Miles for Smiles

If you were to ask me what my biggest passion is or what is at the top of my bucket list, my answers would run coincide. Helping others is what I thrive for, and my biggest dream is to travel to Africa. This all started when my mom was the Children’s Director at our church and we sponsored a little girl from Peru. Every year since then, maybe even before, my family has sponsored 1-4 kids all around the world. From ages 12-18, I sponsored a girl from Zambia, Africa who was exactly one week younger than me; her name was Sera. Ever since I sponsored Sera, I had this drive in me to someday meet her. I’m not sure if I ever will, but all I can do is hope and pray.

As my passion for helping people has kept on, I became a leader for an organization called Latte Losers during my sophomore year of college. Latte Losers is a movement of college students who are passionate about changing the lives of children all over the world. It’s a division of VisionTrust International that aims to provide food for children at serious risk of malnutrition, death or trafficking. By giving $5 a month, the average cost to feed a child for a month, we can change the lives of these precious children. Each semester our donations are sent to different countries, this semester we are feeding children in India! My co-leader and I came up with a fundraiser called Miles for Smiles. I registered for seven races, and for every mile I ran, my goal was to feed two children in India. The total mileage was 34.7 miles, so a total of $345 was what I was pushing to raise. Well, after my final race in September, I’m ecstatic to say that I raised $770, enough to feed 154 children in India for an entire month! Praise Jesus!

Now let’s rewind time, back to this spring. In March I ran my second ever 5k, and this was the start of my journey. Prior to this time, I despised running. I was in track in high school, but for the jumping events, not for any form of running. As I’m seeking a degree in the health field and I’ve developed a passion for fitness, this fundraiser was right on point. Not only did I help feed these children, but I developed a passion for a sport I thought I could never call fun. Over the course of the summer, I ran 94 miles and completed a half marathon. Both of these are accomplishments that I never thought I could say I’ve completed! Throughout the training for my half marathon there were times where I wanted to give up, but I knew I couldn’t. ‘You’re running to save lives’ is a thought that occurred more times than not. This project was an awesome incentive to keep me going. God is great and He works in mysterious, but awesome ways. Philippians 4:13 says ‘I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.’ If you have a dream, then fight for it, and ask for God’s guidance. You never know what you can do for both yourself and others in this world. Our motto with Latte Losers is ‘it starts with one: one person, one latte lost, one life radically changed!’

About the author: My name is Emily and I grew up with the Minnesota Caffeine Queen, best pals since the summer of 93’. I am a senior at UW-Superior, seeking a degree in Community Health Promotion & Sports Management. Upon graduation, I hope to find a career in the area of Corporate Fitness/Wellness. Currently I work 4 part-time jobs: YMCA Fitness Trainer, Office Assistant in Admissions, Athletic Worker for Volleyball games, and an Independent Consultant for Thirty One. Recently I became a certified Group Fitness Instructor, so I am hoping to start teaching classes soon! Some of my hobbies include spending time with loved ones, traveling, playing volleyball, running, working out, camping, and watching movies.

A Trip That Won't Be Forgotten

At the age of just 13, I was given a trip to tour Europe for my birthday. It was a trip that at the time, I didn't take for granted. I was able to travel through countries I may never visit again but it was full of history that I would soon learn about in the next few years of high school and college.

One of the stops on the tour was a concentration camp in Austria, Mauthausen-Gusen Concentration Camp. At the time I didn't understand where we were and what made this place so important. In high school, we learned all about what happened at these camps and it all set in. There were two things that I will never forget though. I remember being led down a set of stairs that led to a dark room. It looked like it was a cellar, with concrete on all the walls and the ceiling. There was a sign over the door that read, "Exekutions-Statte." At one point we were told that where we stood, over 80,000 people took their last breath. This included children, mothers, and fathers. It's still crazy to think I stood in that room and unlike the 80,000 people who died in there, I got to walk out and continue to eat, breathe, and live a life.  The second thing I will never forget was we were lead over to a field. There were beautiful rolling hills covered in grass that was greener than any grass I had ever seen. As we were admiring how beautiful this field was, we were told that those hills were bodies. Hill after hill was made of bodies that were just tossed into piles. These people were never given a proper burial and will never be able to be identified. It still makes me sick just thinking about that picture in my head of those amazingly beautiful fields. At the end of the tour there was an area in the middle of the camp that you could place a rock in a large cement structure. I left a rock just like everyone else did, but almost 10 years later, that rock means more than just knowing what went on. I will never understand what those families were put through or understand why what happened did, but I promise you I will never forget what happened in those gas chamber, or why those hills were as beautiful as they are. I will never forget.

