be joyful always

spring wishlist

2012-02-26T15:33:00.000-06:00

1) I want this way too much. Gotta love my sweet state.

2) Freshwater pearl wrap bracelet.

3) Leather covered journal

4) A pet sloth. (Jk... but really)

5) My obsession with cute white blouses. It's getting out of control. Love them.

6) colors + ruffles = summer. So ready.

7) Camera strap.

8) Start making some homemade iced chai tea

9) THIS IS SO GREAT. Listen to this over and over.

10) Travel without a set destination!

Literally, roommate

2012-02-23T14:31:00.001-06:00

EEEEEK MOLLIE'S BIRTHDAY IS TODAY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BEST FRIEND, LITERAL ROOMMATE, NEXT YEAR BUNK MATE; TRAIL RUNNING, USA LOVING, FAVORITE FRIEND. So dang thankful that this chica was born!

Grace

2012-02-17T12:36:00.008-06:00

"Why are you striving these days

Why are you trying to earn grace

Why are you crying

Let me lift up your face

Just don't turn away

Why are you looking for love

Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough

To where will you go child

Tell me where will you run

To where will you run

Look at these hands and my side

They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life I want to give you life"

So thankful for the Lord's love and grace today,
and that it's something that we don't need to earn
because it's something we don't deserve it in the first place.
Our God loves us that much.

"The Lord is gracious and campassionate, slow to anger and rich in love"

Psalm 145:8

Happy spring!

2K12

2012-02-05T17:46:00.003-06:00

Y'all I've been struggling to keep this thing updated. But 2012 has been great to me so far! Lots of time with friends and family, and lots of traveling. So, here's a little preview of 2012 for me so far, and a few new years (I know, so late) resolutions I'd like to keep for this year!

Well first off, this clearly isn't from this year. BUT this is one of our Christmas cards from forever ago. My resolution: take more family pics!! Seriously, (hint hint) sibs- we need to step it up. It may be a little harder now that my older brother, Matt, is in Australia. But really, we need to do better. Also, check out the 90s gear. Love that. Miss that (except the straight across bangs.. never again).

WE DROVE TO TEXAS. Yes, I have now officially driven there twice. And on the way we stopped and met with my favorite Mississippi girl, Anne eliz, and got some milkshakes. Resolution: get more vanilla milkshakes, because they are way better than they sound.

Did I mention WE WENT TO THE PLACE the Help was filmed??!?!? Resolution: meet everyone on that cast of the movie. Especially the character "Minny" because she definitely graduated from Auburn. Holllaaa at you girl! p.s. these are the sweet girls I went roadtripping with! Lots of great music and gas station stops.

And then we made it to Texas. And when we thought we were almost there, we realized how big Texas is and we still had 8 hours left. Resolution: live more like the Texas way- be a friendlier driver of course.

BUT WE MADE IT TO AUSTIN FOR NEW YEARS! And I got to hang out with my kamp peeps (note the photobombs in the back ground). I miss kamp so much and it is so fun seeing my peeps during the school year. Resolution: Hang out with my girl Amy more because we are nose ring twins and she rocks. #glitterrrr

Trying to take a new years pic. Note: the Auburn chicky fee bowl in the corner. Knox really doesn't like to take pictures. So maybe this resolution is more for him?....- take more pictures :)

We went to the SA, tx afterwards and got to hang out for a couple days. This is one of my favorite stores and I've only gone twice. I'm a little obsessed. Resolution: convince the owners of Whole Earth to get the hook up for us all in Alabama. Likely? I mean, a girl can dream.

We got to hang out with Knox's sweet sweet sweet fam in San Antonio. I can't say enough nice things about them! They are the best. And this is Knox's presh littlest sister, Elizabeth. Making THE face. Resolution? Make more people make this face because it's awesome.

Lakey lake time!!! For MLK weekend, we got to go down to my girl Brook's lake house. Relaxing and watching four seasons of Friends is my kind of weekend. Resolution: watch more sunsets and meet the cast of Friends.

Our girl Claire had a bday! I love birthdays more than anything. Especially for great friends like her. Resolution: be more stylish like my girl Claire, because she looks like she walked straight out of a Jcrew magazine.

Got to watch a storm blow in one night while the sun was setting. Resolution: probably stop taking pictures while driving? Ehhhh

We went to Nashville last weekend! And we got to tour Belmonts campus! I'm obsessed. Resolution: get into Belmonts grad school (but seriously)

We were waiting in line for this pancake place and some local artists came out and started to play. They were real good, probably because they had a guy playing the banjo and I love those. Davis is just helping them out with some $$$$. Resolution: learn how to play the banjo. Or guitar. Or that portable piano thing.

Right before we headed back to Auburn from Nash, we stopped by the Franklin square. Y'all I'm not lying when I say I thought I was walking through Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls. IT IS SO CUTE. It just reaffirmed how much I love Nashville. Resolution: Move to that place and go see a show in that theatre!

I booked my flight the other day to go to SPAIN for SPRING BREAK!! I'm kind of freaking out since I've never been to Europe before! I can't wait to goooo and so ready. Resolution: maybe learn a little spanish before I go? We'll see how that goes.

Reading up on some Isaiah 61. I love Isaiah so much and there's lots of encouragement found in this book! Resolution: to memorize all of Isaiah 61.

See what I mean?!? Stars Hollow.

Resolution: be a much better blogger than I've been the past few months. Hope everyones had a great start of the year!

Life according to Instagram

2011-12-03T16:56:00.001-06:00

FALL

Little sister turns 18!

playing in downtown Aubs

Mmmmm deep dish

Mallard ball mallard ball

Babysitting with the funniest person ever, Mattie.

Baking yummy treats

Toomer's sunsets

Noticing the common theme? BAKING

Playing with sweet little cousins!

Football games.

Christmas celebration with the roomz.

More Christmas stuff!!!!!!!!!!

YL All Area Christmas club

Babysitting really cool kids.

And now studying for the longest week of the year, with my favorite study buddy, Helen.

Happy finals y'all!

Happy fall!

2011-10-18T10:12:00.002-05:00

My sweet friend from kamp came to visit me this past weekend! She drove all the way from Baylor to spend time with us here in AU and we got to do fun fall things! She is seriously one amazing friend and I'm so thankful we got to spend time together! Here are just a few things we think people should do more often:

1. Pick cotton. I mean really, this is Alabama. Who can say they've picked legit cotton?!? Pretty neat.

2. Take time to relax and hop on a swing. Enjoy beautiful fall weather.

3. Ride a tractor out to a legit pumpkin patch.

4. Enjoy a hayride in October!

5. Who needs kroger when you've got this?? Pick out your own pumpkin.

6. Enjoy the hilarity that comes with acting like you're ten years old. Haystacks.

7. Drive on some pretty country roads. And listen to music a little too loud.

Love Kathy. Love fall.

Random transition, but my roomie Davis had a birthday this past sunday! Gosh this girl is so great. She is the most joyful person I've ever met and I'm so dang thankful for her. So duh, we threw a ballin bday party for her and we got super pinteresty.

Nomnomnom- pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese icing and cinnamon, and melted reese cups between two pretzels! Just a little bit of the ridic amounts of desserts we made.

Preshie preshie preshie

Even Rose put her party clothes on

We love ya Davey!

yum yummm

2011-10-02T09:54:00.002-05:00

The one on the left- this is what you call extreme begging. I mean, real dramatic.

As you can see, the test takers were real excited about it. But they thought they were all yummy! This is such an easy thing to make for a party/snack!

Able

2011-09-15T21:31:00.001-05:00

Y'all- the new needtobreathe album is so good. Go download it now!! One of my favorite songs so far is "Able" and here's a few lines that ring true to me:

Though I feel I’m just as strong as any man I know
I’m not able on my own

Though I feel I’m strong enough to carry all this load
I’m not able on my own

Find your patience, find your truth

Love is all we have to lose

I'm not able on my own

I'm SO thankful that we don't have to be able on our own.

Be young, be foolish, be happy.

2011-09-10T18:04:00.000-05:00

The past few weeks have been crazy busy:

We went to sharptop for work crew a few weeks ago and EEEEE Drew and Ellie came and had a small concert for us! Y'all, I just love them. But what I love even more is watching them perform with each other. They are so presh. So so presh. I've gotten to see Ellie at the three younglife camps I went to in high school and three more times since I've graduated. Basically, we're buds.

I had a sweet surprise visit this past weekend! Knox drove all the way from Waco, TX to surprise me labor day weekend and it literally made me smile so big. I love the fun and random paths that life takes you on while you're in college. And I'm so thankful for fun (although long) road trips. And SWEET sweet roomies who plan everything to help make it a surprise!

