stirring thoughts.

I've been having the thought lately, random in a sense, but the thought of, "What made Eve choose the fruit, in a holy and perfect place?". It was one of those thoughts that comes to you leaving you going "hmm". It just baffles me that something deep within her wanted more, when everything someone could possibly want was offered. She was in direct communication with the Lord of Lords, her relationship with Adam was without flaw, YET she had a nagging sense of discontentment in her that thought things could be better.

We, as women, always tell ourselves, "we need the answers, we need to know" as a sense of entitlement sort of- I wonder if that was how Eve felt. However, the Lord tells us again and again, "No, you need to trust. Have faith, child." Goodness, I see this everyday in my own life, as well as my friends. It's a constant struggle not to take things out of SOVEREIGN hands into my own. In that same breath, that thought doesn't make sense, do we miss the part of SOVEREIGN? And why does that not resonate more boldly with us? We dissociate God's sovereignty from our situations, thinking that we understand more.

As Eve did, we secretly crave power in the form of knowledge, always wanting to know more. Never satisfied. Yet we are not meant to be satisfied within ourselves. We are made for deep communion with our Lord Jesus, and when we forget that, when we get in our flesh - we fall. Luckily, the power of grace is amazing!!!

The Lord knows our hearts and desires for us to be honest before Him. In the midst of thoughts of self-sufficiency, we must choose God's love and provision. Praise Him, for He is greater & his love is unfathomable.

"Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us."

{Psalm 62:8} 

done for the HOLIDAYS

Praise the good LORD, finals are over. Now it's time for Holiday fun! I seriously revert back to little girl years during Christmas - when it comes to this here holiday season, I am a child. After all, it is the most wonderful time of the year!!!!

take time to listen

"My thoughts are not your thoughts; neither are your ways My ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways and thoughts higher than yours. Remember who I am when you spend time with Me. Marvel at the wonder of being able to commune with the King of the universe-any time, any place. Never take this amazing privilege for granted!

Though I am vastly higher and greater than you, I am training you to think My thoughts. As you spend time in My Presence, My thoughts gradually form in your mind. My Spirit is the Director of this process. Sometimes He brings Bible verses to mind. Sometimes He enables you to hear Me "speak" directly to you. These communications strengthen you and prepare you for whatever is before you on your life path. Take time to listen to My voice. Through your sacrifice of precious time, I bless you far more than you dare to ask."

[from Jesus Calling]

This was such an encouragement to me when I read it today. Remembering who the Lord is constantly as we approach Him is something we tend to forget. SO many times I get "busy" and don't listen to the Lord's voice. This is definitely a season for consecration for me, and a time where I climb the mountain with my hands wide open. 

Tis' the season to be JOLLY

What other grand way to kick off my FAVORITE month of the year, than a Christmas party?! We had our Christmas Cocktail party for Chi O last night, and it was a blast!

goodness, i love them.


I look so much to December every year.

-So many good times with family and friends

-Christmas lights, music, decorations

-my sweet Savior's birth

-Hallmark Christmas movies ( for real, 24hrs a day = legit)

-any and every excuse for a Christmas party/gathering

-Holiday coffee mugs

-Family traditions

-Nanny's cheese biscuits Christmas morning

... goodness the list could go on. love the JOY of this season.

thanksgiving & iron bowl.

Thanksgiving was such a JOYFUL day. I love getting together with family that I haven't seen in awhile and gathering around a too small kitchen for all of us. There is always so much laughter when we all get together. Grandparents sayings usually being the source of that laughter. Lots of turkey, and great food to be had. But without all of that -- I would still love it the same.

The day after: IRON BOWL -- Auburn vs. Alabama
Goodness gracious do I love this game. Well, especially this year. I never used to be the girl that talked football with all the guys but this year-- I am your girl. My dad gets quite a quick out of it. 

This year we played in (well you know, the other town). It was definitely an INTERESTING GAME. Going into the half it was 24-0 in favor of Alabama. I literally felt nauseas. However, the second half the boys blew us away. Came back from a 28-27 VICTORY for the TIGERS.

It has been such an amazing senior year to see the Tigers roll on to victory.

revealed blessings.

