Soooo, its the blog that you all should have seen coming....its definitely the blog I knew I would be writing eventually.
However, putting it off only made me put the realization off...until now that is.
I have come to the realization that I am leaving Ecuador...leaving Ecuador for good (or at least for an extended amount of time with no idea when I will return). I could have sworn that I knew this realization months ago, like months and months ago when I decided to leave but I was wrong...first time for everything? right? ;)
So, Why today you may ask? or you may not but if you did, go ahead, keep reading, if you didn't, well....to each their own.
Back to the question: Why today? Well, I wouldn't say today was the first day but I would definitely say it hit me hard today and I am guessing ( knowing my pattern of emotionalness) it won't be the last but today it was not just the realization that I am leaving...a new realization came about (and maybe that is why it hit me so hard).
The realization of "things coming to an end" I have always hated it in my life. Seriously, I hated the end of high school---I, unlike most people, loved high school. I hated the end of college. and now this...I hate the "End of Ecuador."
No my friends, I am not one that fears change. I actual thrive on change because I hate monotony (which I know I have talked about before here-- probably more than once). I just don't like when things have to end and they seem to end so abruptly and even though there ARE warnings--calendars, reminders, countdowns, people, etc. Whether you know its going to happen or not it doesn't change how FAST it happens.
Seriously though....things that are stopping abruptly in my life today/this week that have made me realize this:
1. My TA, Jenna, comes everyday except Thursdays at 9:30. That ends on Friday. Like what?!
2. We have a ladies workout group at a friends house--the last one was TODAY. What?
3. Wendy's last day to join me and my first graders during PE time is Friday....
4. My PE classes end.
5. Chapels ended for me LAST week.
6. LAST roomie dinner---next week. 1 more. WHAT??>!
**AND this is just to name a few.
But, the point to this blog is so so much more than pouring out my tears via blogpost.
The point is to reminisce on the things I LOVE about ECUADOR, these PEOPLE, the SCHOOL, and LIFE here. To give you a list (if you know me, you know I LOVE list!! :)) of things that I will miss NOT being here:
--No, these are in no certain order--my brain isn't that organized.
1. FRUIT--the unique fruit and the price of fruit.
2. Mountains--surrounding me.
3. Constant Fall/Spring weather.
4. Tiendas--gotta love convenience.
5. Manicures
6. Alliance Academy International
7. Carolina Park---the long runs and fruit stands.
8. Magic Bean breakfast
9. Starting random TV shows with the roomies as a nightly activity
10. School plays and concerts to go and see.
11. My Dentist. :)
12. Workin out with Kat.
13. Street Performers
14. Mandarinas
15. Significantly cheaper movie tickets
16. Sweet n Coffee
17. Grocery trips and Taxi rides
18. Naomi---and to think that our friendship all started with her nose! :) haha love you for it!
19. Jenna--BEST TA ever! ;) and so much more!
20. Courtney
21. Alisa
22. Wendy
23. The Coes!...Bobby! (however we will be reunited in the good ole south)
24. Buying DVDS
25. Guitig--aka--carbonated water.
26. Candied Peanuts.
27. Avacado (in abundance)
28. Chifles
29. Christmas Community Sing-a-long
30. The Trole---Okay, not really. ;)
31. Scarves
32. Workouts at Jens
33. Making Juice
34. Walking everywhere
35. Our Roof
36. Sunday Walks
37. Crepes and Waffles Marroqui Salad
38. Leading songs in Chapel
39. Paul Coka- I could probably list student after student but I chose Paul because...well...its Paul...as much as he loves to joke on me and as much as I love to act like I hate it...I am grateful for our love/hate relationship.
40. Lunches in the sunshine with Jess
41. Lock- Ins-- haha but probably not.
42. My "ecua-mom" Sylvie
43. Hugs from Aiden Tuten
44. Speaking Spanish (or at least trying)
45. Scorekeeping basketball games
46. La Ronda and Canelazo
47. Preschool kids- Micah Becker--we've come a long way since day one when he ran away from PE class and hid. Abby girl--I can't wait to see who this girl will grow up and be--no rush--but its going to be pretty awesome! Rafael--Rafa--ahhhh!! cutest kid ever. enough said. Anahi- wow. love that diva. ;) and thats only to name a few. haha
48. Roomie Dinner Nights. --Wednesdays sometimes could not come soon enough.
49. Kat!!!!--if I begin to write I won't stop and it would practically be a blog within a blog so I will refrain but as now one of my BEST friends and one day BRIDESMAID ;) she will definitely be missed.
50. Looking out my and saying to myself..."This is my life..." "This is where I live..." Because this will no longer be my life or be where I live and that is a sad realization.
I now will STOP being so depressing and CHOOSE joy! I choose joy and thank God for the opportunities I have had over the past two years. I Choose joy in the fact that I have lived in a foreign country (and can now cross that and so many other things off my bucket list) I choose joy and am thankful for the people i have met and the people I now call friends from all different walks of life.
