It's been SO long! I've been wary of this blog post because I know there is quite a bit to update everyone on! So, to make things easier for both you and I, I will enlist some photos to help me share the story!
So about two weeks ago I had a wonderful Saturday brunch and baking date with my new friend Lauren! She's a Californian cupcake pro. It's been so fun for me to get to know her this summer while seeing her acquaint with the DC area, let alone the East Coast! Here are some of our creations (that were absolutely delectable, if I do say so myself!)
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| chocolate espresso. believe it. SO GOOD. |
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| Madagascar vanilla bean cupcake + coffee. Mmm...my favorite! |
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| Finished products headed to friends--chocolate espresso, vanilla bean, chocolate, and chocolate peanut butter! I can't believe I created these!...and can't wait to make more. |
For most of the summer I've also been volunteering with the middle school ministry at church. Since I used to say I "wasn't fit" for middle schoolers, this makes me laugh. My heart has opened (not because of anything I've done) and I absolutely love hanging with these sweet girls! In addition to being at church, there are well-planned events and activities each week for the kids. This morning we biked 3 miles to a cove on the Canal, canoed for a bit, ate lunch, and biked back to church. Last Friday, we went to the Zoo for a scavenger hunt. One word- lions! Bucket list item. I still need to see one with a full mane, though.
College ministry update!! We had our Christmas in July party last week after Bible studies and the Coffee House last night. This past week, actually, was our last Bible study for the summer. (Next Wednesday we'll be on staff retreat...Summer has flown by!) I'm speechless at what this means. I really can't believe my time on summer staff is almost over.
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| Christmas in July celebration! Complete with music, cookie decorating, and a very entertaining game of White Elephant |
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| Stacey and Amanda, looking quite festive :) |
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| So much staff love in this picture! |
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| Love this girl. |
Can't forget our beach day to Rehoboth! Worth the 3 hours, even though the undertow minimized our swimming.
And in other BIG news...Meredith and Matthew are engaged!!! I can't believe it--my best friend is getting MARRIED. Back in the spring, the three of us had chatted about making the trip to a Braves game this summer. When I got the job at 4th, I told them I couldn't go to the game anymore--too much driving for not a lot of time off. But when Matthew texted me earlier this summer in hopes of persuading me to come along on the supposed engagement weekend, I couldn't say no. I'm thankful I was able to get off work and see the surprise unfold. It was a great weekend--quick reunions with the family, road trip to Atlanta, Braves game, overnight at Snowbird, good catchup with Taylor at camp, road trip back, and of course the beautiful evening proposal :)
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| Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters. Mmm, rare views can beat this one. |
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| Sunday morning in the Metal Building! |
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| Look at these Braves-loving lovebirds. She doesn't even know what's coming! |
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| Cuties at Nantahala lake! She still doesn't know what's coming... |
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| Best franzzz. |
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| Great evening to be at the Ball Park! |
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| It's official! |
So, summer staff is officially over August 15th. And I'm pleased to release to the world that God has opened up doors for me to stay in this area in the fall! There will be another update coming this week concerning more details. But for now, I'll give you a preview of what I'm going to talk about in the next post:
I am so thankful for what the Lord has provided, and I'm excited for what will come of it...
Time for bed because no big deal, Stevie Noble becomes Mrs. Jared Stacy tomorrow! Gotta love the first wedding wave, folks. Can't wait to be reunited with friends and the Full House to see these two get hitched. They're so wonderful.
Stay tuned :)
