a year ago today

"Today is my last full day in South Sudan, and yesterday was my last day in Lohutok. I can't believe it! It's gone by so fast!
Yesterday I felt such a mixture of emotions. I was sad at the thought of leaving everyone-- especially Ellen and Amy. But I was also thrilled at the idea of returning to the U.S. As I left Justin and Amy's house last night after a goodbye party for Maggie and Willie, I walked under the most beautiful orange sky, and I thanked the Lord for allowing me to come here... I walked up that path one last time to the place I've called home for the last five months and did all of my "lasts". Oh, how I'll miss that place! So many memories living with my parents in a 700 square foot house."

(Part of my journal entry from June 3, 2014.)

SC Freedom Summit

It's a well known fact that I'm a political junkie, so when I found out that the SC Freedom Summit was happening in Greenville, I was immediately interested. I texted my political buddy (and best friend) to see if she was interested in going, and she was! I got us tickets and counted down the days until May 9.

We spent the night at my brother and sister-in-law's house so we wouldn't have to get up at the crack of dawn to drive there. 

When we arrived, it was packed and sold out. There were a TON of speakers--some interesting and others not-at-all-interesting. All in all though it was a fun (and informative) day!

 

Some of my favorite speakers-- Scott Walker, Donald Trump, and Ben Carson 

(Although that is not necessarily a reflection of who I would vote for.)

 Me and Michelle! A few people felt the need to point out (in a good way) that we were some of the few young people there, and it was true unfortunately.

 And what better way do unwind from a long convention than by watching Rob Lowe and The West Wing with Starbucks?!

Table Rock Mountain

Keeli and I went to Table Rock Mountain at the beginning of this month, and it was so much fun! We went all the way to the top. They are not lying when they say it is strenuous. I thought I was in shape until I did this hike. ;)

The views were incredible!

 At the top. :)

 Gunner came too. He did so well! We thought he would throw in the the towel halfway through and just lay down and refuse to move, but the exact opposite happened. He pulled us up and down the mountain.

 

 

 ^Yoga on top of the mountain because why not?^

The Last 5 Months in Summary

There is no way to catch up on everything that has happened in the last five months, so here are some highlights: 

 -- On my birthday weekend, Michelle came to visit, my co-workers and my brother took me out to lunch and dinner, and I got a Bikram yoga mat from Julia and Leanne who surprised me at work. Oh, and I got an IPhone. I’m officially fancy.  

  

 

-- My parents officially moved back to the states when my dad was offered the senior pastor position at our old church. It’s nice to have them a phone call and 30 minute drive away.

   

-- I hosted Christmas this year which made for a crowded, but fun, house. 

Also, I need to buy more comfy chairs.

·        --  I don’t have any fun, cute pictures of New Year’s Eve because I was sick. Boo! My New Year’s consisted of watching the first half of the LOTR movie with my parents and my brother before we moved on to a Netflix documentary about some guys dying trying to climb K-2. That’s when I went to bed at 11:00. (And what is it with guys watching documentaries on holidays?! Is it just my family or what?) Moving on…

·        --  I became an aunt for the third time when my second niece made her grand debut at the end of January!! 

She’s a cutie.

 

 And I know because I got to meet her two weeks later when my mom and I went to Florida!

--  I also made a trip to Greenville because Sara threw a fun party to celebrate Cruz turning one. 

Being an aunt is the greatest, I tell ya.

-- Speaking of being an aunt, I found out I’m going to be an aunt for a FOURTH time in October when Wes and Sara have their baby. Miracle of miracles. I wasn’t sure this day would ever come, and my entire reaction is on video. There were tears.

-- The Avett Brothers came to my city, so obviously I had to see them.

  -- Keeli and I did the color run, and I really believe it is the happiest run. So. Much. Fun.

-- I did a 60 day yoga challenge January-March and then promptly stopped going for a month when it was over. Now I’m back at square one and dying in every class.

·      -- I took a road trip to Charleston last weekend to see Michelle because I hadn’t seen her since my birthday and still had her Christmas present sitting in my room. I have nothing to show for it except for new work clothes, a new purse (my old one has been through the mill), and a few extra pounds because I had the BEST PIZZA EVER. 

So there you have it. My life the last five months. Maybe I’ll do a better job at blogging and can contain things to an every two-three month recap. But that’s a big maybe, so don’t hold your breath. ;)

Until next time!