European Escapades July 15, 2011

These photos are now over two months old but they are too good and tell too rich a story to hide any longer. Having a computer of my own helps the cause for being able to share these memories with you. In late April, I took the vacation of a lifetime to visit my best friend Emilee in Europe. She was blessed with the opportunity to teach in a private Catholic school in Barcelona, Spain. Through the duration of Holy Week leading up to Easter Sunday, the schools were closed for celebration and family time, giving Emilee and her fellow student teachers the chance to travel to farther areas of Europe. This is where I come in. Despite some difficulty traveling, I made it safely to spend a week traveling the region with her. We started off in Rome, Italy and ventured to Assisi, Italy, ending our unforgettable trip back in Barcelona, Spain where I got to experience one day of the life Emilee sooooo loved.

ENJOY…

 

I mentioned my difficulty traveling. This was the worst part of it — A delay in Nashville. A storm in New York City. We hovered over NYC for an hour waiting for JFK Airport to open up for landing. Getting so low on fuel that we had to land in Hartford, Connecticut to gas up. Getting up in the air again, expecting to make it to JFK. Only to find out that all incoming flights were being diverted because the weather was so bad in NYC. This picture was taken the SECOND time we landed in Hartford, CT. My night ended here when my connector flight to Spain was missed. American Airlines put all of the passengers in a hotel and we resumed the eventful journey the next morning.

 

 

A good sign. Clear skies and beautiful sights as we fly into JFK the following morning.

 

So… I missed my connector flight to Spain on Saturday. Had I made that flight, I would have already been in Barcelona at this time and Emilee and I would have boarded a flight to Rome. Instead, I had to reschedule a direct flight to Rome where I would soon meet up with her. My new flight led to a 9 hour layover in the wonderful New York City. Of all places to be stranded, NYC wasn’t so bad. I’d get stuck there again if I had the chance.

 

While roaming around NYC, I stumbled on this beautiful apartment building. If you know me at all, you already know what I am thinking.

— RENT! —

 

Just a slight glimpse at my artistic side. As I got ready to head back to the JFK Airport from day-long rendevous in New York, I took two subways and a trolley system back to catch my flight to Rome. On the way to see Emilee now!

 

The first day that we woke up in Rome, we packed our bags to see the Pope. An experience of a lifetime. We had great seats, only 6 rows from the path the Pope would take to greet the crowd and speak to all those in attendance. Such a neat experience.

 

 

THERE HE IS.

And he spoke 8 different languages, I think. It could have been more. Very impressive. We were so close to him!

 

Our next stop was a tour of the Coliseum. What an incredible place, rich in history. It was HUGE!

And I have to show off my WKU Pride.

 

Emilee and I – I still cannot believe we were there, TOGETHER!

 

The architecture, or what exists of it now, was incredible. Throughout the whole city, you could see columns similar to this where part of them had fallen, some remained standing and some looked as if they may still tumble.

 

The next few picture were taken inside of the Vatican City. A private, self-governing city completely surrounded by Rome but 100% separate from Rome.  This large globe rotated, as if it was floating in mid-air. VERY NEAT.

 

St. Peter’s Basilica. This cathedral was stunningly beautiful.

 

Another glimpse inside of St. Peter’s Basilica.

 

No, this is not a costume. Just like the police officers in Bowling Green wear uniforms, this is the uniform of an active, on-duty Vatican City guard. He was on duty and could not smile, could not look away or move from his post. He better get paid the big bucks to guard the Pope and stand there for hours doing nothing.

 

Oh my! My most favorite part of the trip was our excursion to the outskirts of Rome, into Assisi, Italy. Assisi is a tiny little town almost two hours from Rome. We took a train from Rome to Assisi, not knowing what to expect but hoping for a quant town, lots of green grass and landscape. By the looks of this photo, we were successful. I would go back there in an instance.

 

Inside of a Basilica in Assisi, this candle lighting station was made available to visitors who wanted to light a candle and say a prayer in honor or memory of someone. Again, a glimpse at my artistic photography skills.

 

Not so certain what this thing actually was but Emilee sure is strong.

An adorable little gelato shop in Assisi.

 

Five people and lots of baggage.