So of course we took him to the very first Auburn football game! Y'all, I'm so excited football season is here. Even if I leave the game sunburnt, with no more fingernails left, and with a hoarse voice; there's few things I love more than Auburn football. Fun fact.

And then this past week we had a social called "psychedelic". It's the very first social I've never had to buy a costume for because I already had rando hippie stuff. It was so fun to get to spend some time with all of my sweet friends outside of the craziness of school and homework.

EEEEEEK I've loved the past few weeks of being able to take a little break from school and I'm so glad to have my friends back and be back in Auburn.

Until later peeps.

Love this song.

FUNfetti

2011-08-21T15:59:00.001-05:00

Great newwwssss! All of the five roomies are moved in finally! YIIPPPEE.

We threw a birthday party for one of our sweet rooms, Cecilia. We wanted to bake something fun for her birthday so Mollie and I decided we would make icecream cupcakes. That's right. We made funfetti cupcakes (the only way to go), and put them inside of icecream cones. After that, we put them in the oven and let the cupcakes bake inside of the cone. YUM. Then we put cream cheese frosting on top. Y'all, it was so good. It looked just like a vanilla icecream cone. Tricked yaaaaa.

How good does this look? And it was so easy!

Yum. Seriously. Huge hit.

This week, I'm thankful to have all of my roomies back in Auburn. I'm thankful school has started (nerdyyyy, judge). I'm thankful that Cecilia had her 21st birthday last week and so thankful she was born! She rocks.

SMITH STATION YL REUNITED. Yep, my heart swells a little bit when I look at this picture. Greatest team ever, I feel so blessed to be placed with them! Here's our ballin team for this year... Minus Meggers and Anna!

I mean, how cute is this dog? Or the fact that his name's Bailey? I'd love to get a dog. Really. I'd especially love if it was one of these guys-

Great danes are so cute. I mean really. So what if they're huge? I WANT ONE.

Hope everyone has a blessed week. I'll leave y'all with this video. BEN RECTOR rocks

We're buds. September 13th y'all.

One year

2011-08-14T20:26:00.002-05:00

Its been a whole year since I've been to Ethiopia. This time a year ago, I was heading back on a plane from a trip that completely changed my outlook on life. Its been so long since I've seen the sweet faces of the street boys. Its been a whole year since I've gotten to sing with the crazy compassion kids or since I've gotten to look into the eyes of the "women at risk" and tell them that they are LOVED and VALUED by the Lord regardless of what they've been through. Its been a whole year since I've gotten drink some legit coffee and eat popcorn during a coffee ceremony. Really though, my heart is still in Ethiopia. Its been a whole year since I've seen the smiles my friends, the street boys or since I've gotten to eat good ole ingera, or go bargaining at the markets in Addis. Its been a whole year since my heart was completely broken for what breaks the Lord's.

(Photocred)

I find myself picturing all of the faces of friends I met in Ethiopia... All of those smiles that I think about so often. It's hard because I don't know where they are now, or where life has taken them this past year. But I'm so thankful that our Lord is so faithful and that we can trust fully in Him.

Its been a whole year since the Lord showed me what I wanted to do with my life. And a whole year since He made my heart for working with missions/nonprofit very clear. Its been an entire year. Although I'm sad, I'm hopeful. And grateful. And prayerful.

WAKA WAKA, I miss africa.

Love this song. You should too.

Mat Kearny's NEW CD

2011-08-03T19:41:00.002-05:00

Yipppeeeeee Mat's new cd is out! IT'S SO GREAT. Really, it has some sweet jams on it. This past week has been busy, fun, and exciting all at the same time. So to break down, check out these pics.

P.S. Texas may be my new favorite state... With Montana in close second.

Texas is SO pretty. Really, we were driving to Austin and I looked out the window and saw this. Beautttyyyy.

Knox and I ate at this fun place called "Home Slice" and it was the BOMB. Hmmmm pizza. Holla.

While we were in Austin, we had to see the capital. DUH. And might I say, it's pretty cool.

Then we went to Waco where I got to see some of my kampers! I couldn't have been more excited! Sweet Maggie on the left is one of my kampers from last summer. She is such a blessing and joy to be around. Laura Leigh is on the right and she's one of my funniest kampers I've ever had. She was in barn twelve with me this past summer!

After Waco, we headed back to San Antonio. It really is such a cool town! And I got to spend time with the sweet Schroller family. All in all it was a great visit, with great shaved ice, and great sunny afternoons.

I love traveling and getting to make visits, but I've also realized how excited I am to start school and see all of my sweet friends from Auburn! Yippeee for fall, Mat Kearny, younglife, and friends!

Until later.

24 Years

2011-07-25T23:42:00.001-05:00

Today, July 25th, is my sweet parents 24th anniversary! AH that's so amazing! 24! Which means next year will be their 25th year anniversary on the 25th! Good grief PADRE, you've got to do something super special! Isn't that the "golden anniversary"? Just sayin. Big deal! Growing up my dad had really awesome (and hilarious) gift ideas. One year, he got my mom one those foldable chairs that you bring to baseball games. You know, the ones that fit into that bag? He found a DOUBLE of those chairs so two were sewn together... So it was a super huge jumbo bag of chairs that we took to all of my brothers baseball games. And watching my mom's reaction while she opened the present was priceless. Maybe not what she expected, but it's the thought that counts right?

My dad is probably the funniest person I know. Really, I'm serious. He has a dry sense of humor and it always has me laughing. He always looks for the best in people. He is a constant reminder that you need to work to the best of your ability. He's such a hard worker and I've never once heard him complain. I'm so thankful for him.

My mom has such a servants heart. She has always taught our family to put others first and to serve without expecting anything in return. She really is the rock in our family and I don't know where we would be without her. I'm so thankful for her.

So for their anniversary, my little brother and sister and I cooked them dinner. We made all of their favorites and we wouldn't allow them to clean anything up. Even if I'm the not good at cooking at ALL, again, it's the thought that counts right?

They are so precious. Mom and dad, if y'all are reading this, I hope you know that I'm so thankful for you two. Happy 24th Anniversary!

Catchy blog title

2011-07-20T15:49:00.002-05:00

The past few days, I've been avoiding this blog post. Mainly because I don't really know how to put into words what the past eight weeks has meant to me. I'm having such a hard time explaining what kamp means and what the Lord has done in my heart. So as a start, I'm just going to try to verbalize all of the ways that I'm thankful for K-Kountry.

A lot of the things that we do at kamp doesn't make any sense to the outside world and that's why I love it. I'm thankful for this sweet place because it's a break from reality. It's a place where you become a mom of twelve in a matter of minutes; belly flops are just about the coolest thing ever; piggy back rides are common and your fingernails are always painted every color of the rainbow; sunday coffee cake breakfast is famous and asking your neighbor to pass the whiffle encourages the whole cafeteria to break into song; coloring your tooth black with a sharpie and throwing a toilet seat halfway across the lowerfields is normal, all for the hopes of creating moments of wonder; you get to look into the teary eyes of your kamper and tell her that she is LOVED and that she is made by the Maker; you have moments that make your heart smile, like when a kamper tells you that she loves kamp because "she can be herself and feel loved".

I'm thankful for the way the Lord works at kamp. You can see the Lord in everything that you do and you have to depend on Him for strength. Sometimes at home, it's hard because you can't hear Him as well. But the Lord speaks loud and clear here... I'm so thankful for that. I'm also thankful for the Lord entering our kampers hearts for the first time. Nothing sounds better than the bell ringing and seeing a kamper surrounded by counselors cheering and hearing them say, "this is what the angels are doing right now in heaven".

I'm thankful for the friends that you meet there and the cloud of witnesses that surround you. I'm so thankful for my sweet co, Chelsea Courtney. And for all of the encouraging and uplifting women of Christ that I got to work with. The Lord truly handpicks every single one of the staff members at kamp for a great purpose.

I'm thankful that kamp makes you live for the moment. You can't plan ahead for the next day. You have to live for the day. I'm thankful that I got to take part in anything from dressing up as a tribe cheerleader with my kampers to dressing like a character from Candyland. While you're at kamp, you have to lay everything down that day. Yes, kamp creates moments of wonder but it also helps you live in that moment and appreciate every second of it.

Last but not least, I'm thankful for the joy that the Lord brings at kamp. When you feel so tired you can't get out of bed, the Lord provides that joy and strength. He gives it to all of us at kamp. He provides tons of laughter and smiles that you leave feeling like your cheeks are going to fall off. I'm thankful for that joy. So very thankful.

