tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65349977082229638622024-03-05T06:08:55.644-08:00For the Sake of His CallUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger183125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534997708222963862.post-68358862548822709882024-01-29T09:54:00.000-08:002024-01-29T09:54:01.851-08:00When It Rains, It PoursAs I write this, I am cuddled up on the couch with Dorito, trying not to cough my lungs up...<div><br /></div><div>I came down with a nasty cough and a 102 fever the morning after Adam's mom was admitted into the hospital. Thankfully, she was discharged Thursday evening and Adam was able to come home to finally get some rest... or so we thought. Around 1am, I had severe stomach pain that woke me up out of a deep sleep. It hurt so much that I felt like I was going to vomit, so I got up to go to the bathroom. On the way to the bathroom, however, I realized the situation felt all too familiar (I passed out from the same pain about a year and a half ago). I decided to go back to bed, but it was too late. I woke up on the floor and Adam got up to find me there. I got a good size knot on my head, bruise on my elbow and my neck is pretty stiff.</div><div>I feel bad for Adam, more than anything else, as he's had to deal with his mom and now me... when it rains, it pours, right?</div><div><br /></div><div>Friday, my neck continued to get worse throughout the day. I couldn't turn my head, or even talk, without my neck hurting horribly. I had Adam take me to the ER on Saturday morning. The CT of my head/neck came back normal, thankfully. They did confirm that I have Flu B and a neck strain (whiplash). I'm so grateful it wasn't worse! </div><div><br /></div><div>Both Jadyn and Adam have been taking such amazing care of me. Making sure I'm well fed and keeping me entertained. At this point, I just really hope neither of them (or my in-laws) catch the flu from me. And I'm hoping I can make a full recovery sooner rather than later. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534997708222963862.post-66079208781592183942024-01-24T19:30:00.000-08:002024-01-29T08:58:19.247-08:00DVT and hospital stay <div>Adam's mom finally had her leg scanned this morning, after having a swollen left leg for several weeks, and unfortunately, she has a DVT. After some blood work, it showed her D-dimer extremely high, so they scanned her lungs, and she also has a PE. She was sent to the hospital for IV Heparin and an overnight stay, to be monitored. Due to her state of mind, Adam is having to stay in the hospital with her tonight. There's something about watching your husband sit at his mother's bedside, caring for her, that makes you even more attracted to him... or maybe that's just me. Tonight, I'm praying for a swift recovery for his mom, and for peace to come over Adam, as I know he is overwhelmed. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534997708222963862.post-25965283105719541342020-12-31T13:42:00.000-08:002024-01-30T09:55:44.761-08:002020 recap<p></p>I rang in the New Year at a Swing Dance that I host at my church. We did a "Roaring Twenties" theme - it was so much fun and it was a great turn out! <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div> <img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnChV0ykZa3IFxOvjPOoGck9sP8rGb10-gD0kJ8ngYgmWxvQ73H7db0Wwrg8x1y5sCgpYC-UoIoP0S_RneHz4HAeRLetwERbOxSV89JeykvIHwBdErtLEzPvgwSx9-3aQXwF5sPQuUT57Wy1GvkUDLhnoAQMT8aNtxObSxPFGqk-NO9IpsvxzHSNEfCSx/w129-h181/roaring%2020s.jpg" width="129" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdzb-DzqYPHw2Drg-rt28lAJonx8srEniqOTM4TG63FB91fn5ytyyFFTM0I3EJnZO_iwaHSdJxaut1jNJg3fYxN_0PJunNJ0yNm2XHKHYokq8gMg75m6d2YwV_Q5G2SAUBaa2p6vvkvy4zLCFu21oXSZzBdF4jGkeeIJ2k9M2AKaVvWEAdTSOdb-UT8As/s960/2020%20nye.jpg" style="display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="686" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdzb-DzqYPHw2Drg-rt28lAJonx8srEniqOTM4TG63FB91fn5ytyyFFTM0I3EJnZO_iwaHSdJxaut1jNJg3fYxN_0PJunNJ0yNm2XHKHYokq8gMg75m6d2YwV_Q5G2SAUBaa2p6vvkvy4zLCFu21oXSZzBdF4jGkeeIJ2k9M2AKaVvWEAdTSOdb-UT8As/w127-h178/2020%20nye.jpg" width="127" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdTDrAoLwZ6It0ukZ-Q1tZFAOQJv2klEfjKiViWHFj2mFmUugzmeUm3WVPLJl1pUP_8rpftcRcz6CnP59jJeDbWArX4JHOXSxanI8IY8Uy7tph9b_yWcU_f9oFGvD8iTDRDZGWmycrm1jdxfo0C2xCiXt5ucJNIcTc3aDL7BMiosyOBGUC9gZEh07_hcL/s960/2020%20ny.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="680" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdTDrAoLwZ6It0ukZ-Q1tZFAOQJv2klEfjKiViWHFj2mFmUugzmeUm3WVPLJl1pUP_8rpftcRcz6CnP59jJeDbWArX4JHOXSxanI8IY8Uy7tph9b_yWcU_f9oFGvD8iTDRDZGWmycrm1jdxfo0C2xCiXt5ucJNIcTc3aDL7BMiosyOBGUC9gZEh07_hcL/w124-h175/2020%20ny.jpg" width="124" /></a> </div></div><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YmD2MC0WFscFJxlQpdR2P20fuqWbiRglcLE-JvoJnHJ2yof8TV2gqtu2h5vO0AhgFSVVAdd8ZFZfvWFMC75iTopRPe8tEqH_HDgiyuZ8InIDYThvHUCmliu9o8JYh_TUdau1r1z1365HrGDTJG2NGnwEFzZViy5TZ_M9HcHeRiVfk6UJY3fJaNpypr86/s750/NY%202020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="750" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YmD2MC0WFscFJxlQpdR2P20fuqWbiRglcLE-JvoJnHJ2yof8TV2gqtu2h5vO0AhgFSVVAdd8ZFZfvWFMC75iTopRPe8tEqH_HDgiyuZ8InIDYThvHUCmliu9o8JYh_TUdau1r1z1365HrGDTJG2NGnwEFzZViy5TZ_M9HcHeRiVfk6UJY3fJaNpypr86/w396-h253/NY%202020.jpg" width="396" /></a></div><span style="text-decoration-line: underline;"> <span><a name='more'></a></span></span><div><p>Sonography school continued, but with a twist...</p><p>In March of 2020, our country shut down. The government announced that we were in a pandemic, with a virus called COVID19. This virus originated in China, and supposedly started killing thousands of people all around the world (the ladder being debatable, in my opinion... that's because I feel like those who are already ill are the ones who struggle with Covid the worst, similar to the Flu - but again, just my opinion). The entire country (and world) went insane. The grocery stores were bare. People began hoarding toilet paper and canned goods. Everyone was required to wear face masks to prevent spreading germs. The government created a massive panic. </p><p>Due to the pandemic, my classes and clinical site for school (hands-on training in the hospitals), closed their doors to students. This made school tremendously difficult. My classes moved to Zoom and our hands-on training was put on hold. This made learning ultrasound techniques practically impossible.</p><span style="text-decoration-line: underline;"> </span><!--more--><p></p><p></p><p></p></div><div>Since I was stuck at home because of the shut-down, I reached out to a local group that fosters newborn, bottle-fed, kittens, whose mother either left, or was killed. I went through the training and got my first couple kittens to care for. In total, I had 14 fosters throughout the year. It was so much fun and helped my sanity while studying 10 hours a day for board exams.</div><div><br /></div><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1WfudVKLjQscjk0B9V5HQQ5O6bKlT98tfaSPbAMxOFoDMOHRRCgwhavtaj_Au-NA69gRH1PGxp6EXb61MY_aOZ0Zd4rTnPQv13QvOWHoWttFU5nElYgX6LC5TgVq7KaQlp9wEmBHiHY9tEKrqf0DvpM-NGjAEXbcxj62cAjZufP353RR0th9-UjiOszW/s960/kittens.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1WfudVKLjQscjk0B9V5HQQ5O6bKlT98tfaSPbAMxOFoDMOHRRCgwhavtaj_Au-NA69gRH1PGxp6EXb61MY_aOZ0Zd4rTnPQv13QvOWHoWttFU5nElYgX6LC5TgVq7KaQlp9wEmBHiHY9tEKrqf0DvpM-NGjAEXbcxj62cAjZufP353RR0th9-UjiOszW/w85-h152/kittens.jpg" width="85" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9cw-q-DrJL132L9fk1TdQ_sFStbWvgM3NDqsWXOWRYRgg_vppYevHdtUQlYhc11DCSECMOuq9WRqi7ifPqg5VMUjuBjwirRny1r2WXf9AuwsstuUL-yQwxc-3oipkIbybU9Sgb333yK2LajWHLFz33MxP39hWMMPxqGNSKIiJhSWfdltWBzF7IFc8qhq/s1440/kittens2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9cw-q-DrJL132L9fk1TdQ_sFStbWvgM3NDqsWXOWRYRgg_vppYevHdtUQlYhc11DCSECMOuq9WRqi7ifPqg5VMUjuBjwirRny1r2WXf9AuwsstuUL-yQwxc-3oipkIbybU9Sgb333yK2LajWHLFz33MxP39hWMMPxqGNSKIiJhSWfdltWBzF7IFc8qhq/w171-h152/kittens2.jpg" width="171" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxt7crkQi3dvfLvE5IyIkYwg3D8Z8szWSfo22MWaTjN3hC2pM4w6gaLm7-KrF_XPeryxs4iRfwoV4jG5jl2_LIF-YiTIcRjBmO_ScxoJjX4BoFkB7MRxTfCMDUwHRabJOC6pyMpqefA3duDku0VFeO3jXzEI7TDm41qPSE-bgQNdQr8HnulMptiGND0CT/s960/kittens5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxt7crkQi3dvfLvE5IyIkYwg3D8Z8szWSfo22MWaTjN3hC2pM4w6gaLm7-KrF_XPeryxs4iRfwoV4jG5jl2_LIF-YiTIcRjBmO_ScxoJjX4BoFkB7MRxTfCMDUwHRabJOC6pyMpqefA3duDku0VFeO3jXzEI7TDm41qPSE-bgQNdQr8HnulMptiGND0CT/w115-h154/kittens5.jpg" width="115" /></a></div><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWzmFxCBCZ0HNVaJNgoxnhVNDxKdRKSheAKoJvzds0LQI-37wJ88pQiNGZfjf5upZuXEjbLlHjsk7HUK5N4k3lelXVE1gwXjqRve0nF2dnXluWzkB0zrzEAxPyLob8oQsSJSbKwmMCPPZ5eSsWQ6rUGev0OMZF1l8yeyOVk6LwUJpbtIJZuWyhyTj7D3L/s1440/kittens4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWzmFxCBCZ0HNVaJNgoxnhVNDxKdRKSheAKoJvzds0LQI-37wJ88pQiNGZfjf5upZuXEjbLlHjsk7HUK5N4k3lelXVE1gwXjqRve0nF2dnXluWzkB0zrzEAxPyLob8oQsSJSbKwmMCPPZ5eSsWQ6rUGev0OMZF1l8yeyOVk6LwUJpbtIJZuWyhyTj7D3L/w149-h149/kittens4.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDaDI_ob7k4lkScjkP9IoVQANqJeZT9SHDYqxfb06ej8bvyoY1PFcVbX1fM-3AwIKF3fhUNKSzMpZZ2rrID-_CkhDYdu2iMxmW65FKE_OZFoXIPFiUsyTlV1ChTsN8WwKBb-0WblAON3NuqFJFYFQhL6dZrIORqqdhKPfmwMpq8QyfDmHuwGh2xchP6SmN/s960/kittens3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDaDI_ob7k4lkScjkP9IoVQANqJeZT9SHDYqxfb06ej8bvyoY1PFcVbX1fM-3AwIKF3fhUNKSzMpZZ2rrID-_CkhDYdu2iMxmW65FKE_OZFoXIPFiUsyTlV1ChTsN8WwKBb-0WblAON3NuqFJFYFQhL6dZrIORqqdhKPfmwMpq8QyfDmHuwGh2xchP6SmN/w199-h149/kittens3.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div><span style="text-decoration-line: underline;"> <span><!--more--></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>After a couple months of being stuck at home because of the quarantine requirement, my friends and I finally hung out in June! It was little weird wearing masks and not hugging each other, but it was still nice to see friends outside of zoom calls.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzJdLCCxj7Wgk_Rt-8YnUAh504Lx5NJ313qvzFrH4FbhK6zpqw3xYFk6Yj7lp7Bo1PVEXnMkJvuKOJtHcYVaByRkMyUo0RVNL8jYgKEFIU58O5BSujZbqQNCS_Uoz8aALVS6NWoK2azH9UlfK8FBba40j23IeyhQJt9FpPyVwHxcD32LmPyWuwY0qw3Y9/s2032/june%202020%20mask%20hangout.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1520" data-original-width="2032" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzJdLCCxj7Wgk_Rt-8YnUAh504Lx5NJ313qvzFrH4FbhK6zpqw3xYFk6Yj7lp7Bo1PVEXnMkJvuKOJtHcYVaByRkMyUo0RVNL8jYgKEFIU58O5BSujZbqQNCS_Uoz8aALVS6NWoK2azH9UlfK8FBba40j23IeyhQJt9FpPyVwHxcD32LmPyWuwY0qw3Y9/s320/june%202020%20mask%20hangout.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="text-decoration-line: underline;"> <span><!