My family leaves for Peru on Sunday! I am so excited and the Lord has given me an expectant and passionate heart for the people living in Lima. Last night I stayed up till 4am praying and preparing my testimony that I will be sharing with the Peruvians. I wrestled with what to share for a good hour, all the while racking my brain for MY perfect words and MY perfect testimony. But as I lied there in bed, the Holy Spirit convicted me that I wasn't listening to what He wanted me to share. I believe God has shown me and given me the exact words to share with these people that I already love so much. Isn’t that amazing how that works? I can love other people, perfect strangers for that matter, because God first loved me. God is good!

My Prayer Requests:

• Divine appointments in my communications with the Peruvian people.
• That I would be in tune with the Holy Spirit and sensitive to his voice.
• That my family would grow closer together as we draw close to Jesus.
• Even more of an expectant heart.
• Miracles
  
  
  

kaitlyn's escapades:

1) On Wednesday I got my first dental filling. I freak out over getting shots in my arm so it wasn’t a surprise that I would freak out over getting one in my MOUTH. Before the dentist even walked into the room I was crying and gripping my mom’s hand as tightly as I possibly could. (I think my ring inflicted partial damage?) Thankfully the woman was very understanding and gave me a gas called Nitris…God’s gift to aichmophobes everywhere. Now, I’ve never been high on drugs before, but if I could guess what being high feels like, I’m sure it would feel something like Nitris. My whole body tingled, my vision got really blurry, and all I wanted to do was fall asleep. (which I think I did) Anyways, I don’t remember anything about the procedure but apparently I made a fool of myself (so says my mom). She’s threatened to bring the video camera next time to show my future husband before the wedding, just in case he wants to back out. This certainly causes a girl to brush her teeth 5 times a day… : )

Directly after my trip to the dentist, I had a job interview at Lifetime Fitness to be a swim instructor. I feel sorry for the woman who had to watch my drool my way through my answers. Thankfully they were very understanding and I have a second interview next week.

2) A few days ago my friend wrote, “GET A REAL JOB and clean out your car!” all over my driver’s side window with paint. I didn’t have a chance to wash it off and so I’ve been driving around getting the strangest looks from fellow drivers. Today I took my sister shopping and we came to a red light at a busy intersection. Sitting directly beside us was a homeless man with his Bible verse sign and starving dog. I felt sorry for him so I almost gave him my French fries but then he read my car and started yelling and cussing at us. I quickly locked my door of course, but he started banging on my window. When the light turned green, I squealed my tires for the first time, trying to get out of there as fast as my little car would let me.

When we got home, we told my dad and he laughed and thought it was funny. My mom on the other hand called the cops when she found out. "It takes a psychopath to do something like that to two young girls. And I don't want a psychopath on the streets of Cary. We're NOT Durham yet!"

Both of their reactions make me laugh.

kids.

^ my all time favorite.

oops?

http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/hitnail.asp

The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?

The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the president. In essence 2/3s of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.

So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What we are so unhappy about?'' Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?

Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.

Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.

How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.

Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have , and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?

Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?
Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.

Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells , and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!
Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.

We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative. "With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, "Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"

-Jay Leno

ice cream cone delight

We often go to this little ice cream shop that makes the best homemade ice cream. Seriously, it is THE best. Pelican Snoballs has really cute ice cream cone shaped trash cans along the sidewalk.

Tonight we were casually sitting on the benches, eating our "cup of blissfull paradise," (description thanks to jessica) when we saw this adorable little girl licking the trash can. Yes! LICKING the TRASH can. The parents laughed it off and called it the "cutest thing they had ever seen."
"....Aww look, she thinks its an ice cream cone!"


I was disgusted to say the least, and threw the rest of my ice cream in the trash can, the one with the saliva all over it.

Please, tell me. What are parents thinking these days?

the college search has begun:

1)Last week my mom and I visited Campbell University, which is only 30-45 minutes from my house. I never considered Campbell as an option until I toured the campus and met some of the students and faculty. It’s definitely one of my top choices right now. The only thing I don’t necessarily like is the campus. It’s rather dingy. Tonight I went with Mrs. Custer to see Les Fourberies de Scapin (otherwise known as Scapin)...great play by Moliere. If you ever get a chance to read some of his work, do it. Campbell seemed to have a really good theatre program, a plus in my book.

2)Yesterday we visited Catawba College, which is about three hours away. The campus is absolutely beautiful with brick, castle-like buildings. However, when I sat in on one of the communications classes I was not impressed with the caliber of the students or the teacher. (One would think that an 18 year old would know better than to throw a soccer ball around the classroom, hitting students (ie - me) in the face.) Honestly, I felt like I knew more about publice speaking than the teacher did. It was evident that it wouldn't be a challenging environment for me to be in. Another negative: The spiritual counselor on campus was a Muslim.

