12-8-2012 part 1.

I just want to start off by saying a big THANK YOU to everyone who helped make December 8th an amazing day!!!!!

This is the story of out engagement!! (sorry I am so late!)

As many of you know, I was so ready to get engaged to Jordan. I talked about it ALL the time! (I apologize to those of you who have known about this for a while, I am sure I drove you crazy!) But, Jordan and I knew that we wanted to marry each other, it was just a matter of time.

My family had planned a girls (plus Dad and Ryder) shopping trip to Chicago a long time ago for the weekend of December 7-9. I was so excited to spend the whole weekend with my sisters, mom, dad and nephew, and of course go Christmas shopping! Jordan was supposed to be working at the hospital that weekend, so I was thinking there was NO CHANCE he would be surprising me in Chicago (of course I thought about it happening, I am a girl, who wanted to get engaged). But I had completely convinced myself it wasn't going to be happening because Jordan was "working." Friday and Saturday were spent in and out of store, lugging out bags around and looking for the next best deal. When we had finished all our shopping, it was time to go back to the hotel and get ready to go to the Pier. We all put on our really cute outfits (thanks to my sisters, mom and Dana for making me pack the outfit that I did) and caught a cab to the Pier.

Before leaving (around 3:00 Central) I had texted Jordan asking if he was off work yet (he was supposed to be working frmo 8-4 EST). He told me no, not yet, but because of the weekend he would probably be getting off late. So, when we arrived at the Pier I tried to call him because he HAD to be off work by then, but he didnt asnswer, twice. Then I sent him a sassy text message because I wanted to talk to him since he had been at work all day, but he didn't answer (I am totally ok that he didn't answer now).

As my mom, sister-in-laws and I made our way through the Pier (I think it took us at least 15 minutes to make it all the way through), they all knew what was about to happen next. Me? I was still completely clueless. I thought we were going to meet my dad and Ryder at this Christmas tree to take some pictures and let Ryder play around a little. So, we finally make it to the room where my dad and Ryder were waiting, and all of a sudden Veronica starts running toward Ryder, but she turned around and started taking pictures of me, which I thought was weird, but still wasnt catching on. I was thinking "oh how sweet! She hasnt seen her son all day! I am going to take pictures of this." Not paying any attention to who is standing 8 feet away from me, Meg told me to give her my camera and to go get in a picture with my family. As I started to walk towards my dad, it was then, in the corner of my eye that I saw the most handsome man standing there with his suit and tie on. Immediately, I knew why he was there but all I wanted to do was hug him and kiss him!


I didn't want to let him talk! I was so excited he was there I didn't want to let go of his neck! But, I knew exactly why he was there, so I took a step back and thought to myself "try to remember everything he says to you, this is important!" And thankfully Jordan didn't say a lot, but what he did say will stick with me forever. He looked me in the eye and said " I love you so much Daly, and I want to glorify God with our marriage." Then came the moment I have been waiting for for a long time, he got down on one knee and pulled out the most beautiful ring I have ever seen. I immediately grabbed his face, gave him a big kiss and the longest hug (not even thinking he hadn't put the ring on my finger yet.) So, he took the ring out of th box and slipped it on my finger! It was perfect, everything about those 15 minutes was absolutely perfect. After giving him a few more kisses, we looked over at my family celebrated, took pictures and smiled ( a WHOLE LOT).

Honesty.

I am an email hoarder. I don't like to delete emails just in case some day I MIGHT go back and read them again. Well, at work I have been training a new call director and she is the complete opposite and encouraged me to clean up some of the clutter in my email. Almost 1000 deleted emails later, I de-cluttered my inbox. But, I still had some emails I just couldn't let go of.

So, today at work, I started sifting through some of them and came across some pretty encouraging emails. Most of these came from my time in Thailand. It is crazy how quickly I had forgotten so much of what happened over there [this definitely made me really sad]. How is it that after spending 7 weeks in Thailand, being completely vulnerable and experiencing so many wonderful things can be so easily replaced by the every day hum drum of life back in the states? The ability to see Christ in ever situation was so much easier over in Thailand because He was all we had to cling to. We did not have any of the comforts that we were used to [ex: cell phone, hair dryer, speaking our own language etc]. All we had was Christ and each other to push us through the hard times.

