Update from Belgium, Wisconsin

I'll let the video speak for itself :) Thanks for stopping by!

VBS Week

This past week was our VBS week at Moses Lake Alliance Church.  I have been here for four weeks now doing my internship to fulfill my degree at TFC.  When I arrived at MLAC we hit the ground running with preparations for VBS.  There was much anticipation from the volunteers and for good reason.  We had a blast! I had the privilege of hanging out with half of the kindergarteners this year.  This was a new experience for me, as I usually stick with the older groups, but we had so much fun.  I love how this age gets so excited about the littlest things.  Their big smiles and little giggles each day was such a blessing. Great listeners too! It was so fun listening to one of my little girls hand her craft to her mom telling her, "Mom, this reminds me that Jesus died on the cross because He loves me!" Love it!

Here they are, 17 hyperactive, adorable, pudding faced, sticky-fingered kindergarteners

I was blessed to work with such dedicated and genuine volunteers this week.  Many of them look forward to this week all year and their attitudes show it.  We had over 200 kids attend VBS with somewhere around 10 accepting Jesus as their forever friend!  Our missions project was Burkina Faso, Africa.  The goal was $2500 and the kids blew past that number with over $4500!!! Of course some adults pitched in, but the kids still managed to smash the goal all on their own.  It was so neat to hear stories from the kids as they brought in change specifically saved up for this event. Praise the Lord for a great week!

FINALLY!!!

That's right! I finally walked across that stage! Last weekend I graduated from Toccoa Falls College with a degree in Family and Children's Ministry. It was such a blessing to celebrate this accomplishment. I am continually amazed at God's provision, grace, and hand in my life. Enjoy these pictures of the weekend:

Mel took pictures of my friends and I before baccalaureate on Friday night. I am so blessed to have spent my time at TFC with these ladies! I miss them so much already!

So blessed to have the "fam" at my graduation! They have been a huge part of my journey and it was truly a privilege to celebrate with them.
Pre-ceremony...I'm ready!
I did it!!!!

Wasting no time contemplating the future :)

Praise God for His faithfulness!!

Not I, But Him

What an incredible couple of weeks it has been! Every time I turn around I am reminded how blessed I am to be on this journey that God has me on. When I came to Toccoa Falls College a year and a half ago I had no idea that I would be so blessed. Last week I took my senior comprehensive exam. This exam consists of 2 1/2 hours in front of two of my professors. We were required to be able to speak to everything we have learned in our time here. It was definitely stressful leading up to the interview. I had to write a doctrinal statement, put together a professional portfolio, and study the pages and pages of notes I have taken. Okay, so it was hard, but what I didn't realize was the blessing that it would turn out to be! What an amazing experience it is to be able to sit in front of two of my professors that I adore and talk intelligently with for 2 1/2 hours. In the end of the interview the professors take time to tell you you've passed :), and really spend time blessing you. I don't like to boast, but the things that my professors said were beyond amazing and truly inspiring to continue striving for excellence. I am a different person than I was 18 months ago and my journey here at this school played a big part in that. Among other people, and you know who you are :)

In other news.... I ran my first 5k this weekend!!!
I am totally addicted, it was so much fun! This was an all women's race, which made it even more fun. It was really neat to run beside many women who you know have had their own journeys to get to this point. A year ago I would have laughed in your face if you told me I was going to be able to run 5km without stopping. This whole weight loss journey and training to run a 5k could not have happened if God wasn't in control. I really believe that the process of sanctification must take place in all aspects of our lives, including the physical (1 Thessalonians 5:23). When I surrendered my health to God in September last year I had no idea what I was in for. I am truly grateful for how God has used this process to mature me in ways that I never thought possible. (By the way, if you're wondering I've lost 50 pounds so far :))

And then there are these lovely ladies who made the weekend a great experience.
They were there to cheer me on, hold all my stuff, and park the car so I didn't have to :) I will admit that I was quite nervous, so I am grateful for their support. And if they aren't cute enough in this picture, check out the video they so cleverly made for me while I was showering...

As a senior there has been a ton of reflection going on. My nine years as a christian, my experiences post high school in Colorado and Idaho, my four semesters here, and my weight loss journey all boil down to one common denominator: my Savior. None of this would mean anything if it weren't for His presence and complete control in my life.