Happy Feet

And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

Romans 10:15

I can't wait to get back to the Kountryside! I am absolutely dying to tie twelve pairs of shoes every morning and afternoon, make a million peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in 14 days, spray sunscreen for days to keep those little shoulders from getting too pink, scream at the top of my lungs during K-Life, drag twelve sleepy kampers to med call every night, attend the most exciting theme parties every created, tuck in twelve sweet little faces every night, set an example for girls to follow, and show them the love of Christ every minute of every day.

(huge props to my sweet friend and favorite kamp photographer, Charli Barnoskie for taking this adorable picture)

The Happiest Place on Earth

(This is long and I might be rambling, but I had a long week and lots of thoughts!)

The Happiest Place on Earth. Where exactly is this place? Thousands of people might say Disney World, others a warm sandy beach with a cool ocean breeze, a foreign country rich in history and architecture, or even their own front porch, but all of these people have missed the mark. This place isn’t anywhere near your typical vacation location or tourist hot spot; in fact, most of the tourists you’ll find nearby are members of AARP- cashing in their senior citizen discount at ever dinner buffet and country sing along on the strip.

High-pitched laugher, squeals of joy, and shouts of excitement make up the soundtrack at one of the most magical places in the country. Nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, K-Kountry had claimed the title of “The Happiest Place on Earth” for children, adults, and college students from across the US. From waterslides that wind through the trees to canoe trips that end at Kanakuk’s own “Hard Rock Café” every day at the Kountryside is one to remember. But kamp is about more than just making memories; it is about moments of wonder.

What exactly is a moment of wonder? A moment of wonder is more than a memory, it is a moment that resonates for years in our hearts, leaving a lasting impression on our lives and ultimately inspiring us to walk more like Christ.

Last week I spent seven days at K-Kountry for Staff Training Week, a time dedicated to preparing and equipping college students to invest in the lives of hundreds of children. Our goal is to create moments of wonder for kampers, not just memories While we were readying the Kountryside to welcome parents and kids, we took a day off from kamp work and drove to Joplin, Missouri to aid in storm relief.

After seeing the incredible damage of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, I had some idea of what to expect when we arrived. But never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined such devastation in one town and I would have never expected to find a moment of wonder in such a beaten and torn down community.

When we entered the area where the storm touched down just a week earlier you could see for miles with no trees, buildings, or signs to obstruct view. Everything was demolished. Homes, businesses, schools, and cars were all twisted beyond recognition and wrecked beyond repair. Families lost more than their homes; they lost family photos, clothing, furniture, and things that can never be replaced.

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Corinthians 5:1

We went to Joplin to work with Samaritan’s Purse and show the love of Christ through service. Our teams went to homes around the affected area to clear debris, rake leaves, and love on the families who lost almost everything. One of the families we worked with were in the ministry. They were living in Lake Charles, LA when Katrina hit the coast. After recovering from the hurricane they moved to Joplin to avoid hurricanes, they had no idea that they would soon be faced with one of the most devastating storms to ever hit the mid west. We helped them clean up their yard and clean off their house (which had very little structural damage), they had been so concerned with helping others whose needs were greater than theirs that they hadn’t taken any time to remove the debris and downed trees from their own property. They were overcome with emotion when we left and even called us their “Blue Angels” (we were wearing blue shirts). Who knew that filling a few trash bags with leaves and sticks could mean so much to a family?

Talk about a moment of wonder. This family challenged me in a whole new way. Rather than just live an easy life and let generous people like Franklin Graham organize help for me when I’m in need, I should put others needs first, showing them the love of Jesus. When times are tough and people are asking why, we, as Christians have the opportunity to be salt and light to the world. We should take every opportunity to be the body of Christ, to set an example for those around us and encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ to do the same. I wish we could have worked later into that afternoon or the next day, but I know that in the few hours we spent there we were all changed forever.

While we were cleaning up houses and yards a few exciting things happened. We went to one house—located on Mississippi Street of all places—and helped a lady named Sissy clean up her yard. Long story short, Sissy and her husband both graduated from Ole Miss undergrad and her husband and son went to Ole Miss Law School! Small world, right? Well, it gets better. Sissy was also a Delta Gamma! Super cheesy, I know, but what are the odds that we would end up in the yard of an Alpha Psi? I think slim to none. Some teams also worked with Kamp families who were hit by the storm. At one house, Rachel presented the family with scholarships for all three of their children to attend the 1^st term at K-Kountry! They even provided trunks and gift cards to fill the trunks with kamp necessities! Hearing about the excitement of the kids and their family makes me tear up. These kids have something fun to look forward to and something to take their mind off the storm! They get to spend two full weeks at The Happiest Place on Earth

Sissy, an Ole Miss alum and a Delta Gamma!!

