Bird's Eye View.

Who knew perspective could transport you into a whole new world?

The day is finally here. This is the day I begin my journey of a lifetime. One day I will tell my kids and grandkids about the amazing adventure I embarked on when I was "young and free". 

I woke up this morning at 6:39 due to immense excitement. I tried filling my time with long overdue homework, Facebook, and just sitting. I thought maybe it would hit me this morning that I was in fact ACTUALLY leaving. I said more goodbyes and so happy to have the last couple hours of my time at home with some of my best friends.

We arrived at Spokane International Airport right on time, got me checked in, and through security. As I tumbled through the metal detector and re-collected my liquids and electronics, I looked back at my beautiful friends. I'm quite proud of myself actually for not crying, as that's all I know how to do lately. I finally boarded my tiny plane, destination:Seattle.

I finally arrived in Seattle. I had just successfully survived my second ever airplane ride (1st was when I was two years old). It wasn't everything I thought it would be, but I definitely got a rush of excitement as I saw our shadow elevate into the sky and out of all I've known for the last 7 years. As I looked out the window, everything looked SO small. I had never actually looked at something from bird's eye view.

I felt free. I felt like I was playing house and I controlled this little, make-believe world below me. As the clouds we're just at my fingertips and mountain tops just past my reach I knew this journey was becoming a reality. I just felt a little bit of turbulence in the plane and my heart jumped. Just following my scare, John Wall began to play on my ipod and all was well in the world. One more hour until I land in the place I called home for 11 years and haven't seen since moving to beautiful Idaho. Cali baby. Sure I can't leave the airport and experience all that I've missed, but the terminal will do just fine.

The view flying above LA made my face temporarily glued to my window. I couldn't believe how incredible it looked. I cant wait to go back someday! LAX is close to a war zone. I was there 3 hours before my flight and STILL almost missed my airplane Finally onboard and ready for FIJI! Apparently I missed the memo on how to lean my seat back. Needless to say, I was the only person on t he plane awake the whole time :). Finally in Fiji. Most beautiful place in the 

 WORLD…well thus far :). The man sitting next to me on the plane talked to me the entire four hour flight. He and his church are part of this organization against violence towards women. He reminded me that I have rights under women and that God doesn't see me as a gender, but as his prize.

What made me most excited about our talk was that I never  told him I was a Christian. He just knew somehow. I thought that was incredible. It made me happy :). FINALLY off the plane and TOUCHDOWN, hello australia :). I found my family and off we go! So far so good[that seems to be my motto on this adventure thus far]. We went to Seaworld and had a BLAST. The kids and I are bonding amazingly already and the parents are great! Official first day, first stop:church. There is an American singer coming to play in worship today! SO excited. Until next time. <3

What If Your Blue Is My Yellow?

A whole new world can be opened up when you learn more about each other. The title of this particular blog started out as an inside joke, but really got me thinking. What if your blue IS my yellow?

What if what you see isn't what I see? What if everything we think or thought we knew about people had much more underneath it. What if your truth is my lies? What if everyone was completely transparent with those around them? How much do we really know about one another? In the last month I have learned a ton more about myself and who I am and what I stand for.

One day that will be stuck in my mind forever will be last night, 7/19/2011. I had the most amazing, transparent, liberating, incredible conversation I've ever had with anyone in my entire life. Every factor going into that conversation, I believe made it that much more special. Thinking about it I still can't believe I said some of the things I said and heard. The original intent of the conversation gave me no inkling that it would turn into something so mind blowing. When I heard what they had to say, my heart sunk, I felt so honored to be hearing what I heard. When it came to my turn to talk I was a little hesitant, for I wasn't used to having this conversation.

The more I talked, the more free I felt. I didn't have to hold back. I had someone I was being completely transparent with and it felt absolutely amazing. I felt God working in both of our lives and after the conversation was over I couldnt stop praying and spending time with God thanking Him for that conversation. It's a very weird feeling---post conversation. I feel like a huge piece of me, a piece of my past, a piece of my future has been taken and given to me. In addition an amazing new person has become a bigger figure in my life.