Kamp is a place that is so special that I know I can never completely explain. On that note, I'll leave you with this: east side, west side, get yourself to the kountryside.

God Bless B-town

2011-07-13T17:19:00.002-05:00

I haven't been able to blog in the past couple weeks because time off has been hectic, but lots have happened since the last time I wrote! Only one of the greatest holidays ever, the 4th of July, took place.

We love America at Kamp.

We really really do.

We had lots of festivities to celebrate America's birthday by watching the fireworks, eating as many ribs as you can, and enjoying a good ole bomb pop, colored red white and blue, of course. The 4th is just a great reminder of how blessed we are that we are able to freely worship our God openly. We are so blessed y'all. So so blessed.

Another ski trip has come and gone! The sun was out all day and even though it was a blazing 105 degrees on Taneycomo, it was so fun. Its weird to think that everything I've done this past term will be the last. Last ski trip, last canoe trip, last real deal trip.... Last chica dia, last few k-lifes. I'm getting sad just typing this! I'm going home soon!

This past term was the last time we were going through the themed parties. Last time we are scheduled to work at them. Y'all, this is so sad! Last chance to dress absolutely ridiculous without having to provide an explanation.

Maybe this is a really sad post. But I'm just feeling a little sad about saying goodbye to the happiest place on earth!

Last trip to the blueberry farm, the sweetest place ever.

I'm just really thankful for this summer and I'm amazed how fast the weeks have flown by.

On that note, I'm so excited to see all my family and friends. But, the sweet smiles of my 35 kampers from this last summer will weigh heavy on my heart. Next time I update, I'll be home. Ahhhhh weird.

Until next time!

More kampy things

2011-06-29T16:58:00.001-05:00

God is so good. I know I've said that plenty of times. But this week has been reassuring in that I know the Lord has a plan for me. During one of my quiet times this past week, I stumbled across this verse:

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."

Proverbs 16:9

It was just what I needed to read that morning. It was so great to be reminded that the Lord has a plan for us. And He knows exactly what our future holds. He will never put us through anything we can't handle! Because He is a loving and faithful God. I'm so thankful for that.

We had a Medieval party that we call the "Knight at the Fair" where all the girls dress up like princesses and the boys dress up as knights. There were several booths that had funny games that were made medieval style. There was even a corn eating contest. My sweet kamper Elizabeth challenged me to one. And she beat me. NO competition. None at all.

We took the girls in this term on their "Real Deal" Trip that I explained in the last post. They were so excited and as cheesy as this sounds, it just warmed my heart. It really did! I love their joy and excitement for the day. Sometimes, I feel so complacent and I don't always appreciate the day like I'm called to. One of my favorite verses that constantly reminds me to live for each say says:

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Matthew 6:34

So here we are in sweet Lampy, MO at K-west for the real deal trip. We had just gotten there and we were about to go swim off their dock in wonderful Tablerock when, out of no where, this precious baby pig shows up. K-west is so cool and has a baby pig pet. I wanted to steal her and bring her home. Please look at the pink nail polish. My heart is melting.

I'm sad that you can't really tell what I'm doing in this picture. But after we played with the cutest little pig, we headed to the blueberry farm. Look at the size of that blueberry!!! Its the size of a quarter. I'm just saying. They put the organic blueberries in Publix to shame. Complete shame. Y'all, they were the size of golf balls! Okay exaggeration, but I think you got the picture. Blueberries. Yum.

All I'm saying is, the Lord has blessed me this summer. I've loved the time I've gotten to spend with other counselors and with my kampers. I feel like my time at kamp has taught me so much about the Lord and about myself.

This is a rando picture from staff training. But, we can't forget about our roots. And by that, I mean that I miss all my Auburn friends and I am definitely repping the AU out here in Missouri.

Until next time,

Peace, love, & War eagle.

July & June

2011-06-22T14:59:00.002-05:00

We have our second group of two weekers already! I cannot believe a whole group has come and gone. I miss my first girls but this group has been so great too. So far, we've had a couple of themed parties and with our new group we have gone on a ski trip. We don't actually ski.. Just a bunch of tubing in freezing cold water (really though... Lake Taneycomo doesn't mess around). It's just a day full of laughter, sun, and getting thrown off tubes. This past week has been really great because I've gotten to spend lots of time with the girls that left in the first term and with the new girls we just got. I love getting to be a part of these girls lives, even if it's only two weeks out of the whole year. Also, lots of my kampers from last summer are back this term! It warms my heart to see them and have them run up and give me a hug! Really though, it's my favorite thing ever.

For now, I'm at the Coinomatic... Hanging out, doing some much needed laundry. I realized yesterday that we only have THREE weeks left out here. My heart hurts. Literally, it hurts. I can't keep thinking about that because it makes me so sad. I wish time at kamp could last year round and that school would just get itself done. With that being said, I miss all my friends at home and I would strongly support their decision to move out here. We could work at Dixie Stampede together? Tempting....?

The Lord has been showing me time and time again to stop looking at my watch and to quit planning things so far in advance. I feel like my whole life revolves around a clock and a schedule. He has been reminding me that He knows what He's doing. That He doesn't run on a schedule. Things happen on HIS watch. Not ours. And although this has been a tough lesson for me to learn, I'm thankful that it's not up to me what happens in my future. And it never has been. It's so funny how I have such a small view of what the Lord is doing in my life and I find myself thinking that I still know best. I'm thankful for the Lord's plan, for His faithfulness, and for His patience.

I'm having a blessed time and the Lord is working in the Kampers lives and in my own. Please continue with your prayers, we definitely could always use them!

P.S. Last night we ate at a BBQ restaurant called Danna's. So great. SO so great. Attention everyone at home: come visit me but go eat Danna's first. Peace and blessin's yall.

P.P.S. Listening to Jillian Edward's "July & June" and you should too!

Peach tea and Sara B

2011-06-16T16:24:00.001-05:00

Driving around with the windows rolled down, drinking peach tea, and jamming out to Sara B is such a great way to kick off a relaxing day. This past week has been really busy so this break has been quite a blessing. We sent our girls in our barn 12 out on the "real deal" trip. It's a trip that the girls in our barn take once a term where they get a special day just for them. For all of the girls we have, it's their last summer at K-Kountry and they will be heading out to the older kamps, most of them to K-west. It was such a fun day driving out to BEAUTIFUL Lampy, MO where we swam on K-Wests dock and lake (shout out to my girl Carol Dav!). After, we went to the blueberry farm. This farm is the cutest place because you can go pick blueberries then take them to get rinsed and cleaned. You know what that means people, fresh blueberries. It gets so much better though because they make blueberry muffins with a little icecream and you get to eat the delicious muffins filled with blueberries you picked! What a cute idea!

One of my favorite blogs, Todays Letters, recommended this blueberry farm to my girl Mollie and myself. She worked at a kamp in Lampy and said it was a definite must. It was just as wonderful as she had described it.

This past week has definitely taught me a lot about myself. To be honest, this was a hard week with all of the busyness and heat. But I'm so thankful for that. I'm thankful for the hard weeks because I'm constantly reminded that I can't do a single thing on my own. I'm thankful for the hard weeks so that my strength doesn't come from myself but from the Lord. I'm thankful for the hard weeks because they are humbling and motivating. If you could continue praying for the kamp, for the counselors, and for the kampers that would be great! Miss everyone.

HOLLA

He is so faithful

2011-06-09T14:21:00.000-05:00

Y'all I'm so glad the Lord knows exactly what we need. I'm so so glad He knows what I need more than what I think I need. Eeeeeeks hope that makes sense! Kamp has been so great. It is the happiest place on Earth and it has permanently taken place in my heart. Heres a little update for all the peeps back home and all my girls in Europe/at camp!

Staff training was a full ten days. Let me tell you, it was such a sweet time to get to hang out and work along side all of my old kamp friends. I have missed them SO MUCH this past year and it was real great getting to make some new kamp buds as well. So then the day came when we were placed into barns (yes we have barns, not cabins. deeeeal). Of course, being the creature of habit I am, I wanted barn five again. I had barn five last year and fell in love, thought it was the greatest place ever. But I was still open in being placed wherever. The Lord opened my eyes and saw me in barn twelve this year (the oldest barn at k-kountry)! At first, I was shocked. And so nervous. If anyone says that seven year olds and eleven year olds aren't that different, lets have a chat. Forreal. Because they are.

Again, the Lord is SO FAITHFUL. He knew exactly what I needed. The kampers in my barn are SO wonderful. Their walk with the Lord already at age eleven is so strong and I am convicted everyday to be an example for them and try to keep up with them. My co-counselor is the most amazing girl ever! Chelsea Courtney and I are in charge of the "real deal" which is a nick name for our barn. Just when I thought I had kamp all figured out, the Lord humbles me and sweetly reminds me that HE is in control. HE knows best. He is so faithful in that.

