Oh boy, it has been quite some time since I've last posted - Sorry.

Life hasn't been too crazy, but it has gotten away from me, so here is my attempt to catch up.

Since I last posted...

I went to California to visit family for Thanksgiving.
I took a final trip to visit my bestest in Eugene before she headed to Thailand (which she is there now, so please pray for her!).
I went too long without seeing Sam, but got to spend a great weekend with him and his family prior to Christmas.
It was the first time since I was real little that I had Christmas at home and not at a relatives house.
I got a new puppy! Well, Sam and I got a new puppy, but he's living at my mom's house with me.

In other news... 6 MONTHS FROM TODAY I WILL BE GETTING MARRIED!!!

To most, this whole post is worthless, but it's what I can think of as being the important things in my life right now.

I hope you are all having a happy holidays and are preparing for the new year approaching!

p.s. Happy Birfday Beferny!!! =)

in my life, i have learned that love comes in many different ways.
here are a few of those ways...

first off, sam. enough said. i'm spending the rest of my life with this guy, of course i love him!

then there is family. you gotta love them! below i have both my family, as well as my family-to-be, the grables.

best friends. yes, those friends you are blessed with and always want to be with them... yes kelly and bethany are those life-long best friends forever!

then you've got that couple who you wish were your parents, but really they are only a few years older than you, but you still wish you were around them always. the morells are my wanna-be parents.

oh boy! then there are the times you go to india with a group of 16 other people and your heart will never be the same. all 16 of these people make my heart sing and i will never forget any of them! namaste.

and lastly, there are those people you meet only once, maybe even for only a minute or two , and you will never get their faces out of your head. yup, i've had a few of these, one of them being these beautiful indian orphans we only spent a couple hours with... love.

i know there are more ways i have experienced love, but these are the most important. love is powerful and magical and i don't know where i would be had i not experienced any of these loves...

thank you for allowing me to love you. i love you all!

Last night was bad... and by bad, I mean I spent most of the night sitting on the couch trying to convince myself I wasn't crying hysterically because the reason I was crying didn't completely make sense. For now, let's just say I got my hopes up on the upcoming future and last night they fell off a cliff, and they fell hard and fast.

WHY DOES LIFE HAVE TO BE SO TOUGH SOMETIMES?

Now, the morning after, I'm trying to keep myself together and tell myself that everything will be alright and everything will work out, but honestly, I'm not sure I believe that right now... Oh the power of doubt.

Pray for me if you get a chance...

So it is the end to a wonderful weekend and I feel like an update is in order.

The fun started on Friday after work. My mom and I ran home and hoped in the little bug and started our way up to Portland to pick up Kelly. We got up to Portland around 9 and had little time to get out and stretch before we were on the road again back to Bend. Needless to say, we didn't get home until 12:30 and both my mom and I had to get up and go to work on Friday... not as much fun as we thought it would be.

Friday morning came quicker than expected and I was up bright and early for a full day of work. I was able to have lunch with Kelly, which gave us more time to catch up and be our roommatey-selves together for a little bit. After work, I ran home to change for a benefit my mom was in charge of. My mom is currently the president of the board of directors for the Women's Resource Center of Central Oregon, which helps women who are having a hard time get back on their feet. My feet hurt and I was tired from a long day, but my heart felt good for helping raise money for the center.

Saturday morning came quicker than I would have liked too. My mom, Kelly, and I got up and were on the road back to Portland by 7 on Saturday morning in order to get up to David's Bridal for the dreaded dress fitting. We got up there and met Donna and Laura, my future mother & sister-in-law, and began sorting through hundreds of dresses. 3 hours later & about 20 different wedding dresses, I had found the dress of my dreams! I was also lucky enough to find my bridesmaid's dresses too. It was a VERY productive day!!!

Following the dress fitting, we went to lunch and then to grab our shirts for Race for the Cure on Sunday at the Health Expo and then made our way to our hotel. We decided to just hang out and watch movies, so the night was a quiet one. We did make a late night trip to Portland City Grill with Chad because he was hungry, but I was tired (very very very tired) so we didn't stay long.