--more--></span></span><br /><br />In July we took a girl's trip to Kentucky Down Under. We got to feed and pet Kangaroos, go on a Mammoth Cave Tour and feed birds in the "Land of Lorries" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCaca3E62Nnx5ATaVNr9pxfChEQSBAWB3sy6pqBeW7eojgw1VT2sM8DAVcml_eT67qfsZ8uSFPlj9ua3VdVDrmq57gz0nZH2yT8f44xWb1tId8am-A1KRjNuewDO77AlYAV0HA8GKF-VIdwTxRB0NlgghAeXTWgwfrQJzUMh5UEhR65RUxWrW5KHoVljW/s960/july%202020.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span> </span><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCaca3E62Nnx5ATaVNr9pxfChEQSBAWB3sy6pqBeW7eojgw1VT2sM8DAVcml_eT67qfsZ8uSFPlj9ua3VdVDrmq57gz0nZH2yT8f44xWb1tId8am-A1KRjNuewDO77AlYAV0HA8GKF-VIdwTxRB0NlgghAeXTWgwfrQJzUMh5UEhR65RUxWrW5KHoVljW/w271-h203/july%202020.1.jpg" width="271" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGI_4n0Z2lpDW-_0kdH5Y4UUxS1HHg71VKi1JbpqXs5egUznDJsMFgqvTBTPcngz6y9rylCVtFUaM3XfvXX7LVjU1t5lwy4nxpADd_LBBNbLlukcUgIGXEL_FuDl5EfMEDwaQSN4ax58QfhY1kYFQff0muiRhE3bO_oPxeBGYnTqYrOIi1Tq6qTbTeS-qE/s960/july%202020.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGI_4n0Z2lpDW-_0kdH5Y4UUxS1HHg71VKi1JbpqXs5egUznDJsMFgqvTBTPcngz6y9rylCVtFUaM3XfvXX7LVjU1t5lwy4nxpADd_LBBNbLlukcUgIGXEL_FuDl5EfMEDwaQSN4ax58QfhY1kYFQff0muiRhE3bO_oPxeBGYnTqYrOIi1Tq6qTbTeS-qE/w114-h202/july%202020.2.jpg" width="114" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNd3wwognvMBa-XdQWoroyZ0rpFfy2WvO9gkD-QXCKJyQpzfpIkPn9hM1XhRSUDcgMa6OYBC9riu-FHVajQnXBAP6wTZjCfvSnZioQOUGTQpHA4cx8IV6JaUjpL8vszpeSTNlLszwi0F6ur_8TkPwLkL9oy9N5f6AKk3YpHd3FuKaA3ve4OliNBu1m3KKh/s960/july%202020.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span> </span><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNd3wwognvMBa-XdQWoroyZ0rpFfy2WvO9gkD-QXCKJyQpzfpIkPn9hM1XhRSUDcgMa6OYBC9riu-FHVajQnXBAP6wTZjCfvSnZioQOUGTQpHA4cx8IV6JaUjpL8vszpeSTNlLszwi0F6ur_8TkPwLkL9oy9N5f6AKk3YpHd3FuKaA3ve4OliNBu1m3KKh/w262-h197/july%202020.3.jpg" width="262" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qVLgjF3-3Ra-kUxmlsrbXPr65URIbUOMeIcBDCOsPHw0h1BjR-GKdj2EOLrLnTBpUyXqnc7mx78FEQi2kNbRrhn79RbNXchpGHUn-j5X2KOdaDkhmklN-MTRsiu5CYZ2c8XpYIv3SWiwHMO0ZfU8WkicMuVlZTubqQPaZQXI3kxCEIPT2hFGaQ59FQYc/s960/july%202020.4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qVLgjF3-3Ra-kUxmlsrbXPr65URIbUOMeIcBDCOsPHw0h1BjR-GKdj2EOLrLnTBpUyXqnc7mx78FEQi2kNbRrhn79RbNXchpGHUn-j5X2KOdaDkhmklN-MTRsiu5CYZ2c8XpYIv3SWiwHMO0ZfU8WkicMuVlZTubqQPaZQXI3kxCEIPT2hFGaQ59FQYc/w132-h195/july%202020.4.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9WAVyGdeo2lqhJNirX6ta6W1OQ3qFW6gdFdU_-dpeaKu-g042jMJrUoLLOTvaup6GDrghyphenhyphenHOiMCq1MSwZODewDd0Hvw6_3Ub0HeaOyqy1RV_4P0bF6CKvr7e_dUcdG79QaFskRcA3d6_k6pdYCEFlFCF36ziSqG7qy43lAPdwQkdB-wMfaTz5M353yIh/s960/july%202020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span> </span><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9WAVyGdeo2lqhJNirX6ta6W1OQ3qFW6gdFdU_-dpeaKu-g042jMJrUoLLOTvaup6GDrghyphenhyphenHOiMCq1MSwZODewDd0Hvw6_3Ub0HeaOyqy1RV_4P0bF6CKvr7e_dUcdG79QaFskRcA3d6_k6pdYCEFlFCF36ziSqG7qy43lAPdwQkdB-wMfaTz5M353yIh/w256-h192/july%202020.jpg" width="256" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoHy8sA_Df8-QfKCatSs7d_rosKikSQV8FlcmeJujK0U7HWc17PLO7CFT1FKZ-Q9u4ZQc4UnmBaE1V_dekUGi1PnWCAurUeM0N7rCq0UlBDZq8SIrqcrsyQd24hVucszijt-q1alvesdzM-4Jp6I5Mkm-t3sS5Xf6Npbyc8wjpVuRPg3QqpXdjwYkh3hj/s960/july%202020.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoHy8sA_Df8-QfKCatSs7d_rosKikSQV8FlcmeJujK0U7HWc17PLO7CFT1FKZ-Q9u4ZQc4UnmBaE1V_dekUGi1PnWCAurUeM0N7rCq0UlBDZq8SIrqcrsyQd24hVucszijt-q1alvesdzM-4Jp6I5Mkm-t3sS5Xf6Npbyc8wjpVuRPg3QqpXdjwYkh3hj/w137-h183/july%202020.5.jpg" width="137" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="text-decoration-line: underline;"> <span><!--more--></span></span><span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div>In August, my sisters and I went out for the evening, before Lindsey and Jadyn went away to college the next week. It was such a sweet, special time together, with memories I will always cherish! </div><div> </div><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFdNgMd7nc8iFS_Skg5sdh7F7da0_MhJfW7wCWClqkWarB9908MeXiFlSXoDkPHEOjrLPWrsfcV4Tcg50sDc6f9ZnlrkXuTM0IycvL6-G6VcfZOxslhShudxZplIQe6AWfGx12_pNb4F5o4OoqW1IYpVxk8t0XK-87XygH5S6w0ZJBKhnlfNdZ8Qe45Kw/s960/sisters%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFdNgMd7nc8iFS_Skg5sdh7F7da0_MhJfW7wCWClqkWarB9908MeXiFlSXoDkPHEOjrLPWrsfcV4Tcg50sDc6f9ZnlrkXuTM0IycvL6-G6VcfZOxslhShudxZplIQe6AWfGx12_pNb4F5o4OoqW1IYpVxk8t0XK-87XygH5S6w0ZJBKhnlfNdZ8Qe45Kw/w206-h115/sisters%201.jpg" width="206" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPi-WvLlBBdfQNG6xCSqrxJWy5KSiURjBNQIVyvZGCD9KMl0RJIZRbdjVM7KXLs1k-rexBFz5p4mGf1OvJ6AKzxq_ca8ENequmOYJZ3FeybGjbzpd_13reJkbQJIenPczFmah4OKYJJYDMH6eCyLkiGuNrWklS10L0WDfiNug7Ka-IegBdv7lTNjwR0gXr/s960/sisters%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPi-WvLlBBdfQNG6xCSqrxJWy5KSiURjBNQIVyvZGCD9KMl0RJIZRbdjVM7KXLs1k-rexBFz5p4mGf1OvJ6AKzxq_ca8ENequmOYJZ3FeybGjbzpd_13reJkbQJIenPczFmah4OKYJJYDMH6eCyLkiGuNrWklS10L0WDfiNug7Ka-IegBdv7lTNjwR0gXr/w204-h115/sisters%202.jpg" width="204" /></a> </div><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMpKfLJOCDTAeNQj_S5-irrNOYPQ1mbbGK5GeCwL4-E4Q7GtHQG8k6-YKG2M_zCQyvaa8WP9Li3SDfSXoRK3DtF_o0U9V912DupcEKLoQ28_4GvHAnlEoCxWk7zPkfG2Hp9uEEmLQGgAH60PtwhIjOqbFGCWLlRNMKtrEI6fs0qkm6n5tk-x55OXYuOFK/s960/sisters%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMpKfLJOCDTAeNQj_S5-irrNOYPQ1mbbGK5GeCwL4-E4Q7GtHQG8k6-YKG2M_zCQyvaa8WP9Li3SDfSXoRK3DtF_o0U9V912DupcEKLoQ28_4GvHAnlEoCxWk7zPkfG2Hp9uEEmLQGgAH60PtwhIjOqbFGCWLlRNMKtrEI6fs0qkm6n5tk-x55OXYuOFK/w206-h116/sisters%204.jpg" width="206" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnwEp5NVvt3ZXTujmp5_LLomjtR_esj-4f915pRed5jk2zMKT6vZ8KjvTGul70i56-OaR3_6baE6FAkjv37bkLtuhZa8oH1hh6svFXQZGMgyv2hOk9Hs_q7cA8zp7UDZuaRLKEH6_e14ZbDEkjlHxAXv96oC0JPI9t32FSe3HYiuWDbugMGZhH5D48edH/s960/sisters%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnwEp5NVvt3ZXTujmp5_LLomjtR_esj-4f915pRed5jk2zMKT6vZ8KjvTGul70i56-OaR3_6baE6FAkjv37bkLtuhZa8oH1hh6svFXQZGMgyv2hOk9Hs_q7cA8zp7UDZuaRLKEH6_e14ZbDEkjlHxAXv96oC0JPI9t32FSe3HYiuWDbugMGZhH5D48edH/w205-h114/sisters%203.jpg" width="205" /></a></div><div><span style="text-decoration-line: underline;"> </span></div><div><u><br /></u><span style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><span><!--more--></span></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMnzWVRksegl_8HAyI9pCMOQLVQqmY-07khBlGHF_aYRvXh00BpHT30e3UiGhE5CbmzeERjLhmPKOwofP-mkawbRUuxaN9pbnosqb2NeXOgMshw3CVIc6kQqw7lTmSDtPmyw0V4RVj6TICrShPjJuXUlX_v21d_1Hmw8HlKNsJau-pHLACiEMxTFupyJG/s960/ARDMS%20pass.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="960" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMnzWVRksegl_8HAyI9pCMOQLVQqmY-07khBlGHF_aYRvXh00BpHT30e3UiGhE5CbmzeERjLhmPKOwofP-mkawbRUuxaN9pbnosqb2NeXOgMshw3CVIc6kQqw7lTmSDtPmyw0V4RVj6TICrShPjJuXUlX_v21d_1Hmw8HlKNsJau-pHLACiEMxTFupyJG/w226-h218/ARDMS%20pass.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><div>To become a registered Vascular Sonographer, you have to take a national board exam in Physics, and another in Vascular Ultrasound. Studying for the board exams was probably the most stressful thing I've ever done. I don't take tests well as it is, much less ones that are so intense (and expensive!). However, I personally think the pandemic and shutdown helped me study because I could focus. The kittens were a fun stress reliever, too. :) </div></div><div>When I went to take my physics exam in July, I cried (from stress, and fear of failure), throughout the night, the entire drive to get to the testing center, upon entering the exam when the proctor said I couldn't keep my jacket on (I ended up being allowed to keep it, after they searched it thoroughly), and again after the exam...because I PASSED! </div><div>I then graduated from the program in August and took my Vascular board in September (which I again PASSED!). </div><div><div style="text-align: center;">I am officially Alicia Vessels, RVT!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left; text-decoration-line: underline;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;"></span><br /><span><!--more--></span></div><div><br /></div>In October, I interviewed and accepted my first Vascular Ultrasound tech position! I started this new job at the beginning of November at a Vascular Surgeon's office, called Surgical Care Associates. </div><div><span style="text-decoration-line: underline;"> <span><!--more--></span></span><p style="text-align: left;">In November, my friend Bobbi and I got an apartment together in Louisville, KY. My job is across the street from Baptist hospital, which is where Bobbi works, and the apartment we're renting is only 10 minutes from there! </p></div><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534997708222963862.post-16989806412058988622019-12-31T19:04:00.000-08:002024-01-18T10:52:25.792-08:002019 recap<p>For my 27th birthday, my friend Bethany planned a night at a hotel, where we could swim, eat, drink and hang out, just the two of us. Upon arriving, I was greeted by several of my friends! She really pulled off the surprise and it was so much fun!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8pSDmyQH5LiJiUia_8MroPypUl3nKcXbfB6Bac6mOzce13hfnlnlM9kQaW2P1Y0VBVytjctejlruGAOcICioZ6o_QBTqCdG5SxDpaOAjS6NuWFK_MD3N71Bwtl3TGmfgIgGiOzX7InHmEML1-Nj4ki7ffjY8Sq6ULb0jpsOWo1Af04UcBEHgKKLgzlzr/s2048/surprise%20hotel%20bday%20march%202019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8pSDmyQH5LiJiUia_8MroPypUl3nKcXbfB6Bac6mOzce13hfnlnlM9kQaW2P1Y0VBVytjctejlruGAOcICioZ6o_QBTqCdG5SxDpaOAjS6NuWFK_MD3N71Bwtl3TGmfgIgGiOzX7InHmEML1-Nj4ki7ffjY8Sq6ULb0jpsOWo1Af04UcBEHgKKLgzlzr/s320/surprise%20hotel%20bday%20march%202019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left; text-decoration-line: underline;"> <span><a name='more'></a></span></span><span style="text-align: left;"></span></div><p>In May, my mom graduated from Ivy Tech and is now a Physical Therapy Asisstant! To say I'm proud would be an understatement. She has worked so hard and deserves this so much! </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwIyP0q5nNR8o7A7mDgOItVJi3tB-bFjV7gz53YBrutfVaR8PwkbVkeiQ3hXVEEB0j3hPzv2iF_KVaNL4OmwEdNacLLBnZWYeGLOskbyty7pA0qzzSKB_ccEmlJ1AaLo0cY92wfbhBmoUxOGKyTEhAO09mc9py3IhfkUwTNTXzGK0Ltv5FS0MOdhylXBw/s960/May%202019%20moms%20graduation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwIyP0q5nNR8o7A7mDgOItVJi3tB-bFjV7gz53YBrutfVaR8PwkbVkeiQ3hXVEEB0j3hPzv2iF_KVaNL4OmwEdNacLLBnZWYeGLOskbyty7pA0qzzSKB_ccEmlJ1AaLo0cY92wfbhBmoUxOGKyTEhAO09mc9py3IhfkUwTNTXzGK0Ltv5FS0MOdhylXBw/w271-h203/May%202019%20moms%20graduation.jpg" width="271" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPXM0th4pu7TRfZ0UpNLxhjAeg6eVIIYzycui0ZTS9Z2rCUrSaPtIxZ8htFsVnmJa-d-wNL6vh3TYmZAJ9UiGnkj3YCrwnjsTcf1w1xfh1a_WRvV85ubiLZrWJ0jgapU_uGwA45iZXDukfFLdJAg8w0ePls2PnlRvkPyAcJ_LHwym4Jk688kK3w8IH7Wk/s960/mom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPXM0th4pu7TRfZ0UpNLxhjAeg6eVIIYzycui0ZTS9Z2rCUrSaPtIxZ8htFsVnmJa-d-wNL6vh3TYmZAJ9UiGnkj3YCrwnjsTcf1w1xfh1a_WRvV85ubiLZrWJ0jgapU_uGwA45iZXDukfFLdJAg8w0ePls2PnlRvkPyAcJ_LHwym4Jk688kK3w8IH7Wk/w153-h204/mom.jpg" width="153" /></a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left; text-decoration-line: underline;"> <span><!