nerves and butterflies

Training camp starts in 2 days...
tomorrow morning I drive downstate with my parents to catch my early 6:45am flight to training.
I have to admit, I'm a little nervous - but mostly excited.
You know...like first day of school butterflies...or graduation speech cotton mouth...or having to use the washroom a bajillion times before the big soccer game. I always seem to get nervous before I explode into leadership and powerful moments...with this experience in mind, I am rather excited to embark on the first part of my new journey/adventure. I continue to dream of all the things God has in store for the next year of my/my teammates lives as we travel the world - nation to nation - and share the love of Christ, while meeting the tangible needs of the people and facing issues of injustice head on. This is just the beginning...ready, set, GO!!!!!

I appreciate your prayers as I pack...and fly to Georgia.
Also, for the careful choosing of my team by those in leadership - and that this week will be a time where we can settle in, get focused, and become united in spirit and purpose as a team + a squad. To God be the glory!

tenting practice

I recently purchased my WORLD RACE tent
+ decided to set it up in the living room.
The experience of setting up a world race tent simply wouldn't be complete without dragging out a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pillow...and whatever other gear I happened to have spread out in the living room.
Here's a preview of my home for the next year of my life:

graduating college

"Life is a journey during which we get to dance with people for a season."

It's been a beautiful season - of 4 years at Bethany.
I've seen the rains, and the rainbows -
been soaked and sprinkled - puddle jumped, swam, dove, and floated.
I've seen the winds, and been blown -
been refreshed, found new breath, learned to fly.
I've seen the autumns, and been captivated -
been perplexed, adventured, settled, been vibrant, and let go.
I've seen the winters, and been cold -
had the chills, frostbite, unthawing, and death.
I've seen the springs, and been refreshed -
found new life, delighted, danced, and laughed.

It's been a series of seasons - some unexpected and others prepared for. Despite the sometimes harsh winters, and thanks to the delightful springs, the illuminating and stretching autumns, I wouldn't change an ounce of my experiences at Bethany Bible College for anything but more time...
Time is precious, and though we search high and low for a pause button, it continues on - and days become weeks, which become months, which become years - and with time comes change - and with change growth - and with growth, the unexpected - the adventure + the fruit.

*Plain and simple - short n' sweet - a college graduate - that's what I be!*

I LOVE these girls!

Friends are sometimes found in unexpected places
at unexpected times and for unexpected reasons.
Nevertheless, true friends pass the test of time,
distance, challenges, victory, trials, and blessings.
Sister-friends are unique all around -
and must be treasured for they are rarely found.
When you find a friend who will stand by your side
never forget to appreciate your time!