tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51382685357353464282024-03-19T00:53:38.341-04:00Seeing My Way ThroughTaylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18314997892988673301noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138268535735346428.post-24178202425648825762013-12-06T13:30:00.002-05:002013-12-06T13:30:29.493-05:00BirthdayWow am I really 21!? Where on earth is time going? I still feel like I should be about 16 and in high school. My birthday was amazing this year. I am truly blessed with some of the most awesome people.<br />
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My day started out with homemade pancakes that my awesome roommate made for me. Yes I am very aware of just how wonderful she is. Hard to believe we were almost random roommates, I say almost because we met and agreed to live together, but didn't really know each other until move in day. She is amazing though and I am so lucky she agreed to live with me. After that she had presents, she knows me too well to have only lived with me about 4 months. My day was fairly normal with the exception that I was super happy all day long. I went about my normal schedule, went to class, turned in everything I had due and even worked on some homework.<br />
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My parents had made plans weeks earlier to come up and have dinner with me on my birthday so that only added to the wonderful day I was having. My mom tried to be sneaky and plan a surprise party with my friends, but nothing ever gets by me! I totes knew what was going on but did try to play along (lol). My parents brought along some of my closest girlfriends all of whom I love dearly and I am so blessed to call friends. I really have nothing bad to say about my birthday it was an all around wonderful day, with the exception it was on a Tuesday which meant I couldn't stay up late or put off the homework.<br />
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Thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday, it truly meant a lot. I also received some hilarious ones along with ones that about made me cry. Thank you everyone!<br />
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-TaylorTaylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18314997892988673301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138268535735346428.post-82688816858355779572013-11-04T15:59:00.003-05:002013-11-04T15:59:56.927-05:00Orphan Sunday 2013This past Sunday I presented about the need for orphan care at my church. Below is the speech that I gave.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Orphan care is not
something that God asked us to do if we felt like it. He commanded us to care
for the orphan and the widow in their distress (James 1:27). Caring for the
orphan is one of the most heart breaking experiences because they are truly the
least of the least and the cast away of society. In the United States alone
there are over half a million children waiting for someone to tell them that
they are loved and cared for. Worldwide there are over 149 million children
classified as orphans. These number and statistic are heart wrenching but they
are the reality <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Approximately 250,000 children are
adopted annually, but…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Every day about 5,800 more children
become orphans</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Each year over 14, 500, 000 children
grow up as orphans and age out of the system by age sixteen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Each day over 38,000 orphans age out<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Every 2.2 seconds another orphan
ages out with no family to belong to and no place to call home<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of those children that age out studies
have shown that 10% – 15% of these children commit suicide before they reach
age eighteen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These studies also show that 60% of
the girls become prostitutes and 70% of the boys become hardened criminals<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">These are not statistics anyone wants to hear but
the need for orphan care is great. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Institutions are not places children are meant to
grow up. They are dim and dull places where children are raised more like
cattle then the children they are. There
is typically 15 or more children per adult worker and there is no individual
care. In many cases the children that have special needs are left to die, In
China alone one orphanage can have 4 or more dying rooms with 100 or more
children in them and they are simply placed and forgot about as if their life
does not matter. In Eastern Europe children with medical needs at the age of
4 are sent to adult mental institutions, heavily medicated and never given a
chance at a life. The vast majority of them will die within 6 months of their
arrival due to neglect. No child asks to
be born an orphan, God designed children to be in families not institutions. Institutions
are places that diminish the hope of a child and steal away childhood, they are
places where unthinkable abuses happen and the perpetrator goes unpunished. The
majority of children who die in institution die from preventable causes. I have
personally experienced the horrors of institutions and they are places I hope
no one ever has to see. I have held a child who 6 hours later died from a virus
that was 100% preventable and curable here in the states. They are places where
500 or more little ones look at you and their eyes are saying love me and tell
me I am worth it. Institutions are the homes to so many children who are
craving for the affection that is being denied to them. Imagine going to bed
without a hug or being tucked in at the age of 3, no one checks for the
monsters under you bed and no one tells you how loved you are, every tear hits
the ground and no boo boo is kissed better, they are places where children grow
up too fast and miss out on the importance of love. However there is hope for the Orphan because
God even says in the Bible that he will come to them. I truly believe that
God’s heart is breaking when he looks and sees what is happening to his
children and how so few individuals are doing anything to change their current
situation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Adoption
is the ultimate goal for every orphaned child, but it is not a reality nor is
it for every family, but adoption is not the only way an individual or a family
can care for the orphan. Giving to organizations that sponsor orphan care, sponsoring
a child, hosting an orphaned child, volunteering with foster children here in
NC, volunteering in institutions abroad, and praying are other examples of just
how one person can make a difference in the life of a child. No one can do
everything but everyone can do something to make the life of a child easier. No
we cannot help every orphaned child in the world but everyone can help someone
and those ones add up to a lot of children in the end. Adopting or helping one
child will not change the world but for that one child their entire world will
change. I am not asking all of us to save the world and adopt every orphan but
we can change the life of one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> I
want to introduce you to Amanda De Lange, Amanda was a normal person like all
of us, but she was vastly different. She gave up her life and the comfort she
lived in to move to China and to care for the least of the least. She started
out on her own caring for 6 babies and within 5 years she had founded a
non-profit that was caring for 50 Chinese orphans at any given time. She lived
on faith that the needs or her babies and herself would be provided and never
saw her children as a burden but rather a blessing. She did not take the
prettiest or the healthiest babies into her care but rather the children who
everyone else had given up on. 90% of her children were days from dying had
they stayed in the institution but with the help of the nannies and volunteers
most of them were saved. She risked the heart ache to save the one because she
knew that the one life she saved was worth it. Because Amanda believed and
answered her calling there are 100 lives in the world today that would not be
here without her and there are 60 families who have met their children because
of her. Her children were the children that should not have survived because
someone in an orphanage deemed that their life was not worth fighting for.