This morning (Sunday) was yet another early morning and busy day. Kelly's friend from high school just lost her mom to breast cancer, so a large group in support of her walked the 5k around Portland this morning. I have to say that I have never seen so many people in Portland EVER! It felt great to do that walk, even though I have never known someone personally with this type of cancer. After the walk, Kelly stayed back in Portland and my mom and I made the long journey home. Once home, I did nothing but lay in my bed because of mere exhaustion.

Now I'm about ready to go to bed and hopefully get a good nights sleep. The "wedding dress weekend" was a successful trip and now I have yet another thing to cross off my list. YAY! Next weekend, Sam is driving down for a job interview and then on Saturday we are going to look for houses... WHAT? Yeah, more blogs to come I'm sure... =)

DRESS DRESS DRESS, I FOUND A WEDDING DRESS!!!

more to come later...

These friends of mine

They feel alone
When the shows are over
Don't know where to go
In Philadelphia
At Christmas time

They question love
Wonder why they try
And when the show is over
How I hope that they discover
The joy that they bring
And I hope they remember
This bond we have together
And how they love to sing


Thank you Bethany & Kelly...
And Rosie Thomas =)

Busy Busy Weekend!

FRIDAY: I went to the wedding of my first friend (ever!).
Karlee and Josh got married out at Sunriver and it was beautiful!

Congratulations you two!!!

Here are a couple of girls I've known since
pre-school and elementary school -- Alison & Nicolette

AND HERE IS THE BEAUTIFUL BRIDE!!!

SATURDAY & SUNDAY: I drove to Lincoln City to spend the weekend with the Grables.

Sam and I at the beach!

Poor Josh got pooped on by a seagull...

SISTERS!

Bocce Ball!

The "kids" =)

Fun with photobooth!!!

The whole family at breakfast.

SUNDAY NIGHT: I came home and went to dinner because it was my brother's girlfriend's birthday.

Happy Birthday Eliza!!!

India... I've been thinking about you a lot lately. Hmm, but what do I do with these thoughts...
Now, if only I could be in a room with all these lovely people and maybe these thoughts would make sense... maybe.

I miss you all. Namaste.

One week down... a lot more to go.

My first official "grown up" work week has come to an end and here are a few of my observations:

*Training someone must be one of the most irritating things EVER!
*When money is involved, people sure get persnickety and sometimes even angry.
*Sitting at a desk takes more out of you than what meets the eye.
*You can never know enough about anything.

It's been a good week. I'm tired and I just want to get down what I've learned this week, but I know that I will have a whole lot of new things to learn next week. Luckily I'm working with two of the nicest and most patient people -- thank God for Michelle and Kaity!

In wedding news... save-the-dates were ordered tonight and I couldn't be more excited to get those back soon and send them off! If you didn't know, I'm pretty amped for next June and I wish I could run to the highest mountain and scream it to the world, but I will wait and send out my cute cute cute save-the-dates and share that way. Other than getting the save-the-dates ordered, we also have the location (ceremony & reception) booked, as well as the pastor. I'm planning on taking a trip up to Portland at the end of September to look at dresses and then slowly start ordering the little details that we need for our special day! Sadly, I feel like I'm a little on the obsessive side, but that's me... I'm going to be a crazy bride -- watch out!

In other news: I'm beginning to miss the fact that I won't be living in Newberg in a few weeks and preparing for another year at George Fox. I hope I can make a lot of visits to those I miss, but it will still be hard being in Bend...

Well, that is all. I miss my friends. I miss the way things used to be. I miss you...

First day of work... oh boy!

Yup, I'm grown up. I'm an 8-5 working fool and I don't know what else to say about it.

Now, I will actually have the money to pay the upcoming car insurance bill and the credit card bill and the cell phone bill and that little event coming up next June, as well as feeding that habit of mine known as shopping (although I have been trying to stay tough and only buy things that "make my heart sing" -- thanks B!).

When will I feel like this is normal? When will I not feel like it's "take your daughter to work day"? When will I feel like an real adult?

A weekend with the Grables!

After a birthday dinner at Claim Jumpers and a house full of Grables/Morgans eating cake and ice cream, all you can do is smile!