 

I bet $50 you have no idea what is on this pizza… Nope, not pineapples. Not ham.

Actually, it was the best pizza I have ever had in my entire life and it still disturbs me that I enjoyed it. — Potato chunks and sausage. Yummy.

 

This is the view from the highest point of Parque de Guell. From a 360 degree view, every inch of Barcelona was in sight!

YUMMY! Pigs’ ears. Oh, and feet too. This was inside a Fresh Food Market inside of the heart of Barcelona.

 

Emilee and I happened to get back to Spain just in time to celebrate a holiday. So, Easter in Rome and then El Dia de Sant Jordi in Barcelona. El Die de Sant Jordi is the equivalent of our American Valentine’s Day, except in Spanish tradition Saint George saved the King’s daughter from the grip of a dragon. The dragon’s blood fell to the ground and sprouted a rose bush. Hence the start of this tradition: All men give women a rose on St. George’s Day and to the return the kind gesture, women buy books for their men. As we walked through the streets of Barcelona, tables were at every corner full of books and flowers. These were obviously my favorite!

Missing In Action July 5, 2011

I have been.

For quite some time now, you might know if you are a regular visitor to my recently rarely changing blog. But I am back. Proud. Loud. And ready to write. Maybe not a frequently as I was back in the winter, but I have returned. I am back from a lengthy hiatus.

I sit now at the window ledge of Spencer’s Coffeehouse, looking out to the passing cars and the two smoking men who take up the patio chairs in front of me. As I look outside, it’s beautiful — sunny and 91. Maybe a little too hot but the skies are beautiful and flowers are in full bloom. I am not normally here in the dead of summer. Instead, I fondly remember the days of frequent Spencer’s study dates from August to May — my time spent as a college student. I look back on those days with fondness not because of the impending work, but because of the friends who joined me, the memories made here, the soothing aroma of black bean soup and caramel mocha lattes.

The last time I checked in with you, I was celebrating a new job, fantasizing about how wonderful it was going to be. And I must say, it has not disappointed. I have been on a whirlwind of a professional roller coaster. With no knowledge of the Human Resources profession, I came in 100% blind. And that veil is being lifted a tiny bit each day. I will continue to learn more and more as the weeks go on but I am happy to say that I think this career path was perfectly constructed for me. The yellow brick road that led me here was the perfect direction for me. My employer is sending me back to school — Certification in Human Resources through Western Kentucky University. I could not have dreamed that these blessings would come to me but it is true. And I am so grateful.

On a completely unrelated note, the Casey Anthony verdict was revealed today. The front office area at Trace is filled with women and when the news released that Casey was found not guilty of first degree murder, child abuse and manslaughter, we went nuts. Every man in the office knew our thoughts, loud and clear… and quickly. I may look back at this at some point and laugh but I shall voice my opinion anyway. So, she’s found guilty of lying to federal prosecutors? WHAT THE HECK WAS SHE LYING ABOUT AND WHAT FOR, other than she killed precious Caylee or knows who did? The months and years of Nancy Grace overload, Good Morning America news coverage and the ever-present media bombardment, and the case ends in a letdown the entire country, to Casey’s family and to innocent, sweet little Caylee. So Casey sends investigators on a goose chase for the non-existent “Nanny Zanny”, through the offices of a job she never had looking for a boss whose name she fabricated, blames her father for covering up his assistance in concealing Caylee’s dead body and after being found non-guilty, her maximum punishment is 4 years in prison, 2 1/2 of which she has already served. Sad. Just really sad. I am sad for our judicial system. Mostly, I am sad for Caylee.

That’s my soapbox today. You will find me up high on many more. Someone bring me back down.

As the 4th of July holiday winds down, we still hear fireworks all over Bowling Green — the city commission having voted to permit the sale and use of fireworks in the city. It was a fabulous weekend. A long Friday at work was rewarded with a relaxation-filled Saturday, a fireworks show and potluck with friends in Morgantown that evening, an always appreciated trip to Barren River Lake on Sunday and Monday, breakfast for lunch at the Pancake Pantry with my beau and his family, followed by an ice cream social at Circus Square Park and HotRod’s fireworks from a distance. A perfect weekend in my book. We truly are blessed and I have the best friends anyone could hope for. #ilovemylife

Ok, I quit.

