Mission Trip pictures are finally here!

Well, here's something you kids have been waiting for, or at least I know I've been waiting to put up here. Most of these pictures are just of us kids hanging out on our free nights at the Pier and the beach, but I figured they are just a bit of what my life's like, so here goes.
This masterpiece to the above is Banks, Katlyn, and I at some restaurant at the Pier. This really is the best picture I have us all of us. In the others Banks is rubbing his head because I "slapped" him on the side of it so he would look at Mrs. Sandy who was taking the picture.
Oh my, I know Kyle had a quite delightful time riding with Beka, Jamie, and me to Tampa. ;-D How I miss that crazy kid! I know I drove him up the wall and back again, but by the end of the week I actually got half hearted hugs from the guy. I can't wait for him to come back to visit his cousin, David, next summer.
There's Taylor Fisher, David, and Kyle hanging out on the man made beach in front of the bridge we had to cross every day to get to Wimama. That was a nice evening. Kids running around playing Slice, sitting on the beach, finding shells with holes in them to make necklaces out of, and the little sign language lesson with Tom.
Whoa! Us kids are looking a little rough. But we were hanging out on a beach, so yeah. I don't know who was taking that picture, but they could have waited until I was done running my mouth. ;-D
Here's a picture of Beka and Anna Grace before the wind got to their hair. Getting ready to go hang out was always a great way to bond with some of the younger youth I didn't know that well like Georgia, M Squared, Kate, and all those kids.
There are my boys, Osbawld, Jesus, and Ricky (from left to right). They were three brothers from VBS. Jesus was the only one that was actually in the age group of my class, but his little brothers stayed with him. He was such a great big brother. They were some tough guys too. The only time I ever saw Osbawld cry was the one time we were out playing elbow tag and one of the bigger kids knocked him down. Oh man, they were so fun. I miss them so much. And finally, there's me and little tough stuff the last day we had together on the site. I want to just pick up those children again. Each smile was such a blessing straight from the Lord.
Katlyn might send me a few more pictures of us on the VBS site. I know I only have two picutres of the kids there, but we stayed so busy we didn't really have time to give our attention to the cameras and such. Having them in my memories are so much better than just seeing them in pictures and not knowing the real children.

"...Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and
You love me the same
You are amazing God"
~Chris Tomlin

Turning In

Auto response from Stargirl0702: Do not conform any longer to the patters of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---His good, pleasing, and perfect will. Romans 12:2
totalcrazyness09: i love that verse...:) goodnight sweet stephanie...have an awesome day tomorrow. i love you dearly!

Kelli White makes me smile. :-D, but those simple figures don't express the real one I have.

me, myself, and i

I wish I could just fall asleep to the rain<---. I'm in one of those ultra calm music I don't know the words to moods.
Alone time is good and something I realized I really need. I've had a lot of that the past couple of days. I've gotten to read just for leisure and that sort of thing (sleep! It's been wonderful!). I just came in from reading the sixth Harry Potter book outside on the new hammock. I don't really like to read all that much so yep, that was nice.
I'm thinking about redoing my room. Even though I know Bradley's is first in line to be changed with help from mom, but if I get serious about the thing and buy my own paint and do it myself, I'm sure it will get done sooner than some project the whole household is working on that will be procrastinated. Sounds like something I would do though. I just don't know what color(s) I want to paint it. I like yellow, but a lot of people have yellow rooms. Maybe a soft orange...
This post is quite short compared to some of the latest ones, but leave me a comment.
God loves you more than you will ever comprehend.

