tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69828167252246873452012-02-16T15:50:24.527-05:00A collection of my musings, ramblings, and thoughts about this life and the Lord.Amandanoreply@blogger.comBlogger1121100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-23195885447365530992012-01-29T21:14:00.001-05:002012-01-29T21:14:13.057-05:00

A week ago I was given an early going away gift from some of my co-workers.  The reason it was early was due to the fact that one of the gift givers was leaving for another job.  Please enjoy the gift and video!  (sorry i tried to directly link those on this blog, but blogger wasn't working) 

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-74231742617473530492012-01-17T21:42:00.000-05:002012-01-17T21:42:02.812-05:00

Pretty soon Texas will be home!  I am super excited about "starting over" in a new place, meeting new people, joining a new church family, connecting with family and old friends....YAY!!!!!  The plan is to me there by the start of May, unless there is a job that opens up beforehand (realistically trying to find a job outta state has proven to be a tad more difficult that I had originally

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-76990415588091722992011-11-30T19:22:00.006-05:002011-11-30T20:37:40.212-05:00

A believe that the Lord orchestrates beautiful things to take place in our life...things that at the moment seem ordinary but oh how He will turn the ordinary moments into life-changing, Jesus-filled, joy moments where we realize that our life will forever be changed. I had one of those moments this past Friday. I was driving around town and ended up meeting with my sweet friend Dawn at Target

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-6034898626604581212011-10-05T18:24:00.004-04:002011-10-05T20:20:32.991-04:00

Simply to the cross I cling. Letting go of all earthly things. I'm clingy to the cross. Mercy's found a way for me, hope is here as I am free. Jesus You are all I need, I'm clinging to the cross. This is the chorus that played over and over as I took a prayer drive this past Sunday all around Morgantown. Prayer drive, you ask? Yes, a prayer drive. I felt led to drive all over

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-23369904015148840582011-07-17T20:16:00.002-04:002011-07-17T20:39:55.724-04:00

Mark 5:1-20 The Healing of the Demon-possessed ManNot cliffnotes, but Amanda notes: Jesus comands evil spirits to come out of a man, they then enter 2,000 pigs and lead the pigs to their death, drowing them in a lake near by. As people witness this miracle, they were afraid and asked Jesus to leave.I have heard a few sermons in my day about these verses but the focus has always been on the

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-62323080917268697362011-05-27T21:55:00.007-04:002011-05-27T22:21:33.525-04:00

well goodness....has it really been almost a WHOLE month since my last post? how does that happen??? Time sure does FLY by, whoa nelly!Work has still been going great! It's always a good sign when you wake up early in the mornings excited for your work day to start. I think the reason that I have mentioned this numerous times is that I never ever thought I would enjoy a "non-ministry" position

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-20075340525523008242011-05-04T19:31:00.005-04:002011-05-04T19:54:15.708-04:00

uhhhhh, so just a lil over a week ago i blogged about tears. seems that my tear ducts are functioning well...too well infact. Today, I started crying at work. yes, at work. Me and my friend Val work in the same department. The two of us plus our supervisor make up our department. The three of us work really well together and have loads of fun. Our supervisor is always telling us how much we

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-28025578527891129732011-04-25T22:25:00.004-04:002011-04-25T23:17:19.740-04:00

i cry. A LOT.Sometimes I find this bothersome. sometimes i find this to be frustrating. other times i find this to be quite special. (i have yet to determine whether this "special" is good or bad)Just in the past few days these are the things that have caused tears to roll down my cheeks:-watching a movie where a father dying of cancer was reunited with his estranged son. Something about seeing

Amandanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-28061106766701443182011-04-15T16:32:00.007-04:002011-04-15T16:37:13.982-04:00

These two are sooooo near and dear to my heart!!!! I can't wait to see them very very soon!!!! Asher & Adam ******************************************************* Adam

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-53406464631985184482011-04-11T21:13:00.003-04:002011-04-11T21:39:51.082-04:00

*having time to reflect on my day during my quiet evenings at home. *downloading then listening to new music. *having random "dates" with friends throughout the week *trips to Texas *learning more about my department at work and taking on new tasks. *The kings heart is in the hands of the Lord. He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases. Proverbs 21:1 *having friends that months go by

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-53917674927652848792011-04-07T01:00:00.001-04:002011-04-07T01:02:20.492-04:00

He is gaining weight....almost 6lbs already. Loved by his parents and BIG brother. Soon to be visited by His Aunt Manda. The lil guy is doing incredibly well and is super duper cute!!!