I leave Ecuador in 48 hours but as a glass half full kind of girl I am choosing joy and praising God for each and every moment, memory and person!
-I love YALL and will miss YALL so very much!
-Until next time,
Choose joy,
Saved by grace,
Kb
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Choosing Joy: and Working on my Fitness!
Soo. This past weekend I climbed the mountain, Pichincha, here in Ecuador, for the 3rd and probably last time. The first time I conquered the mountain ALL the way to the top, 2nd time I was a bit sick and not able to, so this third time I just knew I was going to summit again but the weather disagreed with this little plan of mine.
My body was not physically tired; my lungs were still inhaling and exhaling, my legs: still moving, my heart: still pumping.
My mind was not mentally blocked (yet).
Nature was our biggest enemy this time and our barrier between us and the summit. We got really close today but as reached we closer and closer our vision became a useless sense as the clouds rolled in with chilling winds.
So, thank you Mother Nature. Its good to know it wasn't me! ;)
But really, I will elaborate at this point on the fact that this third time around might have been my best time yet. Now, don't get me wrong...the first two times were great--obviously summiting a14,000 ft mountain is one for the books but this one was different in that I never felt so good going up.
At the start of the climb at 9,000 feet the altitude in and of itself is enough to tell you to turn around and as you hike and hike to a greater altitude you question your sanity altogether and if you are someone who likes to exercise and workout you question your physical ability and you wonder what you've been doing at the gym this whole time.
Me, being the avid runner and exercise enthusiast that I am have questioned my decisions in the past two hikes and my physical fitness altogether but like I said this time was different.
I never felt so in shape. I did NOT lack physically and I don't say that to brag I say that to show hard work at the gym does pay off! ( a little encouragement for those of you out there who might need it).
I also say this to remind myself and you all with abled bodies to be thankful we can hike a mountain if we wanted to and get out there and do it! Okay Okay, I will be a realist--I don't expect you all to go out and hike a mountain and I expect some of you to get offended but this whole point in general but really get out there and move: step away from Netflix, step away from your desk, step away from your checklist (or add exercise to it) and get out there and move. I can almost guarantee you (after the soreness) you will be glad you did.
Now now, for the plug. ;) I don't just push exercise because of my own love for it. I push it because I have recently become AFAA PERSONAL FITNESS TRAINER CERTIFIED. And, yep, I am pretty proud. After the lectures, the notes, and the hours of studying and the 2 tests I had to pass for this certification you'd be pretty proud too. haha
I do love that feeling of accomplishment especially since this is something I have been wanting for a while now and I am so passionate about it---therefore I am really glad to pursue a career in something that the Lord has given me passions for.
With all of this being said: I will be returning back to the states in July and want to hit the ground running with pursuing this career. I am open to whatever that may look like and all the different ways it may look for different people. So, if you are at all interested in a personal trainer, know someone who is, need someone to teach classes, know someone who does or have any ideas for me to move this career along please feel free to contact me with any information or questions that you might have! :)
Okay, I stop my promotion there but stay tuned for more Training and Nutrition coming your way via this blog site.
So, if you have made it this far...past the many paragraphs and self-promotion...CONGRATS! Here are some pictures to describe everything I just tried to write down in words. Pictures may do it better! For your sake and mine I will stop typing now and you can just sit back and enjoy the view (via photographs).
Thanks for stopping by!
But first...let me take a SELFIE!
And I guess this is the kind of crazy stuff personal trainers do after hiking up a mountain:
a little workout of course!
Until Next time,
Choose Joy,
Saved by grace,
Kb.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Choosing Joy: and Randomly updating.
Hi All,
Here is a random update from yours truly! ;)
No, but really, I realize it has been a while since I last updated and I also realize that the last time I updated was when I had just gotten held up at gun point on the street so some of you may have thought I got busy and some of you may have thought something happened.....
Well, I'm here to say I am still alive and just wanted to give an update of the last couple of months of my life here in Ecuador (pictures included) and give you a little glimpse of what is ahead.
Are you ready?!
Since my ever memorial Valentine's day (not due to any man in my life) other than the two strange men in which we were attacked by, life has been moving pretty fast past here in Quito, Ecuador.
Since then here is a list of things/events that has happened:
SEW- Elementary Spiritual Emphasis week (round 2) for my Elementary kiddos and it was indeed a success!
FUSION- High School Girls retreat- Im so happy and feel so accomplished that this event happened! Yep, Kat and I were in charge on this one in which we organized a whole weekend retreat for our high school girls---and what a fun weekend it was. Thanks to an awesome team of adults our high school girls were able to have a fun, hopefully unforgettable weekend.
EASTER BREAK: Beach Trip! Need I say more? However, it wouldn't be my life if it didn't consist of a little adventure along the way---meaning--having to leave a day late because our rented van was put in the shop--THE day we were suppose to leave. But, we got there and it was well worth the wait and the trip. Our Easter beach getaway consisted of cabanas on an isolated peninsula--that you could only get to during low tide- and hammocks right on the water. Perfection! This trip was included with fresh seafood dishes, a fruit picnic on the beach and morning runs in the sand.
