Big Little Time

Saturday, I went to Mandy's house! All by myself, please hold your applause haha. I have much fun with her and it's always good to catch up. I think we're both at a point where we're just kinda living life and not so much nonsense is going on with like drama and whatever else goes on around you in college. I dunno about her but I love that all the nonsense is over. We ate some yummy treats and watched When Marnie Was There, the last in the Studio Ghibli series. A very beautiful movie, as expected. I'm glad we got to finish the collection together, and I had someone be just as confused about the plot as I was haha. We didn't have a lot of time, since I needed to go out with my mommy (made it home three minutes before she did!), but I'm grateful we could enjoy an afternoon together.

A Moment of "Finally"

Mandy went to church with us today! I'm so grateful this could finally happen. We'd been trying to plan this for forever. Not only was she finally able to attend a service at Covenant Life, but it's the first time we've seen each other all summer. It was much needed. I also texted Nick for a bit today. Which, admittedly, feels a little silly to blog about. But it's honestly so important to me.

I am the worst and I'm taking forever. Your letter is coming soon, I promise

2-23-16

Words of love and encouragement from just the right person when you need it the most. No one will ever know how freaking much I love my Little.

No more pictures!
My phone literally quit life. No more phone. No more pictures. Whoops.

Big Little Date!

Unintentional, actually, but it all worked. My Little is flawless and I enjoy her company oh so much. Mariah made TONS of pita bread for Mandy which is really cool. Slash impressive. And Mandy and I watched more My Little Pony! She has all of Season 5 to watch now, and this season has some of the best episodes (IMHO), so she's in for a treat. I also gave her the first 17 volumes of Fruits Basket. As I type this, she is starting volume 2. It is, as you may remember, one of my FAVORITE series of all time and I really think she will enjoy it. Maybe get too attached, if she's anything like me, 'cause I was NOT ready to leave this world once I finished the books. But it'll give her warm fuzzies, and teach some really important lessons. I'm glad she's willing to give it a try, and seems to like it. Cookies were made. I finished One Day. Happy times all around.

And as a side note RWBY WRECKED MY LIFE TODAY so this was much needed

I also saw Torreke as The Nutcracker today and the whole experience was so beyond beautiful. I am so immensely proud of my mentee and his incredible gift. And I'm so happy for him because his mommy finally got to see him perform while in Maryland :) (They are from Georgia, so this was quite a trip for her, but she said it was more than worth it).

Baby's Back!

My Little has been off campus for about three weeks now. She had to go to the hospital for a while and it was a long wait to make sure she was okay to come back to school. I'm very glad that she had capable and loving people taking care of her this whole time. Of course, I missed her bunches. And today, I finally got to see her again! I gave her a huge hug that wasn't nearly long enough, but it was just so so nice to see her. And then Moises treated us to sweets, which was a lovely time. I can't begin to tell you how much I needed her presence in my life. I will see her tomorrow at our first day of tech rehearsals for Snow White. I'm so glad that I will see her regularly from now on. She brings so much light to my life :)

10-27-15

Heard from my Little and her surgery was a success! All that was bad is now good. The problem is bye bye. Of course, she doesn't get to come home right away and there's a good bit of discomfort. But this is a really great step in the right direction. I'm sure she'll feel much better soon, and now she won't have those headaches anymore. It'll be so great to have her back on campus :)

Back to Ponyville!

I am back on campus and happy to see everyone. I had a Big Little date with Mandy! We watched one of my favorite episodes of My Little Pony, and then watched the Equestria Girls movie. And you already know how in LOVE I am with those. I'm so glad she's enjoying these series. Maybe and season finales should be a thing now? Maybe. We see. I'm happy. And singing all the songs now.

Also, Karla is finally out of the hospital and home with baby girl. God is good.

More LITTLE Things

Specifically, I love my Little. Which we all knew. But today, she had her first day of camp. It's a theatre camp she works at every year. I know very little about it, other than kids in, I assume, middle school put on mini-shows or recitals after two weeks and learn more about performing. Yay! She has been looking forward to it a while. And today, she sent the zebras a picture of her Disney princess lunchbox! The one I bought for her as part of her giant reveal gift. I'm super happy that, not only did she liked it, but she's actually found a use for it! And it turns out that her coworkers enjoyed it as well. It was actually so great to hear. Yay perfect Little!

4-18-15

I met Mama!!! It was actually the sweetest thing ever. I met my Little's mommy. And she was an absolute darling. So sweet and loving. And she gave me a huge hug right away. I can tell she is a kind person with a lot of love in her heart. She joked with me and thanked me for stuff I gave Mandy. I just. UGH. It's so cool that she is so involved with Mandy's life here. It's a good relationship. And it's also hilarious how much she wants to meet my niece. I'd be more than happy to arrange something :3 As an extreme bonus act of kindness, Mandy's parents donated to my Relay for Life page today. I am so very blessed.

EDIT: I forgot about this last night cause I was so sleepy, but it needs to be added. Something else that happened is tied for first and I need to mention it.

