Personality

Over the past few days I have been thinking about what I used to be like about five to six years ago. Looking back, as hindsight would be 20/20, I realize what a jerk I was to people sometimes. I used to be overly sarcastic to the point that it would destroy my friendships with people. A few people would call me out on it, but I just brushed it off with a "I don't care" type of attitude. However, looking back, I wish that I had listened...instead, it took me years to realize the damage that I had done with family, friends, and even strangers. First impressions are huge...and goodness knows that I need/want to make a good one.

Besides making a good first impression, I got to thinking about my personality. When I'm around certain personalities now, I think a ton...because I realize "Oh, I used to be like that." And then I hear it echo in my head.."OH, I used to be like that...really?" I'm finding more and more that I want a personality that not only stays true to myself, but lifts people up, and doesn't jeapordize the relationship that I have with them. I want to have a personality that inspires people...challenges people...makes people laugh...encourages people...and builds good relationships.

Personality is a huge part of who we are...
When I looked up the word "personality" in the dictionary...these are some of the definitions that I found.

1. the visible aspect of one's character as it impresses others
2. a person as an embodiment of a collection of qualities
3. the quality of being a person
4. the essential character of a person

With personality being "the essential character of a person," I want to make sure that mine helps and does not hurt people. I want to be known for having a dynamite personality! It's meant to "impress" others...not cause people to spiral into a depression...so is your personality worth being around?

New York,New York

I've been in New York for a week now, and there have been a few celebrations! I was able to be here for my sister's birthday last week and my brother in law's graduation from seminary as well! It has been such a great time to share with them.

Over the weekend, Evan's family and my parents came down for the graduation festivities. It was really great to see everyone again, although it was a bit overwhelming.

I have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Robin and Evan because any other time that I have shared with them, there has been some sort of agenda for the visit (ie: graduation, Christmas, Thanksgiving). Not that it was a bad time, but we didn't have time to just be with each other and enjoy one another's company, so I guess that we're making up for lost time...and it's been so good!

I am realizing more and more that this whole "culture shock" thing is going to take more than a month at home to kind of deal with. This past weekend, when other people were around that I didn't know...I closed up...I hid in the kitchen doing dishes (which I've been doing much of) and didn't feel like being social.

For anyone that knows me, they know that this is incredibly odd. I guess that I'm just not ready to have to try to have relationships...if that makes any sense. It's tough...to come back, be around family that you know really well, and then have strangers come into the mix. It's almost as though you don't know how to respond...do you make an effort or do you let them just enjoy their time with others?

For me,I hid...It's weird to not want to try to make friends...I thrive on that...and now I fear it...go figure.

However, despite the weird days,there are oodles of good ones. I have loved spending time with these two and the laughs and the memories that have been made will stay with me for a long time. Be encouraged!

Since I've Been Gone...

Well,I've been home for a little over a month now. Pretty crazy that the time has gone by that quickly. I feel like I just stepped off the plane yesterday...not a month ago!

Since I've been home, I've really enjoyed spending time just relaxing and hanging out with my family. A couple of weeks ago I had my college graduation. My sister, brother in law, and grandmother all came up for the weekend festivities. It was so good to spend time with them. It was also fantastic to visit with friends that I hadn't seen for a year. It's amazing to me how we can pick up right where we left off. That gives me such hope for the future in my ministries and as I travel around.

Speaking of traveling around...I'm leaving this coming week for New York to hang out with my sister and her husband before his seminary graduation. More fun times will be had! Then,I'll be heading to Pennsylvania where I will serve as Christian Education for the second summer in a row! I am so stoked!

I had my phone interview for South Korea last night and it went really well. I now have a list of all of the requirements and the guy that I spoke to was very informative. I feel such a huge sense of peace about this entire process. As soon as I got off the phone, I went upstairs to see my dad and I just said, "Dad, I am so excited!" So please continue to pray for me about that next adventure.

I'm still trying to unpack everything from New Zealand. This is such a long process. I have enjoyed slowly starting to be around people and share my experiences with people. It's crazy...I've never been the anti-social type, but that is exactly what I've been like for the past month. When I'm around people, I do fine...I'm not awkward, or at least no more than usual, but I'm perfectly content being in my home and not venturing out. I'm not depressed or anything like that...it's just a huge change that I'm still trying to get used to. So please continue to pray for me. Ask me questions about New Zealand because I'd love to share!

Remember to be blessed and be a blessing to someone.