September 17: Sara Hey.

Kate and Grace are adorable. I mean, that's obvious. But one thing that they do is just so precious to me. If they're separated for any amount of time and then they see each other, they yell "SISSYYYY!" It's the best. If you ask them where their sissy is, they will run to each other and hug or hold hands or something. So cute. 

So anyway, I am so glad to have my "sissy" near me again. It's been a really long time since I've been this close to my sister (distance-wise)...like 6 years or so. My sister is my best friend and I love her so much. We are alike in a lot of ways and always have fun together. So, it's definitely on the 'pro' list for Chicago that she's just a ten minute walk away from me. 

I'm taking online classes this semester and one of those classes is US History. I hate history. I always have. After this class, I will never have to deal with it again. Online classes are a little frustrating in themselves but I enjoy my sociology class WAY more than my history class. Anyway, I was having a rough night with my history homework and had just done terrible on a test. I was talking to my sister and she had me come over just to have some company while I worked on my homework. 

I worked my way through it after a few pep talks and tons of high fives. Oh and one extremely beautiful and artistic "Congrats on doing your homework" card, handcrafted by Sara, of course. 

To say the least, I am extremely grateful to be so close to my sister...distance wise and relationally. We get each other. Always have. Always will. 

-Kristen

September 2, 2013: Let me tell you about my best friend.

It's finally here. September. There were many days when I didn't think I'd make it to September, but here I am. Still in Chicago (by God's grace alone). I won't lie. It's been difficult. This last month has pushed me. I've spent many days and nights wondering what I'm doing here and I am so blessed to have people in my life who reassure me that God has a plan for my life. One of those people (which include my mama, my seester, my lovely mentors (the McMahons), and others!) is my best friend, Emily Hogan.

Emily and I have been best friends since first grade. That's fourteen years, y'all.

--side note--
I just said to myself in my head, "Fourteen years? That can't be right. I didn't know Emily when we were three." Oh, hey, Kristen? You're nineteen.
--end side note--

Anyway, she's my best friend. Has been for a really long time. I have always felt extremely comfortable around her family and it's the same with her in my family. We're sisters (Emily and I) and I know we will be for the rest of our lives.

Okay, that was enough cheesy talk for the rest of the year.

So, Emily has really been there for me when times have been hard here in Chicago. She's been supportive of me every single time I call her asking for some explanation of why I'm in this city. She truly has a heart for God and never fails to give me some perspective on the situation at hand.

I've missed her since I've been here and we were actually just talking about how being apart but in the same state is easier than being so far away. This last month of being apart has felt like three months at least.

But can I get a hallelujah for Labor Day Weekend?
Emily has family who lives in the suburbs of Chicago, only about an hour from where I live. This weekend, I was able to go up to the 'burbs and spend the weekend with Em and her family.

I'm not even going to try to act like I didn't cry when I saw her.

We had a great weekend and are planning her next trip up so she can stay in my itsy bitsy apartment with me. :)

Here are some photos from the weekend!

at auntie laura's house!

we did tie dye!

TESS!

- Kristen

PS - Here's a song that will help you understand Emily and me and our friendship from seventh grade through present day. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fijggq5R6w

enjoy that.