Edinburg

I feel as though I maybe am going to be quite awful at this blogging business over the summer. I thought to myself before I left "Oh I'm going to do such a great job keep everybody updated I"m going to post every day and people will love it" That was both arrogant and ignorant all at the same time.

At this point I think it might be wise to post that currently I am staying in the English countryside and find myself quite anglosized using the more sophisticated sounding language, mostly because I love it and have always thought that I would be fantastic at being british.

Anyways- my dad and I went to Edinburg for 3 days and then up to the Isle Of Skye for 2 days and Here are some of my best photos from that trip.

The city was charming and old. I felt as though I had transported back in time, I actually hoped I would. I love me some history. I had originally thought that I would put all of my Scotland photos into this post, and then found that was not in fact going to happen. SO- alas I am again defeated by how many pictures I have taken, here is Edinburg.

 From the Elephant House Cafe where JK Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter

 I dont actually know what this is but it was up the Royal Mile shortly before the Castle

 From inside St. Giles (Do not tell them that I just didn't pay the 2 pounds to take photos)

 The Beautiful city from on top of Arthur's Seat

 Dad and I on top of Arthur's Seat

 The Harbor at Leith

The Sir Walter Scott Monument.

Loved this city and so thankful for this experience

Away

So I haven't been posting anything, or even really journaling (except for on instagram because I'm a total instagram addict) because I haven't quite known what to say about the adventure that I am currently on and the adventure yet to be had. It seemed quite arrogant of me to think that anybody would care what I was thinking, and honestly I haven't even had the slightest idea of what I've been thinking myself.

I'm still not sure I know, but here I am attempting a blog post. My sister very very wisely encouraged me to stay away from the internet and to just be in Europe. I think that will not be quite as hard when I find myself with people my own age, currently I am spending all of my hours with my dad. My wonderful wonderful father. He has so graciously financed this whole adventure, and I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude, and maybe feeling a bit guilty for how spoiled I am.

I found myself not adequately pursuing the Lord immediately before I left and right when I got here and it became so evident in my attitude. Isaiah is my go to when I dont know where to go and while walking in Kylekin ( Southern Isle of Skye) last night, at the foot of a Celtic Cross, on the side of the mountain on the shore of an amazing lake, I was reminded of the verst that says "For the mountains my depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you" (Is. 54:10).

Unbelievable. So, humbled by that, and the fact that I'm in Scotland, a little over 4000 miles from home, I venture on in writing about my trip. I'll mostly be posting photos...And some thoughts. My thoughts are less interesting though.

So- I'll be gone till August. Woof. Here we go.

Jay and Meredith together Forever

So exactly 1 week ago two of my best friends got engaged to each other. I have known Jay for I guess 2 years because we do (well I guess we did, still getting used to this graduated business) music together at RUF. During his sophomore year we became pretty good friends. He is one of the kindest most genuine guys I've ever met and I'm so thankful for him as a friend. Meredith transfered to Georgia Second semester of last year right after they got back together, and I remember thinking hmmm who is this girl thats dating my friend. But, at the beginning of my senior year I dont really know how but we just sort of became friends and I cannot express how glad I am about that.

I've said this a lot, but this year has just not been easy for me. Jay and Mere as individuals and as a couple have loved me so well this year. They have understood, encouraged and just comforted me when I was hurting so deeply. More than that they have made me excited for maybe one day trusting somebody to love me the way that they love each other. Where I had a huge opportunity to to turn to bitterness and cynicsm they truly were an example of what I hope, not that they're perfect but that they seek Jesus and then seek each other and I am so excited for their wedding and marriage. I am so thankful for them both and could not love them more.

It was truly an honor when Jay asked me to hide in the bushes to take pictures of their engagement. It was also kind of hilarious, because I was hiding alone in the bushes on north campus just kinda crying and taking pictures with my huge camera... but alas here are some of the pictures of their engagement. I love you guys! Can't wait to keep celebrating your relationship over the next few months.

Also- you should know that we have all known he was going to propose for roughly a month or more and she had no idea. He picked her up from her last final and took her for a walk on north campus, where I was hiding.

 Right before. She said she knew he was going to propose after this because she could hear his heart beating so fast.

 She got behind a tree which was sorta difficult from my vantage point but look at her face! She just had no idea this was coming.

 putting the ring on herself. classic.

Clement Family Photos

Hospitable, hilarious, real and generous are just a few of the many adjectives I could use to describe Justin, Elizabeth, John Huss, Gardner and Eliza Jane Clement. They, as a family have been some of the greatest pieces of the last 3 years of my life. Justin is my RUF campus Minister and I am not only lucky but honored to get to call him not only a mentor but a friend. Elizabeth, has been, to say the least influential. Her wisdom and willingness to speak truth even when difficult into my life has made all the difference. She has helped me pick of the pieces of broken relationships and walk away from relationships that I needed to leave in the past. Their children are just such a joy to me. Their sons are so sweet and fun to be around. I have enjoyed watching them become young men. I know theyre still young but John Huss especially has grown up so much in the 3 years that I have known him. I love so much Gardner's sensitivity and sweet heart. I love that he unashamedly feels everything that he is feeling out in the open. Eliza Jane. Her affection means so much more to me than I can explain. People often comment that she looks quite a bit like me physically but I like to think that we are similar in many ways. Her general sass and spunk in life are wonderful, I love her willingness to say whatever she thinks, even if she maybe only does that cause she's 3. She takes the world by storm, even if thats sometimes while hiding behind her daddy. She will do great things and I sure hope I'm around to see them.

Last week I had the privilege of taking their family photos and here are a few of my favorites.

Tennessee

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Tennessee

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Night on the Farm

Night at the Farm is an annual event put on by RUF (Reformed University Fellowship is the college ministry of the PCA). This event is usually a sort of closure for the year for me. But this year it was kind of a closure of the past 4 years. I am blown away at how much RUF has meant to me over the past 4 years. I have met almost every forever friend I have there, and it has become my home. I am so thankful for all of the people in these pictures, they have made my college career.

Roommate and Best friend of 3 years, Alicia. I love you. 

 First roommate ever and still friends. Thank you for loving me.

 

Jessica- You have been one of the brightest lights in my college life. I love you.

My roommates this year Madi and Alicia- thanks for carrying me through this year 

 Allie you're so cute- thanks for going to prom with me.

 Rachel- you are a gem. No words do it justice.

 Joyful, I can't imagine this year and the rest of my life without you.

 My precious little friend who I will miss immensely.

 You are simply the best, and I cannot wait for so many more years together.

Love the both of you so much. 

Diana, you are so beautiful and I am so thankful for you on my team.