So I leave for Tennessee in two days. I have been spending the last few days painting my room with a coat of white since it was a lovely shade of minty green. I have also been slowly packing up my stuff. The apartment is currently very bare except for stacks of boxes, containers, and suitcases full of clothes, books, linens, kitchen gadgets, and decorations. I am still very excited, mostly just ready to get the move over with so I can get there and get everything organized (my favorite part!!). Preparations have also been coming together for Essau. He will be coming to Tennessee about a week and a half after I get there. That will give me time to settle in before he comes. I have also been running errands like crazy. Mostly just getting last minute things for the move and for Essau.
This morning my Dad came out to the barn and took pictures of me and Ivan because I do not have any that are not of me riding him. They turned out great, just have to upload them. Now for some more packing...
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
A Week in the Mountains
Wheew! I can't believe how fast this summer has flown by! Here I am less than two weeks away from Tennessee and it hardly feels real yet. This past week was spent in Western North Carolina at various and sundry places. Justin and I went to a good friend of ours' wedding last Saturday in Hiddenite, NC (near Statesville). It was lovely, sweet, and happy. The reception was a lot of fun with great food, a HUGE dessert bar, and lots of dancing. After the wedding, I went to my grandparents' house in Granite Falls and Justin went back up to Marion. I spent a few days with my grandparents running errands, relaxing, watching tv, etc. The three of us met Justin and his Dad and his wife Louise for dinner at Cracker Barrel. YUM. I had some of the best chicken and dumplings ever!
On Tuesday, I went up to Marion to spend the remainder of the week with Justin. We hit all the hot spots in the area including Jack Frost (best homemade ice cream in the world), Nara (best dirty Japanese food ever), Fatz, Moondoggie's, and the movie theater. Justin was working in the area during the days with his USDA job and then we hung out in the evenings. I enjoyed spending time with Alice and Rick, Erica, Bryson, Amber, and Kelsey during the days while he was gone. Bryson, Kelsey, Rick and I went to Grandma Shirley's pool one day and had a blast swimming. Alice cooked an unbelievable meal for us including cube steak, mashed potatoes, fresh cream corn, green beans, macaroni, biscuits, and cream cheese danish.
On Friday, Justin and I took a road trip to South Mountain State Park and hiked up to the waterfall. I tried out my new tripod and caught some great pictures! Saturday morning was also a photography day. Justin and his two sisters, Amber and Erica, wanted to get pictures made together because it had been 10 years or so since their last group pictures. I went with them to the local train depot and we got some fantastic pictures on the tracks and around the depot. I had such a blast taking their pictures and they had fun goofing off and just being together. I am loving photography more and more...
Some other highlights of the week were evenings in the hot tub, sonic slushies, Despicable Me (which is hilarious, I highly recommend you go see it), and just spending quality time with my future in-laws :) I am so blessed to get to be a part of this family. They are all wonderful, loving people who are special in their own ways and who have taken me in as one of their own. I love them all!
This week will be full of packing and organizing as I get ready to head West next Thursday! It's hard to believe I'm so close. Adventure, here I come!
Check out this Photo Album to see pictures from the past week!!
On Tuesday, I went up to Marion to spend the remainder of the week with Justin. We hit all the hot spots in the area including Jack Frost (best homemade ice cream in the world), Nara (best dirty Japanese food ever), Fatz, Moondoggie's, and the movie theater. Justin was working in the area during the days with his USDA job and then we hung out in the evenings. I enjoyed spending time with Alice and Rick, Erica, Bryson, Amber, and Kelsey during the days while he was gone. Bryson, Kelsey, Rick and I went to Grandma Shirley's pool one day and had a blast swimming. Alice cooked an unbelievable meal for us including cube steak, mashed potatoes, fresh cream corn, green beans, macaroni, biscuits, and cream cheese danish.
On Friday, Justin and I took a road trip to South Mountain State Park and hiked up to the waterfall. I tried out my new tripod and caught some great pictures! Saturday morning was also a photography day. Justin and his two sisters, Amber and Erica, wanted to get pictures made together because it had been 10 years or so since their last group pictures. I went with them to the local train depot and we got some fantastic pictures on the tracks and around the depot. I had such a blast taking their pictures and they had fun goofing off and just being together. I am loving photography more and more...
