Sunday fun-day

how's that for a cheesy title?  ha!

As the world watches the Super Bowl tonight, I'm sitting here with it playing it the background trying to figure out what this blog post should be about. Because lets be honest, I'm only watching for the commercials, half time, and the last few minutes. I've got to do something to pass the time in between commercials!  I'm such a girl :).


In other news…life is going pretty darn well (knock on wood).  I have to say I'm loving life right now.  My job is incredible.  I've been blessed immensely by this position, and every day I'm reminded by how perfect this job is for me.  Oh, and the perks of my job: incredible!!!  I got to meet Laverne Cox, from Orange is the New Black, last week, we've got ESPN Game Day coming in for the UNC/Duke game, and I almost got to meet Emmitt Smith last semester.  I'd say the perks are pretty sweet. But seriously, I love my job.  I couldn't ask for a better position, staff, supervisors, or work environment.  I absolutely love it.

I'm also doing pretty well on my goals for the year.  I've been keeping up with my weight watchers, and have lost about 5 pounds so far!!  It's been a slow start, but I'm progressing and that's what counts!  My doctor is happy with my progress too, and is also helping me keep up with my goal for the year.  I've been sick quite a bit over the last two months which has decreased the amount I've been able to get to the pool, but I'm hoping this is the last couple of days of sickness for the year!!  Mom and I will be getting back into the pool tomorrow and making it a point to go 3x/week this month.  Here's to hoping I'm done with sinus infections/the flu for the year!!

I'm also one paycheck away from paying off my first student loan!!!!!!! Can I get an amen?!?!  I'm so stinking excited I can't even tell you!  More to come on that soon!!!!!!!!!  I also did really well last month with decreasing my shopping and was able to start adding to my savings which will set me up for success on paying off my second student loan by the end of the year.  This is such a huge step for me, and one that I'm really excited to accomplish!!

I also think I'll be able to get an apartment early next year!!  I've been looking into some options in the area/looking into my budget, and if I can get some of these loans paid off these year it will really be an option!!

Other than that, life has been carrying on as usual.  No big news, or major announcements, which is why I guess I've been a little quiet lately, but life really is going well.  Let me know in the comments if there's anything specific you'd like me to blog about!

Enjoy the Super Bowl.  I'm gonna go watch some more commercials now :)

Thirty-One Gives, Christmas Fundraiser

To help support a family in need this Christmas, Erin and I are hosting a
Thirty-One fundraiser next Wednesday night at 6pm!

15% of EVERY sale, as well as ALL hostess rewards that are earned, will be gifted to them this Christmas! 

This is a great time to come out and see some fabulous products, finish your Christmas shopping, buy some items for yourself, and support a great cause at the same time!  You can see all of the gorgeous products on the link below.

Erin and I get no personal gain from this party, but you will bless a family tremendously this Christmas by shopping online through the link below or coming to the party!  As a bonus for reading my blog, use the coupon below at the party for special deals as well!

Curious what the family could earn?

Well, if we get $600 in sales the family will receive:
$90 in cash
$100 in free product
2 half price items
A Large Utility Tote with a Stand Tall insert
& 2 Hostess Exclusive items!

If we get $1000 in sales, the family will receive:
$150 in cash
$200 in free product!
2 half price items
A Large Utility Tote with a Stand Tall Insert
& 2 Hostess Exclusive Items!!!

If we get $1200 in sales, the family will receive:
$180 in cash
$250 in free product!

THREE half price items
A Large Utility Tote with a Stand Tall Insert
& THREE Hostess Exclusive Items!!!

• Click here to shop online
• Come to the party, see the fabulous products, and shop in person!
  • Date: Wednesday, December 10th
  • Time: 6pm
  • Where: Erin's house - email me for the address - allysonhemric@gmail.com!
  • Use the coupon below for extra gifts as well!
   
  

On the Job

Sorry for the long break of silence... I clearly have not been doing so well on the blogging goal lately.  Since I'm sure you're just dying to read an update, here goes!

