2008 Recap.

I got this idea from Stephanie, she basically recapped 2008 with all the things she could remember or that stuck out to her so here goes for me.

2008:

-I sunk into a hole. A big one.

-I cut all my hair off and put pink in it. that was fun.

-I had hospital visit #746 [not really] for kidney stones [again] this time causing a surgical procedure. Which then called for missing one week of school. Leading to missing 3 classes of Dr. Black where I then had to DROP the class. I thought that American History II would be the death of me.

-After my week long absence, I had a revelation [haha] that I was being inconsiderate of Stephanie and her friendship. I felt like I needed to "mend" things and that is just what I began to do. It took a very long time, a lot longer than what she or I expected I think. But in the end I think it has been very much worth it, so thank you Stephanie for sticking with me and never leaving my side when I didn't deserve your loyalty.

-Then there was Shea [yes, that is a guy and that is his name haha]

-I had yet another well spent spring break in Myrtle Beach with my grandma. Yes I said grandma, I love having my quality time with her for a week. I most definitely look forward to it.

- Tennis season was ok, I kind of wanted to quit.

-I dyed my hair a lot haha.

- I attended the formal in April alone. I enjoyed it. Camping was a bad idea. But I think I can say for all who attended that we were very much entertained by a particular person, who can predict weather.

-Saw Disney Princesses on Ice with Lauren.

- I ended the semester with good grades. All A's and B's. Started the summer off with doing absolutely nothing.

-Went camping with Madison and Lauren for my 20th birthday. Interesting enough we were attacked by raccoons haha.

- Worked Kids Kamp for the third time. Ended up with 2 of the same kids from the year before. Skyler got attached to me, and I got attached to her. I watched God do some great things with the kids there.

- I went on a week long missions trip to Peru with 3 other people. Rhonda Bauer, Katie and Jimmy Cooke. I was AMAZED at the things God did there. It is unexplainable the way those children touched my heart.

- Peru stirred something inside of me. I now have a desire to bring change for all the children around the world.

-Came back from Peru and worked Camp Robinson, ages 6-9 [I do believe]. That was a fun experience, prank night was a night I will never forget. I also won't forget the people that I met there.

- Throughout the whole summer, I was the youth intern. Basically I helped with the youth group at our church with our new youth pastor, Victoria. I enjoyed that. The kids didn't like me as much haha. I soon realized why my calling was for the little ones. Nevertheless, I still love our youth and very glad that Victoria is the one that is called to be there haha.

- Went to Youth Quest in Daytona, FL. Took the youth group. Chaperones consisted of Victoria, Stuart, and Me. With the adult supervision of Deb and Mi Madre. Interesting is the only word to describe that trip. I competed for the first and last time. I came in second place for violin. [Pat on the back for me]

-I fell in love with Jack Bauer haha.

- Went to Georgia in an attempt to CLEP the History class. Bombed it, went to see Wes after it. Then stayed a few days with Katie. Like I said before, that History was determined to be the death of me.

- The semester started back. I was "officially" dating Wes. My roommate was Katie. I have enjoyed being her roomie. And I have enjoyed getting to really know her. I commend her for putting up with me. It's a hard thing to do, but she seems to handle it well :) -

-Trip and Tripp came and visited me at EC. We all went and got tattoos haha. My new one was 2 chinese symbols that mean beauty and grace.

-Trip left and went to Iraq.

-Classes seemed easy enough, except for the fact that I had Dr. Black for American History II, take 2 haha. I was absolutely DETERMINED to get through this class.

- Started my 90 hour practicum in my Kindergarten and First Grade classrooms at Hartwell Elementary. I fell in love with ALL of my students and witnessed great things in both classrooms. I am hoping to do my student teaching with one of the two teachers.

-Became the leader for the Stage Design team at school. That had it's ups and downs, hopefully it will be better in 2009.

- There was still Wes, and then there was Shea. Back to Wes and then back to Shea. Ending with no Wes or Shea.

-Midterm gave a promising report. Good grades so far.

-I was completely lost.

-Then there was revelation #2. I knew things were bad and I needed to get it right. This resulted in Caiti, Alexia, Katie and I now having the "baggage bag." This is the bag where we can put all of our "trash" or problems. We basically write it down, crumble it up and get rid of whatever it is that is hindering us.

-Ended Fall 2008 semester with all A's and 2 B's and making the Dean's List. Only 3 semesters left. Strange to think about....

-I also met and fell in love with the greatest group of girls in the Edu department at school [Court, Jordan and Bess] and I am definitely looking forward to the next 1 1/2 with them :)

-Came home for break and had all intentions of getting things right. Luckily I was successful. I took the time to "recover" and get on track.

-Christmas was bittersweet with no Trip here.

-Read The Shack. Best book EVER. And will definitely read it again.

-The one person that has surprised me this whole year would be Heidi. She has most definitely come out of her shell and I have enjoyed getting to know her, and I am looking forward to many more years with having her around :)

-Jack Jack will be the only man that can have all of my heart haha. And like Heidi, I refuse for him to grow up.

-Lauren Johnson is my best friend and will continue to be that. She has done great with school and with her job and as being there for me. So I look forward to the very many years we have ahead of us.

-Overall, I met new people, grew closer with people. Mended some friendships and got rid of the negatives. So many people impacted my life that it is very hard to name everyone.

-Though 2008 is over and I am still growing, I am looking forward to what God has in store for me in 2009. I hope to grow more and I pray that I am completely receptive to Him. I know that He will surround me with the right people I need. I am looking forward to Africa and the great things God is going to do there, but until then I will just continue to seek after His will for my life.