--more--></span></span><span style="text-align: left;"></span></div><p>While my mom graduated, I'm just getting started! Instead of going back to school to be a PTA, like my mom, I ended up switching gears and going for Vascular Sonography instead. It's an accelerated program, which only takes 15 months to complete. So, I've quit my job at the tax office and I'm going back school full time. </p><p><span style="text-decoration-line: underline;"> </span></p><p><span style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><span></span></span></p><!--more--><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINW7RUednc-nC7pTTkelU4UclGN5WZZ-3usMAb2aN-81cJAZuRsC5Eni9NpWx_luRAHiALq3yFpqVC9DQxl_854-v775_a7qBzGnZl5a7xwXf2VLx8Srg5LlGOzscVzQfQo1YiNQn3Bpje4LHOigijjiQPqiHb3kRZKQckM1axVSbggA8KRjAQIITnePK/s4032/scrub.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINW7RUednc-nC7pTTkelU4UclGN5WZZ-3usMAb2aN-81cJAZuRsC5Eni9NpWx_luRAHiALq3yFpqVC9DQxl_854-v775_a7qBzGnZl5a7xwXf2VLx8Srg5LlGOzscVzQfQo1YiNQn3Bpje4LHOigijjiQPqiHb3kRZKQckM1axVSbggA8KRjAQIITnePK/w211-h281/scrub.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>The first semester of school has been challenging, trying to learn the hands-on techniques, as well as absorb all of the written material, too. After only 5 weeks of classes, I'm doing clinicals now, in addition to our weekly classes with the teachers. Clinicals are where students go to a clinic or hospital to get real-world training by registered ultrasound techs. I'm a very hands-on learner, so clinicals are by far my favorite. We're required to wear green Ivy Tech scrubs, which make me look like an oversized green bean 😂<p></p><p><span style="text-decoration-line: underline;"> <span></span></span></p><!--more--><p></p><p>In August, I took my sisters down to the Louisville Waterfront and introduced them to waterfront Frisbee! I used to play ALL the time, before getting injured, so it was so much fun re-living it, even if I was slower and lack the skill these days. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO39y5xNbfH5YRI43FfJtgJjNp2V7OVtt-8BkyJYQC6q6nqvCSsCBVPLdgWSpd2zRp1TAeC3vnm1mAXolUfi9MiCkat7_pV9-z50t2Ns_-OjPyqibUmwXCRC_dDHrDCMglQjq9ZALBkzqqwE7YgMhWqWlP12uQBLEZou1NWqH-SMc34PJq1xXdBTSyasiY/s960/august%20frisbee.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO39y5xNbfH5YRI43FfJtgJjNp2V7OVtt-8BkyJYQC6q6nqvCSsCBVPLdgWSpd2zRp1TAeC3vnm1mAXolUfi9MiCkat7_pV9-z50t2Ns_-OjPyqibUmwXCRC_dDHrDCMglQjq9ZALBkzqqwE7YgMhWqWlP12uQBLEZou1NWqH-SMc34PJq1xXdBTSyasiY/s320/august%20frisbee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left; text-decoration-line: underline;"> <span><!--more--></span></span><span style="text-align: left;"></span></div><p>Later in August, I rented a little Airbnb on Taylorsville Lake and invited some girlfriends to join me for a weekend getaway. It was so nice to relax, hike and enjoy a hot tub every night, with a cold margarita. During one of our hikes, we picked up a ton of ticks! Once we got back to the Airbnb, we all stripped as fast as we could, tossed clothes in the washer and took showers. Looking back, it's funny, but at the time, it was so frustrating!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Z1etVUSjEAnlJi-eE2-_5FQmIOsvHrQ5f74P-WXx9_B1r46zfiN76qAAtze24yvfjJcvA_dpCKFj8cj6p5kiKthq4beyjIj8JAXtgl4JKJn6C8rKZZfsc26SdrhwraXXCEFZ6EKkKcvZx86Pg4udXK4QpA9BVx2BhISP-FwiBitF5UmesRycCodSztHK/s2032/aug%202019%20girls%20trip%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1520" data-original-width="2032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Z1etVUSjEAnlJi-eE2-_5FQmIOsvHrQ5f74P-WXx9_B1r46zfiN76qAAtze24yvfjJcvA_dpCKFj8cj6p5kiKthq4beyjIj8JAXtgl4JKJn6C8rKZZfsc26SdrhwraXXCEFZ6EKkKcvZx86Pg4udXK4QpA9BVx2BhISP-FwiBitF5UmesRycCodSztHK/w202-h150/aug%202019%20girls%20trip%202.jpg" width="202" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVwhZzeu2yvO9cLJrgP5Vufr4dS5UI9Vs_jjnTTDuVaowqsPCSm6eQJtrurkWBpNk-G5_Q6CmUo_sZ_utFIyHNfIg24qEJFv4_xZxyf0U9RNq4fJMC-He2jCnQ2Rl838mYfX3k7tsJHjeiShtwpEzTqLC9KPcWFA2RbCRJz6Cg3QV8G5otp70wssqkQEB/s2040/aug%202019%20girls%20trip%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="2040" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVwhZzeu2yvO9cLJrgP5Vufr4dS5UI9Vs_jjnTTDuVaowqsPCSm6eQJtrurkWBpNk-G5_Q6CmUo_sZ_utFIyHNfIg24qEJFv4_xZxyf0U9RNq4fJMC-He2jCnQ2Rl838mYfX3k7tsJHjeiShtwpEzTqLC9KPcWFA2RbCRJz6Cg3QV8G5otp70wssqkQEB/w202-h152/aug%202019%20girls%20trip%203.jpg" width="202" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfN693xK7NJb5Slb7e4EnnffODv2BX-BoU4m0VM8Maybf3EAW2Hshs-9d7tjgm0KrTMtVwBT2pcNy3-fFywsZHH084Y1YCQVkdexVMpFobY6iQWwPPc16YX808hoFQRmFSAYCq_YflImdTCzz3DFEl3J774FVbZruCroddkBa_tP_Nh7Bk5GxYMAe1vmJH/s1280/aug%202019%20girls%20trip%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfN693xK7NJb5Slb7e4EnnffODv2BX-BoU4m0VM8Maybf3EAW2Hshs-9d7tjgm0KrTMtVwBT2pcNy3-fFywsZHH084Y1YCQVkdexVMpFobY6iQWwPPc16YX808hoFQRmFSAYCq_YflImdTCzz3DFEl3J774FVbZruCroddkBa_tP_Nh7Bk5GxYMAe1vmJH/w202-h152/aug%202019%20girls%20trip%204.jpg" width="202" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IwQBaPnBBqKY-xA4veXB-gnhXVZ3H3N3reJHDKKlVUzA1-7WZyWdi_M8bO6mvkZ6tLpoym4QIabWy611Na-94jD9bMgk64sViwxnjdvodxTZKOu4ULWVRQterWKntREMs5gMQMdc-mOUXcQkKEjLhp6S2iORD35vop0AW8q-yBAxXqC-XeHwwc-WL0Ho/s960/aug%202019%20girls%20trip.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IwQBaPnBBqKY-xA4veXB-gnhXVZ3H3N3reJHDKKlVUzA1-7WZyWdi_M8bO6mvkZ6tLpoym4QIabWy611Na-94jD9bMgk64sViwxnjdvodxTZKOu4ULWVRQterWKntREMs5gMQMdc-mOUXcQkKEjLhp6S2iORD35vop0AW8q-yBAxXqC-XeHwwc-WL0Ho/w202-h152/aug%202019%20girls%20trip.jpg" width="202" /></a></p><p><span style="text-decoration-line: underline;"> </span></p><p>In October, my church had a trunk or treat for the New Albany neighborhoods. My community group decorated our trunks as Christmas (my favorite holiday, of course).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpQQj_5LYyxZ7Dssn1j2R_UKh2_uYzNMnNAf6B0EcXLGP-QEpm7NEGPAd3jIf3F2OPBVsDtiXPV7SXAXj30HRW_orjjDtOjU-m7a2RnzslzgTQlwQMBv-7hJKbxGGOxVvwCXm_wpJKHgibi1o5oTu0F4NDGHQ_QcL5E7q-3jEuwJye7fuKqFJtRCd2lw9/s750/trunk%20or%20treat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="750" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpQQj_5LYyxZ7Dssn1j2R_UKh2_uYzNMnNAf6B0EcXLGP-QEpm7NEGPAd3jIf3F2OPBVsDtiXPV7SXAXj30HRW_orjjDtOjU-m7a2RnzslzgTQlwQMBv-7hJKbxGGOxVvwCXm_wpJKHgibi1o5oTu0F4NDGHQ_QcL5E7q-3jEuwJye7fuKqFJtRCd2lw9/s320/trunk%20or%20treat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left; text-decoration-line: underline;"> <span><!--more--></span></span><span style="text-align: left;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My aunt Kelly got married in November! It was a beautiful wedding and I had so much fun dancing and getting pics in the photo-booth. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Hu9I7LRzkRP-nIbXzpnqV1K4mSTX2S0srm8E1D4fTekygIbE9Tnmc0C2XRs7wsvYEkrreahUz_Awi4H-KEdmfEB0SIOrl-w2Fi0i9_QtJiB5ReawlLSEjckrYFyUGV62CTW7EYTyg_ky0r1VDtm3RsvPwpQlMvwWE4At-tvHnAfOTam61qEx_aumB5mg/s960/kelly's%20wedding%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Hu9I7LRzkRP-nIbXzpnqV1K4mSTX2S0srm8E1D4fTekygIbE9Tnmc0C2XRs7wsvYEkrreahUz_Awi4H-KEdmfEB0SIOrl-w2Fi0i9_QtJiB5ReawlLSEjckrYFyUGV62CTW7EYTyg_ky0r1VDtm3RsvPwpQlMvwWE4At-tvHnAfOTam61qEx_aumB5mg/w209-h157/kelly's%20wedding%202.jpg" width="209" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxWaqVcZTmNAwzyIW3umLbolaw3IJeGXIBYnR8UPe312QBKLI0WJ-FqS2Ii8w_6U1IL0wQb7A-054X7OGUe6eOoMUQSkruCEQy9F2WKn7kVZm3AEWJcXinNH5yyjlMzcm8RTohCzTVtxhyphenhyphenuI60V8a33ftzAR54l7SzRtOR1_PD8WdeuSHhDCT2ket4cCW/s960/kelly's%20wedding%20nov.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxWaqVcZTmNAwzyIW3umLbolaw3IJeGXIBYnR8UPe312QBKLI0WJ-FqS2Ii8w_6U1IL0wQb7A-054X7OGUe6eOoMUQSkruCEQy9F2WKn7kVZm3AEWJcXinNH5yyjlMzcm8RTohCzTVtxhyphenhyphenuI60V8a33ftzAR54l7SzRtOR1_PD8WdeuSHhDCT2ket4cCW/w212-h159/kelly's%20wedding%20nov.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-decoration-line: underline;"> <span><!--more--></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><br /></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the end of November, I attended the annual Friends-giving at my friend, Bethany's. It was one of the biggest turnouts, yet!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAN0fgz80la2uBWTNNKCeT1aufFnGHaUjZQ3Vg0WVkQqvfvxkXkc239IFaHXHb_0h6qbuMFwtUzfB4CQRfMTL4FijgAH8wStVNwYYrnSX3hmHFQls6OX4jhZESvPpyaRoMgTkI1M_pmsamMKZH87VdjCVrM8UtaMjI51GC3_nCCtAifbaPUf7mO0eAUcO/s2040/2019%20friendsgiving.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="2040" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAN0fgz80la2uBWTNNKCeT1aufFnGHaUjZQ3Vg0WVkQqvfvxkXkc239IFaHXHb_0h6qbuMFwtUzfB4CQRfMTL4FijgAH8wStVNwYYrnSX3hmHFQls6OX4jhZESvPpyaRoMgTkI1M_pmsamMKZH87VdjCVrM8UtaMjI51GC3_nCCtAifbaPUf7mO0eAUcO/s320/2019%20friendsgiving.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534997708222963862.post-11727151392676986902018-05-14T05:04:00.000-07:002018-05-14T08:07:11.665-07:00GraduateGrowing up, I struggled through school. Like, sit at the kitchen table for several hours straight (not getting anywhere) and bawl my eyes out while my mom did everything in her power to help me learn/retain things (she's a saint, btw).<br />
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You see, I'm dyslexic, I have insane test anxiety, and I am an extremely slow learner; however, I didn't know about the dyslexia until I was in high school. As a child I felt dumb and pathetic and knew I would never attend college. </div>
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During high school, things did get easier for me. I essentially learned how to teach myself. I would read my papers/assignments, etc. out loud as if I were teaching someone else. But if someone was actually listening to me, I couldn't keep my focus and would get so nervous that I'd stutter over my words, and then of course I would feel even more stupid. Sometimes it took a week to get through a single page, and other times I flew through an entire chapter in one day.<br />
Despite struggling, I actually thoroughly enjoyed high school. I felt like I was conquering something huge! And then I graduated. I was sad because I loved learning new things. But I also knew that I couldn't attend college. <br />
<br />
I was afraid to fail.<br />
