Happy Wedding Emma Cat.

This weekend we headed up to Cumming to celebrate Mary Catherine and Martin's wedding. Mary Catherine and I lived together in the sorority house and I still remember when she told me about this boy she liked, how they met, and how they had reconnected. Despite some crazy rain, the ceremony and reception could not have been more perfect. Wait until you see the pictures of the AMAZING sunset that came after the rain! 

 

Bachy Party.

A few weeks ago, some of my favorite "sisters" and I headed to Charleston to celebrate Kates's last few weekends as Miss Turner. I can't she will be Mrs. Story in less than 6 days!! I still remember hearing about this crush she had on Gaines... so before their wedding takes its place on my blog... here is her final fling before the ring. 

 

Jamaica 'Mon.

“Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God”

- a prayer by Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision

A couple months ago, I wrote about the Bible study I am in that is focusing on missions and how I have felt that God has been tugging at my heart. Those tugs have been put into action over the last few months resulting in my commitment to head to Jamaica with a team from my church. The events leading up to this mission trip have reminded me that God has a plan and has had one for a while... He was just waiting for me to say "yes." In church one Sunday, our pastor told us a story of one of his friends who had put his "yes card" out on the table for God. He felt that by saying "yes" before there was even the potential of an opportunity would allow God to bring opportunities in to his life that he might have turned down otherwise. Isn't that part of what Christianity is about? Saying yes to God... being available for Him to use in situations that take us out of our comfort zone.

I said "yes." I put it out there without knowing the when, where, or why... which is VERY un-characteristic for my Type A personality. Before our mission trips kick off, our church does an event called ACCESS where you can go and learn about the trips that will be done that year, as well as other ways to get involved in missions in our community. The whole way to church that night, I prayed... I put my "yes" out there... I prayed that God would pull my heart to one trip, that it would be so obvious which trip I am supposed to be a part of. JAMAICA... for some reason this trip stuck out the entire night. Maybe it was the pictures of the sweet children standing in the streets or meeting Isaac (he is from Jamaica and will be helping out with the trip) and hearing about his love for the people of his country and desire to share God with them. Something about this trip was tugging more and more at my heart. Not only did this trip tug at my heart spiritually and emotionally, it was also the only trip that fit (barely) into my wedding-filled summer and did not require me to take any time off of work... I love how God does things! 

Jamaica it was... but that would mean an extremely early flight from Richmond back to Atlanta on Sunday morning after one of my best friend's weddings. After researching flight times and trying to figure out arrivals and departures, I came to the realization that me arriving in ATL, checking new luggage and making it on an international flight would be extremely difficult. So then the heartbreak settled in... I was slowly coming to terms with the fact that I might not be able to make this work. The planner in me was screaming with frustration. After talking with our missions director, Marsha (who is also the person leading our trip), I was reminded of how gracious our God is. Three words... "We can wait." If I wanted to go on the trip, she would make it work so I could be there... they would wait. Isn't that what God does for us? He waits... He waits for us to come to terms with the fact that we need Him. He waits until our hearts are ready to completely and fully accept Him. He waits. In that moment, I realized this is where I am supposed to be. This is the trip I am supposed to be going on. All of the pieces fell into place in a way that could only be God.

Since then, God has continued to show up as our team has come together and funds for our trip have been raised... I get to share this adventure with one of my best friends! In approximately 5 text messages, Cara committed to this trip and along the way God has confirmed why we are doing this together. Not only do we get to share in the emotional and spiritual aspect of this trip, but I also have someone to remind me that I do not need to be in control. Being Type A, I like to know all the details... from the major - like when our flight leaves and when we arrive in Jamaica... to the little - like what time we will need to wake up... and then everything in between. Going on a mission trip is forcing me to let go of that control and let God take over. 

So Jamaica it is... we will be flying out of Atlanta on June 27th and returning on July 4th. While in Jamaica, we will lead Vacation Bible School, love on children in orphanages, and spend time with the people of Majestic Gardens (a neighborhood in Kingston). As we get ready for our trip over the next two weeks, please pray that our travels to and from go smoothly; that we are safe and feel peace in a neighborhood that, at times, hasn't been so peaceful; that God uses our team to reach these people and share His message; that the people of Kingston remain firm in their faith after we have left; and that our faith is strengthened through this adventure. I can't wait to share pictures and all that God does in Jamaica! Until then... 

Memorial Day. And yummy food.

Happy Memorial Day... a day late. Every year, this weekend always feels like the official kick-off for summer. School is out. Classroom is packed up. And my summer to do list is about a mile long. Summer, to me, is such an American season... baseball, lemonade stands, cook-outs and yummy BBQ, popsicles, sprinklers and fireworks. What better way to begin such an American-feeling season than with a holiday that honors those who are serving our country. This Memorial Day was spent around the pool with some of our favorite friends. And with every holiday comes yummy food. One of my favorites (and Travis's #1 party request) has taken on a "skinny-girl" attitude... I promise the boys won't even know it is better for them than the original.

Skinny Girl Buffalo Chicken Dip

* 4 chicken breasts, cooked

* 1/2 celery, diced

* 1 (8 oz) package fat-free cream cheese, softened

* 1/2 cup Frank's RedHot Original hot sauce

* 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

* 1/2 cup shredded mexican style cheese

* 1/4 cup fat free ranch dressing

* 1/4 cup fat free Greek yogurt

- Preheat oven to 350 degrees

1. Boil the chicken until thoroughly cooked (about 10-15 minutes)

2. Shred the chicken into small pieces

3. Soften celery in a large pan (coat bottom of pan with olive oil)

4. Add cream cheese, Frank's RedHot, ranch dressing and Greek yogurt to pan, stirring 

    until smooth

5. Stir in chicken until throughly combined

6. Spoon mixture in to a deep 8 in x 8 in baking dish, layering in mixture of mozzarella  

    and mexican style cheese

7. Sprinkle a light layer of mozzarella/mexican style cheese on top of mixture

8. Bake at 350 degrees for approx. 20 minutes or until dish begins to bubble

9. Serve with tortilla chips and/or celery

10. ENJOY!!

Long Overdue.

The last month has been super busy with weddings, getting my classroom and kiddos ready for the our last two weeks of school, and mission team stuff starting up. Update post definitely needed. But first, I have two weddings to catch up on...

Wedding Update #1: Kam and Bridgette
On April 23rd, we celebrated Kam and Bridgette's marriage. Their wedding took place at the Greystone at Piedmont Park. The weather was absolutely perfect, as was the wedding itself. And now for the pictures...

Wedding Update #2: Tracie and Drew
On April 30th, Travis and I headed up to Lake Lanier for Tracie and Drew's wedding. While our boyfriends played golf, Amy, Steph and I hung out by the pool and caught up on life and our sunshine. Another beautiful day with perfect weather for another amazing wedding. I absolutely love weddings and the mini-reunions that take place... especially with the friends that I don't get to see very often. Congrats Tracie and Drew!!