I feel lovely, just the way that I am

Everyone.  Please go look at my beautiful friend Kelsie's photography.  She started her own business and it's been huge!  She shoots a lot of people. ha.  We had been trying to take pictures forever but never could.  Finally we got together and played out in the crazy fog, being chased by large birds and almost slipping on the inch thick ice that covered the snow.  All in all, it was a beautiful and fun day!  Here are some she took of me after I returned home from the Philippines

http://blackbirddesign.biz/

I left my heart in the Philippines

Remember how life comes as it will?
Well, so did the Philippines.

Last semester I came to a stand still.  Needing an adventure to somewhere.  Somewhere different and preferably far away.  I needed to just clear my head and learn who I am, what I want, and learn how to take chances again.  While looking through facebook one day, one of my friends posted about going to the Philippines for a Humanitarian trip.  $2,000 flat.  Beginning of January for 2 weeks.  It's always been a distant dream of mine to visit the Philippines since both of my parents served their missions there.  I never thought it would happen.  I thought about this invitation for about 7 seconds before I felt this strangely new giddiness in my body.  I knew I had to go.  It was eating away at my mind, heart, and every desire I had.  I knew it would change my life and perspective.  But I was naive to think I understood how true that would be.

I was a little skeptical.  This friend and I only met once, about 4 years ago and haven't talked at all since then.  I was nervous, uncomfortable, and felt extremely inadequate.  I didn't know anyone going.  This opportunity seemed to fall right into my lap stating, "Kjarinda!  Look at me!  I'm right here! Adventure, learning, hard work..Take a chance one me." And that same giddy feeling kept coming back and pushing me forward.  My parents were surprised, but not.  I've always been the unpredictable child, never knowing exactly what adventure I would chase down next.  How grateful I am for supportive parents who encourage me to follow my heart and dreams.

It was hard work.  A lot of hard work.  If the physical labor wasn't enough, the cultural barrier is what really got me down sometimes.  Not knowing any of their beautiful language to talk to the perfect orphans, I still found ways to play with them, get out of my comfort zone and be touched by these humble people and their even more humble circumstances.  I knew from when we walked into that first orphanage the same day we landed, this is exactly where I need to be right now.  It was so surreal.  I just knew.  Every part of me knew, I am where I'm supposed to be.

I'll post more inspiring stories and feelings I had later.

looking back

Isn't it funny how fast things change?

How life sometimes comes around and says "hey!  I've got some different plans for you, buckle up and let's go", without any warning at all?

And isn't it also funny when you feel like your life is going to change. And sooner than you think. Somehow. Somewhere.  Probably completely unannounced?

My life has already changed a lot in 2013.  In more ways than I ever thought it would at this age.  I feel so confident and happy.  Beautiful and completely unstoppable.  I can't wait to see what the rest of this year has in store for me.  I'm  sure there will be ups and downs, maybe a little confusion here are there, but I believe in something about this year.  I don't know what that is yet.  But I believe good things are in store.  I can feel it, crawling on my skin, occupying my warm and giddy heart.  

Something is coming. 

Just thought I would throw it back, on a Wednesday, to one of the most beautiful days I was blessed to be a part of.  Love these girls and their happiness!