Thursday Thoughts: Merry Christmas & Haiti

Wow what an amazing fun-filled two weeks it has been, and the party is still going!!!

We began our Christmas celebrations on December 22nd with dinner and a gift exchange with Erin & Stephen.  On the 23rd we attended Christmas at the DPAC which was A-MA-ZING!!  If you didn't go, you really missed out!  On the 24th we celebrated with my mom's side of the family at Mama Barb's house, where we had some delicious food & cake, lots of fun, and some wonderful gifts!  On the 25th mom, dad, and I celebrated Christmas here at the house.  Mom made her usual HUGE breakfast spread, we opened gifts, and then packed to head to Grandma's.  We spent Christmas night up at Grandma's eating waaaaay too much food, exchanging gifts, reminiscing, laughing like crazy, and enjoy being with family.  We came home on the 26th after a day at Grandma's, went shopping today for final Haiti supplies, and tomorrow will be spent packing.


Whew.  Tired yet?

Well that was just this past week!  On Saturday we leave for Haiti!!!  I am so ready to get on that plane and be there already!  I cannot wait to see what all this trip holds.  It's going to be incredible and I can't wait to see God work!!

Please keep us and the team in your prayers as we prepare for our week in Haiti.  Keep an eye out here on the blog for updates during our trip (as internet allows).  I will try to blog or update facebook every day, so keep reading!!

Haiti here we come!!!!!!

Thursday Thoughts: Job Update: Not the Answer I Was Hoping For

Well I guess it's time that I update you on the job situation.

I originally had a long post written to share with you about how I'm feeling and the things going through my head, but I knew it would only lead to everyone under the sun putting in their two cents.  I'm simply not in the mood for any of that.

All you need to know is that I'm 98% sure I was not chosen for the Schumacher position.  They took the job posts down and are no longer answering or returning any of my calls.  In my experience, that means I was not chosen.

People keep asking what my plan is now, and every time I get that question my heart sinks into my stomach.  I don't have a plan anymore.  I can't find any design positions that I haven't already applied for. Literally, all of the job search links are purple now because I have applied to every. single. one.  I've exhausted my resources, and have decided that design is simply not where I'm meant to be right now, maybe ever.  I'll have to find something part-time working minimum wage, and as much as I absolutely hate that idea, I'm out of options.

I'm disappointed, frustrated, and feeling pretty defeated.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed for me and this whole job situation.  I really do appreciate it, I guess this just wasn't where I was meant to be.

Thursday Thoughts: Happy Turkey Day!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!!  

Thanksgiving is one of my all time favorite holidays.  I love the time together with family, the reminder of how blessed we all are, and the food...I mean come on, who doesn't love the food?!?  But seriously, my absolute favorite part is getting to spend time with my family.  Un-rushed, relaxed, one-on-one time with family where our main focus is each other.  It's like Christmas without the presents, which almost makes this holiday better since no stressing over gifts is necessary.  I love the holidays!

How does your family celebrate?

My family always makes it a point to get together and enjoy a ridiculously large amount of food, combined with lots of reminiscent stories, laughing, and hugs.  On Thanksgiving day, we spend time with my mom's side of the family.  The location varies each year, but a pot luck meal is always to be expected.  My favorite items of this meal are the macaroni and cheese (I know, no surprise there) and my great-grandmother's cake (or at least my Aunt Missy's best attempt at it, which is just as good!).   This cake is literally to die for.   It's incredible.

Then on Friday, we head up to my Grandma's and spend the rest of the weekend with my dad's side of the family.  Since they live two hours away, we typically spend the weekend to make the drive and gas go a little further. The best part about this meal is Grandma's stuffing.  I like stuffing, but her's is a-ma-zing! Friday's dinner is also where I can typically be found laughing so hard my sides hurt.  I mean you put Pa, Andy, and the rest of the family in one room together and this is only to be expected (anyone that knows Pa knows what I mean).

