I Miss Coffee

So Ash Wednesday was yesterday for us over here in New Zealand, and I've already gone two days without my favorite things. That's right guys,  I'm giving up coffee and tea. All caffeine actually. Yes, I am struggling with withdrawal and extreme headaches. But I know it's my biggest addiction, and I was supposed to give it up last year but was really stubborn and ignored Jesus. I'm really excited about this season of Lent. I don't feel like I've ever really dug down and really tried to understand everything I could about this preparation time before Easter. I've always known what it means, and what to do, and I've worn the ashes on my head and given up something and read a passion devotional, but since this used to be the most significant time in the early church's calendar, I feel like I should be researching and challenging myself as much as possible. I hope that everyone else who is choosing to sacrifice something for the next 40 days experiences an intimacy with Jesus while you try to share in his sufferings. I'm already pumped for my cup of coffee on Easter morning while I celebrate my Lord's resurrection.
Also, it's already Valentines day here in New Zealand, so I get extra love a day early! I usually always do something with or for my friends back home, but this year it snuck up on me and I didn't get any valentines! But this morning I woke up with a sweet note and chocolate from my new sweet friend Melissa Love. Is that not the most perfect name for a Valentine?? Then I walked to the dining room for breakfast, dreading the morning because our next Chinese quiz was in less than an hour. But when I opened the door, there was a wonderful surprise waiting for all the girls. Our sweet boys on the team woke up EXTRA early for us and made us a delicious breakfast with yummy fruit, hash browns, eggs, bacon and pancakes. They also set the table beautiful with roses for each of us girls, chocolate bars
(I got the caramel one...duh), and some sweet personal notes from the guys. Not to mention Aaron drew each of us as a disney princess...yeah, that's real life. Maybe it was because it was morning, or I'm just a girl...but I almost cried like 10 times. Our guys are so incredibly sweet and thoughtful. I knew that I already respected them because of the way they love Jesus and are seeking Him daily, and because of the way they have treated all of the girls this past month with respect, but what they did for us this morning made me want to hug them lots. So I did. Not lots but I did get to hug them all. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful guys, and I'm not taking it for granted. Perfect beginning to a Valentines day. Now we're all watching A Walk to Remember together while we do homework. I love these people so much.