I just zipped up my suitcases.
I'm surprised I was able to without sitting on them first.
I am about an hour away from leaving for camp.
I have such a mix of emotions.
So much excitement--this has been my dream for such a long time!
I can't wait to see how God uses this summer in countless ways. To sum it up, I'm expecting the unexpected:)
I am going to miss my family and friends here; however, it's only a little more than a month more than my time in Norway last summer.
I'm pumped to work with kids and staff--I can only imagine the community that's going to be built through these 3 months.
So for this next week I'll be hardcore training for my lifeguard certification, then the next 2 weeks will be counselor training. And in the beginning of June, let the campers arrive!
Stay posted!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Claimed.
ορυχείο
God has branded me with this mark....He looks at me and calls me "mine." Nothing you can do can secure that claim..it is by His grace that we even have the knowledge of such love He has for us--all I can do is continually sing for God to open the eyes of my heart.
When things of our control keep falling through...the perceptions, opinions, and judgments people have of us, the image we've built, the inconsistency of that image, or simply just having a bad day..
....those moments are when God is patiently and continually reminding us of our true worth--our worth in HIM. A pure worth that takes place in God's kingdom, not our kingdom. That whisper of His that penetrates through all of the chaos and says "you are mine." Those are the moments that the love and grace of God become more clear than ever before--those times when all we can do is surrender and give up our paper tiger chase.
Rejoice today knowing that we have been claimed.
When we put our cares in His hands, He puts His peace in our hearts. ~Author Unknown
God has branded me with this mark....He looks at me and calls me "mine." Nothing you can do can secure that claim..it is by His grace that we even have the knowledge of such love He has for us--all I can do is continually sing for God to open the eyes of my heart.
When things of our control keep falling through...the perceptions, opinions, and judgments people have of us, the image we've built, the inconsistency of that image, or simply just having a bad day..
....those moments are when God is patiently and continually reminding us of our true worth--our worth in HIM. A pure worth that takes place in God's kingdom, not our kingdom. That whisper of His that penetrates through all of the chaos and says "you are mine." Those are the moments that the love and grace of God become more clear than ever before--those times when all we can do is surrender and give up our paper tiger chase.
Rejoice today knowing that we have been claimed.
When we put our cares in His hands, He puts His peace in our hearts. ~Author Unknown
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
.:e.x.h.i.l.a.r.a.t.i.n.g:.
There's only a few things in life that make your insides explode with adrenaline. Those few things vary depending on who the individual is and what makes them tick. However, I'm sure just about anyone would agree that there are few events, a small number of people, and an insufficient amount of hobbies and habits that result in that incredible feeling of accomplishment or passionate potential. I reach this "high" in life when running. It's almost as if exploring a new world.
What can I push my body to do next. 4 miles? Tomorrow can I do 5?
Will I be able to sprint up that deathly hill someday? How fast can these legs go anyways?
The thrilling sense of accomplishment when I hear that familiar crunch of the gravel in my driveway knowing I just finished yet another run has become a form of music to my ears.
It's that same new awareness I had learning Norwegian while studying abroad--it's almost as if a new dimension is opening up...that feeling when a photo project I had planned turned out better than I had dared hope...the instant a Bible verse seems to literally pop out of the page and hit you on the backside of you head--finally makes sense and an overwhelming peace overcomes your whole being.
To sum it up in one word: exhilarating. What "exhilarates" your life? Savor it.
Bergie.
What can I push my body to do next. 4 miles? Tomorrow can I do 5?
Will I be able to sprint up that deathly hill someday? How fast can these legs go anyways?
The thrilling sense of accomplishment when I hear that familiar crunch of the gravel in my driveway knowing I just finished yet another run has become a form of music to my ears.
It's that same new awareness I had learning Norwegian while studying abroad--it's almost as if a new dimension is opening up...that feeling when a photo project I had planned turned out better than I had dared hope...the instant a Bible verse seems to literally pop out of the page and hit you on the backside of you head--finally makes sense and an overwhelming peace overcomes your whole being.
To sum it up in one word: exhilarating. What "exhilarates" your life? Savor it.
Bergie.
It's late...
It's late and I'm exhausted.
But I can't help but share that something exciting came in the mail today.
For a college student, mail is a big deal.
Definitely not looking forward to the day when most of the mail coming in is either credit card bills or credit card offers. However, for now, the pleasure of mail is still going strong.
The Northwest Iowa Review did a press release on our NYC trip...here's a couple images to show it!
As they were at our gallery opening I got possible internships in photojournalism for the future....!
Goodnight world.
Bergie.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
NYC essay
This article was published in the school newspaper as well as given to the Andreas Foundation who sponsored our trip.
