Absent, but here...

Hey all. I'm here in India and I have a free second. Right now the best way to read what I've been doing is is going to www.rockharborindiateam.com. Everything is going well! Will have my own update soon!

Good thing my parents don't read this blog :)

This Christmas I came up with the idea (yes, it was my idea, not to toot my own horn or anything) to get my parents professional photos of me and my siblings. My friend is a stellar photographer and agreed (so generously) to take our pictures this past weekend. We all got along, had fun and are really really excited about these pictures! And, right now I can only share them on my blog because my mom & dad don't really read my blog too much (and it's only 2 days before we're going to show them the pictures). Here are just a few! Enjoy!

A little less than 4 days away!

Here are some things going on...some good things

• I am in full force India mode...finally. I got my (huge) luggage out of the garage along w/ my sari's and punjabbies and getting set to go!
• Yesterday I got fitted for my bridesmaid dress for Lauren's wedding and we ordered the dressed. They're very cute (and getting into one has made me want to loose weight)
• I feel like I've been going a little crazy still like a chicken w/ its head cut off; but I'm not feeling like that too much lately, and I'm holding on and am so close to the finish line. It really is hard to tie up loose ends and get everything done when you're going to a foreign country for 2 weeks. :)
• Yesterday, some people from the team got together and prayed over a lot of aspects about the trip and specific prayer requests from each member of the team. It was so great to be in prayer together
• I am so excited about this trip!...with the last thing mentioned, I was sick and am feeling better (thanks to prayer and the Lord!)
• I got the most recent update about an hour and a half ago and I am now at 68% done! Woo hoo!
• I'm excited to see family for Christmas! It'll be awesome
• The British Airways strike isn't happening! Woo hoo!
• I've really been in the Christmas spirit (something that's a big step for me in the past years!)

A lot of happenings happening...12 more days...no wait, maybe only 11 more days!

There are suppose to be 12 more days!!!! 12 more days! I can't believe it! In 12 days I should be all packed, and getting on a plane for a 2 week trip to India! It's definitely a cool feeling because I've been reminded in the last two weeks about where I was this time last year and how I (and the team I was suppose to go on) learned that our trip was being postponed until an unknown date. I say there are suppose to be 12 more days, because the funny thing is that there's a little kink in our plans right now, but something that is actually being worked out. We actually got news today that our airline (British Airways) are planning a strike from Christmas until New Years. Perfect timing, right? It looks like our travel agent is able to book us a new flight with a different airline if that happens...however, British Airways will only allow to transfer flights if the flight is cancelled, which we won't know ahead of time...so hopefully it won't be difficult to find 32 seats on a flight to India if all of this does happen. The cool thing is that if we do change our flights we'd get to spend two extra days in India! That would be awesome! If you all could be praying about this for us and for provision and peace and God's perfect hand in all of this.

In other happenings...I've been feeling a little bit not entirely myself lately. I use to get weird hot flashes (because of my lack of hormones---but that's another Oprah...or blog post I guess) and they've happened a few weeks ago (and lasted about 2 weeks)...and yesterday at the team meeting I got teary eyed at two different points (they were emotional points, but still, I am not a teary eyed and emotional type of girl). And for some reason, the thought of dating and marriage has been on my mind a lot and I am usually strong in that area. It's been neat to have talks with friends about the subject though, and be encouraged and have a lot of great single (girl)friends! I love you all! It is truly a desire of my heart to be married, and I am still not getting worked up about it and making it my life aspiration to be a wife, and I know that God has this amazing amazing (so amazing it needs 2 amazings) for my life. But for some reason the subject has been on my mind a lot and a desire to be dating/married. I am a firm believer that being a wife or any of the things that come along with marriage do not make you any more of a woman than someone not married. Marriage is something that I hold important value in, because it is a gift God has given us, but I want it to be right and for the right reasons. So, I am living, learning, growing and maturing as a single woman, and maybe someday God will bless me with a husband who he has made for me. That's the end of my ranting. Anyway, that's what's been happening. Thanks y'all for reading my blog...I love it when you comment :)

Too funny not to share

I had a crazy busy day babysitting yesterday, but I am so blessed that I have work. :) And some funny things came out of it...more funny kid stories/sayings

• Long story, but I was driving back to central Orange County from San Clemente because while I was babysitting I was shuttling kids around. I had a 5 year old boy and 3 year old girl (siblings) in my car. There wasn't a lot of gas in the car and we were just heading home. I was gonna get off at the very next exit to get some when the 3 yr old goes "Brittani, I have to go potty really bad...I'm gonna pee my pants". So I "okay, we're going to the gas station right now. Can you hold it for 1 more minute? Don't go potty yet" and think to myself "well, I guess this is where we're gonna get gas afterall"---and I know, I know...a gas station bathroom; but hey, it's a 3 yr old girl with a small bladder and it's San Clemente. How bad can the bathrooms be? Anyway, we get off the exit & there's a gas station literally right there. We go inside the convenience store and the bathroom is inside of it. Just one stall...we all fit in and while the 3 yr old's going to the bathroom the 5 yr old boy goes "Brittani, I saw lots of candy out there...(pause)...I like M&M's". I think to myself, "mental note, if I ever go by candy with kids again I need to shield their eyes". I ended up buying them a little treat. :)
• The same 3 yr old girl wanted to use a flashlight in the living room and make the room dark to see the light. We close the blinds and she turns the flashlight on. And she talks about the light and makes up a little song. Then I say "I can teach you a song about a light" and she says okay so I start to sing "This Little Light of Mine". It's a kumbaya kind of moment. Then the 3 yr old girl starts to scream it and sing it silly. I say "oh, I want to hear your pretty voice" and she sings it normal. Then her 5 yr old brother says "that's the spirit"...I'm pretty sure they had watched a Christmas movie recently and heard that and he thought "This Little Light of Mine" is a Christmas song. Too cute
• Another little 3 yr old girl I watch has been using the phrase "there's a wild animal on the loose"...and it's really funny to me because she says it just like the guy in that old Fandango commercial. (Right? Anyone know which one I'm talking about? Maybe it's an inside joke between my friend Lauren & I :)

One more update...only 24 more days until I leave!