3) Last Sunday we drove to Deyton Tennessee to visit Bryan College, a small college with only 660 students. I was hesitant because of the size, but I have come to believe that good things come in small packages. The campus was beautiful, sitting in the valley of surrounding mountains. I saw a lot of people I knew from the NCFCA and other speech organizations. It was a very warm environment with strong emphasis on spiritual growth. The professors were very very very welcoming and it seemed like a place where I could fit in easily.


We still have many more colleges to tour...
But during this time I am fervently praying that He will direct my path and lead me to the place where He wants me to be.

Next stop: Wingate University on Monday.

NY, NY to Paris, France

Go to Google.com

-- Click on Maps.

-- Click on get Directions.

-- From New York, New York

-- To Paris, France.

-- And read line # 23


Kaitlyn's UPDATE:

I just met with the President of Special Guests for my training as an intern publicist. As part of my training I got to deliver a booking pitch to the producer of Bill O'Reilly's tv show, "The O'Reilly Factor." It was pretty sweet to say the least. I am so looking forward to this opportunity and hope that it opens some doors for me in the future. Here is the link to Special Guests' webiste : link

Other than that, I'm looking forward to going back to work as Lead guard/manager for the pool this summer. I need to make some serious cash if I want to go to Australia in January. It's just hitting me that I really don't have much time to get my life in order.

Prom is coming up! I'm looking forward to that as well : ) What girl doesn't love to get dressed up in a pretty dress and dance the night away with a charming young man. (cough cough) If any of ya'll are interested drop me a comment and I'll send the info. As of right now, a few people from TCC are going but we would love to have more!


Here are some Easter Pictures:





As for my other grandpa, the one withthe hip problems, he is getting surgery at the beginning of May. They will be staying with us for two months while he recovers in bed. My grandma is staying in my room for the time and I get to move up to the attic. ::joy:: I'm praying for a good attitude because by the end of even a week long visit, I am ready for my room back.

Hope all is well with everyone.
Love,
kaitlyn

*edit* NFL = National Forensics League
lol

........ps, i'm fabulous at football ; )

yesterday at the NFL district tournament (3rd place by the way), i noticed a girl was wearing white cotton socks with black dress shoes. i mentioned something to my sister and gave a little chuckle under my breath.

we went to crosswave late last night and i realized i forgot my tennis shoes. because of this, i had to wear my sister's black dress flats with white socks to ensure that i didn't get blisters.

i sat there in church, staring down at this horrible site, and i realized....God sure has a sense of humor.

please pray.

Some of ya'll know about my grandpa and the infection he has in his hip. Unfortunately he got some bad news the other day at the doctor. The man who did his last two hip replacements did a crummy job and thats the reason for the infection. As of right now, my grandpa has two choices:

1) The doctor will have to remove his hip and he will have to be bed ridden for two months without a hip....(yeah without a hip? i have never heard of that before. sounds awful) This will allow the infection to totally go away.

or

2) He can continue with antibiotics and live through the pain. Unfortunately he will grow immune to the medicine after a while and something else will have to be done.


please pray that my grandpa would have the courage to do what needs to be done, that my grandma will find peace, and that my family would help out in any way we can. With the first option, my family has offered that they could live with us for two months but we're not sure if they are going to accept the offer. It would be hard but I think it would be the best thing.


Thanks guys! Ya'll are so dear to me.

And I'll see everyone on Friday (for those that are going to the debate tournament)
<3kaitlyn


p.s. I won 500 dollars cash for my essay!

<3

-My parents came home from their cruise vacation today. I drove to the airport all by myself for the first time : ) I feel very accomplished for not a) getting lost b) crashing and c) getting lost.

-My grandfather has been in terrible pain lately and so he went to the doctor a few days ago to have some tests done. The doctor called today and informed him that he needs to have emergency surgery because of an infection in his spinal cord. He went into pre-op today and will have the surgery tomorrow. Please pray...


-I can now say that I am a real highschool senior now. I have the ring to prove it! My mom picked it up today and it fits beautifully. I love jewelry to begin with, not to mention jewelry that signifies the completion of highschool : )


-I entered an essay contest sponsored by CW22 tv and hosted by NCCU a few weeks ago. The essay was entirely too easy as it only had to be 2 minutes (about 1.5 page double spaced) with the following prompt: What Makes a Great Society? A man called tonight telling me that I am one of the top 4 contestants out of 700 accross the state. I will be delivering the speech on Feb 28th along with the other three contestants to determine who wins 1,2,3,4 place.
1st = 1,000 scholarship
2nd = 500


- I am making my friend a framed collage for her 18th birthday/graduation. I hope she likes it : )


with love and lollypops,
kaitlyn

a trip down memory lane:

blurry...