Oh, and it's really funny when a bunch of 20-somethings have a lot of fun playing with a toy cell phone... =)

WEDDING TIME!

Phil and Donna Grable -- my future in-laws!

Josh and Laura Morgan -- my future brother-in-law & sister-in-law

Us! The next to be married...

And after the vows have been said and the new couple is announced, the real fun begins...

I love these people!

Well, it sure has been a while. Nearly a month without a blog with any substance. I suppose I just haven't had the energy to talk about what has been happening. And even now, I don't know if I have the energy, but an update is in order.

India was... incredible and difficult. Too many words that won't even begin to make sense and not enough time in this blog to share it all. If you really want to know more, just ask.

3 days on Kelly's farm was unbelievable! I had been there before and knew how relaxing it can be, but add in two of your closest friends, popsicles, kittens, coffee, long talks about love and life, pancakes, great movies, embroidering, and birthday cake, and you've got the greatest combination for life. Seriously. I would give anything to go back to those days on the farm...

I got a job. After months of putting it off and saying, "I am going to India/I just got home from India and I still need to process things..." I knew I needed to start the search and find a job. So after paging through the classifieds for a week, I got a call from the credit union I had worked at during past summers and they had an opening in their accounting department and wanted me to come in and interview. Well, I got it. And now it feels weird. I feel like it would be this way with whatever job I got, but growing up is just weird. Well, I haven't started yet, but I will soon. Boo to growing up... =(

This summer just might be my "summer of weddings". Although mine isn't until next summer, a lot of people I know are tying the knot and it feels like I'm going to a wedding each weekend. Congrats to all of those weddings!

I think that's all for now. Nothing too exciting, but that's my life. Being in Bend makes me miss all my friends and Sam and I just wish we could all be together forever -- what do you say?

Oh yeah, and a quick shout out to my ladies driving up to Alaska -- hope you stay awake and don't cry too much! <3

Watch out world...

We have set a date!

June 27, 2008

I'm in India.

More to come in a month...

WHO WANTS A PHOTO UPDATE?!?
YOU?
YES?
NO?

Well, I'm giving you one anyways.

The first week I was back I was able to go to a senior award banquet for my brother. He received a scholarship to the college he is attending next year -- University of New Hampshire. In only a few weeks, my brother will be a high school graduate... we are all feeling a little old at my house these days.
(Pictured: my brother and mom)

As well as getting ready for my brother's graduation in a few weeks, this is how I've been spending my days. Thank goodness I went to George Fox for 4 years to do this. =)

Everyone... meet LUCY! The 6 week old baby who I have the privileged to watch for a few hours a day.

I have also been drinking tea and lounging around and the other day I received a gift certificate to Adagio Teas and in only a few days, this is what I got in the mail -- YAY FOR AWESOME TEA AND TEA ACCESSORIES! This tea steeper is both beautiful and functional and I love it!

And last, but not least, I thought I would share a little into the beginnings of my packing for India. Some people might say I might be jumping the gun a little bit, while others might say I'm a little excessive, but you know what, THIS IS ME!
With less than a month until we leave, I'm getting ready!! Any advice is welcome, just pass it my way.

I hope you are all doing well and know that I miss you...a lot!

In exactly one month from today, myself and 16 other people affiliated with George Fox will be on our way to INDIA.

India? Really? Seriously? Yup, that's what they tell me.

While I'm incredibly excited and wish I could go tomorrow, I'm all the while already "crapping my pants" from nervousness. Will I be safe? Will I know what to do? Will I know what to say? Will my life be changed?

All of those questions are currently up in the air, but hopefully come July 2nd, I'll understand why I was chosen for this mission trip.

Oh and don't get me wrong, I'm more than blessed and thankful to be flying into 115 degree weather and poverty beyond belief, I'm just scared.

God, please take my burdens about India away so I can focus on the real reason I'm going there.

THIS FRUSTRATES ME!

I hate unpacking. I hate going from an apartment with space to a single bedroom that is filled with boxes that aren't even mine. GRRR!

I can't wait for the day that I have my own house. I WANT SPACE!

Ok, I am done ranting. Thanks for listening.

i miss her... roommate, come back to me!

ok, i'm done.