I am going to be honest with you all. This morning was one of those mornings I woke up and knew it just going to be like Alexander's "Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day". After my dentist appointment this morning, I was driving into work and wasn't really paying a lot of attention to the radio until I heard this song come on KLove. It is called "Promises" by Sanctus Real and here are the lyrics

Sometimes it's hard to keep believing
In what you can't see
That everything happens for a reason
Even the worst life brings
If you're reaching for an answer
And you don't know what to pray
Just open up the pages
Let His word be your strength

And hold on to the promises (Hold tight)
Hold on to the promises (Alright)
Jesus is alive so hold tight
Hold on to the promises

All things work for the good
Of those who love God
He holds back nothing that will heal you
Not even His own Son
His love is everlasting
His faithfulness unending
Oh, if God is for us who can be against us
So if you feel weak

Neither life, nor death
Could separate us
From the eternal love
Of our God who saves us

http://www.lyricsmania.com/promises_lyrics_sanctus_real.html

This is definitely what I needed to hear today. What a truth this song brought to me today. I may not have immediately stopped right there and realized it, but after sitting down at work it hit me. What promises am I holding on to? The promise that I can make everything go the way it needs to? The promise that I can change my circumstances? Neither of those promises will get me anywhere! Without the love and mercy of our Father, I am worthless. I need to hold on to the promise that God is in CONTROL. He is watching over me every single second of every single day. He will lead me where he wants me to go. These are the promises that got me through each and every day in Thailand. The promises that became so dear to me, I didn't ever want to live by any others. But, I am human, I believe that my own strength and power is enough. So today, I am going to hold on to the promise that Jesus is alive. He bore all my sin on the cross so that I could live and breathe another day! Oh how I want to live like this every day!

Family is a Special Thing

The past couple of weekends have been so full of joy! How could I not share with you all what a wonderful family I have been blessed with.

Two weekends ago, I made the trip home to Louisville to spend some quality time with my sister [in-law] and nephew. Friday night, Samuel and his friend Lane came to dinner, and boyfriend came along too! I do not think there is anything, besides Jesus, that bring more joy to my heart than sitting around the dinner table with my family. Saturday, we had made plans to visit Huber's in southern Indiana! Even though we only walked away with 2 apples and a pumpkin, I would say the trip was totally worth it just to see Ryder's face when he got to ride on the tractor.

 

When we got back home, it was definitely time for a nap. So, Vee and I made ourselves comfortable on the couches for a couple of hours! Now that we were well rested, Vee and I were ready to go shopping. I just want to stop and say how thankful I am to have two sisters who I just love to hang out with. While they may not be my biological sisters, I definitely feel like they fit so perfectly into our family that I finally have the big sisters I always wished for [sorry John, I used to wish you were a big sister, but I am glad you aren't :)].

And then Sunday. The day that Vee and I had been waiting for. The day that we would get to experience the best and most wonderful musical production, WICKED!!!!!!!!!!! While this is not the first time I have seen Wicked [its the third], it never fails to entertain and amaze me!

This past weekend was also such a fun weekend and full of so much joy. My BEST FRIEND GOT MARRIED!!!!!!!! I am so thankful I was able to be a part of such a beautiful day and could support such a wonderful couple that is coming together to serve and glorify the Lord. And, man, did she look beautiful or what!?

Not only did I get to participate in the wedding festivities, but I got to spend some much needed time with my other sister [in-law]. Meghan and Becky lived together for a period of time before Meg met John and got married. So, Meg was in the wedding too. Sisters are just great for so many things, but the advice that I get from Meg is something I treasure. She always helps me see the side of a situation that I fail to see, she is encouraging, but also honest [in a gentle, loving way].

