Angela's Birthday Bash!

What a beautiful day today was! There was not a cloud in the sky and I was able to reunite with friends that I hadn't seen in a while.

My director, Angela Harwell celebrated her birthday today. She had a big birthday bash and the theme of the party was "All That Glitters is Gold," but the truly special part of her party was that it was a "party with purpose." She had three of her most beloved charities come and share their causes at the party. The three charities that were there were Queen for a Day, Share the Care, and the Fatone Family Foundation. I was pleased to meet the women that had come to volunteer their time for these causes and share in celebrating Angela's birthday.

I was able to speak with one of the women from the Share The Care board about their wonderful cause. I was intrigued by the organization because of it's relevance to my C.A.R.E. program. She shared her experiences at Share The Care with me and also gave me the opportunity to share my experiences while working and volunteering with the elderly.

Share The Care's Mission Statement:

"ShareTheCaregiving™, Inc. seeks to improve the "quality of life" of persons who are seriously ill, disabled, or experiencing the challenges of aging, and to reduce stress, depression, isolation and economic hardship often suffered by their family caregivers."

www.sharethecare.org

I had not seen Jackie in over a month so I was so excited to reunite with her at Angela's party! Doesn't she look fabulous?

I was also able to reunite with my good friends Carry and David (Owners of Regalia). I always love seeing them!

I went to church this afternoon and there was such a wonderful message that I received from the sermon today that I would like to share...

Our faith is the greatest gift ever given to us. When times are rough and we are going through hardships...We must never lose faith. Our faith is what gets us through the hardest times in our lives. We must always remember to open our hearts to all the wonderful things that come our way and to always be thankful for our many blessings.

Monday is my final day of summer classes! I leave for Miss Florida in two weeks! Ahhh! I can hardly contain my excitement!

Xoxoxox

Kristina

Busy Busy Busy!

Hello Friends!

I am sorry that I have not posted a blog in a while! I have been so busy! I am finally in my last week of summer classes but as all students know, the last few weeks are always the busiest.

About two weeks ago I attended my sister's eighth grade graduation banquet as well as her graduation ceremony where she made her valedictory address which moved us all to tears. Yes I said it...My sister graduated at the top of her class! How awesome is that? She worked so hard and I am so proud of her! The graduation ceremony was held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, where I also graduated from eighth grade back in 2001! I can't believe that it has been eight years!

I was able to reunite with many of my former teachers during the graduation banquet. I was especially excited to see my middle school science teacher, Mrs. Bisogno. She was the teacher who helped me while I competed in science fairs. A little tidbit about me...I competed in science fairs from fifth to eighth grade. I placed at the school science fair every year, placed twice at the regional science fair, and I even placed at state! My experiences in science fairs were very rewarding and I could not have done it all without Mrs. Bisogno!

With Samantha at her graduation banquet

With Mrs. Bisogno

I also have been busy with Miss Florida preparations. I leave in less than 3 weeks! I have been preparing all year round and I cannot believe that the week that I have been dreaming about for many many months is right around the corner! Every night, when I'm lying in my bed, I am overcome with so much gratitude for the experience to compete at the Miss Florida Pageant. It is truly an honor to be one of the local titleholders of such a remarkable system.

I will keep you posted!

God Bless,

Kristina

Coincidental or Providential?

Today I held my last youth group meeting.  It was truly a bittersweet moment.  Working with the youth of my parish has taught me so much about the youth of St. Thomas Aquinas Church and also about myself.  The experience also helped me to gain a closer relationship with God. 

Our discussion today was about "coincidental" moments.  I for one, do not believe in coincidence.  I believe that everything happens for a reason.  I was once told that "coincidences are God's way of being anonymous" and this quote has stuck with me.  

For those of you that don't know, the STA parish has been working for years on creating a youth group.  I was originally asked in August 2008 to take on the position as youth director.  The youth director was to direct the youth groups for 2 different parishes (STA and Holy Redeemer).  As a full time student I knew that it would have been too much to take on, considering that the position was for 2 parishes.  My heart yearned to work with the youth of STA but I knew that I simply couldn't take on the work load of 2 youth groups. I prayed for days and came to my conclusion.  Reluctantly, I declined the position.

Five months went by, and the opportunity came again.  January 2009, I was offered the position of youth director for ONLY St. Thomas Aquinas parish.  My heart rejoiced and I grabbed a hold of the opportunity.  

These past five months that I have been able to share with my youth group have been some of the most rewarding months of my life.  My school schedule played perfectly with our meeting times and the youth group grew to be a big hit!  

So was it coincidental that the opportunity to be STA's youth director came back to me again?  Or was it providential?  In my heart...I know that it was meant to be.  

My youth group has truly touched my heart and I know that the light of God shown through each and every single person.  They have inspired me and continue to inspire me.

Summer school still continues and preparations for Miss Florida continue to be in full force! Tomorrow night is my sister's eighth grade graduation.  I am proud to say that she is the class valedictorian and tomorrow she will be giving her valedictory address!  I just need a full box of tissues and I am ready to go!  There are no words to describe how proud I am of her...She never ceases to amaze me.

Until another day!

God Bless,

Kristina