I wanted to post this again. I'm going to try and figure out how to put the chipin.com widget on the side of my blog but so far I've only found instructions that put the widget in my post. Thank you for looking at my blog and reading! Here's info about my trip again :) I didn't receive an update this last week (probably because of Thanksgiving) so everything is still the same. Thank you so much to those of you who have supported. I appreciate it so much! Many blessings!!!



Hi friends & family,

I have the exciting opportunity to share with you about my returning to India on another mission’s trip with ROCKHARBOR church! I first want to thank you so much for supporting my trip toIndia in March; this December I have the chance to help lead a team of 33 ROCKHARBOR members going to Andhra Pradesh, India this December. The first trip to India was truly memorable and we were able to accomplish great things. It was such a blessing to be able to interact with the people on staff at Harvest India as well as help build relationships with people in remote villagesl we were able to supply them with food, clean water and share our faith with them and that we want to give because we have been given so much. It was also eye opening because I saw first hand the cast system as well as the poverty and great need in the country, which Harvest India is trying to make strives to improve. Now I have the unique privilege of helping lead a trip.

Our team will be traveling from December 26th to January 9th. During our trip we will be: helping provide villages with wells for pure drinking water, giving food and medical aid to the poor and those considered untouchable, aiding the pastors in evangelist events to reach many villages with the hope of the Gospel and also giving support and hope for a better life to a local orphanage Rockharbor sponsors.

This trip we also have the unique opportunity to help with flood relief efforts Harvest India has been leading because of the devastating floods that have hit southern India.

Our first and most important support needed is prayer. We are asking for prayer:

·For our team safety while traveling, and during our time in India
·That we are spiritually prepared for any spiritual battles that may be encountered
·That we may share the Gospel boldly & with the love that Our Savior Jesus has shown us
·For unity, support, flexibility and compassion within our team
·That people we meet will have hearts prepared to receive Jesus as their Lord & Savior, and One True God
·That all the team members will be able to raise the financial support necessary to go
·That the pastors, church planters and people of India will be encouraged andstrengthened as followers of Christ.

Secondly, there is a need for financial support if you feel called to also participate financially. I have committed to raise $3,500. If you would like to make a donation to my trip or know of others who would, please make donations payable to ROCKHARBOR Church. Please do not write my name or the country anywhere on the check. You may use the included returnenvelope, which is already addressed and indicates that the donation is for my trip. If you use your own envelope, please mail it to: ROCKHARBOR Church

Attn: India/Brittani Ehrhorn
3080 Airway Ave. Suite A
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Please note that donations are tax deductible and are non refundable. All donations will go towards theoverall cost of the trip, and any excess funds will first help to cover the team’s costs and secondly will be gifted to the ministry we are going to serve.

Thank you all very much for your support of this ministry; I am so blessed for you to be apart of it alongside me.

Brittani

Little Moments Like That

I just wanted to share this. On our way to the Switchfoot concert a neighbor stopped me & my brother and asked me to babysit 2 days later... then, literally on our drive I got another call to babysit for tonight. I was happy about getting the jobs. And when I got off the phone (on my bluetooth of course) I said to my brother..."God is so awesome". He said "yeah, He is". I said that just that very morning I had been praying about work and asking for providence for times that I was slow (because this week was looking slow for babysitting). And then I got asked to babysit Tuesday...and then Bubba said "and the neighbors asked you for Sunday too". He amazed me at how he totally caught on and made me even more aware of how great God is. :)

Sweet Melodies

This is yet another Switchfoot concert post :) But this one is a first...because I got to take my 12 year old brother...and because they played their brand new CD Hello Hurricane! And, the concert was super close (Just in Anaheim). Bubba (my nickname for my bro) & I got to see all the guys at the meet & greet as well as see them do their sound check before the concert. (I won't mention the part about us waiting for a while in line, and then wait a long time for the concert to start, though. No. I will focus on the best parts of the evening.) However, the concert was AMAZING! At the end Bubba & I basically got seranated at the end when Jon crowd surfed and stopped right by us and sang for 2-3 minutes. The guys are truly talented as well as funny and genuine. They all loved the fact that it was Brad's first concert when we met them. And they sang/played for 2 hours straight! Anyway, I also had a fabulous Thanksgiving. It was a change of scenery because we spent actual Thanksgiving day with my dad's dad & stepmom. We never do that...we usually celebrate the weekend before with them. But my uncle & cousins were able to come as well (which is hard because of my uncle's work & my cousin spending time with their mom). The part that would have made it over the top would be having my older sister there with us, as well as my dad's other side of the family and my mom's side of the family. But I'll get to see all of them in just a few short weeks for Christmas! So, I want to put this out there again because I haven't been able to find a way to put it on my sidebar...but this is the ChipIn widget where people can help support my trip and all the activities/ministries the team & I from Rockharbor will be doing! (See below for my support letter). xoxo

Thankful

After putting the ChipIn on my website and mentioning it on a very wonderful and popular blog's forum, I have had people comment on the forum as well as support my trip. I truly feel blessed to have people who don't know me give to my missions trip. Talk about a Christ centered community! I pray many blessings on all of you who are praying for me and supporting me! There's still more to go, so if you know of anyone or any businesses that can help it'd be great if you could let me know!

