Growing, Growing, Growing...

Brought to you from the green couch on the second floor of the Palm Villas Apartment... it's Vanessa Vann with another Vegas update :)

I now know why I'm supposed to write in this thing on a regular basis... because I've started writing and deleted everything 4 times now. There is just TOO much to say!! So I might as well start from the very beginning. Grab your favorite treat and a comfy blanket cause this post is going to be a bit lengthy!

I now have THE most beautiful new addition to my family! Her name is Clare Jane Jackson and she is the cutest little girl in the world! I was able to take a whole week off of work and fly to N.C. to meet my new niece. It was so exciting to be there for the WHOLE thing (even the false alarm :) ) It was great to see Meliss (who is a ROCK STAR) and LD (who is a stud) especially because it had been so long. Because Clare decided to come in her own perfect time, my trip over lapped my Mom and Dad's too which was perfect!!! The Jackson crew will NOT be coming home for Thanksgiving so we will all have to wait till Christmas to see them! I miss my big sister like crazy!!!!!

Very exciting at work...in just over a month, I've been able to watch 3 SAU employees (Kim Hayworth, Mike England, and Mallary Wiley) go through one of our Leadership Programs at Rapport! It is so fun every time to watch two of my worlds collide with one another. But more importantly, I get the joy of watching so much growth take place before my very eyes! As much as each of them has thanked me for the opportunity I was able to give to them, the amount of growth they provoke in my life as they continue to ask questions and stretch themselves is a blessing to me!

We also just launched our new website that I've been working on since I first got to Rapport. www.RapportEducation.com

One of Melissa's friends from High School got married out here on the Strip so it was lots of fun not only to go to the wedding, but also to see some more familiar faces :)

I've always been told that growin' up ain't easy... and sometimes more than others I realize that! Along with voting...Today I got to go to Court to defend a speeding ticket I received and left feeling like such a grown up :) I walked out with the exact intention I walked in with (in other words... God was completely on my side :) ) I constantly call my Mom and Dad and ask questions, advice, and for prayer... and I think that's how it's supposed to be. And if it's not... well then it is my intention to redefine adulthood :)

I am now a proud member of "The Ladybugs", a group of women that meet once a week for dinner and a Bible Study. There are about 35 women of all ages in the group. I also was able to attend the Hope Women's Retreat at Mt. Zion in St. George Utah. BEAUTIFUL! There were 85 women there, a great speaker, and awesome worship! I also continue to lead a group of eight 12 yr olds in "Refuge" (youth group) once a week. We are having a slumber party at my apartment in a few weeks. Bring on the nail polish, chick flicks, and pizza :) I love being 12!!!

This weekend I will be traveling to Tahoe to host a "Spaghetti Cook Off Fund Raiser Dinner" for work. I believe that's why I like my job so much... i get to do a little bit of everything. Today I was reminded of how absolutely blessed I am to not only have A job, but one that I love and makes an impact on the world. The economy has caused many people to lose jobs and take pay cuts... and as I watch that happen around me I am so humbled. I again go back to having complete confidence that this is the place God has me because this is the place He desires to use me. God's provision continues to astound me every single day!

I am SO very excited to be traveling home for some Turkey this Thanksgiving! I believe Thanksgiving will take on a whole new meaning for me this year as I have arrived at a place in my life that I truly do appreciate family, friends, and faithfulness. Holy smokes...I'm growin' up!

Again, thank you for your prayers!! I feel every single one of them! I look forward to seeing you all on my visit home! Drop me a line to let me know how you are doing: vvann@rapportleadership.com.

(Obama JUST became president)

Sending love from Vegas,
Vanessa

Flyin' high!

Hello everybody!!!

Yes, I am alive and doing quite well! It's hard to believe that in only being here 3 months I've already found myself saying... man I'm busy! yet I wouldn't have it any other way!

Let me catch you up to speed on some exciting things going on in LV :)

• I SURVIVED my first evaluation from work!! Woo hoo! And the good news was that not only did I make it... they also gave me a little raise because of the extra work I am doing!! It was a tremendous growing opportunity for me as the corporate world continues to keep me guessing :)


• Summer has finally started to fade and we are headed into fall! Today was only 87... not bad! I continue to be baffled by how much it costs to keep a small apt cool...yet I have a difficult time holding my ground and always end up turning it back on! haha.