From my favorite devotional Jesus Calling, encouraging little exerpt (hope you will be encouraged as well):

"As you go through this day, look for tiny treasures strategically placed along the way. I lovingly go before you and plan little pleasures to brighten your day. Look carefully for them, and pluck them one by one. When you reach the end of the day, you will have gathered a lovely bouquet. Offer it up to Me with a grateful heart. Receive My Peace as you lie down to sleep, with thankful thoughts playing a lullaby in your mind."

"You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety." 

{Psalm 4:7-8}

Lately, I have just noticed just how beautiful the fall colors are this year. They seem to be more vibrant and more alive than ever. Especially in the mornings -- The way the light hits the trees and the yellows, oranges, and reds really come out. I thank the Lord for that pleasure that brightens my day. His craftsmanship is remarkable.

beautiful tree in my backyard.

Happy Saturday from Nashville, TN!

Hope it's grand!

bittersweet war eagle.

-Today is my last home football game at the sweet sweet Auburn University.

It's a weird feeling. I don't feel like I have been here that long. I was just reflecting on everything I have experienced at Auburn and goodness am I thankful. I love Auburn through and through. That may sound cheesy but the love is deep.

I appreciate Auburn for it's family aspects. Whenever we go on roadtrips for games or just being around the plains on a normal gameday, it's a family-like atmosphere. The pride I have for Auburn as well is just tremendous. I love chanting, "It's great to be an Auburn Tiger!".

i love:

-tailgates on gamedays
-the millions (or so) fans that come to the game
-the sweet grandparents that are die hard auburn fans
-the warm up music, it's a dance party every time.
-the opening video, chill bumps.
-the eagle, Nova. your incredible.
-this year, Cam. of course. just love ya.
-Gene Chizik: class act.
-after the game, complete chaos in the form of Toomer's Corner
-loving that for the rest of the weekend and beginning of the week most guys near and far will be re-hashing every play of the game, and having their own sports commentary.
-I love that when we went to Ole Miss there were more Auburn fans than Ole Miss
-love that Auburn fans were the only ones that booked the hotel outside Oxford so when you woke up to have coffee, hey it's a family reunion
-love that after the Ole Miss/Auburn game we went to Outback (only place open for miles) and it was all AU fans, so what did we do? .... game chants!

-Mostly: I love the love that Auburn fans have for Auburn!

So I will be cheering my boys on to a victory today! Let's go Tigers! Warrrrrrrrrrrrr Eagle, HEY!

First game as a freshman

story weaving.

I often times look around at people and wonder the who's, and how's, and why's. I wonder what their story is, what helped to form the way they are now, where they are going. People watching is one of my most favorite things to do. Airports. Malls. You name it.

It's such a cool thought that not only can we look around and wonder about individualistic stories but also to think of that person in a global aspect. How are we all adding to a global story, and purpose? Story weaving per se.

Sometimes the body of Christ literally blows me away. It is so beautiful how the Lord instills things into us so intricately to add to His story. One of my most dear friends, Morgan, brought such a refreshing thought up today. She was discussing how thankful she was that people knew the Lord in different ways so that we could see different characteristics of the Him through other people that we don't know as well. Adding to each other. Praise the Lord for different parts, and how He continually weaves us together.

"But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. How strange a body would be if it only had one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, "I don't need you." The head can't say to the feet, "I don't need you." ... "This makes for harmony among the members, so that all members care for each other." {1 Corinthians 12:18-21; 25}

beautiful Tuesdays.

I love Tuesdays. There is just something about them.

Sister breakfasts: In Chi O we have a big sisters and little sisters. However, since I am a senior I just have three little sisters. Goodness has the Lord blessed me with those three girls. It is such a wonderful time every Tuesday morning to sit around & just fellowship with them catching up on life and just discussing the Lord and how He is moving and shaping us.



I feel like it's such a great catch up day, being that I don't have class, from the weekend and everything going on. It's such a great feeling to wake up and not have a plan. Tuesdays generally involve Panera. I would like to call it my home office.

This Tuesday, Panera AND Photog-ing (what is: photography adventure). Two of my favorite things. I haven't taken pictures just for the heck of it in such a long time. I forgot how much fun it was. 