I've been busy with India stuff...we've been having extra drama team meetings. Things are coming along. I had a fun birthday weekend. Three friends & I went to Palm Springs overnight (after I found a really great rate on a small villa). I'm very excited to spend time with my family tomorrow, because I get to see my sister (who's in town from school in Chico) and my Nan & PopPop! Then, on Friday I'm taking my brother to see Switchfoot at the House of Blues, and I have my meet & greet pass! It'll be a memorable concert for him! I think that's everything. Oh, and it is looking pretty good for me to be able to get into some more classes next semester while I wait for graduate school. I am so thankful for so much! Can you think of something you are thankful for?

A Trip Update :) (Good news)

Hi everyone! So, I recently got an update about my support for the missions trip to India & I have raised $1160! YAY! The support is coming in a little more. I am still needing more support and wanted to be able to post this ChipIn widget again. I hope that this gets a response. And again, feel free to contact me with any questions or comments. These donations are tax deductable and really will help our team and Harvest India help the people of India after the floods. And, I've attached my letter again at the bottom on the post. Thanks again for all your prayers, support and thoughts! Many blessings!

Hi friends & family,

I have the exciting opportunity to share with you about my returning to India on another mission’s trip with ROCKHARBOR church! I first want to thank you so much for supporting my trip toIndia in March; this December I have the chance to help lead a team of 33 ROCKHARBOR members going to Andhra Pradesh, India this December. The first trip to India was truly memorable and we were able to accomplish great things. It was such a blessing to be able to interact with the people on staff at Harvest India as well as help build relationships with people in remote villagesl we were able to supply them with food, clean water and share our faith with them and that we want to give because we have been given so much. It was also eye opening because I saw first hand the cast system as well as the poverty and great need in the country, which Harvest India is trying to make strives to improve. Now I have the unique privilege of helping lead a trip.

Our team will be traveling from December 26^th to January 9^th. During our trip we will be: helping provide villages with wells for pure drinking water, giving food and medical aid to the poor and those considered untouchable, aiding the pastors in evangelist events to reach many villages with the hope of the Gospel and also giving support and hope for a better life to a local orphanage Rockharbor sponsors.

This trip we also have the unique opportunity to help with flood relief efforts Harvest India has been leading because of the devastating floods that have hit southern India.

Our first and most important support needed is prayer. We are asking for prayer:

· For our team safety while traveling, and during our time in India

· That we are spiritually prepared for any spiritual battles that may be encountered

· That we may share the Gospel boldly & with the love that Our Savior Jesus has shown us

· For unity, support, flexibility and compassion within our team

· That people we meet will have hearts prepared to receive Jesus as their Lord & Savior, and One True God

· That all the team members will be able to raise the financial support necessary to go

· That the pastors, church planters and people of India will be encouraged andstrengthened as followers of Christ.

Secondly, there is a need for financial support if you feel called to also participate financially. I have committed to raise $3,500. If you would like to make a donation to my trip or know of others who would,

please make donations payable to ROCKHARBOR Church. Please do not write my name or the country anywhere on the check. You may use the included returnenvelope, which is already addressed and indicates that the donation is for my trip. If you use your own envelope, please mail it to: ROCKHARBOR Church

Attn: India/Brittani Ehrhorn

3080 Airway Ave. Suite A

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Please note that donations are tax deductible and are non refundable. All donations will go towards theoverall cost of the trip, and any excess funds will first help to cover the team’s costs and secondly will be gifted to the ministry we are going to serve.

Thank you all very much for your support of this ministry; I am so blessed for you to be apart of it alongside me.

Brittani

Support for my trip to India

So, I have decided to make a ChipIn account where people who visit my website can donate any amount towards my missions trip to India where we will be donating food, clean water wells, doing flood relief and bringing hope that Jesus has given me to people in India. Thank you all for your support, thoughts & prayers

You can help!

So, for those of you who haven't noticed, I have put ads on my blog; my idea is that I could use the money that I get for having them on my blog to go towards what I need to pay for my missions trip to India. I tried not to get too many on my blog or ones that were shady :) Anyway, one way that you can help raise money for my trip this way is by checking my blog frequently; also, if any of the ads are something you would even like to look at because you are interested in click on them (because there's more money to be made by clicking the ads). I just thought I would use my blog for something to help raise money for my trip since I do have one because fundraising has been very difficult this year. Also, I could really use some help coming up with businesses who would be up for giving taxable donations to fundraise my trip (or even the team as a whole). If you have any ideas, please let me know!!! Well, working hard and focusing on the Lord. Love & shalom to you all :)

And again, here is my support letter:

Hi friends & family,

I have the exciting opportunity to share with you about my returning to India on another mission’s trip with ROCKHARBOR church! I first want to thank you so much for supporting my trip toIndia in March; this December I have the chance to help lead a team of 33 ROCKHARBOR members going to Andhra Pradesh, India this December. The first trip to India was truly memorable and we were able to accomplish great things. It was such a blessing to be able to interact with the people on staff at Harvest India as well as help build relationships with people in remote villagesl we were able to supply them with food, clean water and share our faith with them and that we want to give because we have been given so much. It was also eye opening because I saw first hand the cast system as well as the poverty and great need in the country, which Harvest India is trying to make strives to improve. Now I have the unique privilege of helping lead a trip.

