fillings, fog, and fun-dip

So it's the end of February already--Spring is on it's way. Though, not for everyone! As i drive through the gloomy fog here in Spokane, i hear about feet of snow still comming in the Mid-west and other Eastern states... i'm so thankful for our 40 degree weather and fog.

This past weekend i spent with the youth group at a winter retreat. I wish i had pictures to post... i'll see what i can get from those that had cameras there. High schoolers are a blessing, they really are. I sooo greatly enjoy hanging around them...i'm reminded of where i was in HS, and who i was... and it's fun to see them enjoying some of the same things i enjoyed at that age (such as fun-dip, red vines, perfecting cartwheels, converse shoes, guys who are in a band, instant hot chocolate in coffee, and peanut butter on pancakes). Despite the many things that didn't turn out as planned, the weekend was still a sucess. One of our students who firmly held to his atheistic standpoints, had some walls broken down and now loves Jesus. A couple of our girls had some great questions, and are earnestly seeking to understand what it means to be a Christian. I was reminded of how God works to draw people to himeself--even those that seem hopeless! An awesome weekend that will lead to great things in that youth group! I'm sad i have to leave.

I got to experience something new yesterday. I went to the dentist to have 2 cavities filled... there was about a year and half inbetween checkups where i didn't have good insurance, so the obvious tragedy occured: a cracked tooth and two fairly deep cavities. I still have two more appointments to have a crown incerted. Lovely. Anyway, the two cavities were both on the top. To make the filling of the cavities more efficient, they've come up with this new technique to keep the tounge and extra saliva out of the way...while protecting the cheecks and tounge from chemicals, etc. It's called a "a rubber dam." Basically, there is a rather large, but thin rubber sheet that they attached to my top back teeth on each side. The sheet then comes down to cover my tounge and hang out of my mouth (tight with a wire contraption...). this procedue is quick, but weird. I've never experienced anything like it. It's a good thing i'm comfortable breathing through my nose.
-- Kate