But, I have to say. I would not have these sisters in my life if it weren't for my two brave, handsome and Christ-pursuing brothers marrying these amazing women. Chris and John, although I always wanted big sisters, I have to say that I would never in a million years trade you all to have that [I used to tell John all the time that I wish he were a big sister]. Thank you for everything you do, for serving our Country, and loving your wives! You all have set such an incredible example of what a godly man should look like .

And last, but certainly not least, my parents. I have always been thankful for my parents, but in the past couple of weeks I have been more and more amazed at how my parents love each other and our family. They truly are a great example of the kind of parents I want to be when I get married and start a family.

Lexington is fun

Recently, I feel like I have been asked this question a lot: "How is life outside of Georgetown?"  I can definitely understand the reasoning behind such question, however, I am very curious as to what people are expecting to hear. Do they want to hear how much I miss my college life? Do they think, life outside of college just isn't fun at all? Or do they think that post-college life is blissful and just want to know how it is?

So, here is my answer! :)

I love it.

I won't say there aren't days that I miss taking 2 steps away from my dorm room and being greeted by a group of sorority sisters procrastinating on homework to have a dance party in the hall way. But, I can say that I do not miss the constant stress of another assignment due, or the incredible amount of meetings there was to attend, or the caf.............

So, what is it that I love so much about post-college life?

Well, I got the opportunity to live in a cozy little apartment on Kirklevington Drive with my best friend before she got married... I was able to work with the Youth Ministry and hang out with high school girls all summer... I nannied (for a hot minute)... I layed out at the pool on my days off... I made new friends (one of which got me the awesome job I have now.. THANKS ASHLEY!)... I got to go on vacation and visit my brother and SIL...I got a new job (with big girl benefits and big girl hours)... I live in the same city as boyfriend (finally)... I get to live with my other best friend/sorority sister at the end of this month... I have been learning how to cook new things... I love being a regular attendee at Tates Creek Presbyterian Church and plugging into a Women's bible study... I am learning how to get around Lexington (on back roads!!)... I go to bed really early (I love sleep)... and I am so excited for what else is in store for me in Lexington! It is has been such a fun, crazy and exciting 4 months but I know this year is going to be full of so many new things that challenge me and make me grateful for everything the Lord has blessed me with!!

Best friend who is getting married

 

Part of our living room in our cozy apartment

[That paper chain was a count down until our boys came home from Thailand this summer... they were gone for 52 days!] 

 

High School Girls

 

New Friends and pool day! :)

 

North Carolina with John and Meg!

 

My very own desk in my office! :)

 

YAY Boyfriend

 

Learning to Cook new things!

 

 

 

In conclusion, I would say... life outside of Georgetown is pretty great! But, I do always love a trip back to the Phi Mu house to remind me of the wonderful and amazing 4 years I was able to spend there!

This picture is just for kicks and giggles (pun intended)

This sweet little nugget turned 2 years old this summer! He is just growing up so fast!!!

Who Knew?

Since my last post, I have been contemplating what my next blog was going to be about. I don't want this space to just be somewhere I come and rant about the happenings of my day [because not too many people care about the little itty bitty things I do every day...which at the moment isn't much]. I want this space to have meaning and to encourage, but also to be a place of reflection on the cool things I experience in this wonderful life the Lord has blessed me with.

Right before graduating college, I had a TON of freak-out-what-am-I-going-to-do-with-my-life moments. At the time, I didn't have a secure job, or any form of income. But, I knew I was moving to Lexington on June 1st and that the Lord would provide something for me to do.

Oh, what He had in store for me!! I was offered a summer internship position at Tates Creek Presbyterian Church with the youth group. I had been thinking that Youth Ministry was something I wanted to get involved with, and I am so very glad that I did. I have not ever had the opportunity to work with middle school or high school before my last semester of college until my friend Becky asked me to go on a spring retreat as a chaperon. We took about 60 students with us to Gatlinburg. What an experience!

However, after the retreat, I was hooked. I decided to commit my Wednesday nights to going to Youth Group and hanging out with the students I met on the retreat. I am so thankful that I did this. Even though I may not be sharing the Gospel or leading a Bible study, it was so good to go and hang out with the students.

