The Crazy Life, Part 1

So far this semester, I have spent one weekend in Clemson. And I won't be in Clemson during a weekend for the next month. 

Overcommitting is kind of a way of life for me.
I know it isn't the healthiest lifestyle, but it is so hard for me to say no.
I'm working on it.

I'm trying to stay on top of the crazy by posting mid-way through while simultaneously taking a break from schoolwork, also known as procrastinating.

Two weekends ago I got to go home and help lead a Disciple Now weekend at my church back home.

I have grown up going to dnow weekends and those times have never failed to be a huge source of growth for me. Helping lead a group for the second year in a row was quite the treat. 

The theme for the competition aspect was centered around Hunger Games, and you'll never guess who was Effie Trinket. 

In case you can't tell, that's my mother...and she killed it. 

Who knew her acting skills were so on point?!

I had the eighth grade girls and I got to co-lead with my wonderful friend and fellow Tiger, Taylor. 

I am increasingly thankful for her and her love for the Lord. Leading with her was awesome. 

The group activity Saturday was rec games, and rec means face paint.

 I love face paint. 

I spent a large portion of my summer painting my face purple, so I was in my element. 

Before heading to the rec fields, the girls played a few intense rounds of bingo. 

Then we went into the yard and took an intense picture. 

And then got in the car and took a selfie. 

Eighth grade girls love taking pictures, but I do too so it worked out great.

I was also able to get a sibling picture with the best brother around. 

This kid who is slowly becoming a man cracks me up, and I love him a whole lot. 

Sadly he isn't a huge fan of being in pictures, but he is consistently gracious in taking them with me. 

There is a challenge every year amongst the different grades. This year the challenge was to dress up the leaders as tributes to enter "the Capitol." So basically that meant our eighth grade girls could do whatever they wanted to our physical appearance. 

The result was...interesting...

It's a good thing we love them!

It's okay though, because we weren't the only ridiculous looking ones...not by a long shot. 

The Lord was faithful this weekend to provide a group of God-loving girls who were drama-free, at least this weekend. Having no drama was a direct answer to prayer. 

There is something unexplainable about getting to walk through gospel truths with younger girls who are in places that I was not too long ago. I pray that they would continue to seek God through any drama that may come their way, and that they would love one another well with the love of Christ. 

After a week spent in Clemson, I loaded back into a car with some of the best people I know and drove to Birmingham, Alabama. 

We went to volunteer at the Student Life Conference. After I got back, I was beyond exhausted, but the time spent with people near to my heart was definitely worth the time and energy spent. 

It was cool to do Student Life things with Student Life people in real world settings. I got to spend evenings sitting in people's actual kitchens in their actual homes where they live every day. 

And it was awesome. 

Now I'm back in Clemson, but just finished packing to leave again. The days here are busy too, but are filled with great friends, which makes the school part bearable. Some examples...

Anatomy with Gracie! We both came into class repping Student Life. I am so thankful to have a class with this dear friend. Even if her laughter does draw attention to us in a huge lecture hall. 

My gratitude for these two is incomprehensible. They encourage me when I need it the most, and the way they spur me on in the gospel is unmatched by anyone around.

Well, except for this one. Her commitment to all of our sanctification is incredible.

 Days spent with her can be tough, because she pushes me places I never thought I could go, but every time I walk away from time with her I am more thankful for her in my life. 

And I recently got to spend some catch up time with girls from 7B, my freshmen hall. I am also extremely thankful for these girls in my life, and wish I saw them more. 

As a side note, when I got up to take this picture, they all excitedly asked if it was for "the blog." They're ridiculous.

Many of my days are spent watching children. Clearly a lot of girls. 

It feels like good mom training. Hopefully one day I'll get to put it to good use.

I went to my first engagement party, which is weird but also exciting. 

I am thankful for the sweet times in other places, but it definitely makes me miss Clemson because I  love this school. I'll be thankful for the time when I can take a breath, but until then I'm pressing on.