kids kamp kraziness

Tonight is the last night of Cool Springs Kids Kamp 2007 (that's the fancy name for what my church calls their Vacation Bible School). Though these past few weeks have been some of the most stressful as I've tried to prepare myself, my church, and the kids for this week I have to say I'm kind of saved its almost over. That's a rather new mindset about it though.

Last week, and even up until Sunday friends and family would ask how I was and if I felt prepared or stressed or ready, etc. My answer was always something to the extent of, "I'd really like to wake up and it be August!" I was ready for Kids Kamp to be over. I was ready to be back from Moldova. I was ready to move out and move in somewhere and be settled. However, today, I'm not ready. I'm not ready for this week to be over. Tuesday night we had several kids say they were ready to accept Christ! Some went home and were able to sit with their parents and ask questions and pray to accept Christ into their lives. Others came back Wednesday ready to pray with their teachers! Though I can't quite remember a time I have been this stressed, this busy, this over-comitted, and this out of touch with my friends, its all worth it because these kids lives are forever changed! It's exciting to be a part of!

This is why I do all that I do. It's why I decided to help with Kids Kamp. It's why I can't not go back to Moldova. It's why I work for organization that changes the lives of children on a daily basis. I love Jesus and I long for others to love Him as well. I have no doubt I will wake up tomorrow morning and be joyful...and not just because the kids kamp stress is over, but because my God is alive and He is growing His kingdom and reaching out to His children!

So...to all my friends who I've not been able to have real converstaions with in weeks...I'm sorry, but I'm almost back and ready for action. Thank you for understanding and to most of you, thank you for making this week a great one for the kids! Once tonight is over and I'm done making goal posts and planning bible studies and freaking out about who will teach cheerleading...I'm ready to have friends again!...well for two weeks, until I go to Moldova!

a favorite

If you were to ask me, "Emily, what's your favorite restaurant?" Anyone who knows me at all knows that I will say...well true, Las Palmas is near and dear to my heart but if we are going for all time favorite, then I would say...ok, well Baja Burrito would come before Las Palmas, but still if we are going for all time favorite and money isn't an option...YES! The Cheesecake Factory. The obsession started early on really. You would think that a love of cheesecake compelled me to enjoy this place so much when actually it was the other way around. A love of the Factory taught me to appreciate the amazing dessert that is the cheesecake. Its the whole experience there that I love. The atmosphere, the book of a menu, the fabulous food, and of course...the cheesecake.

Now, what many of you don't know is that there is a place I love just as much. I know what you are thinking...that its not possible. It is though. There is a place that I LOVE, but I never really talk about it. One reason is most people haven't heard of it so its just easier to say, "the Cheesecake Factory!" and then whoever asked the question will usually responded with, "Oh yeah, I went to one of those in Chicago!" or "Yes! That's a great choice, however you know I've never had the cheesecake. I'm always too full!" See, not only is the cheesecake Factory a great place to eat, but a fabulous conversation starter as well. I'm not sure other reasons why I don't mention it. I guess b/c I've never been there with friends, I don't know. anyway...

So today I heard that I get to plan the menu for a lunch that we are doing at work and it is coming from Mere Bulles, my favorite restaurant. I've only been there for work events and meetings but I absolutely love it. Its in an old plantation home in Brentwood. Its beautiful, especially at Christmas. I love everything about it. The fact that the waiters remember repeat customers, the atmosphere, the art work on the walls, the patio when its nice outside, the fact you can reserve to eat in the Library, but most importantly the She Crab bisque soup. It is the most amazing soup and it is the main reason I love this place so much. I've also never had anything twice on the menu and I've yet to be disappointed. From Mahi-Mahi Sandwiches to Rib Rolls or various salads...gosh, its all so good!

So, the truth comes out. My true favorite. If you've never been I encourage you to go...and you can take me if you want!

Auntie Em!

so my sister-in-law just had a baby...that makes me an aunt...and my brother a father! It's crazy! Sean Michael Lamkin was born on Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 12:30pm! They are home and everyone is doing well! I can't wait to meet the little guy...I'm not sure when that can happen but hopefully soon!

seriously??!!!?

so...though my dog is cute... as you can see for yourself, i'm not sure he's the smartest. Granted, he can learn tricks and he's learned the names of most of his toys, and he can act like a cat with the best of them however, the commen sense factor may not be all there.