We kicked off the summer with a mission trip to West Liberty with some of the high school students. I had never been to West Liberty, I had only seen pictures of the damage that was done by the tornado. While we were there we only worked on one mans house. Most of the outside damage had been repaired already, so our jobs were to completely clean out the inside of his home. We took out all the furniture and scrubbed the interior of his house down. The house was full dry wall dust, dust itself, and tons and tons of old furniture and belongings.

We not only got to serve in West Liberty; we got to play a little bit too. The first night we had a cook out with one of the students grandparents and the second night we were able to go to a swimming pool and just cool off from a long day in the sun. This was a great time for me to sit down with some of the girls in the youth and just talk to them!

After this retreat, youth group meetings continued and relationships were beginning to form. Mid-July we had a [semi] middle school retreat at the Gorge. This consisted of about 6 middle schoolers and the rest were in high school just along for the ride. This retreat was so much fun! We had the entire cabin to ourselves [with the exception of maybe 2 or 3 people]. We played tons of game [mafia, pig, and tons of bonding games], we went hiking, and rock jumping and spent time in the Word together. What a sweet little retreat.

However, as the summer came to a close, I found a full-time job and had to make the decision to stay an intern through the fall or just volunteer my time whenever I could. So, volunteering it would be. But I have to say that I don't regret my decision at all. I still get to see the students at church on Sundays as well as Wednesday night youth group. This past Wednesday night we had 97 students at Youth Group. Oh, what an amazing sight it was to see! We had a huge kick-off with cotton candy, sno cones, lots of sugar and worship. Here are a few pictures of that night!

David's hand was COVERED in cotton candy!

Sweet Emma and Susanna! 

 Love these sweet souls

 

 The love of a two-year old

 Precious Lola

 



 

The most disgusting game!

 

 

97 middle school and high school students praising Jesus!

 

I am so excited to see what the Lord continues to do through their lives! 

New End

So, I know that is has been almost a year since my last post, and that makes me a little sad. Getting caught up in school and life just distracted me for a while. But, now that I am starting to get settled into my "big girl" life, I would love the opportunity to sit back and reflect on the things that are now the main parts of my life.

For instance, my "big girl" job. I was sitting at my desk today and thought about my blog. I looked the the title that I chose for this blog over a year ago and thought how well it still applies to my life today. "To the ends of the earth we will go." In most people's opinions, this probably means that I would need to go to some foreign country where people have never heard the Gospel (which I am still so thankful I was able to do in 2011). But on the 9th and 10th floors of the 5/3 building in downtown Lexington, I have reached another end of the earth. This is where God has placed me to be used as His servant. To get up much earlier than I would like to, sit at a desk for 8 hours and repeat the same phrase ("Thank you for calling KEMI, this is Daly. How may I direct your call?") over and over again. To be surrounded by 100s of people every day just looking for a smiling face or a listening ear. I have been at my new job for exactly 5 weeks now, and I can already tell you that I know this is exactly what God had planned for me. I have already started to form friendships with people in different areas of the company, as well as getting to know the other Call Directors that I work with every day. I know that the Lord is going to continue to use me here at KEMI and I am so excited to see what he has in store. I know there will be challenges, days where I don't want to come into work, days that seem like they are never going to end, but I hope that I can continue to seek the Lord in everything that I do and that He will use me in mighty ways.

Therefore, my goal is to use this blog to share with people about this "end of the earth." (Also, it gives me something to do at work on those slow days). I also want to be able to share with people experiences in my life. I have been wanting to take more pictures, see more things, be more observant of the little things that surround me every day. This is such a fun time in my life that I dont want to forget anything!

I hope you have a GREAT weekend!!!

It all comes to a close...

Wow! That is really about the only word I have to describe what has gone on this summer. I can not believe that it is over. What an amazing experience this has been!