PAPALLACTA: Hot Springs!!! whoop whoop! Our bible study took a little day trip to the hot springs and enjoyed RELAXTION together--nothing says community and fellowship like lounging in our bathing suits right?
ASAA TOURNEMENT: This event was a school tournament that consisted of lots of soccer and basketball games among about 6 different schools--so whats this have to do with me? Well, first, being school spirited KB I would have been there to root on those teams with my red and black no matter what but I had the privilege of heading up a Pee Wee Cheer squad with my Preschool and Kindergartners. Talk about adventure!? This is totally one of those things that sounds good but once it happens you kind of question your sanity--okay, not kind of you---you totally question your sanity and decision making skills. haha but it was really fun and I totally got to relive those cheerleading glory days--not to the extent of home pom practices with Kenya and Friday pep rallies--but hey, it was as close as I could get. Also, Kat and I have become professional scorekeepers for basketball and we kept the score for the games which definitely kept us busy all weekend.
LA CASA DE RAFA: Kat, Jess and I took a day trip out to Tumbaco to eat at a restaurant--yep, what we will do for food. (foodies I guess you could say ;)) but this was not just any restaurant-- we ate in a completely pitch black cave and were served by the blind--Yep--you guessed it--I ate with my hands---it was my best option---this was a really cool experience, atmosphere and amazing food.
So, see, I wasn't lying about being busy--its been busy.
AND on top of all of this I am prepping to head back to the states ( for those of you who did NOT know- I will be moving back July 3rd to be exact) Happy Independence Day America! :)
**PS-very excited to be celebrating the 4th of July at home!
But, I do have a lot to do before I head back--here is a small list to keep you interested...(in case those of you that made it this far are getting a little bored)
1. Buy Souvenirs of course
2. Take my Personal Trainer tests (and become certified)--more on this one later.
3. Figure out what will go home and what will stay here AKA- Packing.
4. Apply to Substitute in Desoto County
5. Live it up here before I have to leave for a while. :/ ---i'll update you on all I get to do between now and July 3rd.
So- to elaborate- if you aren't someone I talk to on a regular basis then you're a bad friend...;) just kidding-- if that is the case for you then you may ONLY know 1 thing and that is that I am moving back but you may (or may not) be curious on what it is that I will be doing when I return.....
DRUM ROLL PLEASE...............
1. I am currently getting Personal Trainer certified ONLINE-- I take my practical and multiple choice tests in the next couple of weeks and will humbly admit that I am very nervous. If you know me this may NOT come as a surprise---if you don't know me then you may NOT know that I am kind of a health freak--love to run, work out, eat healthy food and learn more about what makes us humans healthy and on the contrary what does NOT. (PS- totally thought I was in pretty good shape until I started this program) However, I find myself trying even harder to be the healthiest I can be and take care of this body and life that I have been given. Because quite frankly that is my goal for when I DO become a personal trainer---I want to encourage people to do the same and can I just say---I AM SOOO OOOOO OOOO EXCITED! I wish that I could express my emotion via blog post but it just doesn't show via internet but I will say it again I AM SOOOOO SOOOOO OOOOO EXCITED! This has been a dream of mine for a really long time and I am so proud that I 1. made a decision 2. get to check this off my bucket list and 3. get to do something that I love.
2. I will be applying to substitute teach in the Desoto county area--yep, moving home with mom and dad AKA-- my roomies. (they're gonna love that one) But I figured this is something I can always have in my back pocket when I may need it.
3. For those of you that know me really well and were with me last year in my decision making process--then you may remember my goal of getting my Masters--well, that is still on my lists of things to do...stay tuned!
Well, I have given you a small recap on the past couple of months and given you a glimpse of things to come but now I want to share a few of the things I have learned along the way (still praying for that teachable spirit)
1. Patience, Patience, Patience--this has been a common struggle in all aspects of my life--patience with my kids, patience with people, patience with the Lord's plan, patience with my time remaining here and time when I move back.
2. I NEED the LORD--like every, single, minute of every day! and I all too often forget that. I actually forget that too often. (unfortunately) but I do think that my will power, healthy food, exercise and checklists can get me through the day...NOT.
3. Contentment---what do I mean by that? Good question! I need contentment in my life--the life the Lord has given me--yep, I have said this before I am sure and I regret to inform you that I will probably say it again a time or two in my life--get use to it followers--but I am reminded to be content here, where I'm at, no matter how much I NOW KNOW that I do NOT wanna be a teacher and NO matter how sure I am of whats next--I need to be content on being here. I also know that I will need to be content in the career path the Lord has guided me in--NO, I may not be a big money making banker or surgeon but I pray to choose joy in the work of the Lord--even on the bad days--I am smart enough to know that no matter how much I am excited about my new life decisions and career I know there will be bad days so I pray to be content in those! :)
Well, there is a few to start......
and I will be kind enough to end the rambling here with some pictures but I hope you enjoyed the random update---stay tuned for more!