I literally love this holiday, too bad it has to come and go so quickly.  However, in true thanksgiving fashion, this post would not be complete without a list of the things I'm thankful for.  So here goes:

I am most thankful for:

• My Savior.  I know I say this a lot, but I can never truly express how grateful I am to have a Lord that loves me so unconditionally that He would send His only son to die for me and you.   I'm so thankful that my Lord is not only unconditionally loving but that he is full of grace, mercy, guidance, forgiveness, and goodness.  I'm thankful that He pushes me every day to be better than I was the day before.  I'm thankful that he never gives up on me.
• My Family. This may seem cliche, but I seriously have the best family ever!  I'm so thankful that they love me unconditionally, support my dreams, push me to grow, and teach me how to be a better person every day.  I am most thankful however, that I am blessed to have a family that taught me to love the Lord and show me the importance of having a relationship with Him. They never give up on me and I can't thank all of them enough for that!
• My Friends. A few years ago I did not have a lot of close friends in my life, due to some very selfish decisions I made.  It wasn't until college that I learned the true importance of friendship and formed some of the best relationships a girl could ever ask for.  I'm so thankful that my friends support me through anything and everything, and that they laugh hysterically with me through it all.  I'm thankful that my friends are always there when I need them.  That they teach me to be more patient, understanding, and loving of all people.  
• Laughter. This may seem silly, but I thank God a LOT for the gift of laughter.  It is by far one of my favorite things in life.  The way it brightens your day, lifts your mood, and is oh so contagious.  You simply can't have a bad moment if it's filled with laughter.
• The simple joys in life. You know, things like a comfortable bed to crawl in each night, food on the table every day, an abundance of clothes in your closet, or the joy of enjoying your favorite items.  And then there's things like the way your heart races when you meet a guy you like, or the comfort found in a hug from a loved one, or for that high you get after a job well done.  There are so many little things in life we take for granted and today I'm reminded to be grateful for them all.
• Second chances. I love the freedom, forgiveness, and sense of hope that comes with second chances.  I've seen this recently in my life and it truly is an incredible blessing.  To give and receive forgiveness and form a stronger relationship from it, is an amazing gift that I am so thankful for.
• Haiti. You all know how much I love Haiti, so it's no surprise that I am thankful for the country, people, and friendships I've formed there.  My only regret is that I cannot wrap my arms around those sweet children in Haiti and wish them a Happy Thanksgiving in person; but I do send my love to them!
• Love. Love is the greatest gift any of us can ever receive or experience. It is the glue that holds this world together, creates bonds, and blesses relationships.  I never ever want to take love for granted, it's a true blessing!
• The unnecessary blessings in life. Like my car, iphone, computer, TV, music, movies, etc.  All of these little things that make life that much more enjoyable can be so easy to overlook.  It's easy to forget that they are blessings, not necessities.  I am thankful that I am able to enjoy all of them, but am reminded that they can be taken away as easily as they were given, and I'm thankful for that.
• Hope & Dreams. Like I mentioned in a previous post, I am a dreamer.  Sometimes the things I dream up can leave me disappointed, but usually they remind me of how powerful a little hope can be.  When things get hard, I'm grateful to have that hope and promise of a future as written in Jeremiah 29:11.  I am thankful that the Lord gives us a hope and that we have everything to look forward to, even when things are really hard.
• My education. I am so thankful to have been born and raised in a world that allows education to be readily accessible.  I'm thankful that my parents pushed me to be more and allowed me the privilege of going to college.  I'm thankful that my education allowed me to explore my hopes and dreams.  I'm thankful for the opportunities that my education has and will continue to bring me. So many people in this world never get the chance to go to school, I am so thankful that I was blessed with the opportunity. 
• Our Freedom. I am so thankful to live in a Country where we are all free. I am beyond thankful for the sacrifice all of those who have or are serving our country give.  I can't thank all of our service men and women enough.  You may our world a better place, thank you!
• My sweet puppy dog. Again, this may sound silly, but I am so thankful for my sweet puppy.  I'm thankful that his cuddles, sweet face, and cuddles can brighten any day.  I love how he lights up when we get home, and always wants to be in the same room as us.  He is a part of our family and I love him oh so much!
• Everything. Literally, there is nothing I'm not thankful for.  My life has been beyond blessed.

Hope you all have an incredible, joy filled Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Thursday Thoughts

I had a second interview at Schumacher Homes today.  To say I was a little excited and anxious last night would be an understatement.  It took me forever to fall asleep!  I kept twisting, turning, and anxiously dreaming about getting the position.  If I get the job, I would be the New Home Coordinator for the Greensboro office. That means, I will get to help clients design their custom homes.  I'd get to help with everything from designing the floor plan, budgeting, picking out their materials/finishes, etc.  This would be an absolute dream job for me!

