Viva la Vida

Have you ever had your life completely changed by something? Maybe the entrance of a new person in your life? Or an event that shook you to your core? I know I have. These events can be absolute blessings. I always think about my best friend when I think about those good things. One night this boy came with us to the drive-in movie theater. I absolutely hated him. I vividly remember picking up my chair and moving it far away from him. There was no way I was going to be able to enjoy the movies if I was seated near him. So a friend and I moved and then gossiped about how much we detested him for the rest of the night. He didn’t like me, either. Interestingly enough, he was interested in my best friend. Soon, they were dating. He was her first real boyfriend and they’re still together now. But the interesting thing about that story that concerns me is that he is now one of my most favorite people. I miss him so much when I’m away at school. I can’t imagine not having him in my life. His coincidental entrance into our lives changed how the last year of high school was for my friend and me. And his continued presence makes life interesting and so enjoyable. That’s an accidental moment that changed my life in a little, but wonderful, way.

But moments can also be less than wonderful or even adequate. Life isn’t easy and things can be absolutely horrible. There are moments that take your breath away in the worst way. Like others, I’ve experienced things that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.

But what I think is most important is how you respond to these moments. Good or bad, life is about choices. I have certainly made mistakes in my life. There are choices I made that, in retrospect, were completely wrong. On the other hand, I’ve made choices that, while incredibly difficult, were really the right thing to do. One little good choice was accepting the presence of my friend’s new boyfriend; that has led to me having a new friend that means a great deal to me. Some of the bigger choices are harder to come to terms with. But I think I’ve learned that life unfolds as it will. I believe that everyone has an end that they are supposed to reach. The events of our lives lead us to that purpose- even if at the time we cannot understand how there could be a reason for something so horrible (or ok, or wonderful).

I am a big believer in quotes. Through them I find inspiration, healing and the will to go on. Albus Dumbledore once said, “It is our choices that determine who we become, far more than our abilities.” Choices are important. Life is all about how you respond to situations. Sometimes things come up out of the deep, blue sea. In The Sound of Music Maria says, “When God closes one door, somewhere he opens a window.” You might think that a door has been closed (and even locked), but you never know when God’s wind will open a window.

Everyone deserves happiness. Pursue it for all you’re worth. I have attempted to lead the kind of life that I thought I would as a little girl. I was always dreaming big. Never was I the kind of girl who only had small town dreams. There’s certainly nothing wrong with that. For some people that is exactly what they want for themselves. I’ve just always been the kind of person who wants to go somewhere and do something.

But my time in South Africa has been a learning experience and has helped me realize that I might only want to go places and do things for a period of time. Eventually my dreams lead me back to a white house with a large porch in the country, somewhere near my loved ones. Only with time will I discover if that’s where my choices will get me.

Life is all about moments- good ones and bad ones. Seize them all. Sometimes, God’s plan will surprise you and take your breath away.

Sorry for the lack of pictures lately. Haven’t been up to much of anything particularly special. Hopefully, soon.

Love you all.

Remember to breathe.

Be safe,

B.

PS- It turns out that I was allergic to my malaria medication, Doxycycline. So I stopped taking it on my own orders. I'm feeling much better. Please pray that I do not contract malaria, as I stopped taking the medication before I was supposed to. :)