Amarillo, TX

I lived here until I was 15 years old. Then we moved to Midland and I lived there for about 6-7 years.  I then moved to Nashville, TN for YWAM (Youth With A Mission). After I graduated from that, I moved back to Amarillo with my parents. When I came back, I didn't want to stay here. At all.  I told God I was moving and I hated it here, I told Him there weren't any "Christians" here, I already lived here once and I don't want to again.  I told God a lot of negative things.  I had gotten accepted into Belmont University in Nashville, I had a home situation worked out and a job.  It all seemed perfect.  BUT, deep down,  I didn't have peace.  I had just gotten out of a long relationship, I didn't have any friends here, and I moved back in with my parents after living on my own for almost 3 years.  It was a very hard and painful transition.  I felt like an orphan wandering around and hoping God would hear my cry.

He did.

While I was visiting Midland for a while I was telling a guy named Brian to pray for friends.  He said, "in two weeks you will meet people that will change your life. Forever."  What did I think when he said that? I thought he was crazy and weird. Well, guess what happened?

God brought me friends. The best.

Here are a few of them:

Kathryn. She is a jewel.  She challanges my walk with the Lord and helps me draw closer to Him.  She has a beautiful singing voice and her faith can move mountains.  Kat and I could talk for hours and watch movies and have the best time.  We have so much fun together no matter what we do.

I have made so many friends since being here.  I would list all of them because each person that I have met here, has impacted my life in a huge way (I just need more pictures!). For that, I am so thankful.  God heard my broken heart and blew me away with blessings.  I am never alone, I'm always laughing, I'm always being taken care of, I am always being loved on.  It's such an amazing feeling to have supporters all over the world.  My family in Midland will always be a part of my heart, same with the people I met in YWAM, and now my new Amarillo family. My parents have believed in me this whole process and to hear them say how proud they are of me, means more than anyone could ever understand. The church I have attended has been a huge support system.  They have come to all of my fundraisers, poured out their hearts, prayed over me, supported me financially, I mean, I couldn't ask for a better community.  Yes, I'm terrified of losing it when I come back. BUT, God hears me when I talk to him. He knows my heart and what it needs. He loves me and will ALWAYS take care of me.  I am learning what abandonment means. I asked the Lord to slowly and gently bring this process up to surface, and He's done a great job ;).

I leave in about 2 weeks! I start on my 22nd birthday, which is so significant in my life. It's pretty much the best birthday present ever.  Doesn't God give the best presents? 

Merry Christmas!