Amanda was one person that changed 100 lives.
All it takes is one person to make a difference and to change the world<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Currently
I work with 3 organizations that help orphan children in a verity of way and I
know of several more. If you would like more information on adopting or helping
these children please feel free to see me and I will be more than willing to
talk to you. The sad news is that the majority of the orphaned children
worldwide will never know the love of an earthy father, but they should not go
an eternity without knowing the love of a heavenly father. The only way to
truly care for the orphan is to love them like Jesus loves us and to spread his
love to those who may never experience it. My goal of this message was to break
your heart for what breaks God’s heart, and I know that seeing so many of his
children without families or their basic needs being met is breaking his heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> To
conclude my time up here I have a short personal video of the children that I
have worked with over the last few years. These are children that I have
watched grow and change and children in which I have seen the difference love
can make. For these children all it takes is knowing that one person believes
in you and your will to fight and live grows stronger. Most of these children
were on the brink of death and a little bit of food and a lot of love brought
them back. Now most of them are home with their forever families all because someone
cared enough to help.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Link to the Video: </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og1C85ykzB8">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og1C85ykzB8</a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span></div>
Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18314997892988673301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138268535735346428.post-14539008221267205162013-08-30T22:38:00.001-04:002013-08-30T22:38:33.522-04:00College Take 3I cannot believe my junior year of college has begun. Where in the world has the time gone? I am however loving this year so far. My classes are probably going to kick my tail but I will survive. 18 hours is not fun no matter what you are taking, especially when all of your classes are paper based. Bring on those 15-20 page research papers, said no college student ever. However, it will all work our and come final exam time I won't have to go take a test but rather hand in a paper and leave, so I can't complain too much about that.<br />
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I am still getting adjusted to my new schedule, thankfully once again I have dodged 8 am as everyone knows I am not a morning person. My earliest class is at 9:30 on Tuesday and Thursday so I am happy about that. The class isn't too bad but Psychology is still not my thing. I also have the 2nd Econ this semester and that class will be my biggest struggle. I have still yet to figure out why it is even required for my major, but whatever ASU I will learn about these stupid graphs if I have too. At first I thought it was in case I ever taught Civics and Economics, but this class is so far from anything I would ever have to teach it is not even funny.<br />
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I'm in love with my living situation this year. I have finally upgraded to the apartments on campus and I am in love. Not having a meal plan is the best thing in the world. I love being able to cook my own meals and eat what I like and not the gross stuff that is in the dining halls. On the plus side I have only burnt myself twice, it has been a learning experience for sure, this oven is much shorter than the one that is at my house so I am always knocking the top of it. It is probably a miracle that I have not broken a dish yet. I do love cooking though, so it has been wonderful and I cannot wait to get a little more creative with my meals.<br />
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My roommate this year is AWESOME! I was so nervous going into this year, as we were kind of random. We met once last year and agreed to live together, but we did not know each other at all. We get along wonderfully though and she has quickly become a great friend. Lily is so much fun to live with and we laugh all the time. I do not think there has been one night we have not been complete goof balls and had so much fun in our nightly ramblings. We also have many of the same interest which is so nice. She loves coffee and makes some just about every morning. I am one spoiled person right now! Lily and I share a room this year but I also have two other roommate, Hannah and Jocelyn. They are equally as wonderful. I have not been able to spend as much time getting to know them as I have Lily, but we all get along great.<br />
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<br />Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18314997892988673301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138268535735346428.post-27800747339170352802013-07-14T07:30:00.000-04:002013-07-14T07:30:03.125-04:00A year ago....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzpBcr__qHvFtwbF4J0sgPXyRUs5P0eOSMpXtQFf22a1UhyTtN6bP1iBEk7hMy2a7qM0jHAA1cr1jRx4pHUhB8VMtqW4AG9U-PZAQcij6Fber9XkPBnKl-p5lg9Dm4l4kpsA9ecHTl3Q/s400/get-attachment-26.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzpBcr__qHvFtwbF4J0sgPXyRUs5P0eOSMpXtQFf22a1UhyTtN6bP1iBEk7hMy2a7qM0jHAA1cr1jRx4pHUhB8VMtqW4AG9U-PZAQcij6Fber9XkPBnKl-p5lg9Dm4l4kpsA9ecHTl3Q/s320/get-attachment-26.aspx.jpeg" width="224" /></a></div>
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A year ago today the world lost an amazing women. It's hard to believe it's been a year since Amanda left us here on Earth. Oh how I miss her. I miss being able to shoot her an email and hear about all the craziness of China. I miss her Facebook post and seeing her daily ramblings. There are still days that I do not believe she is really gone. The legacy she left is absolutely AMAZING. There are 100+ lives in the world today because of her. Amanda's last days were not what any of us imagined. No one thought her life would be cut short and that she would leave so soon.<br />
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Amanda to this day still inspires me to be a better person. She selflessly gave her life and wants for the needs and wants of the children and people of China she served. She left her comfortable life to be the mom to about 30 babies at any given time. She set aside her needs to make sure her babies were cared for and sought out the best care China could provide for them. She was their mom until their moms got to them. She cared for them like a mother would and provided for them, even though she was only their temporary mom. She knew her role was to care for them until their families came. Granted she missed her babies after they were adopted she knew a permanent family could give them the things she could not. Because of her selfless love for the children she cared for her heart and legacy lives on in the lives of the children she cared for.<br />