Yay! I'm home again

Okay, I know all you kids have missed my updates, but here's your long awaited one. Okay, okay, okay, I totally know I could have updated during free time at band camp, but who has that kind of time when you are running to get a couch to watch kids make fools of themselves trying to do flips and such off the diving boards at the pool. Band camp...was crazy, full of drama, but all ended well. We learned new games, that I'm absolutely no good at, so Collin, Jed, and I made a Game Haters club, but we played the games anyway. *BAM BAM, BOOM, BAM* I'm pretty tired. And pretty fried, I've got permanent socks, soffees, and a sleeveless shirt on from tan lines. I love band tans. Band camp is the only time I ever drink gatorade, I hate that stuff. Maybe it's just Mrs. Penegar's gatorade, it's not too bad, or maybe the heat just gets to me. Oh man, today after we got in from practice it was like CrAZy hot, but Andrew had been inside with the pit all day and he was carrying around a blanket! It was so weird.
Preston (sound effects/Alex), David (Mr. Davis/marching kid), Samuel (Mr. Pruitt), Andrew (John Roberts/marching kid), Collin (Jess/Brandon McDougal), Katie (Caroline/Mark), Kate (Meredith), Nancy (Mica/marching kid), Meredith (Brittney Malloy/Katie), Dora (Jennifer/marching kid), Majik (Brittney Hooks/marching kid), and I (Kim) did an absolutly HILARIOUS skit for our pizza social at band camp. It was so fun. I think we enjoyed it so much more than the people watching the thing. It was so funny!
I want to go see a movie soon. I haven't seen one since Andrew and I met Austin and Hailey in Florence, actually, that wasn't that long ago, but the movie we saw had been out for a while. I'd like to see Red Eye some time, they've been showing previews for the thing for like nine months!
I miss Nicole, Alyssa, Erin, Hailey and the rest Andrew's family and everyone else in Sumter. What beautiful people of God they are. So unlike so many others. Andrew's going to Sumter Friday I think, so you Sumter kids, if you read this, keep an eye out of you guys want to hang out.
I talked to Andrew a little while ago, he called and told me about while Alyssa's been gone on her mission trip someone on the trip died because some sort of bus accident. Thank the good Lord Alyssa was on a different bus! Please pray for that person's family, that has got to be so hard to deal with. This whole incident reminded me of that thing that happened to Ryan's busses in Romania with all the girls having to go to the hospital and stuff because of the fumes. Wow, Satan trys so hard to get to Christians, but thankfully so many people are reached through trips like the ones they've been on. I'm still considering one for next summer. I don't know what I am going to do.
For those of you who have read my previous post you know that I've really been wanting a hammock. I get home from camp and guess what my mom shows me! A HAMMOCK! It is so awesome, but right now it's too hot to even think about sitting outside.
No pictures yet, I'm slack and don't have like any from mission trip developed at all because I never finished the rolls of film, actually now that I think about it I did finish one of them...I need to take it to Wal mart.
So yeah, I'm totally not ready for school to be back on. I still need to read that blasted book for Mr. Trusky, which is stupid. And I want some break time, I've had something to do almost every blasted week this summer. It's been fun, but oh how tiring.
I need anger management...sometimes. I need a real quiet time.

packing

freefisher77: where ya goin'? it better be to come see me!;-) LOve you gurl:-D
Auto response from Stargirl0702: This is the fourth trip I've packed for this summer. I'm starting to get pretty good at it. It used to take me a really long time.

I wish I was packing for Sumter..

I want to know Him so much more.

Manna

Well, I guess I should update before band camp. I'm riding with Andrew, Majik, and I think Chloe tomorrow on the way there.
I want to get some pictures of mission trip here, but there's no way I'll have them before band camp. So keep an eye out afterwards.
I really don't have that much to say right now. I miss Sumter, but that's usually a given, unless I'm actually there. Setting drill isn't really that much fun. I would rather just be doing run throughs. Our sets are weird this year. Maybe it's just because I keep comparing everything to last year. I miss our show from last year, but usually you always love your first show the best anyway.
Some questions arose about a few posts ago. The post that I was responding to was deleted and all between friends is quite well now. I wonder who "A Friend" is, so you kids have some idea feel free to let me know.
I'm feeling a whole lot better and am no longer really sick, but while I was I finally got a chance to start reading the sixth Harry Potter book, I'm only on chapter three, but that's cool. Andrew and Collin are getting really obsessed with that stuff, everyone in the band is some character in those bloody books.
This post has been quite random.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:30-31

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ yuck

Today...has not been a good day at all, but then it wasn't absolutely terrible either. Well, I did absolutely nothing other than practice my clarinet, and my heart wasn't really into it at the moment. Well, I guess it's been an okay day.
Last night, well actually yesterday afternoon, Andrew and I went to Florence and I finally got to meet two of his camp friends, Austin Crane and Hailey Grant. They were cool. It was fun meeting up with them in Florence and now knowing they're there to hang out with and whatnot. I can't wait to tell Leigh Ann that I actually know Austin Crane now! :-D
I want to go do something, anything, get out of this house. I cannot stay here much longer, even though I probably will. There are so many things I need to do, but so few of them I actually want to do...if there are actually any I want to do. I've said actually a whole lot of times throughout this post.
I didn't go to marching band practice today because I felt worst than I did yesterday. I really hope I feel better tomorrow. I'll be able to stay and maybe start a productive day. I hate being sick.
Haha, this is pretty funny. I stumbled across a spoof of http://badgerbadgerbadger.com today. Click here. Be sure to click play!