Since the Friends Forever retreat, our team really just tried to spend as much time as we could with the Thai students and staff before we had to leave Khon Kaen. Monday the 18th we had the opportunity to go out to dinner with the CO NEU staff at a restaurant called Mama Big's. This was a time they had allotted for us to encourage each other and thank the staff for everything they put into this summer. It was such a sweet time to reflect on the amount of work that Sano put into our ministry on campus. After dinner, all the CCP girls went over to Sano and Honey's house to exchange gifts and gratitude. They were so sweet and thoughtful in the gifts that they gave to us. I was overwhelmed with joy to have spent an entire summer with the most wonderful women.

Tuesday the 19th was a day that I knew was going to be bittersweet. Not only was it my 21st birthday, but we had to leave the city where I spend so much of my time and grew to love. The entire day felt surreal. Before the day really got started, Hannah and Taylor woke me up by bringing me my favorite breakfast food [a pineapple pie from 7/11] and birthday cards. They were so sweet to think about me. The craziness started with deep cleaning our rooms and packing up all of our stuff. This was definitely not easy. I think I was in denial the entire time I was packing my suitcase. After a long time of packing, we took a break and went to the student center for lunch with students and the Christian girls. Well, we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. Not too long after we walked in, I was greeted by Sano and a few others singing Happy Birthday and carrying about a dozen donuts from our favorite place [Mister Donut]. It was so sweet and I was able to share with everyone there. After exchanging gifts with the students, we did all our last minute packing and crammed into 2 song tau's with a ton of students and made our way to the airport. Through out the entire day I had not been emotional, but it was like the airport had something in the air that made me the biggest cry baby. Seeing the looks on the faces of the students that we had spent 2 months with show me that they were really affected by our presence there. Even though we did not actually see anyone come to know the Lord, I could just tell that they did not want us to leave. [This is the part where my birthday became a sad memory]. There were so many hugs and more than enough tears, but all in all it was so hard to say goodbye. Part of my heart will always be passionate for those students that we met and the relationships that were formed. After making our way through the easiest security, I hear someone calling my name and telling me to come back because someone else wanted to say goodbye [it was really easy to go out and back through security]. As I went back though the doors, I saw Jom [the law student who invited us to her house] and her mom, sister and aunt. I immediate burst into tears again. Jom and her family had driven 3o minutes from their hometown just to come and say goodbye. To be completely honest, after that goodbye, I really did not want to ever leave Thailand. After a two hour flight, we made it to Bangkok and immediately went to sleep.

Wednesday and Thursday were kind of like a whirl wind of adventures. With the help of Guy, we were able to travel around Bangkok to see some of the major sights. The first place we went was the King's Palace. I was speechless the entire time I was there. There was so much gold and jewels and so many idols. Even though all the building were so intricate and detailed, I still couldn't believe how much work they put into their religion. While we walked around this temple, I just kept thinking about all the students that we knew that put their faith in this stuff. I just continued to pray for their hearts and for them to be open to the Truth of the Lord.

When we left the Palace we made our way to a mall that had a lot of Thai good and souvenirs. This was very relaxed just a time to get out of the sun and sit down and eat together. After shopping, we headed back to the hotel [after learning how to maneuver through the sky trains]. As a team we headed to the mall that night and ate dinner at McDonald's [typical team dinner] and came together that night for a debriefing session. We did the same kind of debriefing in the morning to prepare our hearts for heading back to Summer Project as well as home and school. The whole day on Thursday I just kept thinking how surreal it felt that I would be back in America. But, I had a lot of time to reflect on what the Lord had done in my life through the experiences that I had this summer.

The flight back was hard. The plane was a lot more comfortable, but it was actually a longer flight back to the States. When we arrived in Houston, we were so happy to finally be back in the United States [and to use our cell phones]. That night of sleep in Cleveland was probably the best night's sleep I have had in a very long time. My first meal I enjoyed in the States was Chick-fil-A and it has never tasted so good in my entire life!

Again, I want to say thank you to all those who supported me financially and prayerfully this summer. It would not have been possible with out your support. [I will be posting pictures in another blog after this one].