PICTURES FROM THE (previous mentioned) WEEKEND:

Just a couple of happy bridesmaids =)

The bride-to-be and 3 of her bridesmaids!
(sidenote: this bride celebrated her 22nd birthday this same weekend, while also graduating with the rest of us in the picture... we told her she was crazy a few times, ha)

Teary-eyed graduates, although you might not be able to tell behind these smiles...

THE BRIDE & GROOM -- Mr. & Mrs. Dabis!

3 of the silliest bridesmaids EVER!
I think we may have got more "they must be very young" looks than the babies at the wedding... too bad we were just having a good time!

Well, I'm done. Done with classes. Done with my undergraduate education. Done with George Fox. Done living in a town with my closest friends. It's hard to comprehend that, but it's true.

After a weekend full of a wedding rehearsal, a bachelorette party, a graduation & a party, and a wedding, I was one tired, but loved girl. I spent the weekend with those I love most -- I was loved in many ways.

With a weekend so busy, I was lucky to have some extra days to say goodbye and move out of Newberg for good. On the sad side of things, my life was already beginning to feel the repercussions of leaving George Fox -- I had to get a new e-mail address and forward my mail home for the last time. I also had to say goodbye to those who will be returning next fall for another school year. I cried, a lot, but that's no surprise to those who know me. The tears were definitely flowing for the last month.

Will they remember me? Will they want to e-mail/call/say hi to me in the future?

I wish I could say I can count on all of my friends to stay in touch, but I haven't always been shown that. Maybe it will be different this time... I would love to be wrong.

To my friends: Hopefully we'll run into each other in the near future and the smiles and laughs will be endless. Hopefully we'll go back to the George Fox days and reminisce about good times. Hopefully you'll remember me... I know I'll remember you.

For all of you who care out there...

A blog is sure to be coming. Just give me some time to process things, ok?

Thank you.

Disappointment... it finds me often. A little too often, if you ask me, but sadly, I've learned to expect it in almost any situation.

From family troubles to friend troubles to life-in-general troubles, disappointment pops up all the time. I try to avoid it. I try to tell myself that I am happy and that everything works out in their own way. But in the end, I'm generally disappointed.

Don't get me wrong, I'm learning that I need to persevere through the disappointment and find happiness, but life and God are just testing me in ways I can always figure out.

Today, I was disappointed. Royally disappointed. Disappointed in a department, disappointed in a project, disappointed in a professor. Everything that I had been told and believed to be true about our senior capstone business was shattered when we received that e-mail this afternoon. No offense to the team, but I'm not sure they should have won.

And I'm not saying that because Quaker Apparel should have been the team that won, but most of our classmates would probably agree with me in that another team should have won. I heard a handful of people specifically say that they were very upset about the decision, which is comforting, but doesn't change the fact of who the winning team was. It did help, for my sanity, that my team was behind me in being upset as well. We were all disappointed... and that sucks! It is not the way I wanted to end the class, but because it happened, there isn't much I can say or do now.

God, please help me forgive and move on because right now I feel like crying and yelling at everyone there last night. Please take this burden away and help me realize that we (Phil, Tim, Kelsey, and I) executed a fantastic business and as my friends told me today, the students knew who we were and enjoyed our product. I still smile when I see one of our t-shirts being worn... Thank you George Fox for accepting our idea and helping us make a profit.

DONE! Can you believe it? I'm not sure I can, but it's true -- Quaker Apparel is officially done.

We had our final presentation tonight and overall they went good. Quaker Apparel ended on a great note with a good profit and everything in line. I am impressed that we pulled through, but really I shouldn't because we worked hard this whole semester for this one night. And after months of stressing, everything came down to a 20 minute speech in front of our peers and professors. Wow!

There is a possibility that we may not actually be done, but I'm trying not think about it until it happens. See, the winning team (out of 6) receives a $400 cash prize and the opportunity to present in front of the auxiliary board on Friday. It's hard to say which team is actually going to win, but only time will tell.

It's been a good run -- Thank you Phil, Tim, and Kelsey. You all taught me a lot about running a business and I thank you a lot!

Thanks also to those who attended and didn't have to -- Kel, Jess, and Alan. That meant so much to me to see you there!!