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-74976652303848194262011-04-06T21:04:00.007-04:002011-04-06T22:10:42.342-04:00

I have been reading "Voices of the Faithful" lately. It's a collection of stories from Christians all over the world. I'm sure many of you own it and have read it. There was a quote that I read several weeks ago that the Lord has been reminding me of lately: "As we prayed God did not bring immediate freedom from pain. Instead, the pain became the path by which He drew near." It later reads: "His

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-23903840571317599712011-04-04T21:43:00.004-04:002011-04-07T01:10:26.121-04:00

I added a weight loss tracker to my blog today....but I feel like that is not a true depiction of what I want to track on this journey the Lord has me on. Yes I want to track my weight loss but I also want to track the state of my heart. (they don't make trackers for that) :) As my heart changes there are bound to be physical changes but the heart changes are what really matter. I desperately

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-49248197211059899062011-04-02T19:14:00.011-04:002011-04-07T00:41:38.488-04:00

This week was a week of things. What fun things, you ask. Welllllll lemme tell ya since u asked so nicely ;) -Monday night with my gal pals Ang and Kristin. There is just something fun about sitting at Panera chatting with these women about life, food, family, hearts, etc. I really look forward to my Mondays with my gal pals. -Thursday night dinner with my dear friends Kristen and Anthony. I just

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-55160978647889618952011-03-30T17:57:00.005-04:002011-03-30T18:23:17.133-04:00

Adam Kristian SorensenWell my new nephew decided to suprise us all and come about 6 weeks early!!! *hey lil guy...your aunt manda can not WAIT to meet u and hold u and love on u!!!!* He is being a champ so far for being so early. My sis is doing well too. What a blessing and answer to prayer that they are doing as well as they are. I will be headed to TX soon to help out and I am super excited

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-88123160883209285652011-03-15T21:21:00.004-04:002011-03-15T21:38:26.673-04:00

-March Madness!!!!!-knowing that i can eat a ton of fruit for ZERO points on weight watchers!-that my nephew Asher pretends to talk to "Manda" on the phone!-that I am headed to Austin at the end of May to meet my new lil niece or nephew! (and to hang with Asher. oh and beck and pete) :)-that my goal chart is getting A LOT of stickers added to it!-I have the privilege and blessing to pray for all

Amandanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-69462659953345363082011-03-07T23:28:00.002-05:002011-03-07T23:39:07.177-05:00

Oh Plan B.....u just sit there and act all powerful. Like u control me or something. Like u r a surprise. Like you are big, bad, and all that and a bag of chips. BUT to the Lord, you my friend, are His Plan A which is perfect!I have been reading Plan B by Pete Wilson now for several weeks. I actually have stopped about half way through and just have been letting the thoughts stir in my lil

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-27653234797794061822011-02-16T22:42:00.003-05:002011-03-07T23:28:06.378-05:00

On a lighter note I just have to brag on this lil guy so more. He just turned two last week...he's a lil man! He's into basketball (taking after his aunt manda & momma) Dr. Suess books, and riding a bike. like a for real bike! he's only TWO! Even though he is far away I consider it a blessing and priviledge to be his Aunt Manda.

Amandanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-64405483630042411322011-02-16T22:02:00.005-05:002011-02-16T23:55:59.969-05:00

"So what do you do with a shattered dream? What do you do with an unmet expectation? What do you do when your life isn't turning out the way you thought life was going to turn out? What do you do when you have to turn to plan B?"I'll tell you what I have been doing.....As a young and hopefully hip 31 1/2 year old my life isn't what I thought it would be. I never dreamed that I would still be

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-91764494203644933252011-02-15T21:54:00.009-05:002011-02-15T22:35:29.215-05:00

Picture it....it was the summer of 1997...I was on the brink of becoming a college freshman, packing up to go to IUP. a fresh start. a new beginning. the first day of the rest of my life. exciting yes, no?!?!?! I had all these amazing ideas. i was gonna meet a lot of fun people and hopefully not only get a bachelors degree but also my mrs. yes, that's right.....my MRS! Cuz that's what happens to

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-7653216537585044722011-02-13T21:11:00.002-05:002011-02-13T21:20:46.142-05:00

so yeah, pity party 2011 went off with a bang....there were tears, angry words, more tears...did i mention the tears...sadly there were no guests, this my friends was a party for one. no decorations, no music. just tears. if i am really really honest, i would say that this party started in the fall of 2010 and has kept going and going and going....u know, i don't wanna be THAT girl. I wanna

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-14995976026677224572011-01-11T23:24:00.002-05:002011-01-11T23:28:26.051-05:00

This is my SUPER cute, adorable, fun, precious, giggly nephew Asher!!!

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-62748481746470352022011-01-11T22:32:00.003-05:002011-01-11T23:15:38.350-05:00

where You go i'll go. where You stay i'll stay. when You move i'll move....i will follow You.These are some lyrics of a Chris Tomlin song that I first heard when I was in the Dominican Republic this past summer. When I first heard it, I noticed the beat. Then I noticed the power in the meaning of such simple words...such simple statements...such simple ideas. It has become one of my favorite

Amandanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-14060093369481857042011-01-02T11:53:00.002-05:002011-01-02T12:08:32.122-05:00

It's amazing to me to see how my blogging trends are indicative of the state of my heart. When all is right in the world of Amanda blogging occurs...a lot. When things in Amanda's world are "off" there is no blogging. My life has been really "off" since coming back from my trip to the DR. I guess you could say that I entered a little depressive state after I had been back for some time and I

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-65346462012004550352010-10-17T22:22:00.002-04:002010-10-17T22:28:57.146-04:00

sighi find myself asking the same questions i remembering asking 10 years ago? will i ever reach a point where i will stop asking? why is it i have such a need to understand why things are the way they are? is it a control thing? if i really knew why, then would i be happy and content with the answer, or would it still not be enough? is this what trust & faith is all about? stop asking the

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-3116589700666136782010-10-14T00:48:00.002-04:002010-10-14T00:52:11.071-04:00

