Adventures in the West : HALF OVER?!?!?!

My time in Lewiston is already half over! It doesn't seem like I have been gone for 7 weeks, but I have. I have come to love this little town, and the people in it. I am in a place where the people want to help me grow and learn. Everyone is so eager to help me, and even though I am just a college student, I am treated as an equal to the adult leaders in the youth group who have been there for years. It's been so awesome.
I got a surprise from David this week, he sent money to Ken and Christine (who I am living with) for them to get me flowers from him. He is the sweetest, and has been so supportive while I have been gone. I sure love him. :)
This week I got to see my mom!!!!! While the people here have become like family, it was so relieving to see a familiar face from home. Especially since it was mom. She surprised me at youth group last Wednesday, and from there we had three days of visiting people, getting pedicures, and exploring the surrounding areas that I hadn't explored yet. One day we just decided to drive for a long time just to see where it took us and what kinds of things we would see. Friday night we went up on the hill and took pictures of the LC Valley at night, so that was really cool. It was so nice to just have her to talk to and be with. There is nothing like having your mom around, and it's even better when she is your best friend. After church on Sunday, we drove back to Coeur d'Alene (about 2 hours) to Grandma and Grandpa's house. It has been so fun to live within driving distance of them! Monday morning we woke up and grandpa took us to brunch. As I was looking at my menu, I found a cinnamon roll that looked amazing. It was a small little cinnamon roll with a little icing drizzled on top. Nothing to write home about. HOWEVER, about 20 minutes later the waiter comes back with mom and grandpa's food, and the BIGGEST CINNAMON ROLL I HAD EVER SEEN IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. It was literally the size of my face. It was about 3 inches thick with dough, and about an inch thick of icing. It was incredible. You can see it in the picture below. After brunch, I had to say my goodbyes not only to grandma and grandpa, but also to mom. I am so so glad she came, but it was hard to say goodbye again.
Tonight we had river night. We went tubing on the river. For those of you back home, this is basically lake day but in a river. It was awesome and I didn't fall off the tube. It was almost as good as riding Chuck Mashburn's boat, although I don't think anyone will ever reach Chuck's level:)
The most amazing thing (besides mom being here) of this last week was seeing the Northern Lights! Now I know it wasn't like the ones in Alaska or anywhere farther up north, but I think no matter where you see them, they are beautiful. To suddenly see beautiful lights dance through the sky is something you don't forget. It was really exciting.
It is very bitter sweet knowing my time is half over. I love it here, but I love home too. Ugh. Growing up is hard.
Until next time!
Hannah