Both of my interviews went really well, and I'm hopeful that I'll get the position.  I'm not sure how many other people are in the running, but I've done the best I could to stand out and show how great I'd be for the position.  They hope to have a decision by tomorrow afternoon.

I'm so nervous.  

I want this position SO badly! The opportunity to work for such a well-known and successful company doing what I love is just incredible.  I keep praying over and over and over that I'll get the position.  I know God will put me right where He wants me.  I'm just REALLY hoping this is it!

For now, I'll continue the waiting game and hope/pray (with all my fingers and toes crossed) that I'll get a call tomorrow saying I got the job!

I have a feeling there won't be much sleeping tonight either.

I want this so bad, I can taste it!  I could really use your prayers!

Thursday Thoughts

Not a whole lot to share today other than, I need a job.

That's all I seem to think about lately. The time to pay back my student loans is fast approaching, and it's making me a bit nervous.  Plus, I'm just down right tired of sitting around the house everyday.  I've done everything I can think of to entertain myself, but the only options really left are going out shopping or applying for more jobs.  Seeing as how money is my concern, unnecessary shopping trips simply aren't possible at the moment, and well I've applied for every possible position I can find.

Literally.

I know the perfect job is out there for me.  I know God has plans for my life and career that I can't even comprehend. I'm trying so very, very hard to remain patient and trust in His timing. It's getting more difficult each day, but I'm trying.

Other than that, there's not much to tell.  I'm dying to move back to High Point, I need a new car (Helga is on her last breath),  I'd love to take a trip to the beach, and I miss my long hair.

I know my life is so exciting!  Try not to be too jealous.

Could use your prayers!

Happy Thursday!

Thursday Thoughts: One Month

In exactly one month from right this minute, I will be an official college graduate.  I will probably be packing up the final things in my room, eating lunch with my family, and heading home.  It doesn't seem possible.  As I worked in Norton last night finishing up the phase 4 part of my Senior Seminar project I just sat in disbelief.  This is the last project I will ever work on in Norton.  The last rendering i'll do at the drafting tables, the last all nighters I'll pull in the CAD lab, the last nights of craziness with the design girls. The last everything.  It's such a bittersweet thing to take in.  As much as I hate working late in Norton and the stress surrounding it, I love all the times I've had in there.  I've loved all of our 2am Diner runs, laughing until we cry, the breakdowns, the dancing, the singing, the joy of turning in projects, and everything else that has taken place in that building.  I've met all of my best friends here at HPU in that building.  I'm living with my roommates now because of design.  It ties us together and unites us all in a way that cannot be understood without experiencing it first hand.  While I will not miss the stress I am going to miss HPU and Norton.

It just does not seem possible that I'm graduating college.  I feel like I'm still the sophomore sitting at the drafting tables thinking there is absolutely no possible way I'm going to graduate in this major.  I remember watching the seniors over the last two years work on their senior seminar and now here I stand.  The senior working on my own final project.  It just doesn't seem real.  Meredith and I keep asking what do we do next?  How do we go about life with no more school?  I've been in school for practically my whole life, what's next?  Are we really ready to be out in the real world and take it on ourselves?  I'm not sure.

I have absolutely no clue what's going to happen next.  All of the plans I came up with in my mind have been rearranged and flipped upside down.  It's no longer up to me where I want to go next, I have to trust God will put me where He wants me.  Right now I believe that's in Haiti.  As I've said before I have no clue how to go about that, but I'm following God's call and going where He leads.  I know it will all come together.  I know He has a plan that will blow my wildest expectations. I know He knows my future and will piece it together perfectly.  I may be scared, but I know He will take care of me.  So for now, while I may not know what happens after May 5th, I know right now my job is to finish this project and graduate strong.  Even though I'm a little terrified.


For now, this is my job:

The last hand renderings I'll do in Norton....crazy.

"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."   Jeremiah 29:11

Thursday Thoughts: I made it!

That's right, I made it through the semester!!  Sorry for my last post (now deleted), that was embarrassing.  I never have breakdowns like that and simply needed to vent.  Luckily mom was there to help.  She always gets me through those times.  Nonetheless, I made it.  My Wrenn project is turned in, my detailing project is almost done, and my one big final is tomorrow at 1:30.  I wasn't sure I'd see this moment but here it is and I'm still in one piece. Thank you Lord for getting me through this! Tomorrow I plan to celebrate and relax.  I cannot wait to have a day with absolutely no stress.  A day where I can sleep in, enjoy the sunshine, maybe do a little Christmas shopping, stay up late, hang out with friends, and do it all over again the next day.

