Home, sweet home

{the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.} - Psalm 121:8

 Finally, I'm home again. To lay in my bed and snuggle with cat...words cannot express how happy it makes me! Going to China was the adventure of a lifetime, a trip I will never forget. I learned SO much, appreciate more now, and yearn to go back. I can't wait to share with you my pictures...I only took 1,307! Until then, here are some pictures of my newest closet addition: a Chinese dress!

Here a few facts that stuck with me:

• They have so little, but appreciate so much.
• Culture shock - seeing so many people.
• Everyone wears wedges or heels..no exceptions!
• The Chinese language is made up of 8 different strokes.
• Each Chinese calligraphy character tells a different story, many of them being from the bible!
• The Great Wall is even bigger than my mind could comprehend.
• They do not wear wedding rings, but instead pass down jade bracelets from the groom's mother to the bride.
• Their currency is RMB or yen. If you divide their price by 6, you have a rough estimate of the cost in US dollars.
• Chinese babies are precious!
•  Toilet paper is a nonrenewable resource...because it was scarcely found.

Oh say, overseas!

{For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.} - Hebrews 4:12

Today, I will be embarking on the trip of a lifetime! I'm headed for China for 9 whole days!

Last October, I was awarded the Dean Prim Scholarship which included an all inclusive China trip, $250 dollars for spending on the trip, and $6,000 for college. Blessed was I since applications were open to both seniors and juniors from 3 different counties. I am so thankful that this day has finally come and I can't wait to tell ya'll about the amazing experience I am hoping to have! Until then, Zài jiàn!

(Goodbye in Mandarin Chinese)

This was my Fourth of July outfit...I know, a little late :)

Suspenders: Forever 21 via Unclaimed Baggage

Tank: Lucky Brand Outlet

Gladiators: Candis via Khols

Flower: Walmart

Redeemed

{Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong} - 1 Corinthians 16:13

For the past week, I am proud to say that Ive been lifting God's name and feeling his holy majesty! I attended a conference in Daytona Beach, Florida with my youth group that featured Louie Giglio and Chris Tomlin as headliners. However, the main event wasn't Louie or Chris, it was Christ! We sang songs and lifted our arms as high as they could go all for the glory of god alone. It was unbelievable. The atmosphere was indescribable and I wish I could tell you how alive I felt in Christ this past week. I felt loved, wanted, and I knew that this mighty creator was FOR REAL! I felt redeemed of my sins again, alive in god, alive in the word. It was amazing and It felt good to not be ashamed of the gospel!

I am redeemed and I am alive. I hope I can portray that through this blog and forever more. Thank you for listening :)

Watch out!

{But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.} - Isaiah 40:31

Over the past couple of weeks, I went on vacation with my family, attended a camp at NCSU, and had the opportunity to make some senior pictures. The latter included breaking into a trolley, taking over our hotel's courtyard, and watching others stare at me...you know, just the usual! I have so much to tell you and I promise, I will be getting back to outfit posts soon! In the meantime though, be on the watch for these awesome posts: Senior Pictures - Take 1, New Orleans Vacation, and STEP! 

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Here's some bloopers to make up for my absence :)