I am no longer Missing in Action.
Thanks for the warm welcome back.

Lots of Great News February 11, 2011

So much to share but very little time. Must sleep. But must update you too. Haha

1. My job is going fantastic. I have loved every task they’ve given me, everything they have trusted me with and every opportunity I have had to experience new things in the business world. Although I am waking up more than an hour earlier than I had to with my previous job and the snow has been coming down like a blanket over Bowling Green, I have so much looked forward to every morning going to work. I can only hope that this remains the case. Yesterday I took a tour of one of the plants and was blown away at the detail and care taken to make castings. I applaud everyone in the hands-on, dangerous and physically demanding field. And the greatest news, I have been able to share with a fellow employee about my love for Jesus, my involvement at Hillvue and the focus of Team Baker, as I told her about an upcoming race. I pray that the Lord continues to provide such opportunities with this same woman and with everyone else in that plant and in the office.

2. I AM GOING TO SPAIN! Yes, you heard it correctly – a beautiful place called Barcelona, Spain. I booked my flight last night to go visit my best friend, Emilee Duvall, as she travels abroad for 6 weeks to continue her student teaching before her May graduation. I will get to visit her for a whole week, and it just so happens to be Holy Week. As we understand it now, the school at which she will be teaching is closed for the entire week leading up to Easter. Meaning, Emilee and I shall TRAVEL, TRAVEL! We are going to start out research of fabulous places we could only dream of visiting before. And in two short months, it will become a reality. I hope to update you soon with some of our ideas for tourist attractions. Oh my, I AM SO ECSTATIC!

3. Last for the night, I get to go to a seminar in Nashville next week for work. I am so ready to get there, learn about HR, the Laws and Federal Wages, have a night to myself reviewing the material and wake up to do it all again. I feel like a Big Girl now. Haha. And this is just one event since starting at Trace Die Cast that has made me feel this way. I have been working there for four days and I have had my hand involved in some major decisions, they have entrusted me with confidential information and put their confidence in my ability and my education. Nashville is going to be the icing on the cake of a FABULOUS first week at work.

Full Circle February 8, 2011

I love to see things come full circle.

It is utterly amazing to look back over the events of the last two weeks and venture into the memory bucket to see their beginning. As you are well aware of, Monday I assume the position of Human Resource Manager at Trace Die Cast. I could not be more enthused about starting this new phase in my life. But this opportunity did not come to fruition overnight.

Looking back, it began nine years ago. Yes, NINE.

As a basketball player preparing for my junior season at Bowling Green High School, we had summer conditioning multiple times a week. It was there that an introduction was made that would be instrumental in my life taking its current path. A stranger poked her head into the doorway of our nearly vacant gym and caught my attention. I went to see what it was that she needed, thinking she was lost and needed some help. I shook hands with her, I introduced myself. Her name was Melinda Hill. In her naturally bubbly way, she laughed as she told me about her daughter who was restlessly waiting in the car and wanted to join us for summer conditioning. Hilary, an incoming high school freshman, did not know anyone but wanted to get involved and show the coaches that she was eager to play. I left the gym, greeted Hilary at her mother’s car and led her into the gym she would soon call home.

It was this encounter that has brought about two wonderful friendships and now an incredible job opportunity. Melinda and Hilary each made such wonderful impressions on me, constantly encouraging me to greatness and spurring me to be a better individual – a better friend, a dedicated student, a constant encourager, a tender daughter, a more diligent worker and a more carefree person. I think so very highly of each of them and have found such a wonderful bond with them.

I catching you up to today’s circumstances, here is how Melinda Hill fits into the picture with Trace Die Cast. Her best friend is the Chief Financial Officer at Trace. When the previous HR Manager announced her departure and Melinda was made aware of the opening, my name was thrown around. Melinda, unaware that I was heavily into a job search, recommended that Trace contact me. An unexpected phone call from Melinda led me to send the CFO a resume, in hopes that I might receive positive feedback. Little did I know just how eager Trace Die Cast’s management was to speak with me. This eagerness was brought on by the high recommendation from my old pal of nine years.