Cleaning up yards and hauling limbs to the road was such a humbling experience. I knew that when I got back on the bus I would ride away from the darkness and destruction in Joplin, but the families there have months and years of rebuilding and recovery ahead of them. I knew that I had a warm bed, clean bathtub, and plenty of freshly washed clothes waiting on me at home; these people had nothing. We went to Joplin to serve these people, but they taught us so much in return. Most of the families we met were thankful to be alive, and were anxious to help the other families around them. But the sense of community was overwhelming. People wanted to love other people, putting others needs ahead of their own.

The rest of my week at K-Kountry was spent pulling weeds, painting basketball courts, and sewing curtains—I know, totally housewife preparation. We had a K-Kountry Hoe Down and learned real square dancing from real live square dancers. It wasn’t quite the dancing we do in Oxford, but it was fun nonetheless. We also made a trip to the original Lamberts for some chicken fried steak and throwed rolls. A few of us went next door to K-Kaui to give blood, the diet coke and cookies were our motivation and it was totally worth it. Of course, we had playbook sessions to learn the rules and activities training where we learned how to run the zipline, teach archery, and how to blob. The week flew by as we ran around kamp fixing things and sprucing everything up for the kampers. I cried when Sydney and I finally left and I’m so sad I won’t be back for six weeks. But I know the Lord is working in the hearts of the 244 kids who arrived on Saturday! I cannot wait to hear the incredible stories of changed lives when I get back to the Kountryside.

For the next six weeks I’ll be keeping a sweet little nine year old. I’m sure Peyton and I will have some great adventures before I head back to Branson!

My 2010

I know I'm a little late, but I was looking through my pictures and I realized what an amazing year I had in 2010. I have the most amazing family and friends on the planet. I am so incredibly blessed to live the life I live. These are just a few of the things I learned or really realized during 2010. This is by no means everything, just everything that I happened to catch on camera! :)

Sometimes you meet the most amazing friends on New Years Eve!

Winning is way more fun than losing. Example: Cotton Bowl 2010 vs. Egg Bowl 2010

Snow is fun for about an hour, then its just a pain. Little did we know, but Snowpocalypse 2011 would put the snow of 2010 to shame.

Brown(er) hair is not for me, Mississippi State University is not for Maggie, and apparently blonde hair is not for Mallen.

Every now and then, being a Saints fan pays off--even if you are a bandwaggoner like my sweet friend, Hannah :)

Live tennis matches are a million times better than televised tennis matches, especially when you're watching Maria Sharapova.

Some things NEVER change.

Anchors are always in style.

You are never too old for Kids Kamp.

Tarballs are gross--oil spills should be avoided at all costs.

Playing paintball with middle school boys (or Kristen Dorsey) results in major bruising.

Taking people to New Orleans for the first time is SO much fun!

The best clinic to help with at KidXtreme (VBS) is most definitely Rodeo.

Getting water OUT of a canoe is much more difficult than getting water IN the canoe. Thankfully, Christopher and Spencer were there to save the day (after flipping our canoe over).

It takes four grown men to change the tire on a church trailer.

You never know when God will put incredible people in your life who will change you forever.

I missed my calling. I should have been a baton twirler--fully sequined costumes and dancing to patriotic music. What more could a girl ask for?

I, without a doubt, have the most beautiful and talented sister any girl could ever ask for. I admire her and look up to her (in more ways than one).

I have the best sorority sisters a girl could ever dream of!

Seeing Kamp friends never gets old-even when they are cheering for the opposing team.

I have the best dressed dates and friends.

I will always love Harry Potter.

Mississippi State students need our help with a few dance moves.

Peace&Blessings

Day 4--A favorite Television Show

Without a doubt the easiest topic on this list—even though there is a tie between Glee and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. These would also probably fall under the “guilty pleasures” category, but I’m not ashamed.

Glee is my dream. What would be greater than walking down the hall and breaking out in song? Nothing. The Brittany Spears episode is one of my favorites; along with “The Rocky Horror Glee Show” and “A Very Glee Christmas.” If you haven’t seen Glee, watch it. Tuesday nights at 8:00 (during Crusade, but its on Hulu by Wednesday).

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is pure genius. Who doesn’t want to watch a bunch of insanely rich women prance around Beverly Hills and create unnecessary drama? Lisa Vanderpump is quite possibly one of the most fabulous women to ever live. She is uber classy and with her sidekick, Giggy, she always finds fun somewhere in the 90210. In the very near future, I hope I can take a trip to BH to eat at one of her beautiful restaurants!

Peace&Blessings

Day3--A Favorite Book

I love reading, so I have more than one “favorite book,” but the one book I could read over and over again and never get sick of is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about this book. I read this book in less than three days while I was at Kamp—meaning I stayed up really late at night and read during every bit of my spare time. Once you open it you will not put it down.

Francine Rivers tells the story of Hosea through a man and woman living in California during the 1850s. The story illustrates God’s never failing love for us regardless of our sins. She relates the story directly to the book of Hosea and after reading her book; I will never read His book the same way again.

