life is beautiful.

oh my goodness. On Friday I graduate from Texas A&M University. Seriously? I don't know how I managed to get here, but somehow I have.

Just reflecting back on my time these past 4 years, my heart is overflowing with joy and love. The Lord has blessed me beyond words. So if can't capture that feeling right now it's because it's too big.

I started out driving myself to fish camp with my mom right behind me. They separated us before I got to say goodbye. My loving mother found me in the chaos to calm my nerves and give me a hug. She made sure my journey to A&M began right.

At fish camp God intentionally placed incredible people in my life. It was there that life long friendships were formed. It was there that I realized I was about to embark on a great adventure.

Freshmen year I was searching for my identity. God was working in me, but I didn't quite see it for myself yet. I joined ASC on what felt like a whim, but now I know that was part of the plan all along.

Sophomore year I moved in with my best friends and we've been together ever since. I joined more organizations and continued looking for something to give me worth. The Lord was tugging on my heart to go to Africa. Honestly at this point He had been for at least a year. Finally, I heard Him.

Summer of 2008. I went to Africa. Forever I am changed.

Junior year was full of blessings. I became a leader in ASC and had the GREATEST wil group a girl could have. My group of friends were encouraging and inspiring. Africa had stolen my heart and I knew I was never getting it back.

Summer of 2009. I went back to Africa. It was different and hard. I jumped off a bridge. Forever I am changed.

Senior year was indescribable. My friendships were rooted in Christ. I was filled up abundantly. I've never learned more in my life than from the things I endured this year. I became Discipleship chair in ASC and fell in love with the most amazing women of Christ. Watching them grow and love the Lord pushed me to do the same. If I could describe this year in one word it would be love. Maybe I didn't see it all the time, but it was there.

now. I'm leaving College Station in a week. I'm moving to Dallas and working with Family Legacy. I have no money, but I'm trusting that God knows what He is doing. The money will come.

July. I'm going back to Africa. I can't wait to see more change.





God is closing this book of my life and handing me another. I know He has already written it and it's going to be better than I can imagine. I mean, He did such a great job on all the past ones, doesn't that give us great hope!? I know it does for me. I want to look back on this time of my life and be joyful. I want to remember the blessings He gave me and praise His name. I don't want to look back and say those were the best years of my life. I'm constantly looking forward. I'm constantly realizing that life is beautiful (phrase credit to April Gary, love you.)


Because, well, it is. Life is beautiful. If you don't see it now, wait for it. You'll see it soon. Take every opportunity as it's given. If you're going home to live with your parents again for the first time in four years, praise Jesus! You get to be surrounded by the ones who love you. If you're traveling across country or across the world, praise Jesus! You get to do God's work to the unreached and forgotten. If you're starting a new job in a new city, praise Jesus! What a great way to find new community. If you're getting married, praise Jesus! He's given you somebody to share life with.


rejoice in the life He has given you because, my friends, it's absolutely, without a doubt, beautiful.



"And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." Colossians 1:17