The other stop I will never forget was when we got to tour the Sound of Music garden. A year before we went on this tour, I was given the privilege to play Gretl Von Trapp in the Sound of Music and I had seen the movie many, many times. We were able to see the outside of the house, the gazebo where "Sixteen going on Seventeen" was filmed, but my favorite was the garden where "Do-Re-Mi" took place. We were able to play around the fountain where they sang, as well as run down the tunnel they biked down while singing. The garden was filled with breath taking flowers along with multiple fountains and gorgeous statues. When I look at the pictures of the day we visited, I can't help but think of the song Edelweiss. The Captain sings, "Bless my homeland forever" and there is no doubt that the land is blessed with beauty.

I will never forget this trip. I highly encourage you to visit Germany, Austria, Hungry, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. You will see things that will take your breath away, eat unforgettable food, and experience a culture that is so different than ours.

Top 10 (Part 3)

So, I've shared my top 10 books, and top 10 songs, but I saved my favorite for last: Movies! And there was no way I could just pick 10, so here are my top 14!

#1 Bridesmaids. This is by far my favorite movie. I could watch it over and over again. It is a very quotable movie. Basically the main characters best friend is getting married and she is asked to be the maid of honor. However, one of the bridesmaids tries to steal the light whenever possible. Everything that could go wrong while planning a wedding does. Kristen Wiig is absolutly phenomenal in it.

#2 Kickass. This movie is a superhero movie on drugs, but it is weirdly good. A high school student notices trouble is happening all around him and decides to become a superhero named 'Kickass'. This is definitely not a typical children's superhero movie.

#3 Stand By Me. Who doesn't want to watch a movie that has four early teenage boys go on an adventure to look for a dead body, just so they can get their names in the newspaper? You learn so much about the boys lives and friendship on their journey.

#4 50 First Dates. I first watched this movie as a teenager and still to this day, I could quote the whole movie beginning to end. I love Drew Barrymore, so she makes this movie even better. Who wouldn't want to fall in love with someone who won't remember you tomorrow?

#5 Toy Story 3. After two successful Toy Story movies, I expected this one to be a bust. However, I think this is the best one. Between all the new characters and the story plot, it will leave you on the edge of your seat. Which toys will Andy take to college?

#6 Star Wars. By far, the best 6 movies in the history of movies. Kudos to George Lucas. You have to watch them in the proper order though; 4, 5, 6, 1, 2, and then 3. Someday I will sit and watch them all in order but I have never found the time to do so. This is the story of little Anakin turning to the dark side to realize in the end that he is good.

#7 Saving Mr. Banks. If you liked Mary Poppins, this the story of the writer. The acting in this movie is  mind blowing. Have kleenex with you. I don't tear up during movies but this one got me.

#8 Peter Pan. "Dreams do come true, if only we wish hard enough. You can have anything in life if you will sacrifice everything else for it." -J.M. Barrie. This is a simple story informing you to never grow up.

#9 Harry Potter. This is the story of a young wizard, Harry Potter, who must battle for his life against the Dark Lord who murdered his parents. His friends, Ron and Hermione, also join him for the journey.

#10 Calamity Jane. This is my all time favorite musical. This is the story of Calamity Jane, her saloon, and her romance with Wild Bill Hickok. Doris Day is incredibly talented in this film. One of my favorite songs from the movie is the opening song she sings, "The Deadwood Stage." Click here if you want to see a clip from it!

#11 Gnomeo And Juliet. This is the classic story of Romeo and Juliet but told by garden gnomes. It is adorable beyond words and unlike the original story, this one has a happy ending. Plus the music in it is spectacular.

#12 The Breakfast Club. Classic 80's movie that every high schooler should watch. It is a day in detention with 5 students who have completely different personalities. When they are forced to make the best of their circumstances they learn to understand each other and realize they are all going through similar stages in life.

#13 Secondhand Lions. This is a story of a young boy who was sent to live with his wealthy, eccentric uncles. His mother is extremely irresponsible and sends him on the hunch that he will find the uncle stash of money. It is a heart warming story that is extremely well written.

#14 Wreck-it Ralph. In this incredibly cute story, Ralph meets Vanellope in hopes that she will be able to help him fulfill his dream. However in the process he bring havoc to the whole arcade where he lives. This is a true, feel good movie.

These are only a few (ok, quite a few) of my favorite movies but this doesn't do my favorites list justice. There are so many good movies out there. I have learned to realize that sometimes the story in a movie, lines up with life circumstances we are facing in life. They help us to see that in the end, at least for these movies, there is a happy ending. What are some of your favorite movies?