I started a new job with Duke Temp, near the end of August, working at the front desk of the UCAE office in the Bryan Center.  UCAE stands for: University Center Activities & Events, which basically means this is the go-to place for events and Student Involvement.  We work with student organizations on campus, help plan events, manage room reservations, and plan all of the big student events (like the Activities Fair and First Big Weekend that happened last week).   My specific job duties cover all of the normal front desk/reception roles.  I've also begun taking on more administrative support roles by assisting with specific projects in the office, and am also in charge of managing the student workers in UCAE. I'm really enjoying working here, and have applied for the full-time permanent position that just opened - Fingers crossed I'll get it :).

Honestly though, this is the most fun I've had working in a very long time.  It's a great fit for me, and I am so thankful Mama Barb and Uncle Don talked me into applying with Duke Temp!  Here's to hoping I'm employed permanently full-time very soon!!!!

Other than that, life has pretty much been carrying on as normal.  Helga (my car) is still temperamental as usual, but once I get a permanent position I will finally be able to consider getting a new car!!  Lets hope she can hold out a few more months though.  I'm also beginning to entertain the idea of getting an apartment, and if you know me, that is the most exciting idea ever!  Having my own space, designing my space - my way, organization... seriously yall I can't contain my excitement that this may really be a possibility soon!!!!

Until then, it's back to reality and continuing to save up for those big steps!! 

You're never too old...

…for a slumber party that is :)

In the past couple of years (since college), I've realized that slumber parties, and staying the night with friends, is becoming more and more something of the past.  I had started to accept the fact that we are all simply growing out of that stage, but I'm not quite ready to move on yet ;-)

This past weekend I traveled to Virginia to see one of my best friends from college get married.  It was SO fun seeing my roommates and celebrating this milestone with them!  However, it made me quickly realize how much I miss those crazy nights living together.  While I know being roomies again is not an option right now, I am making it my mission to see them more than once a year from now on!  A year is just waayy too long a time between visits!

I also had the privilege of staying with another friend Monday night; which once again confirmed that slumber parties are a necessity of life.  Maybe we'll call them something different as we get older, but I never want to take those times and memories for granted!  I love getting to catch up, enjoy an evening away, and just have some quality girl time every now and then!

Here's to never growing out of that stage and always making friendships a priority!

And for fun, here are a couple of pictures from the weekend!

Congratulations again Meredith & Jack!

Happy Dance!

If you haven't heard already…. I got the all clear from my doctor on Thursday!!!!!

Whooooooohooooo!!!

Yayayayaya!

(insert happy dance)

I was so stinkin' excited!  He checked my incision, turned around, and shook my hand to let me know I was all done!  That was by far my best check up yet :)

4 months, 10+ packs of gauze pads, 8 rolls of gentle paper tape, too much antibiotic cream, 3 doses of antibiotics, a little bit of lavender essential oil, and I am finally healed from surgery!  Thank the Good Lord!!

This also meant I got to start swimming again this week!  First thing I did after work on Thursday was head to the pool.  It felt so good to get back in the water.  I could tell with every movement and lap that it had clearly been 4 months since my last swim, but I didn't care.  It just felt good to get moving again. I was only able to do 10 laps in 30 minutes (about half of what I had been doing) but it was the best 10 laps ever!!

My piece of Heaven today :)

I was able to go swimming again today after church, and got up to 18 laps in 45 minutes!  That's much closer to where I was pre-surgery.  It amazes me how quick my body can get back into swimming now.  My goal is to get back to doing at least 20 laps for 45 minutes, 2-3x/week.  I'd love to get up to swimming a mile each time (which is certainly attainable) but it will probably take a few weeks.

I'm just so happy to be cleared and able to swim again.  I forgot how good I feel after a good cardio workout.  Plus it's helping to strengthen all those back muscles again, which is huge!! And hey, maybe I can get that fitness goal on track now.  I've put on wayyyy more weight than I wanted to during this recovery.  It's time to get all of that (and more!) off!!!