Also, after all that heading to Gnu's room (local coffee shop) for some coffee and book perusing (goodness, do I love to look a books-literally could spend hours)...



Today in and of itself was an inspiring day. I'm not sure what exactly it was or is. But thankful for this beautiful day. Any day that ends with a lavendar vanilla latte, Ray LaMontagne's new cd (thanks Ray, for that), perfect light hitting the most beautiful fall trees, and a good drive with the windows down and near perfect chilled air blowing through- oh and good friends (of course!)-  sounds like a good day to me.

rest.

Being a girl, one of our plagues is our mind. Constantly thinking things to death, analyzing things into the ground. Sometimes we just need to be still and rest - not think so much, but just rest in the Lord's presence, that is constantly with us. Stop trying to bear a burden that isn't ours. In that, as we become increasingly aware of His presence giving us rest, it easier to discern the way we should go.

We are not supposed to figure out the future or find the key to unlock it. It's also probably nothing like we think it is going to be anyways. But by resting and dwelling in His presence and staying in communication with him - when we actually arrive at a choice point, He will show us the direction to go. He will give us clarity in the form of Him.

That being said, my prayer is that I focus on today- the here and now. NOT be complacent in my well-worn paths of routine but vibrant, alive and joyful following the most creative being imaginable, my Lord.

Happy Tuesday!

Wearing boots today, and the weather is actually appropriate. High five to that!

intentional life.

October has been such a huge growth month for me. The Lord has revealed so many things to me, large and small. I am so grateful for this.

One thing in particular He has taught me is being submersed in a community, living an intentional life -- meaning, you know my stuff, I know yours. No mirages. No facades. Just real. I have been blessed with an incredible community whom I can do this with. We can sit around and hash life out - challenging each other, encouraging one another, walking with one another in the journey that the Lord has each of us on.

Also, along with that - the Lord has placed on my heart the word "home". We are all brothers and sisters in the beautiful Lord, no matter where we come from. I watched a video recently from Hillsong NYC that kind of summed it for me. I want my life to resemble this video...I want to be a part of a church, a community, that says, "Hey brother/sister, you are welcome here. Why? Because we are in this together".

Happy Fall Y'all. (even though it was 87 degrees today, gross.)

it's rocktober, finally!

Oh how I welcome October with open arms. I love this month. Not only is it my birthday month- it's officially fall to me. This is when the most beautiful time of year sets in. Yes, the leaves are starting to change and that cool breeze in the air lingers a little longer than it did before. AND, you can walk into almost any store & see all "fall", goodbye to the dreaded summer months.

It's like you can feel the shift in the air! Whoo happy October everyone!

getting the point.

Isn't it funny when something happens in our life, and we go "Okay Lord, I get the point now." Well this is a matter of case in point for me. The Lord has been telling me for days, "slow down, be still, rest, simplify", however, I nevertheless keep going, going, going. Hey isn't it what we know & do best? It's almost like we find it a weakness to not be busy, like we feel as though we need/have to be doing something at all times. I know that's the way I get a lot of times (okay, almost all the time).

Well Tuesday I started to fell bad and got a fever. My immediate reaction was "oh goodness, I do not have time for this." Again, the next morning the fever persisted. So I came home and went to the doctor. I got the test results:....strep & sinus infection. Perfect. However, to my suprise my initial reaction to the tests results was actually relief. In the back of my mind I was thanking the Lord for time to rest and an excuse to not be going 24/7. The doctor told me he didn't want me back in school until Monday, and to take it easy.

Even though I feel pretty misreable (and I haven't felt this bad in a long time), I'm actually resting for the first time in a couple of weeks. I don't have to be somewhere- I can just be. It's funny how the Lord sometimes puts things in our lives because we just aren't getting the picture. Thanks Lord for knowing me better than I do.

pumpkin bread, oh yes.

What better way to spend a night than making pumpkin bread? (I mean I can think of a few, but it's definitely one of the best).. Allie and I decided to get this sweet little recipe given to me through my sweet friend Hayden. Delicious!





ingredients, check.

Add caption

fall jitters.

