21

Hi all,

Holy guacamole its been a while. I can't even begin to explain to you how busy my summer has been since the day I graduated from high school. Lets just say there were a lot of lives I needed to guard this summer. Everyday was a day by the pool, but not in the pool just guarding the pool, unfortunately. Honestly, this summer has been the best summer I've had in YEARS. Actual years. This summer I really focused on working on myself and learning to love me for who I am. I think I've done pretty well with all of that. I also learned to let go of high school and move on in life. I've made some pretty awesome friends at work this summer. Everyone I work with has basically become family (mainly because we all feel like we see the Hotel Hershey crew more than our own families). This summer is what I've been needing. My mom has always said, "Lauren trust me when I say that the people you meet after high school are going to be different," and she was right... The friends I've made this summer have been the best friends I think I've ever made. They love me for me. They're honest. They love to have fun. They're just great. While I'm sad that the summer is coming to an end and I'll have to say goodbye to my job, what is coming next excites me more than ever before.

Twenty one days. Let that sink in. Less then a month. Only three weeks away. Twenty one days until I embark on my mission trip. Holy crap. Ah! Woohoo! Wow time flies. I remember thinking, Oh my gosh this mission trip is so far away and than I blinked and its only 21 days away. I'm so excited for this new chapter in my life. I'm excited to see what God has in store for me. I'm excited to meet new people and experience life with my new friends. I'm excited to be out of my comfort zone. I think being out of your comfort zones makes you a stronger person. Though I will miss my comfort zone of my family and my puppy,  it'll be an experience I'll never forget.  And I'm SO excited!

Lastly, I would like to thank everyone who has kept me in their prayers. The prayers paid off. I've raised all the money I needed to go on the mission trip!! What an answer to prayers. I have the BEST support system. Thank you again.

Talk to you soon,
Lauren