My sister Rachel

I haven't told you much about our families- other than mine is crazy (I have told you that, right?) How about an installment of who's who in our family line up?

My sister Rachel is- well, let's face it, amazing.



She's a doll. Rachel is probably the most merciful person you could meet. Don't get me wrong- she's also the first person to kick you in the butt about something, but she does it in love. Rachel was always the "Let's take home the starving puppy" child, although most of her lost "puppies" were hurting kids from school or church. Growing up, she was my constant companion. We did everything together. She was my shadow when we were kids- which means I was the bosy older sister, and made her do whatever it was I wanted to do. (Hey, what are older sisters for?) Countless hours were spent playing school, Barbies, dress up, tea party, house, and a vast variety of other games of pretend.

Although, as we got older that time was mostly made up of dancing together, which took up a great deal of our time. Rachel and I danced together for almost thirteen years. Not always in the same classes- hardly at all until the last five or so, but every week, there we were, being driven together to pursue our passion. When I began driving is when our time together really became constant, as I was now the one with the keys. We have a song- don't laugh- "Without Me" by Eminem. Yep, because that was really popular right when I began driving, and so we heard it together ALL THE TIME.

When the youth group at our church began a dance team, Rachel and I were leads because of all of our experience. As the random dances became full on productions, Rachel and I were placed in lead positions, as well as choreographing assistants. We made up the most AWESOME dance- no, seriously, it was wicked cool- to "Crawling in the Dark" by Hoobastank. Our second and third great contributions to the productions were "Wake Me Up" by Evanescence, and "Cry Me a River" by Justin Timberlake. Not exactly docile songs. "Crawling in the Dark" was our masterpiece and great collaberation- ask us about our "choreographing" sessions sometime. I think that basement is still echoing our laughter. But to watch us do it- numerous people said we gave them goosebumps, because, from our history of dance and our connection as sisters, we were PERFECTLY in sync. Every movement, every jump, every look was identically mirrored in the other. It was awesome. I miss those times with her, and wish we could share a giggle behind a couch on stage, or a lightning fast costume change, or lying on the floor in agony from every muscle screaming at us- just one more time.

As becoming adults goes, we are pretty normal. I did the move out, move in, move out, move in thing for several years. Rachel graduated high school and started college, but wasn't quite convinced that that was where she needed to be. And so began the great adveture of her life- seeking her Master. Rachel ended up working at Hume Lake Christian Camps in Hume, California, just outside of Fresno. After her first year, she joined their discipleship intensive- and I mean INTENSIVE. They basically are in Bible school for nine months straight, while they serve on staff, and at the end of every month, they do a missions outreach. She has been to a deaf orphanage in Mexico, and the streets of L.A. and Las Vegas, among others. At the end of the nine months, they spend almost three weeks in Israel, visiting places mentioned throughout the Bible, and not just the main touristy ones. It was life changing for her. She came back a different person- no, that's not right. She was still Rachel, but God had done some amazing healing and work within her.

I tend to be on the loud and crazy side, and while we were growing up, Rachel had been right there with me. That has changed a little as of late- not completely, because if you don't speak up at the dinner table, you are NOT heard- but a little. She has become more contemplative and reserved, like a small oaisis in the midst of the desert. Her waters run deeper, and have calmed down, despite what goes on around her. She still loves with all that she has, but has the self respect now to refuse being a doormat. She cares very deeply for those around her, and I pray that God will continue to surround her with people who both need her, and appreciate who she is. Rachel has always found joy in the simple things (which is kind of a family trait), and is just as content coloring with a five year old as with having a cup of coffee with a trusted friend. She still loves a crowd, but has found the peace that comes from solitude. It's just her and Jesus right now, and that's the way she likes it.

As of this moment, Rachel is living with a cousin in Idaho, nannying for their only daughter. She is saving up to return to school; first a community college, followed by Bible college. She has missions work under her skin, and after her trek to Thialand last fall, is even more in love with the Asian people. She is the hither-and-yond child of the family, and Mike and I hope to support her whenever God allows us to. I love her very dearly, and can't wait to see what the Creator, Sustainer, and our Passionate Father has in store for her next!