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The world needs more people like Amanda who are so willing to give selflessly and expect nothing in return. Amanda truly lived a life no one could ever repeat. Her babies were not the babies most people in China wanted to care for, they were the challenging ones, the ones no one wanted, and the ones left to die. However, within their tiny little bodies Amanda saw a child worth the risk of a heart break and worth every penny she could scrap up. There were so many times Amanda walked in to the orphanage with only enough funds to take on one more child, but she could never say no to a little one who needed her and most of the time she walked out with anywhere from 2-10 babies. I believe there was only one time she walked out with one baby. She never knew where the funds to care for the extra children would come from, but she believed they would show up. Each child to her was an individual whose life meant so much. She took the sickest babies and nursed them back to health, even if that meant spending hours feeding them with a dropper. Sometimes the babies she brought home were so close to death no one thought they would make it, but as Amanda said a little love and a good meal or two can go a long way to save the children. So many times she told me that it was not the food that was saving the babies but the love, care, and a simple human touch that was saving them.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://collettefoundation-org.securec8.ezhostingserver.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/starfish-300x299.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://collettefoundation-org.securec8.ezhostingserver.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/starfish-300x299.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little 6 from my first year at Starfish. What a difference just 10 days made</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Neuton; font-size: 18px;">"You have never really lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you."</span><br />
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Oh how true is this quote. I know that everyone who knew Amanda knew that she loved the babies and never expected a thing in return. Amanda gave out of her heart to the babies. Her reward was knowing that the children were healthy, cared for, loved, and eventually home with families who loved them. </div>
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I miss Amanda so much as do many other individuals. She changed this world for the better and no one can ever be her. Her legacy is living on and new and great things are on the horizon for her foster home. Things have greatly changed for those that run baby homes in China, but no one is giving up on Amanda's dream. Children are still being saved and cared for because of her. I can only hope that one day I can do half as much for a child as she has. We all need to let the Amanda's in us show, because we can all save at least one child and make a difference to that one.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/208986_3669064323579_1305771165_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/208986_3669064323579_1305771165_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amanda and I Memorial Day Weekend 2012. How I miss my dear friend!</td></tr>
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<br />Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18314997892988673301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138268535735346428.post-89104630184195183912013-06-21T19:06:00.001-04:002013-06-21T19:08:16.816-04:00Freedom School Partners (FSP)2013<div>
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If you would have asked me last year what I was doing this year I would have told you I would have been in China, for about a month by now. I had every intention of cuddling and cooing with precious orphans in Xi'an at a foster home that I love dearly. I would have been loving on them and helping change an endless amount of clothes and diapers. I love my China babies so much and I had every intention of visiting them again this summer and meeting the little ones who had arrived since I had last been. China and the children of China hold just about every inch of my heart. There are children world wide from the not so little town that hold a piece of my heart and really and truly love knows no boundaries with those kids. Obviously, China did not become a reality this year due to many reasons and at first I was totally crushed. I could not believe I was not going back, but then I begin to realize that even though I wasn't doing what I was planning on doing I was going to be doing what had been planned long before the love of China had been put in my heart. It was a shock to me that I was not going to China but not a shock to the Lord. He knew all along I was not going to be returning, but instead of just slamming the door in my face he gently closed it for this summer and reviled his plan. </div>
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The start of Freedom school is just around the corner. I am so excited to meet my babies for the summer. Training is over and all the classrooms are ready for Monday morning when our kids walk through the door. Never in a million years would I have thought I would be back for another summer. As a second year I have all the excitement of a first year along with all the nerves as well. I am at a new site this year with kids I have never met, many returners are back at their old site with the same children again. I wish I was getting my babies from last year again, but FSP is no longer at my old site as a new program took its place. I miss my children from my first year so much and think of them often but I cannot wait to meet my new little ones. Big plans are in store for this summer, I already know it. </div>
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My classroom was finished Thursday before lunch so after lunch and today I just reorganized and made sure everything was perfect for Monday morning. I am in love with my theme this year "Under the Sea", which I guess is a good thing since I am stuck with it for six weeks. Each of my kids has a sand bucket on the door with their name so they can collect as much love of learning and reading as they would like. Even though I am the farther thing from a morning person I have a feeling I will be up bright and early and super excited to get the day started. Below is my door for this year. It is not the finished product as a changed it a little after this was taken but you get the idea. </div>
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I also have the world's BEST team this year!! We all get along so great and there are endless amounts of laughs to be had. The amount of energy and love between our staff is too much. We are all in it for the scholars and want them to succeed every expectation that will ever be set for them. I do not think I could have hand picked a better group of people to work with. I love them all so much already! (One member is missing from this picture as she could not go to national training. We still love you Erica!)</div>
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Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18314997892988673301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138268535735346428.post-21928601002373878182013-05-31T23:04:00.001-04:002013-05-31T23:05:06.549-04:00Where I Belong<br />
As many people who followed my journey last year with Freedom School Partners know, I had a very rough summer with my kids. Granted I loved them all, they were a challenge to keep in line and to work with sometimes. I probably cried more days than I would like to admit because I was so stressed and I remember after the first day coming home and thinking how in the world I was going to do this for 6 weeks. However, I made it though my summer and I loved every second of it. I was hard on my babies, no one got away with anything in or outside of my classroom.<br />
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Well today was the first day of FSP local training. We started out with how something that you say or do to a child whether positive or negative has a massive impact on their life and the summer director called out my name asking me to stand to be recognized. Obviously I was quite shocked. She went on to say she had visited the site that my old site kids would be moved to and that a little boy came up to her asked her if I was returning this summer ,She told him that I was, but I was not at his site, rather another one. She could see that he was disappointed and then the little guy went on to say that he was sad about that because he "really loved miss Taylor." She proceeded to congratulate me for making a difference for a child and to do what ever it was I did again for another little one.<br />