Some of you may remember my blog after Valentine's Day recalling the account of when Bauer decided to consume and entire toy. 20 stitches later...we were fine. You would have thought that would teach him not to eat cloth...it didn't. Don't worry.

Yesterday I got back from my trip to Chattanooga and picked Bauer up from my parent's house (Gran and Pop as they like to be called). He was really tired and lazy when we got home. I figured this was because he had been playing outside for two days and was worn out. This morning he woke me up at 5am throwing up. I wasn't all that concerned...it was just some grass and such, nothing to be worried about...again, he had been playing outside for two days and bauer tends to run with his mouth open and eat everything that comes in his way so I assumed the grass intake was higher than normal causing his stomach to be upset. We continue on with our morning routine...breakfast, outside, I take a shower, start getting ready, etc. Usually while I get ready Bauer camps out under my bed. That's where he was this morning when I hear him start hacking something up. I take a quick glance under the bed and it looks like bauer is just chewing on a toy. I look a bit closer...not a toy, a pair of underwear...THAT HE JUST THREW UP! My dumb dog swallowed a pair of underwear whole and then threw it up this morning. It was disgusting! HILARIOUS! but really gross. Seriously bauer, stop eating cloth!

choose your own adventure

The first part of this week I spent at that Chattanooga campus of the Children's Homes. Monday night was the retirement dinner for our East Region Vice President. It was a lovely dinner and I was touched as I heard friends and collegues get up and say such nice things about this man. At the end, Dr. Segrest got up and said a few words. He began to talk about being a pastor, a sunday school teacher, a trustee for the Children's Homes, and finally a RVP for us. He then thanked his wife for standing beside him through all thier years of adventure in ministry.

I liked that...adventure in ministry. I think its true. I found myself longing to be able to tell stories from my own adventures in ministry. I continued to think about that the rest of the night, and still the next morning during the board meeting...and still on my way home.

As christians we are always in ministry. Everything we do. Too often I forget that. Even working for a christian organization I forget that what I do is ministry. When I'm not working at the Children's Home...I'm still doing ministry. I got really excited when I began to think of it that way! What an adventure our lives can be!

I'm not sure I've done the best job of being excited about my job...I am. I love it and I love the work God allows me to do for these precious children! What children you ask? These absolutely adorable ones! (this is what I did monday...it was a blast!)

happy birthday!

so I've heard "Happy Birthday!" A lot lately. I had two friends have birthdays back to back this past weekend.

I was excited that they both had parties. Someone once asked me when I think I'll get too old to have a birthday party. I'm not quite sure that will ever happen. It could possibly have something to do with my previous blog...however my mom hasn't had birthday parties for herself since I can remember so I think we might differon this topic. I realize, I'm still really young to make a comment like "I will never not have a birthday party." I realize I could one day have kids and a family and they would take priority over my birthday but I just love birthdays so much. My mom always made a big deal about our birthdays so naturally I see them as highly important.

I love the fact that everyone has their own special day for themselves! You should be celebrated! I never understand why people don't like their birthday or don't like getting older. There is so much excitement in starting a new year. Maybe I'm just really cheesy and like excuses to have parties...but honestly I think I genuinely love the concept of celebrating someone! Is that wierd? maybe. What's also weird is that I've had 24 bithday parties and only repeated a theme once. CRAZY! Wonder what the big 2-5 theme will be? any suggestions???

as a side note: I realize I've talked about my mom a bit in these last two blogs. I think that may have to do with the fact that it is Mother's Day on Sunday. At the Children's Home we get 25% of our operating budget from the Mother's Day Offering...which is my responsiblity. So this is my plug for you to give! Honor or remember the special women in your life by giving to the Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes. Your gift helps a child in need recieve the love and care they deserve!!!

...and that's what Easter is all about.

When you meet my mother I have a feeling you begin to understand me in a whole new way. I think that in a way, that's true for most people. Meeting someone's parents allows you to understand why that person is the way they are a little better. However, I think my resemblance to my mother goes a bit deeper than most. That may have to do with the fact that my brother's resemblance to my father goes a whole lot deeper than most (mainly b/c they didn't spend everyday together so to have the same voice inflection, laugh, mannerisms, and interests is amazing). Luckily for me, most days I really like my mom so I don't mind being like her in a lot of ways.

For as long as I can remember, we have always had people over for holidays. Not just family but friends and neighbors. I'm not sure if this is because we aren't real sure what will happen if its just the family so we invite others over to be buffers or if it really is the heart beat of my mother to reach out and always minister when the opportunity to presents itself. I'm sure there is some of both, but i believe more of the latter. My mom genuinely loves people. I've always known this about her but I think this Easter it became more real.