^This one is for Lauren and Graham.

Even the smallest things can bring joy to God's heart.

"Whatever you have done to the least of these, you have done to me."

...I'm sure Jesus would have liked his face painted every one and a while.

i write with tears.

a very dear and precious friend of mine had something done to her that no girl should ever experience. i pray for healing and renewal on the whole family. i also pray that everyone would be able to forgive the man for his sick action.

God will redeem the situation and He will be glorified.



*edit* if you would like to hear my exciting news, i wrote a post on my xanga.

www.xanga.com/amorningsunset

that one person.

i like drawing stars.

isn't great how the smallest things can make you smile?

here's my list:
baby pictures and home videos
old artwork my sister and i made in 2nd grade
vacuuming a clean room
painting my nails
reading the penciled notes in my Bible
a new pack of hairbands
having enough paper and ink in the printer
hikes
hockey games with my dad
all day shopping trips with my mom
late night talks with my sister
being on time
writing with the perfect pen
rascal flatts and casting crowns
emails from my grandma
antique shopping
playing with glue between my fingers
being the first one to use butter or peanut butter
trying to use my spanish at mexican restaurants and ending up making a fool of myself
memories of biddle/gray family trips
seeing an older sibling put their arm around a younger sibling
being prepared and confident
VFW men and women
watching little girls play with baby dolls and little boys play with trucks
blonde jokes
Pastor Davey's sermons


and finally...my senior class ring, which should be coming in a few days.

i choose to question.

It saddens me that Christians have received the stereotype of being prideful, but it doesn't surprise me. Because we are Christians and we have the truth, we have been told to have an answer for everything. However, often times we give our answer without being asked. Becuase we have become so answer-oriented, we have been labeled as prideful or arrogant. So how can we break this stereotype? I believe that we have to look for ways in which we can be humbled. One of the best ways for me to do this is to ask questions.

(I really don't like the common idea that if one asks a question, it shows weakness or stupidity. I think that asking good questions is one of the greatest forms of humility.)

So what does this have to do with being proud or arrogant? It has everything to do with it. Asking questions of one's opinions or beliefs is often times the best way to prove a point...but its achieving the end goal with a humble and non-threatening means. (Socratic Method)

Example: I was talking with a girl the other day and she mentioned that an acquaintance of hers had an abortion not too long ago. Instead of me telling her my beliefs about abortion, I asked her what she thought. I suspected her answer, "I haven't really thought about it." So I asked, "Well do you think the baby is alive?" And she answered yes. Just by her realizing this fact alone, she resolved that abortion was wrong.
((of course there was more to this conversation : ))

If I had told her my opinions about abortion, they would have just been my opinions. Sometimes people need to feel like their figured something out for them to actually believe it.

*another side note, when you ask questions, the only common and natural thing is to be asked questions in return. when this happens, you have been given a foundation to give an answer.


I don't want to be viewed as prideful or arrogant. I want to be a begger that has received bread, ready to share it with everyone.

my best friend.

my best friend lives 30 minutes from my house.
we don't spend as much time as we used to together. but our friendships lasts just the same.
my best friend tells me the truth, even if it hurts at first.
she takes part in my joys and offers a shoulder to cry on when i'm sad.
we pray for each other often and grow in the Lord side by side.
we harmonize christmas carols together and then laugh about it later.
we've had one big argument that lasted a day.
she encourages and believes in me.
we have different goals for our lives and support each other in those goals.
she is a special person and i mean that in both senses : )
i never have to worry about her judging me.
she is quirky and some people view that as an immature thing, but she is who God made her to be. and i love her <3 style="font-family:georgia;">

I figure since I have about everything else on the internet, xanga, myspace, facebook, I might as well join the blogspot world. Afterall, its not likeI'm busy or anything.

Last night I spent a wonderful night with my dad. My plans to go to a basketball game with a friend were quickly canceled when he called me with front row tickets to the hurricanes game. Though my one on one times with my dad are few, they are without a doubt the best!

To conclude my very brief entry, I would like to say that I have a new love for reading the Bible. I seem to go through ebs and flos when it comes to this topic. I guess that's natural. But I would like to thank God that I am on an eb ;)

<3kaitlyn