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Now here I am sitting down about to cry because I loved my babies last year, even the ones who have given me grey hairs. I had a very hard summer as stated above, and in no way did I ever think that I was doing something right and that my kids would remember me. I felt like I was the odd man out and could not get things right or my kids under control. I have no idea what I said or did for this little boy, nor do I know which child it was that said this, but hearing that a child remembers you for something you did for them made me realize I am right where I am supposed to be for this summer.<br />
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I had a hard time choosing to go back to FSP this summer, but after today I am so looking forward to this summer, and cannot wait to meet my new children at my new site. I will miss last years babies so much, I still think of them often and wonder how they are doing. Maybe one day I will have them in high school, who knows. This little boy will probably never know that I was informed of his comment, but I wish I could tell him how much it means to me to know that I impacted his life in someway to make him say that about me. It makes every hard day worth it.<br />
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TayloeTaylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18314997892988673301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138268535735346428.post-77751116089534637282013-04-07T10:00:00.000-04:002013-04-07T10:00:04.539-04:00The Anderson and Allen FamiliesBy the time this blog post publishes there will be two less.... Today one little girl and one little boy have learned the love of a family. April 7th may not be an important day in your family, but for two families that are near my heart, it is the day that they became parents again to new little ones. I am beyond thrilled for these little ones and their parents. I cannot wait to see them emerge and become everything that they are suppose to be. From today onward they will never have to face the world alone, they are now a part of a family who has loved them dearly for months. The song lyrics below do a pretty good job of summing up what these families are experiencing.<br />
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There's a child<br />
Been abandoned on the street<br />
Now she's waiting for someone to be her miracle<br />
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There's a wife<br />
Somewhere halfway around the world<br />
Begging God for a little girl she can call her own<br />
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Well, worlds collide, and colors fade<br />
And a man and wife brought their little girl home today<br />
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And there's one less<br />
One less<br />
One less broken heart in the world tonight<br />
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We are called<br />
To the widows and the orphans<br />
But it's easy to ignore their silent cries<br />
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Oh, but every single time<br />
Somebody reaches into the darkness<br />
Makes a choice to help the helpless<br />
They let mercy save a life<br />
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Well the truth is we are all the orphans<br />
But love has left the ninety-nine<br />
Just to find the one<br />
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One less night alone<br />
One less child without a home<br />
One less birthday gone forgotten<br />
One more soul rising from the bottom<br />
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One less<br />
One less<br />
There's one less broken heart in the world tonight</div>
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Adoption is a beautiful and wonderful experience. My family along with so many others have been blessed through this miracle. There are really no words that explain it, you have to feel it. So many times people see the children as the lucky ones, but really and truly it is the family that are the lucky ones. Adoption has forever changed my life and I rejoice every time a little one comes home because there is now one more life that will not be forgotten and one more little one who knows what love is.</div>
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Please continue to keep the Anderson's and the Allen's in your thoughts and prayers as they still have several more days in China before they come home with their newest additions! I cannot wait to meet your children!</div>
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Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18314997892988673301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138268535735346428.post-39840901599910453422013-03-02T18:34:00.000-05:002013-03-03T16:58:31.409-05:00Bittersweet...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is by far one of the hardest post I have ever had to write....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About November of last year I was presented with two options about what to do with my upcoming summer. Both involving organizations which I love, but the sad part was I had to pick ONLY one. It has by far been one of the harder choices I have ever had to make, because only picking one meant that part of my heart would break. I love both of the organizations dearly and did not want to have to pick only one. It was not an easy decision by any means. It was one I went back and forth on for a while and when I finally decided my heart broke... For those that know me they know how much I love China and the children of China. I was planning and hoping to return this summer but that does not seem to be what I am suppose to do. I will not be making my trip to China and Starfish this summer liked I had hoped. It was not an easy choice by any means which is why it has taken me so long to post about it. I have prayed and asked God for his direction and his answer was not what I was hoping for. I so wanted to go to China this summer simply because I miss the babies and the people. It would have also been perfect because my roommate from last year would be in the city I would have been visiting and it would have been great to see her as I miss her dearly. But God has made it clear that I am to stay home this summer and minister to the children in a community close to where I live.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As much as it breaks my heart not to return to China and love on some precious orphans, many of whom I love dearly, I know there is a plan greater than I can imagine. I will be working with Freedom School Partners again this summer teaching and helping children between the ages of 5 and 11 with their academics. I loved my summer with them last year and I am thoroughly looking forward to working with them again. I have not found out where I am this year or the exact grade levels I will have, but I do know that I will not have to same group of kids I had last year, as my previous site has closed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I cannot wait to see what this summer has in store. Please however, continue to keep Starfish, the children, nannies, Board of Directors and Naomi in your thoughts and prayers as they are still going through some rough patches with the Chin*se government. The children of China are always in my heart and I love them dearly. I cannot wait to return and love on them in the future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you also to all of those individuals who have supported me and my decisions about China both past and present. I am so thankful that there are people out there who get my passion and do not think I am crazy! Please keep me in your prayers this summer as I meet the children I will be teaching and mentoring. Those that remember from last year it was not easy, as so many of the children I will be working with have home life's unimaginable to us, and have experienced more in their short lives than many of us ever will. I cannot wait to meet my children and begin the summer with them though. I had a wonderful experience last year and think of my little ones often!