Sweet Blessings.

Two of my friends were married last night--Congrats Maggie and Joe--and it was so fun to see sweet friends and rest with beautiful people who always bring a smile to my face. I really miss being in Knoxville, but I love to see the differnt routes that God is taking my friends on. I am always encouraged when I see someone I haven't seen in months pat my arm and say,"I'm praying for you." I really wish I would attempted to take some pictures so that I could place on here. Everyone was glowing and smiling and it really made for some fun,sweet memories.

I am raising support to go to Sweden. I am often incredibly frustrated and ready to just throw in the towel. Last night was just one of those nights. I couldn't sleep and I just lay awake thinking of all the "what ifs"--which are straight from satan--and I finally began to pray. I just prayed for God to take control and to let my stop worrying, et al. I blankly checked my email and there was a message with a LARGE contribution. Really? It amazes me how quick I am to think that God will not come through. But, he comes through again and again and in the most unexpected ways. I am so quick to just pack up my thoughts and desires in a little metaphoric suitcase and try to do it all on my own. I can't. We are made to fail so that the Lord can be glorified through our weakness. WOW.

Also, my second cousin died this weekend. It is always sad to see someone go, but the fellowship with family after a funeral is always a blessing. Living in a small town often drives me crazy, but I wouldn't trade where I've grown up for anything in the world. My mom has 29 cousins on my grandmothers side of the family! Holy cow! They are an absolute hoot! The respect for the mourning has almost been lost in this time. But, I am always so thankful to see a funeral procession in my town. EVERYONE pulls over to the side lane and stops until the line of cars has passed. How rare it is to see this anymore, yet it happens daily here in West Tennessee. I can't help but want to journey back a few decades for a few days and expierence life in its utmost simplicity. What a sweet time! (Note: If this were ever to happen, I would want to bring the A/C with me.)

The Nanny.

I am in Knoxville for the week with three of my favorite boys! They are the sweetest and keep me in stitches. Today we went to the grocery store and I discovered why every mom you ever see in a store with kids looks like they could use a special beverage. A store filled with candy and two little boys with a sweet tooth just do not mix. ha. Bryce was asleep on my purse in the buggy. All I have to say after two days is...Thanks Mom. This is a picture of Bryce. He fell asleep at the park right beside the swings where about thirty kids were running around. ha!

A sweet friend of mine got engaged last night. Congrats Lauren!! FYI: This makes 9 of my friends who are engaged right now.

Two Months from today I will (prayerfully) be boarding a plane for Colorado and the next week I will be leaving for beautiful Sweden! The fact that I will be living in a different country has not really hit home yet. If I close my eyes, I can almost smell the dark, European coffee and vaguely hear the techno music playing from the local venues. Man, I can't wait!!

Home.

Well. It has been a while since my last post. A LOT has happened! I am officially a graduate of the University of Tennessee! Woohoo!! (Pictures will come soon.) And, I am now moved into my childhood home in Camden again. It is so weird being back for a few months. I can't complain too much: no rent and they feed me for free here. But, I miss Knoxville. Support raising is underway and it is a rollercoaster ride for sure! Last week was really tough and I was so discouraged. But, this week has proved to be entirely different. Today I had the most encouraging chat with a godly lady and unexpected money arrived in the mail. How sweeter life is when we leave it in God's hands. I have completely tried to do everything in my own strength this past week and all it got me was pain, frustration, and ultimately nowhere.

My best friend, Diana, is engaged and getting married in December! I am so excited for her and her ring is absolutely beautiful!! There is no doubt in my mind that this marriage is meant to be. My best friend of 12 years, Tiara, has moved to Alabama for a job. I know that she has exciting things in store her, but I miss her a whole lot. We've always lived within five minutes of each other and now we are two hours apart. In a few months, the Atlantic ocean will separate us. Wow. Growing up is weird. However, Tiara and I haven't left all of our teen years behind. She texted me yesterday to let me know that the Jonas Brothers would be on Good Morning America on Friday. Hilarious. We may be adults, but the maturity is completely set in place. ha.

I am just enjoying life in my small town again. There isn't a whole lot going on here with me. I mean, I finished the Twilight series in two weeks if that tells you anything about my life here. I did go with my grandmother to the store to buy manure the first day that I was here. Yes. I live somewhere between Mayberry and Green Acres.