This girl has been gettin' a lot of stickers this week!!!!!I made a goal chart...to keep me motivated, encouraged, on task, and accountable. AND it includes creating the chart and the use of stickers so what could be better then that!?!?!?!?!Some things on my goal chart are:play the guitar againbloghonor the Lord with food choicesno eating outdrink less than 1 soda a dayexercisetime with

Amandanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-48580709902858724222010-09-22T00:06:00.004-04:002010-09-22T00:32:28.432-04:00

Meet my friend Lucy ~I don't think I have shared this story with many people...but I think there is a reason I met this jewel of a lil girl. So here it goes....It was August, 17th roughly 7:30am. I was standing in the first of a few lines in the airport in Santiago, teary eyed and numb. This was the day I left my 3 month journey in the DR. I have shared this next nugget of truth with everyone

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-55817105223254069742010-09-14T00:02:00.005-04:002010-09-14T00:26:55.810-04:00

I LOVE this picture. A sweet girl named Clare, from KY took this of me the week I was in the Batey's helping out with a medical clinic. I was not aware of the camera...I am so glad she took this photo. It gives me chills actually.From my very first trip to the DR (March '09) up to present day (Sept '10) I can't keep track of all the people that have told me what they see in me in my trips to the

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-46880716286631499742010-09-08T22:27:00.003-04:002010-09-08T22:59:06.801-04:00

I have been back in the states for over 3 weeks now. Sure doesn't seem like that is possible. I am having an interesting time of transitioning back to "normal". There have moments where I have hated being in America, or when I am numb to just about every feeling/emotion, and even moments of joy. (ok, to be honest most of the joy has been when I have remembered something that happened when I was

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-75874186590472776492010-08-20T22:33:00.002-04:002010-08-20T22:42:47.674-04:00

*warning* This is me "verbally" processing so I may think differently tomorrow...don't judge, k?I don't want to be here.I need to be here because this is where He has me right now.I don't care about wordly things...it makes me angry when others do.I want soooo desperately to live my life with purpose...intentionality...I want every moment to count for eternity...I don't want to settle for

Amandanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-19556649555174034402010-08-17T23:18:00.002-04:002010-08-17T23:23:15.195-04:00

Thanks for all the prayers for safety as I traveled back to the states. I arrived on time with no glitches with flights so that was good. My dear, sweet friend Jeanette picked me up (it's a lil tradition for her to be the first one to see me once I have returned back to the states from overseas). After an enjoyable dinner with her and car ride home, we stopped off to visit her wonderful hubby

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-73929990159800219452010-08-12T22:55:00.019-04:002010-08-13T00:09:15.898-04:00

A few weeks ago, some friends from Crossroads came down on a week long trip and I joined up with them for another trip to the Batey's to continue the work being done on the Nutrition Center in Batey Cuchillo. Here are some pics from that trip. Enjoy!Every shovel full of dirt is one step closer to kids being fed. How refreshing to see old friends in the DR. New friend, Poton, who I will miss

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-42036017852831167122010-08-10T20:15:00.002-04:002010-08-10T20:27:21.546-04:00

I am having a difficult time understanding exactly what this means for me. I have one more week here in the DR and currently I am bed sick, again, and am unsure what my last week will look like. I thought that finishing strong meant staying strong, working hard, and pushing the most u can push until the end...like in a race...sprinting the last mile. However what I have come to realize that

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-39738704626685246582010-07-20T11:20:00.003-04:002010-07-20T11:27:52.259-04:00

It is 11:20 am on Tuesday, July 20th and this means one thing. I only have 4 more weeks left here in the DR. This place has become home. The people have become family. The staff have become kindred spirits. The culture has gently nudged it's way in my heart permanently. I have a feeling that this means I should get some Kleenex's pronto!It was a lil over a year ago when I began to

Amandanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-52740819872620954902010-07-13T15:49:00.013-04:002010-07-13T16:14:05.865-04:00

This past week I had the joy of going back to the Batey's. This is the place that I have been on my first two trips here, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. I have come to know people there and feel like they are my family. I have been anxiously waiting for the chance to go back since I first arrived in Santiago, but I knew that it would be awhile before I would have the

Amandanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-41758498929440113762010-07-05T09:27:00.002-04:002010-07-05T09:44:50.809-04:00

About a week ago I hit my breaking point. This is a very good thing.I realized a BIG sin issue I had in my life was controlling me and affecting those around me. It was pretty ugly. What's interesting is that it took being wronged for me to realize it. I have always been the type of person that is caring towards others. It kills me to know that I have the power to hurt and tear down. I can

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-36211163905567813292010-07-05T08:40:00.006-04:002010-07-05T09:05:13.778-04:00

This past week I had the privilege of helping out with a basketball camp. I coached 12 boys on the Verde team. I helped lead a rebounding station in the mornings and then coached my team in games in the afternoon. Not only did we try to teach the boys basketball skills but we also taught them about the Lord. I was able to share verses in the Bible that relate to playing sports but more

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-81847441241961824312010-06-19T13:47:00.002-04:002010-06-19T13:59:11.759-04:00

Verdict has been reached...I had a bacterial infection of some sort. Boy am I glad to see the bacteria go away!!! I can't remember a time I was that sick. When it first happened I was soooo frustrated because I am here to serve and being sick takes me away from being able to do that! BUT THEN, I realized something pretty sweet...Last week I had put my back out....that is what doing

Amandanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-90343819522153025702010-06-18T14:06:00.003-04:002010-06-18T14:34:03.797-04:00

Soooooo, our first teams were set to leave on Tuesday, then the rest of that day is getting all the sleeping and eating areas ready for the next round of teams. The day was going as planned and then about 5ish that afternoon things started to go down hill for me...and fast.I was soooo feverish and felt faint/dizzy/fatigued. Left the work site to go take my temp (had to be driven back to the dorm

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-21297467862259344202010-06-12T21:43:00.008-04:002010-06-12T21:59:53.144-04:00

The first teams of the summer arrived here on Tuesday night. It's hard to believe that my first week with teams is almost over! It seems like they just got here today. I'm guessing that the rest of my summer will go just as fast as the past few days. This week we continued to do construction as well as a VBS day in two areas in Santiago. It's always a joy to see children singing and smiling and

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-85824714680478495312010-06-07T13:12:00.008-04:002010-06-07T13:32:28.621-04:00

This pic is one of my favorites that I have ever taken. There is sooooo much unsaid in the faces of the girl and the kids. I see faces like that everyday. There's a story behind every face you come in contact with. As I have continued to look at the pic over and over again, I'm reminded to pray for them. To ask the Lord to do amazing things in this girl's life. To ask Him to protect those

Amandanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-36044812029140993902010-06-02T13:04:00.008-04:002010-06-02T13:18:14.953-04:00

The following pictures are from a feeding center in Los Perez, which is in Santiago. This feeding center has been up and running for only 2 weeks and they already have about 80 kids! This feeding center will provide the kids one meal a day. Praise the Lord for Pastor Nico who is overseeing this area!

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-45863851030060669022010-05-29T07:45:00.006-04:002010-05-29T08:20:33.203-04:00

There have been a few teams that have cancelled/postponed their trip to the D.R. so that means we get to do various projects during the weeks before groups start coming. This week we had the pleasure of helping out with construction on the Central Church. This building is going to be amazing for the ministry once it is completed. I have helped carry block, chisel floors, sand walls, mix concrete,

Amandanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-53268130645757100612010-05-24T20:47:00.008-04:002010-05-24T20:59:24.918-04:00

Haitian community in Santiago. "the Hole" - Community that is essentially a dump. G.O. Ministries has a prescence in this community and there is now a church and feeding center built here. This community needs a lot of prayer! Pray for Pastor Felix who is leading the charge to change lives and hearts through sharing Jesus with the people in the hole as well as meeting their basic needs.Precious

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-50000290821031845882010-05-20T21:42:00.002-04:002010-05-20T21:58:32.408-04:00

yay! my lost suitcase has been found and delivered. (this is WAY quicker then I expected!) AND what that means is I have shampoo and conditioner and bug spray!!! yay!!!! ;)I actually was doing pretty great without it, so the Lord was very gracious in allowing me to have just what I needed. He's pretty good at that! :)Today was kind of a random day...had some time to go for a walk in the

Amandanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-31556018643568247732010-05-19T20:49:00.003-04:002010-05-19T21:01:32.312-04:00

Well after an eventful two days, I have finally made it to the DR! Day one of traveling started off GREAT...got to the airport in the burgh in plenty of time...got to Chic-a-go with plenty of time...THEN enter plane trouble...My flight leaving Chic-a-go to Miami was delayed by over 2 hours....I ran to try to make my flight to Santiago...i could seeeee the plane, but the gate was closed and all i

Amandanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-53886959616125885852010-05-15T21:38:00.004-04:002010-05-15T21:49:15.541-04:00

If ONLY I could use this many suitcases....I have spent the majority of the day packing and unpacking for my trip. I'm EXHAUSTED! I'm usually a pretty good packer, but I have NO IDEA what it is I will need for 3 months overseas......HELP ME!I can't quite grasp what I will need. Plus I have a ton of stuff to take to give away! I imagine what will happen is I will get to the airport and my

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-90210595109541647742010-05-12T17:43:00.003-04:002010-05-12T17:59:11.246-04:00

whoa.....I leave in 6 days! I can't believe it!!! It seems like this journey has been this unreachable desire and now it's finally here! This season of my life has stretched me in so many ways. My faith, trust, patience, flexibility, willingness to go, willingness to surrender...that's a lot of stretching and growing for me! It has been quite a journey, but I have seen the Lord's hand in it

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-33900635873656117772010-05-03T19:57:00.004-04:002010-05-03T20:48:56.521-04:00

Jesus, You're my Great RewardYou are my portion, Lordand while in heaven you plead for medraw my every thought to TheeI love you LordJesus my KingI want to love You moremy Great RewardI have this treasure in a jar of clayAll Your glory on displayI'm a sinnner who was saved by graceYou have made me a dwelling placeYou are all I'm living forI'm moving toward the prizeOne thing I askAnd this I

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-56618918547240111662010-05-02T16:39:00.007-04:002010-05-02T17:02:06.956-04:00

hahahahahahahahahahaha....sooooooo I decided I would host a game night for some friends (we have game nights every now and again) so I could make sure to see them before I leave. So I had fun getting lots of food ready and gearing up to be a hopefully pleasant hostess (which let's be honest, I love hosting things for people) and to my surprise my friends had a lil somethin' somethin' up their