I knew that my encounter with Melinda and Hilary in 2004 was special but it is wonderful to see just how God orchestrated the friendship. I hope that Melinda and Hilary are blessed even a fraction of how much they have blessed me. From strangers, we developed a strong and flourishing friendship.

I love seeing how God orchestrated and worked through a simple hello in the gym at Bowling Green High School. He is almighty and all-knowing. Praise Him for He is a GREAT God.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

Equipped January 25, 2011

Should anyone question God’s faithfulness to His people, check out the story of the Israelites in Exodus where God delivers His people from bondage and provides their every need as the left Egypt. Oh, and a more applicable scenario for Viva La Vida’s readers, look to the lives of those who He calls His children. In our worry, He calms. In our hunger for Him, He feeds. In loneliness, He wraps His people in a blanket of warmth and love. In our brokenness and ailments, He heals and protects. In our longing, He fulfills.

Over months of prayer and hopeful expectation, I have become a prayer warrior. The constant was the potential for a new job. No doubt of my own, God came through in a mighty, mighty way.
This morning I went into the office, with interview questions and answers running sprints through my mind. As I had expected, I took a seat across from the company Chief Financial Officer and the President. But things quickly turn an unforeseen curve. Before my interview began, an offer for employment had been put on the table. I was shocked and surprised and ecstatic and elated and taken aback. Basically, all things jittery and good.

So, the good news is: I have accepted a position as Human Resource Specialist with a large company in Bowling Green. I could not be more enthused about starting this new venture in my life. My new co-workers have welcomed me with open arms. I have met such pleasant people thus far and I have not even stepped foot in the building as an actual employee. I have felt nothing but comfort in being around the company’s higher management and even the company founder.

And you ask – Rebecca, what do you know about HR? And I say, absolutely zilch. Haha. Aside from a little management with school projects and as a Rafferty’s Corporation employee, my expertise is minimal. With all seriousness, this position is going to be a challenge and I am fully aware of the risk that this company is taking by investing in my development in their office. And now it’s my time to step up to the plate and gobble up every ounce of knowledge I come across. I already have SHRM seminars, Western Kentucky University courses and business development consultations in the near future.

This is the endeavor I have waited on. I am ready and eager for the challenge. It’s what I wanted. I prayed for it and God did what He does. He came through. My background and education may not say that I am prepared but God has equipped me for the challenge.

In His Hands January 24, 2011

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20:4

He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. Psalm 145:19

As Psalm 20:4 and 145:19 promise, I fully believe that God gives His people desires of the heart that He intends to fulfill. And presently, the desire of my heart is a career where I can thrive, a setting that allows me to be creative and productive, an environment that harvests Christ-centered conversation and is where God calls me to minister to others.

If you have been staying up-to-date with my recent blogging, you know that an opportunity has presented itself. Literally, it has come me. I told God I was available. That I wanted a move. That I was ready if He was. So we made our first move. Two weeks ago, I applied for two positions in BG. The day after sending in those applications, I came to find out that another company was looking at me. The call took me by pleasant surprise.

And since that day, we have been in communication about the opportunity that exists to bring my skills to their need. In the midst of my computer catching a virus, I stressed so much about completing the application process. No need. God provides. God knows what I desire and should it align with His heart, He will be faithful to provide.

Tomorrow morning, I have my second interview with my potential employer and, though my background and my collegiate studies do not match what they are seeking, I am confident that God will see my through the process and equip me for His will.

I pray that He walks with me into the office. He stays seated by my side. His spirit speaks through me and guides my thoughts. I pray that my desires match His and not vice-versa. I pray for a clear mind as I enter the office and for His comfort as my brain is drilled. Haha.

I am in His hands – the safest and most powerful hands in the world.

Prayers, Please? January 16, 2011

So, something big could be happening tomorrow. And because of that, I want to come to you today to ask for your prayers on behalf of a lunch meeting I will be having around 11:30. As I have been heavily involved in a job search, a break came through, in a BIG way.