Easter Sunday was coming up and mom asked if I had any friends in town who wouldn't get to go home and be with thier families. I was certain I did so I told her I would get back to her. Like I said earlier, we've always had people over for Easter lunch, thanksgiving dinner, etc. Sometimes its been neighbors, friends from church who have lost loved ones...once I went to college in town it quickly turned into me having friends over who couldn't go home and see thier own parents. So, I emailed a few friends to see if folks were staying here or going home. I began to get a lot of responses about friends that would love to come over. I started getting nervous b/c I could tell right away this wouldn't be the same gathering of a few friends like there had been in years past. I got nervous that my mom would get upset because of all the people coming over. I told her my concern and she looked at me and said, "Oh, that's fine. That's what Easter is all about!" Meaning, what a better time than resurrection Sunday to fellowship with loved ones.

The more I think about it, I think that's what life is all about ultimately. Yes, Easter and Christmas and Thanksgiving are all great times to spend with family and friends, but I guess this is maybe something my mother has enstilled in my heart. A love for people. Maybe this is why I throw so many parties and always want to have people over. That's what life is all about, right? We are called to have life and to have it abundently. I guess that looks different for everyone. But to me, thanks to my mom, that looks like having lots of friends over for good food!

All that to say, I like my mom. I like the ways that I'm like her. I'm thankful for her and Jimmy and that they love my friends just as much as I do. And that they love when 17 of them come over for Easter Lunch! I hope each of you had a great Easter...wether it was spent with family or friends or a mixture. After all, that's what Easter is all about. And if that doesn't sound like a line from Charlie Brown then I'm not sure what does!

me? entranced by a book?

I don't usually blog on anything all that serious...mainly because I'd prefer to actually discuss "serious" things with actual people, not just put it out there for whoever to stumble upon. However, I've read some things lately that have provoked my mind in a way it hasn't been in a long time.

I started reading this book (I know, shocker #1). The thing is, I can't put it down (shocker #2). I've never been a reader. I'm not really sure why. Maybe because I was forced to go in so many bookstores as a child with my dad and brother that I was turned off at an early age. Maybe its because I just simply enjoy conversation more than reading words. Maybe its because I fall asleep within the first paragraph usually...who can know really. However, I have recently began reading Girl Meets God, by Lauren Winner. Its about a girl who became an Orthodox Jew convert and then later converts to Christianity. I'm fascinated by her thoughts. I fascinated by how smart she sounds when she writes, which leads me to think she is actually smart when she doesn't write as well. It makes me want to write and want to think deeply about life and God and my faith. It makes me want to get coffee and sit and read all day on a rainy saturday - granted I don't like coffee and I don't like to read.

Here's a quote that I processed for long time last time. It just makes me think...not in a "gosh, this girls got it all figured out" kind of way, but in a "I really want to think about God" kind of way...maybe that doesn't make sense, its ok.

"Here is the thing about God. He is so big and so perfect that we can't really understand Him. We can't possess Him, or apprehend Him. Moses leanred this when he climbed up Mount Sinai and saw that the radiance of God's face would burn him up should he gaze upon it directly. But God so wants to be in relationship with us that He makes himself small, smaller than He really is, smaller and more humble that his infinite, perfect self, so that we might be ablt to get to Him, a little bit."

She goes on to talk about God shrinking Himself down into "manger finiteness" and then quotes another author who says, "For people with bodies, important things like love have to be embodied. That's all. God had to be embodied, or else poeple with bodies would never in a trillion years understand about love."

now maybe none of this makes you think. maybe it makes you think, "wow em, you're really simple minded if this is what makes you think...I thought about this years ago." which is fine. Either way, I encourage you to think...about life, about God, your faith. Maybe it will inspire you to meet with friends and discuss what you think about those things. Maybe you too will long for a rainy saturday to sit in a coffee shop and read even when you too don't like coffee and don't like to read.

top chef

Today I heard a girl who worked at a gocery store say to a customer, "I think I'm going to really enjoy grocery shopping when I get older." I thought it was really funny at first. She was genuinely excited to grow up and go shop for groceries. As I continued shopping around the store I kept thinking about that and would smile. It kind of made me happy that someone felt that. I don't know if I would ever think to say that I like shopping for groceries...but I think maybe I might. I don't do it all that often and when I do its usually for parties but I've recently found out I love trying to new recipies and cooking meals. By the end of my visit to the store I found myself hoping that was something I said when I was younger and thinking that now that I am older, I am excited about it...most days. I left smiling. Who wants dinner?

the piano man

Last night I had the great privilage to hear Billy Joel in concert. It was a fantastic show.