I'm on my very first "2-4" and I find that every topic of conversation is completely consumed with kamp and my girls in barn 12. My sweet co from last summer, Alyssa, lives right across the street from kamp so I'm getting to sleep in some A/C with one of my sweetest friends and get to hang out for the day. Isn't it so great to have a brief sense of normalcy and relax for a few hours? We will get to hang out for the day before I come back! I love the wonderful people you meet at kamp.

Heres a few things I'm obsessed with this week. 1) FEDEL, a christian rapper. Y'all he is so cool, go check him out. 2) Light purple nail polish. Hello summer time. 3) Gatorade. Or as my dad calls it "sugar water". Just the greatest drink ever invented. YUM 4) Sweet old fashion communication. Thanks right, snail mail. Send some my way out to Branson, MO please! 5) Coffee. I drank some this morning (with tons of sugar and milk in it, sorry AE). 6) Outlet malls. PTL for stores that save money.

Joplin

2011-06-03T14:06:00.000-05:00

I've been in Missouri the past few weeks and during staff training our kamp directors felt called to send our staff out to Joplin, MO for the day. Some of you may not have heard much about this town, but it was hit awfully by a tornado that left Joplin literally in shreds. So we traveled two hours down there for the day to serve with Samaritans Purse. What we saw was shocking. Everything was flattened. You could drive for ten minutes through the town and everywhere you looked you saw flattened houses and debris. We noticed big X's on houses and numbers inside of the X. If the house had that, that meant that there were people in the home who passed away because of the storm. Y'all, what we saw was heartbreaking.

My team served a sweet sweet lady named Margie. Margie is 84 years old and was home alone when the storm hit. Margies roof is gone, with her back yard scattered with random belongings ranging anywhere from christmas decorations to sewing projects. Sweet Margie arrived at the house in the middle of us clearing up her back yard. She was in tears. She'll never be able to move back into the house because of all the things that had happened to it and all the neighbors she had lost. My heart broke for Margie that day. Myself and the rest of the team reassured her that we were going to clear that backyard for her, get rid of the huge tree that was looming over half of it, and help her make a smooth transition to her new home. My heart went out for Margie that day.

I know you probably don't know Margie. But I reassure you that there are hundreds of Margies. Pray for the Margies in Joplin and pray for healing.

To do lists

2011-05-19T20:47:00.003-05:00

Is it just me or do to do lists never end? I feel like I've started several and right when I think I'm about to cross everything off of it, I think of a few more things I can be doing. But, GREAT NEWS! I'm going to be leaving to work at KAMP next week, Monday morning at 5 am. I know what you're thinking, and no, I didn't spell kamp wrong because we spell everything with a K. So all you english majors, just let this slide. I'm going out to Branson, Missouri to work for the great Kanakuk Kamps. K-Kountry is the best place on earth and my heart is SO FULL thinking about how soon I will be returning. For everyone who isn't familiar with kamp, heres the sparknotes version:

You'll get some ballin co's! Forreal, barn five for LIFE.

You take literally the funniest lake trips ever. Hands down.

You'll participate in the never ending search for crawdads

And find yourself chanting "USA USA USA" like it's your job, because folks, these stripes don't run.

And maybe, ONE DAY, maybe you will get to meet the Ms. K-Kountry. Hey, I said maybe

It really is a special place where the Lord is SO evident. He is constantly reminding me of how faithful He is and I am so thankful to get to return to the KOUNTRYSIDE. These next few posts will probably be all about kamp until I return July 18th. Prayers would be so great and so would letters!

Rollerblading, quite the venture

2011-05-13T13:38:00.001-05:00

Currently, I've been looking at all of my cool friends pictures who are studying over in Europe and I think to myself, what can I do in Auburn while everyone is away? What is something that's fun, "adventurous" if you will? And then a potentially dangerous idea pops in my head. Roller blading. How is this dangerous, you may ask. Well for one, any stick, rock, or crack in the side walk is the kiss of death. I mean that. Because here I am, roller blading and minding my own business, when I approach a hill. I'm already nervous about this hill, because my brakes aren't working as well as I would've liked. And I begin to pick up speed, and again, my breaks won't work. And I am drawn back to my first ski trip where I had NO clue what I was doing and I was that girl flying down the slope because I couldn't stop. Which then draws me back to my "Intro to Skiing" class I took when I was 17. You should snake back and forth right? So I did. I went from one side of the road to the other and right when I thought it was working, I trip over a stick. Kiss. Of. Death. What came after was a little rolling, yelling, and plenty of "No, no, I'm fineeeee I promise!" Needless to say, my mom wants me to get wrist guards and maybe some knee pads. We'll see about that....

Until next time,

Adventuring in AU.

Dear Katy, thanks for being a sweet sister and holding my hand as I go down hills. You saw what happened last time. I appreciate that compassion.

What. A. Champ.

Good news folks. I definitely know what gravity is.

Free fallin

2011-05-08T14:14:00.005-05:00

So yesterday was one of the scariest days of my life. And I'm so glad it happened. A few months ago, Cecilia and I got the great idea to go skydiving. We convinced two of our friends, Joe and Jonathan, to come with us. Finally, we made an appointment to carry this out and drove to Cullman, AL and actually did it! I know what you're thinking, YOU. HAVE. LOST. IT. But, it's not true. It was amazing.

Ah-mazing.

Dear shoe,

Wherever you landed, I hope you were greeted with a warm reception.

Sincerely, I only had you for a month. Thanks a lot.

PTL for knocking one thing off my bucket list. P.S. give some hugs to the great moms you have! Happy mothers day! P.S.S. In honor of this post, heres the two songs I was singing in my head the whole way down. True story.

P.S.S.S. who's up for hand-gliding? Holla at me.

On the Brightside

2011-05-06T10:55:00.003-05:00

Sophomore year is ending. And as sad as I am about that, I'm so excited about this summer and what it has in store. My least favorite thing in the world to do is saying bye to friends. Least. Favorite. Thing. Ever. So as I'm saying bye to my sweet friends, I'm just going to brag on them and share just a little bit of what their summer has in store! My two roomies for next year, Cecilia and Anne Elizabeth, are working at a camp called Desoto, in North Alabama together teaching mountain biking and being really cool! My roommate from this year, Helen, IS GOING TO CHINA. For the whole summer! So so excited for her, she gets to visit her sister and brother-in-law! Sweet Davis is going to be working in South Carolina at a ballin beach making that $$$!! My two sweet friends Katie and Caroline are nannying all summer in Birmingham, and Carol's getting to enjoy her very first Alabama summer. It's great! MARIE PARSONS IS GOING TO ENGLAND. Sorry, it wouldn't be appropriate to say it in any other way. I'm so pumped for her! Mollie and I are returning to K-Kountry out in Branson, MO. Words cannot express how excited I am!

My talented friend, Sarah Kathryn Heinss, is graduating from Auburn and moving to NASHVILLE!! Holy smokes I'm so excited for her! She is one of my sweetest friends, who is beautiful inside and out! Yesterday, we took some pictures around campus (because again, she's so talented) and here are just a few. If you want to get your pictures done, she's expanding her film business to photography! Go check out her website/blog!

Just two of my favorite things at Auburn: Toomers lemonade (duh) and Samford Lawn. Even though I'm from here and I get to be around both all the time, I find my heart really missing them when I'm gone. Take a minute and go look at SK's blog, she's stinkin awesome :)

As this school year comes to a close, I am so beyond thankful for the first half of my college experience. Even though I'm half way through, and I guess a new member of the "upperclassmen", I'm thankful the Lord tells us to live day by day. So though it may seem like life is going way too fast, I'm just going to sit back, enjoy what the Lord has to come, and drink some Toomers lemonade. Until then, folks.

Also, how cute is this video? Really cute, that's what.

In Christ Alone

2011-05-02T10:16:00.007-05:00

Today, I am thankful that I'm not in control, He is.

In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;

This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease?

My comforter, my all in all- Here in the love of Christ I stand.

the last verse..

No guilt in life, no fear in death- This is the pow'r of Christ in me;

From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny.

No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand;

Till he returns or calls me home- Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.

One sweet love

2011-04-28T11:04:00.004-05:00

Happy belated Easter from the Harris Family!!

Today, I'm procrastinating studying for the five finals I have next week. For now, I just want to be thankful for my family, for summer being so close, and for the ROYAL WEDDING. Hope no one judges when I admit that I'm waking up at 4:30 tomorrow to watch it.

