2009

It's hard to sum up this year for me. Lots of heartache, lots of blessings, lot's of amazing memories, lots of painful ones.

One of the first things was the loss of Amber Jean. I can't believe she's been gone for almost ten months. My life has been permanently shaken by her death. My heart aches just thinking about it, knowing that there were opportunities I could have taken that might have helped, and I didn't do it. I have lost many people so far in my lifetime, but this was the first one that truly hit me and made me change how I live. I still want to become a better friend and a more loving person, and a huge part of this is because of her. I never want to have another loved one miserable enough to start doing anything that can put their life at risk. I think about Amber Jean everyday, miss her so much, and really truly love the person she was. I will always remember her. 3.22.09

Blast this year, great as every other year. The last year as a student on the trip, last year with Alex, Krystal, Megan, and our amazing leader Charissa. Definitely went out with a bang. First year Jess and Jordan came! Between the messages, small group time, our personal hours of worship, and the "compliment circle", that trip absolutely touched my heart. Will always be one of my favorite memories of our small group.

Moving out of my house... finding a home that will help me grow and will challenge me while loving me for who I am. Getting through my last semester of high school. Finally graduating high school.

My best friend was also a huge blessing of this year. Jenna and I have known each other for a few years, but just became close this year. And she is one of the best things that has happened to me. To have a friend who makes you laugh more than anyone, can always cheer you up, that you can always talk to, that you can cry with, that you can share amazing memories with, that will hold you accountable, that will grow spiritually with you, that will grow relationally with you, that will encourage you, that will beat you up if needed, that will stay with you when you're sick... it is hard to find friends as amazing as Jenna is. I have been blessed with so many amazing friends, but none that will ever top Jenna. She is not just my best friend, she is a sister, and someone I love with all of my heart! She has helped me through so much, and most of my favorite memories from this year include her. I am so grateful for such an amazing person.

The internship with Tim was yet another blessing. I was challenged and my passion for ministry grew even more, which I thought was impossible. Started improving writing skills, working skills, leadership skills... I still have so much more growing to do, but thanks to my church, I have the opportunies to do that.

My many late nights with my girls... Jenna, Krystal, Nernin, Megan, Nicky, Kylee... you girls mean the world to me. Between Chicago, bonfires, roadtrips, and everything else we did, you guys helped my summer be the absolute best. I love you guys!

Trying to cut school with Nernin... just one of my favorite memories lol. OHHH nernin. I love you.

Wisconsin with Anaka and Megan. One of my favorite weekends of the summer. Driving hours with 2 of my favorite people on the planet, blasting ridiculously loud music in my ridiculously small car, lots of that ball bar game, staying up late and talking, cheese curds... a great weekend for sure.

New Orleans. That's another thing that is constantly on my mind. It was my first real mission trip, spending a week in N.O. fixing up houses, playing with less fortunate children, and building relationships. I would go back in a heartbeat. I've always known that serving people in need was one of my passions, but that trip really confirmed it. I want to serve people for the rest of my life, as much as I can. I have become much more of a servant thanks to that trip in my everyday life, and want to continue to be a servant to everyone I come in contact with.

Junior High Camp was also a great trip this year. Co-leading with the fantastic Jenna Parham was an AWESOME experience. And both of us being able to baptize Kelsea together, the first time I ever baptized a student, was a very cool experience. Lots of fun with all the girls, lots of growth, in me, Jenna, and the students. One of my top weeks of the entire year.

SAUFFSBB. What. a. weekend. First time I really got to know anyone I would be going to college with. And it was crazy fun. Lots of talking, lots of laughter, lots of singing, lots of bonding. What a great idea, what great people, and what a great tradition to start! already excited for the next one to come!

Starting college. This is one I really can't write everything about, or it will take pages. Starting over somewhere new, not knowing anyone, leaving my loved ones hours away. Was one of the most difficult things I have ever done, but also one of the smartest. I can't even tell you how many times I would call home, sobbing and begging to just go home. And yet, here I am, 1 semester down, loving it, and definitely not leaving anytime soon. It was hard to leave everyone at home, but I made so many fantastic friends that are already becoming like family to me. People I spend most of my days with, eat with, talk with, hang out with, pretty much live with. I love my family at school! Definitely makes it easier to be away from home when you have family in both places! My CORE family means the world to me, and I love them with all of my heart. My ministry major friends are also such a great influence, and great friends. My co-leader and all the girls who were in my small group are also some of my very loved family. and of course everyone from SAUFFSBB. my roommate, who is definitely JUST like a sister! I am blessed with lots of great friends.

2009 has been a rocky but fantastic year. But it was only the step below 2010. I am so ready to make this year even better than the last. I am going to continue to grow and become a better person, the person God wants me to be. If I can grow this much in 2009, how much could I grow in 2010? I definitely love a good challenge, and this is going to be a great one.