Here is a random update from yours truly! ;)
No, but really, I realize it has been a while since I last updated and I also realize that the last time I updated was when I had just gotten held up at gun point on the street so some of you may have thought I got busy and some of you may have thought something happened.....
Well, I'm here to say I am still alive and just wanted to give an update of the last couple of months of my life here in Ecuador (pictures included) and give you a little glimpse of what is ahead.
Are you ready?!
Since my ever memorial Valentine's day (not due to any man in my life) other than the two strange men in which we were attacked by, life has been moving pretty fast past here in Quito, Ecuador.
Since then here is a list of things/events that has happened:
SEW- Elementary Spiritual Emphasis week (round 2) for my Elementary kiddos and it was indeed a success!
FUSION- High School Girls retreat- Im so happy and feel so accomplished that this event happened! Yep, Kat and I were in charge on this one in which we organized a whole weekend retreat for our high school girls---and what a fun weekend it was. Thanks to an awesome team of adults our high school girls were able to have a fun, hopefully unforgettable weekend.
EASTER BREAK: Beach Trip! Need I say more? However, it wouldn't be my life if it didn't consist of a little adventure along the way---meaning--having to leave a day late because our rented van was put in the shop--THE day we were suppose to leave. But, we got there and it was well worth the wait and the trip. Our Easter beach getaway consisted of cabanas on an isolated peninsula--that you could only get to during low tide- and hammocks right on the water. Perfection! This trip was included with fresh seafood dishes, a fruit picnic on the beach and morning runs in the sand.
PAPALLACTA: Hot Springs!!! whoop whoop! Our bible study took a little day trip to the hot springs and enjoyed RELAXTION together--nothing says community and fellowship like lounging in our bathing suits right?
ASAA TOURNEMENT: This event was a school tournament that consisted of lots of soccer and basketball games among about 6 different schools--so whats this have to do with me? Well, first, being school spirited KB I would have been there to root on those teams with my red and black no matter what but I had the privilege of heading up a Pee Wee Cheer squad with my Preschool and Kindergartners. Talk about adventure!? This is totally one of those things that sounds good but once it happens you kind of question your sanity--okay, not kind of you---you totally question your sanity and decision making skills. haha but it was really fun and I totally got to relive those cheerleading glory days--not to the extent of home pom practices with Kenya and Friday pep rallies--but hey, it was as close as I could get. Also, Kat and I have become professional scorekeepers for basketball and we kept the score for the games which definitely kept us busy all weekend.
LA CASA DE RAFA: Kat, Jess and I took a day trip out to Tumbaco to eat at a restaurant--yep, what we will do for food. (foodies I guess you could say ;)) but this was not just any restaurant-- we ate in a completely pitch black cave and were served by the blind--Yep--you guessed it--I ate with my hands---it was my best option---this was a really cool experience, atmosphere and amazing food.
So, see, I wasn't lying about being busy--its been busy.
AND on top of all of this I am prepping to head back to the states ( for those of you who did NOT know- I will be moving back July 3rd to be exact) Happy Independence Day America! :)
**PS-very excited to be celebrating the 4th of July at home!
But, I do have a lot to do before I head back--here is a small list to keep you interested...(in case those of you that made it this far are getting a little bored)
1. Buy Souvenirs of course
2. Take my Personal Trainer tests (and become certified)--more on this one later.
3. Figure out what will go home and what will stay here AKA- Packing.
4. Apply to Substitute in Desoto County
5. Live it up here before I have to leave for a while. :/ ---i'll update you on all I get to do between now and July 3rd.
So- to elaborate- if you aren't someone I talk to on a regular basis then you're a bad friend...;) just kidding-- if that is the case for you then you may ONLY know 1 thing and that is that I am moving back but you may (or may not) be curious on what it is that I will be doing when I return.....
DRUM ROLL PLEASE...............
1. I am currently getting Personal Trainer certified ONLINE-- I take my practical and multiple choice tests in the next couple of weeks and will humbly admit that I am very nervous. If you know me this may NOT come as a surprise---if you don't know me then you may NOT know that I am kind of a health freak--love to run, work out, eat healthy food and learn more about what makes us humans healthy and on the contrary what does NOT. (PS- totally thought I was in pretty good shape until I started this program) However, I find myself trying even harder to be the healthiest I can be and take care of this body and life that I have been given. Because quite frankly that is my goal for when I DO become a personal trainer---I want to encourage people to do the same and can I just say---I AM SOOO OOOOO OOOO EXCITED! I wish that I could express my emotion via blog post but it just doesn't show via internet but I will say it again I AM SOOOOO SOOOOO OOOOO EXCITED! This has been a dream of mine for a really long time and I am so proud that I 1. made a decision 2. get to check this off my bucket list and 3. get to do something that I love.
2. I will be applying to substitute teach in the Desoto county area--yep, moving home with mom and dad AKA-- my roomies. (they're gonna love that one) But I figured this is something I can always have in my back pocket when I may need it.