• I am now a proud member of a gym pass... although not exciting to many of you...kick boxing has become one of my favorite things to do after sitting in the office.


• Last weekend I went on my 4th class for work: Eagle Quest! It was AMAZING!!! The class was a high ropes class (given the name of my entry...I had the opportunity to take myself to new heights). My warrior name for the class was "Joyful Star." "Joy" for something I desire to keep in my life and "star"representing a star fish and its continual growth even when faced with struggle and brokenness. This class was by far one of the most powerful things I have ever done before, but also the most powerful thing I have ever done for MYSELF. (that would need a whole entry to itself) With the class we also got to proclaim a dream for our life in which mine is that "I am a faithful Christian, confident woman, and strong warrior who allows my soul to sing, my feet to dance, and my lips to speak words that will change the world. I will leave the world a better place than I found it!" Needless to say... the take away from the class was beyond my expectation!


• On a similar note, this week is an exciting time for me as one of my Professors (and now VP) of SAU is going through class! She flew in from MI, went to class, and will be staying with me after graduation tomorrow! I realized what a vulnerable place I have put myself in as I share my passion with another person... not knowing what the reaction will be. Yet I have also taken the realization of how confident I am in the career I have chosen and the opportunity that has been made available to me to assist others in utilizing their own potential!


• Last night I enjoyed going to the Italian Feast in town... a huge festival with a lot of GREAT food and music. I worked a booth with the youth group from church and enjoyed such a great time!

As you can see... the last few weeks have been constant...and a tremendous amount of growth has taken place in my own life. I am continuing to develop my own sense of self and how God desires to use me in this great big world! At the same time I'm having a blast and living in the opportunities that present themselves! Next weekend I will be heading to Disneyland for 2 days with work... woo hoo!!! And then off to N.C. to meet my new beautiful niece (if my sister ever decides to pop her out... only time will tell). I will be staying in N.C. for 7 days!! What a special treat!!!

One of these days I'm going to make the venture home to see you all... I really do miss the familiar faces!! And I know that Thanksgiving will be here before I know it!

Until then... enjoy some pictures from my high ropes class last week and laugh as you imagine all the crazy fun that took place!!!

Love from Vegas :)

Long time no see!

I know it's been a VERY long time since I have updated my blog! Things have been crazy and moving at 100mph! Here are some things that have happened in the past few weeks:

Mom and Dad came and visited Las Vegas!!! They got me all set up for success in my new apt and I got the opportunity to show them around town! And yes... even visit Sunset Station Casino across the street from my apt...for dinner of course! :)

I had the opportunity to go speak at the ICAN (Issues Concerning Adolescents in Nevada) Conference! I drove up to Mt. Charleston with the president of the company and had an absolute blast getting to know him better! The view was magnificent and speaking wasn't too bad either! The camp was a little whack... but I had so much fun speaking to 150 teens for about 3 hours total!

I started volunteering at "Refuge" which is the youth group at Hope Baptist Church. It's an absolutely phenomenal group of people! (about 150 teens every Sunday night!!!!) They have a great band that leads in worship, the youth pastor teaches, and then I lead a small group of eight 7th-8th graders! Love it!

I have officially, without a doubt, undeniably reached adulthood! I have signed all my paperwork and now am putting money into a 401K! Weird!

Here is some stuff to come:

I will be receiving my FIRST bonus check on Monday... WOO HOO!

I am looking into moving...YET again! 2 girls from the church rent a house and are looking for a third roommate. It's in Southern Highlands (a very nice neighborhood down the street from the church) and is a 3 bedroom house. I'm going for the world record of moving the most times within a 3 month period :) And on my way to success!!

Kim Hayworth is coming down to go through LB1 at work!! I'm super excited and I get to put together her power pack! It's the little things in life! She'll be staying with me for a night or two after she graduates!

I'll be heading to Disneyland Sept 20-21 with my company! I cannot WAIT!!!

I will be traveling to N.C. Sept 23-30 to meet the baby my sisters been carrying around for a while! I'm totally stoked to meet her and see Mel and LD!! Its been WAY too long!