Take it away, Sara B.

Hip hip horraaaay for William finding his "One sweet love"

On that note, I hope they play this song at their wedding. That'd be real cute.

And if that song is played, then they DEFINITELY need to play this Stevie Wonder hit

All things miniature

2011-04-25T08:19:00.001-05:00

The Hands and Feet

2011-04-20T11:02:00.002-05:00

We looked at this blog in one of my classes today. Renee is serving Christ over in Uganda and trusting completely in Him. What an encouragement she is. This girl is my HERO and makes my heart excited for what I can be doing in the future for His kingdom.

Check out Renee's blog and see what amazing work she's doing in Uganda here

Wave your flag

2011-04-12T23:11:00.003-05:00

Spring spring spring. I'm constantly reminded of how much I love this time of year. After an insane road trip, I'm left with lots of laughs, memories, and sweet friends. Summer is around the corner, which means we're half way done with school. Whaaaaaaaat? So, as this semester is coming to a close, here are just a few things that I think are pretty awesome:

Smith Station High young life leaders. Just the most amazing group of sophomores, minus my girl Sara. Shout out with some love to Spain!

Beautiful, beautiful Auburn University.

Wonderful country roads that the Tom-Tom seems to love. Seriously, how beautiful is that?

Sweet friends that are willing to listen to the same cd with me at least three times.

Delicious, wonderful cookie cakes made by my Davey girl (aka Davis).

Room 314. Holla.

This song. It's awesome.

And last but not least, I am so very thankful for my baby brother, Patrick. His birthday was today and he turned FIFTEEN. Whaaaaaaaat? He's the most precious fifteen year old there is. So give him a hug, a high five, or a super cool card. He deserves it.

Not to be all sentimental or anything, but I remember the day you were born.

Just saying. You are SO OLD

God Bless Texas

2011-04-05T22:30:00.003-05:00

EEEEEEEEK

I'm turning twenty. Good news, our best years are in the twenties.. right?

Side note: I'M DRIVING TO TEXAS this weekend.

I'm. Driving. To. Texas. This. Weekend.

Before you call me insane, please refrain (I'm such a poet).

Because it's happening.

So here's to Texas. Hope you live up to the twelve hour car ride.

Furbees? Ferbies? Furbies.

2011-03-30T23:50:00.001-05:00

In an attempt to make myself feel a little better and ease the sting of another candle on the cake, I'm bringing up an oldie. An embarrassing oldie that was taken from the prime awkward years. Drawn straight from my softball and basketball, rocking way too short hair, snake catching years (his name was Slim Shady, duh) here it is. Feast. Your. Eyes. I'm not sure a birthday was quite as happy as this one. And honestly, I'm fine with that. Nothing, NOTHING, will compare to how great furbies were.

Pure joy.

Be Encouraged

2011-03-28T11:43:00.000-05:00

It's rainy. School is picking up.

And I'm constantly reminded of how my flesh can get to me.

How imperfect we are.

And how undeserving of His love we are.

So on a day like today, I would just like to remind everyone:

Be encouraged.

Our God is a faithful one. He's listening to you.

He loves you.

Here we go Again

2011-03-20T21:57:00.003-05:00

Here we go again. Another spring break gone.

Another set of finals just around the corner.

But for now, I just want to talk about how wonderful my break was.

And not do homework (Sorry mom)

Beautiful beautiful Cape Cod. This was the sweet house we stayed in

with the most precious grandparents ever.

Love that place.

This is the view from Mimi and Pop's back porch.

Perfect.

From here, we headed to New York where we:

Rode a few taxi's, listened to some honking cars.

Felt extremely uncomfortable and awkward,

but laughing the whole time.

I know what you're thinking, but he's got shorts on!

Ate our own body's weight in candy from Dylan's Candy Bar.

Hung out with the sweet man at FAO Schwartz

Looked for celebs, failed miserably, and stumbled upon this.

And if all this adventuring wasn't enough, we headed to Martha's Vineyard.

With a brief visit to MV, we did a little:

Traveling, by way of ferry, that is. It was... Interesting.

Sight seeing... And by that, I mean take several pictures

of the beautiful homes there

Wandering the streets, antique shopping,

and being painfully touristy. But we didn't really care.

And stalking sailboats. They are so cool.

I love them with my whole heart.

And if this post wasn't already long enough,

here's a song I've been listening to nonstop lately.

Here we go again y'all. Forth round of finals. Bring it.

the Dock of the Bay

2011-03-08T11:22:00.002-06:00

I have the most random new obsession.

And it may have to be because I love decorating living rooms with

random things.... Nonetheless, I LOVE these colorful books (hint hint, mom).

Maybe they aren't for reading but I love how they are decorated

and could be put on a coffee table to brighten things up.

Etsy is the best.

Sara B has pipes. Forreal.

PTL.

2011-03-06T23:38:00.000-06:00

PTL for our Smith station Young life team

PTL for Adele and her awesome music

PTL for funny games and accidentally being super witty

PTL for lazy, rainy weekends

PTL for board games... But really
PTL for spring break being less than a week away
PTL for fun acronyms.. (Praise The Lord, y'all)

PTL for laughter, friends, and doing anything BUT homework

Underheard

2011-02-28T21:57:00.000-06:00

Danny is homeless in New York. Thanks to the group "Underheard in New York"Danny and three other homeless men received prepayed cell phones and twitter accounts. Through this, Danny was able to reconnect with his daughter he hadn't seen in years. How about this globalization, people? For all you twitter fans (and the people like me, who refuse to join) check out the website and you can follow these four homeless men. You'll get to hear a little about their lives, how they ended up homeless and hopefully discover a way you can help them. Needless to say, this website is pretty awesome.

signed, sealed, delivered.

2011-02-26T10:56:00.000-06:00

With great relief, I just signed my contract

to work at Kanakuk again this summer.

Cannot wait to return to the happiest place on earth.

Hollaaaa

my heart is full

2011-02-14T16:48:00.000-06:00

in the past few weeks, i've been inspired by:

1. merry may handmade is so crafty! She makes a ton of cool stuff and I'm trying to pick up on some of her craftiness.

2. Holy smokes this girl is talented. Check out her photography!

3. If you haven't discovered this blog already, please go read it. Every post. Katie is such an example of following Christ with all of your heart.

4. The mocha club. All of the programs they support are so great and so are the sweet smiles I worked with while I was in ethiopia.

5. Holly and Meagans journey in africa.

6. Vintage jewelry. They're all so pretty and I think each piece has their

own story

7. Brooke Fraser. Enough said.

and in turn, i'm inspired to:

1. Hammock more, worry less.

2. Watch more sunsets

3. Be crafty. Open a cupcake shop (with Mollie Maner). Look at this cupcake in a jar!

How perfect.

4. Remember to journal more often.

5. Learn how to make this. Seriously, this rocks

I'm thankful for another year full of friends, blessings, laughter, tears,

sunshine, and traveling. Bring it on 2011.

letmeseeyatigerwalk

2011-01-13T16:27:00.001-06:00

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP YALL

YAY for spring, for great friends, and for summer almost being here!!!

VERY merry CHRISTMAS

2010-12-24T02:04:00.001-06:00

with each christmas that passes, i become more thankful for Jesus Christ and for the cross. for the grace that has been given to us.

with each christmas that passes, a new year is granted to each of us. another opportunity that the Lord gives to us, an undeserved chance, where he lets us try again.

with each christmas that passes, all of the crazy "harris kids" that so many teachers heard of and babysitters feared, grow up. i forget this until i look at my little brother patrick, also known as project pat. how tall he's getting, how he no longer has that squeaky voice or the precious little boy bowl cut. and my little sister katy, who just turned seventeen, which means she's been driving for a whole year (eeeeks). she's applying to colleges now, taking the act... since when did they start to grow up so fast?

with each christmas that passes, i am reassured that we are forgiven, blessed, and loved. PTL for that.

