Meet the Jacobsen Crew.

It was the summer of 2012. I was young and naive. I ventured out on my first solo trip to the Oregon coast embarking on a new chapter. And it was there in the little coastal town of Cannon Beach at CBCC where I met my second family - the Jacobsen crew. The age group I was placed in that summer was the nursery which I didn't mind because I loved little kiddos (don't worry I still do love little kiddos). One week the numbers were really low which was good for everyone involved that week. This would be the week I would meet one family that would forever change my life. Their sweet, cute little son was a mere eight months of age. He was a screamer and we could see it in his mama's eyes that she would love some time with people her own age. She entrusted us to care for him and my what a blessing him and his sweet sister were. I remember God taught me a lot while trying to get little D to give in to sleep. There is nothing quite like accomplishing putting a baby to sleep. The Jacobsen's returned for a second week at CBCC that summer because the dad is part of one of the worship team's that comes to CB. Throughout the year, we kept in touch through FaceTime and texting. Praise Jesus for technology!

My friendship with this family grew when I returned for a second summer in 2013. I remember how giddy I was with the anticipation of being reunited with them because ya know there is great comfort in familiar faces. 

We kept in touch while I was at my first year at Ecola. They have been so kind in offering to pick me from the airport and take me there which I am thankful for. It was fun keeping in touch with them and getting to see them for a night or two. I didn't work at CBCC last summer, but it was so nice being able to see them since I was still in town.

The past few weeks have been the BEST! Why? I have pretty much moved in with this family before heading out for SMT (we leave on Saturday!!!! Crazy. Check out this blog for more info SMT). I have enjoyed being a part of their family so much that I am dreading leaving tomorrow morning. Each member of this family has taught me much.

The dad has been an awesome fella to converse with about breaking free from a legalistic mindset in Christianity to a more relationship based mentality. Because you know, following Jesus isn't about a step by step rule book but rather about the freedom that can only be found in God's grace and love. Oh how deep is His unconditional love! The dad and I relate when it comes to media: photography, graphics, and all that jazz. Thanks, for all of the awesome chats I look forward to many more!

I just love the mama of this family. Gee, she should be wearing a cape because she is supermom! She not only loves her family but loves each person who enters her home. She has made her home such a welcoming place and very homey which for this twenty-something is so comforting since home is farther away than I would prefer. I have greatly enjoyed our conversations on everything from how to interact/communicate with people to our relationship with God. She is one wise lady! 

Collectively I must say that the dad and mom of this family are an incredible team. I have seen them have many curveballs thrown at them which is inevitable with the stages of life their kiddos are at. Okay seriously people in three weeks they've had to deal with a bead up a nose, a broken foot, their kiddos ending school, and so much more. WOW! Yeah that's all I have to say. 

Their children have been so fun to observe and converse with. Their eldest is now an upperclassman. Whoop! She is one fascinating gal. Art and music are where she thrives. It is so fun hearing about her adventures. I absolutely love how she isn't trying to conform to the world around her but rather embracing who she is as an individual. You go girl! You have a confidence I wish I would have had at your age. Keep your eyes on Jesus and I am confident He is going to do BIG things through you! Yeah YOU! Their little people (preschool and kindergarten aged) are awesome! They are learning new things each moment of every day. They are so curious about everything which means they ask a lot of questions. They give the best hugs! And they are kind, hospitable and loving just like the rest of their family.

If you haven't caught on this family means a lot to me and I am going to miss living with them. I will miss the nighttime prayers, cuddles, HGTV, and everything in between. Thanks for being awesome Jacobsen crew! And thanks for letting this twenty something live with you! Have a fun summer!!! See you in August! :)