A time of my own to rant in response

Well, this post is going to be mainly in response to Katlyn's post. If you haven't read it be sure to click here first. I was actually not very angry or filled with any particular emotion after I read this, but I did look at several things and realized I have to make a point of trying to let you guys understand my view of Sumter. Move there? I wish I could, but I don't think it would be a great idea. God has me here now for a reason. As far as gaining a spiritual high, honestly no. I can't always find a spiritual high in Cheraw. Something about being in public schools or something always tends to make us break each other down with our words. I always gain a smile when I talk to people from Sumter because they are so encouraging.
Onto the Ryan subject. Personally, I like the Ryan we have now. I mean everyone knows he's changed a bit, but I feel like I can relate to this Ryan so much more than I could before. Not that I didn't like the old Ryan. It would be so much easier if everyone understood everyone else. What's going to happen when all you guys go to Italy? Ryan and I will miss out, neither of us are going. What if I had ended up going to Ambassador Camp instead of Mission Trip? Wouldn't I be just as tired of hearing about any of these things. That's why I started going to First Baptist Church in the first place. I felt left out. I hate you feel that way, but you guys really do mean a lot to me. Would I be the Stephanie you know without you?

And sometimes I think that I’m not any good at all
And sometimes I wonder why, why I’m even here at all
But then you assure me
I’m a little more than useless
And when I think that I can’t do this
You promise me that I’ll get through this
And do something right
Do something right for once
~Relient K

sick..

I hate being sick! It makes me want to throw up...even though that's what is going on anyway. I don't know how I got sick, but I sure hope Kyle, Ryan, David, Banks, and Lee don't get sick too. At Busch Gardens we decided it would be cheaper if a few of us bought bottles of water and then passed them around.
Speaking of Busch Gardens, mission trip was quite a trip. I loved working with the children at VBS. Although, their VBS was absolutely nothing like our VBS back home. Lorilynn(our site leader) warned us about it. I wanted to bring home five kids. One night during church devotions I asked Mr. Thomas how many empty spaces we had on the bus and vans. His answer was none just so I would take it too far and try to bring a kid home from VBS. :-) This one little girl, Anna, was so beautiful. She gave me two purple flowers and I pressed them in one of my books. Her and her sister, Alma, were two of the children I wanted to bring home.
When the construction people were coming back from their site, I think it was the first day when, David got overheated and got sick. He stayed in his room with Mr. Steve while the rest of us went out to the pier. He did feel better after his nap though, but I hate he missed it.
When we first got to Busch Gardens Saturday morning. Aly, Taylor Fagian, Ryan, David, Lee, Taylor Fisher, Steven, Mark, Kyle, Banks, and I all went to ride Rhino Rally. We were finally on the ride and we had to make a decision to go right or left. We decided to go left which takes you on a little trip through some water. The car thing is actually on a track and suddenly we had to stop in the middle of the river because the raft ahead of us was stuck. So the rescue people at Busch Gardens had to drain like a million gallons of water and set up a device with stairs to get us out of the boat. I had never experienced anything like this at an amusement park. It was pretty cool though because we got passes to get in the front of any ride line we wanted to, other than a few rides and the newest roller coaster.
Banks, Ryan, and I talked about unmentionables. *bbbup*
And on the way home I got sick twice. Once near Mark, who just happened to be who was sitting beside David earlier that week when he got sick.
Okay, so as far as working at VBS goes, it was pretty awesome. Mr. Steve (or should I just call him "Steve"?) was quite an inspiration to me. When we were first deciding where we would all be working at the beginning of the week he was going to do consruction at first, but then he realized there were not any men chaperons going to the VBS site in Wimama. So he turned out doing VBS with the other people at my site and I honestly think he had a wonderful time. There was this little Hispanic boy named Roman, who really wouldn't listen to anyone else other than Steve. Steve played cards with him and got insanely sweaty the first day when he lead recreation. It was pretty funny at the end of our week all the other workers were still called Mr, Miss, and Teacher, but Steve actually got his name known.
The children were such blessings and I had such a wonderful time with them. I learned a lot from this trip and I'm thinking about going on a Global Expeditions mission trip next summer. I got to talk to Ryan about it on the way home. I really want to talk to Erin about her trip to Peru too.
He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30

mmhmm (relient k!!)

This is probably be my last post before I leave for mission trip, so I'll try to make it a long one. I still need to finish packing..well, actually not really finish. I generally just need to pack. This morning didn't go well. My mom and I got into an argument, it was really very silly and I feel bad for getting mad, but I don't physically feel very well. Generally, I'm just a little crumby.
Last night after church I went to David's house to go swimming. It was pretty fun, but I was the only girl of about seven people. Let's see, who was there? David, Kyle, Mark, Taylor, Banks, Jed, and me. So seven, yeah. It was as fun...interesting experience.
I went over to Andrew's house yesterday. He was home from Ambassador Camp and was leaving for the beach so we got some hang out time in. I got my birthday present, which was completely awesome! The third season of Gilmore Girls!! I was really surprised. Mrs. Lyall even remembered my floss.
As far as mission trip goes, I hope throughout the week I start to feeling better than I feel now. The beginning of this day has been extremely crumby, but I've been in my room watching Gilmore Girls, so it's not too bad :-). I hope that we get a lot done the days that we will be in Tampa, I want everything I do to serve the Lord. I feel like such a hypocrite right now. I think I'll just stop this post, and maybe get back later. I need to go have a talk with my Father. I want to feel better...

moody..