I am itching for fall to get here. Everything about my life - fall candles, candy corn, baking goodies, fall clothes (yes even in the heat), etc- is saying that fall is here. However, I walk out my door and am slammed in the face with a wave of 100 degree heat (whom I am not friends with). Heat and I do not get along.

I'm waiting for that morning I walk out my door and there is a chill in the air - that will be a glorious day!

[my autumn leaves air freshner in my car doesn't help the case either]

here comes fall, yes.

[The beginning of Fall gets me super excited because that means the beginning of everything i love. Saturday is was wonderful outside and it was like a breath of fresh air. I love everything about fall / cold weather.]

1. I love the air. Cool/cold air makes everything feel/seem more fresh. I personally feel better. It's like you can finally breathe, makes ya feel good. New-ness.

2. The clothes. Summer clothes don't cut it for me. I like fall clothes, layers. Yes. Sometimes I look like the bag lady but hey it's okay. Say you want to wear 4 of our favorite things in one outing -- well in fall/winter why not? layer layer layer. Summer you will stifle yourself. (yes i'm the girl with the summer scarf and summer sweater because i'm missing fall so much.)

3. The color of leaves. Everything has beautiful color, love the way the light hits it.

4. Scarves, need I say more. I wear one pretty much at all times.

5. Boots. Hello, who doesn't love boots?

6. The fall candles might be the happiest thing captured in a jar ever. I burn more candles in the fall & winter probably than the entire year. My house at home always smelled like the seasons. I guess I get it from my Mom.

7. The first sight of candy corn makes me want to shout. That means it's really here.

8. One of the biggest reasons: The BEST HOLIDAYS ever exist in this season. Thanksgiving, Christmas (which is the most jolly time of year, and I may or may not be the person listening to Christmas music in October)

9. You don't sweat to death walking to class. You actually enjoy being outside. It's lovely.

10. College Football, yes yes yes. (Not that I neccessarily pay attention the whole entire time, but generally- love the atmosphere, and guys talking about it 24/7. Hilarious). War Eagle!

where there is love & ansleyhayden, there is art.

My sweet, inspiring sister-friend {being that she is basically my sister} Ansleyhayden, has a wonderful blog {click here}. The truth is I probably read it twice a day atleast 1. because I miss her dearly 2. because it is absolutely inspiring. I love how she pulls how aspects of life in to the fusion of both art and love, which exists everywhere. She is not only an amazingly talented artist, she is an absolutely incredible friend. She gets all the weird parts of me and i'm forever grateful for her presence in my life. So when you get the chance, please check out her blog because i'm sure she will encourage as she does me everyday.

ansleyhayden herself. she's beautiful inside and out.

girl, put your record on.

Some days I just want to sit in my room with a record player turning, today being one of those days. One of my friends recently got one, and has thus encouraged my growing desire for the sweet little deal. A record player is definitely my next purchase.

chance encounters.

Don't you love it when you run into/start talking to a "random" person, and you quickly start seeing events unfolding that aren't so "random"?? Well this was the case for me and my friends this past weekend in Memphis. I remember the night before we were leaving just praying that the Lord would bless our conversations. Little did I know what the Lord had in store for me. Haha, makes me laugh.

So on the way to Memphis we were all talking about how we have no idea what we are doing after we graduate and it was a general consensus- it's totally the Lord, we have NO idea. Personally, I have just been recently stripped from what "I" wanted to do, which is case in point, I. The Lord has sort of stripped me from everything I thought I wanted. It's kind of weird spot to be in after years of "knowing" I guess. So cool at the same time though.

Therefore, we rode the trolley around downtown and decided to get off and walk for awhile. Funny. So, we are walking down the street and taking in pictures in front of these awesome doors, when a guy named Ian walks up (by the way those were his doors ha). We get to talking to him and he tells us he has a friend that has art gallery around the corner. [side note: He is not sketchy at all, so we're not like following a rando to a weird place].

We then walk into this beautiful art gallery, and we meet EPHRIAM (the artist):
He is a little 5ish foot man from Nigeria, with the most contagious smile ever. He is beaming with life. He begins talking to us about one of the pieces he has done, which symbolizes the sacredness of life, and taking each moment in for the beauty that it is, new life. Then, he starts talking about purpose (funny, in that we were just talking about it right? maybe not.). He says, "you know each of you have been given a different purpose, but to add to a global purpose because it is not about us.

