Daily Boost of Encouragement

Life has thrown many unexpected trials my way lately. I guess my life hasn't been giving me the outcome I was hoping for. In some ways this is a good thing and in other ways it's a bit discouraging.

Life I was HOPING for at the age of 24:

• Have a job that I love, that pays me decent/well with benefits. . like health insurance . . :)
• Be married to a handsome man who loves me and loves God
• Have time and money to take fun vacations with that gorgeous husband of mine.
• Start having kids

Life as I know it at the age of 24:

• Barely staying afloat with a handful of different nanny/mother's helper jobs
• No Health Insurance
• Consistently getting sick: All in the past week dealing with overcoming a cold, getting an eye infection, and Strep throat and dealing with the doctors bills
• Overcoming the frustrations of dating and realizing how different men and women are and seeing that it truly is a miracle when people actually get married.
• Yearning to travel the world and get jealous of all my friends that get to go travel the world.
• Job hunting constantly and only getting emails telling me I wasn't qualified enough for positions.

So I guess life hasn't exactly come out the way I expected. It is a bit discouraging sometimes. But then when I step back from the nitty gritty of life and look at the bigger picture I see that the Lord does love me. This life is to prepare to meet God, it is to test and try us. We won't become all that we can be without going through these trials. There are days when I want to give up and say, "Lord, can I please have a break?" and then there are days where I see miracles happen. Like this past week, although in a few days I went from overcoming a cold, to getting and eye infection, to getting strep throat. . I saw a few miracles. My eye infection on Wednesday, lasted one night and then next morning after a long humbling prayer and good night sleep, the Lord healed my eye. Then I got strep throat on Friday. Saturday I went to the doctor, got antibiotics and Sunday my fever and sore throat were gone. I would say that is a miracle.

So life is hard. It pushes us to be better, to try our patience and humble our souls.

There are moments where I fall and it's really difficult for me to get up or want to get back up. But I have found someone who has given me strength. Someone that doesn't even know me, she doesn't know the strength she gives me each day and the hope that life will be better and that life is also better than I make it out to be.

This wonderful woman is Stephanie Nielsen. For those of you who don't know who this wonderful women is check out this video below of her story.

Stephanie has a blog that I follow almost daily. I read about her daily experiences: trials, uplifting moments, her love for her family and the love of her husband.

Nie Nie (Stephanie) has become one of my heros these past few months. She gives me strength each day to push myself to be better, to be more and to complain less.

For those of you that do follow my blog, check out hers.

nieniedialogues.blogspot.com

She truly is an inspiration and has become my daily boost of encouragement.

Haiti-"I am only one, but I am still one"

Time for a new update! Man I feel like so much has happened since I last updated around the fourth of July.

I have to say my perspective on life has completely changed since my last post. As I posted a little while back, I went on a humanitarian trip to Port Au Prince, Haiti. I was really really nervous because one of my good friends was suppose to go down there with me and he had to cancel last minute on me. I felt like everything was not turning out the way I wanted. I was scared, nervous and very stressed. I did even question not going. But then deep down inside I knew I had to go. I'm so glad I listened to that feeling. I think Satan was really trying to freak me out because he was worried that if I did go to Haiti, my heart would be opened to loving God's children even more and he knew that I would be working through and for our Savior. He did have a reason to worry. I felt closer to God when I was in Haiti than almost any other time in my life.

When I got down there I was overwelmed by what I saw. I didn't just fall in love with the Haitian people, but I fell in love with all of the volunteers that also went down there to serve. We all came from different backgrounds and religions, but we all were one in the Lord and all had the same purpose, to be the hands of the Lord and to love his people. Christ took time to hold and love each child and individual when he was on this earth, and he still does today (spiritually). I had the opportunity to do that, be Christ-like, love and hold the children of God.

When I went down there I expected to love, hold and care for these children and people. But I was very surprised at how much I needed the love and needed to be held by these children. I feel as though I need their love more than they needed mine. I think we forget sometimes how precious a tender touch or a loving hug is to an individual.

