Turning 30

I'm not sure what the big deal is, why people dread the "big three zero". I am excited about being 30 and feel that I have a ton to look forward to in this new decade. Sure there are things that aren't going to be fun but isn't that always part of growing up? I accept that in my 20's I have played hard and beat up my body through all the hours of sports, working out, and 2 half marathons...I think my body has a right to start to protest! But as I am now 30 I can look back and see all the great life lessons and truth I have found in my 20's and look forward to finding more freedom from my fears and worries in this new decade! I also get to start thinking about having a family, which in my 20's was something I could only dream about.

I want to share some of my favorite moments from my 20's:

Sophomore year of college (fall 2002)

Dancing in Africa (Spring 2004)

Sri Lanka (March 2005)

Second RA staff  (Fall 2006)

Hawaii (Nov. 2007)

Time with Family (Nov. 2007)

Master's Degree! (April 2008)

Backpack through Europe for 6 weeks (June-July 2008)

Last RA staff (Dec. 2008)

Time with Nephew and Niece (Fall 2009)

First NFL game (Fall 2009)

Lived in Cambodia for a year (July 2010)

China for 28th Birthday (Oct. 4, 2010)

Engaged in July (July 2011)

Roommates from 2011 and 2009 (Oct 2011)

Married! (Oct. 2011)

Hiking in Arizona (May 2012)

Mackinaw Island (Sept. 2012)

I have so much to be thankful for and so many blessings in my life. In the last ten years I gained two more precious children to love, my sister Michelle's kids. I loved living close and getting to spend many nights loving on them and laughing with them. I graduated from college, became an RD (which was another 4 years of laughing and enjoying the college atmosphere). I got my first passport in 2002 and traveled to about 22 different countries and have been on 4 of the 7 continents. I have graduated with my Master's degree, lived overseas for a year and helped to educate people about Human Trafficking. I met and married the most amazing man. I have run in 2 half marathons and been to Disney World 3 times in the last decade. I learned to play the guitar and lived by myself for 4 years.

I have also seen God work in my life in amazing ways through Bible Studies on Faith, a diverse community of Christians who challenged my view and understanding of God. I have had amazing mentor's who have helped me gain a better understanding of who I want to be and how I want to live my life. God has taken my wounded heart and healed my brokenness. He is my Healer, Creator, Lover, and Friend. He is the most important person in my life and the only reason I am who I am today.