I'm in a moody mood. I can see so much in something, but no one else sees it there. It discourages me.
That was a very Landonish part of a post, but I'm nothing like Landon, so it sure didn't last long.
I have a shiny bronze penny just-a-waitin' for me in Sumter. How I want to see Hailey! And I miss my Chocolate! And oh my, Nicole got a car! I want to see it, and I want to smell it before the new car smell goes away!! But oh, how I want to see her so much more! I want to be excited, but I'm not at the moment. I'm not my normal self, but then again, I am a little tired...
"Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of you heart." Psalm 37:4
I desire to be in a better mood. I will go delight myself in the Lord. He's beautiful.

Special, special, beautiful people

God has created such amazingly beautiful people!
And guess what!!!
You're one of them! How awesome is that!?! The thought makes me smile, and it should make you too!

For you know my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that fullwell.
Psalm 139:13-14

Christian Love

For those people that went rock climbing today, you probably know that I fell asleep on the way back. Now I'm not very tired even though it's after 11.

"If we cut off their tongues and forbid the Christians speech, they love with their hands, with their feet, and with their eyes, they love always and everywhere until their last respiration. Does anybody know how to take out the power of love from these stupid Christians?"
-Romanian prison guard who found both this fulfillment and frustration in torturing Christians

To think, this man is from the country Ryan verged into to do mission work. It seems pretty crazy that it would cross the mind of any citizen with the occupation of a guard.
What about the masses of "Christians"? Do they love with their hands, feet, and eyes? Do they even love with their mouths?

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trust, always hopes, always preservers. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

If we love we are Jesus' friends...

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit---fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command "Love each other" John 15:9-17

I am absolutely not saying that I am perfect and I always love with every being of my soul. This was just a study for me. It would have normally been written in my Summer 2005 notebook that Mr. T gave us, but I decided to try something different. I couldn't find one verse I was looking for...that was a little frustrating.
Ahhhh....the power of prayer!

Today and whatnot ("WHOA! I mean, ARG! Isn't that the same title I had yesterday..)

Yep, so I went rock climbing today with the church. That was pretty fun. I partnered up with Kate for a while and then traded off with some other kids like Kyle and Rena when Kate partnered up with Taylor. I only got to the top of two walls. I'd get about two feet away and tell myself I couldn't get any higher. It was dumb, but I had a lot of fun hanging out with everyone. David kept telling Kyle not to let me down because I was soooo close to the top, but I made him get me down anyway.
Shelly and I got pretty pink plastic bracelets and necklaces at Fuddruckers--like, seven dollars worth. It wasn't even my money. I felt kind of bad, but they're really pretty. :-)
When we got back to Cheraw from rock climbing all us history day dorks well, Kate, Taylor, David, Jed, and I all went with Mrs. Ingram to get our Mexican dinner from her for making it to National History Day. I hadn't hung out with all of them in a long time. We had a strange conversation, but it was pretty fun. Jed got one of my necklaces and let me tell ya, he looked really hot. Just kidding!
Afterwards Regina came to the house to pick me up to go to the park with her and Tara to see the last part of Amber's (Regina's sister) softball game. That was defiantly something new. I hadn't seen either of them all summer, and I don't really spend that much time with Tara anymore. It was fun though. We got a lot of laughs in.

Today and whatnot..

Isn't that a completely awesome icon over there?! ----> It combines several of the greatest things ever. Relient K and Chapstick, and I guess it could also include Napoleon Dynamite, :-D.
Today was pretty fun. I got to spend almost all of it with Alyssa. I hadn't seen that girl since the weekend of the ballet, I tell ya! I went over to the Whites' house around one or so and we dusted and cleaned the doors (Alyssa and I). It was good to see all the Whites even though Andrew wasn't there. I hadn't Jimmy, Lyall, or Jonathan in a while seeing as Andrew's at Ambassador Camp. Anywho, later on we all went to Jonathan's All Star game. His team won, 9 to 4 (or 5), and that means they'll be playing tomorrow.
Well, guess what Cheraw kids. Yep, it's official, I am going to mission trip in Tampa next week :-D. I'm excited! I haven't seen most of you guys in a while. Oh yeah, it's also pretty awesome that I'll be going to Busch Gardens too. Jonathan will be jealous. ;-). I can't wait to see what God has in store for me there! I don't think I would be going if it wasn't God's will. Pray for a safe trip as Ryan flys back to the U.S.
Oh yeah, pray for Erin, Andrew's cousin, who is currently in Peru on a Global Expedition mission trip like the one Ryan's been on. Well, I think it's about time I got to bed seeing as I'm going to Inner Peaks tomorrow for rock climbing.