I thought I'd share some things from my journal while I was in Haiti. . It was really hard to express the feelings I had but I tried to explain the best I could.

July 30, 2010

"I am sitting in my room with four other girls in the humid heat of Haiti with a fan blowing on my face. It's so crazy to think that I'm in Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the world."

"Walking out of the gates of the airport was like walking into a whole new world. My eyes were opened to the incredible blessings the Lord has bestowed on me and my country (USA). Grown men were fighting to help us with our luggage just to earn a few dollars. Children were on the other side of a chain-link fence begging for money. The dust surrounded me as old trucks painted in bright colors drove by. These old trucks are called 'Tap Tap's'- the local taxi/bus system. People literally pile into the back of them."

"On our way to the guest house we had little boys coming up to our truck saying "sista, sista, can I please have one dollar?" They also spoke in Haitian Creole, so I couldn't understand most of what they were saying. One of the volunteers gave a boy a snack and some money and because of that other street kids started overtaking the truck asking for money and food. I wanted to cry. To see these children risking their lives by running in the streets sand hanging on the back of the truck for some money so that they could eat, it broke my heart."

"The whole city is in pieces. Condemned buildings, families living in huts, tents, under tarps.. the city was filled with tents EVERYWHERE. Families, children, pregnant women wandering the streets, sorting through garbage. . it was an unbelievable sight."

"I was told today that if you meet a Haitian and exchange names, your automatically friends. They treat you like a best friend. I can't tell you how quickly these guys have opened up to us and have mad us feel welcome."

"Our First Service Trip (The day we arrived)-Rebecca (Foundation Founder) had no time to lose. we had our first service trip today to the "Mother Theresa Nutrition Center". Center is an over statement for what this place was. It was a compound with tents that were filled with cribs. Probably 4 tents with 20+ cribs in each. Not all cribs were full but there were probably at least 40 kids there. So Rebecca told us to go in and pick up any child and just hold them and love them (basically show love to them as Jesus would_. These children aren't orphans. There families just couldn't feed them enough so they're there to get nutrition & grown strong. Most if not all were malnourished with bulging bellies and skinny frail limbs-literally skin a bones.

Una, a volunteer was holding a little girl named Jauline who saw me and put out her frail hand towards me. I ended up switching children with Una. Jauline and I bonded. She's 21 months old but she looks 4-6 months old due to malnourishment. I got her laughing which can be pretty difficult with these kids. I danced around in between tents with her, humming "I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream". . she loved that. She kept putting her hand in mine and wanting me to kiss it. Interaction like that is big. Most of the children would just cling to you and just let you hold them."

August 1, 2010

I'm still in awe at the feelings I have for the Haitians. Each day my eyes are opened to their humble joyous hearts. I can't express my joy. . I wish everyone that reads this could feel the feelings I have.

We went to a handicap orphanage today. The kids were hanging out on blankets in the back of the house under a canopy. What I love about all these orphanages is that everyone is so trusting. Rebecca told us that as soon as we got there to just grab a child and hold them and play with them. So I did! These children were so happy! We would tickle them and hld them and they would just laugh and laugh! One boy would just blow kisses at you and when you would turn your back he would hit you to get your attention again and then he would laugh and laugh!

The first day at Mother Theresa's Nutrition Center I was scared of kissing the children because I was scared of getting sick. but now, I will hold and love a child as long as I can. Through all these physical problems and living situations, these people seem to still LOVE God and love you. It's sad to see how much the USA has strayed from God and how prideful and selfish we are.

Today we went to Lesly's orphanage. This is the orphanage that we go to the most. They had a huge graduation ceremony for 4 kids that were graduating Kindergarden and 2 that were going to high school. Justin (this little boy I have fallen in love with and would adopt if I was married and had the money), sat on my lap through the graduation. He was on my lap holding my hands and was very calm. He then looked at the palms of my hands and with one finger he pushed down on my palm and watched the redness of the blood in my white hand disappear. He then curiously ran his finger up my arm, pointing out the freckles and moles. This made me a bit emotional and made me really think that I'm different to him, my skin color was odd to him and intriguing. After this, I grabbed him and held him tightly and gave him a big kiss and a big smile streamed across his face. Justin is my favorite boy at Lesly's. I will never forget his quiet demeanor, smily eyes and beautiful smile.

