Today I turn 25. It's weird how quickly it snuck up on me- there are moments where I'm sure I'm still supposed to be a freshman at Auburn just sta...
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Today I turn 25. It's weird how quickly it snuck up on me- there are moments where I'm sure I'm still supposed to be a freshman at Auburn just starting my college adventure. (Of course, then I spend some time with a freshman or two and realize they make me feel old...HA!)
I've had some rough birthdays through the years, like almost being hospitalized with pneumonia for my 21st, or singing at my grandmother's funeral for my 24th, so last year I started a new (happy) birthday tradition. It's a look back at my year - reflecting on 24 things I was thankful for during year 24. So- here's the list! Feel free to add any good (or funny) memories I've forgotten in a comment :)
24 memories I'm thankful for this year: (in random order)
1- Traveling to India with my dear friend Lynette - where I fell in love with the people, culture, and the precious orphans there.
2- Helping Lynette shop, plan, & promote the new company she started: Corridor of Hope (they sell jewelry & scarves made by women rescued from the sex trade in India & Thailand, and a portion of the proceeds go back to help orphans in those countries!)
3- Singing for almost 13,000 people in India
4- Visiting the Taj Mahal- one of the Wonders of the World!
5- Worshiping in a leper colony - what an awesome experience.
6- Watching my little brother (Jaron) run cross-country (This was a huge milestone after almost losing him to ulcerative colitis a few years ago. He was hospitalized for most of 2 years, and had his entire colon removed! The whole time he had an incredible attitude and outlook. God has been so faithful and he is doing so much better now. I'm SO proud to call him my brother!)
7- My other little brother (Brent) graduating from Fire School! He's a 'real' Fireman now! It's his job to save lives and help people. I'm really proud of him too! :)
8- Leading my first mission trip to Africa (with the most AMAZING team EVER! I love you guys!)
9- Going to the BEACH in Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa (and getting to play in the Indian Ocean!)
10- Holding a baby lion.
11- Getting slightly mauled by a different baby lion (well - maybe it was just scratched really bad. And ok, not a happy memory- but still a cool story! ;)
12- Returning to Swaziland to see the children I love
13- Shooting our first orphan fundraising/awareness raising video with Rusty.
14- Meeting my future in-laws (they're really great :)
15- Visiting Rusty's hometown & college town, and taking him to MY hometown and college town.
16- Being a part of the last GCM Encounter service in Auburn. (they're moving to Hong Kong! Keep them in your prayers!)
17- Mine & Rusty's first Christmas & New Year's together.
18- GMA Music Week - Going to the DOVE Awards & Introducing a Gospel Music Association symposium where Stephen Curtis Chapman, Rebecca St. James, Phil Stacey, and several other artists spoke. I got to meet them all!
19- A fun trip to Savannah with Caroline (to see my awesome Aunt Angie!)
20- Sand Art Fun with my roomies...need I say more? (Plus plenty of other roommate bonding moments. I love you girls- SO MUCH!!!)
21- Seeing The Sound of Hope campaign really start to develop and move forward after working so hard on it for the past year.
22- Being on a national TV/radio show: "Mornings with Lorri and Larry"!
23- Speaking at conferences, churches, and events around the
Southeast to raise money and awareness for orphans, and meeting so many
great people along the way!
I'm sure I'm leaving out some wonderful memories, but as you can see it's been an incredible year! I am so grateful for all God has given me. I have LOVED working in the AIM office with the best co-workers in the world. God has pushed me to grow and change this year, and I'm glad to say that I'm happier today with the woman I am than the woman I was a year ago! It's been amazing too to see how many of you have supported me so faithfully financially and in prayer. What a blessing you are!
And now- it's another year. Another leap of faith. Another opportunity to trust God with my hopes, dreams, and plans. I'm excited to see what wonderful memories I will make this year in Michigan and around the world with Rusty, my new roommates, and all the friends I've yet to make.
Thanks for a wonderful year!
Here's to 25 beautiful new memories to come!
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