Top 10 (Part 2)

I love music. With that being said, here are the top ten most played songs on my computer!

#1 God is Enough by Lecrae. I love Lecrae. He has an amazing heart for music but more importantly for Jesus. If you have 10 minutes, watch his I am Second video here. His story is so unique. He has been through so much, yet continues to live his day to day life to the fullest.

#2 No Sleep by Wiz Khalifa. We all have that one song that just pumps us up. This is mine.

#3 Best Song Ever by One Direction. Everyone should as least have one 1D song on their music list. In my case, I have a few of them. Plus the music video for this song is the best! Watch it here.

#4 What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction. Listen to this every morning because you are beautiful.

#5 Story of My Life by One Direction. If you haven't noticed, I really enjoy One Direction.

#6 Hall of Fame by The Script. One of my favorite lines of this song is "Dedicate yourself and you're going to find yourself!"

#7 The Proof of Your Love by for KING & COUNTRY. The best part of this song is the monologue. They read 1 Corinthians 13, "If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love."

#8 Good Life by One Republic. This song just serves as a reminder that life is so amazing. It reminds me that my life is so good and somedays I forget how lucky I am.

#9 Love is an Open Door from the movie Frozen. I mean come on, who doesn't want to sing about love?

#10 Pumpin Blood by NONONO. This is another one of my pump up songs. It just makes me want to get up and dance.

Sorry I had to add one more...

#11 Skyfall by Adele. I couldn't imagine anyone else starting off a James Bond movie better than her. If this song doesn't give you chills, I don't know what will.

There is so much good music out right now and I'm sure if you asked me in a year what my top played songs are then, the list would be much different. If you need something good to listen to I suggest One Direction, One Republic, Maroon 5, Lecrae, Switchfoot, or some Jesus Culture.

Top 10

Let me just say, that I love reading but I hate crappy books. One of the worst feelings in the world, if you asked me, is when a book ends terribly. These next ten books are my all time favorites, and I promise, they don't end crappy.

#1. Perks of Being a Wallflower. Every teenager should read this book. Whether they are 13 or 19, it will change your life. This is the journal of Charlie who is a struggling Freshman in high school who has never fit in. Then he meets Sam and Patrick and he begins to live again.

#2. Crazy Love by Francis Chan. I honestly can not say enough good things about this book. This is the Introduction to the book. The book isn't long but I promise, it will change the way you view christianity.

#3. A Walk to Remember. I love good, cheesy love stories. This story has an amazing ending and it is way better than the movie. Unlike the movie, the book ends with, "And then there was hope." So if you haven't seen the movie, read the book first.

#4. Peter Pan. Whether it is the chapter book or the children's story, read it. No matter if you are 5 years old or 90, it is a classic reminder that you never have to grown up. Even as adults, we can still be able to be a kid because once you grow up, you can never go back.

#5. 50 Shades of Grey. Most people either love it or hate it. If you do read it, be ready to read the whole trilogy.

#6. Safe Haven. If you want a book that will leave you smiling from ear to ear at the end, this is the book I suggest. I have never been so invested in a story before. I love reading love stories that involve children, and this one does. This book has also been made into a movie but I suggest you read the book before you see the movie. (FYI Safe Haven does an amazing job following the book.)

#7. Jesus Freak. This is a book filled with short stories about real life martyrs. This book made me laugh and cry. Where some of the stories make you go, "awwww," others will feel so real that it will take your breath away.

#8. Close Encounters. I read this book for an Interpersonal Relationships class. I can't say enough good things about this book. It made me re-evaluate all my relationships. It made me realize why I treat my parents the way I do, and vise versa. I also learned how to work through problems in relationships with out causing a blow-out. If there is one book that saved my relationships, it was this one.

#9. The Bible. Read it cover to cover and over again. Just like Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my pathway."

#10. Water For Elephants. I have not finished this book yet. I am only about 1/3rd the way through but I can already tell that it is going to be one of my favorites. I know that this book is filled with heartache and I'm prepared. This book has hit home in a lot of ways. With parents who worked on a circus, I recognize a lot of similar things with their experience and the book.

These are only 10 of my favorites but there are hundreds of good books out there so I would love to hear what your favorite books are! Whether they are children's books, devotional books, or just love stories, I'd love to read your favorite books!

All the time...

"God is good, all the time and all the time, God is good."

The key words in that sentence that I often times forget are all the time. Every second, every minute, God is good.

These last two weeks haven't been anything but stressful. Between a broken car, no financial aid, and being 1,200 miles away from my family, I have had a hard time adjusting to life in Maryland.

