WOW!!! I can't believe that it's has been so long since I have written. There has been a lot to happen since April. One being that I took my first international trip to Kenya. It was amazing. I will have to write an additional blog on it, but here is a little something for now.

I was standing in a familiar territory with unfamiliar circumstances, with so many people that I was glad to have around. There were sounds of laughter, exhaustion, and anxiousness around. Some people were going to their final destination for the day while others had long roads ahead still yet to come. For me and the team, literally I thought it was a final destination, but didn’t even know that is where it began. Emotions were high and low, exhaustion had hit, and reality was sneaking in; but had not yet to begin. Walking down the long walk way after a beginning of goodbyes; it was tough to say it without any tears or even cries. We knew it had come for the time to begin, but were we ready for this new journey to begin. It didn’t take long before reality hit. It hit like a truck carrying a ton of bricks and gave a good lick.

It was back to normalcy, even though I had no clue what it meant. Living a life in a different way brought many changes. You begin to see how well you have it in one sense and how bad off you are in another sense. Before arriving to this familiar place there were feelings of both strangeness and comfort that began to crowd in. There was a darkness and sense of discontentment before journeying, but didn’t let that faze why I was being sent. While journeying, there was a mission; it was to share the Love to those that we had no clue who they were. Before we left we were a team. Sitting together waiting on our flight to be called, we began to see that this was a team that was meant to be. Coming back to this familiar territory, there was a sense of relief; if it wasn’t only for the fact that the darkness had been lifted and a new day was to begin. The sadness of reality was not that we would not be as close as we were, for that did not faze us at all. We knew this may not have been an end to our journey, but a beginning of a journey that was to continue from then.

So after leaving that familiar place with the unfamiliar circumstances, the journey began. There was a new heir; a sense of peace, amidst the storm. Knowing this, I had no idea what was to come. There are always reasons and seasons for everything that is planned. For it is not in mine but the Father’s Hand. For ways seem uncertain for many alike. He puts that partner or partners to help with our sight. The Father knows best, that is what we want to see; but to cling to that in which we cannot see, takes strength of Faith that is far greater than can be explained. As humans we start to put things in our own hands…little do we know we will end up throwing them up in the air, saying I give up, it’s over my head. When we do this God gives a reminder and says it’s about Him, through kind little words of a friend, once again. Friendships come and friendships go, hold on to those that come from above. Allow them to open up and you do the same. To be able share love with those who care, joy, hurts, pain, despair, and laughter together is priceless for those who dare. To think back to where some of the journeys began, and to see where they were then to where they stand; it amazes me to think how God’s work began. Several years have passed; several memories have been made; to live a life together in God’s special way. Seasons come and seasons go, but for some I hope there will be a lifetime to go.

Here are some pictures from my brother's wedding that was last June. Wow! I can't believe that it's been almost a year! Time flies!

I can't believe it has been almost two weeks since I have been on here. It has been busy busy busy. Spring Break was last week. It was great to get some down time. Exhaustion has definitely hit. Even though I got some rest, it seemed as if I couldn't get enough. Since I was supposed to go to NC during SB, but things didn't work out, I am taking some time within the next few weeks to have some fun and enjoy. Next weekend, I will be getting some sun rays along with sand and water!!! Orange Beach here I come!!!!! There's nothing more relaxing than a few days on the beach!

After that, I am going up to visit a friend for the day in Wynn, Arkansas. It's not far from Jonesboro and Memphis. I am excited. She moved up there in January and haven't been able to get up there until now.

Later this month, I am headed back up north to go to Double Decker Arts Festival. I am SOOOO PUMPED about that!!!!!! So I am hopping, but having a great time!!!


Here are a few updates about other things...

We got some very good news. Dad went back to the doctor yesterday and the doctor seemed really positive about everything. Mom said that he had a different tune with him versuses the last time he saw him. So where does this lead...dad will return back to work the a week from this Monday. They are going to keep a watch on it but the doctor felt confident right now. PRAISE GOD!!!!

This weekend I will be serving in Downtown Jackson. I will take my camera and try to get some pictures to share.

I am back from a quick trip up to Oxford, MS. My mom's best friend's step-father died Thursday morning. The visitation and funeral were in Oxford Sunday night and today. I enjoyed being up there, even for that little bit of time. We got to eat at the original Old Venice Pizza Co. It was FANTASTIC!!!! Wish we could have stayed longer, but we got to roll through a little bit of campus and town. Oh how I love that place. It's such a beautiful area. We didn't get to enjoy the Grove, but there is always the next trip up there, that is coming up soon.

Glad that we got up there to show love and support. Love you Momma Cheryl!!! We are praying for you guys!