This might be confusing to a lot of people, but that's alright. I knew it was something I needed to write about. A huge day in my life, one that I'll never ever forget.

What if your blue IS my yellow...

Who Is That Girl I See?

Who would have thought a whole new world was hiding behind the mask of insecurity? This is definitely more of a random blog, but it was on my heart and I felt like expressing it.

Something I have always prided myself on was not having insecurities. I often look at other girls and even boys and get so frusturated as they tear themselves apart, inch by inch. I've always told myself, " I love you just the way God made you." While for the most part I agree with this, lately I have begun to turn into those people I never thought I'd be.

Since I was probably in kindergarten I got called things like "monkey" and "crater face. At the beginning it absolutely bugged me, but as time went on I just got used to people being mean to me. It really didnt phase me. In high school I'm surprised I didnt have some crazy complex from the vile things people said to me. I didnt know fashion...in the 5th grade, so apparently I looked dirty and needed to take a shower. I was TOO skinny and was called names like Hannarexic. Kids are cruel.

For the longest time, it was my teeth. They were crooked, they were sticking out, they were ugly and I hated what I saw. Although it never became major issue and smiling was my number one facial expression, I still couldn't stand them. I got braces which really excited me, but then after awhile I resented them. I knew I wanted them in the beginning, but now I just wanted them off. I started wearing more makeup. I didnt connect the two at first, but I now realize I was trying to cover up the insecurity of my mouth by bringing the attention to my face.

Finally my braces came off and I knew that was the last step in my tranformation. That was the only big insecurity I had ever had and it was now over. Right after they came off, I remember looking in the mirror as I applied my makeup that morning and thought...I'm ugly. I thought these words AFTER I had put on my makeup. I began to dislike what I looked like with makeup on. The less I put on, the prettier I felt. I would go out in public as soon as I woke up. My looks are no longer a priority in my life. I'm not sure the exact reason why, but I dont want to fight it.

This is me as I'm writing this blog :)

I loved waking up this morning, going upstairs, brushing my teeth, and leaving. It was probably the prettiest I felt in a very long time. Granted, all day I've been doing dreaded and way overdue summer homework so getting out hasn't been a priority, I wish it had been. I took a picture of myself at this exact moment in time. No makeup, hair up, chillin in a sweater, no cares in the world.

Insecurity has been given a whole new meaning to me in the last several months and that could possibly be the reason for my dramatic new point of view of myself. I think having insecurities are healthy. If we didnt, our lives would be perfect and there would be no room to lean on God. I agree we shouldn't let our insecurities totally rule our lives and I think this is God's way of bringing me closer to Him. I understand this is a very random way of bringing this to my attention. However, if I cant love myself in the way He made me, in a way am I mocking Him?

Right out of the shower.

Yes, I'll probably still wear makeup. I'm not totally disregarding it, but definitely a minimal amount. I know I'm beautiful, because I was made in the image of Jesus. A whole new world has been opened up on the other side of the mirror and for that I'm forever grateful.

I love who I am because I love who let me be me.

Power to save the world, my life.

Who knew those little church doors would open my life up into a whole new world?

I'm still working on this whole blog thing. I even went as far as to starting a vlog, we'll see how that goes. It's rather a difficult concept for me to wrap my brain around. I have so much on my mind and heart to say, but the process of putting them into words continues to baffle me. I dont know if what you're about to read would be considered a blog or just a happy rant, but here we go.


In case you were wondering, because I know you were, I have a man in my life. He is my best friend, He captivates my heart and soul, and He is Jesus. I read people say this a lot, heck I probably say it most, but I don't know how I got so lucky to have such a priveleged and blessed life. 


Sure, I could definitely do without some pain I encounter, but I know much better things are around the corner. My faith is my whole world. My purpose with this particular blog is to let you know just how much I appreciate my God and all that He has given to me and more importantly WHO he has given me.

Probably my favorite picture of us for some reason.
We were little and innocent and cute.
MirTodd.