This semester one of my life dreams came true…I went to New York City. I still remember last semester when our professor, Doug Burg, came back from New York; my classmates and I joked about how he should have taken us with him. Approximately three and a half months later we embarked on our epic field trip on steroids. I’m at a loss of words to accurately explain how great of an experience this was. It still amazes me that such a trip was made possible. After Burg threw out the idea of us going to New York as a possible Spring Break trip, our classes were jam-packed full of anticipation; every week I’d go to class hoping for the 100% “Okay Go!” Once Dordt approved the trip, the few months following were full of planning, Facebook countdowns, and saving every penny I could.
Now, sitting here in my classic “I <3 NY” sweatshirt, I can’t help but want to go back. Countless people have asked me how many pictures I took and what my favorite part was. I took approximately 3,700 photos and picking a favorite part is nearly impossible. I loved the fact that we were able to experience so many different artistic aspects of New York. At the airport we jumped into a taxi and upon arriving were immediately bombarded with art in our crazy hotel, Ye Olde Carlton Arms, followed by spending hours in MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art. That night we experienced the chaos of Time Square—loved it so much it was a unanimous decision to return (multiple times). We also did a day and a half of mission work on Staton Island. All of us took photos and videos for the missions, Project Hospitality and El Centro, around the community and at the dinner projects; we, as a whole group, learned a lot about photojournalism and how we can use our talents to serve other people
Spending time with Rene Clement, a professional photojournalist living in NYC and working on publishing his 3rd book, was a pretty big deal; by the end of the week, it was as if he had always been part of our group. Throughout the week we had one-on-one critiques with Clement and Burg, which I cannot begin to describe the learning benefits it provided.
Combine all of this with the busyness of Canal Street, Wallstreet, and Chinatown, the history of the World Trade Center, the beauty of Coney Island and the Brooklyn Cemetery, and the breathtaking view of the setting sun from the top of the Rockefeller Center, and you just might catch a small glimpse of my class’ epic spring break.
I can’t write a whole essay on my spring break without mentioning the people; we were incredibly blessed with a great group of students and professor who had the motivation, energy, and excitement that made this trip the excellent experience that it was. Every night, all eight of us would pack into one of the hotel rooms and edit until 1am, sometimes 2am. Not only was it a hoot and a half, we all learned from and inspired each other.
Coming back to Sioux Center has been different—all the buildings are “fun size!” On a serious note, I’ve come back with a lot of knowledge—knowledge on HDRs, panoramas, photojournalism, and most importantly, a fresh outlook on “making pictures,” as Rene Clement would say. Or, rather, in the words of Martin, “I’m under the influence…of photography.”
This semester one of my life dreams came true…I went to New York City. I still remember last semester when our professor, Doug Burg, came back from New York; my classmates and I joked about how he should have taken us with him. Approximately three and a half months later we embarked on our epic field trip on steroids. I’m at a loss of words to accurately explain how great of an experience this was. It still amazes me that such a trip was made possible. After Burg threw out the idea of us going to New York as a possible Spring Break trip, our classes were jam-packed full of anticipation; every week I’d go to class hoping for the 100% “Okay Go!” Once Dordt approved the trip, the few months following were full of planning, Facebook countdowns, and saving every penny I could.
Now, sitting here in my classic “I <3 NY” sweatshirt, I can’t help but want to go back. Countless people have asked me how many pictures I took and what my favorite part was. I took approximately 3,700 photos and picking a favorite part is nearly impossible. I loved the fact that we were able to experience so many different artistic aspects of New York. At the airport we jumped into a taxi and upon arriving were immediately bombarded with art in our crazy hotel, Ye Olde Carlton Arms, followed by spending hours in MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art. That night we experienced the chaos of Time Square—loved it so much it was a unanimous decision to return (multiple times). We also did a day and a half of mission work on Staton Island. All of us took photos and videos for the missions, Project Hospitality and El Centro, around the community and at the dinner projects; we, as a whole group, learned a lot about photojournalism and how we can use our talents to serve other people
Spending time with Rene Clement, a professional photojournalist living in NYC and working on publishing his 3rd book, was a pretty big deal; by the end of the week, it was as if he had always been part of our group. Throughout the week we had one-on-one critiques with Clement and Burg, which I cannot begin to describe the learning benefits it provided.
Combine all of this with the busyness of Canal Street, Wallstreet, and Chinatown, the history of the World Trade Center, the beauty of Coney Island and the Brooklyn Cemetery, and the breathtaking view of the setting sun from the top of the Rockefeller Center, and you just might catch a small glimpse of my class’ epic spring break.
