Pick-Me-Up: Cute Chipmunk

Because I love animals and this is precious!

From Spain, With Love

Seeing as I have been home from Spain for 10 days now, I am overdue for an update post about my trip!

Our main goal while in Spain was to hold an English camp for the children in Parla, a smaller town in the southern part of Madrid, to help our partners create contacts and friendships in that area. Most of us spoke little to no Spanish and they spoke little to no English, so you can imagine the chaos that ensued. As the week went on, communication became easier and the for the children love grew deeper and after a week, the thought of going back to the states filled us with more sadness that joy.  Towards the final days of the trip as exhaustion- both physical and emotional-set in, I was reminded of a verse in 2 Timothy.

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close. 

While this verse discussed Paul reaching the end of his life, our team found it easy to relate as we all felt we had been poured out ourselves. Coming home from Spain we were able to say that we had given the trip, our camp and the people all the time, effort and love we possessed.

I could go on and on about this trip and what it meant to me, but I figured you all would like to see some pictures too.

Reclaiming Insecurities

Insecurities.  We all have them. I can guarantee that as soon as you read that word, a list began to form in your mind.    Teeth with stains from childhood medical issues. A soft stomach. A nose with a big bump instead of a nice slope. Thighs and hips double- maybe triple the size seen in magazines. Those are just a few of mine. Trust me, the list could go on and on.  I have never been confident in my looks. The comparison game? I was a pro. I would instantly break down my body and score it against the world's standards.  
We live in a world of airbrushed beauties, size zero models and every other commercial on the television is advertising makeup to cover every imperfection and cream to lift every wrinkle. It is so stinking easy to be negative and pick a part our flaws and insecurities, but it doesn't have to be that way.  It's not easy, but when you start to accept your so-called flaws, you begin to realize that they are special.  Those imperfections are you. Embrace it. Each quirk is what makes you unique.  LOVE THEM. Be an example for young girls who are constantly weighing themselves. Be an example for ladies your own age debating nose and boob jobs. Heck! Be an example for me when I hate my legs and I'll be an example for you when you hate your smile.  Because I love your smile.