Out of the Mouth of a College Kid

Just in the past 12 hours...

"Can I throw this damp towel in the dryer without washing it? It's just going to get dirty again tonight."

*Pulls sweatpants out of dirty laundry basket. Sniffs*
"SWEET! These don't even smell bad. Looks like I can wear them for the second day this week. Or the third..."

"Do apples expire? I think I have had this one for at least a month."

Rachel: "Do you have any dishes you want me to wash real fast?"
Me: "No, I'm good, thanks though!"
*10 minutes later*
Rachel: "This cup has cranberry juice caked to the bottom! What the heck? I thought your dishes were clean!"

Rachel: "Have I worn this shirt this week?
Me: "I don't think so?"
Rachel: "Smells clean enough!"

#CollegeLife

Momma Duck

At the start of last semester I made it my goal that no freshman on the polo team would feel as awkward, isolated, or lonely as I did the fall of my freshman year. In the process I grew pretty close to the Class of 2016, and several have become really good friends.

This weekend was our first tournament of the season. We played really well, and we now know some things that we need a bit of work on. There were many highlights: beating Texas State who won last years conference, scoring several goals, being ejected for a silly reason, stealing the ball from several players, and spending the weekend with my team. One of the proudest moments though was getting to watch my freshmen play. Myriam played incredible at guard. Maddie's defense was impecable. Melanie was our starting goalie and made some phenomenal passes. I LOVED getting to be their cheerleader on the side of the pool when I wasn't playing.

When I was bragging about how well they did to Carley, her reply was "you are such a Momma Duck!". I laughed, but it is true. These girls are my babies and I have enjoyed seeing their quiet, shy, and uncertain selves blossom into loud, confident, and sassy polo players.

After this weekend, I am a very proud Momma Duck. And even though they don't need me any more, they can swim on their own (literally), I will always be their Momma Duck!

From the Summer League Days

Happy Birthday Daddy!! Through thick and thin he has always been by my side. He has supported me through everything. At my first swim meet when I was only 4 years old, I was "that kid" who hung on the lane rope bawling my eyes out and took a good 10 minutes to swim across the pool -- he was there on the side cheering the entire way. When I played in my first water polo game and ended up shooting on the wrong goal, he was in the bleachers cheering me on even though neither one of us knew the rules to water polo. And today, on his birthday, he is driving up to College Station to watch me and the rest of the Texas A&M Women's Water Polo Team BTHO Texas and Tech! I couldn't be more blessed to have him as my Daddy.

I am thankful that both of my parents have been active supporters of my athletic career. My mom has always been an emotional supporter; my dad has always been the loud and vocal supporter. 

Yesterday was Dad's birthday, and when I woke up this was the memories that floated through my mind.

My first swim meet when I was only 4 years old. I refused to wear a swim cap, my goggles could never stay on my cap, and my suit was about 5 sizes too big. We had no idea what we were signing up for, but I was soon to become "that kid" who hung on the lane rope bawling my eyes out and took a good 10 minutes to swim across the pool; my dad was cheering the entire time.

My very first water polo game ever. I was a freshman in high school, had never seen a game before, and only had 3 days of practice under my belt. I was ecstatic as I got to play the last quarter, and ended up shooting on the wrong goal. Dad was in the bleachers not only cheering, but quickly trying to pick up on the first sport that one of his children had played that he didn't understand.

Yesterday, on his birthday, he chose to come up to College Station and cheer on the Texas A&M Women's Water Polo Team, as we played in the first tournament of the season. And he proudly sat there, beaming, as I took an ejection (something reserved only for the most aggressive players in the pool). 

I am so thankful for my sports-loving and enthusiastic Dad!! 

Mary and Martha -- Luke 10:38-42

At the end of Luke 10, Jesus is staying at the house of Martha and her sister Mary. Martha gets caught up in preparations and wordly distractions while Mary finds herself just sitting at the feet of Jesus. Martha complains to Jesus that Mary isn't helping her, and Jesus responds by saying that Mary has chosen what is right and it won't be taken from her.

This week I have been so busy between classwork and helping out friends who are going through rough times. It has been draining in every sense of the word. I have still found time to have my quiet time, but it has been more of a me asking God for help as opposed to just sitting and meditating on His word. Everyday we have to make a choice: are we going to sit at the feet of Jesus and let Him take care of us, or are we going to be distracted by the preparations the world demands from us?

Sit at the feet of Jesus. Spend time there, and realize how insignificant the world seems in comparison to the grace He offers.

Exhaustion.

The only word I can pick out to describe this week right now, is that I'm exhuasted. I haven't been in bed before 2 AM all week, and then haven't been sleeping through the night. I've been busy from the moment I got up to the second my head finally hit my pillow. On Tuesday I left my dorm at 8:30 and didn't return home till midnight. That's A LONG time!

I've been sheer exhausted. Blessed beyond measure, but exhausted. And I know this weekend won't have much time for relaxation as we have a water polo tournament both days in College Station.

I took some 'me-time' tonight as that hasn't happened all week, and am feeling much more refreshed. I washed dishes and have cleaned up my room. I was able to watch an episode of Grey's when it actually aired. I took a 45 minute shower and just stood there.

Thankfully, I only have one class tomorrow, and then Rachel and I are having a roomie night (those actually happen pretty frequently). And then POLO all weekend! Enjoying this bit of relaxation before the storm of the next week hits!

SHALOM - Show Hope

Breakaway does one big mission project every year, a Shalom project. This year they have partnered with Show Hope, and organization that works to provide orphans medical care as well as help families cover some of the costs of adoption.

Tonight, we discussed this project. Our goal, as a ministry, is to over the next 4 weeks raise enough money to pay for 20 orphans to have medical attention for the next year. On average, each child costs about $3,500 for one year. We are also helping 7 families adopt a child, matching Show Hope's donation of $4,500 per family. All in all, we are trying to raise about $100,000 between now and Spring Break in order to help these kids out.

That wasn't the part that got me. My heart has had a passion for orphans for a long time. The part that got me was seeing other people fueled up for this, and my fire being rekindled. Y'all, 7% of the people that profess they are a Christian adopted one child, the orphan problem in the ENTIRE WORLD would be gone. 7%!

I am so excited to see what God is going to do through the campus I love and a passion that I love in the next few weeks!

APARTMENT!

It's official guys... I have finally finished applying to live off campus at an apartment complex! It is 4 bedroom and 4 bathrooms, with a kitchen, living room and a patio. And it's completely furnished!! So far I will be living with Rachel and Maddie, and then our 4th girl is still up in the air a bit. But Maddie, Rachel and I will all be living together!

I am so blessed that the Lord placed both of these girls in my life this year. He gave me the most wonderful roommate, Rachel, and allowed us to get along and live so well together that we get to do it all again next year! And He placed Maddie in my life through polo, allowed us to fellowship and bond with each other, and has given us the opportunity to continue and further that relationship as we live life together next year!

I am so incredibly blessed. God is just too good!