Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. 
- James 1:2-4, The Message

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. - James 1:2-4, NIV

[For those of you who don't like The Message ;)]

"Laughter is the evidence that we're still here, the proof that our tragedies will not define us forever. Laughter is the language of the survivor."

from Heroes and Monsters by Josh Riebock

Photo Credit: Meg Amour-Jones

30 Before 30: Another Update

I have a list of 30 things I want to do before I turn 30. Since I just turned 26 and have crossed a few things off the list recently, I figured it was time for an update. Below you can see how I'm doing (so far I have 9/30 finished). To see my original list with lengthy explanations, look here and for my first update, look here. My cousin/best friend, Melissa, also has a list. Several things on our lists are the same, so we've been crossing things off together...which means more time with one of my favorite people in the world...which means this is even more fun. :) If I've done it, it's crossed out and the summary/explanation is written in red. If I need to get it done in the next 1435 days, it's not crossed out and the text is black.  

Why PMI?

On March 3, 2012 we went to a Needtobreathe concert in Charleston, SC to celebrate my 24th birthday. It was the first time I heard about Palmetto Medical Initiative. 

On January 25, 2014 I went back to Charleston, SC and spent the day learning about PMI and falling in love with the organization and their mission. Also, we celebrated Melissa's 26th birthday.

Charleston. PMI. Birthdays. It's a thing with us. :)

Almost 2 years to the day (March 7th) that I first heard about PMI, I will be going to Uganda with the amazing organization and I could not be more excited or honored to be a part of a PMI team.

A Friend for the Journey

A good friend knows all of your stories.

A best friend has lived them with you.