Thank you all so much for praying over my recovery!

And just for fun, can we all take a moment to appreciate how cute this sweet little puppy dog is?!?

Happy Memorial Day Weekend :)

Brain Dump: Job Edition :)

Wow…has it really been THAT long since my last post?  I feel like I just blogged my official notice of leaving Haiti yesterday.  Where has the time gone?!

Actually I know exactly where its gone:  to one of the 5 different jobs I'm working this month! And yes, I really do write that with excitement!

Most of the last three weeks have been spent working part-time at Michaels. I'm not super proud of myself for this position, but it's paying the bills, and the employee discount is pretty sweet! I am very grateful for this job though, and I am so thankful for God's provision and timing with this placement.  It won't be a forever job, but it's what I need right now. I also love the staff there, and it has been fun so far which makes working that much more enjoyable! Getting out of the house and back to some normality with life/my back has also been wonderful.

I'll also be working with/for three other people this month (and hopefully part of next) doing various different jobs for them: i.e. errands, data entry, cleaning, child care, etc.  I hadn't planned to take these small odd jobs, but God placed them in my life at just the right time - don't you just love how he does that?!  I was beginning to worry about my student loans and other bills, and literally within days of each other, these offers opened up.  I'm trying SOOO very hard to get my budgeting goals in line as well as get my student loans paid off quicker rather than later so these three jobs are a huge blessing!

With that in mind, I am also really excited about a part-time commission based position I was offered -- or rather am in the process of being officially offered. I'm pretty excited about this one seeing as how I could pay off my student loans in the next year or two if I can get good at it!!!! That would be SO amazing! I will also get to work from home and make my own hours with this position, and depending on my success it could potentially become something full-time later down the road.  The best part is that this position is with a company I believe in and has a missions emphasis; how perfect right?!  What a dream come true it would be to get paid to do missions!  The future part is in God's hand, but for now I am just grateful for the opportunity and excited to see where it leads. More details to come on this once the offer is official and accepted :)

The last couple of weeks have certainly been a whirlwind, but it sure does feel good to get back into the workforce.  I can't wait to see what comes next!

Holy Week Recap

For those of you not on my email newsletter list, here is my most recent (and last) update on missions in Haiti.  It explains in more detail my decision to leave the international mission field full-time and where I will be going from here.  You can also read my previous updates if you missed them here and here.  Thank you all again for your love and support.  Comment below, or email above, with any questions you may have!

Below is a little photo recap of our recent trip to Haiti.  Mom, Erin, and I had so much fun serving at Have Faith Haiti Mission (HFHM) and celebrating Holy Week with the kids there.  Every day had a special Easter theme leading up to Easter Sunday.  It was an incredible week, and I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to close this chapter properly.  Thanks again to the Hambrick family for letting us stay with you and for all of your love, guidance, and support over the years.  Your friendship is one I hold very dear to my heart. Love you guys!

Day One: New Life seeds, painting flower pots, and dirt dessert snack!

Day Two: The kids did spring cleaning at the mission (Clean House, Clean Hearts theme) while we took the day off to pack up my things at HFMS, visit the apparent project, and enjoy an afternoon swim.

Day Three: Egg-Stravaganza!  Egg dyeing, a massive Easter egg hunt, and coloring paper eggs.

Day Four: The Last Supper.  Jeremiah held a special devotion time that evening to teach the kids about communion and the significance of why Christ washed his disciple's feet at the Last supper. It was  a tangible teaching time as everyone got to experience the servant hood in having someone wash your feet and by participating in communion.

Mom, Erin, and Jeremiah also took a group of kids up to the Baptist Mission that afternoon.  They had a fun time exploring hiking paths, souvenir shopping, a petting zoo, and the playground area.  They even topped off the day with a Haitian happy meal for lunch!

Day Five: Cross activities in honor of Christ's sacrifice on the cross.  We also ended the night with pizza and a sunset swim over at Jim and Debbie's.