:-D

Nicole, Nicole, Latete!!!! I miss her crazy self oh so much! What beautiful talks we have. She makes me feel beautiful.
"joe green called me today and said they are at camp and they're trying to figure our a black name for him!"
She brightens my day and I wish I knew her so much better than I do. Latete never fails to encourage me in my walk with Jesus Christ. And it makes me smile.
"the main thing i learned is to just let God's plans override what we want cause even if we don't like His ideas at the time, He always is right...and He blessed us more than what we ever imagine for our obedience"
"i adored our day of blessings with all my heart...it was straight from God's heart to ours and sealed with a kiss too"
"there's a great pic of us, it's like capturing our moment when ya'll first got to Carowinds"
I want to go to Sumter and be homeschooled. Everyone there makes me smile.
"i wish you did live here and were homeschooled"
I'm so glad I can help her when she needs it!!!
"thanks for listening and giving your advice. It really did help"
And I know that I can count on her!
"steph, know that you can talk to me too, ok?"

She "really lifts my joy level a whole LOT!" Latete always brings a smile to my face and I wish I knew her so much more. I'll never forget her and that I can see her oh so super soon! How I miss her beautiful face!
Note to all my Cheraw people: I love all of you guys so much! Certainly none of you will ever be replaced with your beautiful selves! I care for each of you with my heart and I can only hope you understand how much I do! I'm always here to listen when you need to talk, so be sure to never ever forget it!
I love Jesus Christ! and people!

Whew!!

That was quiet an adventure and a blessing! Our toilet is totally messed up and we currently have nine people in our house! This plumbing problem has also prevented all showers and limited our hand washing to about ten blasted seconds. Anyway, Alexis and Brooklyn had to go to the bathroom, and it was like 11:20 at night! Nothing was open; convient stores, Wendy's, nothing, nada. So we pull up to the Jameson Inn and talk to the night person and what a blessing from God she has a bathroom in the lobby that we could use. Normally she would have let us use a room, but they were all full. I felt kind of like Mary and Joseph for a second there. Well, Michelle, Brooklyn, Alexis, and I all got to use the bathroom and hopefully that will be all for the night. The woman at the inn was so nice about the whole situation. It was great. It's funny, of all almost nine years I've lived here, I'd never been inside any part of the Jameson Inn.
Remember to always praise God in the small stuff :-D

My birthday

woot, so I've been pretty busy. Michelle, Alexis, Brooklyn, Libbie, and Bubba (David) all came to visit. Last night we all stayed up until like one-o-clock in the morning playing rummy, well, at least Michelle, Budda, Mama, and me (everyone else basically watched). This morning Alexis woke me up around 7:30 so I was super tired. Later on we all went swimming and afterwards I got a shower and got a MUCH needed nap. We cooked out on the grill for dinner and until now Bubba and I have been playing cards with the interchanging of other people that wanted to play a round or two. It's been pretty fun. With a ton of laughs! Earlier Brooklyn was waiting on her mom (Michelle), Libbie, and Mama to come in from Walmart. We were sitting in the living room and the door started creaking open. Brooklyn jumped up like a lightning bolt and said "YAY!!!...Mark." It was my dad and it was hilarious because her five year old self was totally expecting the other folks. She just laughed about it along with Bradley, Daddy, Alexis, David, and me.
I got a phone call today and it was so special because as soon as I picked up the phone I heard the Happy Birthday song. At first I couldn't figure out who it was, until I heard Andrew's voice singing along with Alyssa and Jonathan's. It was absolutely great talking to them. The last time I had heard Alyssa's beautiful voice was the weekend of the ballet! I miss her and the rest of the cousins like WHOA!!! I was talking to Jonathan at one time and said "Hey J. White," and he responded with "hey S. Moore." S. Moore does not sound half as cool as J. White. I guess because White is a wanna be gansta name (;-D). Anyway, so I talked to Andrew and he had a pretty good time at camp this past week. He didn't get to see Ashley Porter or Jordan Smith as much as he wished he could have, but supposedly next week he's supposed to get that all organized and be a counselor.
Katlyn brought over my birthday present while I was in the shower today, so I really hated I missed her and Mrs. Sandy. I can always count on them to bring by my birthday presents on my birthday. I love that!
Well, the folks are talking about going to see some fireworks so I'd better go.

tired..