And I think that's about it! Life continues to change and move at an incredibly fast pace! And I continue to grow and learn. Here are some interesting facts I have learned:

• No one out here has basements! Go figure! The grounds to hard to dig in. So people look at you strange when you ask if there is one.
• NO ONE out here drinks milk... EVER! Come on! Milk is like a staple at home! The only reason for milk is baking purposes or to pour on your cereal. When I offered my guests milk... you wouldn't believe the stares I got!
• Buying red bathroom towels are the biggest mistake you could ever make! They will turn your bathtub red, your carpet red, your dryer red, and your body...RED! They need to put a warning out there!

I'm excited to be where I'm at and continue to be blessed and thankful! I have my days when I just miss my good ol' friends from home that just always get me and know how to encourage and support me. Yet I know there are great people out here that I get to build those relationships with.

Thanks for your thoughts, prayers, and encouragement! You wouldn't believe how far that stuff goes!!!

LOVE!!!!

Feelin' PINK!

One full week I have now been living in my apt. I absolutely love it. I wasn't too sure how I would enjoy living on my own; I have no complaints thus far! I met my neighbors today... a nice guy and gal! I am BEYOND ready for my furniture. God always seems to provide though. Last Saturday I went out "furniture shopping" in which I came home with absolutely nothing except a smoothie and some really funny experiences. I ended up at a warehouse for "online sales only" as the man told me. However, after a few batting of the lashes managed to get him to pull out the futon I wanted to look at and put it together for me. However, when I sat on it and I told him how uncomfy it was...I think he was a little less than impressed. The good news is that I went into work and Nicole told me I was more than welcome to getting some furniture from her...a couch, bed frame, mattresses, and an armour. Sweet!!! God comes through AGAIN!

Tonight I had plans to go to the Hard Rock Hotel for some karaoke with the girls from work however unexpectedly got PINK EYE!! GROSS! And I think I'm just a bit under the weather. I was told this is the worst time of year for the Newbies to Vegas cause we all find out we have allergies. So I'm not sure which I'm suffering from. All I know is that I will be resting and getting over it quick! Tonight I did make a delicious key lime pie for the cookout at Nicole's tomorrow with some people from work.

Last Sunday I ventured to the other side of town to meet Erin, a girl I have been Emailing since before I arrived out here. She invited me out to her church and lunch. It was fun and I met some really nice people. Monday night I went to the women's Bible study and that was great too! However it makes for a crazy day going to work form 8-5, making dinner, and bible study from 6:30-9:30. It was a beautiful drive out there to the tip of the mountains though! Every day I drive home from work and just praise God for the beauty out here! I feel as though it goes over looked by so many people who live out here because they are so used to the scenery. However for me... it's absolutely beauty!

Next weekend Mom and Dad will be out here! I'M SO EXCITED!!!! Family, furniture, and fun on the strip :) I'm excited cause they get to go to a Teen graduation while they are out here too! They will be here til Monday or Tuesday.

I was so excited to get the chance to catch up with both Chris and Kris this week! Its so fun to hear how people are doing and how God is working in their lives. And daily I'm reminded that I have some way sweet friends at home!

I just realized after reading over this that the people I work with are absolutely right! I use exclamation points WAY too much! But it's just cause I'm excited about what I'm saying. (I use !!!! in my phone reports...apparently unnecessary!)

I will be sure to post some pics of Mom and Dads trip out here! :) I'm sure we'll have some good ones!

XOXO :)

Oops i forgot the pics :)

A new place to lay my head...

Now this is home... all I need is some furniture! :) After working from 8-5:30 on Tuesday, I got home, loaded up the car and headed over to my new apt. Breann from work and her husband Brandon met me and helped me unload everything which was AWESOME! I can't say there was a lot of stuff seeing that everything I own fits into my Focus, but a lot for one person to unload up a flight of stairs in 120 degree weather for sure!

I realized there were some things that I was missing since I dont have furniture yet, so I borrowed a few things from the Rapport House (sheets, pillows, towels, etc) and headed to Target for everything else. I now sleep on the most reliable air mattress known to man and up untill today have eaten subway for every meal becuase I didn't have the gas for my stove turned on yet! But it's nice to have my own space and have a place to come home to each night that is mine.

I was SO excited to find that my apt is picking up a wireless internet signal so I do have the internet! God is so stinkin' good! As silly as it sounds after I connected to the internet I just sat on the floor (no furniture reminder) and said out loud "THANK YOU JESUS!" What a blessing! I dont have a television yet... but a girl from church is letting me borrow a TV and DVD player untill mine comes. Everything has just gone the way its supposed to and every need continues to be met!