3. For those of you that know me really well and were with me last year in my decision making process--then you may remember my goal of getting my Masters--well, that is still on my lists of things to do...stay tuned!
Well, I have given you a small recap on the past couple of months and given you a glimpse of things to come but now I want to share a few of the things I have learned along the way (still praying for that teachable spirit)
1. Patience, Patience, Patience--this has been a common struggle in all aspects of my life--patience with my kids, patience with people, patience with the Lord's plan, patience with my time remaining here and time when I move back.
2. I NEED the LORD--like every, single, minute of every day! and I all too often forget that. I actually forget that too often. (unfortunately) but I do think that my will power, healthy food, exercise and checklists can get me through the day...NOT.
3. Contentment---what do I mean by that? Good question! I need contentment in my life--the life the Lord has given me--yep, I have said this before I am sure and I regret to inform you that I will probably say it again a time or two in my life--get use to it followers--but I am reminded to be content here, where I'm at, no matter how much I NOW KNOW that I do NOT wanna be a teacher and NO matter how sure I am of whats next--I need to be content on being here. I also know that I will need to be content in the career path the Lord has guided me in--NO, I may not be a big money making banker or surgeon but I pray to choose joy in the work of the Lord--even on the bad days--I am smart enough to know that no matter how much I am excited about my new life decisions and career I know there will be bad days so I pray to be content in those! :)
Well, there is a few to start......
and I will be kind enough to end the rambling here with some pictures but I hope you enjoyed the random update---stay tuned for more!
 |
| Birthday! |
 |
| 24! |
 |
| Birthday FUN! |
 |
| BEACH! |
 |
| Girls Retreat. |
 |
| Group PIC. |
 |
 |
| Fearless Leaders! |
 |
| Its ONLY fun if you get a little messy! |
 |
| and one more for the fun of it! |
 |
| The Girls at the Beach! |
Monday, March 3, 2014
Choosing Joy: and dealing with LIFE
Hi All,
Let me go ahead and tell all you glass half full people (like myself) that this blog has real potential to be sad/depressing...bear with me!
I want to inform all you followers and brothers and sisters in Christ about some serious struggles I have been facing here in Ecuador.
Yes, Im a positive (glass half full) kind of person but Im happy to say that this post is reality of real life.
Real life is being held up at gunpoint on a Friday evening walk home---Let me explain. Some of you may know but my guess is MOST of you do NOT so I will give a little detail to explain that, to some of you, scary sentence.
It was Valentines Day and I was on my usual walk home from school with my roommate, Kat. Normal friday evening for us to walk home after school-- around 5:30. We got to the top of the hill where we turn to the final stretch home when two guys came at us--hoping to corner us and trap us against the wall--fortunately their plan did NOT work...
Play by Play: One guy--smaller---with gun came at Kat first--I became quickly in shock but she shouted NO and screamed in a note very few soprano music teachers could hit. I look away for one second and see the other guy coming at me---no gun just his hands ready to grab me or my stuff--still haven't determined that one. I became very thankful for my sweet students in that moment as my instincts told me to swing and I hit him in the face with a bouquet of roses---catching him off guard, I was able to run---yall know me--im a runner--I ran into the street hoping to draw attention and it worked because the two guys cowardly ran off, hopped in their car and were on their way.
It was OVER...Yay! I will go ahead and say Praise the Lord we were NOT hurt...Praise the Lord that NOTHING was stolen but I will also say that the after math of an incident like this is mentally draining.
So no, mentally, this is NOT over. I was always thankful for my photographic memory in college---it got me through those 4 years with a pretty good GPA but in that moment it is one characteristic I could have lived without.
I can replay it over and over like a broken record and I have--not only for myself but for all who ask--including the police.
So, now that you know what happened---here's the after math for you:
What did I learn on February 14th...
1. It is a valentines day I will never forget---SORRY Boys/Future husband.
2. Im tough, Im smart, Im RESOURCEFUL, Im now experienced.
3. I feel sorry for ignorant people. Let me be clear---I DO NOT hate Ecuador because of this experience--I HATE Ignorance.
4. I also HATE, yes, HATE, that they looked at us and even more specific me and thought weak, helpless- I'm anything but these things. I am an only child (I'm sure some of you are wondering--where is she going with this) because yes that can go 1 of 2 ways but for myself it means---im very determined, independent and strong-willed. I get things done and usually by myself. Another one of my pet peeves (maybe a struggle to some of you--because my pride plays a huge role in this) but it is being seen as weak/wimp/inadequate/NOT capable--
5. I also have had my moments when I'm just down right ANGRY!
6. BUT, I also learned---I can be wherever--my hometown of small town, USA, a big city in the states or a foreign country and I can NOT escape the fate of this world. Evil exist here just as much as it exists in your neighborhood---in your life.
**I know I know, most people wouldn't tell this story. AND I don't tell you so you will feel sorry for me. I don't tell you so that YOU will hate Ecuador.