There is a man. There is a man I love dearly. His name is Fabrizio; I'm sure you're sick of that name. He is a friend of mine from church who is close to my heart. I might've loved him for the rest of my life, but I am a strong believer in God's plan. And he, to me, is proof of God slowly preparing us for incredible things.

I may not be so happy in my church anymore. I may need to leave soon. I need to run because I honestly cannot take it anymore. But he's not running. Slowly, respectfully, and intelligently, he has been fighting and making a difference. I don't even know if he's aware. But I truly believe that God has given him the task of taking this misguided congregation and leading them back to the right path. It's a hard job, and it made me realize that he will need a stronger support system than me. He doesn't need someone who has to run; he needs someone who will stand and fight with him. I'm more than happy to support him from afar. And watching him go along this path brings joy to my heart. He's been helping direct hymns for quite some time now. For a couple of years, he has been the President of the Youth Group. For maybe a year now, he has been a teacher for kids about 7 to 10. At the beginning of the year, he was also made a deacon. He knows how to speak to these people and how to make them see the light. It's incredible to watch.

Last night, he told me he preached for the first time. He actually led a service. I almost cried when I heard. He said it went very well and he got a lot of compliments. I told him how happy I was and that I wish I could've seen it, but I was sure I'd get the chance over the summer. He said I probably would because he, along with Jaroll and Bryan, would start preaching regularly with our usual Hermano Arce. My heart is singing. This generation has so much promise, and they are doing such good things in the eyes of the Lord. They, in my opinion, are the hope for this church. And watching it all unfold fills my heart with love and song in ways I cannot eloquently describe. I trust that boy with my life, and certainly as my spiritual guide. And I hope that the rest of our congregation will continue to do the same because if there is one thing I'm certain of, it is that God is going to do amazing things in the life of this amazing man.

4.9.15 - My Happy Place

She told me I could talk about it. If this is too personal for her, then she can tell me and I will remove this post.

A little while ago, my Little started a blog. She made her own version of my Smilation blog. It's really sweet. It has been great to see her find light in every day and work to be more optimistic. I can't tell you how happy she makes me or how much I adore her. thesmallthoughts.blogspot.com is quickly becoming one of my favorite websites. And the post for April 9th, the longer one, just about melted my heart. Because knowing you have made a difference in the life of someone who has also changed you for the better is such a blessing. I think we are both very blessed to have found each other. God knows what He's doing, and sending this girl into my life was a great move. Her post was something I needed to hear. And I won't cry, but I will hold it in my heart always.

Alpha Psi Apartment

Tonight's Housing Lottery was successful! I am living with Jess A., Jen L., and Mariah next year! Mariah will be my roommate. We will live in a lovely 4 bed Gardens Apartment with a kitchen. I cannot wait. We will probably drive each other crazy. But we will certainly be good to one another and be respectful. The place will look nice. It will be a safe area for theatre kids. And, above all, no one has to walk home alone at night or worry about coming late from rehearsal. 'Cause we all there. Yay!

Sidenote: My Little made me the most absolutely flipping amazing family trees last night. I will send you pictures soon because they are beautiful. You know what else is beautiful? The guardian angel bracelet she bought me. You already know how much that means to me. I was successful in holding back tears but yo I was close. Also, my Little is beautiful. In every sense of the word.

Blessings for Two

Things I learned or was reminded of today at Intervarsity

• Sometimes controversial issues come up and people will disagree with you. This does not make it okay for you to use the words "ignorant", "stupid", "racist", or "evil". Those are words of hate. And Christians are not people of hate.
• It is my job as a Christian to try and understand other people. If I am to change someone's heart, I must use the gifts God placed in my heart to understand what is in theirs.
• The people of God were joined. The term Christian comes from us not fitting into the mold of isolation. Instead of staying segregated in our nationalities, we came together and were bound by a common love of Jesus Christ.
• Jesus wants us to continue to join others in love. He loves every single one of us. We should spread that love and unite people in it.
• Our center, the source of our power, should be God. When we want to change the heart of someone else, it cannot come from us. We rely on things like our stubbornness and pride to argue. But in reality, we should use God to motivate us in our beliefs. And if He is on our side, we are unstoppable.
• God creates some incredible things. Marvel in the beauty of His creations. Look at all the amazing people around you. Look at the person you are. God created you. He worked on every detail. And you are AMAZING. You are a masterpiece, created by an Almighty God.
• God is good. Repeat that. God is good. Say it louder. God is good. Tell someone. Tell everyone."Shout it out loud. You are GLORIOUS".

Tonight was a very strong message that is hard to remember in this day and age, especially when there is darkness around us. But it's important to remember. I'm glad I was able to witness someone with the courage to say the words the youth of America needs to hear. I'm also super thrilled that my Little came to Intervarsity with me. It was her first time and I am happy to hear that it was a blessing for her as well. She posted this today on her blog (her own version of Smilation) and I could not feel more joy in my heart. I hope this is the first of many Wednesday evenings together :)