Some Shout-Outs

Hello there! I just wanted to make some shout-outs to all of my friends and family who have been so supportive of me! Without you guys I would not be where I am today, and probably wouldn't have the opportunities that I have now and the opportunities that are yet to come! So...here are some shout-outs. Let me know if I missed you (I apologize in advance if I do)!

Mom- Thank you so much for being the strong woman that you are. God has thrown so much at you, but never more than you can handle, and you've taken it and dealt with it with so much strength and determination. I don't think that I could have handled it the way that you have. I love you so much, and without you I would not be the woman that I am today. You have always been there for me and I don't think I'll ever be able to thank you enough for that. Over Christmas break was probably one of the hardest times of my life and you were there for me every step of the way. God could not have given a girl a better mother, I know that for a fact. I love you and will miss you so much while I'm gone.

Dad- Where to start? You gave me my dream. I'll never forget sitting in the living room watching Law and Order re-runs with you. I told you over and over again that I would be a D.A. one day. Now my dream is a little different, but nonetheless you are the one who planted that passion for law and politics into my heart. You have shown me over these past few years the meaning of perseverance. You have shown me the drive and self-motivation that people need to succeed in this world. And most of all, you have shown me that we can't go it alone, God is the only one who can truly allow us to succeed--that relying on Him is the only way. Without you and mom, I would have never made it this far.

Christina- First of all, I miss you like crazy! I know that God is doing amazing things through you, I see it everyday on your blog and Facebook, but I also see it through the people who love you so much and are so grateful to have you in their country. I don't know if you realize just how much of an inspiration you are to me. You have given up everything to help others, to do God's will. What a role model you are! I thank God for giving me the best big sister to look up to! I hope that I can make you proud while I'm in D.C. And I promise to update my blog as often as possible and call you whenever I can to tell you everything that is happening! I wish that you were here to share this experience with me, but I know that the people of Kapsowar need you so much more than I do right now. They are so lucky to have you!

April- I love you so so so much. I can't even begin to tell you how much I wish I was back in Evansville with you, to help you through everything. But I hope that you know that you are an inspiration to me as well. You have been through a lot, and I know that you are trying your very hardest to work everything out. Relying on God is the only way, and you know that! I don't know if I could have held my head as high as you did during this past year. Sometimes I see strength in you that I know I could never find within myself. And I love you for that! You are a strong girl! Sometimes too strong for your own good! I hope that you call me and update me on the events in Evansville, just as I will call you and update you on the events in D.C. I love you little sister, you mean the world to me!

ACD & OSE friends & staff- Although we've only been with each other for a short while, you've become like family to me! You've shown me that there is more to a job than just surviving from the beginning of the shift to the end! You've shown me that professionalism and having fun can go together, and not be mutually exclusive. I am going to miss all of you so much. The skills that I have gained from working with all of you will definitely be put to use while I'm gone. Hold down the office for me, fellow PA's! I'll be back!

IMA friends & staff- All of you have been so welcoming! Even though I've only worked with you for a few weeks, you have become one of my biggest support systems! It amazes me how close I've gotten to some of you in such a short time! I did want to make a couple of specific shout-outs, though! Jackie & Joyce- Hello, Mothers! I'm expecting a delicious feast when I get back!:-) I'll miss you ladies! Jennifer & Cliff- you guys keep pushing this program! It is a great opportunity for students. I will be praying everyday that God allows this program to grow and continue to be successful. It is amazing what you both have done with this program. I can't wait to get back and rejoin all of you! Fellow VA's--don't leave your posts!!!

Shannon Kelley- My gosh. What to say. THANK YOU! I can not imagine my college career without you, honestly. You have been so much more than an advisor to me. Not only have you helped me with my classes, but you have been there for me whenever I just needed to vent. That means so much to me. Thank you for the amazing recommendation letters that you have written for me over these past 2 years. Without those, I wouldn't be leaving for D.C. in a week! Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your continued support!

Lauren Chism- First off, congratulations again on the engagement!! He's a lucky fella! So, when I walked into Bridge on that first day and saw you and Shannon there, my nerves died down a little bit. You were so relaxed yet totally excited about what the next two weeks and following semester would bring! And after the first day, my excitement was going full blast, too! Without you, I don't know if I would have gotten involved as much as I have. You, along with Shannon and Jeff, made me interested in getting involved. Just like I told your bridge students yesterday, college life is so much better when you have friends to share it with. And the only way to make all of those friends is to get involved! I also want to thank you for all of the amazing recommendation letters as well! You have certainly been a huge part of my success!

Kaylee and Natasha- Girls...without you...I would have gone insane by now! You have been there for me to make me laugh, you have been there to watch me cry, and you have been there to just relax and have a good time! To sum it up...thank you for being there! I'm going to miss you girls so much, you are definitely my long lost sisters! I love you girls so much!

Gabby and Sarah- Needless to say, you're the best neighbors ever! I'm so glad that you transferred to IUPUI. It has been great having my friends so close! Thank you for being there for me whether it was to borrow sugar or to listen to me scream and yell about the horrible day I had! I'm going to miss you girls, please keep in touch while I'm gone!

Carlie- Roomie!!!!!! I've told you this before, but I'm so glad to finally have a roommate that feels like a roommate! I'm sad that our time living together is going to be cut short, but I know that we are going to have a blast this next year! We have already had so much fun and it's only been a week since you moved in! Keep Sam-Sam in check while I'm gone, okay? Whip out the spray bottle (which we still need to get) if necessary! Thank you so much for being supportive and understanding with my trip. It's great to know that I have a great friend back home supporting me. Good luck this semester with all of your classes! OH. We should really call the office about those plug-ins in the dining room!

All of my IUPUI buddies- I'm going to miss you guys!!! It's so great to have so many friends to hang out with! You all know who you are!