Our team will be traveling from December 26^th to January 9^th. During our trip we will be: helping provide villages with wells for pure drinking water, giving food and medical aid to the poor and those considered untouchable, aiding the pastors in evangelist events to reach many villages with the hope of the Gospel and also giving support and hope for a better life to a local orphanage Rockharbor sponsors.

This trip we also have the unique opportunity to help with flood relief efforts Harvest India has been leading because of the devastating floods that have hit southern India.

Our first and most important support needed is prayer. We are asking for prayer:

· For our team safety while traveling, and during our time in India

· That we are spiritually prepared for any spiritual battles that may be encountered

· That we may share the Gospel boldly & with the love that Our Savior Jesus has shown us

· For unity, support, flexibility and compassion within our team

· That people we meet will have hearts prepared to receive Jesus as their Lord & Savior, and One True God

· That all the team members will be able to raise the financial support necessary to go

· That the pastors, church planters and people of India will be encouraged andstrengthened as followers of Christ.

Secondly, there is a need for financial support if you feel called to also participate financially. I have committed to raise $3,500. If you would like to make a donation to my trip or know of others who would,

please make donations payable to ROCKHARBOR Church. Please do not write my name or the country anywhere on the check. You may use the included returnenvelope, which is already addressed and indicates that the donation is for my trip. If you use your own envelope, please mail it to: ROCKHARBOR Church

Attn: India/Brittani Ehrhorn

3080 Airway Ave. Suite A

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Please note that donations are tax deductible and are non refundable. All donations will go towards theoverall cost of the trip, and any excess funds will first help to cover the team’s costs and secondly will be gifted to the ministry we are going to serve.

Thank you all very much for your support of this ministry; I am so blessed for you to be apart of it alongside me.

Brittani

See, I told you I'm a thinker

So, I thought that I would share with you all some of the things that I've been learning

- after having journaled & read in the morning several times in the last couple weeks, I had the revelation that it's much better for me to do that and have the rest of the day to sit, stir about, process, gain insight, hear from God in regards to what I read in His Word as well as journaled about...this all of course instead of reading & journaling before bed and then sleeping soundly through the night and not remembering what I did. Shocking, I know :)

- I was spending time with a mentor figure in my life last week and during our conversation she tells me how she was at a Bible study and learned about how much Jesus prayed...that's all she had to say and I totally got it. In my own mind I could think of a bunch of different times in the Bible where Jesus chose to connect with his Father and be restored as well as intervene. This was so cool to me and such a huge reminder to me.

- The other day while the little girl I was watching (of course I was babysitting) was having some issue about wanting something at home while we were at the park. I said "it's okay...we can go home and get it. But you have to be patient". Now, to be honest I don't throw that word around a lot with the kids I babysit for. But when I did it struck me. Like a "hello!" in front of my face. Aren't there times when God is also probably like, "Um, you are the one who didn't want to bring this with you or do this and now you've changed your mind. Of course you're going to have to be patient to go through the process. It's just down the street. Hold on." Maybe I assume to much, but I would bet God thinks the same way with us. Using patience to remind us how to not get worked up, to trust Him, and to seek the purpose of His journey in it too. I've obviously dealt with a lot of these situations with kids I watch, so it just clicked even more because it's almost common sense. Doesn't it also coinside with values that you (or I) would want to teach our kids in real life? Funny how that works.

Well, just also want to say that I picked out a new design for my blog, and based on my liking of birds and owls this was one of my top 2 choices so I figured hey, I don't know how long this bird thing for me will last so I'll use this template first. Haha. Thanks to Kelli for your suggestion :) Oh, and tomorrow Steph & I go to Jimmy Kimmel Live to see Swithfoot! YAY!!!

Peace, blessings & love

Female blogger, seeking some blog creativity & inspiration

I just worked 13.5 hours today babysitting. It went well but due to the father getting sick today (including throwing up) while the mother was in the hospital recovering from having a 2nd baby, and having delivered via C-section just yesterday there was no one expect be to stay around and put the 2 year old girl to bed. Anyway, I'm exhausted and will be getting to bed very shortly. (And I am also hoping that I will not catch anything and that he doesn't have the flu). However, I am looking for ways to spruce up my blog. Do you all have any ideas? Or can anyone help? And feeling uninspired and like I don't know where to begin. But I do know that I've had my blog for a year and haven't changed the look. Help, please!
xoxo

So much time and so little to do. Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it.