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To end I will leave you with a picture of my fortune from my fortune cookie about a month ago. I so hope it continues to speak true! I know the children I have loved on, have helped me more than they will probably ever know.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taylor</span>Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18314997892988673301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138268535735346428.post-35105143735280750482013-02-25T22:33:00.003-05:002013-02-25T22:33:46.863-05:00Updating award fail!I know I am awful sometimes at updating my blog. I would totally win worst updater if that was an award. I have had an exciting last few weeks... More to come there. I have way to much I need to be doing to go into detail but I have not fallen off the side of the earth yet! Hopefully I will have an update soon. So much has happened lately. I will be back I promise so keep on checking in!Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18314997892988673301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138268535735346428.post-85641864381565487082013-02-11T13:10:00.000-05:002013-02-11T13:17:59.436-05:00New Day Foster Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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New Day is currently raising fund for their Acute Care/emergency medical account. This particular account helps pay for surgeries and needs of children that just arise and were unexpected. It also helps them say yes to a needy child when an orphanage when they calls them asking for help. Because of this account and the available funds in it so many children's lives have been saved. Please consider helping New Day so that they can continue to save the lives of precious children in China. You can also read many of the children's stories whose lives have been saved and forever changed because New Day stepped in!<br />
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http://newdayfosterhome.blogspot.com/Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18314997892988673301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138268535735346428.post-81114250280425507662013-01-21T12:47:00.000-05:002013-01-21T12:47:01.605-05:00Three Years ago <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh how things have changed in 3 years. Three years ago today Ashton and I were in the lobby of the Wangfuijing Hotel in Beijing China anxiously awaiting the 4 children who were about to forever changed the families waiting upstairs. I remember that day oh so well. I remember the look each child had on their face as they walked through the revolving doors at our hotel. Each little one was so sacred about what was about to happen. But they didn't know how long the four families upstairs had waited to hold them in their arms. Our group had waited NINE almost TEN months for this day and it was finally here.<br />
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For most family/gotcha days are a blur full of tears and screaming children. But not one child in our little group cried but the pain of the day was on everyone's faces. There were 4 children not quite old enough to fully comprehend what was happening and 4 children who had just been taken from everything they had known. Those Beijing days were hard for just about everyone in our group and through it all our travel group became like family. We were each others shoulders and support during those many tough days we all faced.<br />
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Three years has brought us a long way though. All of the children that were in our group are doing amazing today! Jacob has come so far in the last 3 years it is amazing! He is above or at grade level in every subject in school. Looking back he has come a long ways from the little boy in China we were handed. He no longer runs at any given chance and he has learned what a family is, something he didn't even know about 3 years ago today.<br />
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Granted yes we were headed to bed this time 3 years ago as it had been a long day and with the time difference and jet lag we were all exhausted. If I could go back I wouldn't change a thing. Jacob was totally made for our family and we have grown so much over the last few years. We are truly the lucky ones not him for getting a family but us for being blessed with such a cool little guy. I am so blessed to be his big sister.Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18314997892988673301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138268535735346428.post-6308920084738664822013-01-18T23:27:00.001-05:002013-01-18T23:27:42.244-05:00The First Week of ClassWell... The first week of class has come to an end. To that I am grateful! The first week always seems to be the most stressful.<br />
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<li>Where are my classes</li>
<li>Did I read my schedule right</li>
<li>Am I in the correct room</li>
<li>How are my professors going to be</li>
<li>Will I know anyone in my classes</li>
<li>Can I make it from building A to building B in the allotted time</li>
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I stress the most during the first week because my biggest fear is I will read my schedule wrong and be late for a class or show up on a day that I do not have that class. Those that know me personally know how I am. I will read my schedule 4 or 5 times and still question what I have read. Needless to say though the first week went wonderful!</div>
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My professors all seem great which I am so grateful for. The work load for the semester doesn't seem to unbearable. I have a lot of reading and a fair share of papers but nothing I cannot handle.</div>
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I am so excited for this semester and cannot wait to see what it holds. Most of my classes I am generally excited about and I am finally into some of my major ones. The one I am dreading is my FINAL science course! Thankfully it's only 50 minutes a day Monday, Wednesday, and Friday which I can handle, no more 2 and a half hour Anthropology lecture.</div>
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Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18314997892988673301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138268535735346428.post-78177602728292832952012-12-27T20:53:00.001-05:002012-12-27T20:53:41.547-05:00Family Ski Trip<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past weekend we took a rather random last minute ski trip. It snowed and we decided why not head to Boone and go skiing/snowboarding. The littles have never skied before so we put them in a class and it was great. It was not crowded at all this past weekend and it was great!</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided to be brave and snowboard instead of ski. We all should remember the class that I took last year 2nd semester. Thankfully I remembered just about everything and did okay considering I haven't snowboarded in almost a year. I only had one major fall when my boot because loose in my bindings. This was the first time I have ever used bindings. During the class I always had a step in. I loved being able to get back into it and it was so nice that I remembered how to do everything. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The princess HATED skiing and she was the one who was SO excited about going skiing and being like her daddy. She dropped out halfway through the class... She complained the whole time probably about how cold she was or how much she didn't like skiing. When she would fall she would <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">yell at her ski instructor "hello someone needs to pick me up!!" That child I swear!! Needless to say her instructors weren't upset she was a dropout.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"> They seemed rather relieved that she left.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Jacob loved ski school and did very well. He graduated and was able to go out onto the slope with his dad. His instructors said that he was the best listener of the group. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Other than the drop out the ski trip was a major success! We enjoyed the get away and change in scenery. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Now on the the pictures of the littles ski class. I have a video as well and will try to get that up later and post a link here.Lily is in all pink and Jacob is in the all black with the red and green marked jacket.</span></span></span></div>
