Only 12 Months

So... I miss it.

It has been nearly a year since I last stepped foot on the tropical, beautiful and relaxing island. Oh do I miss it, but you see it's not the island I miss, it's the people. 100% the people.

As much as I enjoy the heat, humid and sticky air, :) the smiling faces, the joy, the eagerness to learn and the children is what I miss so incredibly much.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then one smile on their faces has to be worth a million. The people of the Dominican are unlike any I have known, so much unlike Americans in every way possible. As crazy as I may sound, I want to go back so much! I just feel this intense calling to go, and it is pulling my heart in such a strong way it's impossible for me not to know where he wants me. It's like a billboard sign right in front of my face, screaming... LAUREN, BE A MISSIONARY! I can't ignore it! I can't deny it, I can only pray and trust that Christ will provide for me to go, and to be truly His hands and His feet. I will mess up sometimes, that is a given. I won't always know what to do, I know that. But with Christ, I can do it.

12 Months! Nearly 12 months ago this all happened. Now I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to be doing 12 months from now. I can honestly say that right now, I have no idea. I'm not sure where I'll be, what I'll be doing or whom I'll be with, but I pray that it's God's will and that, by the grace of God, I have the courage and the strength to follow.

Summer Updates

SCHOOL:
So an update from the year... School went well, I did a lot better in college my second semester, as I ended up getting straight As! I hung out mainly with my besties, Nichole, Anita, Liz, Alecia, Michelle, Erin, Angela, Sadie, Hannah and so many others, but I made quite a few new friends as well! I am so happy school is done though, it was so much work to have a huge math assignment every night. The next time I take math won't be til at least 2011!



PROM:
I just went to prom on May 22nd and might I say, AMAZING! I had an absolute blast with all my friends. I really think next year you should come to Catholic Prom! :)




WORK:
Guess what? I got a job! I'm a hostess at Applebee's in Rogers! I really need the money if I ever want to go back to the Dominican, so right now I'm trying to save all my money and only spend cash on things I need, like gas for my car. I am also trying to get some more babysitting jobs since I'm not really making that much at work. Hopefully things will all work out.

SUMMER:
Not doing too much but working and saving. I can't wait for my friends little boy to finally arrive! I am excited to start school in August, where I will be taking World History, American Government and Politics, Public Speaking and Relationships, Marriage and Family! Woah!