June 2013-I moved to Seattle, Washington (not home) from Shenzhen, China :)
July 2013-I awoke from my slumbers of jet lag, to do some fun things, like hiking, baseball games (go Angels!) and got a job catering.
August 2013- I went on a once in a life time mission trip to Haiti, with my good friend Vicky. It was wonderful to be on the mission field and I met some amazing people. God is good.
September 2013- I got to go HOME!!! ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. I finally got to set foot on the soil I was born on and see people I hadn't seen in a very long time. I got to stay with my lovely Aunt Shirly in Huntington Beach and it was so nice to wake up and walk down to the beach. Many hours spent with my wonderful cousin Lauren and Wade and got to see a lot of family, that I hadn't seen in over a year! God was good and it was nice to attend the many churches my friends have now started to attend!
September 2013- (continued) I made some new friends in Seattle and they make it feel like home!
October 2013- I had the opportunity to go to Kansas to visit the DeGarmo family!! They were an American family that lived in China and taught at the school I was at. I probably wouldn't of survived China, without our countless hours of conversations and the many bottles of wine consumed. They are my favorite and it is a huge honor to get to spoil their kids, just a little bit :)
October/November 2013- I got to visit my wonderful friend from Canada, Kelly!! we have known each other for a long time and it has been so great living so close to her!!
December 2013- I was honored to be able to attend my roommate from China's, wedding!! Debbie got married! and I got to see Hannah and it was SO GOOD. I was also staying with my Uncle David and his family in Minnesota for two weeks, I hadn't seen them in 4 years! Such a refreshing trip and I loved it!
Now, it is January 2014 and I am 4 short days away from turning 25. A quarter of century old. I'm stoked, still young and blessed to live a life that I do. I love every second of it, even if I am sick, sad, transitioning, making new friends, getting older. I started a new job this month at a city pool, going back to what I know and I am making lots of new friends and they are awesome.
I will promise to blog a lot more, I have been slacking for too long. Thank you for the constant support and love that you all pour out to me. I love you all and I hope that we can catch up, with a short text, an email or even a phone call! I hope that the new year has blessed you and that you have many adventures on your way--I know I do.
With love,
Ashley