 So it began in 7th grade with my friend Miranda Todd. As she took me into the doors of Lake City Community Church I was more nervous than I had ever been. Growing up, I was never introduced to any sort of "religious" ideals. I told myself I believed in God when I was younger, but I never truly understood why, it just seemed like its something I should have been doing. Getting back on track, so as it happened, the moment I walked into that builiding I ran full speed ahead and never looked back. 

Revolution Film Festival.
2nd place isnt bad :]

Seven years later and I still cant begin to grasp how much of a profound impact LCCC has had on me. For some people,this next part is apparently cause for judgment, but in the words of Kelsey Griffin, "to each their own!" In my 7 years of attending Lake City, the majority of it has been spent at youth services. It's not that I'm not mature enough to handle a good ol' Sunday morning service, however, youth ministries is what I'm drawn to. Not to mention, the last couple years I've worked every Sunday. Regardless, I absolutely love my youth group, in every season it's had.




This next little blurb is where the "happy rant" commences. This is where I go on and on and on about the people that we're put in my life and how much they have meant to me and to my walk with God. Before I go on, I just want to say that whether it has been 7 years or a handful of months, these next two groups of people have impacted my world in so many different ways. As the days approach to my very last summer camp I felt the overwhelming urge to explain just how much I've been influenced and have felt so much love from these next two groups of people. I don't care if anyone thinks I'm weird for this, so...boomshakalacka, LETSSS GO!


Alright, Lake City this one's for you. 

Two amazing girls of God I have the privilege of knowing.
Maddi&Miranda!

Rach&I at 1st ever Revolution Olympics/
my 17th birthday :)

To Lake City Community Church and all those who inhabitant it, thank you. In all my years of going there I have never felt "brainwashed" as some people who didn't believe would say. I felt loved and part of a family. Miranda thank you for opening the door to the biggest part of my life. Rick, Peter, and Adam thank you so much for being the best youth pastors in the whole entire world. From boating, to baptisms, to the Bees you three have had an incredibly huge impact on my walk with God. Not only have you been put in my life as mentors, pastors, and amazing men of God, but more importantly my friends. The investment and love you have all put into me is so unreal to imagine. I love you all for that. Oh, and don't worry, when I'm old and wrinkled, you'll still get to see my lovely raisined face on every christmas card until I die. :)

Thank you to Jonika, who, although I recently just met, had the courage and huge heart to go out off her way to introduce herself and begin a relationship with me. Teri Keith for being an incredible lifegroup leader and putting up with some very hyper girls and letting us always know that God loved us. Thank you to my small group for giving me a place outside of the church walls to get together to talk about the coolest guy we know! Thank you to Kelsey, Sara, and the entire Griffin clan for being SUCH a beautiful and amazing part of my life. I still cant begin to know what to say to let you know how appreciative I have been of you in the last 7 months.  To Rachel Richardson for being beautiful, strong, SO full of God, and an incredible friend to me regrardless of age difference. I love you!

I especially want to thank,however, my beautiful, amazing, wonderful, LOUD, very talkative lifegroup girls. 

Best lifegroup in the whole world!
Kendra, Vanessa, Carrington, Sam, Aspen
Miranda, Brooke, Teralyn.

In the last year, you girls have totally transformed my heart. You teach me way more than I think I teach you. I know you are 12 and 13 but I have never seen the age difference. Although I'm leaving, I hope we always stay in touch. I love you all so much! I could list of everyone I've ever met during my time at LCCC, but I don't have enough room and I doubt anyone has enough patience to read through it all!

To Faith Assembly and my wonderful new Pasco friends. Our journey began three years ago when we first merged our two churches together. I always felt like you were a group of people I wanted to get to know better. Being the awkward person you have all had the chance to finally get to know, it took me a long time and a lot of courage and prayer to step outside of my comfort zone. The power of prayer was only getting me so far. The next step was getting out and actually pursuing relationships with you all. I remember going to Corem Deo 2008 and seeing a much taller version of Brittany Gadd. Weirder part is...I saw them hug. Oh, it was Devyn...her sister...ah, yeah I'm a little bit slow :). 

