This past week was full of amazing moments that made me so grateful. I had moments that reminded me of the past, those that made me so glad to be on the path that I am, and those that shocked me “oh yeah I am going to be traveling to 11 countries in 11 months”. So for my 1st official blog post (I don’t really count the Support Letter)…oh yeah you should check that out too. I thought I would share my top 11 moments from this past week. They made smile and made me cry.
- Guardian Angel
On Monday 12/16 I went over to my grandparents (Mom & Poppy) after work. We enjoyed dinner and glass of wine together, and then I got to sit down with my grandmothers rolodex (pretty sure it is older than me) to get address for my support letters. I love the time that I get to spend with them.
That night I left with more than the address; I also was given something that was mine to begin with, but my grandmother has been holding on to. A little guardian angel figurine with the phone numbers to my aunt and my grandparents on the bottom. This was given to me by my Aunt Sissy when I was very young so that I would always know how to get a hold of someone. Lets just say that there were times when I was not in the best situations. This guardian angle brought tears to my eyes when I thought back to how things were and how much things have changed.
- Anniversary
On Tuesday 12/17/1991 at the age of four my life was turned upside down. Although I do at times question this day I know that it is all a part of God’s plan. This was the day that my mom past away. Every year when this day rolls around I think about all the things I did not get to share with her and all the things to come and the big question, would she be proud of me. This year I had work to help keep my mind busy and was able to enjoy time with my family as my younger cousins performed in a Christmas chorus concert. I do not have my mom to share these moments with but I do have an amazing family that remind me that I have so much to be thankful for.
- Support Letter
On Thursday 12/19 I completed and mailed out my support letters that I included in my Christmas cards. I was so excited to really start getting the word out about the World Race and the adventure that I am taking off on. This was a big step in my preparation for the journey to come.
4. 1st Blog Post
On Friday 12/20 I posted my support letter as my first blog. It was not very original to do this but by than sharing the post on Facebook it really was step in the right direction. I had many friends and family members also share the post. I was so excited when I saw that in less than 24 hours more than 300 people had viewed my letter. What an amazing thing!
5. Working on Saturday
I do not normally work on Saturdays, but this past Saturday was different. Because Christmas is in the middle of the week my work schedule was going to be a little crazy on Monday and Tuesday. I decided to come in on Saturday for a couple of hours to make sure that I was ahead of the game and to hold off on some stressful moments. One Monday I was to have over 900 pieces of mail prepared for mailing and sent off. I use a machine that does most of the work, it folds the paper, inserts it into an envelope and seals. It takes care of most of the work for me. Well God showed me why he wanted me to come to the office on Saturday. With about 300 pieces of mail left to run through the machine, it stopped working…if this was have happened on Monday I would have been probably a complete mess. I ended up taking home the information and hand folding, stuffing and sealing the pieces of mail during some free time.
(Sunday was an AMAZING day)
- Baptism
On Sunday 12/22/13 I was baptized. Although I had accepted the God into my life some time ago I had not been baptized. I do not count the time when I was 13, at that point in my life I did it because my friends were. At this point in my life it was conscious decision that I made. I was so glad that I was able to share this day with many of my family members. My grandparents even gave me a beautiful angel ornament that had the date engraved on it.
- First Row
For the first time in years both my dad and brother joined me at church. I was so touched that they both were there to share in the day with me and to support the decision I had made. So there they sat right in the front row.
- Peanut Brittle
My mom use to make peanut brittle every Christmas to give out as a gift; and I have heard it was very good. I was told about this tradition a few years ago and I decided that I was going to carry on with this tradition (I like tradition). I joined my aunt and cousin for an afternoon of baking. Lets just say that some things turned out better than others, but I could not think of a better way to spend my time.
- Music Player
Have you ever seen something and it automatically took you back in time? That happened to me on Sunday. My aunt was clearing off the kitchen island and there it was the spinning music player that I use to play over and over again. Like a crazy person I pointed and said “Where did you get that”. My aunt was a little taken back and was like “Do you remember this”? She went on to tell me that my little cousins had found this player in bottom of a dresser draw just a few days earlier. After talking about it and even calling up my grandmother to ask about it we came to the conclusion that it was my mom’s. We have no idea how long it has been hiding away in the drawer. I felt like it was my mom’s way of showing that she is always with me. God has placed me on an amazing path and I have the best guardian angel.
- Adult Table
So lets be honest I tend to sit at the kids table when we have family dinners. Sunday though all the kids were at the kitchen island and there was not a spot for me so I sat down at the adult table. A few jokes were made and I went right along with. “It took me so long to get there” lol. Then the youngest said “Addie I want you to sit next to me”, it is so hard to say no to them some times. I told her I was eating at the table tonight. Can you guess what happened next? Two of my little cousins came and sat at the table; one on each side of me. So much for the adult table.
- Family Time
This past week I have had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with my family. I thought about all the support that they have provided to me through out the years and how just being in the same room with them makes my day better. They have all been apart of shaping me into the person I am today. As I prepare for the World Race knowing that I will not have this type of interaction with them for 11 months kind of scares me, but I know that this is God’s path for me and the time that I am not with my family is for the best.
I am always reminded of the past, but live in the present and excite for what the future holds.
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I also ask that you prayerful consider helping me reach my goal through financial support. The World Race requires each “racer” to raise funds that cover ALL expenses like travel, food, lodging, and insurance for the 11 months. In order to leave fully funded by September 2014, I will need $16,000. As I take this leap of faith in trusting the Lord for His calling on my life, would you please prayerfully consider joining me by donating $100 or another amount? All donations made to AIM are tax deductible. You can make a donation by choosing the Support Me button at the top of the page.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog as well as your continued support and prayers; it truly means a lot to me.
God Bless
Ada
*Remember to check out the About Me section. I provided some fun facts about myself and you can read how those in my life describe me.