Mom called today and asked what I was doing and as I told her how strange it is to be an adult and in my own place, I was laying on the floor making snow angels in the carpet (no furniture reminder). This weekend I have two guys coming over to drop off a dresser, book shelf, and patio furniture that has been donated to the "Take care of Vanessa fund" :) My aptartment is about 7 minutes from work (about 12 min from the strip to give you an idea) but I'm proud to announce my mailing address is no longer Vegas!

Here is my new Address:
650 Whitney Ranch Drive
Apt #3624
Henderson, NV 89014

Here are some pictures of the new place...once again... no furniture... just some walls :) I'll be sure to get some pics up once the furniture arrives:)

The Last Night...

Tonight is my last night living in the Rapport House. Tomorrow after work I will be moving to the Palm Villas... my new home! I'm SO excited to finally have a place of my own... a place to call home! It'll be nice to say it's mine and know that I don't have to come home from work and check all the doors to see if I have a new roommate for the night; I can stop labeling my groceries in the fridge; I can leave my toothbrush and tooth paste in the shower; and I can lay around in my PJs on the weekend! It's the little things in life :)

Things have been going well! Last weekend I went for the first time "On-Team" for the teen leadership classes! It was truly an amazing experience and definitely gave me a new passion for what exactly it is we do! Seeing the lives of each of these students completely transformed in a matter of 2 1/2 days makes me want to get as many teens in these classes as possible. I had two parents call me today at work (one crying on the phone) amazed at the confidence, love, and passion their children came home with. It just makes me excited and pushes me to continue forward on my own journey to one day be a Teen Leadership Breakthrough Trainer.

God has continued to bless me, grow me, and love me as I have adjusted to a new life. I couldn't have asked for this transition to go any smoother than it has! I'm still receiving encouragement cards from family and friends back home... and everyday I receive a card I thank God for all of the people He has placed in my life! People at work pass by my desk and are amazed at all of the encouragement cards I have hanging on my bulletin boards. And I have such love and pride in my heart to tell them what amazing people I have in my life. Although the transition has gone well I still can't wait for Mom and Dad to come and see what my life is about out here. And to see Meliss and LD and their beautiful lil girl. Sometimes I can't believe I have survived nearly 2 months on my own... and I know it's because of His guidance and every one's prayers!

After I get moved into my new place I will be sure to take some pictures and post them so you can see the new Crib :) Until then...

XO

An Eventful Weekend

I experience my first official "holiday" from work... aka a 3 day weekend! YES! It was a lot of fun... lots got done... and I feel ready for a new week! :) I did a lot of "Grown up... independent woman" things this weekend (haha that just made me laugh typing it). But it is true! And I'll prove it :) Here are a few of the things I did:

laundry

grocery shopping

cleaning

cooking (I actually cooked my REAL first meal...pathetic but true)

Went shopping alone for like 3 hours!

finished up some work from last week I didn't' have time to do at the office

went to the bank for the down payment on my NEW apt :)

took care of "Finances" (haha)

went to church

worked in the nursery

oh and I may have had a bit of fun with some friends ;)

For the fourth of July my friend Aubrey, who just moved here from Georgia, came over for dinner. We met up with about 5 people from church for a movie (Hancock... real good), met up with more people from church, went to the Henderson fireworks, and then went to the pool hall for a bit... in which I kicked major butt at pool (total fluke). But, it was a fun day! Here are some pictures from the 4th!

ENJOY :)

Sunset before the fireworks

Kim, me and Aubrey

Kim and I before the fireworks

Something to get used to...

Sorry it's been a while since I've updated. I hear it from Melissa all the time when I fall behind. Things are going well... a lot to get used to. The heat has reached the unbearable 113 degrees. A bit much at times but I've never been so thankful for air conditioning. I'm beginning to learn many of the secrets to desert living.

1)Always carry a sweater with you no matter where you go. It will be air conditioned and feel like a freezer!
2)When parking your car for a long period of time, leave the windows open just a crack otherwise your car windows have the potential of cracking due to the extreme heat.
3)Always carry the following with you: water, sunglasses, lotion, and lip gloss
4) Only play outdoor activities after the sun goes down and the temp has cooled to atleast 90 degrees.

That's all in the area of helpful hints for right now. I'm sure more are to come.