(Justin and me during the graduation)

Rebecca and some of the kids from Lesly's Orphanage

August 4, 2010

Last night our devotional was amazing. We were taught by Colleen about Christ and how he left the 99 for the 1 stray sheep. This made me think of leaving worldly things and thoughts behind and serve those in need. Ann had us share moments that were special to us from the week. I was overwhelmed with the spirit & memoried. . I cried. . the Lord has been/was truly with us. I will never forget going to Mother Theresa's Home for the Sick & Dying where we massaged & lotioned adults who were very sick and literally dying. Rebecca told us before we got there that it was going to be awkward. We were so use to helping children, so it was weird to help adults, but she reminded us that Christ washed the feet of his apostles. . the streets of jerusalem were a lot like the streets in Haiti. Dusty, dirty streets full of garbage and sandals were worn. So when we got there Rebecca asked me to help the men. . eve more awkward! I started rubbing arms and backs but then they wanted their chest massaged and then their legs. . but then it really got hard for me when they wanted their feet rubbed. I was really hesitant. . but then I started thinking of Christ. Although these feet had sores, were callused and dry, these feet were feet of children of God. "What would Jesus Do?" I thought and I also thought, "Would Jesus be proud of me and what I'm doing?" So I started massaging this man's feet. I almost started crying because I felt as though Christ was working through me, that my hands were his hands. I truly felt like I was doing something that would please my Savior, especially since I was sacrificing my will for His will. No matter your age, all of us need love & need physical touch."

"I am only one, but I am still one. I can't do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do." -Edward Everett Hale

These are only a few things that I experienced. I feel like I have left my family in Haiti. I plan to return again, hopefully around Christmas time. If any of you would be interesting in coming down with me or donating money or supplies please let me know.

4th of July

So updating again and a lot sooner than later, I must add.

So the fourth of July was amazing as usual, one of my favorite holidays! It's been a little hard not celebrating it with my family though. It's one of those holidays that revolved around family. Grandma Dinsdale would french braid my hair and make wonderful orange rolls. . .Provo parade, the porch swing, the family bbq with grandpa's homemade ice cream. . yumm.. I do miss that a lot.

But I guess I can complain celebrating the 4th of July in the Nation's Capital.

The weekend started with one of America's greatest past times-Baseball. Scott and I went to a National's Game, which of course was a blast.

I went to church, taught Sunday School (yes I was very nervous, it was my first time), then a bbq at my friends Rachel Johnson, Shandi Hill, Danielle Mathis and Ashley Swoop's house. Then we metro'd downtown and watched the fireworks right next to the Washington Monument.

Below: Ashley Swoop, Melissa Plowman, Rachel Johnson, Scott Havertz, Me, Grace Coates

Below: Melissa and Rachel posing while we waiting in line to get through security.

Below: The group we went with. Shandi's family was there as well as a think a family that was friends with her family or something.

Below: Me and Scott right next to the Washington Monument. It was a perfect spot to sit and we didn't have to wait very long before the fireworks started.

So I know Scott would kill me for posting this video online, but it definitely gives you more of an idea of what we got to experience.

So I think the worst part of the day was after the fireworks. As you can image there were thousands of people there and probably 80% of them metro'd in to downtown DC. We were a part of that 80%. So for about an hour we hung around playing games and taking pics before heading to the metro.

Below: So the ladies had a fun time taking fun posing pictures, but then it just got ugly when the guys tried to join in. . .

Me, Shandi, Melissa, Rachel & Grace

Below: Scott, Me, Tyler, Shandi, Melissa, Rachel, Grace and one of Rachel's friends (forgot his name. . oops!)

