end of 2011 and the start of 2012

This is kind of at a odd time, but I decided I would do it anyways. Here is a photo montage of my life in 2011!

January: Stayed out in the freezing cold to campout in Thompson Boling  to support UT basketball's program agaist cancer

February: My very dear friend Jess moved from NJ to TN in Jan and came and spent Valentine's weekend  with me as her husband had just left for Afghanistan.

March: Went to Haiti for the first time on Spring Break with Calvary

April: Went to Ripley's Aquarium with my wonderful community group!

May: Family vacation to Myrtle Beach!

June: Had a full birthday week consisting of my first Braves game!

July: Returned to Haiti!

August: Square Dance to kick off the school year

September: Roadtripped with 35 of my friends to The Swamp!

September: Went to Tuscaloosa to do disaster relief

October: Pocahontas for Halloween! And won best girl costume!

October: Cheered on my Vols!

November: Ran my first 5k!

December: Had more Christmas parties than ever imagined! 

2012 has had a great start! I began my year by attending Passion 2012! If you are unfamiliar with Passion it is a conference for 18-25 year olds held in Atlanta, GA. It began by Louis Giglio and Passion City Church. It is a movement toward changing the world with our generation and the mighty Lord. I had never been before and was stoked about being a part of it. This year 44k students gathered at the Georgia Dome to worship our Lord and grow. 

One of my favorite parts of the week was the worship. It was indescribable to see 44k students yelling out praises with hands raised as we worshiped along the great Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman. I would stand in awe and the thought that there are this many students on fire and devoted to the Lord and what the world will look like once we leave and take that passion to our respected homes and schools.

"Do Something Now" is the project each year that the students are challenged with. This year it was Freedom. Freedom from slavery and human trafficking. What would you say if I told you that there are more than 27 million slaves in the world, more than any other time in history. How does that make you feel, to know we dwell on the wrongdoings of our forefathers when we are letting the same thing happen now but on an even bigger scale. 200,00 are right here in the U.S., Atlanta, Knoxville, all over. It made me sick. There are men, women, and children being sold for labor, sex, beaten and used. What are we going to do about it? What were poor college students going to do about it? We didn't stand for it! We are rising up and speaking out about this horrific part of our world. Louis told us he had been telling people that he wanted to challenge us with raising $1 million to end slavery. College kids and million dollars?! Only the Lord could do that. But he didn't. In a little over 72 hours 44k college kids gave everything they had and raised over $2.5 million. And inspired a adult couple to donate $500,000 which made out total over $3 million! Our God is mighty! Throughout the week we all were a part of constructing an outstretched hand covered in items made my slaves and written bible verses and encouragement as a visual reminder to the people of Atlanta what is happening. The last night at Passion all 44k students gathered outside around the hand in silence with a single lit candle praying and praising the Lord for what he is doing. Then let out a chant of FREE-DOM FREE-DOM!! Get ready world this generation is making a change and not taking no for an answer!

Waiting in line to give to Freedom! Made the giving much more meaningful not just throwing it in a bucket but actually waiting in long lines and saying how much you were giving. Yay for being proactive!

Downtown Atlanta being lit up by 44k college students and an outstretched hand!

Was definitely inspired and challenged already this year! School starts Wednesday, can't believe it's my last semester (hopefully). Stay tuned for more exciting tales about Mile 21!

Survived the first half of Mile 21

Half birthdays. This is a concept that I learned about while being in college. There is really no point to it, just another reason to get together and celebrate with people you love. Your half birthday is exactly what is says, the midway point between your birthdays. When you can actually add that I am __ and a half years old. For example your birthday is July 4th your half birthday is January 4th. And today just happens to be my half birthday. Don't worry, this post is not to make you feel bad that you didn't wish me a "Happy Half-Birthday" or send me cards, flowers or presents, but just to express what has been going through my mind the past few days. 


If you have been following me from the beginning then you know that this blog was started with the thought to share what life has been like at"Mile Marker 21" (if you haven't then I suggest you go and read my blogs because they are quite good :) but at least the first one). I have slacked off the last little bit, but I will get better. But back to my point. Today is my half birthday, and let's just say it is slightly strange to think about that tomorrow I can technically say I am almost 22. But I don't want to rush things, so let's stick with 21. I survived, with a few bumps and scrapes, but I am here to tell about it. The last 6 months have been a whirlwind of a time, and I wouldn't have it any other way.


