It's the People, Not the Places

A couple of weeks ago, I was sitting outside of the Science Hall on campus, killing some time after a meeting with a professor and before class started. I was eating an apple and enjoying the glorious weather we had that day (80 degrees only a week after an ice storm--that's GA weather for ya). There were tons of people milling about around campus. People catching up with friends, a group of guys playing football on the field, etc. I kept thinking how this place--this university--has changed people in certain ways. How people will never forget their 4, 5, 6, 7+ years spent here. How this is "the best time of their life" for some and how it's just a stepping stool towards a final goal for others. And then it hit me. It's the people, not the places that make all the difference in the world.

It's the people who made every one of my years at Augusta Christian so special. It's the people who understood the woes of dress code and relished in the lunch privileges of senior year that make me love my time spent there. It's the people who know all the inside jokes and remember every trip we took together. It's the people who spent hours investing in me, listening to me, and encouraging me during life's trials. It's the people who helped mold me into a better person, not the place.

It's the people who play in the snow with me and celebrate the little things in life with me. It's the people who came into my life at exactly the right time. It's the people who I go to lunch with after church on Sundays and who are willing to meet up for light night Krispy Kreme or Waffle House. It's the people who embrace me because of my flaws and who teach me something new every single day. It's the people who will make my college experience so special, not the place.

*not all are pictured here 

It's the people who ended up meaning so much to me that I decided to spend another summer with them. It's the people who evolved into being another peculiar yet special family. It's the people who understand that hiking up the rappel trail scares me so much that they let me ride in the truck when necessary. It's the people who you don't see for months at a time, yet when you get to see them at that special place, you begin again right where you left off. It's the people who make me love every minute that I get to spend at Camp Cedar Cliff, not the place. 

It's the people that I fell in love with in Australia, not the place. It's the people who took me to see the native animals and who brought me Macca's cokes because they knew I loved them. It's the people who washed my clothes and listened to my struggles as I lived two months in a foreign land. It's the people who welcomed me into their homes and their lives and gave me a new family in a land 10,000 miles away. It's the people who make me miss that suburb of Melbourne every single day, not the place. 

It's the people, not the place that make life so beautiful. 

Currently...

I ran across this post that I wrote around this same time last year, and I decided to do it again this year to compare the differences!

Reading: Restless: Because You Were Made For More, by Jennie Allen. This book is incredible. Here's my favorite quote so far: 

"God is accomplishing a thousand tiny purposes at any given moment around us. There is only so much we can know, but we can leave the stuff we can't know to God and believe He has it all worked out. It may feel quiet, and we possibly even feel forgotten, but God is moving to work out His plans all around us. What is our part? Trust." 

Listening to: The Art of Celebration by Rend Collective which just came out yesterday. It is FANTASTIC. Hop on over to iTunes and buy it. Also, Tides by Bethel Music is pretty good. It's only $4.99 on iTunes. You can't beat a deal like that. 


Eating/Drinking: Baked Lay's BBQ Potato Chips and anything caffeinated...I need as much caffeine as possible to survive student teaching. 

Cooking: One Pan Chicken Alfredo.  This is one of the BEST pinterest recipes I have ever made. I will definitely be making this one again.

Running: Every now and then...I had a plan to become better at running this year, but let's be real, it's not happening. I ran some the other day at boot camp. I have all these dreams of being a cool runner, but I never put forth the time/effort to become one. Maybe one day.

Writing: Lesson plans, lesson plans, and more lesson plans. And reflections about lesson plans. It's all about lesson plans. 

Feeling: Ready for spring break, a little sad because Hannah + Jonathan  are moving, and sort of old because Jack turns FIVE in a couple of weeks. Five, people, five. 

Wearing: Gap, Old Navy, or JCrew pants + cardigans. #teacherlife

Missing: Camp, Australia, my besties, and free time. 

Wanting: To have my new iPhone...just trying to be honest here, people. 

Learning: How to trust those around me and how to trust the Lord COMPLETELY. 

Enjoying: Good books, evenings with friends, time at work, and catching up with some of my favorites. 

#labordayvacay

Back in May, before I left for camp, a woman that I went to the Northern Territory with in Australia, Christa, posted on facebook that she and her family were coming to the States in August/September. She is originally from Florida, and she married Stu, who is from Australia. They live in Australia, and they visit the States to see friends and family every couple of years. So, we made some plans for me to come down and visit during Labor Day weekend. Then I headed to camp and met some great people who live in Florida, and I decided to visit them. Add in a few days with some cousins and this was a very eventful trip!

