I'm Here

Just wanted to update quickly and say that I moved into my new apartment in Lexington on Sunday the 18th.  I started working the following day, and finally finished unpacking boxes Thursday night.  It was an incredibly stressful first week of work.  I have so much to learn, but the bigger stress was at home.  Just about everything that could go wrong with the apartment did.  I will share the details about all of that soon.  It's funny now, but at the time all I wanted to do was run home to Blacksburg and forget this new career and new place. 

Last Friday, my parents and Dori picked me up and we headed to Maine for a week.  It was nice to just relax and read on the beach.  We also got in a hike, some crazy boating, and more lobster than we wanted. :)  I just got back this afternoon so once I unpack all of that stuff and get the apartment clean again I will take some pictures and post them.  I'm beginning my church hunt tomorrow.....I hate this part of moving....

Show Us Your Life

I originally posted this in Kelly's first SUYL Singles but I've updated and I'm trying again :)

I feel so strange doing this, but really, why not?  I have been reading Kelly's Korner for a long time but I've never participated in one of her "Show Us Your Life" posts.

While this entire blog will tell you about me, here's a short bio.  I'm Allison, turning 26 in a week, and I live in Lexington, VA, just two blocks away from Stonewall Jackson's old house.  I've lived here for a year and a half and I work as a school counselor at a local high school.

I am the oldest of five kids, four girls and one lonely boy, and I love spending time with my family.  I grew up in Blacksburg, VA, so I am a huge Virginia Tech sports fan, but Clemson is growing on me because my sister goes there now.  I played volleyball and basketball in high school and in college (intramural).  I also love to sing (my dad is a worship leader), hike, camp....you name it.

Most importantly, I love the Lord and hope to spend my whole life making Him known.  That desire led me to attend a Christian college, Grove City College, in Pennsylvania, so that I could take as many classes about Christianity and the Bible as I could.  I love teaching others about God's Word.  I became a school counselor for two main reasons - I have a passion for high school students (especially girls) and wanted to be "where they are" and I wanted to be able to have summers off so that I could do ministry.  So far I have gone on mission trips to Mexico, Belize, South Africa, and Taiwan.

What kind of man am I looking for?  Well, I have an incredible father so I tend to be picky, but a heart for God is number one.  I guess there are a lot of qualities that most girls want - smart, funny, athletic, but most importantly, I want someone dependable, trustworthy, and able to accomplish his goals.  An adventurous spirit and a love of travel don't hurt, either :)

Here are some pictures of me.

With my college roommates - I'm on the far right

With all of my siblings (reverse age order...again on the far right)

Sisters (far right...hmmm I should change it up)

This time I'm on the left! I don't always dress like that - our sorority was performing in Greek Sing

It's Not About Me

I love Tenth Avenue North.  Their new album "The Light Meets the Dark" is one of the best Christian albums I've heard in a while.

In this video, lead singer Mike Donehey explains the inspiration behind the song "Strong Enough to Save," and it reminded me of many moments on summer mission trips -- moments when I realized that the only good in me is Jesus.  Only HE is strong enough to save.  I can't.  But He lets me join Him.

Anyway, Mike says it better.  Watch the video.