From this day forward

I've heard many times throughout my life that it's always good to write your goals down because then you will be reminded of them, and more likely to achieve them.... this is my story.

I've always wanted to help children who might not of had the best home lives. I've been there done that, and the only way I got through the tough times were because of the people who were there for me cheering me on telling me I could succeed, I could push through, and to keep on keepin' on. I want to give back the kindness, love, and motivation that I've been fed my whole life. We can throw stones, complain about them, stumble on them, climb over them, or build with them. A journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step.

I'm a junior in college majoring in Sociology and minoring in Social Work. Many people ask me about being a social worker, but that's not what I want to do. Social workers can not have friendships with their clients, and if I worked with children, I want to be able to be their friend and be there for them whenever they need me.We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.

My dreams: 

I want to graduate Kutztown University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Sociology and a minor in social work.

I want to live in Guatemala for a year working in a school or an orphanage/group home. I want to immerse myself in the culture and learn the Spanish language as my second tongue.

 

I want to then come back to the US and work for an organization called Boys Hope, Girls Hope in Pittsburgh PA.

"Boys Hope Girls Hope believes in children. We believe in their ability to overcome their circumstances. We believe in their ability to become more than they ever dreamed of becoming. And we believe that they can then go on to give hope to countless others.

By providing children with arms-around care, safe homes and environments, a first-class education, opportunities to learn more about themselves and the world, and academic, financial, and spiritual support through college, Boys Hope Girls Hope empowers children to realize the potential that is within them." 

Boys hope girls hope is a live in position, and I think that the time, heart and care that I can give those girls would pass with flying colors compared to anyone else. My heart is open and ready, and I am ready to pour out all that's been given to me. I'm not sure if I would want to work at Girls Hope for all of my life, but def to get me started. I think the relationships I could build with the girls would be absolutely bonding to them and myself. It's like when they're searching for who they are in the world, and they look for it in me, truthfully, they're showing me who I am, and who I should be. The bond would be unbreakable.

Of course my 'other' dreams include falling madly deeply in love with someone who is my best friend and shares the same beliefs and interests as myself. Having a romantic engagement, a beautiful wedding (Orange and white of course ) in the most perfect little white chapel.

 I want to have children to call my own and I would desire to be a stay at home mother for a little while to take care of my children, rather than send them of to some screaming -out of ratio- daycare ;) .....
 I want to live in a log cabin down a little dirt lane, far away enough from the city for peace and serenity, but close enough to have a social life and go out without driving all over America to get there. I want to take over my mom's role of the "family gathering place" for Holidays. I want my family, and my husbands family to come over for fun filled holidays, and start lots of traditions that will go down for generations. I want to grow old with my significant other, meet my grandchildren, my great grandchildren, and then I can die happy.

"And we're all staring down the barrel of a gun, so if your life flashed before you, what would you wish you would've done?"

All in all I'm just a small town girl who's been through a lot, and deep down in my heart I just want to change peoples lives for the better, all the while fulfilling my dreams. I have so much love to give and so much potential and I don't want it going to waste. The places I go, and the people I meet, I hope I leave a footprint on their heart, and they never forget me, even if it was for a short time that I was with them. “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile." ~Mother Teresa

Then again. All of these plans are what I want. I know that my future lies not in my hands, but rather in Gods. This could change tomorrow if he so chooses so. I know that whatever my future holds, it will be prosperous and worth something. 

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart".

-Jeremiah 29:11-13