The Best Year of My Life...So Far

   2013 has been an amazing year!  I look back at this year and can smile and praise God for all He's done.  There have been some difficult things such as losing my grandpa to cancer at the beginning of this year, and some friendships have not lasted, but God is good and has provided exponentially more things to thank Him for!

  At the beginning of this year, I made a cute little jar to fill throughout the year.  On little slips of paper, I wrote down special times which stood out to me; days I learned a lot, or just had a great time.  It was a super fun thing to do, and looking into the jar now, makes me realize just what an awesome year I had!

  I wanted to type them all out here now.  I have to admit, the main reasons are 1) because I love reading them, and 2) I have a weird need to make lists.  They make me happy. :)  But I also thought maybe some of you would enjoy seeing what happened throughout 2013 in my life.  I'm a pretty sentimental person, so these will be going into an envelope to be kept and I will continue doing this for as long as I can. :)
  So...here goes!

• picking Erica & Gilmar up front he airport (and the car-ride with Terri & Sandi!)
• going through pictures with my dad
• tubing at Wild Mountain with my family, Erica, Gilmar, and the Slacks
• passing Principles of Marketing CLEP
• getting pink roses on my 18th birthday

• the entire day of my 18th birthday :) (and the fact I turned 18)
• started going to Westwood -- I couldn't be more grateful for the people who are there.
• CollegePlus gathering in Virginia

• Bible study on Ephesians (one specific evening was really good)
• Friday night hangout -- Scavenger hunt!
• passed the Biology CLEP (finally!)
• spent the day with Megan & baby Piper

• LIVE's Minute to Win It party
• graduated high school (!)
• passed ALEKS Statistics in 2 weeks -- brought my credit count up to 51
• sleepover with Brooke, Ashley, & Jess
• my high school graduation party

• Christine invited me on the August mission trip to Haiti
• laser tag with my family, Lynda, Daniel, Marcos, and Gislaine
• paintball games with my family, Gislaine, Marcos, Daniel, Blake, and Jenna
• helping Gislaine and Marcos with their English homework
• game night playing Ticket to Ride with my dad, Frankie, Aidan, Blake and Jenna
• Trollhaugen adventure park with my family, Marcos, Daniel, and Gislaine
• River walk in Haiti

• New Jerusalem and climbing mountain in Haiti and going to Power Girls there
• swimming in the Caribbean Sea in Haiti
• alright...the entire trip to Haiti :)
• laser tag and whirly ball with my family, Marcos, Gislaine, and Jônatus
• Valley Fair with Aidan and Jônatus
• became a college Junior!!
• trip to Florida (and Disney World!) with my dad

• Bible study on Mark 8 at community group (Westwood)
• evening with Lindsey: Noodles & Co., Grace Unplugged, and Cold Stone
• LIVE meeting on modesty
• girls' night with Ashley and Jess and helping Jess move

• a late dinner at Applebee's with Lindsey
• CollegePlus Texas gathering (dancing, card games, meeting friends, etc.)
• phone call with Lindsey and making lists :)
• swimming with the manatees in Mexico

• snorkeling in the reef at X-Caret (Sea Turtles!)
• Trainer for a Day at Xel-Ha
• day at Xplor - zip lining, ATVing, and paddling through stalactite caves
• the entire trip to Mexico
• getting 75 credits before Christmas!
• our first Christmas as just our family
• LIVE's Christmas party

 I know, that was a lot. :P  I'm looking forward to 2014 as I will get to travel a bit more this year, continue in school, continue to develop LIVE, as well as develop new friendships.

 God bless you in 2014,

    Sierra