I am up earlier than I need to be this morning...I don't have to babysit for another 2 hours. For me that rings of "the perfect time to blog". :) There are quite a few things going on. My preparation for going to India is in full swing. We had a team meeting on Sunday that went very well! And then after the drama team for the trip met and we had a pretty good meeting as well. And today, I am getting my one and only immunization I need for this trip, I am very excited about my birthday because a few on my friends & I are going to spend the night in Palm Desert on my birthday (which is on a Saturday this year)! I am so looking forward to this because I literally can't remember the last time that I've been able to get away (even if it's just for the night). And Palm Springs/Palm Desert is such a relaxing and enjoyable place for me because it reminds me of fun times & holidays when my grandparents use to live there. I am also excited for this month because I get to see Switchfoot twice! First at a mini-concert they're playing at Jimmy Kimmel Live, and then at the House of Blues Anaheim! YAY (because they have a new CD out and this tour that's all they are singing)! Anyway, in other exciting news, my little sister is coming home for Thanksgiving! She wasn't planning on it until literally two or three days ago. I'm glad I get to see her! An update for India is that my support is very lacking this trip. Even with my own deposit & the funds from the house concert with Molly Jenson I am only at 13 or 14%. The good news though is I know people are excited and supportive of me going, and even in these hard economic times, if I don't receive all the support (like I did last year) I am working a lot & saving to pay for the trip. I am trying to also think of more creative & fun ways to fundraise, so if you've got any ideas send them my way. (I'm thinking at this point I'm going to try to contact businesses to see if they can donate.) I am also having faith & trusting that God is good and faithful and will provide in some unique and awesome ways. With that said though, after talking with the family that I babysit 4-5 days a week, they are not going to need me as much come January. So, I feel almost as if babysitting has definitely helped provide work but it has sort of masked the fact that I need to be looking for a "real job". But I am sort of looking forward to that because I will have set hours so I can go to class; and when I've worked in a business before it's definitely not as draining to me as running around with a two year old or even a three & five year old so hopefully my studies and energy for school will increase as I will be taking a class or two come January. Well, that's all for now. Peace & much love. xoxo
p.s. -- ten gold stars to anyone who knows what movie I'm quoting in the title of this post

More of the funny things kids say! :)

Here are some funny things the kids I've been babysitting have been saying/doing:

--I was playing outside with a three year old boy. He is super sweet and cute. He somewhat randomly asked me if I was a mom and I replied nicely "no, I'm not a mommy yet". And he seemed to have moved on. But, about an hour or two later he brings the subject up again and says "you're a mom, right?". I said "no, I'm not a mommy. Your mommy just wanted me to play with you and watch you". Then he points to my chest and says "but you have those things, and that makes you a mom".

--I was walking a little 2 year old girl (almost 3 year old) to the park and I start to sing The Beatles song "All you need is love"; she is really good at remembering songs and loves to sing the ones I sing to her (such as "you are my sunshine" -- an inspiration by Molly Jenson). She starts singing along at one verse of "all you need is love" and sings it throughout the rest of the day.

--Upon babysitting yesterday (Monday) a little 3 year old girl who lives literally down the street from me, her mom tells me how on Halloween (which was Saturday) she kept asking to go Trick-or-Treating at my house. I love Em. She is so stinking cute!

--I was helping watch some kids at my parents house while they had a group of couples over for something. I got out the movie WALL-E. One of the little girls says "I like the fat people in that movie". I asked myself, "is that PC". Haha. Oh, and there were 3 girls and 3 boys that I watched and not a single boy watched more than the first 2 minutes of the movie. They had ants in their pants.

My name is Brittani, and I'm a bargainista

So, I've done a little bit of bargain shopping a week or two ago, and these were my finds. I desperately need a little "umph" to my room (or a "wow factor" if you will). IKEA was the perfect place (and what do you know...I went on the morning they were giving everyone free breakfasts. haha). Anyway, and Old Navy is just down the street so I somehow ended up there (really a mystery as to how that happened). Anyway, here are some pictures. Old Navy just feeds into my obsession of birds that I'm having right now. :) Hope you enjoy! XOXO

News and (not so) random thoughts

I must say, I am very excited about the team I am on going to India. It's a group of people who are trying to live out their faith, be flexible, understanding, as well as match their faith with action! We had a great meeting this weekend. And I am so excited about the concert this week and how the team is stepping up there as well! I had a great time at lunch with my dad's side of the family yesterday (where the women definitely outnumber the men... haha). In other family news, my grandma on my mom's side went home Friday and is doing better...they released her because the medication seemed to have finally got out of her system. And praise the Lord that the whole time she was able to get up and work on her knee when she needed to and her knee is doing remarkably, because that could have been bad as well. I also got news this weekend that another friend of mine is engaged! Congrats Jen & Cody!!! My first thought is that I am really so excited and my second is "bring it on weddings!" because now two good friends of mine are engaged and I have the feeling that this is a trend that will be continuing for a while. It's exciting for me...I feel all grown up to have friends making such adult decisions and find such great spouses to spend the rest of their lives with. It's also fun to talk wedding stuff (which I got to do with Lauren last night...can't believe her wedding is slightly less than 5 months away). Something else I'm looking forward to is having my sisters visit this week. They're visiting from Sacramento & Chico. Haven't seen then in a while now, which is definitely weird for my family. Well, goodnight and much love!!! XOXOXO

Where's Brittani????