One more semester of college! Wow!  The job search will pick up again over Christmas break and fingers crossed I'll find something.  For now, I've got to do a little studying and finish up my detailing project.  Thank you all for your support during this week.

I'll upload pictures of my project later. Stay tuned.

Update on Haiti:  Cassie and I both have all our money in!  We are set and ready to go.  We even got a little extra to give to Dorothy as a Christmas gift. Thank you all so very much for your support.  Only 19 days until we will be in Haiti!  I cannot wait!!

Will you please keep our trip in your prayers?  And will you also please keep Todd, his family, and friends in your prayers as he is away at training?  Thanks again!

Thursday Thoughts: Happy Thanksgiving

On this wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, I can't help but find myself thinking about how thankful I am.  This season calls us to remember the things in life that we are given, and it reminds us all to be thankful.  There are so many things in my life I'm thankful for this year, and I am truly blessed with the life God gave me. Here are the 10 things I'm most thankful for (these are in no particular order).

1. I'm thankful for my family.  For the Christian upbringing they gave me, the values and morals they instilled in my life, and the love they have always shown me.  I'm thankful for their never ending support in all aspects of my life.  I'm thankful to have a family that loves me unconditionally, encourages me to follow my dreams, and trusts me.  I have been truly blessed by the most wonderful family in the entire world and I love all of you dearly.
2. I'm thankful for my friends. I am so thankful for all the wonderful friends the Lord has put in my life. I'm thankful for the good times and laughs we have shared together.  I'm thankful for the tears we've cried together and the memories we've made.  I'm thankful to have so many wonderful friends I can trust unconditionally and lean on when in need.  I'm thankful for the support they give and the love they show.  I'm thankful for how they challenge me to grow, and for the comfort and joy they provide.  I love you all! 
3. I'm thankful for my relationship with the Lord. I have been blessed with an amazing upbringing where religious morals have always been instilled into my life.  I'm thankful for the amazing gift God gave when He sent His son to die for us.  I'm thankful for the forgiveness, guidance, love, comfort, and strength he provides every day. I'm thankful for the gift of Heaven and the chance to become a better me.  I'm thankful for all the opportunities God has provided me with and all the mission trips I've been able to take part in.  My relationship with the Lord has been my strength and guiding force in life. That gift is simply irreplaceable.
4. I'm thankful for the gift of laughter. There is truly nothing more refreshing in this world than a good laugh.  Everyone says they always see me laughing, and that's because I truly love to laugh. I'm thankful for how such a simple act can uplift one's day.  I love the impact it has on me and others.  I love the joy and closeness it brings to everyone.
5. I'm thankful for my parents. I'm thankful that they love the Lord, that they love each other, and that they love me. I'm thankful that they care for others and have instilled that quality into my life.  I'm thankful for the care they give and the things they provide even in the hard times.  I'm thankful for the unending faith and strength they place in the Lord. I'm thankful for their guidance, support, and love.
6. I'm thankful for my sister. I'm thankful for all the memories and laughs we've shared. I'm thankful that she knows what I'm thinking when no one else does.  I'm thankful for our inside jokes and times spent together.  I'm thankful for the man she married and the example she sets through their marriage. I'm thankful for her walk with the Lord and her encouragement she gives to grow in mine. I'm thankful that no matter how much we may frustrate each other that at the end of the day she still loves me and will always be my sister.
7. I'm thankful for my dog. Oh my sweet sweet Coconut.  I'm so thankful for the joy I feel when I'm around him.  I'm thankful for his sweet kisses and hilarious tricks. I'm thankful for his occasional cuddles and late night barks.  I'm thankful that he loves to sleep in my room, gets excited when I come home, and cries when I leave.  I'm thankful that even as a dog he has a personality and lights up anyone's day when they see him.
8. I'm thankful for the simple joys in life.  Things like the joy you feel after turning a large project in, the warmth on your skin from the sun when you first go outside, the peacefulness you feel when you lay down at night.  I'm thankful for good stories, pedicures, relaxation, holiday spirit, and inside jokes.  I'm thankful for fall colors, spring flowers, home-cooked meals, and comfortable clothes.  All these little things, remind me daily to be thankful.
9. I'm thankful for our freedom. I am reminded, especially the last few weeks, of how precious a gift the men and women that serve our Country are.  I'm thankful for their sacrifice and willingness to protect people they don't even know.  I'm thankful for the freedom that results from their love and sacrifice.  I'm thankful for their families and the support and love they show to their children serving. I'm thankful for the ability to live in a place that allows us the freedom to make our own choices and encourages it daily.  Today I'm thankful for all the men and women out there serving our Country.  Your efforts do not go unnoticed and I am truly grateful for you and all you do!
10. I'm thankful for my creative skills. My creative abilities have made me who I am today.  I'm thankful for my calling and my ability to utilize this skill.  I'm thankful that I'm challenged daily to try new things and push my abilities even further.  I'm thankful for the joy expressing my creativity brings to others and myself.  I'm thankful that I can use this quality to help others and change lives.  I'm thankful for such a seemingly small quality, that has truly changed and shaped my life.