Here is a video that I took of one of the metro cars that past us. Completely filled with people. I don't know if I mentioned that the group of people I went downtown with included a few families aka some children. A member of our group kept them quite entertained with songs and dances which you will see a peak of that at the end of the movie.

But we finally made it home safe and sound and of course EXHAUSTED.

Summer Full of Adventures and More to Come!

So I have come to the conclusion that I am not one of those "Blogging Talented Individuals". I don't know if it's a gift that is bestowed on wives or mothers and if it is, I'm excited to get it when I become a wife or a mother, but for the time-being I guess you all are going to have to put up with my laziness and procrastination when it comes to updating my blog.

So much has happened since I last posted even though it has only been a few months. This summer has been CRAZY! So much has happened. I have been enjoying the sun A LOT!. . . I moved to DC to get away from the snow of Utah and Idaho and well I think it followed me this past winter and decided take all the snow in my college years and put it all in a few very LARGE snowstorms and dump it on me. So the sun is a HUGE blessing. . the humidity though. . not so much.

I've been enjoying bike rides into downtown DC and Arlington Cemetery, parties including my roommate Christina's birthday, The Summer Soiree Party (everyone wore Khaki and white and it was outdoors with a southern feeling which was soo great!); my sister's wedding back in Utah in May, National's baseball games, a very wet Brad Paisley Concert, Duck Beach down in the Outer Banks, North Carolina (details to come. . ), A White Trash Maryland Demolition Derby, a few trips to Annapolis Maryland (Navy men in uniform. . can I say. . HOT?! and of course crab eating!), and of course the classic river tubing in Fredricksburg Virginia.

So yes I have kept myself busy and just for your enjoyment below are pictures to support my fun summer (don't worry I'll show you proof!)

Biking to Arlington Cemetery with Adam Nilsen.

After our bike ride it was SOO HOT and so we found a fountain on our way home and stuck our feet in :)

So there seems to be a tradition in our home that we throw huge parties. I guess we have a pretty great party house or something. . But my roommate threw a Cinco De Mayo Party that ended up being pretty great!

Christina's Birthday Party. My great roommates and me. Yes we're pretty excited!

Left to right: Becca Haynie, Shannon Ference, Christina Bishop and me

Gabriella Christino (My friend from Sao Paulo Brazil), Shannon my roommate and me at Christina's birthday party.

Back on May 15th my little sister Taryn got married to Casen Eldredge. Steller guy that one. So I flew out for a little less than a week and wow what an experience. I was reminded how single I was ha ha. Don't get me wrong I was SO happy that my sister was getting married and she couldn't have married anyone more perfect for her, but as the older sister it was a bit hard to think about not being married, especially when you got the question, "so why aren't you married yet" asked a lot through out the trip.

My conclusion: I plan and dream to be married one day, but the Lord has blessed me more than I ever good have imagined with the opportunity to move out to the east coast and find myself. I'm guessing I had to find myself before I could find my other half and I'm completely okay with that.

Another conclusion: That Utah trip made me realize how much I miss my family and how blessed I am to have the family that I do have. That is the #1 bummer about living across the country.

I had no idea how stressful being the Maid of Honor is. I took care of all the bridesmaids updo's, I did my mother's make up. . . I had to make signs, take care of dresses, made the bride's jewelry. . oh and we can't forget the toast! The Best Man, Casen's brother Colton wanted to sing a duet as our toasts to the bride and groom.. oh oh and we put it together the day of the wedding. . but honestly it was ALL worth it. Heck Taryn is my only sister.

Pictures were taking at the ring ceremony at The Eldredge Manor in Bountiful.

(Pictures taken by Jill Farnsworth my cousin)

Trip to Liberty Park in Salt Lake with the family.

A few days after I got back from Utah a big group of friends got together and went to the National's game. Fireworks after the game.

