Summer Fun and Life's Many Blessings!

As I am planning to move onto the next step in life there are some things I will really miss!  After classes finished I got in some good exercise with Nike Training Club an exceptionally good free app! My roommate and I have a competition to complete 660 minutes on the app first. I am currently in the lead from my earlier start but she is quickly catching up. I need to get moving! Tonight, I had a delicious dinner of crab stuffed mushrooms, salad, and watermelon. I love summer because of all the fresh fruit! After dinner, I headed to the local ice cream shop for our last ever Cake Batter Ice Cream! The flavor changes each week and Cake Batter is by FAR my favorite. I am so sad that was my last time eating it.

On a more serious note today has been very thought provoking and eye opening. In class we watched a very challenging video on poverty experienced in the United States. The focus of a film we watched was in South Carolina where multiple school systems are suing the state for indecent funding for schools. The conditions are horrendous for what we consider a decent educational environment. Later this evening I had an opportunity to catch up with a friend, Audrey who recently returned from Liberia where she spent the last four months doing mission work. Hearing about her experiences and adjustments to life in a poor environment even more destitute than what we witnessed in South Carolina was very humbling. Deep down I know there are places in the world where people live without running water, electricity, and shelter and that is normal to them. Placing yourself or someone you know in that environment is shocking. It makes me so grateful for the many blessings that I have in life. Everyday I get caught up in some form of materialism. Things become needs when they are really wants. I am not recommending that you or I give up all luxuries and live in poverty but want to  remind readers as I was reminded today to appreciate the beautiful things we do have. This goes beyond just material belongings but I have dignity, freedom,education, opportunities, rights, and love. I am so inspired by people like Audrey who are willing to place their lives on hold to go into these communities in foreign lands to serve. Thank you for all of you out there who are so willing, loving, and faithful! You are truly special people!