In the course of a week...

In the course of a week...
...I finished my undergraduate degree at Taylor University
...Was a bridesmaid for one of my dear friends weddings! Love you, Katie!
...Spent a few days at staff training at Village Creek Bible Camp
...Participated in a proposal scavenger hunt for one of my best friends from high school!

With that being said the past week has been CRAZY but wonderful! I have been able to spend time with friends from many different areas of my life.
 I remember on the last day that I was at Taylor walking back to Olson Hall one last time, after having lunch in the Union with some great friends, thinking that this is the last time as a TU student that I will walk across campus. Instead of rushing back I took my time. I walked slowly and while walking was flooded with memories that had happened all around me in the Upland community. I even stopped at one point and took a picture of the bell tower, which had previously been looked upon in a rather negative light because of the symbolic lights that shine on it at night signifying "the integration of faith and learning." During my time at Taylor this phrase became a buzzword as well as "intentional community." Except this time when I looked at the bell tower I didn't grumble. Instead I thought about how Taylor actually strives to incorporate the faith we have in Christ with our everyday work in the classroom. Even though saying goodbye to Taylor and the people there was not easy I know that they have had a lasting impact on my life that I will never forget.

After coming home I spent a whirlwind of 24 hours at home where I unpacked to pack again for my long weekend in Iowa for Katie's wedding and staff training. I left bright and early on Friday morning and arrived in Tama, Iowa by noon to help set up decorations for the reception. But my help was not needed because they had finished everything. We then had some lunch and Katie took us to her house that she and Dustin will be living in. It's a quaint little farm house. Not my cup of tea but it suits them perfectly. After killing some time we left for Sigourney for the dinner rehearsal. After the rehearsal all of us bridesmaids went on a mission to find things for the "just married" vehicle. After that we had a nice dinner at Katie's place. After everyone left we started playing Broadway Just Dance and then headed to bed to get rest for the big day ahead. Saturday morning came and we all got fancied up for the ceremony. I put a few curls in my hair. I asked Gwen if she could do the back but she didn't really know what to do so we stuck to curls in the front. While Katie was having her makeup done we put in Beauty and the Beast, her fave Disney movie, and blew up balloons for the "just married" vehicle. The we took some pictures and headed to the church. After some lunch we gathered around Katie and prayed for her and Dustin and their marriage. Then the ceremony started. It was short and sweet. It fit them perfectly. After having more pictures the bridal party boarded the party bus to head to the reception. All I'll say about that is that it was the most interesting and entertaining bus ride I've had in my life. When we finally made it to the reception we entered in and ate food! I was SO hungry by the time we got there! After eating there were some speeches and then we cleared tables to let the dancing begin! At one point the DJ called the bridal party to the dance floor. All of us looked at Katie with the same expression of "What is happening?" Her answer, "I thought it would be fun to do a slow dance!" In that moment shock took over my face. I went to Katie and told her I've never done a slow dance before. Let alone danced with another man who was drunk and married. #privateschoolprobs So we grabbed our partner. Surprisingly it wasn't too bad. But the look on his face when he asked me what my major was in school was priceless. As it always is when a non-believer asks me what I studied in school. After many more hours of dancing I decided it was time to go. So I gave my goodbye hug to Katie and headed to the hotel to sleep and rest before camp. All in all, it was a really good day. I'm so glad that I chose to be a part of Katie's big day rather than going to my own graduation.

Sunday I arrived at camp. I felt as if I was on cloud 9 for the whole 2 days I was there. I love that place so much. I'm really looking forward to this summer and my new role on leadership. I would appreciate your prayers as I dive into this new role. I also learned that I will be writing the curriculum for family camp again. Hopefully this time will be much better than the first time. As I now know how to write curriculum. After a few quick days at camp I headed home.

On Wednesday I got to meet up with 2 of my best friends from high school. Although one of them didn't know it because it was a part of her proposal scavenger hunt. It was so much fun to be a part of the day. Kendra has been one of my longest and closest friends for 8 years. Every time we talk she leaves me with a challenge and she always asks me how I am doing with God and gives me encouragement. I couldn't be more excited for the journey that she and Karl will have with each other. My favorite part of the day was when she asked me why I came home so early if my grad party wasn't until sunday. My response, I just knew I needed a little more rest this week. The following day the three of us got together at Starbucks and she said now tell me the truth about why you came home early. I told her it was because I was asked to be a part of the scavenger hunt and I would never want to miss out on such a dear friends exciting day.

I'd say the past week has been filled to the rim with activity but I couldn't be more filled with joy. The Lord has shown me that I have some wonderful friends over the past week and I do not know what I would do without having them to live life with.

Deep Well Ventures

Some friends of mine have started a business selling water bottles to provide water for people who do not have access to it! Check them out!!http://www.deepwellventures.com/pages/home