Oh boy, realizing that Quaker Apparel is done is all much sadder than I expected because it means that we are really done with our senior year and deep down I wish I could go back and do it all over again... can I? Is that possible? I'll continue to wish and hope... that's all I've got anymore =(

My roommate freakin' rocks!!!!

That's right, she gave one of the most amazing speeches in chapel this morning and although I had already heard it three times, it still made me laugh and cry and fall in love with her all over again.

Today, I have really loved watching everyone tell her she's did an amazing job and that they feel the same way because to me, that's who she is. She affects people (for the good) all the time, but I feel like she rarely sees/feels it. She's one of best people I know... wait, WHAT? I CANNOT LEAVE HER IN TWO WEEKS!! AM I OUT OF MY MIND? =(

As the last post said, "I'll keep you posted..." on how I'm doing with making last dates to hang out, well I can't do it. I don't want to do it. I don't want to leave these people. I just don't want to. Not yet. Maybe not ever...

Boy, sometimes I feel like a big baby. Like I'm making this harder then it has to be. But then I'm reminded that those friends I am crying about leaving are actually doing the same thing... that's got to mean something right? Right? Gosh, I hope so!

Yesterday, Kelly and I had our first together cry about this whole graduation business... We were driving home from the airport and I said something about next weekend being the last real weekend to hang out and we both lost it. Probably not a good thing when you are driving, but I couldn't help it. She's changed my life and I want to follow her to the ends of the world and back... and I would do it, except she's off to save the world and that doesn't seem to be in my plans right now. Hopefully she'll come back to me someday and we can reminisce and love on each other for days and days.

There are so many other people who I just want to slide into their pocket and stay forever. Sometimes I feel like I am a shadow, but now I really want to be, just so I can hang out with the cool people I just met (but should have met sooner...dang it).

Maybe this whole graduation thing isn't a big deal. Maybe we'll all stay in contact. Maybe we'll all come back together and live in community with our families. Maybe we'll be in love forever. Maybe.

That's the hope. That's the dream. I guess we'll just see where we all end up and go from there...

What a restful/fun weekend...

First, I went to my only class on Friday and worked on our Quaker Apparel presentation... boy, am I happy that I'll be done with it all come Wednesday night! Overall, I'm excited to stand up and share with those who attend all the hard work we've put into this project. Thank goodness for good team members!

Then I made the journey over to Sam's. That boy makes me feel loved, which is good because I'm marrying him =) We had a nice day of lounging around and playing with the dogs. When I said goodbye and drove home for the night, part of my heart was definitely left with him...

I woke up around 9 on Saturday and then Kel and I drove to the airport to pick up CHAD! Last Wednesday him and myself had talked about coming to surprise Kelly because she was receiving an award this weekend and instead we decided we would tell her and she was so excited, so he was here and it was awesome!!!! But sadly I could only hang out with the two of them for a short while before yet another India fundraiser -- a carwash!

So the carwash went good and we made a good chunk of money (in my opinion), so yay for Team India! But I have to admit by the end of the day I was ready to stop getting wet and stop cleaning cars and go home. On the drive back from Sherwood, I held Bethany's hand and didn't want to let go... two weeks isn't enough. Four years hasn't been enough. Why is it almost over? =(

When I got home, Bethany had a chance to meet Chad and the three of us baked mini cupcakes (which were actually for Chad's surprise party happening later that night, but he had no idea =) Kelly was also MIA because she was at a funeral). Kelly came home shortly after and we hung out some more. Then Kel and I went over to Marie's for a Mary Kay/Bridesmaids night. We got all dolled up and it was ridiculous (in a good way)! From there, we came back to the apartment to implement the "Project Chad: Surprise Party!"

The plan was for Kelly to take Chad on a walk and then people would come over and on Kelly's way home she would text/call me so I knew to prepare everyone for the big "SURPRISE", but sadly the plan failed. Kelly and Chad did go on their walk, but both of them forgot to take their phones so there was no notice before they came home. To say the least, Chad was still surprised and had a chance to meet some of the people Kelly talks about often. Despite being nervous to meet her friends, Chad did wonderfully and everyone loved him (just like I said they would!!!!!). All and all, a great day/night!