If you haven't noticed...I've been absent for the last 2 weeks. I didn't even realize that it's been that long since I've written a blog post, because things have been that busy. I've been babysitting like a crazy woman. And as if my life wasn't already busy enough, things for the India trip are in full swing. This includes a concert at Rockharbor Church with Molly Jenson & The Pawnshop Kings!!! I'm spearheading it and it's next Thursday, October 22nd. It's so awesome and I can't believe it's actually happening! What a new experience for me to be leading this trip and planning a church-wide concert! I pray that my agenda does not get in the way of having an amazing concert that helps support our trip and Harvest India. Because I know that with the flooding happening right now in India, a God size task is needed. I am also amazed that I am able to go right after this flooding has happened and the whole team can go and help in so many needed ways. If you could be praying for all of that it would be so greatly appreciated. Also, my mom drove to Arizona 2 days ago to be with my grandma (who had knee surgery) becauseof complications with surgery and the medications administered to my grandma. She's slowly getting better but to me it's kind of weird because a lot of details and answers haven't been given to my mom & grandpa about what exactly happened. They do know she was basically given too much medication and say it happens and depending on the type of person they can go kind of "in and out of it" so to speak...meaning my grandma has had a couple weird hallucinations. But they plan on discharging her either today or tomorrow. Well, I am truly tired but if you could make it out to the MOLLY JENSON & PAWNSHOP KINGS concert on OCTOBER 22ND that would be great!!!! Much love to you all! :) Oh, and here is this poster/flyer that I created for the concert...isn't it just so artsy and lovely and vibrant (and an absolutely stunning picture of Molly --and the Pawnshop Kings)??? I love it. Of course they aren't pictures I took, but I can't believe I was able to do something like that... I really am not the creative, remember? I'm the science nerd in my family (with the glasses & all...haha)

Family Time

So, this week has already been really busy (what week isn't busy for me usually????) On top of working a lot, I've been spending time with the family because we've been video chatting with my 'lil sis in Chico, CA. This was my brilliant idea that she "poo-pooed" when she left for college about 5 weeks ago...however, homesickness has set in and now she thinks it's the most awesome thing in the world (which it is totally up there). It's been awesome to see her beautiful face and see her feel better to see us and talk with us here in Orange County. :) Other things that have been occupying my time is something of the type that would create a lot of change in my life. It's not drastic and it's something that is not even in the stages of happening. I'm entertaining the idea of moving into a place with my own room...this is because rent has increased at the place I'm living and I feel I'm paying too much to share a room. I've been looking and have found some places that are just about the amount that I'm paying for rent but it'd be my own room. Anyway, I'll leave y'all with a video of my dad & brother playing ping-pong with their new ping-pong table. Sorry that the quality is really bad...I had my camera but the battery was dead so this is with my phone. Notice the part where my brother says "I own dad". Much love! ~B

My India Support Letter

As you may recall, I have been talking about my India missions trip for a little while now but I have (finally) finished my support letter and wish to share it. I put it out there because heck, you never know who might be looking at my blog and might want to help in my fundraising. If you are interested in me sending you this letter my mail, please let me know! Drum roll please:



Hi friends and family,

I have the exciting opportunity to share with you about my returning to India on another mission’s trip with ROCKHARBOR church! As you may remember, I went to India in March; and I have the chance to help lead a team of 33 ROCKHARBOR members going to Andhra Pradesh, India this December. The first trip to India was truly memorable and we were able to accomplish great things. It was such a blessing to be able to interact with the people on staff at Harvest India as well as help build relationships with people in remote villagesl we were able to supply them with food, clean water and share our faith with them and that we want to give because we have been given so much. It was also eye opening because I saw first hand the cast system as well as the poverty and great need in the country, which Harvest India is trying to make strives to improve. Now I have the unique privilege of helping lead a trip.
Our team will be traveling from December 26th to January 9th. During our trip we will be: helping provide villages with wells for pure drinking water, giving food and medical aid to the poor and those considered untouchable, aiding the pastors in evangelist events to reach many villages with the hope of the Gospel and also giving support and hope for a better life to a local orphanage Rockharbor sponsors.

Our first and most important support needed is prayer. We are asking for prayer:
• For our team safety while traveling, and during our time in India
• That we are spiritually prepared for any spiritual battles that may be encountered
• That we may share the Gospel boldly & with the love that Our Savior Jesus has shown us
• For unity, support, flexibility and compassion within our team
• That people we meet will have hearts prepared to receive Jesus as their Lord & Savior, and One True God
• That all the team members will be able to raise the financial support necessary to go
• That the pastors, church planters and people of India will be encouraged and strengthened as followers of Christ.

Secondly, there is a need for financial support if you feel called to also participate financially. I have committed to raise $3,500. If you would like to make a donation to my trip or know of others who would, please make donations payable to ROCKHARBOR Church. Please do not write my name or the country anywhere on the check. You may use the included return envelope, which is already addressed and indicates that the donation is for my trip. If you use your own envelope, please mail it to:
ROCKHARBOR Church
Attn: India/Brittani Ehrhorn
3080 Airway Ave. Suite A
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Please note that donations are tax deductible and are non refundable. All donations will go towards the overall cost of the trip, and any excess funds will first help to cover the team’s costs and secondly will be gifted to the ministry we are going to serve.
Thank you all very much for your support of this ministry; I am so blessed for you to be apart of it alongside me.

Brittani

HAPPY (Beleated) Birthday (post) MOM!!!

It was my mom's birthday this week. I definitely am not late in saying happy birthday to her...I know this because I got up early on her birthday so that we could have a family birthday breakfast (of cinnamon rolls) before my brother went to school; and then we also went to dinner as a family that night. Since I spend time with her on her actually birthday that is my excuse for this birthday post being late....But I love you very much mom! Your endless amount of love and caring is what makes you a great mom! And another great thing about you is you like to have fun. I love you mom! May this year be filled with even more blessings than the last.