A little while ago I went to J&K for my yearly birthday lunch with Mr. Chap. Those are good lunches. :-) I'm finally going to be fifteen! yay! When he called earlier today to ask what time he was going to pick me up, he said it didn't matter to him because I was the queen of the day (even though my birthday is tomorrow). That made me think about Lindsay Jones and how at Mamama and Dadadee's they have this royal court thing going on. I miss Andrew's cousins...
I'm so tired right now. I could not get to sleep last night. I kept thinking about everyone I missed. My mom and Bradley went to Rockingham to go to Lowes and to try to find me a straightener for my birthday and my dad's at work. I want to take a nap while I've got the house to myself, but I don't want to. I'm certainly in a weird mood today.
Michelle, Alexis, Brooklyn, and Libbie are supposed to be coming to visit sometime soon for my birthday. I think David might be coming...I'm not sure. That's pretty exciting. They hardly ever come here to visit!

"This is crazy!"

Hey kids! I sure hope you don't miss this post because I'm currently in a glorious mood! Well, today was pretty good. Kevin, Collin, and Kate came over to swim for a while. Then we came inside and played with Bradley's Playstation 2. That was a lot of fun, even though Bradley practically tried to beat me up! Later everyone had to leave so Kevin gave Bradley a ride to the VBS at St. David's and Mrs. Sandy picked me up for Mission VBS. It was so fun. There was another little boy that came today. He was two years old and completely adorable. I love black children. :-D They make me smile. While the other kids were playing games we threw a woffle ball back and forth. It was so fun watching him throw it back to me.
Later on I was talking to Leigh Ann Barber and we were talking about Sumter (surprise anyone?). Her grandparents are from Sumter. So some how or another she got to talking about her cousin Austin. I was like "Austin Crane??!" She was talking about him and I got pretty excited; "YOU KNOW AUSTIN CRAIN, YOU'RE RELATED TO AUSTIN CRAIN?!? I DON'T EVEN KNOW AUSTIN CRAIN!!!!" Okay, so you're probably thinking that makes no sense, it doesn't. Andrew goes to Ambassador Camp where he met Austin Crain. I was supposed to meet him once in Florence, but I didn't because Austin had to study Russian (what a great excuse!! I'll be sure to use that one next time..). So anyway, it was really super exciting and Leigh Ann and Erin think I'm totally out of mine...which is probable!
Oh yeah, I'm adoring all the lovely comments I have recieved lately! Thanks to all you lovely folks!

buttons and...

Hmm...I started working on buttons for my blog. Here's the first one; it's not very good considering it's HUGE (for a button I mean)! Well, I guess it's okay considering I used the upstairs computer which only has Paint and other basic stuff.
I talked to Regina a little while ago. I miss her a lot. I really miss our two hour long phone conversations. I think I could talk to her forever and never get bored. She's one of the only people I can actually talk on the phone to. I remember that night at Rachel's house when we stayed up almost all night sitting on Rachel's bed, just me and her, talking about everything under the sun (or moon considering it was night time). There was so much ridiculous drama, but I adore that talk. I love those phone calls.
Mrs. Brenda just brought over my first birthday present this year. Now I smell like plumeria body cream from Bath & Body Works.
I might help my mom with swimming lessons today. I haven't been out there in a while. It sure will be better than sitting in the house all day like I've done so many other days. I've really enjoyed this week. The first week in my entire summer than I've gotten to sleep as long as I wanted to. What a glorious feeling!
Well, that post was completely random covering things that I wouldn't normally bring up, but it was grood. I think I'll go watch some Teen Girl Squad now. I haven't done that in a while..

Mission VBS

My background on my computer makes me smile...

Today was pretty good. I just hung around for the first part and then I went to the Goddard's house and babysat Jacob and Jackson. What curious children!
"What's your name again?" -Jackson
Obviously I don't babysit them too often, but they are still a joy to watch.
Later I went to the mission VBS my church is putting on in Chesterfield. That was fun. The children were fun even though I wish I could have gotten to know them more. There was one boy named Terrell that I got to speak about being a Christian. He seemed clueless about Jesus, but he was so into Mrs. Mullis' story of the crucifixion and resurrection. He was an absolute blessing to my day. After the story all the children had a "quiet time with God." I prayed that the children would accept God's beautiful self. I also pray that I can be a brief influence on Terrell's life and that he will know Jesus and have a personal relationship with Him like I do. How terribly I want this boy to know God! After their time with God Mrs. Mullis gave out copies of the New Testament and I told Terrell that I would highlight Jesus' story for him. He said he would start reading it tonight. I hope this passionate feeling he has won't just last this week, but for his entire life. God teaches me more and more about myself everyday. I adore Him!
I need a new Bible so badly! But the one I have has been with me since January of 2004. I don't want to part with it!! What a change that has been in me since that date!

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." -John 15:12-15

well..