<br />
Fast forward a few years (there will be another post coming about these years), and I did, in my mind, the unthinkable. I applied to a local community college. I took entrance exams. I signed up for classes. And I refused to go through the disabilities program for help (I wanted to prove to myself what I could really do on my own). <br />
<br />
There were some semesters that I only took one or two classes and felt like it was too much, and then there were others where I took up to five classes at once! I was overwhelmed. I puked before, during and after every written exam (this is probably <i>under </i>exaggerated). I just kept praying that I would get grades at least high enough to graduate. I never looked at final grades. I just asked my professors if I passed or not. I just needed to get by. But I definitely lost hope easily.<br />
<br />
And then I got a letter. This letter was from the dean of my school during my third semester... at just about the same time I felt like a failure and wanted to quit. It stated that I had a 4.0 gpa and asked if I would consider tutoring struggling students once a week...<br />
What?! This was impossible in my mind. Didn't he know <i style="font-weight: bold;">I</i> was a struggling student? Did he know how much a threw up during my exams? Or how many nights I went to bed crying without finishing my homework? Clearly he was looking at someone else's transcript. <br />
<br />
That letter gave me more than hope, though. It gave me determination. I wasn't just going to graduate. I was going to be an honor student. <br />
<br />
And I did it. I graduated college... with honors! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbOXe6Uatx4zzxcyEDgDgBbU0CWYut2wWyulKrdboWAcd0ozFfr43gmcSg5ZVPtbHRJpSreE4ctLn1s6IcRfZwdYk-bXkQDGIBhjaAdkn9RqYXNWuIH6Ea7Y_6xcRvblsIs4GozeBcbdU/s1600/31958985_1878440545499950_4767568849958600704_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbOXe6Uatx4zzxcyEDgDgBbU0CWYut2wWyulKrdboWAcd0ozFfr43gmcSg5ZVPtbHRJpSreE4ctLn1s6IcRfZwdYk-bXkQDGIBhjaAdkn9RqYXNWuIH6Ea7Y_6xcRvblsIs4GozeBcbdU/s200/31958985_1878440545499950_4767568849958600704_n.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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I can thank Jesus, my family, boyfriend and professors for all of it. They were always encouraging.<br />
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I'm not saying I don't have (a LOT of) doubts, stress, uncertainty, or that I never feel stupid or like a failure anymore. But this accomplishment has definitely given me more confidence. <br />
<br />
So much so, that I am going back to school again. If I fail, I fail. But, would it actually be failure to try?<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534997708222963862.post-15418155790913824372017-01-25T07:26:00.000-08:002017-01-25T07:26:42.556-08:00The Election Is Over, Now Pray!This will be a relatively short post, because honestly there isn't too much that needs to be said at this point.<br />
<br />
This election was extremely divisive. Way too much time has been devoted to negativity and we need to turn towards a more positive perspective. Right now.<br />
<br />
As Christ followers, our leader has not changed.<br />
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Wait, let me repeat that: <b>As Christ followers, our leader has not changed!</b><br />
<br />
The election of a new president does not impact who we ultimately follow. No matter what side of the political fence you are on, as Christians we are called to pray for our leaders. You don't have to like Donald J. Trump. However, God <i>commands</i> us to obey the laws of the land and to be <b>respectful</b> to our country's leader. <b>Period.</b> We are reminded in Proverbs 21:1 that God can change the hearts of kings. Reminding us of the heavy weight of responsibility the President has, we <i>must</i> be praying for him! I, like many Americans, really, really, really (did I say that enough?), really dislike Trump. BUT, he <i>is</i> our president now and I will respect him. And believe it or not, <b>God Can Work <i>Regardless</i> Of Who Is President!</b> Throughout history God has always been at work, in spite of all the different types of government policies and awful leadership failures.<br />
<b></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>"But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you!" Matthew 5:44</i></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534997708222963862.post-75121020595115895982016-10-17T10:44:00.004-07:002016-10-21T05:37:37.031-07:00Have you ever legitimately prayed for God to let you die?This post is difficult for me to write and is going to be quite lengthy, so bear with me please!<br />
<br />
Two years ago, I rode a roller coaster at Kings Island (the Beast), and from that moment on my life changed forever. I woke up a few days after riding the coaster, to excruciating pain shooting down my lower back, buttocks and left leg, all the way down to my foot (for those of you who’ve experienced sciatic pain, you know what I’m talking about). I freaked out, tried to get out of bed, and immediately fell to the floor. I couldn’t put pressure on my left side. My foot was useless and my knee felt like it was going be crushed under my own weight. <br />
<br />
I forced myself to get up and go to work. I truly thought I had slept wrong and that the feeling would<br />
come back/pain would go away, once I got up and moved around. I was at work all of an hour before<br />
leaving. I called my mom crying, asking what I should do. I called several doctors (I didn’t have a primary care doctor at the time, and it was going to take weeks to get one, since I’d be a new patient) and all of them told me to come in, in 2-5 weeks. I couldn’t wait that long. So I called a local chiropractor, who was able to work me in, in the matter of hours. I had x-rays which showed that I possibly had a slipped disc, but they thought it was just a pinched nerve. I returned the next day for an adjustment. Oh my goodness, did it do wonders! I immediately had relief from my knee down and I was able to walk normally again. But I had to give up running, dancing, snowboarding and even watching movies, anything and everything that would cause irritation to my back. <br />
I had chiropractic adjustments 3 days a week for about 5 months and then things just weren’t helping<br />
anymore.<br />
I had a MRI shortly after, which showed that I had 3 lumbar discs and 2 cervical discs bulging 60%, spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis. They promptly started me on decompression therapy to place the discs back in, which actually made it worse. I had back spasms constantly after that. I finally gave in to have injections into my back, to help with the inflammation/pain. The first one made things worse,<br />
but the second one helped calm my spasms down enough for me to have the decompression therapy. It worked! The discs went back into place, for the most part. They still slipped out on occasion, but so long as I kept going to the Chiropractor, PT and massage therapist, I was surviving. <br />
<br />
Then, for whatever reason, I began having even worse pain than before. The doctors couldn’t figure it<br />
out! I continued with all of my therapies, but nothing seem to help. I was losing hope. The pain I was experiencing, combined with the everyday stress of school, work, my family’s situation, and the medical bills that were constantly pouring in, put me into a downward spiral for several months (11, to be exact), where I cried out to God every moment of every day, praying He would just take me home. I complained about the pain to my friends/family to the point that some of them were annoyed with me, and some flat out told me to stop. So I did. I was hurt that nobody understood or seemed to care. I became a hermit. I wanted nothing to do with anyone. Everyone made me upset. Nobody understood what I was going through. I became a bitter person and I felt sorry for myself.<br />
<br />
I’m humiliated to admit that I was angry with God too, and that I just wanted to die. I could not understand why doctors weren’t able to fix me. I could not understand why this was happening to me. I would tell myself that there are people out there who have it much, much worse than I do. But eventually, it didn’t seem to matter. I wanted God to take me home. <br />
<br />
I saw a therapist, who put me on anti-depressants. She told me it was okay to not understand. She told me it was okay to be upset. She told me not to give up.<br />
<br />
The anti-depressants worked to get me out of the constant crying, but it wasn’t a permanent fix, and I knew that.<br />
<br />
I began reading my Bible again, crying out to God for forgiveness and asking people for their prayer. And God provided for me greatly – I was in so much medical debt, I didn’t know what to do. But friends and family and sometimes strangers, started helping out, most times without me ever saying a word! My professors showed mercy on me, when it came to being late to classes, because I couldn’t sit in a car for more than 5 minutes (I legitimately stopped at every gas station to get out and walk). God was looking out for me even though I was angry with Him. <br />
<br />
Unfortunately, 6 months later, I woke up to have severe pain in my left hand. My middle and index finger were completely numb. I was so panicked that I immediately went to the Urgent care, who then sent me to a specialist that day. Turns out, I have carpal tunnel syndrome – I honestly didn’t really know what it was until now, but goodness it’s painful!<br />
While at the Urgent Care, I think the lady felt sorry for me, reading through all of my issues, and she prescribed me an anti-inflammatory medication. And boy, am I so thankful for her!!! <br />
<br />
That medication has given me my life back! And this is coming from a girl who is anti-medication! I still can't go running, snowboard or play frisbee, but I can finally dance again, and I can sit and watch an entire movie without severe pain. Why none of the other doctors thought to put me on anti-inflammatory's for my arthritis before, I will never know. The combination of meloxicam and staying active/physical thereapy, I feel like a whole new person!<br />
<br />
Shortly after getting on the medication, a lady at work came up and I will never forget her words to me. She said “Alicia, your smile is back and I can see your joy again!” I asked her what she means and she told me that she’s been so worried about me, because I hadn’t been smiling or talking to anyone at work like I always had. My heart sank, knowing I let satan use pain to destroy my witness. I am humbled to know that God is God, and always will be. He loves me. He will always care for me, even in my darkest hour.<br />