 Day Six:  We had all of the kids try on their "new life" Easter outfits that so many people lovingly donated for them.  If you can't tell from above, they all LOVED them! We had to leave for the airport shortly after, but they spent the afternoon doing "in the tomb" activities.  On Sunday everyone got to wear their new outfits to church and celebrate our risen Lord!

And last but not least, our fabulous hosts for the week!

It really was an awesome week!

Not Me Monday: Target Edition

After one too many boring days at home, I did not decide a shopping trip to Target with my best friend was a necessity.  I would never use the fact that there was a super cute purse waiting for me as an excuse to get out of the house.  I never indulge in shopping therapy.

And if I had taken this trip to Target, I would have never allowed myself to buy a $40 purse.  I always wait for items to go on sale.  My budgeting goals are going strong and I never give into impulse buying, even if it is a REALLY cute purse (that I happen to love)! I have great self-control.

And since I didn't take this trip to Target, and I didn't give in to an overpriced purse, I would never add insult to injury by walking out of the dressing room with my shirt inside out.  Of course I noticed it right away and promptly went back in to fix the problem.  I would never laugh hysterically and proceed to walk around the store anyways.  I hold myself to a high degree of dignity and would never convince myself that wearing my shirt inside out was acceptable.  After all, everyone probably thought it was just the new style.  Ahem.

Nope. Not me.

Under the Knife

(Ha! Ok so maybe it won't look like this..)

First of all let me say how excited I am to have my computer back!!! While a little break from technology was nice, I have missed this little gem of mine...even if it is considered "vintage" now. Don't ask.


Any who... Surgery is tomorrow.  Yuck.


I'm beyond ready to have relief from this pain but I'm not looking forward to having surgery. The whole thing freaks me out (thank God for anesthesia!!). I'd like to go ahead and be put under now so my mind can stop racing about the whole process.  This two week waiting time is not the best idea for someone who over thinks and gets anxious about procedures... Just sayin'!


...Enough thinking about that.


In other news, I booked my flight back to Haiti this week!  It was an exciting glimpse of hope that this will all be over soon and I can get back to doing what God has called me to do.  I've loved being at home, but I'm missing Haiti quite a bit and everyone I know down there.  So, March 4th I get to return to that land I love so much and I'm really looking forward to it!!  I'll still have some restrictions on what I can do but they are all things I can work with thanks to the wonderful friends I have in the area :)!


Ok back to getting ready for ignoring tomorrow...starting with lots of cuddling from this cute pup!

Surprise!

I'm home!!!!!!!!!

A few months back when I was booking my flights home for Christmas, I realized I could come home on the 19th for over $100 less than on the 21st (which was my original plan).  So, I went ahead and booked the cheaper flight but decided, with Erin, that we wouldn't tell anyone and surprise mom and dad by coming home early :)!  I almost ruined the surprise SO many times over the last couple of weeks, but we were able to pull it off!

Yesterday morning I packed my bags and headed to the airport.  It was a full, but fairly easy day of traveling.  Erin and Faith met me at the airport and then we headed back to the house.  I knocked on the door to be greeted by dad; mom stayed on the couch thinking it was Erin at the door until I walked around the corner.  A few tears and lots of laughs were shared.  It was a really fun and successful surprise! (Erin has a video you can see on Facebook or instagram!)

 Flying first class is awesome!!  I wasn't able to use the money I'd budgeted the last two months to take a few days off with a beach trip, so I put it towards an upgrade on my flight!  Have you ever seen so many buttons for reclining your seat in an airplane?!! It was awesome!

 I got to see a rainbow from above (top right), which was SO cool!  I also had to get warm with some Starbucks in Miami (I enjoyed some for you Jenn!) and then caught up on the latest celebrity news during my 5 hour layover.

 Sunsets are gorgeous from above.  I didn't get a really good shot of the beautiful colors on the other side of the plane, but it was breathtaking!  I'll pick a seat on the other side next time!  We also had a delicious meal on the flight home and then it was like Christmas opening all of my mail from the last two months!  (I LOVE getting mail!)

