Unforgettable Summer

Unforgettable. That's the word I chose to explain this entire summer. God has been shaking me like no other in ways I can't even explain so far and the best is still yet to come. So far I have been to the Smoky Mountains with Campus Life. I am currently in a car on my way to spend a week with my family in South Carolina at Myrtle Beach and I can't even say how nervous and excited I am for this trip. Hopefully a lot of good things will come out of this. Family is just something else and can possibly be one of the most frustrating but great things ever. This summer and the past few months has brought some tension in my house for sure especially between my parents and I. It hurts real bad but I can only hope for the best. Growing up really sucks. But, at the same time it's absolutely wonderful because God can use me more and more, I have a bigger voice and most of all more freedom. My first trip of the summer to the Smokies was absolutely amazing. It put me in awe over and over. First off, the view... Wow. The view of something as big as a mountain (especially from the top) is crazy cool. The first hike we took was to Abrams falls. It was absolutely beautiful and I even jumped off of it with my big sister/best friend Katie. :) 
It was so fun! Especially because rushing and uncontrollable water is one of my biggest fears. Our second hike was to Alum Cave Bluff (4 miles). It's kinda funny because I thought this was the best it would get and I was completely wrong. It was beautiful for sure! The hike was really really fun too but there was so much more in store. It's kinda like when God takes you to a place where you are content and you get super happy that you are here then, a super hard trial or experience comes your way.. But usually at the end of that hard trial is something more beautiful than you can even imagine. That's how I felt at the end of the 8.1 mile hike to Charlie's Bunyan felt. It was hard at times but so worth it at the end. So. Worth. It. Sitting atop of the mountain again put me in awe I God's goodness. The fact that he made beautiful things like that view and so many other views of the world that are beautiful all the time and never sin or mess up but... We are the prized possessions of his creation. It made me appreciate my Dad's grace so much more that day. Mainly because I mess up a lot. So much that even sometimes people closest to me don't want to be around me but yet, my Daddy and creator still desires a relationship with me. What. Crazy. 
This was an experience I truly will never ever forget. 
We also went White Water Rafting which was super duper fun. I loved that a lot and really wasn't expecting to. (Again, the whole deep, scary water thing) I really enjoyed that though. Oh, Katie and I also did karaoke at Crawdaddy's, a group of us got free cupcakes from a brand new bakery, tried super yummy Greek yogurt ice cream, and also made a lot of wonderful vines with Pat and Kelly (also Katie's big sister and mine. She's probably one of the greatest people in the world). That really is a trip I will never ever forget. I just love spending time with Campus Life and my big sisters. It's really just amazing. You really have to experience it for yourself to understand. 
   
After I get home from Myrtle Beach I have only five days until I get on a plane to head to Miami for training and worship (super super pumped) then off to Honduras. Ill also be turning 17 in the midst of all this greatness! I actually have no idea what to expect from Honduras. I don't know how God will shake me this time but I know He will. That's for sure. I'm just trying to expect it to look somewhat like the book of Acts. Yup. Craziness. But I'm so ready. Quite nervous and anxious but pumped none the less. :) I can't wait!!

Location: Coldwater Coldwater

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