my pink, magnetic Bible

So it's been a while since I wrote...I'm starting to notice I start a lot of blogs that way now haha. But I have so much to say lately I don't know where to start! I guess I'll start by saying that Saturday I got back from one of the best trips of my life.

Our church's high school youth group went on this 5 day trip to Eastern University for a camp called Fuge. Basically, besides listening to awesome messages, participating in great worship, and watching so hilarious skits and videos, we got to go out during the 4 full days we were there and serve people in West Philadelphia (born and raised...sorry just had to throw that in there!) The first and third days we got to play with kids in the city. The second day we helped organize a thrift store and heard amazing stories from Larry Falcon, the guy who runs the store. The fourth day we went to a school for mentally disabled and special needs boys who had been abused or neglected at home.

Every day was amazing, but my favorite was the third day. We went to Malcom X park (how great is that name?) and played with kids like straight from the ghetto. One of the boys got into our van and stole someone's Bible. After a few minutes I was able to convince him to hand over the Bible under the condition that I gave him mine (he liked that it had a magnetic strap thingy haha). I got to sit with the boy, who couldn't even read yet, and read to him from Isaiah (he picked it!) and explain to him that God loves him and created him. I had to answer some tough questions from him, but it was worth it. That boy will always have a special place in my heart. I pray that Bible comes in handy one day...I know God put me in that situation for a reason and I can only hope he'll use that Bible for amazing works. After all...if there's one thing I learned this week it's that God is in a lot more control than we like to admit!

happy(?) birthday to me

Today (well, technically yesterday) I turned 20. I am officially no longer a teenager and that feels so good! It was quite a day, though...full of plenty of ups and downs. I got to the shore for the first time all summer so that was definitely an up. And Matt was with me so that made it even better! Plus he got me a great gift so that was nice too :) I got a little sunburned at the shore, but it was worth it!

But tonight took a bit of a turn...Pop Pop's back in the hospital. My grandmom called to say he was sick and then they ended up taking him to the hospital. We still had cake and everything and don't get me wrong I had so much fun, but I couldn't help but worry about Pop Pop. I don't know how much longer he has and it scares me. I know God will take him at the right time, but I've been begging God for just a little longer. Pop Pop has always been one of the most influential people in my life. He taught me so much, told me so many stories...and he was unconditionally proud of me. I love him more than he probably knows and it kills me to see him like this. But I can't let him go yet...I'm just not ready. I don't know if I ever will be.

So I just ask that you pray for him. I don't even know what's wrong exactly, but pray for him hard if you think about it.

Phillies, Fireworks, Freedom, and Family

Happy 4th of July everyone! Well...it's kinda ending, but I hope you had a good one! I think this was one of the most memorable for me. Last minute my parents and I got to go the Phillies-Mets game (which the Phils won, by the way!) and then went to my aunt and uncle's house for food and fireworks. I got to see my cousin's little boy watch fireworks for the first time in his life and see my uncle drunk for the first time in my life.

But throughout the day I was reminded of how extremely blessed I am to be living in this free country. Last year I was in Cambodia during this holiday and as I look back I can only think of the differences in the two countries. Both have amazing things as well as terrible things, just like every country. I won't bore you with pros and cons, but I will say that I am truely blessed just to be able to have a barbeque with my family on a holiday during which we celebrate the freedom of our country.

So that being said, be thankful for what God has given you. And happy freedom day :)