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Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18314997892988673301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138268535735346428.post-44220578835083770812012-12-26T20:44:00.003-05:002012-12-26T20:44:57.633-05:00Friends DateYou know how you have those few friends that what ever you do you cannot get rid of them nor do you want to.... Well I have two of those and I love them dearly!! I could not imagine my life without them. They have made me who I am today and have stuck with me through thick and thin and I couldn't be more thankful for their friendship.<br />
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Since going off to school I don't get to see them as much which I hate but we enjoy our time together so much. There is never a dull moment. We can find something to do anywhere we are and have a blast. We never leave without a good laugh and aching stomachs.<br />
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Last Friday we all had some free time so we headed out for some fun only we can have. A traditional dinner at our local Mexican restaurant then reminiscing at Dairy Queen where Collin and I use to work (we don't miss that place). The last stop was Walmart Sarah had to grab a few things while we were in town so we decide to go just mess around.<br />
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I love the time I get to spend with the two of them and hate that it is not more. I miss being able to just call them up and head out for a couple hours or movies at one of our houses. But I am so glad we have remained close since going separate ways and I can only hope that never changes. Haha it better not cause they know too much and would have to go!!<br />
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Mexican food!!</div>
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Sarah and I</div>
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It doesn't fall out!! DQ chocolate extreme our favorite!</div>
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Sarah being a goof ball</div>
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Random bike</div>
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Haha fun times! We really love to mess around. Sarah's was the best!!</div>
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Collin Creeping!</div>
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Creeping at its creepiest </div>
<br />Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18314997892988673301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138268535735346428.post-52977813343951101372012-12-17T09:00:00.000-05:002012-12-17T20:17:43.417-05:00Somewhere in China.....Somewhere in China today a birth mother is probably recalling the little girl she gave birth to at 3 pm China time 5 years ago today. She is probably recalling the few moments she laid eyes on her precious girl, held her, and then the hardest decision she ever made. She probably watched and helped her family members bundle her baby and then walk out the door with her. We have no idea what Lily's first moments of life were like but we can say that her birth parents cared deeply for her. They made sure she was warm and protected from the cold. They laid her in a place where she would be found quickly and pinned a small note to her with her day of birth and the time. Odds are someone watched from a far to make sure she was found and then silently walked away hoping for the best for their daughter, granddaughter, sibling, or niece.<br />
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What her birth mother and family do not know is how loved their baby girl is, how she is tucked in her bed warm and safe. They don't know how much she loves princesses or ballet. They have no idea how smart she is nor how beautiful she is. They don't know she is a lefty and loves school. They have no idea how cherished their baby is now nor do they probably know what happened to her. They didn't get to see her first steps or words and haven't been the ones who kissed away her boo boos but we cannot say they didn't love her. They have no idea how their hardest decision to give their baby up has been the biggest blessing to our family.<br />
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Today I pray that Lily's birth family has a sense of peace knowing that their little girl is loved to the moon and back again a billion times. Lily will always have two families; her China family who we do not know and our family the family God intended for her to be with. She has the family that gave her life and the family that is helping her live it. We are forever grateful for her birth family's decision to give their baby life because we cannot imagine our lives without her.<br />
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY LILY!!Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18314997892988673301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138268535735346428.post-8451842996251917042012-12-12T11:00:00.000-05:002012-12-12T11:00:11.410-05:00Private BlogHi everyone,<br />
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I have finally gotten around to creating my private blog that I will be using along with this one. This one is by no means going anywhere anytime soon as I still love my blogspot could not part with it. However for my upcoming China trip to Starfish I will be posting all things about the babies I will be working with on it. It will also be a place where I can go to, to share things with only those individuals that I choose. If you would like to follow along shoot me an email tsw1203@aol.com and I will add you to the list of viewers and send you the password and blog address when everything is up and running. In the meantime I will still be here and posting on a halfway regular basis.Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18314997892988673301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138268535735346428.post-9019452646022529782012-12-10T15:46:00.000-05:002012-12-10T15:46:13.150-05:00The Kindness of OthersThis individual knows good and well who they are but they have simply blown me away. I posted my chip in yesterday just to help off set some of the cost of my upcoming trip and withing an hour one individual had donated a fairly large amount of money to it. This individual by no means should have done that for me as I did not expect them to do so. But they did and I am forever blown away by their kindness. It is people like this individual who I strive to be more like. She has by my opinion the best job in the world it may not be the best paying monetarily but over all it's amazing and something I dream of doing one day. But she donated to help me go to China and do what I love and I could by no means be an more thankful than I am right now! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!<br />