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So now, with all my experience with back/neck/hand pain, and being in physical therapy. I want to go to school to become a physical therapist assistant! I feel like since I can relate to people who also have chronic pain, I will be better suited in helping them overcome it. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534997708222963862.post-4095220513355796892016-10-17T10:22:00.003-07:002016-10-17T10:22:35.443-07:00Long time, no post! I gave up my blog back in 2014 because I had a lot of negative responses flooding in, through private messages. I was discouraged by them to the point that I had given up blogging altogether. But, I’m back :) <br /><br />Lately, I’ve felt the need to share my story of the recent changes in my life, but before I do, this post will just be a quick update leading up to this point in time.<br /><br />Let’s see here, in 2014 my parents got divorced, I had my second hand surgery, I started dating someone, my grandfather passed away, I rode a roller coaster which led to me having chronic back problems (I will elaborate in my next post), my best friend got married, and I moved out.<br /><br />In 2015, my roommate and I adopted two kittens, one of my brothers left home and the family, I decided once I graduate, I want to go back to become a physical therapist assistant (I’ll explain why in the next post).<br /><br />Now, for the present time, 2016.<br />
I still work at Amazon and I’m still in school at JCTC. I will graduate Fall of 2017 with associate degrees in both commercial photography and graphic design. I began taking classes to put towards the Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program this past summer. I started a photography internship with Amanda H Photography back in April and will hopefully have my 300hrs for school by next spring. I am still dating the same guy, and I still have the same roommate and adorable kitties :) I struggle greatly with the current presidential candidates; I can’t wait for the election to be over with already! My best friend will be giving birth to her first child (a son!) in November – I can’t wait! And two more of my dear friends got hitched just a couple weeks ago – yay! My roommate bought a house last month, so we’ve been preparing to move by the end of the year.<br />
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I think that about sums it up, as briefly as I can make it ;)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534997708222963862.post-63444645737284481932014-03-08T08:27:00.001-08:002014-03-08T08:33:38.339-08:00Stressed? Overwhelmed? Exhausted? Discouraged?Have you ever felt like there's too much for you to bear? Like your life is moving at the speed of light and you can't catch up? Do feel like everyone around you seems to have their life together, while you're sitting in a world of chaos? Do you feel anxious, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to keep moving forward? Yeah, that's me.<br />
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Over the past two weeks, I've let myself worry, get discouraged over petty things, feel hurt by the words/actions of others, and let simple, dumb things overwhelm me to the point that I don't sleep. Or even worse, I've let my own words and actions not reflect my God the way they should. In turn, the lack of sleep makes things seem even worse than they truly are, and I hurt the people who love me, by my words and actions, too.<br />
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Well, thanks to my mom, I took the day off work today to sleep in and get my bearings together. She's my life-saver - seriously, she's amazing :) This morning was a massive wake up call for me - and not just in the physical way. After getting some much needed sleep and taking a deep breath, I can now see that the moment I started falling behind/letting homework pile up/letting little things bother me, is the moment I put spending time with God on the back-burner, so I could try to catch up on life. You may be thinking to yourself, "Well, that was dumb. Why'd she do that, doesn't she know better??" It's okay, I'm telling myself that, too. God should always be my top priority, I know this and I fail miserably more often than not. I've noticed every time I stop focusing on Jesus, my life seems to fall apart faster than I could put it together to begin with. However, my God is a forgiving, merciful, and loving God! And I'm beyond thankful and incredibly blessed!<br />
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Enough about that though - I'm moving forward! God taught me this morning (again) that He is greater than all our worries, fears, and troubles <i>(1 John 4:4)</i>, He (and His love) never fails <i>(Psalm 136, 2 Cor. 6:18)</i>, and that <u style="font-style: italic;">nothing</u> is too difficult for Him! <i>(Jer. 32:27)</i>. I pray that if you are struggling in the same way, you will find peace with Jesus Christ, just as I have. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534997708222963862.post-59003774660334533502013-07-01T12:12:00.002-07:002013-07-01T12:12:51.122-07:00Update On LifeIt's been awhile since I've blogged, so I figured it was about time to give an update on life.<br />
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It's been a long, tough road for my family this year. We learned that one of my (adopted) sisters has an attachment disorder. I won't go into too much detail, but it got bad. She was placed in a temporary home, while we searched for a new family. The perfect family. As of a few weeks ago, she lives in North Carolina with her new family, who knows more about her disorder and can hopefully help her heal - and ultimately, come to know Christ as her Father. As painful as it is for me, it's been more difficult for my mom and sisters - they were the ones home with her the most. It's heartbreaking, really. Legally, she is no longer my sister... and yet, in my heart, she is and always will be. When people ask how many siblings I have, what do I say? My natural response is, 8. But, it's really 7. I can't imagine how my parents feel - it's their daughter. They love her, I know. I'm sure it will take a long time for all of us to heal from the pain we've endured, but really I don't regret any of it. I've learned more than I ever could have without her. I praise God for letting us be a part of her life's journey. :)<br />
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The last couple months, I've been really trying to focus on growing Spiritually. I wish I was wiser and more mature. I'm having to learn how to manage my time better. I am trying to not neglect God, myself, or my responsibilities in the process of serving others. I tend to take, 'serving others', to the extreme, where I am just a people-pleaser. <br />
I started going to a small Bible study with a few friends and one of their moms, as the leader. It's been great! It's so nice to dig into the Word and dissect it, and not just read alone. Sometimes I feel like a luke-warm Christian. How disgusting is that? I need to be better. I am going to do better. !<br />
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I quit babysitting in May and got a new job working in the Amazon warehouse. I start in two days! I'm really excited. To be honest, this will be my first full time job that doesn't have to do with kids. I miss the kids a lot, but I feel like my life is moving forward now. In August I'll start school at JCTC - also another step forward! I've talked about being a cosmetologist for probably 10+ years, but I'm finally doing it! It'll be really weird being tied down, honestly. I've always had the lifestyle that let me travel on mission trips, have time with my friends, etc. But now, I'm stuck here. I guess work and school will be my mission field. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534997708222963862.post-35757168617507063092012-08-28T07:45:00.000-07:002012-08-28T07:45:47.795-07:00Romania: There and back again<br />
On July 16th, 2012, at 12 o'clock, noon, I arrived at the Louisville International Airport. There, I met up with the other twenty members of our Romania team. Excited, we all began checking in our luggage and saying our goodbyes to loved ones, when we hit our first road..er, air? block.<br />
After five of us were already checked in, they told us our flight had been moved from 2:30 up to 12:30, which means we had actually all missed our flight out. After a couple hours of trying to figure out what to do from there, they decided to split our team up into three groups and send us different places, and then we would all meet back up in Munich and travel to Cluj, together.<br />
So, five of us, including myself, got our tickets and went on through security to our gate to wait on our flight to Charlotte. An hour later, we heard that six others finally got a flight out, however to Philadelphia, not Charlotte. My group finally boarded our plane to Charlotte, when there was an instrument failure and we had to get off and wait again. While waiting for them to fix the plane, the other eight team members walked up and said they got a flight out at 6pm (same gate)... so finally, after hours of wondering whether we'd even fly out on the 16th, or not, all twenty of us had tickets!<br />