Happy Thanksgiving!! I hope yours is as wonderful as ours!!!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever."  Psalm 107:1

Thursday Thoughts: One of those days

Yeah, its been one of those days.  One of those days where you wish you had slept in, not gone to class, stayed inside, and relaxed.  One of those days where you mess things up unintentionally and unfortunately cannot get back.  One of those days that class is too much stress to deal with in the moment, and all you want to do is go back to the room, curl up in bed, watch some TV, sleep, and wake up hoping tomorrow will be better. Yeah, one of those days.

Tomorrow will be better though.  I get to head home for a day or two, see my family, help my sister decorate her apartment, and hang out with the people I love the most.  I get to have the comforts of home surrounding me, my sweet coconut to cuddle up with (if he'll let me), good home-cooked meals, and relaxation. Oh relaxation...you are so desperately needed!

It's that time of the year again where life becomes...well...chaotic.  Finals are only a few weeks away. Project deadlines are creeping up fast, Haiti plans need to be finalized, tests are coming, papers are due, holiday shopping needs to get done, and I still need to somehow manage to stay sane during it all. Whew, I'm tired just thinking about it!

Maybe these can help sum up how I'm feeling:

 If those don't cover it, this one should:

Ha!

On a happier note, my friend Todd comes home from basic on the 22nd, and we'll all finally get to hang out for the first time since the summer! We haven't been able to talk to him in months and we've all missed him! I'm really excited to hang out with everyone again.  They're all so much fun and a blast to be around. Battle of the Sexes, Taboo, and Cranium round 3 here we come! Plus some much needed catching up!

Thursday Thoughts

Warning: I'm extremely tired and my mind is all over the place tonight so this may involve some rambling and disorganization of thoughts.

- I love the feeling of turning the heat on for the first time.  I don't enjoy the fact that it's freezing outside and that heat is required, but there is something so homey about feeling that heat for the first time after the summer.   When I was little I used to make a little palette by the vent in our bedroom and lay there playing or take a nap.  I've always loved snuggling up to the warmth and feeling like everything is perfect for that little moment in time.  I had to turn our heat on today, because no matter what I turned the air to in the apartment the temperature just kept dropping. When it hit 69 and I was shivering, I gave in and turned the heat on. It's so warm now and I love it!

- My fall market job starts tomorrow. I had hoped to work for Baker during market, but they ended up not needing another paid position.  Since I'm a poor college student, I had to find a job that would pay.  So I'll be working at Lazar Ind again this year.  I worked there last year and enjoyed my time.  I love their products and the people I met were all very nice.  I'm excited to see their new pieces tomorrow and get to see everyone again.  I'll admit, I'm a little nervous though.  I don't know why exactly, I know who I'm meeting, and what I'll be doing (unlike last year) but I still get butterflies in my stomach anytime I have to do new things.  I'm a girl of habit and twists in the routine shake me up a little.  It's ok though, they'll settle down once I get to the IHFC building tomorrow and get in the showroom.