For those of you who read...who, I'm not really sure who you are, which is fine, but if you are reading this and you aren't quite sure what kind of music I like...I like Billy Joel kind of music. Good grief, he's so good! He would start to play a song, and I would completely forget that there words to it eventually because I found myself completely satisfied just listening to him play the piano. But then he would start to sing and it just got even better! Every song is a good one. He played a few that he said he doesn't ever play and so there was one I had never heard before, but still just as good and entertianing and enjoyable as the ones I've grown up listening to. I think he's such a talented musician! He played some older songs last night that were released well before I was even a thought in anyone's mind and it made me wish I would have been able to grow up listening to him when all those songs first came out. You know, probably the same feeling my kids will have when they hear NSync...right?! I'm just kidding. Anyway, the concert was fabulous and I thrilled I got to go...and for free! If you haven't spent quality time listening to Mr. Joel, and by quality time I meant at least two months out of the year, I would highly encourage you to start. Start anywhere, with any song. Sure I have my favorites...but they are all great!

as a side note...here's an update on my dog. remember? he's the one that decided to eat and entire toy. so...20 stitches later he's doing alright. He'll get his stitches out next week and after that should be back to normal. I feel like this may not be the last time this happens...but hopefully he won't do it again for awhile. Doggy surgery is not what my budget wanted to happen!

Today I heard the doctor talk about x-rays. Not for me...for my dog. Poor little Bauer. So early last week he decided that would be best if he ate his toy...like the whole thing. It was a small toy, but probably a dumb idea. Thinking I would be visiting the emergency pet clinic that night, I was surprised when everything was fine. Day 2...fine, 3, 4, and so on...fine, he was fine. Day 8 however, that's a different story.


Yesterday was Day 8. Happy Valentine's Day to me...and poor Bauer. I was having a few friends over for a RED and BLACK party, thus rushing around trying to clean, do my makeup, and plate the food all at the same time. I notice something by the couch. It happenend...he finally got sick of having an entire toy in his belly and decided he should probably throw it up. The entire toy...there it sat, 5 minutes before people arrive. Needless to say, Bauer was a bit out of the rest of the night. He's now at the vet and I'm sure will be just fine in no time! silly pup!

The party was able to go on as planned! Everyone looked so fun in their RED and BLACK! gosh I love holidays...and my friends! Here are some fun pictures to get your mind away from thinking about my sick dog!

with a grateful prayer and a thankful heart

last week I heard my pastor reflect on things that have happened over the past year. One thing he mention was a close friend of my dying. this morning I heard my boss give a devotional on heaven and those we loved that are already there. he spoke on Hebrews 12:1. This great cloud of witnesses that we have. I found it encouraging as I was reminded that those who were interested and genuinely concerned with my life here on earth are just as much concerned now that they are in heaven.

i've missed my friend a lot over the past month or two. i'm not really sure why, I just know that i could really used her wisdom, encouragement, and her "this is how I got through it" stories. i'm so grateful for the things I learned from her. i'm glad to know she's in my cloud of witnesses.

well...last week was thanksgiving. i was so very thankful. thankful for great time with friends and family. new neighbors, old friends. thankful for the break from work. i love the holidays and the smile it brings to so many peoples faces and hearts. my mom and I do the big shopping the day after, we get up early and hit a few stores...nothing major. I really just enjoy the crowds and being out with all the shoppers. its just fun!

the cutest little dreamer ever

today I heard bauer start dreaming. it might be one of the cutest things I've heard in a long time! here he is....how cute is he???!!!

a lot to live up to....

so in about a week i will be hearing the cutest little whines and bark ever heard. I will have a new edition to my life...and this is him...



His name is bauer. This is him at 5 weeks old. I will get him at 7 weeks. I couldn't be more excited. I've wanted a dog for so long and I'm so thankful to my roommate for letting me get one.