I have officially finished my first semester of my senior year! I have one semester left, until I get that coveted alumni status. What the heck?! This should not be happening! I am definitely not old enough to be graduating college. When did this happen? I am sure my parents are saying the same thing, but it is just as alarming to me as my family. Sometimes I am sure excited about the next step, and sometimes I am completely overwhelmed at what a difference life is going to be like after college. Some friends and I have been discussing what he next few months will look like, we have five months with the people we have called family and shared life with for what seems like a lifetime. How are we going to spend it? How do we deal with such a great transition? Senior year of high school you pretty much knew what the next few years would hold, and you each had a very large common ground...your hometown...to reconnect when it has been awhile. After college you don't have that. So how do you enjoy the bittersweetness of the end, and the beginning?  


Over the last couple weeks, I have been looking back at the past 6 months and what the Lord has done in my life. I cannot even put into words the heaps and heaps of blessings he has poured out on me. I have been surrounded with a body of believers in community that has made the entire difference in my college career, with out these women there is no way I would be sane right now. He has put me in a new place with new friends that have encouraged me in new ways. It is beautiful. He has come over me like the waves and drowned me in his love and grace. I feel like a whole new person. I am slowly finding out who I am and who I am in Christ. It is an amazing feeling to know who you are and that you are defined by the great King of Kings. As much as I hate the thought of growing up, growing up in Christ is be far the coolest experience in the world. I am happy with where life has taking me thus far, and am anxious excited about what happens next. 


To update on what has happened this semester since I haven't posted in awhile here are some highlights:
-I live in a wonderful house with 6 beautiful girls next door to a house with 6 great Godly men and the best friends a girl could have
-I have spoken several times about Haiti and what the Lord has done in small crowds as a handful of women in WMU (which I am the most proud of ..click here to find out why) and as big as Sunday morning Big Church and have had the Lord do great things because of it in me and others. 
-I roadtripped to Gainesville with 35 of my friends and then to Tuscaloosa staying with a Crimson tide couple for some Tennessee football. And had the greatest time!
-Went to my first hockey game! Go Ice Bears!
-Had more Christmas parties then a person could dream of having and attending
-Ran a full 5k (Running with Hope) without stopping or walking...and after 12 years of having knee problems, pain, and missing out on fun activities this was the biggest personal accomplishment in the world! then I did it again (Jingle Bell Run) :)
-Dressed as Pocahontas for Halloween only to gain to new nick name "Runs with Squirrels" because apparently I look Native American or something
-Traveled to Huntsville for the memorial of Melissa
-Completed #48 on my list. "Stay up all night" Did it three times in one week.....finals week=no bueno
-Cooked lots of good food, laughed a lot, cried some, grew in heaps, and felt the love of many


Thanks for reading, and can't wait to share again soon about the next marker in Mile 21!

#21 Go to a concert

So, I have kind of slacked and this happened a few weeks ago, but I get mark it off none the less! A couple weeks ago a good friend of mine Nicole and I went to the hippest little joint in Knoxville, The Square Room. The Square Room is a small concert room located in the back of Cafe 4 in Market Square. I have always wanted to go and check it out, but never found the right opportunity. Then when I got back to the states, my brother informed me that the one and only Elliott Yamin was going to be there! I slightly freaked out, and knew I had to go! For those of you not up to date on the entertainment world or are too up to date, Elliott Yamin was in the top 3 on season 5 of American Idol. You may remember the hit "Wait for You" a couple years ago, and that was him. He is brilliant and you should check him out if you don't know his music. I am a huge fan, and could not contain my excitement all week! We got all dressed up, and headed downtown! We got there early and got a perfect table up front! A fella by the name of Mikey Wax opened for him. We had not heard of him before, but he was excellent! A very different but cool sound! Definitely check him out! Because of the small room and number of people there we got to hang out with them after the show! They were really cool! It was a perfect night, ending with a trip to Cookout (of course!). 

Nicole and I waiting for it to start!

 Mikey Wax! Yes he is playing two instruments while singing!

Elliott Yamin and band!