I left last Wednesday after class and spent the night with my BFF, Chelsea, in Statesboro. The next morning, I headed to Jacksonville where I got to have coffee with two of my ACITs. It was so weird having them drive themselves there to meet me. It was so rewarding to get to spend time with these sweet girls! 

After my Starbucks date with Hope and Natalie, I headed to Orlando and met up with my friend Madison. We shopped some and ate dinner, and it felt like no time had passed since the last time we'd seen each other! I then headed to Christa's parents' house, where Christa gave me this sweet gift. It's an Australian children's book that I can use in my classroom one day!

On Friday, I spent the day with Christa and her girls at New Smyrna Beach. It was so nice to get to spend some time at the beach after being in the mountains all summer!

After some shopping at the outlets on Saturday, I headed to Satellite Beach where I spent the next two days with my cousins. When I got there, my cousin, Jordan, asked me, "How do you feel about spending 37 of the next 48 hours on the water?" We didn't spend that many, but most of our time was spent on the water. It was such a FUN time, and I'm already looking forward to my next visit there!

And this has nothing to do with Labor Day, but my friend Abby from camp posted this to my FB wall yesterday, and I cracked up. Absolutely love this picture!

Happy Thursday!

a year.

It was a year ago Sunday that I took off from LAX on that really loooooooong flight and headed to Australia! I can barely believe that it has been a year. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was being shocked by how expensive shampoo was or by how often someone asked me if I wanted a cuppa. I miss that place more than words can say, but again I'm so grateful for Facebook and Skype!

And....exciting news...one of the sweet families from Oz are coming to Florida in August and I get to see them! I'm THRILLED!

Day 2 (I think?!?) in the country at the beautiful Wollongong City Beach, New South Wales

Fourth of July in the Outback! 

(Christa, on the left, and her family are the ones coming to FL in August!)

A beautiful shot of property on Mill Valley Ranch, a camp just a few kilometers outside of Pakenham

Some of my favorites! And congrats to Jarrod and Ang (the two in between me and Maggie) who just got married! Wish I could've been there!

Currently..

...I am...

Reading: Secrets Over Sweet Tea, a novel by Denise Hildreth Jones, one of my favorite authors, books for class, and Glorious Ruin by Tullian Tchividjian.

Listening to: Campfire by Rend Collective Experiment (literally OBSESSED with this album) and some old school John Mayer album my dad got at a yard sale and gave to me, like circa 2001 old school (I don't even think I knew John Mayer existed then).

Eating/Drinking: Panera Smokehouse Turkey Paninis--by far my favorite go to meal; Naked Juice Berry Blast and Red Machine--I 100% give credit to my old boss, Grant, for introducing me to these fantastic drinks. LOVE them.

Cooking: Baked chicken and canned vegetables. Real creative, I know.

Running: Every now and then, shooting for at least once a week. Running is by far my least favorite exercise, but I'm trying to like it. Key word there, trying.

Writing: Extra credit papers for class, toying with a little piece of fiction, and dreaming about writing a book with my four best friends. 

Feeling: Anxious for spring break and this summer!

Wearing: Jeans and t-shirts or athletic shorts and t-shirts complete with Chacos and hats. #collegelife

Missing: Australia and my best friends. What else is new? (BUTTTTTT, the fab five managed to all be in AUG this past weekend, and we grabbed breakfast together. SCORE.)

Wanting: To feel like I'm doing a good job at balancing my studies, work, social, and spiritual life. 

Learning: How hard self-discipline is, and that the rewards of being a disciplined person are worth it, even if it doesn't seem like it in the moment.

Enjoying: Making As on tests that I study my butt off for and this gorgeous spring weather!

janvier

The month of January has come and is almost gone. This month flew by! Wasn't it just Christmas yesterday? I've been busy working, going to class, and just other life things. As always, it's so much easier to capture life these days with the iPhone, so here are some photos from the month of January.

Spent some time babysitting this sweet boy and his little sister. Love love love Harris and MK!

I've been working there for two months, and I set a store record. This sort of made my day :)

This is also sort of made my day. It's not everyday Jon Acuff follows you on Twitter...and then I realized that he follows 57K people. Still pretty cool.

Want some good pizza? Go to Earth Fare. This was considered one slice, and it is SO good! (and better for you than some other places)

Some of my favorite Australian friends sent me a package! 

And back of the beginning of the month, we had a wonderful New Year's celebration at my house! 

If you've never watched Parenthood, do yourself a favor and hop on board. Seasons 1-3 are on Netflix and 4 is on Hulu. I don't know how I've been missing this great one for so long!

Happy Tuesday!

twenty one!

