I AM...

Well I think that it is about time that I write a new blog and what better experience to write about then the exciting and wonderfully new experience of being engaged....YEP I AM ENGAGED!!! WOWOWO I am engaged to the most wonderful man who I think is absolutely sooo romantic. I am going to be Mrs. STEPHANIE MAUS!!! AHHHH

Because the story has way to many juicy details and far to romantic to ever explain on xanga...I will share the highlights :)

  It was on our 1 year (but he threw me off completely)

  He took me to our romantic get away that no body else knows about (hint...its by a lake)

  Took me for a row boat ride where I had to twirl my beautiful pink umbrella while he rowed so hard and steered us away from rocks (heheh)

  Then we rowed back to the place where a gazebo was so sneakly decorated with gorgeous white tool and tons and tons and tons of white roses all in vases!! The Bible was opened to proverbs where it said (he who finds a wife finds a good thing)

   I started screaming

   I didn't even let him talk...I was freaking out

   He got down on one knew and asked me to be his wife

   Then his incredible family came walking from the bridge where two of my best friends (one has been out of the country and the other away at camp) come balling towards me I COMPLETELY LOST IT!!!

  It was topped off by the most incredible surprise of BOTH my parents flying in from new york!!!

  This was the best day of my life...I love you Joel Loren Maus and can't wait to be your wife!!!!

   He got down on one knew and asked me to be his wife

Snowdays

 Snowdays are pretty much the cooliest things ever! Highlights of snow days in TULSA would be the fact I definitely had 2 days off of school because of the huge lack of clearing the roads. Great adventures of six girls stranded in a huge house for 3 days...you'll never know what you are capable of until you have been locked up in a cozy house with a roaring fire and christmas tree. Hmm also so fantastic memories with my awesome boyfriend whom I think rocks this world... I love laughing, eating sushi, throwing surprise parties, making gingerbread houses, watching movies, making french toast (oh wait you don't like that...hahah) and lots and lots more memories with ya JOEY!!

  Life is God's gift given to us and we are given the opportunity to fulfill with Joy the adventures of the journey :)

Some pics of the roommates, sarah (bro's awesome sis), and the boyfriend

Currently Watching XMA - Xtreme Martial Arts By Mike Chaturantabut, Matt Mullins see related

Sweet Times in China...

Well, I think I will finally write about China after many popular demands I have decided to ditch the fact that I wanted it to be a deep thought out serious post and instead I'll just mention the incredible things that I love about China (def. inspired by my great friend jamie).

  1. Getting the incredible chance to sit in a plane at sleep for 13 hours straight...oh noo I did... mouth open drooling and all...remember that one team??? Oh and then having a 9 hour wait in Hong Kong eating the BEST chinese snacks around.. mmmmm YUM!!!

2. Riding in an automobile with a crazy driver that doesn't speak english and thinks that driving at oncoming traffic is FUN while listening to most incredible Chinese love songs!!

3. Carry a money belt as if it was an external bladder...ya know eating, sleeping, going to the bathroom with it on...man I don't miss that :)

4. Learning the most random chinese words and learning to use chopsticks as if it was our job (only way of survival).

5. Seeing one of the seven wonders like the GREAT WALL OF CHINA~ woohoo lots of stairs baby!!

6. Working everyday with the best children around...my baby Charlie and Micah and the list could go on and on...

7. Riding our bikes into town and bringing home "chinese take out" on the back of our baskets...

8. Having italian food in CHINA!!!Yum Yum thanks boys!!

9. Growing and learning the heart behind ministry...it truly is remembering that our lives our not our own, its not about us, and the same way Jesus came to serve, we are called to do the samething even when there is no recognition...

10. Living with the 10 most incredible peeps around for approximately 6 weeks...I love my kids!!!

11.  Going across the world with my own flesh and blood...the one and only bro...stephen thanks for being so incredible :)

12. Playing the best street ball around...(haha) with some trash talkers...hahah all for you boys :)

13. Having God rock my world with the challenge to recklessly love all those I come in contact with...

14. I could go on and on...great things were done in China...I hope that the Lord will allow me to go back one day...I realized how truly blessed we are in America and I know I will never forget the glimpses of Jesus that I saw...

Oh yes, and one last highlight would be seeing my great boyfriend after a looooong time...thanks Joel for being so supportive throughout everything oh and you were a great R.C (hahah) man I love the adventure of LIFE!!

Sweet times with the bro!!

Currently Listening Classical Chinese Folk Music By Various Artists see related

  Well I'm a graduate now of Oral Roberts University and on my way to becoming a professional educator ...(yes now if I can just get a job) that just seems crazy in itself and then as if that wasn't life changing enough I decided to take one of the most incredible m-trips to China for an entire month of my life. Hmm trying to sum this past month would be quite impossible but I will highlight on some of the experiences that I believe shaped my future and a lot of my character! HAHAH but the post is going to have to wait until tom. because I am way to tired at the moment from driving in the car for two days from Tulsa to New York so more to come kids...more to come!!! I promise :)