I had the opportunity to go to my final class (Power Communication) last weekend. It was a great class and a lot of fun going with Breann and some of my other co-workers. It was Fri-Sun from 8am-12pm just about every night. Needless to say we were worn out! One of my homework assignments included going to Chuck E Cheese with 18 other adults! We had a blast playing tokens, collecting tickets, eating pizza, and ofcourse getting a pic with Chuck E Cheese himself! It was a blast! But all that to finally finish out the weekend at Graduation being one of the only Master Graduates. That means I have completed over 100 hours of Rapport Leadership Training. This also gives me the certificate needed to go "ON-TEAM" with the Teen department and assist the trainers. I will be going on my first ON TEAM experience next weekend July 11-13 to a camp about 45 min outside of Vegas!

There are a lot of changes going on within my role in the company. I recently took on the job of the ON TEAM coordinator in conjunction with my current roles of Coordinator of Educational Programs and Assistant to the V.P. Bridgit (the VP) continues to tell me all of these roles are temporary untill we can hire on more staff. This past week has been filled with exciting things as Rapport Empowered Education is breaking off into it's own company from Rapport leadership International. The vision that is ahead continues to leave me speechless. Within the next 2 years there will be over 100 people working in my department (one that is currently run by 5 people). But it has been awesome as I've had the opportunity to write the new company mission statement, have a hand in picking logos, designing business cards, and creating the new company website. I will let you know when it's up and running! :) Also exciting in that area was that I was asked to accompany the Trainers to our newest training facility located in the Dominican Republic in October.

On a more personal level, the essence of "home" is about to make a major change as I will be officially moving to my new apartment on July 15th! I'm extremely excited about the move and ready to have a place of my own... with MY stuff in it! It will truly be an adventurous change as none of my furniture is arriving from Michigan untill Aug when Mom and Dad get out here. I'm headed to Target this weekend to find the most comfy air mattress you've ever seen! Again, when I get the new address I'll be sure to forward it out to everyone!

Things have begun to move forward here, but it's difficult at the same time to know that things are moving forward back at home as well! Since I've been away... Kevin graduated from High School, 6 close friends have gotten married, my sisters tummy continues to grow, LifeChangers has come and gone, friends have taken on new careers, and the fam is spending their last 4th of July up at our favorite get away! It's strange to think no one from home truly knows where I'm at, what I'm doing, or what my new world looks like! I'm ready to see you guys! I'm ready for visitors! I'm ready to get into my new place and feel like I have a place that is home for me. I'm stuck in this crazy middle step where I've been away from Michigan long enough to say I don't live there any more, but I'm still living in this crazy house that feels more like a hotel everyday!

Please continue to pray for me as I truely settle into a new place in the next week and half.
Happy 4th of July... LOVE YOU!

It's gettin' hot in here!

Well, yesterday I experienced my first of many days of Las Vegas heat. The crazy weather forecast read 115 degrees! Which is really out of control. However, I will say that I would take this heat over Michigan heat ANY DAY!! Being outside just feels like your standing under a blow dryer because of the warm breeze...not like you are in a sauna dripping with sweat. I can honestly say that I don't miss the rain or clouds one bit. The sun is doin just fine shining out here! :)

Sunday night I went over to the park and played Volleyball with the Veritas (young adults at Hope) people. It was a ton of fun! I was so excited because we were playing beach volleyball! I told them not to expect talent...becuase honestly i come to feel the sand between my toes! haha. Surprisingly, they still let me play! I was so excited today because I recieved a call from one of the pastors asking if I would help with VBS in 2 weeks. It was kinda crazy because I had never signed up for it or anything; one of the girls I have been talking with and helping out in Children's Church told them to invite me! Very cool! However, I'm bummed becuase it's during the work week and I can't do it! Still the thought that counts!! :) Tonight I'm off to the Veritas bible study!

Breann my new working buddy is here! She is fantastic! Her and I are attending our first Teen Graduation on Sunday together. We are required to attend all teen graduations that are in Las Vegas... but I hear they are great so I'm really excited! Bridgit, my boss, is coming in town this week...which is exciting becuase I haven't seen her since I started working...oddly enough. So she'll be living with me here at the house starting tomorrow. I dont know how that works... living with your boss...but i'm going to give it a go and see what happens :)

That's about it. I'm keepin' busy...learning...growing... thinkin' about home :) Miss you guys!!! LOVE YOU!!!