So, I had a birthday. I have to say I was quite excited about this one. Not because I was going to get wasted, but because saying you're 21 sounds a lot older and cooler than anything else before. This is pretty much the last "big" birthday before it gets depressing, so I was thrilled. And let me just say, it was a good one. I was SPOILED by sweet friends, my parents, and other family members. I've been 21 for over a week now, and I still have two more birthday lunches to do. I'm so grateful for the people God's put in my life; they are too good to me!

My two love languages are words of affirmation and gifts. So, getting these sweet texts/tweets/facebook posts from some of my favorite people was just wonderful. Especially the posts from my Aussie friends! 

texts from my four best friends and two other sweet girls!

I mean, really. Love those Aussies. And Drew and Taylor.

A few more Aussies, my parents, and my BFF's parents (basically my other set of parents).

The birthday celebrations started with dinner with my parents the night before. 

Hello, self timer. 

Favorite gift? Why, yes. Thanks, Mom and Dad!

On my actual birthday, I went to breakfast with some of the seniors before they headed to Passion. I also went to dinner with my friend Caroline. It was a wonderful day! 

The next day, Chelsea took me to get my nails done, and then her mom took us to lunch. Again, it was such a good time, and I felt loved!

Two days after my birthday, the five of us dressed up and went to dinner. I'm so thankful that these girls are still in my life, and I love them heaps!

love my BFF (and her awesome photo taking skills)

So glad she's back in the AUG and that she watches Downton Abbey with me!

Also, what's up with all of my hair in my neck/chest? I need a haircut. 

love. 

In case you didn't get the memo, this girl's getting married!

And so are Sarah and MB. haha

Do I not have the most gorgeous friends?

I mean, come on. B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L.

21, you've been nothing short of fantastic so far! I cannot wait to see all the fun things that come with your year! 

Best of 2012

I found a "Best of 2012" post from this blog, and I really liked it. I thought it would be a fun way to recap 2012, so I tweaked it a little bit...

Best Recipe You Couldn't Not Make Again: Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Seriously one of the easiest yet greatest recipes I've ever found. It's perfect for parties, I absolutely love it, and everyone who has had it loves it too!

Source

Best Book You Couldn't Put Down: When God Writes Your Love Story
Chelsea suggested this book to me back in the spring, and it's pretty sad that I just finished it on Thursday. That being said, it really was a good read (even if it took me 9 months to finish it). It was convicting, encouraging, and inspiring. Even if you aren't in a relationship (like me), it's great to read for the future, for ways to practice being a good future spouse, and for ultimately glorifying the Lord no matter what your relationship status is.

Best Song You Couldn't Get Out Of Your Head: My Dear by Bethel Music

LOVE this song. I just absolutely adore it. Go listen to it once and then you'll be headed to iTunes to buy it. Seriously. One of my all time favorites.

Best Moment: Saying Goodbye In Australia

Okay, I know that sounds pretty ironic, and honestly, I thought the same when I decided to put that one down. But, the more I thought about it, I knew that was it. Throughout the entire summer, I really struggled with getting up in front of people and speaking. It was one of my hardest challenges, but by the time I said goodbye at the church in Australia, I was the one asking to stand up in front of everyone to give my goodbyes. No one was telling me to do so; I was wanting to do so. To me, this was just a small example of how the Lord had changed me during my time there. While it was one of the HARDEST things I've ever done, it was one of the best because I could see what the Lord had done in and through me and I could give HIM all the glory! Miss those people so much.

Best Hard But Good: Quitting My Job

Quitting my job as the High School Ministry Intern at WBC was definitely one of the hardest things I've ever done. I loved every aspect of that job, every single thing I learned, and every single memory I made. It was so hard to say goodbye to that comfort zone, but the Lord blessed me so by doing it, and if given the opportunity, I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

Best TV Show: Duck Dynasty and Downton Abbey

If you haven't watched either of these, you're missing out. 

Duck Dynasty=hilarious. I mean, one of the funniest shows in the history of television AND they are Christians. Like legit Christians. It doesn't get much better than that!

Downton Abbey=phenomenal. It is such a good show, I don't even know how to fully explain its greatness. Season 3 premieres in the US on Sunday and I'm THRILLED!

Best Gift Given: Casie's Birthday Present

I have to say, I love giving gifts. It's definitely my love language, and I love to give something to someone that I know they will absolutely love. For the past couple of years, Drew and I have been going in together for Casie's birthday so that we could get her something a little more special. This year, we wanted to do something different than the massages, tennis shoes, etc that we typically get her. So, we came up with a certain number of reasons why she is a great person (the same number as the age she was turning), and we put them together in a mason jar. It was so fun to do and give, and I know Casie loved it!