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-25585050883066499842010-04-28T21:37:00.003-04:002010-04-28T21:41:38.745-04:00

I am overwhelmed with the response of all of you who have come alongside me on this AMAZING journey the Lord is taking me on! The many prayers, encouraging words, support, and cheering for me has left me speechless...and we ALL know how I do like to talk!!! Thank you Thank you Thank you for all that you mean to me and how each of you have listened to the Lord and given generously to help me be

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-9599654874053405162010-04-28T00:45:00.002-04:002010-04-28T01:07:40.680-04:00

I will try to keep this short.... (WARNING - I rarely am able to do so even when I try)OK...to summarize, the Lord has just blown me away with His provision. And I'm surprised why? Well not really surprised that He provided, but surprised in the ways He has chosen to provide. I had made the decision to pursue going to the DR for 3 months all the while knowing that I would be risking a lot by

Amandanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-34953304102069244322010-04-13T18:26:00.003-04:002010-04-13T18:34:11.481-04:00

welp, biggest news in my world (sad but true) is I got my wisdom teeth taken out last week. So far the foods that I have been able to enjoy are: AND...... sad....Hoping that one day soon I can sink my remaining teeth in a nice slice of pizza!!!!! More news to come next week...

Amandanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-38628819243667531582010-03-12T22:11:00.002-05:002010-03-12T22:14:15.341-05:00

but a likeable nut. much like:One of my co-workers said that to me awhile back and i was reminded of that today. i kinda like that i am a nut. makes life interesting yes, no?

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-33282663959805442612010-03-11T22:23:00.003-05:002010-03-11T22:40:49.547-05:00

in no particular order...*enjoying my favorite time of year...MARCH MADNESSSSSSSSS baby!!!!!! Let's Goooooo 'EEEEERS!*realized that seasonal depression is really real. for real.*is feeling dizzy. i think it is due to me delaying the extraction of my wisdom teeth. jury's still out on my self diagnosis though.*held lil Logan Gingerich for like 4 hours while he snuggled and cuddled. i love new

Amandanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-23326688888654929492010-02-23T18:56:00.002-05:002010-02-23T18:58:37.866-05:00

wisdom versus faith....big leap versus security...fear versus peace...certaininty versus uncertainty...right versus wrong...what i want versus what i have...what i hope for versus what i have been given...safe versus unsafe...question upon question upon question.

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-56546498159571210572010-02-17T22:52:00.003-05:002010-02-17T22:57:32.434-05:00

I have been asked by my dear dear friends Liz and Nathaniel aka Moonlight and Roses to be the God Mother of their lil nija Toby and I couldn't be more excited. What a blessing!!! When asking my big sis what a God Mother's duties entail this was her response: "Well you give them lil things everytime u see them for no apparent reason." and if i want to be cool like her then I could be considered

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-82693131518243479712010-02-17T22:37:00.007-05:002010-02-17T22:46:11.635-05:00

Some Sweater-Vest ActionDo you think he got any in his belly? C-U-T-E

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-54892330195030802562010-02-17T22:15:00.003-05:002010-02-17T22:27:14.487-05:00

Soooo about this whole earth shattering way that I view food and exercise...This has been a long time coming actually. I believe that for the past year the Lord has been stripping lies and falsehoods from my heart and brain when it comes to how I view food. It's been a struggle to see the truth in the midst of such "logical" falsehoods...things like, you need to look after yourself first. you

Amandanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-15666973240830380302010-02-16T22:54:00.002-05:002010-02-16T22:57:06.686-05:00

i decided to do something completely earth shattering in my life regarding exercise and eating....R U READY?????...R U SURE....it's gonna BLOW YOUR MIND!!!!!!ok, here goes nothing....i have decided to exercise daily......i know, CRAZZZZZZY...and wait, it's about to get absolutley loooooony...I'm gonna eat when I'm hungry and stop when I am satisfied.whew....have u had time to recover yet???i'll

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-2311105597560863422010-02-15T21:03:00.003-05:002010-02-15T21:13:22.899-05:00

*sigh*so the past week or so I have been catching up on my friends lives by reading blog posts, checking out photo albums on facebook, looking at the many status updates, e-mails, etc.etc. There has been a common theme in my response...*sigh*my response has been disappointment and frustration and a lot of sadness. it stinks that my heart is soooo wicked and it stinks that i have thoughts and

Amandanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-45669481014522861222010-02-15T00:02:00.002-05:002010-02-15T00:05:02.367-05:00

I couldn't resist....AsherI know i am a lil biased, but seriously people....u just don't get any cuter than this!

