Love is Patient...

Today is a day that many people will always remember. Three years ago, tragedy struck as we all heard the news of an accident that would forever change our lives. I remember exactly where I was and how I felt when I heard what was going on. I remember my heart racing and that sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach. I remember trying to find words to speak as I quickly realized the lives of beautiful families and so many friends were changing right before my eyes and there was nothing we could do. Today as I remember these things along with many others; things that are sad and unfair, I am also feeled with a joy that took me these three years to discover.

Today as I remember my friend all I can do is smile. Emily was the most beautiful person inside and out. Growing up with her was like watching something amazing unfold right before your eyes. She was the girl who always had something funny to say; she made you laugh with a true joy that filled rooms. Her heart was big and she had no problems being the friend that anyone needed. I remember as a young girl looking at her and wishing I could be more like her. She was the girl with the perfect hair and the trendiest clothes; the girl other girls looked at and felt compelled to be a better version of themselves. I learned the value of friendship through Emily. I learned that growing up is about something more than getting older. The way Emily loved will always be with me. Her joy for life and love for those she cared most for will always be the way I remember her.

The anniversary of that day and the days that followed will come every year and for those who loved her and Justin, it will always be a reminder of the tears and hurt we all felt. But I'm beginning to realize what a sweet memory it has left in my heart. I am so blessed to have spent those years with Emily. She really was a precious person and I believe that God knew that better than any of us. Emily was always the leader, the one who always got the cutest boys and had the best grades. She always came out ahead of everyone else in all aspects of life. And yet here she is again..meeting the Lord before any of us. All I can do is laugh to myself knowing that she beat us again. Emily was fearless and free and her life is a testament to what life is supposed to be like.

I have been a church girl my whole life and I have heard that "Love is patient" ever since I was young. But Emily made that real in so many peoples' lives. Over the past few years, I have learned along side her family and her beautiful friends that love is patient. This life in this world is so hard sometimes. Sometimes I don't feel like loving, but Emily's faithfulness to sharing her love with others has shown me what love really means. No matter what happens in this life, through good times and bad times, we are called to love others. Love requires patience even when life is difficult.

 Emily and Justin will always be remembered. Those who loved them will never forget them and the love they left behind. They will always be beautiful together and forever young and for that small detail, I will be thankful. I'm a better person today because of the legacy Emily left behind and because of the friend she was to me and so many others. Thanks Em for being you, always :)

Bonita..

I have realized since coming home from my recent trip to Colombia that nothing in this world makes me happier than wrapping my arms around a child who has never felt loved before. The mere experience of lifting a child into my lap and passionately loving that child for the small five minutes in my life means everything to me. On my trip I held a lot of children, kissed many foreheads and made a lot of funny faces. In the midst of the opportunities God set before me, I quickly realized that I would give up everything I knew and loved just to hold a precious child of God; just to see a smile that only the love of Jesus could possess.

One day my team was at a preschool in Bogota doing a VBS with the children there. During craft time I spotted a little girl in the back corner all by herself. I quickly made my way to where she was sitting and sat next to her. I hardly know any spanish but I knew one word that I felt she needed to hear. I smiled at her and simply said "Bonita." Instantly a huge smile swept across her face and I just hugged her. My teammate Adrianna was near by and I asked her to ask the girl if she would like to take a picture. The little girl smiled and my heart was overwhelemed with joy immediately. I continued to sit next to her until it was time to go. We both sat, unable to communicate but silently enjoying the presence of God's timing and love which had no language barrier. Later, Adrianna told me that she had tried talking to the little girl but was unable to crack a single smile. I looked back at the little girl as we left and was filled with thankfulness. I was thankful for her life. I was thankful that God opened my eyes to a little girl who needed to know she was beautiful in God's eyes. I was so thankful for the blessing she immediately became in my life that morning. My heart was bursting with gratitude and happiness.

God did so many amazing things in Colombia that week. I will never forget the people I encountered. I will never forget the moment when I looked around and my heart broke for Colombia. I will never forget my team of joyful, passionate prayer warriors; people I know without a doubt in my mind were meant to be on that trip. I will never forget their stories and their faithfulness to tell their stories. In one week I learned that God gives each one of us a story and it's up to us to deicide whether to hide our stories or to shout them from the mountian tops. We are not called to be ashamed of our experiences in life but to use them to glorify the Lord; to use them to help someone else in the battle called life.

Colombia left a footprint on my heart; one that will always be there. Everytime I begin preparing for one of my trips, I wonder how I will squeeze anymore countries; anymore beautiful people into my heart. I recently realized that every time I'm called somewhere new God just makes my heart a little bit bigger. There will always be room in my heart for just one more child God chooses to place in my life. There will always be room for one more country that needs the hope and love of my Jesus.