 Finally home and reunited my my family and sweet puppy dog!

I'm so happy to be home.  I thought it would be major culture shock or at least feel like a transition, but I just feel at home.  It was pretty awesome crawling into my own bed last night, brushing my teeth with sink water, and doing laundry today, but it hasn't felt out of place or anything.  I just feel like I'm home.  I'm so happy to be home.

Now to start the Christmas celebrations!! The next three weeks are super busy but I'm going to soak every minute of it up before I head back to Haiti!

Christmas is Coming!

Despite the fact that it is 80 degrees with a gorgeous breeze here today, Christmas IS in fact just around the corner and I can barely contain my excitement!!  Christmas means that I get to come home for a few weeks, see family, hang out with my friends, hold my sweet puppy dog, and just be home!  Oh I cannot wait!!!  So soon...so so SOON!!

Our little Haitian Christmas tree I absolutely adore!

As I prepare for my time at home, here is what I am most looking forward to during this little vacation from Haiti:

• Seeing my family!! 
• Holding my sweet puppy dog
• Seeing all of my friends and getting to be part of one of their weddings!! I cannot wait for the wedding weekend!
• Good food that I don't have to cook, dishwashers, and all the holiday treats that only come once a year :)
• Worshiping at Grey Stone - I miss my home church so much!
• Giving everyone their Christmas gifts!
• Getting a pedicure
• Washing my clothes in my own washer and dryer!
• Sleeping in my own bed
• Brushing my teeth with cold water from the faucet
• And walking around barefoot without getting grossly dirty feet :)

Before heading home though, we've got a pretty busy weekend ahead of us! HFMS is hosting the KOFAEL Christmas party this Sunday, which I'm also very excited about!! All of the ladies are bringing their kids, we're making sugar cookies for them to decorate, we'll have cake, games, and Christmas fun!  We are going to have a packed house but it is going to be SO much fun!  The ladies will also each get a special Christmas gift that Elisabeth is bringing. They are going to be so excited!!

With one of the KOFAEL ladies at the last meeting!

Well, I should probably get back to working on things here.  Christmas is SO soon!

What are you most looking forward to this holiday season?  

This Just Got Real

Nine days guys.  NINE! I am moving to Haiti in nine days....

Say what?!

Let me wrap my head around that for a minute...

Ok, 9 days. I can do this! I should probably start packing though shouldn't I?  

NINE?!?!!! 

I honestly think I'm still partially in denial that this is happening. My bank account, the room with all my stuff, and my to do list say otherwise, but my brain hasn't quite caught on yet. It feels like I still have weeks left but it's more like a week and a couple of days. yikes!

The past few weeks have been jam packed around here. You've probably noticed a few changes around the blog, right? There are more coming, but please look around and explore!! All the information you'll need on the ministry I'm working with is located up top. Everything you need to know is in one easy to find location now thanks to the incredible designer I hired! Hope you like the new look, I sure do!

Anyways...back to the past few weeks. I have spent the last month or so shopping, picking up donations, crossing off items on the to do list, speaking at churches, and trying to finalize fundraising. It has been crazy, but kind of relaxing too. You all know I love working through details, so this part of the journey has been kind of therapeutic. I just really need to start packing...anyone want to help??

 My only attempts at packing thus far...I have to say these space bags are pretty impressive!  That's a full size quilt, three sets of sheets, two pillows, and three rugs compressed to less than 2 feet tall. 