Two days ago I was given the amazing news that my financial aid went through. Not only that but I was given a grant that I wasn't expecting. (Remember that "all the time God is good" part?) This news has relieved so much stress. Instead of focusing on money now, I will be able to turn my time over to school and finishing on time.

God provides us with exactly what we need, exactly when we need it. I am so thankful that I will be able to look back at these last few weeks and see how good God is.

Be yourself

In July I wrote a post called "What do you think you are doing?" In this post I wrote about how people were doubting my decisions and how discouraged I was. I would like to say things have changed, but they haven't. Don't you remember in Kindergarten when we were taught, "If you can't saying anything nice, don't say anything at all?"

No matter how discouraging people are, I've kept on this path. I'm living in Maryland, going to school in Delaware, and dating a guy that is in Minnesota. Through this whole thing my Parents and Ben have been supporting me in every decision I make. Even though the distance is hard, they have reminded me that while I am out here I need to enjoy my time and just be myself.  

I found this quote the other day and I couldn't help but smile. "Be who you were created to be, and you will set the world on fire." St. Catherine of Sienna. Even on days when I am told that my relationship isn't going to work, I am reminded of who God created me to be.  God created us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. In the midst of this crazy life God has given me, I need to find time to pray for those who persecute me. 

We Will Never Forget

As a third grader, I was in Ms. Seaton's Class. We were just getting ready for Math (I believe), when she came in with tears in her eyes. I would see one of the most devastating things in US history play over and over again on my TV screen. Almost 3,000 people lost their life. I wouldn't understand the impact this was having for many years.

Fathers, Mothers, Children, Nieces, Nephews, Aunts, Uncles, Girlfriends, Boyfriends, Fiancés, Grandmas, Grandpas, Grandchildren; They never got to say goodbye or one last 'I love you'.

Remember that we need to remember the victims as well as honor the heroes. We also need to be praying for all the soldiers that are still fighting for our country. Also pray for our leaders. 1 Timothy 2:1-3 say, "The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live."

We will never forget.

What a Whirlwind

These last few days have been emotionally, mentally, and physically overwhelmingly. I have felt like I moved out here to Maryland and now that I am here, certain things aren't working out and it is extremely stressful and disappointing. 

Yesterday I was given the news that my financial aid won't be going through for at least 6 weeks. Which puts me in a position where rent isn't being paid, bills are piling up, and my schooling isn't getting paid for. Please pray that God gives me peace. It will all work out, it is just going to take time. 

On top of financial aid, I have the stress of school as a whole. Assignments are starting to come in and slowly but surely I am getting them done. On a more positive note, I found out that after this semester, all of my in-class classes will be complete and I can finish my degree from where ever I want. (Yes, going home to MN is an idea that I have been playing around with.)

Yesterday and today, I was reminded of the saying, "The grass isn't always greener on the other side." I can't help but wonder if God put me on the journey to show that no matter where you go in life, life isn't perfect. Everyday things aren't going to line up perfectly whether it is with school, work, or finances. 

In the end, God is good. He is going to be the one who gets me through this. In the morning I will wake up in a home that is full of love, a job where people encourage me daily, and a family that loves me no matter how far away they are. 

Thank You Aldi

If you would have asked me five years ago to not only watch what I ate, but cut most meat out of my diet and try to eat as organic as I can, I would have laughed at you. Well, because of the stomach issues I was having, that is what my doctors had suggested. "Watch what you eat and be as healthy as possible." After reading blog after blog about what to eat and what not to eat, I learned that eating healthy is expensive and doesn't work. Sure enough, recently I was proven wrong.

Everything is about money lately. School loans, broken cars, and just life's expenses. I decided to make a stop at Aldi the other night after school.  I was instantly impressed and surprised. I was able to get a full cart of groceries for under $40. They not only had a wonderful selection or organic foods, but they had an amazing selection of gluten-free selections. Last night I tried their organic marinara sauce and it was surprisingly delicious. I also bought but haven't tried their gluten-free macaroni and cheese, their granola bars, and their salsa. I have tried their original salsa but I am excited to try their black bean salsa and their mango salsa. (Keep in mind there is a big difference between all-natural and organic)

At one point I tried to convince myself that nothing was going to help my stomach problems.  In May, I decided to cut pop out of my diet completely. I honestly wasn't sure if it did anything but I didn't get sick all month so that's a positive. Since then I try to avoid it as much as I can but when I go out to eat I normally enjoy a pop with my burger. Now, since about May, I haven't been since once. I have had an upset stomach but it hasn't gotten to point of actually getting sick. I firmly believe it is because I have been careful with what I eat. So often people will get a stomach ache and take a tums or medication right away. After months and months of trial and error, I encourage you to try and just eat healthy for one month. It really isn't that hard. Cut out candy, chips, pop, artificial sweeteners, etc. from your diet. It never hurts to try.