Psalm 147

2010-11-22T13:56:00.001-06:00

"He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name"

i miss the streetboys a lot today. i don't know all of their names. i know i only met a small fraction of them. but i know they are there. i know what they're being put through. the Lord knows each of them by name, like he does every star in the sky. he created all of these streetboys with as much love and care as he created each of us. i wonder where the three streetboys i spent a lot of time are right now. what they're doing. if they're being taken care of... it is hard because i don't know. but the Lord does. he has a plan for each of them... and i have to trust Him. I miss this guy. this is Getahun. everyone on the trip liked to poke fun because he loved to hold my hand. but he took care of all of us on the trip. he made sure all of our purses were closed (as i just walked through the market, taking pictures, not paying attention to anything like that). when there were donkeys, goats, cows, etc. walking in front, he made sure we didn't get run over (because we all know i probably would've with my luck). he was proud of his new friends, even if some of his friends would call him a traitor in amharic for always hanging out with us. he let our group of americans call him "Geytar" the whole trip because thats how we thought we were supposed to pronounce his name and he was so nice that he never corrected us. he listened to "Yeah" by Usher about 25 billion times on my ipod and laughed when we all broke out in Michael Jackson. he confessed that he would like to marry Shakira, and knew all the words to her song This Time for Africa. He wiped my tears off my face and told me to be strong after he told us the last night "that he didn't care about the things that people had, he just cared about being loved," but then the waterworks REALLY came after that. needless to say, i really miss hearts like his.

this amazing picture was taken by amanda keith, she's got skills

take me back

2010-11-02T17:33:00.002-05:00

i need africa more than africa needs me.

join today.

planning planning planning

2010-10-13T14:28:00.000-05:00

Today i lost my planner. it took all of an hour to realize it was gone. this past year, i've kept a planner to write down any upcoming tests, meetings, appointments, homework, events.. you name it, i've written it down. right after i realized it was gone, i emptied out my backpack and could NOT find it. it wasn't there. i was really panicked because i had to find it. i guess i could've just gone out and bought a new one. but it's my planner... everything that is important to me is written in it.

thinking about how frantic and upset i was about losing my planner, i wonder how i would be if i'd lost my bible. how long would it have taken me to notice? and once i noticed, how flustered and upset would i feel? how much would i really care? it's so frustrating when i catch myself so concerned with appointments, tests, meetings, that i forget to pick up the most important book of them all, our Bible.

the planner was on the desk in my room... gooo figure.

coffee, coffee, diet coke, more coffee

2010-09-29T01:04:00.001-05:00

sometimes i wonder why i'm in school and why i put so much effort in all this school work. but the other day, i was reminded of how God has a reason for everything. i'm going to travel up to NYC, NY this christmas break through a club at my school, to work in a homeless shelter for about a week. it's the opportunities like this and the doors that God opens for you (the ones you didn't even know were there), that make me so very thankful to be here. going on mission trips to places like ethiopia, it's hard for me to remember that there is SO much ministry and work to be done back here at home. and i am overjoyed and humbled to be able to work with people who have become homeless for who knows what reasons. there are so many opportunities to serve while i'm here in college. often times, i find myself feeling so frustrated that i'm stuck in the library for hours on end studying for a test.

thank goodness for days like today, when i realize how silly my complaints are, and how big our God is. for every door that He closes, He faithfully opens another that is so much better for us anyway.

C.S. Lewis is the man

2010-09-14T19:06:00.001-05:00

"You don't have a soul. You ARE a soul. You have a body."

i'm so thankful to know that we aren't made for this world. yes, we have a body. but we ARE a soul. so many times i realize that my flesh is getting to me and i'm getting so caught up in all the things that the world is throwing at me. this week, it's been in having an overwhelming amount of school work to do that i can never seem to finish. it can make me feel so discouraged and unprepared. but i have to remind myself, that even though my flesh is telling me i'm exhausted and i really don't want to stay up for the fourth night in a row studying until 4 in the morning, the Lord will give me strength and he will show me that it doesn't matter what my body is telling me, because it's my soul that counts. what i'm working towards now will help me in serving his kingdom once i graduate, wherever that may be.

"If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.”

how deep the father's love for us

2010-09-06T22:02:00.001-05:00

i'm constantly reminded of how much He loves us. i mess up time and time again and he continues to love me.. i am so undeserving. one of my favorite bible verses is ephesians 2:8 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" it is just humbling to know that its not by what we are doing, because we are all undeserving. but God loves us so much that he gives us a chance to be with him for all eternity anyway.. i just love that about our God.

i've been thinking about all that happened in ethiopia and how i can try to tell all the stories that took place while i was over there. and honestly, there are so many that it's overwhelming. i don't really know where to begin. but i've noticed that God lays one person i've met in ethiopia on my heart for the whole day. i don't know if that makes sense, but for the whole day i'm thinking about that person and praying about them. each person has their own story, and so i'm going to attempt to share each person that is on my heart for that day and hope that it makes sense.

today, it's this sweet lady that i met at the Women at Risk. i'm mad at myself for not being able to pronounce or even try to pronounce the ladies names.. but i'll never forget her. she was one of the women in the program that had previously been a prostitute. she knew small bits and pieces of english but her spirit was so uplifting and positive. i try to think about how i would be if i were in their shoes.. and how i would be after experiencing the terrible things that they've been put through. and i'm not sure i could say i would be as positive and radiant as these women are. she always ALWAYS had a smile on her face.

i get so bogged down in daily life.. i get stressed out easily and school takes over my life. i have to remind myself that if these women who have experienced such hardships can put a smile on their face and remain positive and hopeful, i can do it too. and these women are a constant reminder to me that even if you have so many things in this world telling you that you can't do something, the Lord's plan will prevail. even though at the time they didn't realize how big of an impact they were making, through their actions and attitude, they encourage me everyday to give more, try harder, and love on others constantly because they never, ever give up.

this woman of God probably didn't realize it at the time, but i was taking note of her spirit and joy for the Lord. its humbling to say that even though i wanted to teach her about Christ, she taught me more about Him than i think i could've ever shared, all through her actions. i thought about her all day today, and prayed for her as i did. she is such a precious woman of God and her positive attitude and beautiful smile will never be forgotten.

p.s. ben rector rocks

everyday is a winding road

2010-09-03T14:21:00.001-05:00

Today i woke up to a facebook message that made me excited to see but was really hard to read. it was from one of the boys we spent time with in Ambo.. he isn't technically a streetboy, but he spends a lot of time with them. its hard for me to write this because i feel so frustrated in being so far away from them. in his message, he said "hey anna, you said you would send us money. but you haven't. we want to get an education but we cant and now we are sad. please don't forget about us."

i don't really know how to respond to that.. we are in the process of starting a program in mocha club to send money to them. its just hard reading that message because that was my biggest fear, that they would feel abandoned.. and now they feel forgotten.

please let me know if you'd like to support these street boys. they don't want really nice things or ipods or new clothes. they want to go to school and make something of themselves. they want to be loved and remembered. help me show them that they aren't forgotten.

now that I've seen

2010-08-23T17:38:00.001-05:00

A teammate of mine is so talented in filming and photography and she put together a video of our two week trip. to me, i clicked play to watch it, expecting it to be another video of a trip to africa that was full of desperation and sadness.. but what i saw was so completely different. i saw all those little faces that i spent time with. all of those beautiful, happy smiles. and i knew who they were, i immediately recognized them. i saw such JOY and LIFE in that video. i didn't see how sad and deprived these people were. i saw how they were happy, and dancing and singing with joy! i saw what it was like to live for the day and for the Lord and not for money or the things that we have. i saw people who didn't do things to just put on a resume or to get something in return. i saw people who LOVED each other and who did what was right and gave everything that they could.

this post is very hard on my heart for me to write... because i miss them so much. i miss those sweet little faces that i saw in the video. and seeing them moving around and waving at the camera made me feel like i was back in ethiopia again. i want to be back so bad.. i want to make them feel so special and show them how special they are to the Lord. i want to be around people who love the Lord with every last breath they breathe.

i was telling some of my friends how sad i felt being back here. i never thought i would feel SAD to be back in such a comfortable life i live. i don't have to work all day long and serve others all the time here like i did in ethiopia. i get to sleep in a safe house and have running water. i get to live comfortably. going to ethiopia has taught me i don't want to live comfortably again. i want to be serving the Lord and putting myself out there and being an instrument for him. and coming back to a life of comfort and being self serving is frustrating...

i go to sleep and wake up everyday with the faces of all the little kids and streetboys in my memory. i'm so scared for their future but i am trying so hard to trust in the Lord.. it's hard to be here at school when my heart isn't here at all. i'm trying to be passionate about things while i'm here but its hard when the things i care about most are half way across the world. i've watched the video everyday and each time it makes my heart hurt. i miss them so so much. i know God is faithful and i know he will get me through this. he will be the mighty protector and watch over all of the streetboys. it's easier for me to say it than it is to believe it. but i know i've got to trust in him.

i love the quote "now that i've seen, i'm responsible" because i saw so much over on our trip that i never knew existed in the world. such poverty and brokenness. and i know we can help. it's hard to be proactive while you're in college but i also feel like its the best time to get the word out because we are all the same age at the same place. so i pray the Lord will show me a good way to tell everyone about the streetboys. if we are blessed enough to go to school, i'm going to do all that i can to see that they go to school too.

this is the video link, click on it and press play.

http://www.vimeo.com/14286967

the little things

2010-08-14T07:42:00.001-05:00

the streetboys have changed my perspective and outlook on life forever. i'll never forget them

Ambo, Ethiopia

these two sweet little kids came to the compassion school everyday but they weren't compassion kids. their mom recently passed away and their dad had no one to watch over them while he tried to find a job... this is the day we gave them new clothes because their old ones were literally falling off of them. i saw the firsthand effect of the generosity from people at home and how it completely improves the kids lives here.

