My week in Chama

Chama, New Mexico - Did you know that all roads lead to Chama? That there is a song written specifically about catching a train to Chama? Did you know that that train is now the main attraction? Just try looking it up and see if the first hit on every search isn't the Cumbres & Toltec Railroad. Heather Burgess and I had the opportunity to take a few photos by the train, but it turns out to be waaaay too expensive to ride.

We had fun anyway. ;.) Paul is not a train enthusiast, so he opted not to join us on our way to the train, but he loves the outdoors, so we went and had some fun a few miles down the road, just drinking in the scenery and trying out the "panorama" setting on my phone.

Isn't that one of the most beautiful skies you've ever seen?! Seriously, this place has made me hate life a couple of times (my allergies here are ridiculous) but the constant display of God's art is enough to make me love it again. 

Also, can I just tell you how supportive the students here are of one another? It's incredible! They are hard working, considerate, and they LOVE their week with "the Missoula". They spend the entire year fund raising (the whole community gets involved) just so they can have this one week.

Teaching a dramatics workshop

Hard at work preparing for SHOWDAY!!!

Making those presenter calls

The team (Heather and Paul) has been working overtime to make sure everything runs smoothly and today is the day it all gets put to the test! Our first show is tonight, their first show ever, and they are going to rock it.

The community has been overwhelmingly generous, donating gift certificates to local restaurants...

...making us lunch every day...

...and supporting us at every turn. Although Chama is a small place...

...it has lots of heart. Oh, and if you get the chance, stop by the "mall" where they make espresso and the BEST SCONE YOU HAVE EVER EATEN!!! Seriously, I doubt I will ever taste another scone like it. Forget diets, this can't be missed!

Surrounded By Love

OH MY! Life moves at a pace that is nearly impossible to follow. The last couple of weeks have contained quite a bit;

A. My first year living and working on the island came to a close on the 24th of May. I walked away with 250+ love letters (some of which I hope to post eventually), and a 3rd grade teaching job at the same school this coming year. Yahoo!

Hair and Makeup

My stretchy suit

B. I had a verrrrrry tiny role in a short film that The Film Institute created. I got to wear stretchy spandex in public. Probably never get to say that ever again...










C. I flew home on May 30th in time to celebrate several of my former Sentinel High School students graduating. Way to go, Spartans!

Nicky will most likely be famous one day

Don't they just scream fun?!

These kids...best reception I've ever received

Jenna and Jordan! <3 td="">

D. I discovered that, when on vacation (a time when I'm not making any money AT ALL), I spend like there is no tomorrow. Just ask the yarn store...Needless to say, I will need another suitcase.

E. I sent my little sister off to Uganda to work in an orphanage for three months. A little terrifying, some mock tears were shed, but she is going to be wonderful at it. Prayer, please, for Katherine!

Unloading at the airport

"Will I make it ok?" (Why is she leaving?!)

Why not?

Bye, mom!

Momma love her gurls...even the crazies...

Can they survive on their own?

"I'll wipe your tears away..."

F. My first week home was a whirlwind of maintaining friendships on the island (4 hour time difference), reconnecting with mainland friends, and even making some new ones! 

Dinner at Dolce - Dad graciously treated

Our valley...

...is beautiful...

...and cute...

Little Sprigs of Sunshine

Ben, Lizzie, Nate - Big Dipper is a must!!!!

We found sheep!

Snow and Sun - Montana!

These photos...

...do not do...

...the valley justice. View from the Lacey's deck.

G. I just arrived in Chama, New Mexico, where I will be training a new team for the Missoula Children's Theater. It should be a great week. The town is quite small and the main attraction is a cute, old fashioned train depot/track setup. Looking forward to checking it out later and posting some photos.

Two whole seats all for me!

I'm...

...so...

EXCITED!!!!

Over Santa Fe - Not the smoothest ride

Tiny jet

"Lerd, ah prey fer a gud weeeeek"

 H. God is faithful in all things, big and small, and all in his timing. Thank goodness He grants us patience as well!