Best Gift Received: Australian Coffee Cup

There is a famous Australian potter named Robert Gordon who makes dinnerware there. The people I did a Bible Study with all summer gave me this adorable coffee mug, which has a peach on it. I love it because it reminds me of Australia, but it also has the peach, which reminds me of my home, the wonderful peach state! 

Best Craft Made: Burlap Banners

I enjoyed making my burlap banners for fall and Christmas. They were so easy to make, and I know I'll be making more soon!

Best Trip/Adventure: Australia

Hands down, one of the best things I've ever done in my entire life. I loved every moment of that trip, and I cannot wait to go back one day!!!

Best Newly Discovered Artist: The Lumineers

I love The Lumineers, and I love how well known they are now. They are SUCH a good band!

Best Lesson Learned: Giving Up Something Good For Something Better

Sometimes, the Lord calls us to give up something that isn't bad at all. He calls us to get out of our comfort zones, to give up those things that are familiar to us, those things that are GOOD, because He has something so much greater in store. Even when it's difficult to say goodbye or do what it is He's called you to, do it because HE'S the one who knows what the future is. He's already got it mapped out, and He knows that it's going to be good!

Best Verse: Deuteronomy 31:8

"It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." 

While every single verse in the Bible has just the same importance as another, this is the verse that meant a lot to me over 2012. This verse gave me peace when I didn't know what I was doing next but I knew He'd called me to go to Australia. This verse gave me comfort when I was in Australia, and I was scared to death because I didn't know anyone or even why I was there. And this verse gave me just what I needed when I left the beautiful country of Australia and came back to Augusta, not knowing what to expect. The Lord hasn't forsaken me, and He's going to take me through 2013 just like He did in 2012. 

Trips in 2012

For the past few years, I've been trying to go out of town at least once each month. Since I never moved away for college, it's nice to have a weekend (or sometimes more) to get out of Augusta and spend time with loved ones in other parts of the country and even the world. It's fun to look back over the past year and see where I've been each month, so here we go...

January: Atlanta, GA

I went to Passion for the second time (sadly I won't make it back in 2013), and I learned a lot about what the Lord has in store for me. I decided to Do Something Now, and later that month I found out I was going to Australia.

February: Ft. Lauderdale, FL

My family headed down to South Florida to see my mom's side of the family. It was a trip full of shopping, laughter, late night doughnut runs, and much more.

March: Statesboro, GA

I spent the weekend in Statesboro visiting my best friend.

April: Huntsville, AL, Sewanee, TN, and Charlotte, NC

I spent part of my spring break visiting my grandparents in North Alabama, and later that month, my family and Caroline went to Carowinds in Charlotte, NC for the day. 

May: Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia

I made it to Australia, and I spent time at the beach with these sweet people.

June: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and Healesville Sanctuary, Victoria, Australia

Maggie and I went to visit our sweet friend, Taylor, in the city.

I got to see Australian animals with one of my favorite Aussie families at an animal sanctuary about an hour north of Pakenham. 

July: Northern Territory, Australia and Pakenham, Victoria, Australia

 

I spent two weeks in the Outback working with the lovely Aboriginal people, and I got to spend the last two weeks in Australia making memories with some lovely people. (More Australia pictures here).

August: Hilton Head Island, SC

Not only did I make it home in August, I also managed to spend a few days at my favorite beach with my parents. Also, touching the Atlantic made it the third ocean I touched in 2012 (I touched the Pacific on one side of Oz and the Indian on another side of Oz). 

September: Auburn University, Auburn, AL

I went to the loveliest village on the plains to visit my BFF and take one of my senior girls there to visit. It was such a FUN weekend. Take me back!

October: Columbia, SC

I went to Columbia to watch ACS play football with Chelsea, and we watched Kendall run in her last cross country meet. Good times were had in the Palmetto State.

November: Statesboro, GA

I started out the month of November with a quick trip to Statesboro to visit my BFF and watch the GA Southern Eagles play. Even though it was ridiculously hot that day, it was a fun trip, and I enjoyed spending time out of Augusta for a little bit. I also found out in November that I'd be heading to CAMP again this coming summer!

December: Athens, GA

Maggie, Jamie, and I headed up to Athens for the day to explore UGA's campus, shop, and eat some ridiculously fabulous food. I can probably say that we enjoyed the food the most, over the shopping or the being in Athens. Thank you Mama's Boy, Momma Goldberg's, Raising Cane's, and Two Story for having wonderful food and coffee. We WILL be back! 

2012 was a year FULL of some fabulous trips. While I LOVE traveling and going to some new places or even some favorite places, I also love coming back to the Garden City. Look for more 2012 recap posts later this week!