Per reqiuest of a dear friend, yes you Andy, I will make another entry into my xanga. Seeing as how you are really the only one who reads it, this is dedicated to you!

I want to put in writing how thankful I am for the wonderful people God has brought into my life. He has provided me with people who help me grow, who help me learn about myself, and who challenge me. Sometimes these people are only for a short time, others have been in my life for years. I am so thankful for those who have stayed with me through thick and thin, through the ups and downs, the good and the bad times. You guys are the true blessing. Your prayers, laughs and comforting shoulder have enriched my life in ways I can never thank you enough for. And God will bless you for your kindness. I pray that I can be as kind to you, as you have been to me. I pray I will be there for you, like you were there for me. Most of all I pray for many more years of friendships, especially so I can witness God blessing your lives. Thank you for everything, and I love you.

~Sarah

Exciting news.... :)

Here it is... the moment you've all been waiting for!!! Sarah is posting on her xanga again! After being in Russia for close to 4 months I decided it was time to share how it was. Well... it was interesting, and really that's the only word that truely describes it! It was amazing in many ways, and awful in many ways too! Seeing places I had always dreamed of visiting and learning a whole new language were at the top of my favorite things list, but being away from my family and boyfriend for so long was a real challenge. All in all it was for the best. Few of you probalby know this, but my boyfriend is Russian. He moved to America when he was 10, so his family all speak Russian at home. They are all so proud of me for going and experiencing a different culture, and it's fun to be able to talk to them in their native language!

After getting back to the states I got to go see my parent's new house down in Missouri. I am so happy for them! The house is beautiful, exactly what they ordered. In fact they even got to help with the blue prints. I'm also glad because, even though they left some friends up north, they got away from all the drama that was in our lives the past few years and can move on, relax, and enjoy the rest of their lives. I can't wait to be done at Olivet, get a place of my own and see where life leads me. I got 2 whole weeks with just me and my rents, and then Aleks came down to be with the family. He's met them before, but this was kinda a big deal. He did drive 8 hours one way just really to see them so they could all get to know each other better. It went great. Even though mom didn't like the idea of me dating him at first because she didn't really know that much about him, she loves him now. And the amazing thing is, my dad loves him too. He is the first boy that I have brough home that my dad actually sat down with me and told me how much he liked him. He comments on my older sister's husband all the time and how great he is, well dad compared Aleks to him! It's good all around. Aleks taught my dad a new card game, and also played my dad's favorite game with him. God has been so good to me and my family the past few years. From saving me from bad life situations, to providing my parents with their dream home... He is so good!

If anyone thinks about it, please keep my mom in prayer. She has been diagnosed with rhumetorie (I don't know how to say it, much less spell it!) arthritis. It's very painful. I hate to see her in pain, and she's always tried to appear better than she is. She is going to a special doctor this week to see what is going wrong, and her Lupus is acting up again. It's just a hard situation, but I know God will get us through it! Anyways, thanks to anyone who cares enough to read this, and even more if you keep our family in your prayers!

Lyrics to "I Can't Hate You Anymore"
N. Lachey/J. Cates/R. Wells/ L. Robbins

An empty room can be so deafening
The silence makes you wanna scream
it's drives you crazy
I chased away the shadows of your name
And burned the picture in the frame
but it couldn't save me
And how could we quit something we never even tried
Well you still can't tell me why

Chorus
We built it up to watch it fall
Like we meant nothing at all
I gave and gave the best of me
But couldn't give you what you need
You walked away; you stole my life
Just to find what you are looking for
No matter how I try
I can't hate you anymore

Bridge
Sometimes you hold so tight
it slips right through your hands
Will I ever understand

Chorus
We built it up to watch it fall
Like we meant nothing at all
I gave and gave the best of me
But couldn't give you what you need
You walked away; you stole my life
Just to find what you are looking for
But no matter how I try
I can't hate you anymore

This song really is the truth. After all I have been through, I can't hate anyone... all I can do is love everyone like God tells us to and to pray for those who have made my life hard!

House sitting for my friend Brytne and taking care of her 'baby' Harley! :) Having a great time relaxing, tanning outside in the mornings before work, and hanging out with friends and my mom (cuz my dad's down in Missouri working on the new house).