Now, Bauer...like Jack Bauer, from 24. I know that's places a lot of pressure on this little guy to save the world from bombs, viruses, terrorist, Kim Bauer, etc. but I think he can do it. I went to pick him out last weekend and out of all 4 puppies he was the only one to give his best effort to either play with me or try and escape out the back door. He didn't pass either with flying colors but he's only a month old...he will learn in time. CTU training will begin immediately upon his arrival to my apartment. Now its just a matter of convincing my roommate to get a little friend name Almeida for him to take over the world with!

shhhh....

Today I heard a lot of silence. I don't usually handle silence very well because that usually means I'm alone and I'm just not a big fan of that. I was in the car today for about 5 hours...by myself, after being the car yesterday for about 5 hours...by myself. After just recently taking two road trips with friends this was somewhat difficult. After about hour 3 I was ready to let someone else drive...but there wasn't anyone. So the phone calls began. First the check in with my mom, then some voice messages, then...silence. It was kind of refreshing. I looked through my CD's and nothing seemed right (I know that is usually how most people feel after looking through my CD's, but I can always find something). So, I kept the silence.

I tend to fear silence. Today I didn't and it was nice. I don't think I require a lot of it, it's just not how I was made, but I did enjoy it today and I found it nice. A lot of me wants to now say the good Christian statement about how it turned into this amazing time of prayer and I really felt the presence of God, but that wasn't the case. I did my fair share of praying and it was nice to be alone for the first time in a long time, but I mainly just drove in silence. A lot can happen when I'm quiet. Maybe that's why it scares me. It doesn't seem to be something I crave but I didn't mind it. Maybe I'll embrace it more often. who can know.

a reacurring thought

Today I heard a class of about 20 3rd graders say, "Thank you, Emily." It might have been the cutest thing I've heard in a long time.

My mom has been substituting full time for a teacher that is on maternity leave until October. She wanted me to come meet her class and teach them some different lettering things that they could use on the project they were working on.

Now, I'm around kids a good bit. I have done and continue to do my fair share of babysitting. I've worked with youth for a while. I'm currently teaching the kindergarten class on Sunday mornings. I'm beginning to learn which age groups I'm better at than others. I used to see "kids" as a collective group and you are either good with kids or you aren't. I'm quickly learning that you can be great with a 2 year old and horrible with a 4 year old (that's me). Or you can be great with a 8th grader and not so great with a 4th grader. I can make the general statement that I love kids because I truely do. However when it comes to actually teaching them things....I think I love them once they have had a year of school and can write. That means first grade and up. I LOVE these kids. That's what I've learned.

I've tossed back and forth the idea of being a teacher. I always knew that's what I wanted to do. Always. I'm curious as to why I didn't pursue that in college. I keep saying I'll go back to school so I can teach when I pay off my loans. I'm not sure how I feel about that.

Here's my question...How do you plan the future you have no control over? If there are things you know you want to do and you know God has gifted you in a way to be good at them, how long do you wait until you use those strengths and pursue those dreams? I love my job right now but I know I would love teaching as well. I know there is an element of trust. I also feel like there's an element of action on my part as well. I'm curious to see where God guides me over these next few as I continue to learn more about who He is creating me to be.

what are your passions and dreams? Are you pursing them? Are you somewhere else for the time being? I'm just curious as to others ways of handling this part of life. The real world, I guess.

christian chicken

This morning I heard the nice lady at chickfila say, "Mam, our systems are down so all we can offer you is a beverage of your choice and a chicken biscuit." Ummm...this made for quite possibly the best morning in awhile. Because of some recent moving expenses and furniture purchases money has been tight to say the least. I have done good and had not spent money on food since last Friday. For those of you who know me well, which I'm assuming if you read this blog then you probably do, know that I love to go out to eat. Meet a friend for lunch...grab dinner with gang, etc. So I've been good for about a week, I've managed to either eat dinner with the parents, cook dinner at home, and bring my lunch to work. The other night I found an old coupon for chickfila.

As I drove to work this morning, after having left on time...which is a big accomplishment for me, I started pondering getting something for breakfast. My immidiate thought was, "Em, you don't have any money." Then I remembered the coupon and how good I had been all week. I weighed the pros and cons as I neared the stoplight at Chickfila. I decided to go in. Great was my reward! I ended up getting breakfast and it was for free! I didn't have to spend any money!!!! Needless to say...it's going to be a great Thursday!