Some other highlights of the week were evenings in the hot tub, sonic slushies, Despicable Me (which is hilarious, I highly recommend you go see it), and just spending quality time with my future in-laws :) I am so blessed to get to be a part of this family. They are all wonderful, loving people who are special in their own ways and who have taken me in as one of their own. I love them all!
This week will be full of packing and organizing as I get ready to head West next Thursday! It's hard to believe I'm so close. Adventure, here I come!
Check out this Photo Album to see pictures from the past week!!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Kinston Mission Trip
This past week I spent my days at the Kennedy Baptist Children's Home in Kinston, NC on a mission trip with Hayes Barton Baptist Church. When I heard about this mission trip a few months ago, I felt called to go. Thank God I did! The trip was incredibly rewarding.
Kennedy Home is a large campus with cottages for the children (ages 10-18), a gymnasium, food locker, craft building, administration building, school building (which is no longer in use), tennis court, volleyball court, and swimming pool (opened this year for the first time in 3 years thanks to gracious HBBC funds and hard working men and women). There are currently four cottages, two for girls and two for boys. Each cottage has "house parents" that take care of them and they work in 2 week shifts. I really enjoyed getting to know the house parents that were working while we were there. They are all so dedicated to these kids, devoting their lives to helping, listening, comforting, teaching, and healing the pains of the residents.
Our first day was spent moving into our cottage and getting to know the kids. We had a few ice breakers, ate pizza, tie-dyed t-shirts, and watched Rudy. Everyone had a blast! The remainder of the days were generally the same with differences in the evenings. Each morning we had breakfast in the food locker, which was very quickly dubbed the "foot locker". The girls from the Blackwell cottage cooked us grand breakfasts including eggs, grits, biscuits, and sausage one day, and Belgium waffles and bacon another day. After breakfast everyone met in the gym for a relay/warm up game. Those became quite competitive at times and I think the kids enjoyed them. Next was Bible study and English or math/science tutoring. After a small snack, it was time for crafts and hand chimes. The crafts for the week included birdhouses for each cottage, lap desks, and photo boards. Hand chimes started out in a cacophony of clanking, scraping, and ringing. Needless to say, the chimes took a small beating, but they survived heartily. Lunch was hosted by a different cottage each day. This was a great opportunity to get to know the residents better and it was so nice to eat with them in their homes.
After lunch, we HBBC folks worked on painting a cottage that is preparing to open. I really enjoyed this, not because painting is terribly exciting, but because I got to paint with Reece Edwards. He used to be the broadcaster for NCSU football and basketball, along with some UNC and now Duke athletics. He is absolutely hilarious, sarcastic, dry, and whitty. I enjoyed his company so much that I hardly even noticed I was painting. Once 3:00 came around, it was time for the girls to swim, followed by the boys at 4:15. They loved swimming, diving, doing flips, and relaxing at the pool. Our group did as well.
Each evening held a new excitement for the residents. Tuesday was "mystery night". Each cottage worked as a team with HBBC members scattered around. I worked with Jones cottage (all boys). We had clues that told the story of a princess who was receiving roses from a secret suitor. We had to solve each clue to find the next that took us on a wild goose chase around the campus, ending up at a nearby BBQ buffet restaurant. Our team won! They were adamant about me reading each clue, hurrying me along as I speed-read each part. With a lot of teamwork and a rather fast driver, we sped to the finish and arrived victoriously at the restaurant to receive our prize. The buffet was delicious and I got to know a few of the guys a little better since I was sitting with them.
Wednesday was our Hawaiian luau party at the pool. There were decorations galore and the food included grilled chicken, rice, green beans, fruit and cake. We served fruit punch, tea, and lemonade in bright cups with umbrella straws. Everyone wore leis and with the blistering weather, it felt quite tropical! The residents had so much fun, especially since they could all swim together.
Thursday was our cookout under the picnic shelter. A few HBBC men drove down to grill hot dogs and cook chili. They then made smore's which were heavenly, if I do say so myself. Thursday we also had battle of the bands, boys vs. girls, on the hand chimes. I was thoroughly impressed! Both groups played their songs and they sounded like songs! You could tell what songs they were and there was hardly any dissonance at all. I could not believe it. Later that evening, Kristen and I went with Jones (boys) cottage and a few girls to the Kinston Drag Strip. This was my first drag racing experience and it was awesome! Because of an enthusiastic crowd of kids and houseparents, we perched ourselves on the railing right where all of the vehicles burn out before they start the race. This resulted in a lot of white, smelly smoke that the guys just couldn't get enough of. I had an adorable 11-year-old racing expert next to me telling me which was going to win for every race. He was right most of the time. I also got three corn rows from one of the girls, which I wore all night and most of the day Friday.