So, without revealing too much information, I hope that you will join with me to pray around lunch time for several things: for peace about the potential career path, for certainty from the employer and within myself that this is the work environment I should be in, for the CFO and President of the company as they prepare to meet with me, and lastly, if it does not turn out to be a match of my skills with their needs, that I will be comforted in the fact that it was not the place for me to most glorify God in my work. However tomorrow’s lunch meeting turns out, I am confident of my abilities and very eager to see where God’s gifts take me.

Thank you in advance for your prayers. I hope to update you with spectacular news over the next several days. Thanks for keeping up with me and I look forward to the possibilities that may flow from tomorrow’s encounter. YAY!

Something to Live For. January 13, 2011

I just subscribed to SELF Magazine. With my first issue in hand, I am feeling no buyer’s remorse. None whatsoever because I am being more and more motivated with each turn of the page. A special “30 Day SELF Challenge” is included in the first magazine bundle I got in the mail just yesterday. Page 3 sparked an interest with me.

“Today’s Goal: Have a Mission.”

Seems simple enough, huh? But I want to steer away from some arbitrary thought that comes to mind and seems doable. I want to have a purpose, a goal, a direction. To have the thought and live by the thought are quite different.

As SELF encourages me, so I encourage you: “In order to achieve a complete and happy existence, you must identify your goal in life – an objective that will give your life true meaning… Isn’t it exhilarating to meet people who have a purpose and the drive to make it happen? Well, that can be you. Goals give you sense of direction and something to get excited about. Life’s journey will be much more enjoyable if you know your destination. You need to have something to live for and to fight for, in order to feel that you have a reason for living. Take time to think about your goal in life – your MISSION!”

As I reflect on what I want my life to look like, about what I want people to say about me after I’m gone and about what my children will remember me by, I have one thing in mind. A person actually – someone who I have always looked up to, adored and honored for her strength in her marriage, her personal drive for success, her kind-hearted nature towards everyone she encounters and her heart to serve and love other young women.

This woman is Marla Burch.

She is as sweet as they come, as trustworthy and tender as anyone I know and has fervor for the Lord that is hard to match. She is affectionate and meek. Not to be mistaken for weak. She is far from that. You leave her presence and you have a sense of calmness. She is constantly in communication with others about the gospel of Christ. It naturally pours from her being. I have been under Marla’s leadership on many occasions through bible study and one-on-one discipleship, where her desire is to teach and protect others from her own lessons learned. You see the love she shares so passionately with her husband of 25+ years and you wish that for yourself after 25+ years of marriage. She sees for her household with extra care and always heeds the instruction of her husband. Her two grown boys and college-age daughter love, adore and respect her.

In a nutshell, that is my personal mission. To show kindness, to love wholly and with purpose. Whether it be my best friend, my mother, my husband, my children, the stranger on the street, the receptionist at the dentist, the cashier at Wal-Mart, the customer on the other end of the phone call, I want them to feel sincere and unadulterated kindness.

Every intent acted on is received by someone, somewhere, either in the present or at some time later. I want others to receive me with a smile. I want my happiness to naturally flow to others. I want others to see something different in me. I want others to seek in Jesus what natural comes from me because of my ever maturing relationship with Jesus. When I leave a place, I want others to still smell an aroma of peace, love and kindness.

Thinking about Marla brings a smile to my face. Her faith in the Lord naturally produces good works. She has a sweet spirit and a lovable heart. The fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) run rampant through her life. Because Christ loved humanity so much that he would live perfectly, die humbly and rise victoriously, she loves freely, serves openly and inspires others.

I hope people think of me that way and see that it is only because of Jesus that such righteousness comes forth.

“He who has a why to live for, can bear almost any how.”
Frederich Nietzsche

“The tragedy in life doesn’t lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach.”
Benjamin Mays

“To grow and know what one is growing towards—that is the source of all strength and confidence in life.”
James Baillie

One Year Later

“Today, we remember the beautiful people of Haiti. Shaken, but still standing. God has not forgotten you. One year later, we are here for you… carrying hope, help and Jesus in our hands.”

It is hard to imagine that a year has escaped us since the devastation of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. As I look back through photos of the terror that took place, I am saddened by how calloused I have become. Because the destruction was far from me, I have found myself forgetful of the conditions in Haiti that still exists in the destruction today.

