64 Days in Counting!

It's getting really hard for me to believe that my team and I only have 64 days until we leave for El Salvador. It doesn't seem like it is right around the corner! I still have so much to do!! But I believe that if God gave me the opportunity to go on this trip, he will provide a way for me to go!

Tomorrow I will be second shooting for the first time at a wedding, and I am pumped!

Yay for an exciting weekend! :)

Love, natalie.

Too Much Excitement to Contain!!!

Words cannot even explain my excitement right now! A lot of things in my life are becoming much clearer to me.

This is probably the saddest part of this post, but the rest will be pure joy. Two days ago, three people I went to high school with, got in a really bad car accident, two died, and one is still alive. I went to the funeral home last night, to pay my respects, and I realized how quick memories come back. On June 12, it'll make three years that Haddie has been gone. She got hit head on by a drunk driver, and I didn't understand why her. There really isn't an explanation for it, but I know God needed her more than we did. Last night, I was talking to old classmates, and I realized, that there isn't anything to say to make any of this better, it just takes a lot of time for healing. It is also hard to believe that three years ago, I was in there shoes. it's just hard watching someone else go through exactly what you went through, and them not understanding why. My prayers go out to the class of 2010.

Next thing, I have 71 days until I leave for El Salvador, from May 9th through the 19th. This will be my first mission trip, and I am super excited. We are doing fundraisers, and I am in the midst of writing letters for support. All I know is that the next 71 days are going to be chaotic, and full of excitement!!!

And the next thing, two days after I get back from El Salvador, I leave for staff training at Kids Across America. I am one out of 2200 that will be working there this summer. I will be working at K-2, for the second term, which is June 23rd through July 19th. And my job there is being a photographer, which is what I love doing, so technically it's not a job! I am so excited about all of the doors that God has opened, that have been full of opportunites! I truly am blessed.

I will be posting another update soon! Oh, and happy birthday mom!

Love, natalie.

Oh, The New Beginning.

Hello 2010! So it's a new year and a new beginning, a time for change. For the next year, I am going to be blogging the changes of my life, both good and bad. Hopefully there will be more good than bad, but it's the experiences that matter.

SALT:

SALT described in one word = incredible. There is something amazing about a retreat with college students from across Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas and you can feel God moving amongst all of you. It was December 30th-January 3rd. I was reunited with all of my ULL Chi Alpha friends, and it was a great time. I had time to meet wonderful people from these five great states. It was a great way to start off a brand new year, with great speakers, worship, fellowship, and classes. It was life changing for me. I was constantly worried about my future and what I really wanted to do, and what I really want out of life, but I decided that I wasn't going to worry about it anymore. It is out of my control. I have decided to stop focusing on the future, and start focusing on the day in front of me. Why life for tomorrow, when I can't stop long enough to appreciate today.

The Daniel Fast:

I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. Daniel 10:3.

So today is day four of my Daniel Fast, which is twenty one days. It is strictly fruits and vegetables and whole grains and water. I am pretty excited about my relationship with God drastically growing over the next three weeks. I've developed this hunger in my heart to get to know him more and more. I've already noticed some changes in myself along with my relationship with God.

ULL Spring Semester 2010:

Also, school started this past Wednesday. So far, it's been good. I am taking 15 hours again this semester, only this go round it is only two studio classes, instead of three. I am taking sculpture, intermediate photography, sociology 100, geology 105, and my third art history. I definitely shouldn't be as stressed as last semester, but then again it's only the third day. Also, last night was our first "Thursday Night Live" for Chi Alpha, and we are back in the Bayou Bijou, in the union. Which is pretty exciting in itself. Now we grow like no other, it's thrilling really.

And I'm pretty sure that's all for now! :)

--Natalie Ann Phillips