Now...I don't say all that just for you all to be jealous of my luckiness in getting free chickfila but to comend chickfila for always doing their best to please the costumer. I wrote a paper on a local chickfila store in college and in doing that read Truitt Cathy's book. It's a good read for you business folk out there. Anyway, whatever the small things are that make your days great...I wish them on you today! It's Thursday...that means tomorrow is Friday...and that's the freakin weekend baby! Be happy!!!

a true retreat

This weekend I heard the ocean. It was fantastic! 12 of us from church went on a retreat this weekend and it was truly that. None of this busiest weekend ever crap where your every minute is planned with times to eat, activities to participate in, structed games and discussions....we had no agenda. We wanted to take naps...we did it. We wanted to spend the entire day on the beach...we did it. We wanted to try our best to build a sand castle...we did it. It had been a while since I had taken a true vacation where I come back feeling fully rested. It was much needed and I am so very thankful for it. I got to meet some new folks and spend time with those I love. God is great and all His creations are beautiful works of art. I appreciate trees and the mountains but there is something about the vastness of the oceans that commands you to stand in awe and praise God for all things. He is is soverign and our God most certianly reigns. I'm ready to go back to the beach!!!


by far...the best quote of the weekend would be from my beloved roommate, "Jesus made making out...it's totally biblical."

my deepest thanks

Recently I've heard a lot of people give me compliments. I think the fact that it was my birthday had something to do with it....regardless, they were nice to hear. Most of the time I just say, "Thank you," and don't really believe thay they are being honest and I never ponder them long enough to see if I believe what they are telling me. However, I heard something the other night that I have been pondering. I had a friend start to tell me how thankful they were that I was in their life. It's crazy to think how much God will use you if you just let Him. My friend named all these things that I was "responsible" for. I said, "Thank you," like we all do, but then I sat there and thought about it. I'm not responsible for any of those things. It's hard for me to find things these days and not see God's work in it, however this is something that from the beginning I've known was God's work and I would follow Him wherever it lead. It's lead to learning a lot about myself, a lot about putting others needs before your own, and a lot of great memories that I think will continue. I hope that I'm always as willing to be used by God as much as I have been in this situation. Regardless of the outcomes, I want to be a part of Kingdom work, I want to be useful.

Pondering this compliment also made me think about the people in my life that I am thankful for. There are many. It's fasinating to think about the impact one person can have on your life. I think of family members, teachers, pastors, friends....many have people have contributed to who I am today, and for that I am thankful. I feel humbled to think that God would ever choose to impact anyone's life in the way others have changed mine. I've always had a passion for people and being social. I have a new burden for community. I want to invest fully in the lives of those around me so I can in turn be blessed by their friendships. There are great things to be learned from all people. I hope I'm always willing to be taught from them.

themes, cakes, parties, oh my!

Today I heard someone tell me, "Happy Birthday!" My birthday is tomorrow so I'll probably be hearing this a lot over the next day. If you know me at all you know I love birthdays...not just mine, but more the entire concept of celebrating someone's birthday. The idea of one's birthday being very important was instilled in me from the very beginning. Since I can remember, and from what the pictures show..even before I can remember we always had a party and that party always had a theme. There was the clown party, the purple party, the lion king party, 50's sock hop, a night on the town, scavenger hunt, cajun, polka dot, luau...just to name a few. This will be party number 24. I wonder how long I will keep this up? Despite the fact I was raised to go all out for birthdays, I think there is a part of me that really does value the celebration. I think it's important, especially as a child but equally as important to adults. I feel like I could right a whole essay on why it's important to celebrate your birthday. I won't do that here, but possibly one day. Maybe I'll just write a book about throwing birthday parties and the importance of them will come across in the details of the party planning. We'll see if that happens.

It's been a fun year of being 23. I've made some wonderful new friends, strengthened some friendships from way back in the day, found a job that I love, traveled to Moldova to play with sweet orphan children, and I've found a new apartment with a great roommate to move in with. God taught me so much through my friendships this year. I learned a lot about not acting out of fear, when it's time for me to be by myself (which isn't often, but it is necessary), how to trust Him with things out of my control...which is everything in a since I guess but more specifically my future and Jimmy's health.

I'm excited about tomorrow. It means it's a new year with new adventures...new friends, new lessons to learn, new place to live, maybe better sleeping habits? (we'll see about that one) I hope that you all are able to embrace your birthdays whenever they happen. I think getting older is a treasure and a gift. I'm honored to live another year and I'm exicted that God continues to use me for His glory on earth. Happy Birthday to each of you when that day comes! I'm excited about tomorrow and what God has in store for me this year! Here's to turning 24!