I found this picture last night while looking at memories at my Aunts house. This picture was taken maybe ten minutes before Dan proposed to me and I had no idea it was coming.
As I look at this picture, many thoughts run through my mind.
First I look at both of US.
We were both serving in the military and lived in a beautiful house in Texas with our pet pig Maxwell. We had amazing friends in our neighborhood and in our military life. We were planning to move to Hawaii that summer while Dan continued to serve in the Army and I attended college. Even though I didn’t know it yet, we were already planning to spend our lives together. It was a great feeling to be loved and we thought we had forever together.
Then I look at Myself.
I look at myself and reflect back on who I was then. I liked the way my life was. I didn’t struggle with purpose or feeling lost. I didn’t struggle with self worth. I felt comfortable in my own skin; in fact I was in the best shape around this time. I was proud of who I was and that I was serving in the US Army. I loved my friends and Army family and was excited to move to Hawaii, to be the wife of Dan and didn’t worry about what the future brought because everything was working out the way I planned and wanted.
It’s so crazy that in this moment, I had no idea that my life was going to flip upside down in only a few months. I had no idea that I would have to plan for a different future and figure out my new purpose.
Since then, so much has happened and so much has changed.
To be honest, there have been many bad days. Many days of feeling completely lost and trying to figure out what the heck I was supposed to do now. I spent many days lying helplessly on the floor, wishing I could just go back to my old life and old self. I spent the last couple years trying to become myself again and trying to figure out who I was now.
I finally realized I will never be that same girl anymore and that is OK. I’ve been through a crappy situation (to say lightly) but I am stronger and a better person for it now. (Thank you Jesus)
Even though there were lots of tough times, these past years have been full of adventure, new opportunities, excitement, new friendships and new kinds of happiness that has all led to me to where I am today.
I have gone on a few different road trips with my sisters and friends enjoying places like Colorado, The Grand Canyon, Vegas, LA, San Diego, Nashville and New Orleans.
I lived in Hawaii for 6 months, lived in Austin Texas for a year with my sister and 2 other friends and had a blast.
I went to Alaska and Hollywood with TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) and had the most incredible and unforgettable time on both trips.
I moved back home in 2016 and have been able to really enjoy my family and friends.
My family and I, including cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents, have gotten so much closer and love spending time together.
I have made the best of new friends over the last year and have found true joy in spending time with them.
My faith community expanded and I really love my church and the people apart of my Christian family.
Over the past few years I have been surrounded by such wonderful people who have supported me, encouraged me, guided me, lifted me up, stood by my side, listened to me and loved me. I am so thankful for everyone God has put in my life! I cannot Thank you ALL Enough!
All this being said, I have realized…
GOD HAD A BIGGER, GREATER AND DIFFERENT PLAN FOR ME!
Jeremiah 29:11 (ERV) 11 I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future.
The greatest part of this all is that my faith has become much stronger and my relationship with God is deeper than ever. Since everything happened, I grew closer to God rather than run away from Him. I have been on a journey of finding my identity through Christ and he has filled my heart more than anything else could ever do. He has shown me the Light through the Darkness! I have decided to put my trust in Him for my future and anything else that comes my way.
He has given me the desire to want to see the world and experience other cultures. He has put the passion in my heart to serve others and to share the love of Jesus.
If you know me, you know I have been a bit all over the place in the past few years. But you know what? I am finally realizing that IT’S TOTALLY OK.
It is all-apart of God’s story for me and how He has brought everything together and led me to THE WORLD RACE!!
I feel like a weight has been lifted. I am so at peace by the decision to go on the race. To go and travel to 11 different countries for 11 months! I just want to Dance around forever! I was lost but now I am found and I am exactly where I need to be.
God’s timing is perfect. It’s totally unexpected and not always what we have in mind but He has a plan. You just have to be willing to go for the ride and trust Him that everything will work out for the Good.
WORLD RACE 2018…I AM READY FOR YOU 
Thank you all for reading my post and thank you so much for your ongoing support!
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Love you all!
Yours truly,
Kristen xoxo