I miss Sumter really bad! The thought of Nicole, Hailey, Courtney, Kelli, Erin, Alyssa, Megan, Elizabeth, Chasity, and everyone else, brings a smile to my face. I love them. Not that I don't love my Cheraw folks, I just miss the Sumterites a lot.
My birthday is coming up. Time to get my permit. That makes me a little nervous, and I'm sure it makes other drivers nervous too. Just kidding, I don't think it's going to be that bad. I don't know what I want for my birthday. It always makes my mom mad because I can never tell her anything I want because I don't know. I don't want a hammock, I don't think I do, at least right now that is. I would love a trip to Sumter right now though. The last time I saw most of Andrew's family was when I went to the ballet...
I sure wish the weather was better. I could go swimming. I'm sure Erin would adore this weather, though. Yesterday Kevin, Collin, Katie H, and I went to the Mexican resturant. Later Collin had to take Katie to piano practice, so then Kevin and Collin came over here to swim. After a while we dicided to go see a really cheap movie in Hartsville with Majik. That was fun. If they sold the DVD of Herbie: Fully Loaded with Majik and my commentary on it I would totally buy it. It was hilarious! :-D The movie was alright. Wow, there were so many good movies out and then all of a sudden there weren't so many. Anyway, Andrew went to Ambassador Camp for two weeks and it looks like I'm going to be going to Mission Trip instead of working there. Which is okay because I don't think it would have worked out this way if it wasn't God's will.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

The Day of the Lord's Blessings Upon Us

Today was absolutely magnificent! Well, more like yesterday now. What a blessing that could only come from God! Well, here's what went down. David Watkins gave me tickets to Carowinds Friday night. They were good for a concert Saturday during Sonfest. I invited Andrew and Kevin and we all rode up there with Andrew. Now here is the awesome part; not only did I get to see a great concert by Casting Crows, TobyMac, and Newsboys, but I also got to see Nicole, Hailey, and some other their friends from Sumter! I'm telling you, what a glorious day! We totally jammed out! HAHAHA!!!! Andrew actually rode a roller coaster! Top Gun in fact!! And when we were coming home we stopped at McDonald's and they put TWO pieces of cheese on my cheese burger! It was great!
Well, I'm way too tired to say anything else. I'm gone to bed.

Small Towns

I've been in town one short day and I'm already hearing about drama. I just plan to pray about everything that goes on this week at SummerSalt. God will help us all out. I adore Him!!!

"..what's going on? whats up with all our friends?
let's start a rumor just to find out where it ends.
cause a small town is like a small stage for
teenagers and their drama
instead of playing shows, we'll be showing plays
like 90210 without the beverly hills..." ~Relient K

Washington Pictures!!!

Washington was so fun! I had a great time! Even though Chloe, Kate, and I didn't win anything for National History Day the awards ceremony was pretty fun. Meagan won 3rd place in Senior Individual Exhibit. While Lee and Ben won first place in Junior Group Exhibit. It was so fun celebrating and everything. Joel looked like he had just got out of a swimming pool of sweat. Yeah, I know gross..but it's true. Lee's grandmother was SOOOOO excited about the boys winning! It was great. Oh yeah, and this loser even traded buttons, I had a great time with that!! haha! I had to beat Chloe. Just kidding, it was pretty fun.
As far as the city of Washington D.C. goes...let's just say I would never want to live there. The Metro was awesome fun, but it was so quiet and no one knew anyone so if you talked on the Metro you stood out because you were the only one talking. I resorted to reading, which actually didn't go too bad. I know I worked off some calories this week though! Walking around Washington will really wear you out!!

The Great Washington Monument


The Great Washington Monument again...but from the Lincoln Memorial steps.


Part of the super fancy World War II Memorial. This was one of my favorites! ;-)


Well, I'll never leave those "Northern" roots behind. Had to get a picture of the North Carolina pillar at the WWII Memorial.


And how could I forget South Carolina?!


The Lincoln Memorial...that thing fits on a penny?!?!?


Well, I think that Lincoln Memorial is more like it :-)


Lincoln was HUGE!!


Lions! They were on some art building's entrance. They looked awesomely scary.


Lion #2


The aritecure in Washington is so neat.


See what I mean?


more buildings


This lantern thing was crazy HUGE! Look at the tiny door! I wonder if the thing even lights up..


OOO...The White House. Looks like George is gettin' ready for a super fancy gathering.


My super TIRED feet and my super old New Balances.



Pretty..:-)

i'm super bored..

So yep, I'm going to Washington, D.C. tomorrow. I'm pretty excited. My family doesn't travel a lot, and well..since we got our pool we haven't even been to the beach. I guess I can thank History Day for that one.
I'm incredibly bored right now!!! Not even Gilmore Girls is sufficing!!! I'm so glad I had Anna Grace here this week because I don't know what I would have done without her after VBS!! I should totally be taking advantage of this opportunity and packing for Washington, but of course, I'm being me and procrastinating (one of my favorite past times). I wish I knew what time Andrew gets home today so I could plan something, but I don't. I should at least call Kevin and see if he knows, but I already text messaged him. Wow, I truly need to shut up. I mean why would you care if I called someone or not.
Just shows you how bored I am...