(I know this picture isn't the best quality; but it's one of me & my mom so I wanted to show it)

A week full of good things

This week has been really awesome. I have done my share of babysitting, but I have also had one or two nights free. I seized opportunity & was able to spend time with my very good & dear friend Lauren (as well as her fiance). I love spending time with them. It was also my mom's birthday so I was able to spend time with family. I have also been trying to get into a class at OCC but it's been full. I am also trying to get in contact with another teacher from another class to see if I could get into a class at a different time. We also had an India leadership meeting that went really well. I am getting more excited about the trip & excited for how it's making me keep my faith strong, and call on God and be prayerful and seeking Him more and more. Well, I'll leave you with some funny kid stories.

• A little 3 year old girl I watch had to "go potty" and I let her go but went in a couple seconds later after her see if she need help buttoning pants or anything; I asked her if she wiped and she said "No" and I ask why not. Her reply..."I'll wipe tomorrow"
• Babysat over the weekend for 2 boys...when I said they couldn't play with water and get muddy and dirty the oldest said "You're no fun". I made up a modified game with water that wouldn't get them really wet (but they found ways to get dirty still). And after I read to them in bed, the littlest boy said "Brittani, I like you" (in a "you're really cool" kind of way). And he prayed that I'd have a safe drive home.
  
• Those same two boys could not believe it when I told them I have two sisters, and growing up we never played Legos.
• I picked up the 4 year old boy I watch from Pre-K this week. My car was kind of hot from the mid-day heat so I rolled the windows down. Next thing I know the little boy has his arm up in the air in the wind and yells "armpit" and started laughing. I guess his armpits needed cooling down.
  

A little mushy mush, and an update

Phew...It's been a little while since I wrote a new post...again. Sorry y'all. It's definitely been busy for me. Lots of babysitting and such...which means that even though I'm crazy busy, things are not how they were a few months ago where I had little work. Anyway, I'm also hoping to get into a class at OCC this semester. Don't know how that's gonna go though because the class is full. So, I wanted to share a little insight that I've gotten this week. There have been multiple instances this where my family has contacted me this week. And it's made me realize two things...1)I really love my family...they are funny, awesome, loving and caring 2) I'm really bad at contacting the people I love (for example, my grandpa's b-day was on the 2nd and I did not call to tell him happy b-day!!! I felt like such a horrible granddaughter! But I called him the next day and apologized and he was understanding and was still thankful for the call.) So, I am going to try to make it a point to be more intentional with keeping in touch with those I love. (And this is going to be made a heck of a lot easier thanks to my new handy dandy Bluetooth...I haven't had one for a few months and it's definitely made my calling a heck of a lot less frequent. Because, yes, I obey the law and don't talk on the phone without a hands-free device.) Anyway, hope you all can learn from my poor ability to keep in touch and remember to keep relationships you care about going :)

Kids say the funniest things - Part 2

Here are some more funny things that kids have said while babysitting the last couple days:

• The same four year old who told me thanks for cleaning up his sisters mess told his mom this week when she arrived back at home that before I left I needed to teach her how to take the crust off his sandwiches because I do it "really good".  He was really excited about my crustless turkey sandwiches.
• I was playing outside with the same four year old boy and his sister.  I guess he sneezed on her goldfish and the little sister said "Brittani, he blessed you on my goldfish!".  
• A four year old little girl I babysit tonight was adamant about wearing two t-shirts together today in the sweltering heat.  And then later on in the evening she made the comment "you are wearing two shirts"...as I was wearing a camisole and light v-neck tee.  Too cute.  Made me think of her as even more cute :)

Kids say the funniest things

So, I've decided to do a quick post with some funny phrases I've witnessed lately by the kids I babysit for...they're quite entertaining! (At least I think so)

• a 4 year old boy I babysit is playing with his neighbor (who is a three year old girl...and she has a major crush on him and I am pretty sure he kind of likes her)...they're playing in her play house and the little boy walks out the door and says "Okay, I'm gonna leave and come back.  And you're gonna be bad at me because I was late for work"
• a 2 year old girl referencing things as "it's the best in the parade"
• same little two year old girl introducing me to her mom as "this is my friend, mom" (this is after I've babysat her a few times by the way)
• I was watching another little 4 year old boy & his 3 year old sister.  I was feeding them dinner & the little girl spilt apple sauce on the floor.  She started to cry a little because she was tired already.  I tell her "It's ok Em, I can clean it up and get you more applesauce".  I clean it up & then her 4 year old brother then follows me into the kitchen and says "Burney, thanks for picking up my sisters mess".   He pronounce my name "Burney"  like "burr" and "knee" since he 1 or 2 and it's stuck ever since.

Good night :)

A Smorgosborg of things!!!