The market in Ambo

this is sweet adam, who was in my english class. he was the happiest little boy i've ever seen, even if he has almost nothing in his name, it doesn't matter to him. they are trying to show you their prayer wheel we worked on in class

these little girls are from the orphanage Kechene... they have been orphaned because of the aids/hiv epidemic that has hit ethiopia recently.

the women at risk.

The streets in Addis

These two sweet little girls are the kids of the women at risk.. i know that their lives have been greatly changed by their mothers being put through this program.. they get free schooling and child care while their moms go through counseling and skill training to get a job to earn money for themselves the right way.

The heart of life

2010-08-11T16:16:00.001-05:00

I'm trying to get used to the idea of being home... with everything i've seen and experienced these past few weeks, it's hard to come back here to the life that i left. there was so much i took for granted.. family.. school.. church.. and i just look at how i used to take advantage of those things and it makes me frustrated with myself.

flying home didn't seem like it took as long as it did getting there. i slept about 10 out of the 16 hour flight so that could have been it. the last night in ambo was easily the hardest. i think it was my breaking point, where i was so broken from all of the things i had seen in ethiopia, that it was just enough. i had been praying that the Lord break my heart for what breaks his and that night finally did it.

we were eating with our 4 streetboy friends that we had spent time with the past few days when me and beth asked danny (one of the street boys) what he wanted to be when he became an adult. he told us that he would never amount to anything, and he asked how he could ever amount to something? we were really surprised and saddened by his answer. then he told us he believed the world had forgotten them, all of the streetboys. i immediately wanted to say, no of course not! but then i thought about it.. the boys don't have families anymore and the government won't help them out in anyway. they live on the streets, some starting from the age 8 until adulthood and sometimes even further than that. the government doesn't offer them any type of scholarships for schooling. this breaks my heart so much to say, but to the WORLD, they have somewhat been forgotten.

danny said no one loves them... no one takes care of them. thats when we said no, we love them. GOD loves them. and we think that he is so special and we truly believe he will amount to something someday. and he simply would not believe us. another streetboy said how, how could we ever do anything?? we don't go to school we dont have anymoney. we told them if you pray to God and if you hand your life over to God he will do great things. thats when they told us no one had ever told them how to pray... and they've never owned a bible. we told them how they can pray to God in any place whenever they want. i just hope that what we said stuck with them..

it made me ask myself, why do i have a family? why am i blessed with a home? they are God's children just like I am... saying goodbye to them was the worst. because i don't know if i'll ever see them again. i don't know what will happen to them. i don't know if they will ever get off the streets... and i don't know if they will be taken care of. i know the Lord is telling me to trust in him, but it is so hard to when i'm so far away.

it's easy to say goodbye to something when your heart isn't fully there or when you know you will get the chance to visit again. but with these four boys, my heart was all there. i was there for them and i put every ounce of love and energy into this mission for them. and i don't know when or if i'll ever see them again.

i wish that me telling them how much we love and care about them would be enough. i wish i had enough money to put them in homes and schooling and get them jobs. but my attention and care isn't enough. i will never be enough to save these boys from this dire situation... i have to find rest in the Lord. i have to trust in him. and I have to believe that He is enough. I have to know that he will provide for these boys.

i just wanted to tell you all about the streetboys in ambo. i wasn't expecting these boys to pull the heartstrings that they did, but they pulled every single one of them. i am passionate about showing these boys that they HAVE NOT been forgotten. i don't care what their society or situation says about them. i want them to know they are LOVED by the Lord and by others.

the last thing that one of the boys said to us that night was "we don't care about things. we don't care about the stuff people have. we care about people. and we care about being loved."

THAT is where the heart of life lies.

Waka Waka (This time for Africa)

2010-08-09T07:27:00.001-05:00

i hadn't heard this song yet, but it is a big hit here. it's sung by shakira, and she sang it to africa during the world cup game.. so i've heard it ALL the time. that and justin bieber... i don't know how or why they like him but they loveeeee him! these past few days have been busy.. we went to church with the compassion kids saturday, for their "sunday school" and then we went to real church on sunday.

we have been hanging out with the street boys some and today we are going to teach them some english soon after i type this. the street boys are teen age boys that are homeless either by running away.. getting kicked out.. or their parents have died. they live on the streets and only own the clothes on their backs.

we went to Lake Wenchi yesterday. it's a really beautiful lake that is surrounded by mountains. the only problem is that the road has gotten really bad and we almost went over the side a few times trying to get there. at one point, it got REALLY foggy and we couldn't see where we were going. on a regular basis, the bus had to dodge donkeys, cows, goats, and dogs but it was so much worse when we were driving on the road in the country. so... needless to say, we hit a donkey yesterday. not super hard but... yeah, i wasn't too happy about it. i'm surprised we didn't hit a few cows!

then we went to a place that had a really pretty waterfall and we got to take some cool pictures there. tonight, we are spending time again with the street boys. we've made 4 new friends with some that we hung out with alot these past few days.

tomorrow, we are going back to addis to do some last minute things before we fly out. i have mixed feelings about going home, but i do miss everyone a ton :) AND i can't wait to move in at the village in auburn with 3 amazing girls!!!

i hope everyone is doing well and can't wait to talk to you all soon.

PEACEEE OUT AFRICAAAA...

Bed bugs?

2010-08-05T16:06:00.001-05:00

So.. the hotel in Ambo has bed bugs. i didn't know about it until i woke up this morning with a few bug bites. that's definitely my first encounter with them!

we got to Ambo safely yesterday. on the way to Ambo, we stopped at another orphanage in a really poor section of Addis Ababa that has been affected by HIV/AIDS. we also stopped at a place called "Hope Village", which is this place that takes care of women who are considered outcasts from their society because they suffer from different diseases that they can't help suffering from.

we went to the schoolhouse for the first time this morning and afternoon. there were so many kids there it was overwhelming! they ran up to me and i had FOUR little kids trying to hold ONE of my hands. we started the english lessons today.. which was really interesting to say the least. we split the kids into three classrooms and i got the youngest group of kids who couldn't speak any english at all. so today we worked on SIT, STAND, TURN AROUND, POINT. we also broke out the "head and shoulders, knees and toes" song. there are a couple of 3 and 4 year olds that come with their older siblings. i love little kids that age and it was so sweet because they just latched onto us and i got to carry these cute little babies around all day. the kids were super amazed by my blonde hair.. which was fine, except they started to pull at it because they thought it was a wig. yesterday, i let some of the girls go to town with my hair. i looked in the mirror and realized they had braided my hair into small little braids which kind of looked like dreads. i felt super cool haha... until i woke up this morning and they all fell out.

we came back after lunch to the school house to do some arts and crafts - which was again, very interesting. we handed out crayons and you would have thought they were made out of gold the way the kids were reacting. it was cool to see how excited they were to just spend time with us and color some paper plates.

tomorrow, we are going back to the schoolhouse to do some more english lessons and other fun activities. i'm excited to see the sweet little kids again... they said they look forward to us coming for the WHOLE YEAR.

we also start the soccer camp after lunch tomorrow. i've never played soccer in my life so i'm preparing myself for some major ankle rolling and kids pointing at me yelling "FERINGIE" which means white person.

later, we are going to meet with the street boys here in Ambo. these are boys ages 8-19 who are homeless.. it's really sad to hear the stories of how they ended up on the streets. a few of them struggle at night because they get really cold. we would like to buy them jackets but they said to not get them anything too flashy because it may get stolen from them....

i'm learning everyday just how overwhelming this whole experience is. i can't do anything on my own and i am completely dependent on the Lord. HE will be faithful and even though it is so hard to see so many sweet children and people living this way i know that all i can do is spread His message and HE will supply.

these people know this life is only temporary and they live for the day. they are so inspiring.