:)

Us with the ever cool Mikey Wax

I was unbelievably excited!

Sweet Melissa

If you have been reading my posts then you may recall my post the mentioned a precious baby girl Melissa. I have mentioned her a few times, but for those of you that are new I will enlighten you.

When I was in Haiti the first time back on March I met the sweetest baby, Melissa. She was 13 months old at the time but looked as if she was 8 or 9 months. She has down syndrome and a severe heart defect, but she is a diva through and through. I instantly fell in love with this child. We weren't around her too much, but I was excited for the chance to see her again as I arrived back in Haiti in July. She was being adopted my a sweet family in Alabama, Jack and Dr. Jenny Chapman. Here is a breif account of Melissa's story.

 My favorite picture of her! I took this one of the first few days back in Haiti. Such joy

Melissa was found malnourished and sick, by a team of doctors back last fall. Jenny was on that team. Melissa desperately needed heart surgery, and her birth mother lover her so much and knew she could not provide the care for her she needed and let her be taken in. When nothing was working out Jenny talked with her husband (who had never been to Haiti) about adopting her. So the process began.

Not long after she was found

Jenny would make several trips to come spend time with her daughter and work on the legal part of the adoption. If you are unfamiliar let me just say it is crazy insane to adopt from Haiti! While Jenny was in the states Melissa stayed with the crazy cool and amazing lady, Wilna, and the ever charming and hilarious Stanley!  Not only is Wilna a two time Olympian, translator, legal fandangler, she is an outstanding caretaker and mom for Melissa. This couple have been with Melissa since the beginning and was apart of the adoption process with the Chapman's.

Wilna and Melissa

 Melissa's two moms! Wilna and Jenny!

 While I was in Haiti we stayed at the permanent missionary couple Greg and Michelle's house. They were stateside for most of the time I was there and Wilna and Stanley were staying there, which meant Melissa was! I was able to spend everyday I was in Haiti with this precious child. From the first day back, and Wilna put her back into my arms my love continued to grow for her. You probably have heard me say that I never knew how much you could love someone until I went back to Haiti. She was one of the prime examples of this. I almost hated sharing her with the other interns (haha). She was so beautiful and full of joy. She would make the craziest faces at you, and just laugh. She is by the biggest diva. She knew just how to milk it. But we saw through that and helped her get stronger and stronger. The interns even had a spa day with her, doing her hair and nails. I love her so much. 

Just hanging out with Lissa

As I mentioned earlier Jenny made several trips down, but Jack didn't have the opportunity too until the end of July. I had the unbelievable opportunity to meet both Jenny and Jack and witness the most beautiful interaction of father meets daughter. Wilna and I went to the airport with Melissa to pick up Jenny and Jack. this would be Jack's first time to Haiti and meeting his daughter. I have never seen anything more beautiful than when Jack met Melissa for the first time.  Their time in Haiti was brief but full or productivity. Jack met Melissa, Jenny got to hang with her daughter, and more adoption stuff went down. Getting so close tot he goal of Melissa in Alabama!

Family pictures taken right before they left for the states

Melissa had a severe heart defect that was incurable, surgery would only help her live a little longer, but Jenny didn't expect past 15 medically. And Jack was a firm believer that the heart problem would just go away. Because of her heart problem her oxygen levels stayed lower than most children. So when it dropped significantly it was time to get it checked. A few days ago she was taken to a hospital and put on oxygen. The Chadasha team frantically searched for a doctor in the states that would preform surgery. All the while her O2 would get better and better. Yesterday morning it was looking so good she was going to go home, but they kept her on oxygen just in case. Then as if an angel picked her up as she was sleeping her little heart gave out.  She went on to be with her heavenly Father yesterday afternoon.

Melissa touched many peoples life. Every team that got to meet her was instantly in love and praying for her adoption to speed up. She brightened everyone's day. Though her earthly life was cut short at 18 months, her purpose on this earth was filled to its potential and she got to go home. Her little lungs breathe more deeply than ever before. It is extremely hard to be here and not there. I loved that little girl more than anything. I know that she is with the Lord and that she is in a more glorious place.