Reading this book I saw a real picture of how much my Father loves me. No matter how ugly and dirty I am, He still pursues me wholeheartedly and embraces me with loving arms.

"I will heal their waywardness and love them freely…" Hosea 4:14

Peace&Blessings

Day 2--A Favorite Movie

"Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.” –Truvy Jones

What is sweeter than a group of women who genuinely love each other?

Women who stand by one another through thick and thin, who understand the hardships and struggles of life and embrace each others flaws. What a unique group of women! These women each had their own struggles and battles, yet they showed one another continuous support and love. Through marriage, birth, death, divorce, and every other heartbreak and happiness that life throws at them, these women stand by each other.

I didn’t grow up in Chiquapin Parish, Louisiana; however, I was lucky enough to grow up surrounded by a group of women who are incredibly similar to the women in this movie. They all have different careers, goals, and families, but regardless of the situation they are always there for each other. They are always there to give an encouraging hug or bring over a casserole for dinner when someone has had a bad day. Constantly showing one another love and expecting absolutely nothing in return. There may not be a Truvy’s Beauty Parlor in Brandon, Mississippi, but there are houses throughout Crossgates that serve the same purpose. There is always an open door with a glass of tea, cup of coffee, or a cold diet coke along with incredible advice and a support system that surpasses anything I’ve ever seen. A group of women who can cry together, laugh together, and together take on the challenges of life.

I have one amazing sister of my own who I absolutely adore, and I currently live in a house with 58 incredible sisters who mean the world to me. And I hope that when I’m all grown up and have children of my own I am still surrounded by strong, Godly women who will love me like my mother’s friends love her. Regardless of where life takes me, I pray that God will surround me with women who will constantly challenge me and encourage me to grow; that He will give me friends to hold me up during the storms of life and rejoice in my triumphs.

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (favorite KidsKamp verse ever)

Peace&Blessings

Day One--The Soundtrack of Your Life

So, I'm going to take a shot at this 30 Day Blog Challenge thing. Since I tend to neglect my poor blog, maybe this will help. And for the record, I didn't make up these topics, I found the list online. Here we go...

As I've said before, I wish my life was a real live musical. There is no way I can fit all of my favorite songs in one post, so here are ten of my current favorites (minus the songs from Glee and The High School Musical trilogy that I absolutely LOVE).

I’ll Fly Away—I love hymns, especially this one. Really, who doesn’t want to hang out on the celestial shores of Heaven? I know I sure do. Just a few more weary days here on Earth and we’ll fly home to Jesus!

She’s Everything, Brad Paisley—I know it’s corny, but one day I want my husband to feel this way about me. And I want him to sing it to me all the time. Annndddd if he can play the guitar (or piano) that’s a definite plus for him.

If I Die Young, The Band Perry—definitely one of my newer favorites. However, if I die an early death I would like to be sent down the river in a pretty satin dress.

Lead Me, Sanctus Real— http://sanctusreal.com/ watch “The Story Behind ‘Lead Me.” You will never listen to this song the same way again. What a powerful song and testimony. I have been blessed with the most amazing father here on this earth and he has shown me a beautiful example of the love of Christ. He has led my family with strong hands and he never ceases to amaze me. Every time this song comes on KLOVE I get teary eyed thinking about the Godly men in my life and the way they have changed my life and continue to do so.

Move Shake Drop REMIX—this song will forever remind me of my sweet Delta Gamma sisters (I know, super cheesy) and the amazing times we had. Dancing with Madeline, Saralauren, Lori Beth, and Hayes to this song in the chapter room is still one of my favorite memories. I cannot imagine my college years without the girls I have come to love so much!

What Love Really Means, JJ Heller—This song is a tearjerker, but it is such a beautiful illustration of Christ’s love for me! No matter how imperfect I am and no matter how many mistakes I make He will “love me for me,” how comforting is that!?

Tearin’ Up My Heart, N’SYNC—when I was in fourth grade I would have chopped off my right arm to hear JC and Lance to sing me this song. I went to the concerts, watched the Disney TV specials, and even bought the dolls. Too bad the latest generation of tweens has never heard of N’SYNC, Bacstreet, or Lizzie McGuire. What is this world coming to?

He Won’t Get It, Sweetwater Jade—I know most people don’t know who this band even is, but they’re amazing and I love the girls who are a part of it. Shout out to Whit, Jean, and Kelsey!

For Good, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth from Wicked—Hands down my favorite Broadway production, EVER. I have so many incredible friends and one of the most amazing families I could ever ask for. They have all taught me so much and I don’t know where I would be without them. If not for them, who knows what I would’ve become.

My Hallelujah Song, Julianne Hough—of course this one had to make my list of favorites. I think this song can describe how I finally feel-at peace and content with my life. I have finally stopped looking to others to complete my life.

Peace&Blessings