My job description for the week was to be the photographer. I bounced around from Bible study to tutoring to crafts to music with pool time and meals in between. I took around 700 pictures throughout the week and printed the best 5 of each resident at Wal-Mart for them to put on their new photo boards. They were so excited to have them and ended up trading them around so they could have pictures of each other on their boards. The more I take pictures, the more I love it! Maybe some day I will take one of the resident girl's advice and become a professional photographer.
As you can see, it was a busy week, but I am so thankful I went. I made such wonderful relationships with these kids in just five short days and they touched my life. Each one of them was special in their own way and it was great to figure out who they all were. I loved hearing their stories, learning their likes and dislikes, and just becoming friends with them. I saw and experienced relationships being formed in the most unbiased, non-judgemental environment. I have never so easily or so quickly made friends with so many different kinds of people and I believe that Christ made that happen. He filled me up with love and allowed me to see these kids through His eyes. Getting to know the house parents was also a blessing. They are all incredible people doing God's work by showing love, support, kindness, and care to these kids.
I was also equally as blessed to have the opportunity to get to know those from HBBC that came on this trip. I have learned so much about people I have known of my entire life and am incredibly thankful I had the chance to learn more about them as they learned more about me. Our group was fantastic, full of laughter, and giving 100% every day for this mission. I could go on for much longer, but I am just going to wrap it up by saying God led me to this trip for a reason and I am so thankful I went. This was a trip I will always remember and I thank God for allowing me to be a vessel through which He coulc bless these children this week.
Just a few little highlights of the week on a personal note:
* I now am the proud owner of 3 silly bands (truck, corvette, and cloud)
* I am in love with my telephoto lens
* Kinston is a great place to run because it is FLAT as a flitter
* We brought the equivalent of the contents of an entire Handy Hugo's for snacking during the week. This caused quite a problem because my sugar monster got very bright-eyed and forced my hand to grab a cookie, some peanut M&Ms, or a piece of candy almost every single time I walked past it. This was on top of Kennedy home feeding us like champions. Current status: feel like a fatty :)
Kennedy Home is a large campus with cottages for the children (ages 10-18), a gymnasium, food locker, craft building, administration building, school building (which is no longer in use), tennis court, volleyball court, and swimming pool (opened this year for the first time in 3 years thanks to gracious HBBC funds and hard working men and women). There are currently four cottages, two for girls and two for boys. Each cottage has "house parents" that take care of them and they work in 2 week shifts. I really enjoyed getting to know the house parents that were working while we were there. They are all so dedicated to these kids, devoting their lives to helping, listening, comforting, teaching, and healing the pains of the residents.
Our first day was spent moving into our cottage and getting to know the kids. We had a few ice breakers, ate pizza, tie-dyed t-shirts, and watched Rudy. Everyone had a blast! The remainder of the days were generally the same with differences in the evenings. Each morning we had breakfast in the food locker, which was very quickly dubbed the "foot locker". The girls from the Blackwell cottage cooked us grand breakfasts including eggs, grits, biscuits, and sausage one day, and Belgium waffles and bacon another day. After breakfast everyone met in the gym for a relay/warm up game. Those became quite competitive at times and I think the kids enjoyed them. Next was Bible study and English or math/science tutoring. After a small snack, it was time for crafts and hand chimes. The crafts for the week included birdhouses for each cottage, lap desks, and photo boards. Hand chimes started out in a cacophony of clanking, scraping, and ringing. Needless to say, the chimes took a small beating, but they survived heartily. Lunch was hosted by a different cottage each day. This was a great opportunity to get to know the residents better and it was so nice to eat with them in their homes.
After lunch, we HBBC folks worked on painting a cottage that is preparing to open. I really enjoyed this, not because painting is terribly exciting, but because I got to paint with Reece Edwards. He used to be the broadcaster for NCSU football and basketball, along with some UNC and now Duke athletics. He is absolutely hilarious, sarcastic, dry, and whitty. I enjoyed his company so much that I hardly even noticed I was painting. Once 3:00 came around, it was time for the girls to swim, followed by the boys at 4:15. They loved swimming, diving, doing flips, and relaxing at the pool. Our group did as well.