Keep in mind that there is still a problem with companies falsely-labeling their food. Not 100% of all food labels are true but just look at the ingredients and what kind of preservatives they use. There is a plethora of helpful blogs out there that have wonderful advice and helpful tips. I am also not guaranteeing you that eating right will make your stomach problems disappear. Just remember: When you eat like crap, you feel like crap.

Let's Be Real

1 in 30 people stay a virgin until they are married. Which means about 3% of Americans wait until marriage to have sex.

This world is full of sex, regardless if you are having it or not. We can't help the culture we live in but we can get help and encouragement from those around us. 

In 2012, Olympic track star Lola Jones made headlines at just 29 years old. This is what she said about her virginity, "It’s just something, a gift that I want to give to my husband. But please understand this journey has been hard. If there’s virgins out there, I just want to let them know, it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. Harder than training for the Olympics, harder than graduating from college, it’s been to stay a virgin before marriage." I can't even fathom training for an Olympics but I know how hard college is and the struggle is real. 

When a man is willing to express that he wants to wait until marriage, you should respect his choice. Just like if you decide to wait, the man should do the same thing. This is part of a relationship that should be taken very seriously. This is also a deciding factor in my relationships. In College, I knew I wasn't meant to be with someone the minute he told me he can't wait. 

Life isn't easy, trust me. However, I encourage you to be that 1 in 30 that stays pure until marriage. 1 Peter 2:11-12 says, "Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

One Word

If you could describe your Summer in one word, what would it be? There is only one word that comes to mind; Adventure.

In the movie Up, Ellie says one line that has stuck with me all summer. In this clip, she says, "Adventure is out there." My Summer has been an adventure I will never forget.

In June, I packed up my life and prepared to say goodbye to Minnesota for good. I planned on starting a life in Maryland. Throughout May I started packing and saying my goodbyes. It was all going very smoothly until I met Ben. June 3rd, we went on a motorcycle ride. June 4th, we saw a movie and toilet papered a friends house. June 19th, we finally made our relationship official. June 19th, I also left for Maryland.

July was full of learning. God taught me that no matter what, in every circumstance find joy. Just like I wrote in my blog, The Summer 2014 Race, God has never failed us and he isn't going to start now. At points throughout the summer I doubted that my long distance relationship was going to work. If I was going to live 1,200 miles away for a whole year, were we going to be able to make it work?

Then August showed up. This is where the real adventure started. August 3rd, Ben picked me up at the airport. I don't think I have ever been so excited to see an individual. Throughout the month we would see each other everyday. Between motorcycle rides, a close family members wedding, and learning how to drive a tractor, I wouldn't have traded the month of August for the world.

Oprah Winfrey said, "The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams." Some mornings I wake up and it feels like I am living in a dream. Then I realize how much God has blessed me over the past few months and I am extremely thankful. Life should be an adventure. Just like Ellie said, "Adventure is out there."

It pours.

"When it rains, it pours; but He promised never to let it flood." 

Today was another one of those long, stressful days. However by 5 o'clock, things had turned around. I am still without a car and financial aid but I'm starting to realize, that's ok. Tonight I came home to a warm, home cooked meal, a clean bed, and a fresh shower. What else could you ask for?

After receiving a phone call that my car is fixed, I learned that by this weekend, my financial aid should  be cleared. It was two phone calls and almost instantly my day had done a complete 180. I know that this isn't the end of stressful days but I know that in the end, God will make a way. 

1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "No temptation has over taken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure." 

In Him, I can do all things. 

When it rains…

After spending a month at home with the people I love, it was time to go back out East to prepare for school. I thought leaving was going to be hard, but that was only the beginning.

This morning I started my "big girl" job at the same camp I worked at all Summer. My first meeting was at 9:30 am today. I figured I should probably be early so I left 30 minutes early. I got in my car and  the tires had locked up. I made sure all the brakes were off and tried again and still no luck. Thankfully I live with gracious people who gladly gave me a ride. All I could think to myself was that this was the worst first day of work I could ever have. Nobody likes late employees. God was clearly controlling time this morning because the lady who I was supposed to meet with was also late.

Even though I have a broken car and no financial aid (yet), the people around me have done nothing but support and help me. I can't thank the family I live with enough. Not only have they opened their home to me but they have fed me and have been driving me around the last 2 days.

There is a reason I am out here. God is already opening up opportunities for me. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!