Here is sweet Ephriam, with his beautiful painting about the sacredness of life.

[In my head] At this moment, I'm thinking- this can't be real. We met this random person person literally on the side of the street, and now here we are in this art gallery, with this little Nigerian pouring truth into us.

He goes on to talk about how we have got to find what makes us come alive inside and do it- that burning thing inside of us. We end up talking to this little man a little short of 45 minutes. I was filled with joy & thankfulness. He provided clarity for me at a time I was so confused. That's how the Lord works. He is faithful- even in the small things. Thanking the Lord for speaking to us in the most unlikely of places- we all couldn't help but just talk about it the rest of the day-- we were filled to overflow.

Not to mention, I wish I could just list out the entire weekend, because there other conversations with people that we met, that we're just so confirming of the Lord's faithfulness. He will speak, if we just wait on Him. His plans aren't ours, and I'm so glad they aren't!

the civil wars.

Last night a group of friends & I traveled to Birmingham to see The Civil Wars at Workplay. Also playing was Madi Diaz, and Peter Gronewald. They were all fantastic. However The Civil Wars, Joy Williams and John Paul White, were outrageously good. They create a sort-of magic when they perform together, you can't take your eyes away, and at times you might want to remind yourself to breathe. Talking about them doesn't do them justice. You must see them live. I'm excited to hear they are coming to Waverly, AL close to Auburn so I will be making yet another trip to see them in the near future. they're incredible.

joy williams and john paul white.

perfect day.

 If I could make up a perfect day in my head, it would look something like this,

[morning]

of course, starting the day with a great cup of joe.

and a yummy breakfast

[day]

take some random pictures

hang out somewhere like this, and just read

[Night]

This looks the most perfect night ever...sitting under lights with blankets. so wonderful.

bid day, beginning of the lasts.

Here starts the beginning of the lasts. Last rush & last bid day. It's already so weird being a senior. Also, kind of exciting at the same time. Wishing I was in the freshman shoes just now starting, but excited for the new things to come.

"Memory is a way of holding onto the thing you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose."

 [The Wonder Years]

hooty hoo.

So yes this might be cheesy, but... it's XO bid day tomorrow and it's kind of bittersweet. It's been neat as a senior to sit back & watch these freshmen girls come into college and think about what I was going through at that time. It's a weird time of transition, but so good at the same time. It's the beginning of a lot of firsts. I'm not so sure I'm ready to leave it all.

I really am thankful for the friendships that I have found in Chi O. They have been nothing short of a blessing from the Lord. The girls that I have become friends with there will be life-long friends!

My freshman bid day 2007

welcoming the new baby hoots!

I'm not the one to get all cheesy about sorority things, but I am extremely grateful for the past 3 going on 4 years of this family I've been apart of. Can't wait to see the new baby hoots smiling faces tomorrow! Hooty hoo.

hold my hand.

Here I am entering Senior year. It feels sort of surreal as if these past 3 years have been a complete blur, where did the time go? It's weird entering your final year of anything because it always leaves you with that big question, what next? It's weird. scary. the whole uncertain thing isn't something I'm completely fond of. BUT, the complete blank slate leaves HUGE room for the Lord to move & guide.

The other morning I was thinking about everything and I read this from Jesus Calling:

"Hold my hand, and walk joyously with me through this day. TOGETHER we will savor the pleasures and endure the difficulties it brings. Be on the lookout for everything I have prepared for you: stunning scenery, bracing winds of adventure, cozy nooks for resting when you are weary, and much more. I am your Guide, as well as your constant Companion. I know every step of the journey ahead of you, all the way to heaven.

You don't have to choose between staying close to Me and staying on course. Since I am the way, staying close to Me is on course. As you focus your thoughts on Me, I will guide you carefully along today's journey. Don't worry about what is around the next bend. Just concentrate on enjoying My Presence and staying in step with Me."

wow. thank you Lord for making sure I focus on the now in your Presence. We are not made to maintain the ideas of the future, only He is. And for that I am thankful and at peace with. Praising Him in the "I don't know" because He does.