On Sunday, I slowly woke up and started some homework in bed. After a while, I got ready for Kelly's award banquet. Being the amazing woman that she is, she had been one of four seniors to receive the C.W. Perry Award and we all went to cheer her on/support her! This was the big reason for Chad planning this random trip and I think he was thrilled to be there supporting her. From the banquet, Chad, Kelly, and I went and got sandwiches at Fred Meyers and went and had a picnic. It was beautiful out and the company was great, even though I sort of felt like a third wheel... oh well! Then we took Chad to the airport and said our goodbyes. I really like that kid so it was hard to say goodbye. Maybe he'll come visit Kelly again and I can say hi sometime... we'll see.

Now it's back to homework and the last two weeks of my college career. If only I could go back four years and do it all over again... I would do it. Call me crazy, but it sounds much better than leaving these people whom I love so much. Maybe I can fit in all the last hangout sessions, all the last coffee dates, all the last snuggles in before these two weeks are up -- I hope I can do it! I'll keep you posted...

Tonight I had the privilege to have dinner with a dear friend whom has changed my life tremendously over the last year. We laughed. We teared up. We enjoyed each other's company. It was glorious beyond belief.

One thing she asked me was what I was going to miss most after graduation and after all the tears and frowns that have been had over the thought of graduation, I wasn't quite sure I could compose what that one missed thing would be.

I quickly flashed back to what makes me laugh and smile the most -- my friends! I've made some of the best friends a girl could ask for. I found friends who will hopefully be friends for a lifetime. I've shared experiences with each one of them that I will never forget. And after graduation, those times will begin to decrease at an increasing rate.

No longer will we be 5 minutes away from each other. No longer will we be able to snuggle on a couch until 3 in the morning. No longer will we be able to share each other's clothes. No longer...

As the tears start rolling down my cheeks, I try to think back to the good times. If I can only hold on to those for a little longer I might be ok... for a while anyways. I love my friends more than most things in life. They have been the kind you would kill for. The kind you long for. The kind that make you smile at the mere thought of them.

Thank you, I believe you all know who you are. You have changed my life and I hope the life changing continues when we grow up... maybe...

Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad. ~Author Unknown

When I was little, my dad was everything to me. I was the epitome of a “daddy’s girl” and I would have given anything to make him proud. Now, that man has gone from dad to father faster than I could have ever imagined.

Tonight, I received an e-mail saying that (basically) it is my fault that our relationship is so bad because I only look at him as the provider of my education and nothing more. Ironically enough, that is just what he made himself out to be.

He chose to take himself out of my life the day he divorced my mom and chose to move across the country and start a new family. He chose to make himself the “money man” when he thought he could buy our love. He chose to be in the position that he is in all by himself.

Why does he make me cry? Why does he make me doubt the way I love? Why does he make me feel like I can never accomplish anything?

I don’t know the answers to these questions. I don’t know what to do to make him love me and sometimes I don’t know why I care so much.

I know there are so many people who love me and so many people who would do anything for me, but it’s hard to think of those people when the man who gave life to me has chosen not to be in my life.

All this to say a man can be a dad one minute and a father the next. I don’t know where my father and I will be in a few years or a few months, but all I can believe in is that someday he might want to become a dad again and be in my life.

Until that day comes, I suppose I’ll just continue to pray. Lately I feel like that’s all I’ve got anymore. Maybe one day something will come of it…

One year ago, I couldn’t stop crying.
One year ago, my heart was broken.
One year ago, I was in New Orleans.

This week I’ve spent a lot of time thinking back to my time in New Orleans -- The places I saw. The people I met. The feelings I felt. How do I put it all into words? How to I express what I’ve gone through?

And lately I’ve been afraid that I’m going to forget the amazing experiences I have been blessed to have. I have made friends that have all changed my life in unbelievable ways. I have had the chance to travel and experience life changing events. I’ve been very blessed!

And that’s why I want to do more. That is why I want to help those who have not been given these same privileges. In my heart, I want to save the world. Maybe someday I’ll come a little closer to doing that.