Each evening held a new excitement for the residents. Tuesday was "mystery night". Each cottage worked as a team with HBBC members scattered around. I worked with Jones cottage (all boys). We had clues that told the story of a princess who was receiving roses from a secret suitor. We had to solve each clue to find the next that took us on a wild goose chase around the campus, ending up at a nearby BBQ buffet restaurant. Our team won! They were adamant about me reading each clue, hurrying me along as I speed-read each part. With a lot of teamwork and a rather fast driver, we sped to the finish and arrived victoriously at the restaurant to receive our prize. The buffet was delicious and I got to know a few of the guys a little better since I was sitting with them.
Wednesday was our Hawaiian luau party at the pool. There were decorations galore and the food included grilled chicken, rice, green beans, fruit and cake. We served fruit punch, tea, and lemonade in bright cups with umbrella straws. Everyone wore leis and with the blistering weather, it felt quite tropical! The residents had so much fun, especially since they could all swim together.
Thursday was our cookout under the picnic shelter. A few HBBC men drove down to grill hot dogs and cook chili. They then made smore's which were heavenly, if I do say so myself. Thursday we also had battle of the bands, boys vs. girls, on the hand chimes. I was thoroughly impressed! Both groups played their songs and they sounded like songs! You could tell what songs they were and there was hardly any dissonance at all. I could not believe it. Later that evening, Kristen and I went with Jones (boys) cottage and a few girls to the Kinston Drag Strip. This was my first drag racing experience and it was awesome! Because of an enthusiastic crowd of kids and houseparents, we perched ourselves on the railing right where all of the vehicles burn out before they start the race. This resulted in a lot of white, smelly smoke that the guys just couldn't get enough of. I had an adorable 11-year-old racing expert next to me telling me which was going to win for every race. He was right most of the time. I also got three corn rows from one of the girls, which I wore all night and most of the day Friday.
My job description for the week was to be the photographer. I bounced around from Bible study to tutoring to crafts to music with pool time and meals in between. I took around 700 pictures throughout the week and printed the best 5 of each resident at Wal-Mart for them to put on their new photo boards. They were so excited to have them and ended up trading them around so they could have pictures of each other on their boards. The more I take pictures, the more I love it! Maybe some day I will take one of the resident girl's advice and become a professional photographer.
As you can see, it was a busy week, but I am so thankful I went. I made such wonderful relationships with these kids in just five short days and they touched my life. Each one of them was special in their own way and it was great to figure out who they all were. I loved hearing their stories, learning their likes and dislikes, and just becoming friends with them. I saw and experienced relationships being formed in the most unbiased, non-judgemental environment. I have never so easily or so quickly made friends with so many different kinds of people and I believe that Christ made that happen. He filled me up with love and allowed me to see these kids through His eyes. Getting to know the house parents was also a blessing. They are all incredible people doing God's work by showing love, support, kindness, and care to these kids.
I was also equally as blessed to have the opportunity to get to know those from HBBC that came on this trip. I have learned so much about people I have known of my entire life and am incredibly thankful I had the chance to learn more about them as they learned more about me. Our group was fantastic, full of laughter, and giving 100% every day for this mission. I could go on for much longer, but I am just going to wrap it up by saying God led me to this trip for a reason and I am so thankful I went. This was a trip I will always remember and I thank God for allowing me to be a vessel through which He coulc bless these children this week.
Just a few little highlights of the week on a personal note:
* I now am the proud owner of 3 silly bands (truck, corvette, and cloud)
* I am in love with my telephoto lens
* Kinston is a great place to run because it is FLAT as a flitter
* We brought the equivalent of the contents of an entire Handy Hugo's for snacking during the week. This caused quite a problem because my sugar monster got very bright-eyed and forced my hand to grab a cookie, some peanut M&Ms, or a piece of candy almost every single time I walked past it. This was on top of Kennedy home feeding us like champions. Current status: feel like a fatty :)
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Closer and closer...
So things are really coming together lately! I have an apartment all set and ready with cable/internet and utilities. Essau has a stall that will be waiting for him a few weeks after I move in. Mom and dad rented a U-Haul truck that we'll be taking over the mountain. This is really going to happen. Not that there was ever any doubt, but all of these things make it that much more real! I'm really excited about a new city, new friends, and furthering my education.