Corem Deo 2010 <3

 If I had to point out one person who began my journey to being a part of all your lives it would definitely have to be Scott Middleton. He  (You if you're reading this) just has the biggest heart for God and is not afraid to express it and spread it to all those around him. I've told him this many times, but he really doesn't know how much influence he has on people. Keep on keepin' on Middletwin.

So anyway,we began talking a lot and I knew that I had become one step closer to meeting the rest of you. After almost a year of this, I finally (around Snowd'In) felt an overwhelming desire in my heart to take a leap of faith. I decided, as awkward, random, and crazy as it might be…I was going to Pasco. If it was the last thing that I did, I was going there, no questions asked! Within the first 30 minutes of being in the church, I already had about 5 new friends. You've become friends I hope last forever! I've never had a long distance relationship, much less 7 and it sucks not being able to see you all the time, but nonetheless I consider you all some of my greatest friends. 

D-RICH and I at Graduation :)
ps.there will be WAY more pictures of my beautiful pasco
friends in no time!

Sure, I'm a little weird, but I think we've all gotten over that :). I've somehow gone from knowing none of you----to going to your graduations, staying up all night with D-Rich and Roger laughing until we passed out, Devyn and I getting matching Justin Bieber jackets, and Ballin' like Wall in the form of dance with Branleee and in real life with Matt and Andrew. I know we've only known each other a short period of time, but it's time I'll never forget! So thank you SO much to my lovely, interesting, hilarious Pasco friends! Oh and Pastor Micah, you rock! I met you very briefly at camp and then when I came to visit you still remembered me. It's things like that, the attention to detail and love all of you give that makes me feel SO blessed to be a part of your lives.

For your information, this was the condensed version of how much I love each and every one of you and what you've done in my life. I hope I can start writing more, maybe even weekly. 

Stay classy. 

The Prelude.

A whole new world can be opened by the inspiration of one person. I've been contemplating starting a blog for awhile now. I never knew what I would call it, what I would write about, if people would care, or how to go about actually putting one together. Well, I clearly decided to attempt it now didnt I. I'll tell you just a little bit about myself.

I'm just a small town girl, living in a lonely world. Alright, so maybe that's not true, but sometimes I wish I lived in a Journey song. Alright, now to the truth. I graduated high school a year ago almost to the day, but every day since then I've felt complacent and stagnant. I graduated...wasn't this supposed to mean I venture into the world with open arms and never let go? Wrong. I have spent the last year in prison...I mean community college. Okay, so maybe it wasn't that bad, but it definitely isn't meant for me.


I have always know I've been destined to do something big, something crazy, something special. I believe in a God that throws me curveballs and loves to see me chase His dream for my life. For the last year I have been researching and constantly thinking about one thing: Australia. I have always thought it would be an awesome place to discover, but never thought I'd make it there. That would be until one quaint lunch date with a friend.

I was eating my usual grilled cheese and mashed potatoes from the classiest place I know in the whole neighborhood: Applebees. My friend out of nowhere tells me she plans on becoming an au pair in Australia! Australia...are you joking me? 8 months before this I was researching Universities to attend there, and she is just getting up and GOING? Uh, count me in? But wait...what about school? What about my dream of Northwest University? How am I supposed to do it all?

I prayed, I made a profile on a nanny website, I waited, I prayed, I prayed, I waited, other people prayed,  needless to say, there was a lot of praying going on. About 5 months after creating my profile I landed the perfect job, perfect family, perfect location, in the most beautiful place I've ever dreamed of. As of today I have 40 days left in the good ol' red white and blue. OH, and I decided to take my classes online through my community college while I'm gone to hopefully have my Associates of Arts degree in time to start Northwest in the Fall of 2012 :)

What will this last summer bring me? Beautiful memories. Shattering goodbyes. Sleepless nights. Drudging mornings. Summer romance turned long distance love story. To be honest, I have no clue. I don't want to plan out the rest of my life anymore. I finally realize that focusing more on God than on the destiny He wants for me, life is a much better place to be. One step at a time...