A friend recently asked how will you save the world and I replied with “one hug at a time.” And I believe it. Another friend said that there are not enough hugs given these days, and I believe it. Hug someone. Love on someone. Encourage someone. Maybe a life won’t be saved, but I am sure that the person on the receiving end will be changed and given a little hope. Maybe. Let’s hope.

Boy am I thankful. I may not say it enough, but I am so thankful for the people in my life. Outside of my mom, Kelly, and Sam, I rarely express my appreciation to others, but tonight I felt an overriding joy and thankfulness for my fellow India goers… and this is why:

First off, the leaders, the Baldwins, Sarah and Clint – You two are amazing! The love and joy that you have for those around you is unbelievable and I’m so thankful that I have been given the chance to get to know both. You compliment each other greatly and I can’t wait to get to know you further.

Deming – I never thought I would receive the chance to get to know you on a deeper level, but now that I am, it excites me. Your smile and hugs brightens my day. Thank you for that!

Abbot – You are a funny guy! Your sense of humor is such a breath of fresh air that I thoroughly enjoy having you around. I’m also thankful for your caring heart and look forward to getting to know you better.

Jason – You’re very intriguing and while I may not know you well now, I’m betting/hoping we’ll have some good conversations come June!

Ben – CHAPLIN! I’m thankful for you and the fact that you are so friendly and easy to approach. Seeing you in passing still feels like a good conversation and I can’t wait to spend more time around you.

Jamison Loop – I am sorta falling in friendship love with you! I am thankful for your open ears and big heart and curly hair. Thank you for letting me give you great big hugs and being my friend!

Trisha – You are a kick in the pants! I am thankful for your spirit and energy that radiates from you daily. Even when you are having a rough day, you are still able to make someone smile – a very good quality to have, don’t lose it.

Chloe – Thank you for your kind heart! I’m looking forward to learning more about your life and what drives you.

Molly – I am thankful for you because you blow my mind with everything you set out to do. After NOLA I was so proud of you and I can’t wait to see what you can do in India.

Emily – You have been the secret of the group and I mean that in the best way. I wasn’t sure what to think at first, but now I am so happy to have gotten to know you a little bit. Thank you for being passionate and organized, I feel that connection with you!

Court – You are so cool! I just see you around campus and smile because we are friends and you are awesome. You have a beautiful heart and I can’t wait to spend more time talking with you further. Thank you for letting me get to know you!

Hannah-face – My lion haired friend, you are beautiful! Thank you for your hugs and loves. Thank you for your kind heart. Here’s to more good times together!

RA – Thank you for coming up with an awesome nickname for me. Thank you for your good hugs and hellos. Thank you for sharing your heart with me. Let’s be friends for a long time, ok?

And last, but not least, B - I’m so thankful for the love and compassion that shines through you even when you are having a bad day. Your smile can melt my heart and bring me to tears (in a good way). I can’t imagine a time of not knowing you and am so thankful you have become a friend I never want to lose. I admire you immensely!!

Thank you God for this amazing group and I look forward to your plans with all of us. I pray that you give us the strength to endure the rest of the school year and our time leading up to India, as well as during and after. Keep us close and connecting with one another.

A friend of mine spoke in chapel this morning and it blew my mind. I know if she read/reads this, she would tell me “shut up”, but it really did. She was amazing and spoke right to many people’s hearts.

It’s hard to be in a place where everyone is thinking one thing and you are thinking another. A place where you ask so many questions that you no long believe what you originally believed in. A completely unknown, unfamiliar, perplexing place -- this might be where I’m headed.

Maybe I’m sad. Maybe I’m angry. Maybe I’m just tired. Overall, I’m not where I thought I would be 4 years ago. But in the end, I think I will be ok because I must be headed in the direction I’m suppose to be, even if I have no idea where I will end up.

Thank you for sharing your heart. Thank you for asking the questions that so many are afraid to ask. Thank you for being real. Thank you.

A blog? Really?
Although I may talk often and complain a lot, I am not exactly the type who writes a lot down.
Usually I can't find the right words or I end up erasing it or tearing it up before I even think about it...
Yet here I am now, typing my first official blog.
Well, here goes nothing… lets see how long this lasts =)