I'm trying to see as many of my friends as I can this last month before I head West. I bought a camera for my computer and will be setting up Skype, so if anyone wants to video chat, please let me know! Familiar faces will be a wonderful pick-me-up so don't hesitate! :)
On another note, things are also beginning to come together for the wedding. I have contacted a photographer that I am 90% sure we will be using. I am touring a reception location today with my mom and have contacted another. I have looked at wedding invitations and have put together a rough budget. It's so exciting to see things falling into place and I have no one to thank but God. He has truly blessed me in so many ways and I am incredibly thankful. I know this transition is going to be a big one, filled with some difficult times and a few challenges, but I am confident that God will get me through it and that I will have a blast along the way.
I'm trying to see as many of my friends as I can this last month before I head West. I bought a camera for my computer and will be setting up Skype, so if anyone wants to video chat, please let me know! Familiar faces will be a wonderful pick-me-up so don't hesitate! :)
On another note, things are also beginning to come together for the wedding. I have contacted a photographer that I am 90% sure we will be using. I am touring a reception location today with my mom and have contacted another. I have looked at wedding invitations and have put together a rough budget. It's so exciting to see things falling into place and I have no one to thank but God. He has truly blessed me in so many ways and I am incredibly thankful. I know this transition is going to be a big one, filled with some difficult times and a few challenges, but I am confident that God will get me through it and that I will have a blast along the way.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Photo Shoot with the "Nephews"
Yesterday was a LONG, busy day. One of my many activities included a little photo shoot with Chris and Sam's dogs. They have a Yorkie (Gunther), an Australian Shepherd (Bumpkin), and a Pit Bull (Bug). I had not seen Bug since he was a puppy, so I wanted to come see him and try out some action shots on my new camera. Boy did they turn out good, I am so excited! View the complete album here or you can see a few below.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Summertime and the livin' is easy
So Summer has been going pretty well so far. I've been riding a little more, more leisurely than anything. Ivan continues to improve and his muscles are getting stronger every week! Essau and I are enjoying our light hacks and also had an awesome trail ride with Crista, my dressage trainer, the other week! There will definitely be more of those this summer! :) I have been running three times a week in preparation for my very first 5K on June 12th (Race for the Cure). Other than riding, running, and occasional lunches with friends, I have been scrapbooking, reading James Herriot, and taking pictures with my new camera. I am taking photography classes every Wednesday in June to learn the ins and outs of said camera. After these classes, I should have a fairly good understanding of how to take some awesome pictures!
As far as Tennessee goes, I now have my apartment set and ready to go. I will be moving the last weekend in July/first weekend in August, with Essau coming the following week or so. I am excited to register for classes, learn more about my research topic and start this new chapter in Knoxville! For the time being though, I'm just hanging out, relaxing, resting my mind, and soaking up everything I love about my life here.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Graduation
This past weekend was incredible! Saturday morning was the large University Graduation Ceremony in the RBC Center. It was an awesome sight to see with all of those red gowns! The speaker, Charlie Rose, was very good and the ceremony itself, though very long, was enjoyable. The vet students kept the crowd laughing with their decorated mortarboards (including one with a live hamster in a cage with a wheel) and inflated palpation sleeves. The Animal Science Ceremony was at 7:00 PM in the McKimmon Center and was also very nice. There were 89 graduates and we all gave a mini-speech, thanking our family and friends and sharing our plans after graduation.
Sunday was my graduation party. After church, Justin and I went to my parents' house and finished cleaning up, decorating, and preparing for the 55 guests that would show up for a cookout celebration. It was so nice to have so many friends present, representing all areas of my life (school, church, barn, family). It was a blessing to have all of my grandparents there and to see my friends interacting with each other. I cannot begin to describe how appreciative I am for the love, support, and encouragement that my family and friends pour out daily. It means the world to me! Thanks to everyone who came for your generous gifts, and the priceless friendship that we share!!
Sunday was my graduation party. After church, Justin and I went to my parents' house and finished cleaning up, decorating, and preparing for the 55 guests that would show up for a cookout celebration. It was so nice to have so many friends present, representing all areas of my life (school, church, barn, family). It was a blessing to have all of my grandparents there and to see my friends interacting with each other. I cannot begin to describe how appreciative I am for the love, support, and encouragement that my family and friends pour out daily. It means the world to me! Thanks to everyone who came for your generous gifts, and the priceless friendship that we share!!
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