I had the honor of speaking with two churches so far, and will be speaking at Grey Stone this coming Sunday. What a blessing that has been! For those of you that know me well, you know I hate public speaking. My knees start shaking, my nervous stomach kicks in, my mouth gets dry...yeah not so fun! I've pushed through though, dry mouth and all, and have been beyond blessed both times!! I spoke at Temple Baptist Church in Fayetteville first, and the congregation donated $816 towards my ministry. Through speaking at Temple, I was also put in contact with another donor organization that will donate close to $1,000! What a HUGE blessing that was! Last Sunday, I spoke at Concord Baptist Church in Granite Falls. They as a church gave $750 and individual donations totaled over $600, bringing the total donation that day to almost $1500!! I can't even put into words what a blessing those two churches have been to me. The encouragement from the members, the love, donations...it meant the world to me!! We are also good friends with the pastors at both churches, so it was so nice getting to see old friends and have their support and encouragement as well! Thank you again to both of those churches for having me! Between the two churches, they donated enough to support almost two full months of my time in Haiti. Seriously, what a Blessing!!!!

 Speaking at Temple Baptist Church

 Got to love on this sweet little boy after service.

 

Speaking at Concord Baptist Church.

 

Other than that, life has been pretty normally. I'm trying to take in every second of this gorgeous fall weather, enjoy my favorite American treats, and get in as much time with family and friends as possible while I can.

Overall I am feeling pretty good about this move. There are days where my emotions get the best of me, but I'm finding comfort and peace through Christ. Nights are probably the hardest time for me, as the quiet lets my mind wander aimlessly. If I'm not careful, my worries and what ifs get the best of me, but I've found opening God's word and reading scripture helps me through those harder times. I don't know the specifics of what this journey ahead will hold, but I know it's going to be an amazing year! I'm trusting in God for my strength, patience, wisdom, and courage for this new chapter. He has gone before me, will be there with me, and will go after me. He will sustain me.

Thank you again for all of your support, encouraging words, and most importantly your prayers! I covet your prayers.

 

A sweet gift of encouragement from one of my dear friends.  It meant the world to me!

 

Some specific prayer requests right now:

• My peace of mind before, during, and after my time in Haiti.
• For an easy transition into this new life/culture/climate/etc.
• For safe & timely travels to Haiti.  That all of our luggage would arrive safely and on time.
• For my parents as they experience this first week in Haiti with me, and as they adjust to life with me living Haiti.  Pray for their strength, patience, emotional well-being, and guidance through this year.
• For my fundraising.  I still need to raise around $10,000 for the year.  I know God will provide!
• For the ministry I'll be working with.  Pray that God would guide us on how to minister to the women of Haiti, and the best methods in doing so.  Pray also for the fundraising of the ministry.  We have some big immediate financial needs (inverter, transportation, washing machine, etc) but don't currently have the funding to cover them.
• For calmed nerves and peace of mind as I speak at Grey Stone on Sunday.  Pray that God would give me the right words and that the congregation would be open to supporting my ministry in Haiti.  Pray for my emotional state, as it will most likely be a tear-filled testimony. 

Summer Whirlwind

Sorry to have taken yet another long break from blogging.  This summer has been jam packed with work, fundraising, traveling, visiting old friends, & more!  It has flown by, but here are some pictures from the last few months.

 Jodi came to town for a quick visit!

 Staff trip to Myrtle Beach.

 The girls

 Courtney & me.

 Sisters.

 Barefoot Landing fun with Eliza.

 & with Erin.  We couldn't resist!

 Quick trip to Maryland to visit these beautiful ladies!  A much needed ID5 reunion!

 Fun on the boat.

 Love these girls (and Andrew!)

 Found my future dog.

 Stopped in VA to see Jessica Deen!

 Erin & I got slimmed by the group that raised the most money for my move to Haiti.

 Things got a little messy with Andy.

All done in love of course!

 Held our first fundraiser for Haiti, a Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction.

 Family came out to support!

 We had over 200 people attend that evening.  I was so amazed with the support from everyone!

 Raffling off goodies!

Kathleen helped run the Silent Auction table.

It has been such a wonderful summer, I'm not ready for it to end! The next step is to begin planning our next fundraiser.  Thank you again to everyone that donated items for the Spaghetti Dinner!  And thank you to everyone that volunteered and came out in support!  It means the world to have so many people standing behind me as I begin this journey.  Here's to the next few months full of fundraising!