Please remember to keep the families in your prayers:

-her birth mother, she hadn't seen Melissa in a long time. The team took some pictures to her today so she could see her beautiful baby

-Wilna and Stanley, they have been with Melissa for so long and lost a child yesterday

-FeFe Melissa's nanny that helped out Wilna and Stanley

-Jack and Jenny Chapman and their kids, they lost their child, there are no words

-Greg and Michelle, John, and Sara, the missionaries there in PAP

-Chelsey, my dear dear friend who is there as an "intern" for the semester. She is a nurse and was there with Melissa as she passed

-all the wonderful people who were touched by this precious girl

the surreal life: from haiti to america

At this moment a month ago, I was attempting to board a plane to Nashville from Miami. I cannot fathom that I have been back to Tennessee for one whole month. It feels like eons ago, and yesterday all at the same time. The past month has been a blur. I spent the first few days back at home in Camden doing the small town thing, county fair and all. Then I head back to Rocky Top to get ready for school. I have gone through a lot of emotions over the last month. 

First it was so surreal it seemed as if it was a dream. It didn't click that I was back, and to some extent I still don't think it has. I got back to Knoxville late one Friday night and the next morning we were to help the freshmen move in (be reminded I had not been in the country a week yet). I was excited, but had Haiti heavy on my heart. When it began time to help I just stood there and watched. I almost burst into tears of anger as I saw the heaps of money and wasteful items that people were bringing in. I could not understand why people were so wasteful, when there are starving and dieing people in the world. They didn't need half the stuff they had. The longer I stood there the more upset I got, so I just walked away. In the midst of my processing I realized that this was their/our culture. Just like I had spent all that time in Haiti soaking up culture and learning about the people, this is part of the American culture. They know no different than the Haitians do pertaining to how they were raised. I have no right to get angry because I once was the same way, and probably will have those tendencies sometimes. This was a big realization that helped the process begin. I finally was able to jump in and help. As I help take my first load I round the corner to see a dear friend Katherine standing at the elevators. As soon as I saw her I immediately had to control myself because the tears began to well up. Katherine had spent the first half of the summer in Haiti as well being a nurse with the Nehemiah Projects. She was the only person I knew that was in arms length that knew exactly what was going on. We had a freakout together and then laughed because we both knew what almost happened. 

The days following were filled with "yay your back"'s and "oh my goodness how was it"'s, getting lots of hugs and beginning my last year at school. I felt very loved, but it was like a sucker punch every time I was asked. Because I would have to tell about it knowing that no matter what I say they won't understand, and as much as they care the extent of their caring only goes so far. It is almost like you are the only one in the world caring the weight. But the Lord is the great comforter and provider. He has given me great people that just love to love, and Haiti friends that understand immediately when I am having a "Haiti Day" as we lovingly refer to it as. It is hard being somewhere that your heart isn't. Especially when great joy and sorrow are happening and you have to hear about it instead of living it. An amazing couple of friends are planning a wedding there now, that will take place while I am here. And a death of a precious baby girl that I love dearly ( next blog will be about her...she deserves her own).

Purpose. This word/concept camp up many times between the interns and since I have been back. In Haiti we were looking for what our purpose was in being there, and what the Lord wanted to teach us. That then evolved into what our purpose was in America, because most of us didn't want to go back. Then as senior year is starting my group of friends it has been brought up what is the purpose for our last year, and what amazing things is the Lord going to do. I think for my life the last two go hand in hand. My heart desperately wants to be in Haiti, but I know that this time I am to be in Knoxville, Tennessee. Have I discovered my purpose? No, but that will come with time. Trust and patience in the Lord is what I am leaning on now. He will never falter and means no harm in his plans. It is a beautiful and sweet plan. Even if I don't see it til the end. I know that in Him it will be for all his glory and breathtaking.

#25 Take a spontaneous road trip

I finally can mark off my first accomplishment on my 101 list! #25 on my list says Take a spontaneous road trip. And that by golly is what I did. Some background for those of you who haven't known me long. I have a dear friend named Storm. We have been best friends since forever, and we never get to see each other. She lives in Murfreesboro and I live in Knoxville, and we stay crazy busy. Last week when we met in Lebanon on my way to Knoxville from home was the first time we had seen each other in over a year and a half!! Crazy! So back to the story. Yesterday afternoon Storm texted me saying her and her mom were going to the Wilson County Fair that night and if I wanted to go? It was last minute and kind of a drive (2 hours), but she thought she would ask. As I sat there reading it I began to laugh, one of my roommates asked what happened and I said I guess I am going to Wilson County!