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Also thank you to everyone who has donated so far. Since I am a new member with paypal there is a 21 day delay between when you donate and when it appears on the chip in! Thank you to everyone who is helping me get to China!!Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18314997892988673301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138268535735346428.post-23684061627753290762012-12-09T16:26:00.002-05:002012-12-09T16:26:41.874-05:00China Summer 2013I am headed back to China this coming summer!! A few of my close friends have known this for a while but this is the officially announcement. I will be going back to Starfish Foster Home and will be loving on some adorable little ones. I am beyond thrilled to have another chance at going back to the country I love so dearly. However as many of you know this will be my 5th trip in 5 years and as a college student funds for traveling are hard to come by. For the first time I will be fundraising to help pay for some of my trip. I have added a chip in button over on my side bar for those that would like to help me get to China.<br />
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This summer I will also be getting college credit for my trip. I am excited about this as I will be getting the credit through the honors college at ASU. But, that also means that I will be having to pay summer school tuition on top of my airfare and other in country expenses.<br />
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I will be loving on little ones and helping the director at Starfish with their preschool program along with whatever else she may need. All the money donated would go to help me get to China and to pay for summer school tuition. Anything that I raise above that I will be donating to Starfish so that they can continue to care for medically fragile children. Many of you know how close these babies are to my heart. Some of them I have watch grow from almost the time they were born until after they were adopted. I love these little ones dearly and I am praying that I get another chance to go and love on them. I could not imagine a better way to spend my summer than loving on the fatherless.<br />
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I am praying daily for the funds to come so that I can continue to go to China. This trip will be the longest one I have ever done which I am thoroughly excited about. I hope you will consider supporting me on my journey to China. I will be doing a private blog while in China which I will share at a later date with all my friends and supporters. If you would like to read about my previous trips you can go <a href="http://seeingmywaythrough.blogspot.com/2011_06_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Here</a> and <a href="http://seeingmywaythrough.blogspot.com/2011_07_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Here</a> for the last trip I took to Starfish and you can go <a href="http://oneprincessandaprince.blogspot.com/search/label/Starfish%20Trip" target="_blank">Here</a> for my very first trip to Starfish. Thank you all in advance!!Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18314997892988673301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138268535735346428.post-36655349055426810842012-12-09T12:12:00.001-05:002012-12-09T12:12:25.189-05:00Birthday recap and Secret SantaMy 20th birthday was AMAZING!! I could not have asked for a better day. The girls surprised me by taking me to a local restaurant for wing night. So being a lady while eating was quickly ruled out. But they were delicious!! Of course no night would have been complete if my darling friends didn't inform the waiter that it was my birthday. I HATE BEING SANG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO IN PUBLIC. It was probably the most embarrassing thing ever! I had to stand in the booth while they announced to the whole place that I was turning a year older and then everyone in that place sang to me. I think I was red for quite some time after. Pay back will be fun!! Other than that though most of my day was spent in class. Monday's are my busiest days so it was great that my b-day fell on a Monday this year. Oh well I know for next year to give myself a lighter load on Tuesday which normally happens anyway!<br />
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I don't feel any different than 19. 20 just sounds so old in my opinion that and I am no longer a teenager which is kind of sad but I am excited for the upcoming year and to see what all is in store.<br />
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SECRET SANTA!!<br />
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This was the first year that as a group of friends we opted for Secret Santa instead of buying everyone a present. It worked out great to say the least other than according to everyone else I ruined the fun because I figured out who everyone had. I'm sorry I couldn't take the suspense and I was right with who had me so it was great. They did make me guess last but I was okay with that since I knew who everyone had. My secret Santa got me an awesome travel journal, chocolates, and hair accessories. The travel journal will come in hand this summer for sure!Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18314997892988673301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138268535735346428.post-91851391030307854762012-12-02T22:29:00.000-05:002012-12-02T22:29:54.931-05:0020+ Things I bet you didn't know about me...In honor of my birthday Dec 3rd; today/tomorrow depending on when you read this. I thought I would give you a glimpse into who I really am. I have noticed that I don't share to many details about who I truly am on my blog. Most of my post are more about things that I am doing or how my family and/or friends are. So today I thought maybe I would try a little something today here we go...<br />
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1. My middle name is Shae<br />
2. I do not like the color pink at all....<br />
3. I love dresses more than anyone could ever know even though most of the time I am wearing jeans and a t-shirt.<br />
4. I bite my nails when I am nervous<br />
5.I won my local beauty pageant when I was 4 and have never wanted to do another one<br />
6. I am very shy until you get to know me then I am the craziest person you will ever meet<br />
7. I am not a happy person when my sleep is disrupted and I have been told I give mean looks when I am woken up<br />
8.I hate the snow and cold (Yes I know I go to the wrong school since I hate both of those)<br />
9. I am very good at arguing and can always make my point known<br />
10.I am very stubborn<br />
11. I sleep with a stuffed stitch doll (the alien from Lilo and Stitch the Disney Movie)<br />
12. I have never been a a serious relationship with someone of the opposite gender (actually I've never even really dated TBH.)<br />
13. I love taking naps and sleep in general<br />
14. I hate talking about me<br />
15. I love romance movies P&P, The Notebook, P.S I Love you, One Night With the King are some of my favorites<br />
16. I am a massive book worm I love reading and can read late into the night.<br />
17. I plan on living in China when I am finished paying back my student loans (I hope to teach English and maybe work with a local orphanage)<br />
18. I am the least crafty person you will ever meet.<br />
19. I love wearing boots as much as I hate the cold most of my clothes are made for the cold weather!<br />
20. I love country music. Along with Classic Rock., Christian music, and some newer songs<br />
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A few to grow on.....<br />
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21. I HATE surprises with a passion!! I hate not knowing what is going on. I am kind of a control freak sometimes.<br />
22. I am a whopping 5 feet tall! Crazy I know right but I love being short.<br />
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<br />Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18314997892988673301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138268535735346428.post-18542833860886030602012-11-30T21:09:00.000-05:002012-12-01T21:09:24.665-05:00What I am Thankful for Day 30Today I am thankful for the fact that I have another day to live. So many were denied today. While I woke up and began my day someone else ended their last day. I love the life I have and I am so blessed to be able to live. I have amazing friends and family that I love dearly and I could not be any more happy with the way things are going in my life right now. I am thankful to have been given another day to love the people I love and to do the things I love.<br />