But there is one thing that constantly humbles me – the sight of the Hazel family.

I am proud to know a family who is actively involved in the restoration of a poverty-stricken nation and who have so desired adoption that Haiti became the only natural option. The people and conditions in Haiti have taken deep root in their hearts, not just because of the devastation but long before the January 12, 2010 earthquake. Todd and Jennifer Hazel are faithful to God’s work in their lives, their hearts and their daily actions. This is evident in many ways but over the last year, I have seen them mourn and ache over the pain in Haiti, desiring to do something that will bring hope and peace to the orphaned, abandoned and unwanted children.

Adoption has been a God-given desire in their marriage for some time, but it became attainable one year ago today. This passion developed from a far-off hope to a very tangible, very possible gift in the form a young boy named Weisban.

 

Forgive me if some of the details are misspoken but this is what I know of this precious Haitian survivor.

He was first introduced to Todd only two months after the earthquake. Through Project Medishare , Todd was sent to Haiti to bring healing to children who were traumatized in the wake of the destruction. Unsure of what conditions lay ahead, he boarded a plane, leaving Jennifer and a 4-year-old son behind in Bowling Green. Upon arriving in Haiti, he was placed in the New Life Children’s Home Orphanage in Port-au-Prince to serve as a clinical social worker, providing mental health and psychiatric service to the children.

There he met a boy who lost his parents in the collapse of a building. He was suffering the loss of his only loved ones and also the loss of his leg, which suffered serious damage under the weight of the same building that killed his parents. He was traumatized, malnourished and weak but clenched onto Todd as if they had known each other for years.

During Todd’s tenure in Port-au-Prince, Weisban found his way into an open space in Todd’s heart. And from thousands of miles away, Jennifer was sensing the same longing to love Weisban. Through Skype and the daily updates on Todd’s blog, Jennifer came to know and understand just how extraordinary this little child was.

The prayerful adoption process began when Todd returned to Bowling Green. Research. Adoption agencies. Financial options. Prosthetic limbs for Weisban’s amputated leg. It seemed too out of reach. But their faith in Christ remained strong, hoping and praying daily that if Weisban was the child that completed their family, it would be so. As weeks turned into months, the possibility of bringing Weisban home lingered in the balance. Would the financial burden be too great to carry? Would the Haitian government, which lost all of their adoption and residency papers, allow the adoption to take place? Would something unforeseen tear them from Weisban?

While many questions remain unanswered, there has been a great deal of progress in the adoption of this beautiful boy. Unlike what the Hazels were originally told, Weisban did not lose his father in the earthquake. His father survived, but assuming that Weisban had not, he was not actively seeking his son. Through some sequence of events, his father emerged only to discover Weisban that was without a leg. Because in Haitian culture, this is viewed as a curse and an omen, his father forfeited his parental duties and, after learning of the Hazel’s interest in adoption, gave his consent for the process to continue.

One unforeseen hurdle jumped. But there’s more.

An organization that Todd worked with while in Haiti has become vital to the adoption process. I could be mistaken, but I believe this organization is located in Ohio. The team donated the funds to purchase a prosthetic leg for Weisban. He has since been introduced to his new leg and is learning to walk again and function on his own strength.

If that was not enough, the same group has committed to providing all of the necessary funds to bring Weisban home. Every single penny – covered. When it seemed like a lack of financial support might be the only reason Weisban would stay in Haiti, God provided in a major way. What a great God we serve! He is truly faithful to those who love Him.

So, where does the process stand today? It is only a matter of time. Todd is awaiting a visit to Haiti. It has been postponed twice because of the cholera outbreak and now government instability and violence during the recent election. Last I have heard, his trip is now scheduled for March or May, I believe. When he is able to visit, the prayer is that Todd will be able to speak directly with the Haitian government. With their permission, Weisban could be on a plane back to Bowling Green.

Wow, would that be a miraculous joy or what?! I am eagerly waiting for that day.

Prayer Requests:

- Weisban’s health and safety in Haiti

- Quick movement in the adoption process

- Strength and hope for the Hazels as they prepare to take on a second son

- The leadership and judgment of the Haitian government

And of course, let’s continue to keep the people of Haiti in our prayers. The damage is still very real. The emotional wounds are very fresh, even a year later. The conditions are slow to improve and their hearts are slow to mend.