We boarded our plane once again, but only to have to get off (AGAIN) because of bad weather in Charlotte. By 5:45pm, we finally got word that all thirteen of us, who were left out of our team, would all be flying to Charlotte together on the 6:05pm flight..<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">At 6:02pm we were all rushed onto the plane and told we had less than seven minutes to take off, or our flight would be canceled until the next day, due to regulations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">We took off with no more than thirty seconds to spare, but nevertheless, we were finally on our way to Charlotte!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">All of us arrived in Charlotte safely, but because of all the issues we had getting out of Louisville, we had missed our flight to Munich.. took several hours, but eventually we got a flight to Frankfurt, Germany (instead of Munich), so we flew for eight hours - where I slept just about the whole time :-). They then got us a flight to Munich, but once we arrived there (the other seven team members were already in Romania by this time), they said they didn't have any flights going to Cluj (Romania)... so they sent us to Budapest, Hungary, instead. From there, we slept on the floor in the airport for I don't know how many hours. We were missing several peoples luggage and totes full of VBS supplies, but at least we were safe. Our bus driver who was picking us up in Cluj, drove 8+ hours, through two countries, to pick us up in Budapest. So, after 35+ hours of traveling, we then had to sit on a bus for another 8 hours.. But, after 40+ hours, altogether, we all arrived in Finate, Romania, where we finally met up with the rest of our team, who had flown out from Louisville separately, two days prior. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">We arrived at 7:30 in the morning on July 18th. We started VBS with the Romanian children at 10am that same morning... which means we were quite tired by the end of the day :) I definitely slept like a rock every single night! Was probably the first one in bed and the last one out every day ;)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">We did VBS every day from 10am-noon, had lunch, and then had "field day" with the kids until 3pm. I learned how to play Volleyball, Romanian style - we played every day for several hours! I never even used to be into Volleyball, but I have to admit, I learned to like it a lot :) Some of our team went into the city to have Basketball camps and hang out with the youth.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">We started a womens Bible study for the lady's in the village, which took place every evening at 8pm. It started out a very small crowd - 2 or so people - but by the end of the week we had probably about 10. One lady gave her life to Jesus even!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">We went to several church services in town (Baia Mare), where the pastors on our team would preach and some of the Romanian speaking team members would sing or read a poem/scripture.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">My favorite things on the trip were trying the interesting foods, that weren't really weird at all, playing volleyball with the teenagers, hanging out with the teen-translators/getting to know them, wandering the streets of the village with Cathy, Gabi and Dani (amazing people right there!), playing with and loving on the Gypsy's! And learning what it's like to be a Romanian. I always feel like I leave a piece of my heart everywhere I go. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">It made me so sad to see the Gypsy's though. The children are battered and bruised, on purpose, by their parents, just so people will feel sorry for them and give them money... which the parents promptly take and use on drugs and whatnot. It's so sad. I wish I could take all the kids home with me and give them a loving family! How can you even pretend to love your children when you abuse them to get what you want?? I just don't understand :(</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">We did a little site seeing: hiked up a mountain, went into the city to get souvenirs and ice cream, drove for houuuurs up a windy mountain on gravel, where I was sitting on the floor in the back of the bus - talk about motion sickness! and drove along the border of Ukraine. It was cool to see the countryside, God is such an incredible artist! :)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">By the end of the trip, we all felt quite at home :) None of us wanted to leave! But sadly, we had to:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Traveling home went MUCH smoother, than the trip getting there. However, unlike the travel to Romania, I didn't sleep at all! I believe Satan is the reason we had so much trouble getting to Romania. He didn't want us to share God's love with anyone... well, he didn't stop us! It's incredible how much people can see Christ in you, just by your love for them. I hope our light shined bright while we were there, and I hope we all continue to let it shine while here in the States!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">It's great to be home, however much I miss the team and all of Romania. The people will always be in my heart, no matter what :)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Praying for the Romanian and Roma people! </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534997708222963862.post-1798778904643842342012-05-24T08:18:00.000-07:002012-05-24T08:18:59.554-07:00Let God Use You<br />
About a month ago, on my way home from small group, I got a phone call - I didn't know the number - I answered, but they hung up. I was debating on calling the number back, but decided against it, assuming if they really wanted to talk to me they'd call again... About 5 minutes later they called again. I answered. It was an old(er) lady named Brenda. She called back only to apologize for calling the first time (she had the wrong number). She was speaking quickly but mentioned that she was trying to call her friend that is dying...and that she apologizes for calling my number and wished me a good evening.<br />
I don't know why, but I asked what was wrong with her friend. She explained that her friend has cancer and that she only has a few hours left to live and that she's really sad to lose her. I told her I'm deeply sorry to hear that...she started crying...hysterically... I didn't know what else to say, so I asked if it would be okay if I prayed for her and her friend... she seemed shocked and asked how old I am... after I told her she asked if I believe there's a God. I said, "of course! don't you?". She said she didn't realize the younger generation even thought about there being a God...(wow! How sad!). She said her friend believes there's a God, but that she, herself, isn't so sure. I asked why and she said because her friend is dying from cancer, why would God let that happen? I explained as best I could, being put on the spot and trying to drive, that "for everything there is a season", as hard as it is to accept sometimes. And that she doesn't need to worry about her friend and that she will be WITH God in heaven very soon and that I'm sure her friend wants that more than anything. She asked if she will ever see her friend again and I told her there is one way to make sure of that... I explained that by believing Jesus is Lord and asking for forgiveness of all our sins, we will be saved by God's grace (Even when we screw up, God will always forgive us again and again). I don't even remember what else I said, but it was clearly God speaking and NOT me, because a few minutes later she said "thank you, that makes so much sense!" (and if you know me, you know I do not make sense!). she then asked if I was still willing to pray for her and her friend. I prayed aloud. Afterwards she was crying so hard I could barely understand her. She said she felt so badly that she disturbed me by accidentally calling my number, but thanked me for the talk (the funny thing is, my phone had 3% battery left, which usually won't even let me answer calls, but somehow it not only let me take the call, but I talked to her for over 30mins!?) . She then said she needed to go and call her friend so she could pray with her before it was too late..!<br />
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Well, last week, almost a month later to the exact day, she called me once again. She called to say thank you. She accepted Christ that night. She said even though her friend passed away, she feels like it's all God's plan and she can't wait to go to heaven to see her again and be with God.<br />
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PRAISE THE LORD!!!<br />
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I just want to say that God works in the most amazing ways!!!! As much as I love witnessing to people, I usually feel like I'll just say the wrong thing and screw everything up....so I should just keep quiet, right? Wrong! After the phone calls with Brenda, I realized that I didn't do anything at all anyway, God spoke through me; I just have to be willing to open my mouth.<br />
She has taught me a huge lesson!<br />
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(Side note: during that first call in April, I was driving in Louisville and was so into the conversation that I wasn't paying attention to which exit I got off of.... I drove 45mins in the wrong direction! haha!)<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534997708222963862.post-42642477979141033412012-03-14T07:23:00.002-07:002012-03-21T14:32:24.295-07:00RomaniaAbout a week ago, March 7th, I was awake basically all night! I just couldn't stop my brain from rambling on. I kept thinking about the Dominican Republic/Haiti. I went there last summer with G.O. Ministries and they have asked me to go again. I would LOVE to go! But, there's just something stopping me, I'm not sure what. My brother Andrew has decided he is going to go though, which is awesome!!! It's his first mission trip, first time over seas, first time going anywhere without friends/family. It's quite exciting! He will be such a blessing there, I just know it! <br />
Anyway, Romania. Romania kept coming to mind throughout that night, after I kept telling myself "no" to the D.R. I wanted to go last year, but with going to the D.R in June and China in August, there just wasn't a way to go to Romania in July! This year I had decided early on that I wasn't going to travel. I was going to stay home and work all year - save up for something "bigger and better" (long-term mission trip), but my thoughts kept wandering to this trip.<br />
I finally got to sleep, only to wake up to an email asking me about going on a Romania trip. Talk about a sign! Craziness. So I contacted a friend who I know goes to Romania quite often and she set me up with her church missions coordinator.<br />
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So, as of right now, I will be going on a short-term mission trip to Romania in July!!<br />
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During my time there I will be helping with VBS's, for both the Romanian and the Gypsy children, a sports camp in the city, a small Bible study, basic medical care and probably throw some photography in there too, as always -- This is right up my alley, is it not?! Gotta love kids :)<br />
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Please, please, please keep me and the team in your prayers during the trip!! Also leading up to the trip! I need to raise about $1700 by April 2nd (which is less than 3 weeks away!). The rest of the money ($500) doesn't need to be turned in until closer to July, but these next few weeks are going to be hectic trying to fundraise (esp since I don't have much time at all!!).<br />
I am also still looking for a longer Romania trip, but God hasn't opened that door yet. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534997708222963862.post-55846005776876930912012-02-03T14:26:00.000-08:002012-02-03T14:26:38.555-08:00Dear GodMe: <i>God, can I ask you a question?</i><br />