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-57176401095189149312010-02-14T22:35:00.002-05:002010-02-14T22:43:22.025-05:00

whoa nelly....i haven't blogged since september. where have i been from the world of blogging?? I don't even know if I know the answer to that question. Welp, here some tidbits about yours truly that should catch you up to speed.*started a new j-o-b. I laugh A LOT when I am there, so that makes the days pretty enjoyable. I actually have been really blessed with the position I have and have

Amandanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-72952634673106725232009-09-06T21:24:00.004-04:002009-09-06T21:39:11.553-04:00

welp, i finally finished my application for the internship to the Dominican. AND i sent it in!!!!!! Time will tell...I should hear from them in another week or two for an interview. THEN I'll just wait and see what the Lord has in store. It's funny...everyone keeps telling me that I am in such a fun, exciting place. that I have my WHOLE life in front of me. that they are soooo excited to see what

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-48091452267589755292009-08-15T13:18:00.002-04:002009-08-15T13:22:47.851-04:00

OK, the moment i have been waiting for has come and I'm frieking out a lil....hence the title of this post. :)I just got the internship application for G.O. Ministries....that mean i have to fill it out....that means I have to pursue this path....that means i have to take a step into the unknown....that means i have to take this grip i have on my life off....that means i have to surrender....

Amandanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-52945675800284603642009-08-07T19:23:00.004-04:002009-08-07T19:34:32.417-04:00

who puts together the items you order from an online purchase?Well folks, I no longer wonder who together the orders from AACE International 's online orders...cuzzzzz it's me!yesssss, it's true...I am a customer service representative for AACE International. I package things, UPS things, put cd cases together, print labels, sorth the mail, answer the phone, and route the incoming calls, and

Amandanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-88438924609350398142009-07-31T16:28:00.002-04:002009-07-31T16:44:40.292-04:00

Never once did I picture my life to be what it has indeed ended up being. Everything to who I am, where I live, who has passed on from their time on earth, to my current lifestage...if you would have asked me 10 years ago I'm sure the picture I would have painted for myself would look nothing like what it has ended up being. This is a good thing and a bad thing.The past 4 months of my life have

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-7208309245919302222009-07-23T15:07:00.002-04:002009-07-23T15:49:42.248-04:00

So I'm driving down I68 last Saturday evening, after a FANTASTIC visit with some ol' college gal pals that I hadn't see in years. Like most of my roadtrips, I am jammin' to some tunes in my ghetto cruiser thinking about life, the Lord, u know...typical things u think about when on a mini road trip. At some point in my trip I talk to my friend Liz on the phone and she preceeds to tell me that

Amandanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-54762262173502082972009-07-13T16:41:00.002-04:002009-07-13T16:50:11.439-04:00

Well, it's been a few days since the job search officially began. It started off GREAT considering that I haven't had to do a resume since 1999. And that resume was designed specifically to apply for teaching positions. Ummm, yeah, so needless to say I had to get movin' on my resume and get movin FAST! Thanks to the handy dandy work of my big sis, my resume was completed last week and I have

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-79285560855679741482009-07-07T14:57:00.004-04:002009-07-07T15:20:31.134-04:00

WHOA NELLY! The past 2 weeks have been CRAZY! Here are some snipits:1. I am leaving my position with Chestnut Mountain Ranch to pursue overseas missions. I am applying to do an internship next summer with G.O. Ministries in the Dominican Republic. If I get accepted I will then spend 3 months with the hope of seeing whether or not the Lord is calling me to fulltime missions there. WHAT?!?!?! yeah.

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-14887406113401478852009-06-30T09:54:00.004-04:002009-06-30T10:18:47.807-04:00

It's funny to think back a few months ago at an event that has changed my life in a drastic way. And what I am about to tell u may seem silly, but it is really the reason that things in my life have been changing.picture it: I am in the Dominican on a mission trip. We are at the construction site of the feeding center we went over to build and we were told that there were some baptisms happening

Amandanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-60145703087931726512009-06-23T15:55:00.004-04:002009-06-23T16:11:43.413-04:00

the perfect storm nov. 24, 2004 was the beginning of 3 very hard years in the life of amanda. what began with the loss of a mother, turned into a time in my life where loss was a popular theme. It also began a faith journey like none other for me. I began to ask the Lord tough questions that I have yet to find answers to. let's say that my perfect storm was not enjoyable and i never wanted to

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-45409677098968083502009-06-10T16:33:00.006-04:002009-06-10T16:51:24.173-04:00

whew...lots and lots going on lately. Where shall I start? I guess at the 1/2 marathon. and NO WAY am I talking about myself, just so ya know! Last weekend I got to be at the finish line while my friend Jeanette completed her first 1/2 marathon! It was soooooo exciting! Here is a pic of her crossing the finish line like a CHAMP:I am sooooooooo PROUD of her. She set a goal to do something she had

Amandanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-49947170032601207622009-06-02T13:12:00.003-04:002009-06-02T13:15:48.852-04:00

Here are some of the latest pics of my nephew Asher!This is my ABSOLUTE favorite. He is soooooo stinkin cute, I can hardly stand it!I think this MUST be the reaction he has EVERYTIME his mommy and daddy mention his Aunt Amanda. I mean, who doesn't have that reaction when I am mentioned?!?! HAHAHA!

Amandanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-5200061145429781492009-05-26T16:16:00.001-04:002009-05-26T16:17:48.805-04:00

Oh yeah...and guess who has lost 17 pounds? yeppppppp....ME (with the Lord's help of course! Couldn't do it without Him!!)

Amandanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-5930178033579760822009-05-26T13:48:00.002-04:002009-05-26T14:04:50.767-04:00

ok...sooooooo I have been going to Crossroads Church now for a lil over a year. I have found fellowship there, have had my heart increased for missions there, and have found solid biblical teaching there. It has been such a blessing to be a small part of that church family, but recently it has been hard. The church just purchased a moved into a new church building. The previous church that

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-69821706083370141992009-05-19T14:30:00.003-04:002009-05-19T14:55:13.769-04:00

May 10, was Mother's Day. Mother's Day has become a weird day for me...I noticed it this year more than I have before. It's a sad day for me due to not having a mother to celebrate of my own anymore, but a happy day because of all the mother's that I know. This year in particular was the first Mother's Day for a lot of my friends and my sister. The very first of many that they will have...So

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-26854099252889758052009-05-18T15:56:00.002-04:002009-05-18T16:16:10.545-04:00

Whew! After about a week of what I say is the SWINE flu, others may argue that, I am on the road to recovery, thankgoodness!!! It all started last Tuesday evening, shall we go there? I think we shall.Tues - woke up with a scratchy throat and sneezing like nobody's business. (sneezzing is a sign that something is to come for me) sooooo I was, so I thought, fully prepared to take on whatever

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-61466177444282512852009-05-08T14:12:00.003-04:002009-05-08T14:26:08.954-04:00

NOOOO, not in the violent way...in the rain, sleet, snow kinda way!OK....so not that I am complaining cuz I understand that there needs to be rain, BUT why oh WHY does it need to rain every day that I am training for my 5k?????? It seems as if everyday that I venture out to train is a battle. Whether it's the track that isn't usable, or it raining cats, dogs, elephants, and every other large

Amandanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-31571395317125541902009-05-03T23:28:00.002-04:002009-05-03T23:37:58.018-04:00

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. --Hebrews 4:12-13 I have been reminded time and time again

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-1667134430161636252009-05-03T22:51:00.007-04:002009-05-03T23:18:35.542-04:00

It has just been one of those weeks.*finished my second full week of training for my 5k and still haven't died. yAy!!*lost another 5 pounds for a GRAND TOTAL of 11 in two short weeks!! Looking forward to tomorrow's weigh-in!*was able to "be there" for a friend in need.*had a productive and enjoyable week at the Ranch.*and realized more and more just how important this time in my life is: this

Amandanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-4061392656261023952009-04-25T23:48:00.002-04:002009-04-26T00:01:30.786-04:00

I've been reflecting the past few days about my life. There seems to be one major theme that I have seen throughout...if you would have asked me 12 years ago what I thought my life would be like, my ideas and what has actually happened would not match.I always thought that I would go to college, get a MRS and graduate, get a job as a teacher then have kids, be a stay at home mom, and the rest

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-38982670565850672912009-04-23T22:20:00.004-04:002009-04-23T23:10:56.466-04:00

So this week was the "official" start of my 5K training. Monday I was on the track while it was raining cats & dogs & ELEPHANTS not to mention hurricane force winds and chilly temperatures! BUT I went...I may have been soaking wet with mascara running down my cheeks, not moving faster than a turtle, but i WENT! I could have very easily used the elements as an excuse to not go, but I just kept

Amandanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-41274900901671663682009-04-12T23:32:00.010-04:002009-04-13T00:05:02.620-04:00

As a single gal I have found that roadtrips are happening more often in my life and have provided an immense amount of refreshment for me. I find that those are times when I can just escape from the busyness of life, reflect on what the Lord is teaching me, pray, and of course sing and dance. This past weekend's trip was no different. Thanks to the music of Eric Hutchinson, Laura Story, Kelly

Amandanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-50776541809317828392009-04-09T00:42:00.007-04:002009-04-09T01:21:44.988-04:00

Just got back from my trip to Austin.... :( I miss my nephew already! HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?!?!?!? What a fun visit it turned out to be! My sis and her hubby live in Austin and just had their first child, Asher Henry Sorensen, on February 4th. This was my first trip ever to Texas and my first chance to hold lil Asher in my arms. To say it was a joy is not saying enough! Although I wished that I

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-9197287000643051862009-04-03T19:40:00.005-04:002009-04-03T19:50:46.325-04:00

I'm here in Texas visiting Peter, Becky, & Asher! It has been a good time! I can't believe that I have actually been able to hold the guy in my arms!!He is very precious! I'm just thrilled that I have been able to come and visit and help out. I got to spend the whole morning with him while Peter worked and Becky went for a massage! (They might just ask me to come visit more often! he he he!!) I'm

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-38779759434780977482009-03-31T19:44:00.005-04:002009-03-31T19:55:14.931-04:00

It all started with a conversation I had with my friend Bethan. See, she is a machine. And she was trying to convince me to start training to a run a race with her. After much laughter from yours truly, I got to thinking...why not? So I made her a deal that in 2 years I would run a 10K with her. (She is headed to Guatemala with the peace corps for 2 years) I figured that I have a TON of weight to

Amandanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-80077461042442883252009-03-30T23:51:00.006-04:002009-03-31T00:25:29.728-04:00

A pic from my recent trip to the DRI had the privilege of going to the Dominican Republic for one week, and let me tell ya, it has changed me! How does 7 days leave such an impact on one's life and heart? Since being back, I have had a lot of time to pray, reflect, and read God's Word and I sit here amazed that He allowed me to have the blessing of going. I'm a little nervous about what He is

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-41629810361576919822009-03-30T14:21:00.002-04:002009-03-30T14:24:50.461-04:00