Adam Nilsen, Me & Shannon

Brad Paisley anyone? One of my favorite entertainers. I have been to his concert twice now. So it rained majorly before the show started so by the time it did start we were all soaking wet, but hey "It's all about the experience" right? So this guy in our group showed up (I hadn't met him yet but he was good friends with my roommate) Colton showed up and I thought he was Brad Paisley. As you see below there is a huge resemblance! There were girls coming up asking for pictures with him. . pretty great! ha ha

Shandi Hill, Colton, Me

Shandi Hill, Me (and my messed up hat) & Rachel Johnson

When we arrived, before we got soaking wet!

Kyle Hines, Shandi Hill, Rachel Johnson & me

Before and After: A bit wet. . This was most of the group that was with us.

So Duck Beach was the next event. I don't know how many of you have heard the rumors and secrets of Duck Beach. But it's been going on for years now. Memorial Day Weekend Young Single Adults from New York, DC, Boston, Philly, Florida, Virgina, Vegas, Utah, California and more. . get together and rent out HUGE Beach houses and party all weekend long. It is a HUGE deal out here. I went and stayed in a house with a lot of my close friends and what a blast! There were parties, great dinners and can't forget the BEACH! Saturday we hung on the beach all day and also had a Sand Volleyball Tournament which of course I participated in. Pictures don't even give it justice, but I will still share :)

Ha ha first night: I was pretty excited, I mean who wouldn't be! I was surrounded by some of my closest friends and of course um.. all guys!

Saturday trip to the beach: Carl Dempsey, Me, Dre Bennin, Rich Baer,

Eric Hayes

Darren Haycock, Casey Van Camp, Zack Winters, Jeff Muniz & Me

Volleyball Tournament and my awkward Serving Face :)

Carl Dempsey, Me & Will Perry

The day I had to leave. . sad day. . but I got to hang out for a bit at the pool before heading out.

Jen Brooks, Me, Matt LeFrance, Erik Hayes

This was our beach house. . . I can't complain ha ha we had 20+ people staying here or was it 30?
Um can anyone say party? Ha ha the story behind this is pretty great! Everyone was bored Sat. night and another party was cancelled. So our house agreed that people could come over, so we text a few individuals and within about... 30 mins it looked like this. It quickly became a HUGE dance party.
My Vball team!!! Jonathan, me, Jennie & J Dee

Demolition Derby- Can I say white trash? But boy did I love it!

Trip to Annapolis Maryland with Travis, Rich, Melissa, Will & Heather. One of the classics of Maryland is eating crab here. So we had a triple date out to Annapolis and ate crab!

Wow I think that was the longest post I have ever done and the funny thing. . I don't even know if anyone is going to read it ha ha!

So this is just the beginning of an incredible summer! A few more things that are happening with me:

Since February I have been working at a Wyndham Timeshare Resort in the National Harbor. I put my 2 weeks notice in a week ago and will be taking a huge step of faith! My friend Matt Fischer has a start up advertising agency and hired me as his Executive Project Manager. I will be starting July 1st with him. This is my dream job. Funny thing is that I wasn't expecting it for a few years and was hoping for a bit more experience under my belt; however, I think this is where my dreams will start coming true. . with a lot of work, faith and prayers.

I also have 2 more trips planned for the summer:

1. A trip to Ohio with a group of friends to go to a Cleveland's baseball game and go to Cedar Point-one of the top amusement parks in the world.

2. I get the wonderful opportunity to go to Haiti the first week of August! I don't know if any of you know about this trip. I'm going with a group called, "Foundation for Children in Need". My friend Carl Dempsey introduced me to the group. He has gone down with them a few times especially after the earthquake. They go to orphanages and help the children. This is one of my biggest dreams! I've been slowly trying to get donations to help me get out there. If any of you want to help me out you can go to the following website:

http://www.ffcin.org/blog/donate/

There is a drop down menu with volunteer names. Click on mine and you can donate through paypal. Since I am leaving my "steady" job and going to be working with a start up, money has been pretty tight but I believe all will work out!