<span style="color: red;">God: <i>Sure</i></span><br />
Me: <i>Promise you won't get mad...</i><br />
<span style="color: red;">God: <i>I promise</i></span><br />
Me: <i>Why did you let so much happen to me today?</i><br />
<span style="color: red;">God: <i>What do you mean?</i></span><br />
Me: <i>Well, I woke up late</i><br />
<span style="color: red;">God: <i>Yes</i></span><br />
Me: <i>My car took forever to start</i><br />
<span style="color: red;">God: <i>Okay</i></span><br />
Me: <i>At lunch they made my sandwhich wrong and I had to wait</i><br />
<span style="color: red;">God: <i>Hummm</i></span><br />
Me: <i>On the way home my phone went dead, just as I picked up a call</i><br />
<span style="color: red;">God: <i>Alright</i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Me: <i>And to top it all off, when I got home - I just want to soak my feet in my new foot massager and relax. BUT it wouldn't work!! Nothing went right today! Why did you do tha<span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">t?</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: red;">God: </span><i><span style="color: red;">Let me see, the death angle was at your bed this morning and I had to send one of my Angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that.</span> </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Me: <i>(humbled) Oh..</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: red;">God: <i>I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that would have hit you if you were on the road. </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Me: <i>(Ashamed)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: red;">God: </span><i><span style="color: red;">The first person who made your sandwhich today was sick and I didn't want you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn't afford to miss work</span>.</i></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Me: <i>(embarrassed) Okay</i></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: red;">God: <i> Your phone went dead because the person that was calling was going to give false witness about what you said on that call, I didn't even let you talk to them so you would be covered.</i></span></div>Me: <i>(softly) I see God</i><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="color: red;">God: <i>Oh and that foot massager, it had a shortage that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in the dark.</i></span><div>Me: <i> I'm sorry God</i></div><div><span style="color: red;">God: </span><i><span style="color: red;">Don't be sorry, just learn to trust me... in All things, the good and the bad.</span> </i></div><div>Me: <i>I will trust You. </i></div><div><span style="color: red;">God:<i> And don't doubt that My plan for your day is always better than your plan.</i></span><i> </i></div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div>Do you ever feel like are having the worst day ever? This isn't my story, but I thought it was worth it to share. Just know that it can always be worse. And when God doesn't let you do certain things, it means He is protecting you, like a Father should :)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534997708222963862.post-86580896244553072222012-01-05T10:17:00.000-08:002012-01-05T10:17:53.411-08:002011 Recap:For once, instead of things going by at the speed of light with no way to catch up, I feel like it was a pretty evenly paced year...sorta. There were some great times and some really tough, sad times, but all in all, it was an incredible year!<br />
<br />
It began like any other: Ringing in the new year with great friends!<br />
Two weeks into 2011 I decided to take a Perspectives (On the World Christian Movement) class. It was basically about missions and how important the Great Commission is. It was kind of a tough time, simply because I was working all the time, but it was an amazing class and I'd recommend it to anyone!<br />
That was also about the time I started going snowboarding again! I went boarding multiple times, as well as sledding, and even the occasional winter frisbee game. It was one of the best winters I've had, despite the cold.<br />
<br />
March rolled around and it was Jadyn's birthday! It was her first birthday ever, even though she turned 9.<br />
Having her with us and in our family has been such a blessing! People always ask if I really feel like she's my sister, even though she's adopted.. and I always say, "she's always been my sister, I just didn't know it for 8 years".<br />
<br />
In June I was blessed to be able to go on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic and Haiti, through GO Ministries. It was an amazing experience!! I was introduced to a whole new way of living and I loved every minute of it and made some of the best memories ever!<br />
<br />
Throughout July I pretty much just worked 24/7. My parents were adopting from China again and I was determined to go back with them, as I did the previous year. But this time, I wanted to stay in China longer -- three weeks is just not long enough! I wanted to stay and volunteer in an orphanage somewhere. So I found a place that need a photographer: Eagles Wings.<br />
<br />
So, in August, not only was I blessed to get to tag along with my parents on the adoption adventure, but I was able to stay behind and volunteer at Eagles Wings!! My parents adopted two teenage girls -- Anna Xiumei (14) and Faith Yuefei (12). They're precious! <br />
It didn't take but a few hours before I felt like they had always been with us and always my sisters!<br />
When the time came for my parents and sisters to go home, my dad flew up to Zhengzhou with me, put me on a bus to Jiaozuo... and I was off to Eagels Wings to start my own adventure. I admit I was a bit nervous getting on that bus alone headed to who knows where, but over all, I was actually very calm and sure of what I was doing. I knew God was with me. I was excited.<br />
<br />
I stayed at Eagels Wings for five weeks. I don't know how to explain that trip without typying up a book, so I'll just say: It was amazing, heartbreaking, touching, and simply incredible! I always feel sad to leave places, but this time it was different. I feel like I didn't just leave a piece of my heart there, but my entire heart, now shattered to pieces. I fell in love with not only the precious, innocent kids, but also the place. The city was beautiful. The people were beautiful. The language is beautiful. I felt so at home there. And when I arrived back to the States in October, things just weren't the same. Yes, I have an amazing and loving family, new sisters to get to know, things to accomplish here and new adventures to experience, but my heart longs to hug those kids again.<br />
<br />
In October, two weeks to the day, that I arrived home from China, an amazing friend and brother in Christ, Josh, passed away. It crushed my heart even more watching him suffer his last few breaths in that hospital bed, that he hated so much. The funeral was sad, but beautiful in many ways.<br />
I will always remember Josh's final words (that he put as his fb status), the day before he passed: "The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him—my father’s God, and I will exalt him! - Exodus 15:2" Those words, God's words, are priceless.<br />
Three days later another dear friend, Mary, was in a car wreck. She passed away the following evening. I felt helpless. Like everything and everyone was disappearing before my eyes.<br />
<br />
Soon after all those crazy events, my brother Christopher announced that he was going into the Army.<br />
I think the experience has been, and will continue to be great for him. I pray that God will keep him safe and get a hold of his heart and doesn't let go.<br />
<br />
By Novemeber I was finally getting back into the swing of things - the food, the language, the entire culture was harder to adjust back home, than it was to in China. Anna and Faith celebrated their first Thanksgiving ever and loved it. They love it here. And we all love them!<br />
Things were finally going back to "normal". <br />
<br />
Finally it was December again. My bother was able to have a two week leave from BCT, and came home for Christmas. It was a great time and the year was finally coming to a close. But of course it couldn't possibly be uneventful -- Another brother in Christ, Dylan, was in a motocross accident and passed away on the 30th. What a way to end a year, huh?<br />
There has been so much heartbreak this year.<br />
But the good out weighs the bad, right?<br />
Either way, God is still faithful!<br />
<br />
New years Eve was apon us again. As always, my family had our annual 'game party' with friends. From there I went to a different party, where we celebrated the new year by taking communion and singing praises to our Lord! It was wonderful. The best way to start a new year!<br />
<br />
So, now what? Things have come to an end for the year, but that only means we get to start a whole new beginning. The only resolution I have is to serve God and do what He asks of me.<br />