I hopped in the shower, got ready, went to the ATM, gas station, and was on my way to the county fair! Wilson County Fair is held in Lebanon, TN which is 2 hours from Knoxville. I turned up the tunes and roadtripped it to Lebanon! I got there just a few minutes before they did to hop in the car and head to the fair. Let me just say that there are a bajillion people that go to this fair. No joke there were probably more cars in the parking fields than in my entire county back home! I had never been to a fair that large. It was just like in the movies! So much fun! We walked around and saw the animals, ate a funnel cake, saw the rides lit up at night and rode a Ferris Wheel! Best decision I have made in a while! I am so glad that I went! 

 Welcome to the Wilson County Fair!

 This mama did not like me! She tried to stab me several times

 Safari Greg's Boa!

 Excited about the Ferris Wheel!

 View from the top!

Hillary

I have been home for a few days now and still not quite adjusted to Tennessee living. It is almost like reverse culture shock. Because this was not a week long mission trip, we had to change our thinking to visitor to "We live here now". And now being back in Tennessee we have to do it all over again. As crazy as this will sound a big adjustment is air conditioner. I have turned into a wuss and get chilled easily! Who knew?! As much as I love and miss Haiti the Lord has a wonderful plan for the time here in Tennessee.

But today Haiti is not as prevalent on my mind.  Today is a very heartbreaking day. As most of you from home know, and those reading my blogs you know that I lost my beloved Gran last July. While grieving over her, I lost one of my very best friends through a freak accident. A year ago today I was checking Facebook and in my news feed I kept seeing pictures and comments that seemed odd. And after viewing her page it hit me. You see she lived in Kentucky and none of her friends new me. I called our roommate who had just been told as well. Our beloved Hillary  had been hit by a train while making a delivery for work. At this crossing there were no crossing bars to keep you from crossing and letting you know about a train. And the train hit her truck and she died instantly.

The summer of 2009 I had the most amazing opportunity to live in Vail, Colorado as a summer missionary with CRU (formerly Campus Crusades for Christ). Here 40 college kids from across the country came and lived together for 2.5 months serving the Lord and living in community. Molly, Grace, Hillary, and I were roommates, and I have never been around greater women then them. They are beautiful and strong women of God, and were all unique but we fit together so well. We became best friends from that summer, and stay in touch often. We spent hours talking, encouraging, playing and praying together. 

 First roomie picture the 2nd night in Vail

 Hillary, Me, Molly, Grace

Hillary was a great encourager. We would spend hours just us hanging in our apartment, talking about life and watching movies. Almost always August Rush. We both have a great love for the military and would talk a lot about our families and her boyfriend Nick who is in the military. She was extremely wise and knew how to use it. She was so loving and hilarious! Her laughter was contagious and so true. Most of all she loved her Almighty and strived to follow him. 

 Hill and I at my birthday party they through

 If any picture could describe us this would be it

This was a very hard time in my life, but the Lord is the ultimate comforter and through Him I can now celebrate this beautiful life. His plan is sovereign, and even if I may never know the plan for Hillary's life and death, she impacted mine more than she probably realized.  

 Love these women

 LumberJack/LumberJill banquet

 We had so much fun dressing up

I miss her so much it hurts. I think about her constantly, and a day never goes by that she is not on my mind. Prayers go up to her family and Nick everyday as they continue to find comfort. I know with out a shadow of doubt that we will see each other again, and run to a everlasting embrace and sing for the Lord hand in hand through eternity.

 One of my favorites. We are on top of Vail Mountain at sunset

Hillary Morgan Hadley

January 17, 1989-August 11, 2010

May your body rest in peace and your soul sing for the Lord

Hill  not only left this world early but left us a day early in Vail to attend a wedding, and before she got in the van to leave we huddled one last time to pray and love on each other and someone captured this amazing moment. The last time we would all be together.

Because she left a day early she missed the final banquet. And we were all surprised they she made a video with our tech guy for us that was a goodbye to us. Who knew how important this would be. 

View it here