--I tell you for your prayers--for myself, for this place, and for this world.
--and to let you know/remind you--just in case you forgot that we live in a dark place--I don't mean Ecuador ONLY--I mean this world and by the looks of it---its ONLY getting darker.
BE a light.
Until next time,
Choose Joy,
Saved by grace,
Kb.
Let me go ahead and tell all you glass half full people (like myself) that this blog has real potential to be sad/depressing...bear with me!
I want to inform all you followers and brothers and sisters in Christ about some serious struggles I have been facing here in Ecuador.
Yes, Im a positive (glass half full) kind of person but Im happy to say that this post is reality of real life.
Real life is being held up at gunpoint on a Friday evening walk home---Let me explain. Some of you may know but my guess is MOST of you do NOT so I will give a little detail to explain that, to some of you, scary sentence.
It was Valentines Day and I was on my usual walk home from school with my roommate, Kat. Normal friday evening for us to walk home after school-- around 5:30. We got to the top of the hill where we turn to the final stretch home when two guys came at us--hoping to corner us and trap us against the wall--fortunately their plan did NOT work...
Play by Play: One guy--smaller---with gun came at Kat first--I became quickly in shock but she shouted NO and screamed in a note very few soprano music teachers could hit. I look away for one second and see the other guy coming at me---no gun just his hands ready to grab me or my stuff--still haven't determined that one. I became very thankful for my sweet students in that moment as my instincts told me to swing and I hit him in the face with a bouquet of roses---catching him off guard, I was able to run---yall know me--im a runner--I ran into the street hoping to draw attention and it worked because the two guys cowardly ran off, hopped in their car and were on their way.
It was OVER...Yay! I will go ahead and say Praise the Lord we were NOT hurt...Praise the Lord that NOTHING was stolen but I will also say that the after math of an incident like this is mentally draining.
So no, mentally, this is NOT over. I was always thankful for my photographic memory in college---it got me through those 4 years with a pretty good GPA but in that moment it is one characteristic I could have lived without.
I can replay it over and over like a broken record and I have--not only for myself but for all who ask--including the police.
So, now that you know what happened---here's the after math for you:
What did I learn on February 14th...
1. It is a valentines day I will never forget---SORRY Boys/Future husband.
2. Im tough, Im smart, Im RESOURCEFUL, Im now experienced.
3. I feel sorry for ignorant people. Let me be clear---I DO NOT hate Ecuador because of this experience--I HATE Ignorance.
4. I also HATE, yes, HATE, that they looked at us and even more specific me and thought weak, helpless- I'm anything but these things. I am an only child (I'm sure some of you are wondering--where is she going with this) because yes that can go 1 of 2 ways but for myself it means---im very determined, independent and strong-willed. I get things done and usually by myself. Another one of my pet peeves (maybe a struggle to some of you--because my pride plays a huge role in this) but it is being seen as weak/wimp/inadequate/NOT capable--
5. I also have had my moments when I'm just down right ANGRY!
6. BUT, I also learned---I can be wherever--my hometown of small town, USA, a big city in the states or a foreign country and I can NOT escape the fate of this world. Evil exist here just as much as it exists in your neighborhood---in your life.
**I know I know, most people wouldn't tell this story. AND I don't tell you so you will feel sorry for me. I don't tell you so that YOU will hate Ecuador.
--I tell you for your prayers--for myself, for this place, and for this world.
--and to let you know/remind you--just in case you forgot that we live in a dark place--I don't mean Ecuador ONLY--I mean this world and by the looks of it---its ONLY getting darker.
BE a light.
Until next time,
Choose Joy,
Saved by grace,
Kb.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Choosing Joy: and throwing it back to an awesome trip.
Soooo....I am a pretty random/spontaneous person.
I like adventure and I find myself living from adventure to adventure alot of times. Good and bad characteristic I suppose.
With all that being said I went on a little adventure last week. How?!!
Well, I got on a plane in Quito on Wednesday morning, layover in Miami, and landed in Orlando at about 3:30 that afternoon. My mom and grandmother picked me up at the airport and we were back to our Disney Resort at about 5:00.
After a rough Christmas break for my grandmother she needed a good vacation---a what better place than THE HAPPIEST place on earth! :)
My mom surprised her with a trip to Disney and my grandmother paid it forward to me as an early birthday present! :)
So YES, getting a break from school was nice, getting to spend a few days at DISNEY WORLD, so awesome, but getting to do it with two other generations of women in my life--- was THE best part.
The trip in and of itself was AWESOME- I am a kid so I LOVE Disney World!!
But getting to make some great memories with both my grandmother and mother happen to be the best part.
But getting to make some great memories with both my grandmother and mother happen to be the best part.
Like I said before, I was truly blessed to 1. get the time off and 2. get to spend time with both my mom and grandmother and 3. get to make memories at Disney World with them.
I was blessed by good food (of course) good company (new and old) and great memories.
I don't write this blog to brag about my random trip to Disney World.