What about you?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534997708222963862.post-14603871046045340362011-11-26T15:51:00.000-08:002011-11-26T18:12:59.140-08:00My Eagles Wings' experience video<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zADXUWnNbZM?fs=1" width="480"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534997708222963862.post-47565754788814842402011-11-26T15:02:00.001-08:002011-11-26T15:03:14.417-08:00What Faith Can Do<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1JBSQMkQEo&feature=player_embedded#at=63">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1JBSQMkQEo&feature=player_embedded#at=63</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534997708222963862.post-31642497103496561032011-10-20T07:40:00.001-07:002011-10-20T07:40:55.974-07:00Home Sweet HomeI'm HOME! Well I guess I've been home for about a week now lol.<br><br>The layover in Korea wasn't bad at all. A couple hours into it a few other Americans/people from the UK were at the same gate.....Now that I think back on it, I'm sure I sounded like a complete idiot when I walked up to them, asked where they were headed and after they answered all I did was smile and say "...you speak English...:)" Haha. It was so weird to have an English conversation! <br> My flight from Korea to Atlanta was really nice. The plane was half empty it seems -- No one was sitting next to me, so I had a full 4 seats to myself, which I definitely took advantage of and laid down on ;) It didn't seem like we were flying that long, and I only slept [maybe] an hour! The flight was supposed to be 14 hrs, I believe, but we got there 40mins early! (I guess after flying 14hrs, 40mins early doesn't make a huge difference -- but still lol). Which was nice, cause I was worried about getting through Customs and to my gate in time for my last flight. But everything was a breeze! <br> <br>My flight to Louisville was on time and I had a nice little reunion with friends at the airport -- thanks for coming guys! (and thank you, Rachel, for taking me home, it was much appreciated :)<br>I got home around 1:45am. I think I finally fell asleep around 4am, but only to be awakened around 9ish by my family (that I didn't see when I got in last night) piling on top of me... as tired as I was, I loved it :) My brain is still in Chinese mode -- I keep wanting to answer things in Chinese. But Faith and Anna are ecstatic about it! Though I don't think they like the fact that I can sometimes catch onto what they say to each other (when they don't want anyone knowing) lol. <br> I love being home with my family again...but I miss China and all the kids so much! I really did not want to come home. Guess I'll just have to go again.. ;)<br><br>Being in China, sharing God's love (silently:), playing with kids, and doing photography....all things that were highly needed at Eagles Wings' (the org.) and all things I LOVE! Seriously, how much better could it have gotten?? :) :) <br><br>Altogether, the trip was INCREDIBLE!! There were a few rough days, mostly in the beginning from getting sick, but overall I loved the entire experience! There's this unexplainable excitement that I get when I hear that someone is inquiring about a child to adopt, all because <b>I</b> was blessed to take a few simple photos or videos of them... I finally, truly understand the quote, "We're blessed to be a blessing". I was blessed to do what I love and in return I hope I've been a blessing to every single person I came in contact with. I've learned so much and my faith has definitely grown!<br> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534997708222963862.post-15492600362130207722011-10-13T17:26:00.000-07:002011-10-13T17:26:50.577-07:00Alicia's in Atlanta waiting to board her last flight home! Her flight is scheduled to land around 11:30pm tonight. So far, her flight is on time. :O)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534997708222963862.post-46169706836211802482011-10-13T01:03:00.001-07:002011-10-13T01:03:36.566-07:00goodbye'sI'm sitting here in Korea still and my mind is constantly replaying the events of saying goodbye last night, so I figured I'd share it...since I obviously have time. lol. <br><br>Saying goodbye to all the kids (and Ayi's) was probably the hardest thing I've ever done. I guess because I knew I was going to see all my friends and family again, that it wasn't really that difficult say "bye, see ya soon". But, saying goodbye, possibly forever, to the precious kids I've had the privilege to get to know recently, is excruciating for me. <br> <br>I had Cheng Cheng on my lap last night when I told him I was leaving, and he gave me this silly look and shook his head no...he obviously thought I was just joking. Again, I told him that I really am leaving. I have to go back to America. He then got really serious, got down off my lap and went to ask an Ayi! The Ayi didn't know I was leaving so she was laughing that Cheng Cheng said "jei jei zuo meiguo?" (sister go to america?). I told the Ayi (in my broken Chinese) that I was indeed leaving...and I was leaving in 10 minutes. She then told broke it to Cheng Cheng for me...he got a sad look, shook his head and said "Buyao qu meiguo" (don't go to America), and then walked away from me! (omgsh! SO hard to deal with). I decided to leave him be for a few minutes and say goodbye to the other kids, in the mean time. I think it was harder for me to stop hugging them, than it was for them to quit hanging all over me! I took a few last minute pictures, got some pics with the head Ayi that has been oh, so generous! Then I went back to the room where Cheng Cheng went to hide from me, picked him up, gave him a hug and said "bye-bye". He completely ignored me -- didn't hug back or say anything. Guess he didn't really care, or think I was serious... I then picked up Wei Tao and pretty much just wanted to hug him constantly -- as always! He is SO precious! <br> 6pm rolled around -- I was now an hour later leaving than I had planned -- but I didn't want to go!! I gave Wei Tao to the Ayi and then he started screaming! I took him back and he clung to me more than usual...he didn't even understand that I was leaving! WHY did he have to do that to me?! :( Once again, I told the Ayi I needed to go, so she took Wei Tao from me...he started screaming again...so she took him in the other room. :(<br> All the kids were at the door as I left with my luggage...except Cheng Cheng. They were all smiling and waving goodbye. I wanted to cry, but some how managed to hold it together, say goodbye and actually leave........ I barely got down one (out of 12) flights of stairs and I hear this little voice hollering, "Jei jei!", at the top of the stairs. Peering down at me through the bars was Cheng Cheng! I dropped my luggage on the platform and ran back up to say goodbye. He asked "ni zou meiguo?" (you go america?)...I said yes, he said okay. I picked him up and he gave me a big hug and kiss and then said "bye bye"..... and I was still supposed to leave after that?!! :'( <br> I said goodbye and then left, for good...and then I lost it! :(<br><br>...I really hope they're all adopted (soon!) and are super happy with their new families! I know they go through a lot of volunteers there, so I'm sure they're used to saying goodbye...but I'M NOT! ...this is gonna be a long flight home.<br> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534997708222963862.post-17456739917505534962011-10-13T00:58:00.001-07:002011-10-13T00:58:58.846-07:00KOREA!I'VE MADE IT TO KOREA!!! :) <br><br>I got up at 4am after going to sleep at midnight, got on what was supposed to be a 2hr bus ride to the airport, which then turned into a 2 1/2-3hrs after the bus had a flat tire (and then 20 mins later the bus died) I then had to sit and wait on the side of the road for another bus. Got to the airport where every person I talked to told me to, "Ni zuo xia. liu" ("you sit and stay"..i think) and wouldn't help or let me go through the line, for what seems like a lifetime! (2 1/2 hrs lol), my boarding time was soon and I was still sitting practically outside the airport being told no...? It was frustrating and nerve wracking! But, finally the first person I had spoken with this morning came back to me and me follow him and was SO very kind and helped me get my ticket and point me to the right direction (he said I was just too early so they made me sit and wait for so long)...and then my plane was delayed. Whew! I'm already exhausted and I'm not even half way home! lol. I am currently in Korea, where I VERY easily found my gate and happen to have internet (and FB!). Yup, I'm quite happy to be here after all that lol. Only...uh...21ish hours until I'm home! :)<br> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534997708222963862.post-31809297072510799482011-10-12T03:05:00.001-07:002011-10-12T03:05:14.816-07:00Dedication to LindseyLindsey, so sorry I'm missing your birthday! I love you so much and can't wait to get home and see you! <br>Hope you have a GREAT birthday! =)<br>Love you! <3<br> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534997708222963862.post-51631597633050991512011-10-10T19:28:00.001-07:002011-10-10T19:28:56.882-07:00EW 4<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiFDT_zKnkltfuPz5cTOXzyfH8XbkarDnnR-MQ4KDqPdcEAEcHOPTMAmXJImYvrZDBM1a_7nqdIlAMIbrCGkJtifJhzkggJg2Rtm6r11IZII42zs32c0cmcQGi2kr603ZrFhsQbV6_Cf9/s1600/IMG_7529-736883.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiFDT_zKnkltfuPz5cTOXzyfH8XbkarDnnR-MQ4KDqPdcEAEcHOPTMAmXJImYvrZDBM1a_7nqdIlAMIbrCGkJtifJhzkggJg2Rtm6r11IZII42zs32c0cmcQGi2kr603ZrFhsQbV6_Cf9/s320/IMG_7529-736883.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662055975602848898" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAuSEzuNe6_Tn6-jPWI0UX72Nw-MLtx9hF239d6IC63VhkqPw8v0ZD6FrB_L5EHa485FVlC4Pw6ktBBdOdReRoHJqtxR3ybXGgBk20MKm8N54WKEImfA3RnXBLl9bAHTe4iNnr2sTl9vX4/s1600/IMG_7554-738186.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAuSEzuNe6_Tn6-jPWI0UX72Nw-MLtx9hF239d6IC63VhkqPw8v0ZD6FrB_L5EHa485FVlC4Pw6ktBBdOdReRoHJqtxR3ybXGgBk20MKm8N54WKEImfA3RnXBLl9bAHTe4iNnr2sTl9vX4/s320/IMG_7554-738186.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662055979864783650" /></a></p><br> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534997708222963862.post-65233550856772288682011-10-10T19:18:00.001-07:002011-10-10T19:18:59.060-07:00Xiao Guang, Lou Huan and their daughter - staff<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95sFt70UcrAedOGNLV_f8FDBtYSZkHwPjVngMsKYV-z3ffoU4JrL6RIDJ8DXMvGvdjshiZsRsB5CAENTY9a_oiE_ORw7RMIMFjcg0yRqMp5JDQwj0l1zVZ-KGy5Xo_NDFyGYTW4fRc54d/s1600/IMG_7698.2-739061.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95sFt70UcrAedOGNLV_f8FDBtYSZkHwPjVngMsKYV-z3ffoU4JrL6RIDJ8DXMvGvdjshiZsRsB5CAENTY9a_oiE_ORw7RMIMFjcg0yRqMp5JDQwj0l1zVZ-KGy5Xo_NDFyGYTW4fRc54d/s320/IMG_7698.2-739061.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662053408166964754" /></a></p><br> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534997708222963862.post-53190832038224281082011-10-10T07:41:00.001-07:002011-10-10T07:41:53.939-07:00EW 3<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXvDP2twNTr94CgSyOQkHviabRjVEv8He6w5DsF9pmJpoo2oq5taKX7GsJn0GVAIuK1x18gxwORfTI2fuHMu44Xcc_3eMY7ZAHadFTzSiNMKlnzmCMM4rSpjrzxs8Br3aZcLxIA7Vwu3h/s1600/IMG_7442-713940.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXvDP2twNTr94CgSyOQkHviabRjVEv8He6w5DsF9pmJpoo2oq5taKX7GsJn0GVAIuK1x18gxwORfTI2fuHMu44Xcc_3eMY7ZAHadFTzSiNMKlnzmCMM4rSpjrzxs8Br3aZcLxIA7Vwu3h/s320/IMG_7442-713940.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661873772349800770" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtE-0M79DN7V6HqdazBbRlqV3hqZGUX1QgtxvQ5xjsTFjDMTkPv42RZUWtuYtncPOvUOh8FCau4eRA53CzN122YISRLIfNspzHqPd01vYFKzK0mJD9KuKQWjmfT0E3iltBH18jZxb3CWxG/s1600/IMG_7453-714883.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtE-0M79DN7V6HqdazBbRlqV3hqZGUX1QgtxvQ5xjsTFjDMTkPv42RZUWtuYtncPOvUOh8FCau4eRA53CzN122YISRLIfNspzHqPd01vYFKzK0mJD9KuKQWjmfT0E3iltBH18jZxb3CWxG/s320/IMG_7453-714883.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661873775504563090" /></a></p>I think these might be the two oldest girls in house 3. They were so happy and talkative and they're gorgeous! <br> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0