Leaving Nazreth

2010-08-03T08:07:00.001-05:00

we're leaving nazreth this morning. i'm sad to say goodbye to the women because i know i probably wont ever see them or their children again. i hope that they continue down the path they are going.

when we went to the place of women at risk yesterday, we taught the women how to sew and cook... and since i can't do really either of those things... i got to play with the kids. we colored and played tag. we played this one game.. which really wasn't a game.. of me chasing them around and tickling them. the joy that these kids have is so amazing. they live for the day and they are so carefree. they just want my attention and love so much and i love being around them.

yesterday, i was sitting with about 6 or 7 of the women with the translator next to me. one of the women looked at me and smiled and said "we like you a lot" in english.. which is a big deal because none of them can speak hardly any english. then, another women says in amharic "you all treated us with respect.. more respect than anyone has ever given us" and i replied "this kind of respect is what you deserve! we only see you as women of God and that's why we respect you so much." she said "you've taught us how to love God more.. and you loved us expecting nothing in return" and it just really hit me then.

a lot of these women growing up lived a life full of people using them and wanting something in return of their love. they never loved them just because of who they are. so i replied "we loved you in this way to show you Christ's love for you." I'm so glad to see that they saw Christ in us..

I played with the children for the majority of the day and it is so funny, when you pull out your camera they all go crazy. they want to take pictures and look at all of them right after. there is this one little boy named Laght, who always sneaks on the bus right before we leave to go home with us. he jumps in all the pictures and he is going to be one heart breaker when he's older. he is the CUTEST little boy, with such joy that it's inspiring. when i was passing out cookies, it was literally a JOB to keep them away from that little boy! he was going crazy and so excited that even though i was exhausted he brought a smile to my face.

i didn't really know what to expect to learn from the women of nazreth.. and honestly i was really nervous about meeting them. but leaving here, i've gotten a taste of Christ's grace and redemption. i know that if i can look past a woman for being a prostitute, i can look past anyone's previous problems and see the person that God created and love them regardless. i'm so glad to be here and so sad to say goodbye to these women. but i know that we made a huge difference in these women's lives and i am so thankful for that.

continue to pray. it's strange not talking to anyone back home but i know that i'm here for a good reason and i know there will be plenty of time to catch up when i'm back.

Ciao!!!!!!!!

Amisegigala

2010-08-01T12:58:00.001-05:00

Amisegigala, which means thank you in amharic, is something that the woman at risk says constantly.. They are the most welcoming, loving, and encouraging group of woman I've ever met. I was so nervous coming to the woman at risk place because it is a place where prostitutes get out of that type of trafficing and go through counseling and schooling. I've never met anyone that has been a victim of something like that and the thought that I would meet them was really scary.. SO let me back up and talk about my day :)

We woke up early this morning and attended a christian amharic speaking church. it was amazing to say the least. it is so convicting to hear that there church services can last up to FIVE HOURS. five. i struggle with going to church that lasts more than an hour and a half. they had a thirty minute time in the beginning where they just prayed. then worship for another hour. and then preaching, which broke out into random song and worship. we were packed into the bottom of an old building, and there was over 1000 people there. so many people who were so vulerable infront of the Lord and they didn't care what other people thought. They were going to praise and worship the king that created them. and even though we didn't understand a word they said, it was so moving.

Afterwards, we went to the Woman at Risk where we gave them a spa day. I did manicures on all of the ladies, and they were giggling and excited for the day. It also made me feel convicted because I've gotten my nails and toes done more times than I can remember.. and they were overjoyed with ME (i cant really even paint nails well at all) painting them. The women have been through so much in their lives.. and hearing some of their testimonies yesterday broke my heart. some of the women were sold into prostitution because of a step father or an uncle who wanted to make money..... at the age 13. i told them my testimony and i was more nervous than i ever expected. but i know that the Lord was shining through me and i continually pray that they don't see my kindness but the kindness and love of the Lord.

so the spa was great. afterwards, the woman who runs the place, Abrahett, graduated from college! so we threw a celebration in her name where they got a cake and some cokes (we were soooooooo excited). they started playing ethiopian music and we all stood up in a circle and began to run around and dance. they showed us a little bit of their moves and they laughed as we tried to mimic them. the woman at risk place allows the woman to let their kids stay with themw hile they are provided free child care.. the kids are the most excited and enthusiastic children i've ever met. i painted some of the little girls nails today and you would have thought it was christmas by the way they were reacting.

everytime a little boy or girl looks at me here in ethiopia they wave and smile. i think that kids in the U.S. are so precious and sweet but you just don't see little kids being overjoyed by seeing new people and new faces. (this may be because i'm the only white blonde haired girl here... but still!) the kids are amazing and such an example of the way we should live ourlives. they don't care about materialistic things and they don't care that they have 2 outfits of clothes in their name. they love life and being with other people.

the ethiopian culture is amazing. they are so welcoming and its so humbling how we've come here to serve them.. yet they are continually trying in ways to serve us. the Lord is so faithful in teaching us exactly what we need to know through life experiences and i am SO thankful for this.

tomorrow.. we're going back to the woman at risk and teaching them how to bake and sew.. i'm sad because its our last day with them and we probably won't be seeing them again. but i am so thankful for them. for a long time today i completely forgot that they were ever prostitutes. they were just woman who loved the Lord and I KNOW he would have wanted us to see them through his eyes in that exact way.

the next day, we are headed back to addis, where we will leave soon for Ambo to see the streetboys and the school house of kids. it's very different and hard here. but just pray for our team.. and the people here. i hope that their eyes and ears are willing and open to hear the gospel because we are trying to hard to spread it to them.

amisegigala!!!!!!!

We landed safely!

2010-08-01T08:51:00.001-05:00

The flight took a total of 16 hours.. much longer than we expected. Updating this blog is going to be much harder than i thought because we have NO internet access anywhere! Today, we went to the market where we got to bargain with the locals and buy some fun souvenirs. It was really eye opening to see the way locals live out here... The first night in from the airport, we were waiting on the side of the road in our taxi van (where we fit 13 people in it) and a little boy around the age 13 or 14 came up to the window and asked for a dollar. It reminded me of my little brother who is 14 and it breaks my heart to think kids his age are having to beg for money just to live..

SO after the market, we went to a place called "Little Ahope" which is an orphanage for little kids who have HIV/AIDS. It's so sad to know they have a terminal illness but it made us want to love on them all the more. There was one little boy that took to me and followed me around. I wish I could've pronounced his name and remembered it! But Amharic and all of the local names are impossible to remember. The little kids have such a hard life with the HIV/AIDS but they were the most joyful group of kids I've ever met in my life. They are such an example of how we should live for the day and for the Lord, not worrying about what we own in our name... And I feel so humbled being around them! We have two translators.. Kiddy and Basil, they're so great and they help out a ton.

Tomorrow, we are traveling to Nazret where we will stay with the "Woman at Risk". These are the woman who were taken out of prostitution/trafficking and put into a rehab program that teaches them life skills to make money for themselves. They make scarves, paintings, sculptures, etc... We are going to have a spa day for them, so we'll be doing manicures, pedicures, facials- Africa style.

These past 48 hours have been SO eye opening. We don't have running water at the house we are staying at right now and we had to go to another team's house to take showers (because we hadn't in two days-woopssss). There are little kids running around with no shoes holding water buckets to earn money washing people's feet. There are loads of people living in little shacks on the side of the road. It makes me feel so blessed in what I have and I can only hope we can spread Christ's name so they can experience the joy we do.

PLEASE keep praying for our team. I'm exhausted and it's day two. Thanks again for the prayers!!!!!

The More I Seek You

2010-07-27T22:51:00.001-05:00

This is going to be another night where I sit restlessly, thinking about how I'll be in Ethiopia in two days.. I've been so blessed by family and friends that are sending me to minister and serve to the people of Ethiopia for the next two weeks, starting July 28th. I'm excited to travel over and serve the people of Ethiopia, but so incredibly nervous. I've never traveled out of the country.. and I've never gone too far out of my comfort zone when it comes to experiencing another type of culture. So once I land in Ethiopia, I'm expecting a huge culture shock. But even though that's one thing I'm really nervous about, it's probably what I'm also looking forward to the most. Just thinking about me running around with a group of Ethiopians in about 48 hours brings a smile to my face!!!

This is my very first blog, and I don't really know what I'm doing! But I want my friends, family, supporters, and random readers to be able to follow me along my journey in Ethiopia. I was never an expert writer, and I'm pretty sure I failed spelling a few times in elementary school. But I hope that in me writing this blog, my experience in Ethiopia can encourage you all back home to reach out and serve others in Christ's name. I have a heart for missions and I can't believe I'm about to go on my very first mission trip!

With that being said, I just want to thank all of you for your prayers and your support. I can never really thank you enough for helping me get over to Africa but I can assure you that it would have been impossible without you. I am so incredibly blessed and I am constantly being reminded of it everyday.