I write it to 1. keep you all updated 2. make sure that I document this awesome trip and 3. remind myself and you all of the blessings we have in our lives.
No, we all didn't get to go to Disney World last week and I can tell you there are probably things you all are getting to do right now or have done that I may never get to do but I hope and pray you are counting those as blessings--the big things and the small things.
No, we all didn't get to go to Disney World last week and I can tell you there are probably things you all are getting to do right now or have done that I may never get to do but I hope and pray you are counting those as blessings--the big things and the small things.
I don't write this blog to preach either. Like I said this is a reminder to myself as well to count my blessings so as I look back over the month of January I have thought of many blessings that I want to share with you all. (including pictures)
1. A Happy New Year (Here's to 2014)
2. Safe Travels (to and from Ecuador)
3. Relationships/Friendships (near, far, new, old)
4. My legs- In Ecuador we walk...alot and in the states I actually missed that so I am thankful to be able to do that.
5. Taking Adventures
6. Praise the Lord I have a speaker for our Spiritual Emphasis Week in February. (please keep my kiddos in your prayers and my speaker)
7. Good food!- Im a foodie, I won't lie- I enjoy sitting down to a good meal- I know I have said before in previous post that my favorite way to spend time with people is around a table---well---still is and good food is a plus.
8. BEST FRIENDS- you have your coworkers, acquaintances and friends but you also have your best friends- and I have been blessed with some awesome BEST friends- some I have known for more than 10 years and some just a couple of years.
9. Cheap Dental Care. Just being honest.
10. my supporters- both financial and spiritual
11. my German roomie- Julia, who lives next week- that part- not so thankful for.
And these are a few of my favorite things:
 |
| Magic Band Ready |
 |
| 3 Generations |
 |
| my favorite. |
 |
| As close as I am going to get to my birthplace for a while. |
 |
| Classic |
*Check out Facebook for all of the pictures.
Until next time,
Choose Joy
Kb.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Choosing Joy: and going HOME for the Holidays.
I use the term HOME lightly here because I will admit Grande Centeno in Quito, Ecuador has become my home away from home.
However, I did have the opportunity to come "HOME" to the good ole U.S. of A for our school's Christmas break! (for 3 weeks might I add)
I learned a lot can be done in 3 weeks (a lot can't be done in 3 weeks) but a lot CAN be done in this amount a time and thats what I want to share in this blog.
Since, I am very fond of Instagram (kaybee450) I can say I have done a good job at keeping my followers updated over the holidays....from my arrival at the ATL airport---first stop Chick Fil A, then our family "shopping" trip to Nashville with the aded bonus of The Christmas Spectacular featuring The Rockettes to NYE with my high school girlfriends (yup--over 10 years with some of them and still going strong)
BUT like I was saying since I am prone to Instagram I won't ramble about all the trips taken, memories made, things purchased, and Christmas traditions had.
Not too too much anyway. ;)
But if you are willing to give me some of your time, I would like to tell you what I figured out while being home after being away, overseas, in Ecuador for 6 months.
1. (my mom will laugh at this one- especially it being number 1)
Hate me if you want but I HATE Wal-Mart. I do and I am not scared to admit it. Wal-Mart does nothing for me. I don't enjoy going, I don't find satisfaction with the items I receive from Wal-Mart, and I don't leave the place feeling like a better person.
2. New Years resolutions are not always overrated. I have never been one to make a New Years resolution or should I say I have never been one to stick to a New Years resolution. I have always found them pretty cheesy and pretty "overrated" but that could be my way of justifying my lack of follow through or lack of made resolutions. However, this year, New Years was enjoyable for me, I am excited about the year 2014 and I even made a few resolutions...stay tuned and I might share.
3. I have awesome parents. #justsaying. They really are though. They have taken care of me in more ways than I can list right now for 23 years and they still continue to love me and take care of me. I don't have stick in the mud parents, stuck in their ways parents, divorced parents, workaholic parents, unhappy parents...Im not trying to rub this in anyone's face so I pray that no one is offended (however--side note- another thing I learned in the states- everyone gets offended about everything- easily offensive people have become a new pet peeve of mine--just a side note though) but anyways--all offense aside I have really happy, God-seeking, loving, successful, hard working, caring, in love, parents! and I had so much fun in the 3 weeks I had with them.
4. I might just have an addiction to running.... I ran everyday while I was home (thats 3 weeks, 21 days) and thats ALOT of miles. However, Im not a very pleasant or sane person without it. Hints, why I think I might just be addicted. But, I also felt the affects of that addiction this time...the bad knee definitely did not agree with the addiction and action of running everyday. I guess I can rest it when I get back to Ecuador. Yeah, right?!!!