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TaylorTaylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18314997892988673301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138268535735346428.post-25545963777450623462012-11-29T11:00:00.000-05:002012-12-01T21:07:08.159-05:00What I am Thankful for Day 29Today I am thankful for birthdays. I have the worlds best group of friends and I cannot wait to start our week+ of birthday celebrations today!! I am thankful that we are all turning another year older and wiser! Growing older is something that is denied to many and I am thankful that I am able to celebrate another birthday with my girlfriends and family! ALSO A BIG HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY TO MY ROOMMATE COURTNEY!! I love you friend and will rub it in your face for the next few days about how old you are! Then I will stop cause I will be old on Monday!<br />
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So in Honor of Courtney's Birthday Today here are 20+ reasons why I love her!!</div>
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20+ reasons why I love you!!!</div>
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1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You are the best friend and greatest I could possibly ask for!</div>
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2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You give great advice</div>
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3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You listen when I need to vent</div>
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4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You are the fashionista of our suite and have great style</div>
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5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You hate pants as much as I do</div>
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6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You love comfy clothes </div>
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7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You are able to handle my feistiness </div>
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8.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You can dish back what I put out</div>
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9.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You wash my dishes and put them away (thanks mom)</div>
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10.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You listen to all my pointless talks/rants</div>
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11.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You’re crafty </div>
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12.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You love sweets just like me</div>
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13.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You don’t judge when I bum</div>
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14.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You correct my grammar</div>
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15.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You dislike Mondays like me!</div>
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16.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I love how loud you are when you eat cereal! I will never be late for class or over sleep!</div>
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17.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You tell me when I’m being unreasonable</div>
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18.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You won’t let me leave the room looking like a mess</div>
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19.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You’re honest when I ask your opinion</div>
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20.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You helped me name my car Feisty!</div>
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21.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We’re so much alike it’s really not funny</div>
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22.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You can finish my sentences which scares me sometimes.</div>
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23.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You know what I am thinking just by the look on my face<br />
24. You put up with my occasional manliness </div>
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25.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Yes I said 20 but I couldn’t stop. Most of all you put up and live with me and are the coolest, most stylish, and sassiest person I know and I am blessed to call you friend!!</div>
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY COURTNEY I LOVE YOU TONS AND YOU ARE OFFICIALLY NO LONGER A TEENAGER!!!!</div>
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<br />Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18314997892988673301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138268535735346428.post-73076387155105999532012-11-28T16:33:00.001-05:002012-11-28T16:33:40.215-05:00What I am Thankful for Day 28Today I am thankful to be able to breathe through my nose!! After a week of having a stuffy nose it is a wonderful feeling! I am so happy to be able to sleep through the night and not have to wake up at odd times and blow it! I am so thankful that I am better almost. I cannot wait to not cough again or see another tissue!!<br />
<br />Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18314997892988673301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138268535735346428.post-75215210530161683562012-11-27T16:31:00.000-05:002012-11-28T16:32:10.575-05:00What I am Thankful for Day 27 Today I am thankful for my health. Granted yes I have been sick the last few days but I am thankful it was just a cold or whatever and it is finally passing! I am thankful that overall my health is great and I have no major health problems. I am not having to take 15 different medicines, or shots or anything that seems unpleasant I am thankful for my immune system that it is able to fight off just about anything that I come in contact with and it is not compromised in any way.Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18314997892988673301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138268535735346428.post-70169629655260218482012-11-26T12:47:00.000-05:002012-11-26T12:47:18.823-05:00What I am Thankful for Day 26Today I am thankful for me time. Granted I love to live life on the go and always have things to do because it keeps me busy and helps pass time. But occasionally I just like to be able to sit down and have nothing to do. I enjoy being able to just sit in my room when no one is around and have me time. I love people for the most part, I really do, but I love being able to just be by myself, think about how things are going, and make my schedule for the rest of the day or the next day. Normally I try to plan for at least 30 minutes of just alone time where no one else is around and I can be strictly by myself. It is so nice and I enjoy the alone time where I can recharge and sometimes but not always knock a few things off my to-do list or simply read a good book. Me time tends to be at night or later in the afternoon when all my classes are done and I can finally relax. The only exception to that is Tuesday and Thursday's when it is in the morning before I go to class.Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18314997892988673301noreply@blogger.com0