I can’t write a whole essay on my spring break without mentioning the people; we were incredibly blessed with a great group of students and professor who had the motivation, energy, and excitement that made this trip the excellent experience that it was. Every night, all eight of us would pack into one of the hotel rooms and edit until 1am, sometimes 2am. Not only was it a hoot and a half, we all learned from and inspired each other.
Coming back to Sioux Center has been different—all the buildings are “fun size!” On a serious note, I’ve come back with a lot of knowledge—knowledge on HDRs, panoramas, photojournalism, and most importantly, a fresh outlook on “making pictures,” as Rene Clement would say. Or, rather, in the words of Martin, “I’m under the influence…of photography.”
Friday, May 13, 2011
Summer Resolution
I am terribly sorry for my lack of updates, posts, photos, or simply just making a sign of life absent here on the blog...
I finished my sophomore year of college.
Can't believe I'm halfway done!
Seems almost surreal...just two years ago I was still trying to make my decision on which college to dedicate 4 years of my life to.
I am LOVING summer. Just got done running 2 miles through the neighborhood. A short run compared to the nearly 4 miles I dominated yesterday. I'm in the process of training for cross-country as I'm planning on joining the team at Dordt next semester. I'm super stoked as this is the last chance I have at being on a real sports team! (one thing I did regret having been homeschooled--lack of sports) training has been going well...I am definitely loving running outdoors.
Spending time with the fam jam has been amazing and I hadn't realized how much I needed it until now. It was a GREAT year at school--full of fun with friends, academic achievements, and new opportunities--however, time with family is one of the things I value most and it had been awhile since the last time I was able to truly relax without deadlines hanging over my head.
This summer one of my dreams is coming true! I'm going to be a camp counselor at Riverside LBC in Iowa...ever since I was old enough to attend camp I looked up to those counselors and dreamed of the day when I would be able to take their place. I will be working with my sister, best friend, and two of my amazing cousins...this summer's going down in the history books folks.
One of the highlights of my spring semester this year was a photography trip to New York City. I hadn't been there before and now I see why everyone buys "I <3 NYC" shirts...I love New York City! My photography class of eight joined our professor as well as the professional photojournalist, Rene Clement, in NYC for six incredibly exciting days. The opportunities we had were endless and the images we compiled were phenomenal! I learned so much. I'll post my essay in my next entry; it will fill in a lot of the blanks. This school year has provided a lot of growth within photography--resulting in my passion growing even more! Next semester I plan on adding a journalism minor. Graphic design, photography, and journalism all in one should look pretty good on a resume. I'm already checking into potential internships! Something about sophomore year...my excitement is definitely growing.
Just enjoyed some delicious french toast with the family and getting ready for a graduation open house for my beautiful cousin, Cara.
Tata for now...you WILL hear from me again soon!
I finished my sophomore year of college.
Can't believe I'm halfway done!
Seems almost surreal...just two years ago I was still trying to make my decision on which college to dedicate 4 years of my life to.
I am LOVING summer. Just got done running 2 miles through the neighborhood. A short run compared to the nearly 4 miles I dominated yesterday. I'm in the process of training for cross-country as I'm planning on joining the team at Dordt next semester. I'm super stoked as this is the last chance I have at being on a real sports team! (one thing I did regret having been homeschooled--lack of sports) training has been going well...I am definitely loving running outdoors.
Spending time with the fam jam has been amazing and I hadn't realized how much I needed it until now. It was a GREAT year at school--full of fun with friends, academic achievements, and new opportunities--however, time with family is one of the things I value most and it had been awhile since the last time I was able to truly relax without deadlines hanging over my head.
This summer one of my dreams is coming true! I'm going to be a camp counselor at Riverside LBC in Iowa...ever since I was old enough to attend camp I looked up to those counselors and dreamed of the day when I would be able to take their place. I will be working with my sister, best friend, and two of my amazing cousins...this summer's going down in the history books folks.
One of the highlights of my spring semester this year was a photography trip to New York City. I hadn't been there before and now I see why everyone buys "I <3 NYC" shirts...I love New York City! My photography class of eight joined our professor as well as the professional photojournalist, Rene Clement, in NYC for six incredibly exciting days. The opportunities we had were endless and the images we compiled were phenomenal! I learned so much. I'll post my essay in my next entry; it will fill in a lot of the blanks. This school year has provided a lot of growth within photography--resulting in my passion growing even more! Next semester I plan on adding a journalism minor. Graphic design, photography, and journalism all in one should look pretty good on a resume. I'm already checking into potential internships! Something about sophomore year...my excitement is definitely growing.
Just enjoyed some delicious french toast with the family and getting ready for a graduation open house for my beautiful cousin, Cara.
Tata for now...you WILL hear from me again soon!
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