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." {Matthew 6:33}

my home office.

I love Starbucks in the mornings. Not that Starbucks coffee is my favorite. But I love the atmosphere of the one here at home. It's a great place to come and read, just be. The people are great & they now have FREE wireless internet. That is music to my ears. It's always good coming back from somwhere for a long time, and walking in and the people saying, "Hey! Haven't seen you in awhile!". NOT to mention, they love to play jazz at the one here, and that...is..my jam. Love ya Frank.

simplicity.

America, it's been beautiful being back. How I took the small things for granted. God Bless ya!

However, there is one thing of many that I really miss about Honduras. That being-simplicity. I guess I had not noticed it until I didn't have it. There are so many distractions that we face everyday, all day. Cell phones. T.V. Computer. It's constant. Even as soon as I walked off the airplane it was like walking from simplicity into a chaotic-emailing-checking world. Everyone was on their cell phones. I myself am guilty of this and have no room to talk, but not having any of these things for a month I realized how great it is -to just be.

In Hondo, we spent a lot of time just talking to each other and really getting to know each other- talking about what we happened that day, what we learned, our struggles, etc. It was really cool to just wake up early in the morning & read on the backporch or in the afternoons when I got home from the kitchen. I loved this and it really built a community within us.

I'm really learning to appreciate things, taking it all in. enjoying the moment. Something about it is totally recalibrating, and I love it.

USA, it's been awhile.

So I'm leaving from Emmanuel in the morning at 7:30am. It still has not hit me hit that my time here is over. Saying my "good-byes" today was harder than I thought it was going to be. Tears shed. But I'm excited, however, for the season to come. I have been reading a lot about the sovereignty of God and plan of the Lord. He always is in control, and I know He is concluding this season now for a reason.

I've been praying the last couple days for him to show me and prepare my heart for the season to come. Because I have been so focused on 'being here', I haven't really thought much about the fall. However, I really got excited about it. He laid some verses on my heart to pray for, much being about community and prayer. One heart. Expectant for what is to come during my senior year.

Not to mention, I am unbelievably excited about seeing my family & friends in the coming days. It's been so long!! Ah I can't hardly stand it.

Oh & turkey (and really all things American)... I have missed you a lot. You will be immediately reinstanted into my daily food regimentand or life.

LOVE YOU HONDURAS, my stay has been amazing as usual. You will be missed greatly. Until next time...

reality.

This morning the reality of me leaving really hit me. I was at circle with the little girls and I was holding their hands like I normally do, but for some reason this wave of "oh my goodness, I'm leaving them in two days" hit me like a ton of bricks. I almost lost it right there. Looking back into these beautiful faces of the girls that I have been with for a month and knowing that I am going to have to tell them "goodbye" tomorrow, until I don't know when, isn't the best feeling I have had.

The older girls understand what is happening. They know that there is a possibility I won't be back. They are used to people leaving them, EVEN THOUGH it doesn't make the situation easier. We have really bonded and I feel like I'm leaving some of my best friends.

I know the Lord has called me to Honduras for this specific period of time and that time is up. I know their is purpose in this, and He has prepared my heart to leave, even though it is going to be extremely difficult. I'm thankful for a sovereign Lord that knows exactly when things need to happen, and has maticulously woven our lives together for certain events and times. 

I have been extremely blessed by this experience, and have learned more than I could have ever imagined. The Lord has stretched me in ways I didn't know I could be stretched and I am forever grateful for this season. Praying for my sisters.

"I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them." {1 Timothy 2:1}

my sisters (or hermanas if you will)...

During some down time this week, I started writing down many of the things that the different girls I have spent a lot time with here have taught me. There is much, and much for which I am thankful. But I wanted to highlight them & shine a little light on how MUCH they have meant to me throughout the past month. The meaning of sister in Christ has taken on a whole new meaning for me because these girls literally have become my sisters, part of my family that I will always carry with me.