- I started looking for jobs this break and well.....I'm having trouble finding any in the NC area.  I'm hoping design firms just haven't posted their needs online and something will fall into place.  I'm nervous about finding a job.  This is a huge step in life and I need to get one asap.  Please pray that God will put the right job in my path and that I'll be open and brave enough to follow where He calls me.  I know He's got a plan for me, but not knowing it makes me a little nervous.  I trust Him though, I could just use your prayers :)

- Because HPU is still technically on fall break, none of the places to eat on campus are open this week.  That meant I had to go to the grocery store last night and buy stuff to make for breakfast, lunch, and dinner all week.  I have to say however, I'm kind of enjoying cooking.  It's fun when you're not pressured to cook and can make anything you want.  I also really enjoy cooking for people.  This year we do roommate dinners on Wednesday, and since I'm the only one that really cooks in the room, I'm usually in charge of making dinner.  I've really enjoyed it so far.  I made dinner last night (Wednesday) and it was weird not having them here.

-I'm raising money for Haiti right now, and I'm at about $400.  I'm well on my way which is really exciting, but I've got a ways to go!  Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far.  If you'd like to make  a donation to this trip just leave me a comment and I'll tell you how.

- I think I may get a part-time job next semester.  I would like it to be something design related, but I'd take anything.  I need to start saving up some money for when I graduate, because I have no idea where I'm going to end up.  If I end up moving states, or working far enough away from home that I need an apartment, I'm gonna need some money saved up.  I'm hoping I'll have time for one and can find something..fingers crossed.


Ok I think that's all for tonight.  Sorry for the randomness.  I'm heading to bed now, first day of Market is tomorrow!

Thursday Thoughts

It's been awhile since my last post, due to the craziness of the last few weeks. I started working at Camp a few weeks ago and it has been a incredible, but challenging ride so far. I was blessed with the opportunity to have a lead position in the Kindergarten and First grade class this year, but I wasn't quite prepared for what all that meant. You see, Kindergarten is new to camp this year, and while I love all the little kiddos in my group, they learn at a much different pace and way than my groups in the past. I have had to challenge myself, and the staff working with me, to grow in patience every day and remain open-minded to new ways of teaching. It's not been easy, but it has been cool to watch these kids learn, develop, and grow over the last 3 weeks. I am happy to say we have finally figured out a system that works wonders, and they are all learning our routine wonderfully!

On another note... Erin's wedding is only 1 month away! We have all been planning and preparing for months, but it still doesn't seem real that she's getting married in a month. I have a hard time believing we're old enough to be at this stage in our lives. It seems like we should still be sneaking out to play in the hospital, playing school, and driving each other absolutely bonkers. But, the time has come. I am so proud of both her and Stephen, and am very excited to have him join our family for good. 30 days and counting!

In 6 days, I will be heading to DC to see Meredith. I told her last year I had never been to DC so we have been planning this trip for months. I am sooo excited to see her and Jessica! Hanging out with them is always filled with lots of laughter, jokes, and good times. I'm also excited about going to the Smithsonian! Meredith always laughs at my dream to see a blue whale in person, and they have one there, so lets just say I'm a little bit excited.


Well I think that's all for now. Happy Thursday!

Thursday Thoughts

Figuring out God's plan for my life has been weighing heavily on my heart and mind lately. I'm at the point of my life where every wants me to figure out what I want to do for the rest of my life. What I want to be, what I want my career to be, what my next step will be, etc. And although I decided freshman year that I wanted to make Interior Design my career path, I cannot shake the feeling that I'm supposed to be doing more with my life.

I often find myself thinking about where I want my interior design career to go. A few months ago I heard of a woman who makes over homeless shelters, and I find myself quite often wanting to explore that pathway. I'd love to find someway to use my talent in Interior Design to bring glory to God. I don't want to just be an ordinary woman in an ordinary career just going through life with out thinking. I feel like, no I know, I'm supposed to do more in life. Missions work in interior design- I figure its not common but possible.

Also ever since I left Haiti a year ago, there has not been a single day that I have not longed to be back there. I'm beginning to believe that God may be calling me to missions in Haiti. I desperately want to go back and spend time with Dorothy, one of the missionaries we worked with in Haiti. I fell in love with the work she's doing and I fell in love with the kids she's helping. I'm actually hoping to go back next summer and spend a week or two with her.

I honestly don't know what God's plans are exactly for my life. I'm beginning to see the possibilities slowly unfold, and I'm excited to see what he has in store for me. Please pray for me as I go along this journey. Pray that I will be receptive to God's plans for my life, that I will be faithfully willing to go where ever He leads me, and that I will be patient and faithful as I wait on His timing.