Eres mi sol

Dutch can Samba too...

This semester I'm taking a World Music class as part of general education requirements. It's been an amazing opportunity to learn about foreign cultures through their music. Today we had a Brazilian dance teacher give a group of very nervous and stiff college students some dancing lessons. We learned the basics in Samba and Belly Dancing. Some very funny and self-conscious dancing ensued!

This is Samba dancing from the Brazilian Carnival national festival. We didn't exactly look like this...
Our instructor explained that belly dancing was done in ancient Egypt to help ease labor pains for pregnant women. I would believe it, my abs got a full work out!

You Can't Waste the Day Wishing It'd Slow Down

The fall at Hope college feels like a triathlon as I make my way from class, work, and friends. I'm taking plenty of exciting classes this semester including a literature class, Spanish VI, Political Science, World Music and Cultural Heritage II. We have also had our first Team Gil Relay for Life meetings, new t-shirt designs should be coming soon! The weekends have been busy with friends and I even went to visit Michael at the University of Michigan where he took me to my first Big House game.

I've Got To Step Outside These Walls

Orientation 2008

Explore the Possibilities

I can't believe it's been one year since I moved to Michigan!!

Now it's my time to show my little sister around, teach her the ways of the Dutchmen, and help her adjust to the phenomenon of seasons.

We moved 200 freshmen boys into Kollen Hall... my arms still hurt.
Emma's roommate and me, we'll help Emma learn how to do laundry.

I'm not sure Hope is ready for both of us.

Family!!!