What I have learned from them:

ALBERTINA: Servanthood & Humbleness. Albertina is one of the most beautiful people I have ever met, and its not just because she is outwardly beautiful. She is 18 years old and she radiates love for the Lord. He is her everything. She has humbled herself before Him, and it is evident through her work. She doesn't want recognition from anyone for the things she does. She does all the "dirty" work per se when no one is looking. A lot of the girls look to her and she has no idea, but I see it everyday. She has an extremely calm spirit that sort of sets the tone for everyone that comes around her. This includes me. I know there is a reason she is the first girl I met at Emmanuel. She has remained one of my best friends here throughout. "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise." (Proverbs 31:30-31) This is Albertina.

KELIN: Grace, Responsibility, and Gentleness. Grace flows from Kelin, especially every time I mess up severely in the kitchen (which I had no idea what was going on most of the time). If I mess up, she just says, "It's okay I do it too sometimes" (which I honestly never saw her do, but made me feel better regardless). She has a gentle spirit, and is encouraging. I remember one day I was saying how I couldn't do something, and she in all honesty puts her hand on my shoulder and says, "Taylor, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you." Wow. She too leads with a calm spirit. "When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instruction with kindness". Prov 31:26

ROSA: JOY & LOTS of it. Haha. I can't even talk about her without having the biggest grin come to my face. Rosa is always laughing, and smiling. When something bad happens, like us dropping all of the lunch for 40 on the floor-she shrugs and grins and says, "It's okay!". She never lets circumstances get the best of her. She has joy that's higher than that, and it is extremely contagious! Everyone needs a bit of Rosa in their life! ..."and she laughs without fear of the future" (Prov. 31:25)

GITA: FAITH. Gita is a pillar, and you can tell by the fruit of her life. She inspires me more than I could ever imagine. She challenges me daily. I remember one day saying to her, "Gita, why don't you just come to America and live with me?" She reponded by saying, "Taylor, if the Lord says yes I come. But if he doesn't I'm not coming." The response kind of suprised me because I was kind of half kidding. But that is how Gita is, she lives by faith every single day of her life and in every circumstance. She is also an astounding leader. Many of the girls look up to her and she has NO idea. Not to mention, she takes care of the special needs girls and this takes a lot of patience and tenderness, which she has much of. She too radiates the Lord. 'She is clothed with strength and dignity..." Prov 31:25

RIXI: Comfort in God alone. Rixi has been through a lot but she doesn't find her comfort in her circumstances or the events that have happened to her. She looks forward to the confident hope of the Lord. She understands that she was created in His image, and views herself with His eyes. It's an extremely beautiful thing.

STEPHANIE: Breaking down walls is worth it. We are meant for community and not to go at this life thing alone. Stephanie was a hard cookie to break. She has trust issues, and has been through a lot of hardships. It was hard with her, but finally she came around. I am so thankful the Lord helped me stick with her, because what's underneath though messy is absolutely beautiful.

LAURA: Working for the Lord. Little 11 year old Laura has the best work ethic of many people I have ever seen. I remember we had like 90 something empty boxes to haul to the dump. I was carrying like 3 boxes or so and heading that way and I look behind me and Laura has literally stuffed 14 boxes into each other, and that was only for one hand, she was doing the same thing for the other hand. Also, if the floor is dirty, she is the first one on her hands and feet scrubbing. I want to be like that. She is also much stronger than me and weighs 80 lbs. "She is energetic and strong, a hard worker." Prov. 31:17

ESTEFANY: I don't know if words do Estefany justice. Estefany is one of the special needs girls and is TRULY one of the sweetest, most joyful people I have ever met. She knows exactly how to put a smile on my face. The Lord is funny too because where our house is, I have to walk past where Estefany is every single morning to get to my kitchen. It never fails, every morning she runs to me and gives me the biggest hug and ask me how I am, all the while laughing hysterically. She also, thanks to Rebekah Cowart, learned a dance to "Miracles Happen" from High School Musical and no matter what kind of day you are having it will turn it around real quick. It's almost as if Estefany has this power to know when I am a little down or frustrated, and here she comes making me laugh and remember what it's all about. If I had to list top 10 things I will miss, Estefany would be one of them.

This is just a list from girls that I am around every day. There are many others who have impacted me while I have been here. I couldn't be more thankful for these girls and what they have meant to me, and I don't know if I'll ever be able to express it fully. I do know though wherever I go, I'll be taking my Honduran sisters along with me :)