5. I want to continue my education. What?!! Kirsten (KB) wants to do more school. weird right? Most of you may not know I have a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology (Exercise Science). In college (for at least two out of four years) I was on the track to go to PT school. I lost motivation for that career path pretty quickly and the Lord drastically changed my route to south.....america. But now, after my year and a half over seas I have come to know a lot about who I am, what I like, what I don't like, and what I want to do with my life: Do I still want to own a coffee shop? YES. Do I still love health and fitness? YES. I do, and still want that a part of my everyday life. Do I really want one job, for the rest of my life? well, NO, but Im taking it a step at a time, year at a time, and next year I will be back in the states pursuing my Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and I am so excited about school....YES, but also about pursing things I am passionate about and seeking after the Lord's plan for my life. I am excited to see what all He has in store for me in the next 6 months in Ecuador and when I return to the States in July.
a few other little things:
- I love going out for breakfast (brunch is even better)
-Memphis has a really cool area called Midtown--who knew?
-I don't like cold weather.
- I have become a pro at packing (thats saying a lot when you're talking a foreign country for 6 months)
- I have awesome friends (near and far)
- I loved/have missed the TODAY show.
-Bowl Games! :)
-Growing up isn't all its cracked up to be most of the time...but it has its moments.
Until Next Time,
Choose Joy.
Saved by grace,
Kb
However, I did have the opportunity to come "HOME" to the good ole U.S. of A for our school's Christmas break! (for 3 weeks might I add)
I learned a lot can be done in 3 weeks (a lot can't be done in 3 weeks) but a lot CAN be done in this amount a time and thats what I want to share in this blog.
Since, I am very fond of Instagram (kaybee450) I can say I have done a good job at keeping my followers updated over the holidays....from my arrival at the ATL airport---first stop Chick Fil A, then our family "shopping" trip to Nashville with the aded bonus of The Christmas Spectacular featuring The Rockettes to NYE with my high school girlfriends (yup--over 10 years with some of them and still going strong)
BUT like I was saying since I am prone to Instagram I won't ramble about all the trips taken, memories made, things purchased, and Christmas traditions had.
Not too too much anyway. ;)
But if you are willing to give me some of your time, I would like to tell you what I figured out while being home after being away, overseas, in Ecuador for 6 months.
1. (my mom will laugh at this one- especially it being number 1)
Hate me if you want but I HATE Wal-Mart. I do and I am not scared to admit it. Wal-Mart does nothing for me. I don't enjoy going, I don't find satisfaction with the items I receive from Wal-Mart, and I don't leave the place feeling like a better person.
2. New Years resolutions are not always overrated. I have never been one to make a New Years resolution or should I say I have never been one to stick to a New Years resolution. I have always found them pretty cheesy and pretty "overrated" but that could be my way of justifying my lack of follow through or lack of made resolutions. However, this year, New Years was enjoyable for me, I am excited about the year 2014 and I even made a few resolutions...stay tuned and I might share.
3. I have awesome parents. #justsaying. They really are though. They have taken care of me in more ways than I can list right now for 23 years and they still continue to love me and take care of me. I don't have stick in the mud parents, stuck in their ways parents, divorced parents, workaholic parents, unhappy parents...Im not trying to rub this in anyone's face so I pray that no one is offended (however--side note- another thing I learned in the states- everyone gets offended about everything- easily offensive people have become a new pet peeve of mine--just a side note though) but anyways--all offense aside I have really happy, God-seeking, loving, successful, hard working, caring, in love, parents! and I had so much fun in the 3 weeks I had with them.
4. I might just have an addiction to running.... I ran everyday while I was home (thats 3 weeks, 21 days) and thats ALOT of miles. However, Im not a very pleasant or sane person without it. Hints, why I think I might just be addicted. But, I also felt the affects of that addiction this time...the bad knee definitely did not agree with the addiction and action of running everyday. I guess I can rest it when I get back to Ecuador. Yeah, right?!!!
5. I want to continue my education. What?!! Kirsten (KB) wants to do more school. weird right? Most of you may not know I have a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology (Exercise Science). In college (for at least two out of four years) I was on the track to go to PT school. I lost motivation for that career path pretty quickly and the Lord drastically changed my route to south.....america. But now, after my year and a half over seas I have come to know a lot about who I am, what I like, what I don't like, and what I want to do with my life: Do I still want to own a coffee shop? YES. Do I still love health and fitness? YES. I do, and still want that a part of my everyday life. Do I really want one job, for the rest of my life? well, NO, but Im taking it a step at a time, year at a time, and next year I will be back in the states pursuing my Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and I am so excited about school....YES, but also about pursing things I am passionate about and seeking after the Lord's plan for my life. I am excited to see what all He has in store for me in the next 6 months in Ecuador and when I return to the States in July.
a few other little things:
- I love going out for breakfast (brunch is even better)
-Memphis has a really cool area called Midtown--who knew?
-I don't like cold weather.
- I have become a pro at packing (thats saying a lot when you're talking a foreign country for 6 months)
- I have awesome friends (near and far)
- I loved/have missed the TODAY show.
-Bowl Games! :)
-Growing up isn't all its cracked up to be most of the time...but it has its moments.
Until Next Time,
Choose Joy.
Saved by grace,
Kb
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