Been doing a lot of thinking lately. Feel like I have entered a "reflective" season here recently...It's kinda weird...I feel like I haven't been my obnoxious self! Wonder how many people appreciate these seasons?!?!?! ha! It started before the trip to the DR, but intensified when I was there...it's often like I enter my own little "world" in my head...SCARY!!!! :) Although sometimes I appreciate

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-1586927328415035332009-03-26T21:18:00.002-04:002009-03-26T21:21:08.781-04:00

Wow...sooo I have had lots of requests for a new note/blog since returning from the DR...ya'll that makes me feel soooo special! But I think you are just being nice cuz you know that there was one coming whether you requested it or not! ha! hey, it's who God made me to be...I can't keep inside what He is teaching me, showing me, etc. sooo, here weeeeeeeee go.... (remember that a lot of you asked

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-24340558007363327622009-02-17T12:20:00.002-05:002009-02-17T14:47:31.338-05:00

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." - Luke 9:23"And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." - Luke 14:27WoW!!!! Those are some SERIOUS words of truth! In fact sooo serious that they scare the living daylights outta me! Do you people know what those verses really mean??? Do I know what those verses

Amandanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-8399426201629565492009-02-05T13:34:00.003-05:002009-02-05T14:42:26.070-05:00

Well folks the past few months have been full of fun, change, joy, growth, & stress... Instead of me typing my typical 300 paragraph long blog I will just give u snipits of my life. r u ready? here weeeeeee goooooooo~I went to visit my dear friend Jill in Wisconsin over Turkey Day! It had been 2 1/2 years since we had seen each other so it was a much needed visit! It was great meeting her

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-37676163084884947682008-11-26T14:20:00.001-05:002008-11-26T14:21:57.139-05:00

"Obama supporters now left with a void." was the title of an article I came across online in the past week or so. I just glanced over it but haven't been able to stop thinking about it....Just so you know this is not a political blog...although I guess I should say that I did not vote for the elected president....but wait...i said this wasn't a political blog...This title struck my heart in a

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-25788783039343265762008-11-26T14:18:00.001-05:002008-11-26T14:19:37.855-05:00

OK....for a verbal processor who LOVES this whole Blogging concept I am ashamed that I have waited this long to blog! ASHAMED!!!! (head hanging very low) *sigh* Like any of you are sighing!! No one read my ramblings anyway...well maybe a few people do. ANYWAY...Let's get caught up on the wonderfully boring life of me, shall we?? In August, I went home to PA for a week. Ended up being a hard trip,

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-15743596402611283552008-07-22T14:53:00.001-04:002008-07-22T14:55:28.720-04:00

I'm such a sucker for a romantic comedy! When I saw the previews for the movie 27 Dresses without hesitation I knew that I would LOVE it! (I know...gag me....i'm such a girl!!!!) It had a hottie for the guy who played the LOVE interest and it just looked funny. The movie is about a woman who NEVER gets the guy and watches ALL her gal pals around her tie the knot, and has been in 27 weddings hence

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-76145646509823171662008-07-06T21:12:00.001-04:002008-07-06T21:14:03.179-04:00

Sooo, do whatever you need to do to get comfy cuz I fear this is gonna be a long one!!! (Hey, atleast I warned you from the start!) Ummmm, where to begin, where to begin? OK...so The past few weeks started off HORRIFIC! For those that don't know me all that well, I have FOREVER struggled with my self-esteem/self image, whatever ya wanna call it, and this has been reflected in every area of my

Amandanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-3426023044563972552008-07-02T16:02:00.001-04:002008-07-02T16:03:46.549-04:00

ok...so it has been a little bit since my last "blog/note"...what exactly do u call it since it is called 18 different things on 18 different pages of 18 different ways of keeping in contact with people on the net. (so u sense my frustration in the amount of pages a person needs to keep in order to please everyone they know!! I could spend 24/7 just updating pages that I have...booo for the

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-71715080765853362922008-07-02T16:00:00.000-04:002008-07-02T16:01:30.517-04:00

Well, some of you have been asking for details about what I did while I was in Ghana. Goodness, if I started typing all that I did, story after story would flow onto this blog and you would be very overwhelmed. Sooooo, I decided to just give ya'll some highlights to keep it easy reading but also give you a taste of what I did. Here ya go:* I worked at an orphanage (Rafiki Village) as a teacher

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-69415290834636130462008-07-02T15:59:00.001-04:002008-07-02T16:00:29.681-04:00

Death and loss - those 2 words have been a HUGE part of my life for the past 4 1/2 years. Those 2 words are a part of Ghanian culture daily. One of the key things that the Lord revealed to me when I was in Ghana was this: these people have NOTHING, yet they live like they have EVERYTHING because of whose they are. I can't begin to tell you how many people's stories I heard that death and loss

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982816725224687345.post-11332124308963876102008-04-11T11:27:00.000-04:002008-04-11T11:28:32.681-04:00

WoW!!!! *insert picture of me here making that word with my mouth, with really wide eyes!* (Did you picture it?? Did you?? It is pretty funny!) I leave for Ghana, West Africa a week from today! I can't BELIEVE it!?!?!?! I am sooooo excited and soooooo nervous! It's a combination of feelings that I have never quite experienced before. Hold me.I have been corresponding with the staff over

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0