjusted from our trip to Denver and Yellowstone. It was pretty amazing to experience cooler weather for a week and a half. I think I went into shock yesterday standing outside in the 106 degree heat.

We spent four days in Denver before meeting my dad and brothers and driving up to Wyoming. We got to explore the city, and toured both the US Mint and the capitol. Nick has started collecting coins and was thrilled to see the mint.

When my dad and brothers got to Denver, we helped Aaron set up his new, little apartment. It's quite quaint. He starts school on Monday. Eek.

Then, we headed up to Yellowstone. We hiked, fished, explored, and had plenty of roasted marshmallows. I am pretty sure we saw every single bison in the park. Plus a ton of elk, a few deer, and five or six bears. Black bears are my favorite, naturally.

Then, after driving back to Denver, leaving my brother there, and driving all day to Texas, we made it to DFW at one in the morning on my birthday. Good thing I got to sleep in a bit! Still having trouble admitting I'm 23.

Coming up:
- Dinner tonight with friends for my birthday! So excited.
- Hopefully moving to Prov in 10 days! We still need financial partners as we plant a college ministry. Click HERE for more info.

trust.

I have been learning a lot about trust, lately. As we have begun the fundraising process for Providence, it is so easy to put my faith, and doubt, in man. Asking people for money is not an easy thing to do, and the fact that we can't go unless people give is really scary.
As I think about this, I am reminded of Lamentations 3:23-25:

Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, "The Lord is my inheritance; therefore I will hope in Him!" The Lord is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him.

I can't put my trust in people to provide, because people will fail. I can and must put my hope in the only one who won't fail. And the best part is, because He is faithful, there is no need to fear. He will provide, whether that's through the Body of believers, or another way that will catch us off guard. Worry is a sin. The Bible is clear about that. And God has called us to Providence. He has broken our hearts for the people there, and closed all other doors. He will make a way. There is no reason for me to worry.

I have been so encouraged by the generosity and eager hearts of our family and friends! Their faith and sacrifice challenges me. We are so humbled to be a part of God's plan to further His Kingdom in New England. 

Today, I as I read Psalm 37, verses five and seven stuck out to me:

Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you... Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act.

I love that the Creator of the Universe, the Almighty God over everything, will help me. I need only to trust. That simple fact just blows me away.

Providence

I will write about our road trip after this post. I just want to fill yall in on the Providence part, first.

Our trip to Prov was great! We got to see the ocean and eat fresh fish and chips. We visited Northpointe Christian Church, a recent church plant that meets in a movie theater. The people there are so lovely... We had multiple meals with them and got to spend some quality time around the fire roasting marshmallows.
On Monday, a real estate agent who goes to the church drove us around all of Providence and its suburbs.  He told us about different neighborhoods and schools. It was a great way to see all of the city. I loved all of it. The buildings have so much character and the place is full of history.
There is a section of Providence called Federal Hill, that apparently has all these amazing places to eat. A lot of it is authentic Italian food. Our tour guide said that you can't pick a bad place to eat there.  So, on Monday night, we decided to try it out. We walked around and found a yummy pizza/pasta/wraps place.  And the atmosphere of the entire area was so cute.

Doesn't it remind you of Italy at Epcot?

Anyway, on Tuesday, we walked around the Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design campuses. I LOVE that side of town. Brown is so unique, the buildings look like old New England houses... You can't even tell you are on a college campus at some points, it just looks like you are walking through a neighborhood.

So, although you probably know, for this blog, we are officially moving to Providence, Rhode Island this fall! Nick will be part of the Sojourn Collegiate Ministry's Providence team.  Please check out our website by clicking HERE.

As for right now, our timeline is kind of fuzzy. Currently, we are working on raising support. Before we can go out there, we have to raise $30,000. We are praying fervently for supporters to step forward as we start letting people know about our next adventure. While any gifts are greatly appreciated, we are especially praying for monthly supporters, since we will definitely be out there for at least two years. We would love for the people who have invested in our lives in the past to come along side us for the next two years while we are in Rhode Island.
We are hoping to move out there in late August or September, but it really depends on how fundraising goes.




If you are reading this and would like more information about how you can partner with us, check out our website or email us at nick.haleyjensen@gmail.com.  We would love to meet with you and discuss our next great adventure!