Sunday, March 17, 2013

Spring Break 2013, Atlantic City

This past week, 40 students and staff members from The Well packed up and drove to Atlantic City, New Jersey. Before the trip, I was a little nervous, even questioning whether I should go or not. But now, two days after returning home, I am so thankful I had the chance to go and my heart has been forever changed.

When we got to Atlantic City we were split into three teams. My team, team 3 (aka team awesome) went to a home that was damaged in super storm Sandy. This family had to be the sweetest family in New Jersey! Mel, his mom, and his 7 year old son lived in this home and there was mold growing and they needed help, so we got to help them for an entire week! The above picture is what it looked like after the first day. Before the first day, the family had walls/floors and furniture in this space
I was taught how to use a staple gun. 
I also was taught how to take out tile...
And how to use a drill...
and how to saw!

The boys taking a break, with Mel!
We also had the opportunity to write truth on the base boards of the house before covering them up with instillation and flooring. Now Mel's houses' foundation is built on God's word!
& we got to record our height on the boards of the house also! :)
There was also plenty of laughter while working, such as being on an island then giving a gondola tour which was delayed because of an iceberg!
oh & playing a very exciting game of 
pterodactyl! 
On our off day, we went into Atlantic City, went shopping, and went to the beach!! Above is a picture with Aimee Stone, who was my Class '13 leader, now we both lead Class '16 and share a great love for Christ. I love the laughter we always have, the awkward stories, and I just love her!!! 
GROUP PICTURE! 40 crazy people who love Jesus!!!
These are two wonderful ladies in my Class '16 group. Lauren and Rachel have been such a blessing to lead. They want to know the Lord more & more everyday and the Lord has blessed me with the opportunity to share His truth with them!!!

Debbie and I. This girl is crazy wonderful and just like me!!! :)

Samantha McNeill started pouring into me three years ago and still does to this day. I admire her for her love for Christ and how He is truly the center of her life. Thankful for such a great role model who never gives up on me. I love this lady so much!

...I am a fatty. Wonderful breakfast!

Love these ladies!!!!!

Mel's mom made us lunch on the last day there. This is a Puerto Rican dish and was delicious. It was extremely sweet of her to go out of her way to feed strangers who took over her house for a week!
Mel and his son are in the center of this picture. Thankful for such a great team and thankful for the chance to share Christ to this family through helping rebuild their house. Praying the Lord continues to finish their home and show His great love to this sweet family who has left a mark on my heart!

Friday, January 4, 2013

Peaks of 2012

Happy 2013! 
This year I am going to try to cook more & blog more, we will see how that goes!
Now that 2012 has come and gone, I want to share with whoever reads this, the peaks I had last year! 

1.1.12 My 21st birthday cruise with my parents.
Riding a horse IN the ocean (one of the top experiences in my life.)
Meeting Paige and Alex. These girls have become like sisters to me! Love them both, so much!
 
Being a bridesmaid in my childhood best friends' wedding. Mariah is very dear to me and I am so glad I got to be a part of her special day!
Beach trip with my sweet niece. I miss this 7 year old SO much!
Ziplining through the Antigua Rainforest!
Parasailing in the Bahama's!
 Skydiving with my brother on his birthday, one of the BEST experience's of my life. 
Golfing for the first time in the Ray Family Reunion. 
Visiting the world's largest Treehouse!
Visitng Nashville for the very first time and with Paige, Alex, and our mom's! 

Being a part of Class '16. So thankful for God giving me the opportunity to reach out to freshman girls who want to know Jesus more! The leaders and staff of The Well are my role models. So thankful for The Well and Class '16!
Camping out at Buffalo Wild Wings with Ethan, Ashley, Heather, and Aimee! So much fun! And free wings for a year! 
 Getting to go to the Country Music Awards (CMA) with my mom! Once in a lifetime experience!
Visitng the beach with my mom and grandmother. We do this every year and this year was just as crazy as every other but it was a peak of my year!
Meeting Allie, a freshman who did not know Jesus before this year. I had the opportunity to lead her to Jesus and help her grow, which has helped me grow in my faith....
....and watching Allie proclaim her love for Jesus by being baptized at The Well. So humbled.
Receiving news that I am graduating in May! 
And lastly, being accepted to the Master's in Counseling Program at Milligan College on 12.12.12! 




This year was full of adventures and peaks, I hope 2013 is no different!