The Storyteller.

Ashton. 

not Ashley or Ashlyn, sometimes Ash, always Ashton. 

Hello! Welcome to awake my soul. I'm so glad you've stopped by and have chosen to read my life's ramblings. I'm Ashton, a twenty-something college student on my way to becoming an elementary school teacher. I'm a book lover, Target shopper, Chaco wearer, and McDonald's Coke drinker. On a typical fall day, you can find me watching Auburn football, and in the spring, you can find me hanging out with some of  best friends ever (that actually happens all year long). I'm slightly obsessed with organizing things, Mexican food, anything from Bath and Body Works, and spending time with those who mean the most to me. But the most important thing I can tell you is that I'm passionately in love with a Savior who died for me and loves me more than I deserve. 

"awake my soul" comes from Psalm 57:8, which says, "Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn." It reminds me that the Lord is the only one who can truly "awake my soul". 

You'll probably see that I write a lot about the country of Australia. I spent the summer of 2012 there, working as an intern at a church about an hour outside of the city of Melbourne. While there, God absolutely wrecked me (in a good way), and I fell in love with the people of the land down under. I miss that place so very much, and I'm so grateful for Skype and Facebook to keep in touch with the sweet "mates" I have there. 

I also write a lot about Camp Cedar Cliff and my broken ankle. In the summer of 2011, I set out to work at Camp Cedar Cliff in Asheville, NC, and on the third day of staff training, I broke my ankle. I was sent home, and I didn't get to spend my summer as a camp counselor like I'd planned. The Lord used that summer in ways like I'd never imagined, and in 2013, I got to spend the summer there working on senior staff and in the office. I absolutely fell in love with Camp Cedar Cliff, with the people, and with God's beautiful creation. I get the awesome privilege to spend some weekends there, working fall retreats and catching up with some of my favorite people. 

One of my favorite things to write about is my adoption. Over the years, I've come to realize that this part of my story isn't something to be ashamed about, but rather something to use to praise the Father. I've know my biological father and his family for almost four years, and I've know my biological mother's parents my entire life. This part of my story is definitely not over, and I cannot wait to see all else that God has in store. 

Again, thanks for stopping by my little section of cyberspace. I hope that this blog points you to the Creator of all things, and that you are encouraged and maybe even convicted. Follow me on twitter, instagram, and pinterest to get to know me a little better!