2010: The Year in Review January 5, 2011

With lots of fabulous surprises, 2010 treated me well. I experienced much gain and loss. Much laughter and smiles. Lots of tears and mourning. Much travel and entertainment. Much making of memories and reminiscing on old times. Lots of learning from Jesus and the community of believers around me. Lots of athletic events and concerts. I was challenged and sharpened in the Word. I was loved and I gave love. I was reprimanded and I was encouraged. I was brought to a deeper low than I have felt before and experienced great heights of happiness to overshadow the tough times. You were good to me, 2010.

Here’s just a quick recap of the events from the past year.

In January, I spent a weekend with some new friends in Atlanta, Georgia for the Passion Conference – an incredible experience where I was powerfully impacted by Christ. It was in those three short days that I embraced the desire which burned in me to serve and love others through giving at Do Something Now.

In February, I really struggled with my purpose in life. Why did I go to school? Career-wise, what am I going to find fulfillment in? Is it too late to change this path I am on? I applied for several available positions, had several telephone, online and personal interviews but to no avail. It was a terribly frustrating time but the Lord taught me what the important things are in life and that, in this economy, I should feel blessed to even have a steady job.

In March, I went on a ski trip with the University Ministry at church. We welcomed in a lot of new people and had a blast, taking the slopes like champions.

In April, we welcomed two new baby goats to the gang. On the 22nd, Fannie Mae and her brother joined Lavergne, Shirley, Bonnie and Clyde. That makes a total of six and if Dad has anything to say about it, our goat clan with continue to grow but good grief, how many more mouths can we feed? Haha. I will question his sanity if we have any more.

In May, I said a tearful and unexpected goodbye to my favorite puppy ever. Bailey was accidentally run over in our driveway by a family friend. It was heart-wrenchingly difficult for us all. The pain was unbearable and my four-legged best friend will forever be missed.

In June, a group of my favorite friends and I went to Beech Bend Park for the WGGC Summer Concert and saw Jarrod Niemann live. It was the perfect summer night, with musical entertainment, good laughs, intoxicated neighbors at the show and even a little  run-in with llamas. Haha.

In July, we had celebration after celebration for my dear friend Cameron. Leading up to her August wedding, I went to a wedding shower in her home town of Edgewood, Kentucky, hosted a bridal shower for her at my own house and had a weekend away with the bridesmaids in St. Louis, Missouri.

In August, the Lord showed me that to rush His plans on my own terms was to put the nail in the coffin of my impatience. It was a much-needed and eye-opening lesson learned.

In September, we welcomed two more additions to the family and a very difficult season began. Over Labor Day, I spent the weekend with family in Gatlinburg and kissed my healthy niece Kendall goodbye as we left the cabin. The same day, we made a pit stop in Auburn, Kentucky and came home with two precious puppies who we named Bentley and Tucker. Four days after bringing our newest additions home, Kendall was rushed to the Emergency Room at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. This began a fearful and uncertain time in the family. Just two months away from her 2nd birthday, she was diagnosed with an E-Coli infection and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome and had two platelet transfusions and one red blood transfusion. Thankfully, she is okay now. She has had a few complications since September, but we are just glad to have her around.

In October, I ran my first 5K as a member of the Team Baker squad. I had every intention of training, but the Medical Center 10K Classic snuck up on me. I was left with three days to build up the endurance for a 3.1 mile race. My race partner, Jessie, ran alongside me and we crossed the finish line together. While I fell short of my personal 32:00 goal, I was happy to run the entire track, not stopping or walking, with a time of 32:48.

In November, I began the 40 Day Giving Challenge. If you have been following my posts, you are very familiar with the challenge. It changed my perspective of those in need and the Lord put a fire in my soul to serve others and to help out in every way that I can, in every situation that I can.

In December, I learned that patience pays off. The Lord taught me not to question His timing or squander it away. It was a powerful lesson to learn but a meaningful and joyous time to soak it in. His plan is perfect and has no errors in timing.

2010, I will look back on you with thanks and happiness.