International Dinner

Every year my church hosts an international dinner. It's a chance for our church to reach out to foreigners in Indianapolis and share the gospel. Not only did I get to meet a few, I also got to try a variety of different foods: Mangos, tofu pasta salad, spicy Chinese chicken and hot Indian Curry.  Also, I had some delicious Indian naan bread which everyone must try at least once in their lifetime. It's a little piece of heaven

When the guests started arriving they each came with a traditional dish from their country. This year we had a lot of Chinese.  Most of the time I don't really know what to say to them when I meet them. My goto questions are: Asking their name.  Of course it's often hard to pronounce but it's better to try and mess up than not ask at all. Then, where are they from. Even though you might think you know, It's better to be safe and ask, than just assume.  I smile when they ask me what country I'm from. I would love to respond with some exotic country like El Salvador, the only place I've been outside the US. But I always say, "The incredible city of Indianapolis."


One of our Church members from India shared his testimony with a great slide show.  He also shared this video that he called a good representation of India.  But after being around all those wonderful people I started getting excited about Sophomore year. Taylor has a decent amount of International students.  I can't wait to get to know them and hear their stories.

Hey It's the Cake Boss

When this summer began I was so excited to spend time with my sister Maddy. One night as we turned the lights out and nestled under our warm covers with the cool fan making noise in the corner, she asked me a question. "If you could meet one celebrity this summer who would it be?" I thought for a short while shuffling through various names and faces. Finally I thought of the perfect person to see/meet.  Buddy Valastro, the Cake Boss.


Yesterday my wish came true when the Cake Boss came to Indianapolis to give out 10,000 free cakes. Maddy and I decided we had to go and get a glimpse of the Boss. Dad and my little sister Olivia tagged along with us. Arriving downtown was so exciting. As we drew nearer to the circle we kept passing people holding boxed cakes.  They looked delicious. Finally we found the line for cake which wrapped around several buildings. Though the line was pretty long, it moved fairly quickly. And when at last we reached the table full of boxes of cake, they gave each of us a whole cake, and for Dad they gave two!

The box was cold in my hand as we jogged passed and ocean of people.  Buddy was making an appearance in less than an hour so we decided to wait in the mall just down the street. It was still morning and we were thirsty.  In the mall we met a police lady who asked about the cakes. "Where can I get one of those!" She asked  excitedly. We told her about the 10,000 free cakes.  Unfortunately she couldn't get off wor
k in time. Then Maddy had a great idea. "You can have one of our cakes."  Honestly we had plenty to spare. The lady was ecstatic and so grateful.

Later we found Buddy under a tent taking pictures.  We stood around for a while and snapped photos of him. I still can't belie
ve I saw the real Cake Boss. So anyways, last night we enjoyed some delicious cake. Chocolate on the top and vanilla on the bottom, sandwiched together with a fudge icing. Yumm:) This has been such an awesome summer.

Independence Day

I went for a brisk jog this morning is the misty air. A collection of brilliant clouds swept above me, moving gently with the tide in the sky  The smoky smell of grilled hot dogs greeted me at the end of my driveway. I followed the wonderful scent for a few blocks until I past the house from which it came. A little old man was grilling away in his backyard.  A puff of smoke billowed up from his great black grill.  Behind him I heard some soft swing music playing from the screened in porch. It's the fourth and everyone is off of work.  We're all home cleaning and cooking for an afternoon BBQ. My sister and I plan to make blueberry pie and chocolaty brownies. Aside from the good homecooked summer meal, everyone looks forward to the fireworks.  Those cannons in the sky that say freedom with every explosion. This year I really feel blessed to live in such a beautiful country.  Spacious skies and amber waves of grain.   Luscious green corn fields and the great mighty lakes. But the best part is just being with my family.