What Are the Odds??

As I'm wrapping up my final weeks in New York City, I've fortunately been able to reflect on so many of the things I've experienced, seen, and learned in the past 8-10 weeks. Soon, I'll be back at KU, starting my senior year of college (woah!), and making decisions that God only knows which way they will go. I could easily say, though, that this summer, from the mission trip I took to China working in the underground churches, to working as an intern for the NBA, has taught me more about myself, life, and people than I have learned in a LONG time (I would bargain to say... ever).

This summer has flown by. While I thought it was going to be one of the most difficult summers of my life, being so far from my friends, family, home, and comfort zone, I was pleasantly surprised. I was blessed to see so many familiar faces that I can't even count all the visits on two hands! Whether it was from my parents and twin sister, sorority sisters, KU classmates, church friends, and more, the amount of people that I was able to see this summer absolutely shocked me. It made me feel so close to home, and it was definitely a subtle blessing that God sneaked into my daily routine (surprises are the best!).

Another thing I learned while in New York City was how this city totally SQUASHES its stereotype. So many people see NYC as a crazy huge city with snobby people who are nothing but self-absorbed and rude. The way I look at it, every place has these kind of people. But, everyone's allowed to have a bad day every once and a while, right? I couldn't disagree more with the NYC stereotype. The second I got off the plane at LaGuardia Airport, I was greeted with nothing but positive, helpful people who were more than willing to go out of their way to assist me as a 'New York Newb.' Isn't it funny how our perceptions change once we actually experience a culture rather than judging them from the outside? The culture, diversity, and opportunity in NYC is truly one of a kind.

One of the most memorable things I saw in NYC was an adorable moment between a dad and his 4-year-old son on the subway. The subway was my source of transportation all summer (and let me tell ya, it was SO NICE not have to pay for gas!), and one day I ran on trying to get home around 530pm. The subway quickly became packed with people (we felt like sardines), except in the corner, I saw a dad teaching his son to read, even through the hustle and bustle of the subway. It doesn't seem like a very big deal, but this was a huge moment for me -- it reminded me that even in the craziness of NYC, or whatever city that comes to mind, there are still people. With feelings. And families. Trying to achieve the same things that people everywhere desire -- love, happiness, truth, education, and fellowship.

One of my best friends from KU who is interning in San Francisco this summer told me early on that the one thing she learned living in California was that she couldn't compare anything to home. This was another lesson I learned. Every experience is different, and the adventure of it is to embrace it, rather than reflecting on the differences. I absolutely loved walking to work every morning and hearing anywhere from 5-10 different languages being spoken. Going to dinner at the world's largest Applebee's was quite the experience as well! These are all unique experiences that I wouldn't have in Kansas or NM, but being able to look at them with new eyes helped me embrace them more and get the most out of all my experiences.

It was through this summer that I was able to learn multiple life lessons (as mentioned before), but one of the biggest lessons I learned was that different isn't always bad. Coming from small town USA, it was difficult making the transition from comfort zone to the unfamiliar, big, bad city life. But after going away 12 hours from home to college, leaving for a mission trip 18 hours across the world on a plane, and living in NYC for 10 weeks with no one that I knew, I have learned that wherever you go in life, you adjust. Some places might take more time than others, but regardless of how you feel about how "you'll NEVER" do something, I would suggest never use the word never... because trust me, I NEVER thought this southern heart of mine would live in NYC for a summer (what are the odds!?), but it is easy to say that I have fallen in love with this city, even through the rough, initial transition. Life is crazy and fast and fun, with new changes every day, but I think if I could suggest one thing for y'all... it would be this: Go somewhere you are unfamiliar with, and don't go with anyone you know. Learn to be independent, make your own decisions, and find your own passion without people of influence breathing down your neck. It is these kind of situations where God reveals His Will for your life.And this time, you can actually hear it. But, you'll never be able to truly see it clearly if you don't take that leap.

I can't tell you where or what my next step in life will be. I've enjoyed every single experience I've been offered up to this point -- each one offering new perspectives and outlooks for me to think about, which I can only credit The Holy Trinity for, because I know these experiences are molding me closer to Sainthood. But what I do know, is that whatever is out there for me, through prayer, I'll find it.


"There's 1,000 ways to lose, and 1 way to win." - Mike Bantom (VP of Referee Operations at the NBA); stop looking for the 1,000 ways to make excuses for yourself -- find the 1 reason to be the best version of yourself, and run with it.

See you in 3 weeks, Kansas!
Praising Him Always.

Saturday Mornings Were Made for Thankfulness

Looking back at the past few weeks makes me that much more excited for the next few! During these weeks, I had the opportunity to go visit my twin sister, who is interning in Pittsburgh, PA. Pittsburgh is a BEAUTIFUL city! We were able to visit the famous St. Anthony Chapel, where over 4,200 Saints relics were held, as well as taste some amazing seafood, explore the streets of Pittsburgh, and overhear a little bit of a Luke Bryan concert playing in the Steeler's stadium. This short, 60-hour trip was well-worth it.

Fourth of July was a week/weekend that I will never forget. I was fortunate to spend the Holiday with my parents and twin, as everyone made a trip to New York. The many trips getting lost on the subways, deciphering where to eat, and being lost tourists was well-compensated by the time with family, delicious food, moments of laughter (there were many), Broadway shows, Empire State and World Trade Center tours, Central Park lunches, sitting under the fireworks at South Seaport, and so much more. Seeing as I won't be able to go home until Thanksgiving, it was such a blessing that my family was able to visit me.

In addition to family, I have had the chance to see a few other familiar faces while I've been in New York! It started with a sorority sister, who I briefly met with after mass on my 3rd week in, and since then, I've been able to see a dear friend of mine, Janelle, who was coming back from a trip to Italy with the Apostles of the Interior Life (the Sisters I receive spiritual direction from at school -- they are too awesome to describe in words), our leadership and development coordinator at St. Lawrence, Karen, and this weekend, I'm meeting up with another sorority sister in my pledge class to grab some dinner while she's visiting. Next week, I have more sorority sisters coming to visit for vacation (GO KD!) as well as my aunt and cousins. This summer that I thought would make me feel so far from home has been blessed by the comfort and presence of so many familiar faces. Praise God!

My internship continues to astound me -- it is busier than ever, but going great! Learning so much in the process -- not only about the work world, but also about myself, my passions, and so much more. I hope to share these experiences with y'all when I come home to see you or through a phone call to catch up! As I sit here eating my egg sandwich and strawberries on this beautiful Saturday morning, I hope every one of you has an amazing weekend, filled with summer joy and laughter.

Thinking especially of my mom and all her volleyball players as they begin their summer workouts this week! Much love, everyone!