Pray for Ryan as he's off in Texas and Romania for the next few weeks.

God and His Glorious Self!

He just gives me one blessing after another ("From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another." John 1:16). God is wonderful!! If you ever get a chance to read the teen version of It's Not About Me, Live Like You Mean It by Max Lucado do! I'm so happy that Mr. T let us buy a copy of this book from him! What inspirational words that truly place some things in perspective. Check out this quote commenting on Exodus 33:18 ("Then Moses said "now show me your glory."")

" We cross a line when we make such a request. When our deepest desire is not the things of God, or a favor from God, but God himself, we cross a threshold. Less self-focus, more God-focus. Less about me, more about him."

It unnerves me to know how great He is. God's amazement is all around me! In everything I see and do.

How Deep the Father's Love for Us

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He would give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross
My guilt upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no powr's, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

I have to get the link/download/however in the world he has it from Andrew. At least, I think he has it.. What a glorious song!

"All glorious is the princess within her chamber, her gown is interwoven with gold. In embroidered garments she is led to the king." Psalm 45:13-14

Sumter People and Boy Meets World

My friends are always asking the timeless question of why in the world I love Sumter so much. It's simple. I adore the people there. Go to Latete's (Nicole) xanga site. Her post on June 5 was quite inspirational. The people in Sumter help me grow in my walk with Christ and I just LOVE it!

Another timeless ponder...
What do Star Wars, Harry Potter, Boy Meets World, National Treasure, and tons of other good movies have in common? The main characters have a lot to do with it (well, in my opinion). Almost every show or movie that have two guys and a girl as the main characters tend to have a pretty good story line. I noticed this the other day when Andrew, Kevin, and I were watching National Treasure and once again observed this classic Boy Meets World thing. Why does this tap into our minds and become such a great story? How can so many people relate to this? Why does it sell? Maybe it has nothing to do with this factor, but I was just thinking about it...

Hey you! Yep, I'm talking to YOU! Since you took the time to read this, why don't you just go on and post a comment!!

(can't think of anything)

This week should be interesting. Andrew and Katie won't be here, but strangely awesomely enough Erin will. At least until Monday or Tuesday that is. Anna Grace will be staying with me this week and I'll get to work with Kate Stanton at VBS. I'm Excited! This week might go by faster than I thought. Of course, I'm assured long days seeing as I'm going to be working at VBS and have to wake up super early. Anyway, I'm going to really miss hanging out with Andrew and Katie this week. But hopefully Kevin, Jonathan, Anna Grace, and I will get to hang out a little. That is going to be a really strange group if we get together though..and that might be a little awkward. We'll have to try to work out something.
Some people dampen my spirit. Well, not just my spirit, my friends' spirits too. I always think about how people just throw around the word love, but there are other words that people throw around talking trash about other people. Ugly. A short four letter word can hurt more than breaking your toe and falling down stairs. How can anything from God be ugly? We are all His sons and daughters, uniquely made. This hurts my soul. The world dampens my spirit..

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would both be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

See the tree on the far left? That's the tree I fixed up all fancy for VBS!! Woo! That's our (Shelly, Beka, and I) moose and mountains too!
I've gotten a little picture happy now that I know how to work this thing. :-D

Chinese Rabbis and Gilmore Girls

Today was pretty darn great. It started off this morning when I met Andrew, Kevin, and Katie at Coles for breakfast. Then we talked at our table and got sad because this would probably be one of the last times in almost three weeks when we would all be together. Well, at least I was sad. I'm really going to miss them. Then I had to work on history day with Kate, Chloe, and Mrs. Ingram at the Presbyterian church, which turned out pretty good and we got a good bit done in my opinion. I dread having to memorize that writing of Sarah's, though. Afterwards I went home and Mr. Thomas called to see if I wanted to help set up the classrooms for VBS. I went and Rebeka, Shelly, and I had a crazy wonderful time making mountains, trees, and a moose! MOOK!!! Anyway, then we started acting crazy and Shelly and I dressed up in the little kid costumes. She was Barbie and I was a Chinese Rabbi (with a symbol [cymbal]). Anyway, it couldn't have been more fun. After a while we all got hungry so Shelly, Beka, Mr. T, Little Debbie, and Mrs. Tana all went to Fiesta. I asked Felix how many times I'd been there this week and I think we came to the conclusion of four times, and I've still got two days left this week. Then Beka, Shelly, and I went to Shelly's house to watch Gilmore Girls. Holy cow, that has only got to be the best show...ever!!! And I don't even watch a whole lot of television, it's weird that I absolutely LOVE any show.

Gilmore Girls