What a crazy and long couple of weeks it's been! Sorry that I haven't posted in a while...there has been a lot going on for sure! I have been working at the temp job for almost a month now (am in the middle of week 3) and I'm so grateful for it! It's entirely scanning documents and then saving them on an electronic database. Thousands of files! There's loads of work to be done. Also, babysitting on the side has picked up quite a lot, which is good for when the job does end. Anyway, the exciting event that has just happened was the Molly Jenson concert to benefit my trip to India! I felt like it went well! Molly was awesome, a good number of people showed up and everyone had a blast! It help out a lot! And, it was a good send off for my little sister Kori (because she left for college at Chico State the next day---so bittersweet). I am still planning on babysitting right now and hoping for a part time job too to supplement but it's hard to find, and it's definitely not easy working 40 hours a week and then going to babysit or tutor (or both in one day sometimes!!!!) and try and job search. I am also contemplating staying in my current living situation because the lease is up October 1st...it would be nice to be in a place where I can save money is all I'll say about that for now (because there are so many things I can go into detail about in terms of my living situation as well as me saving money right now, believe me). So, I think that's about it folks...I'll leave you with some pictures from the Molly Jenson concert thanks to the lovely and talented photographer Kristi Clark :) Peace & much love!!!

HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!

I wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!!!!!  You are such a great dad!  I love you very much.  Thank you for taking good care of your family, and for being such a strong foundation.  You're like the white version of Rev. Run with your Provers you send to me and everyone on your phone's contact list...and that's too cool :)   In the words of Nacho Libre " Little hug, little kiss, big hug....XOXOXO"  Today, you can put on your stretchy pants, "just for fun".

India, concerts, jobs and keeping up with life :)

Okay...so I realize that I have been not so in touch to the blogging world.  Sorry about that.  I have noticed recently that lately I have been getting really preoccupied with work and tutoring and life that I have gotten behind with things like texting people back!  It's definitely not like me...I'm very punctual and like to respond quickly to people.  Anyway, that's a little digression.  So, the Molly Jenson concert is August 15th!  I'd love it if you could be there; and here's the promised link to the e-vite and eventbrite.com ticket information: http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=CHNIPNAEZABOSAYZMCQI .  So, this week has been quite crazy...I found out that the physical therapist office had already picked the person they wanted (and yet the neglected to call the other people whom they interviewed as well to inform them of their decision).  But, the good news is that babysitting has been happening a little bit this week, and today I started a temp job at pretty large video game and entertainment company.  And it's for a whole MONTH!  Praise the Lord!  I must admit that I feel that it's hard but when you lean on the Lord he is good and he answers.  (Because this month long job is nothing I could have gotten on my own).  Another thing keeping me really busy is interviewing people for the India trip.  I am officially a team leader and get to interview the applicants and help decide on the team.  It's going to be an exciting and great trip and lots of amazing people who are applying!  YAY!  Well folks, it's definitely late.  And you know, I'm a 9-5 kind of girl so I must get to bed :)  Love & peace to you all! 

Exciting announcement!!!!

So, I have an announcement!  It's been in the makings for a little while now but it's been quite the busy few weeks for me...dogsitting, temp jobs, tutoring and babysitting, and car stuff!  Anyway, I am going to be going back to India in Decemeber!   And, I am also going to be having a house concert to help benefit the trip with none other than Molly Jenson!  I'm very excited!  So, tomorrow I pinky promise to get an e-vite out and set up ticket info...but until then please mark your calendars for August 15th!!!  I would love for you all to be there!!!  And to be honest I feel like I am going out on a limb here to do the concert and I want it to be beneficial and really helpful for the trip.  So please plan on coming!  More details to follow very soon!  Oh, and if you could all be keeping me in prayer...I've got a 2nd interview coming up for a job at a physical therapists office. :)  Thanks!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CRISTINA!!!

Happy Birthday sis!  Here's to 24 years of living! Geez we're getting old...remember the days when it was just me and you, and when mom would dress us alike?  And remember the times we shared a room together?  With the Little Mermaid Poster?  And me and you hanging out with Mark, Ryan, Robbie and Marcy?  Wow!  Or us driving down PCH in the BMW in high school?  And Shirley's Bagels before school?  Well, now we have awesome new chapters in our lives and  I am so proud of you and the beautiful woman you are!  You are a great sister!  Love you mucho!
(I know you don't like the picture of us in Sedona, but it's one of the only one's I have of us...and it's not that bad  :) ) 

Whole lot a shaking going on

That is kind of the phrase I can think of that describes how I feel and what's been happening lately. Some good and some bad "shaking" to be honest. Babysitting is picking up and I'm tutoring four kids during the week. And I also have a temp job set up for a few days next week (for the job where two employees kindly made a great impression on my first day of work.) I am also working on a few other job opportunities. I am so very thankful for all of these especially because I am getting my car fixed and it's a lot of money (and considering the circumstances it's rocked me). I can honestly say that in the later part of last week these jobs were not even in place and I was definitely stressing about it; but I made the decision to really lean on the Lord and call on Him and say "this may be tough but I choose to have faith and cast my burden and cares unto Him in ways I never have before". It is definitely a testimony of His power, grace, love and care in a very personal way for me. I am also very excited because it looks like I am going to be able to go back to India in December and an extremely awesome part about it is I have a concert at my house lined up with Molly Jenson that will help go towards the trip! (She is really awesome!) I am so excited! Anyway, I will leave y'all with an awesome picture of me and my little bro at a recent family beach trip (picture thanks to aunt Cathy, or Caca as we've called her lovingly for many many years). I love my bro (I call him my Bubba). And let me know if any of you would like to come to the concert (you can do so by posting a comment-- seriously, the more the merrier)! (BTW, can you say twins in this picture...and we're 11 years apart! Hello!)

Drum roll please...here are the Switchfoot pics!

Without further ado, here are the Switchfoot pics! They put a smile on my face :)