Proud.

Grace, Hannah, Leneigh, & I last fall :)

I don't remember if I've mentioned this before or not, but am the oldest of 4 girls. I am blessed and cursed with having three younger sisters. When I say cursed it's mostly a joke, other than the small moments here and there that we irritate each other, but the majority of the time my sisters are three of my biggest joys in life. Though I am proud of all of my sisters for there different accomplishments, at the moment I am particularly proud of my sister, Leneigh.

Leneigh and I are only a year and a half apart, which for us means we have grown up more like best friends than sisters. There was a bit of time during during high school where we didn't get along very well, but that has thankfully subsided. I don't know if she knows this or not, but during that time frame I would talk to my Mom nearly in tears about how I wish we weren't fighting all the time. Her friendship means the world to me. This past year I was blessed to actually room with her at college, which was an absolute blast.

Me, Leneigh, and our other sister Hannah

Despite Leneigh and I being so close I have always had a bit of a hard time feeling like I can measure up to her. This may sound silly because she's younger than me, but there are several things that I look up to her for. These things include and are not limited to - arm wrestling strength (she has beat me every time since we were 12), her natural friendly/helpful attitude, her smile (gorgeous...stinkin' pearly whites), her ambition, adventurous spirit (she scales mountains and stands on the edge of cliffs with little fear, while I am sometimes shaking like a leaf trying to climb to where she got in a matter of seconds), I'm sure I could go on... But recently the thing I look up to her the most about is her relationship with God, willingness and openness to letting Him be in control, and really listening for His voice.

When Leneigh started college in the fall of 2010 she had picked out her major and since then has changed it 3 or so times. With this continual change there was obviously an unsure feeling about her as well as a continually restless spirit. Well, since that fall she has become extremely committed to her relationship with God and she began truly seeking what He wanted for her. One thing led to another and God has blessed Leneigh with the crazy opportunity of going to Thailand with a family for one whole year doing mission work. Yup, one year. In about two months my little sister, best friend, pusher of my buttons, will be leaving the country for 365 days. I'm legitimately almost tearing up just thinking about it.

I could not be more proud of her.

The whole time we were rooming together with any free time she had I'm pretty sure she was studying her Bible, having dinner and mentoring with the Ebeling family (the ones she's moving with), working hard to save money, or spending time with and encouraging friends/family. Her commitment to serving others and ultimately serving God amazes and inspires me.

Leneigh and I hiking in Colorado a few weeks ago.
I love you sweet sister.

Leneigh has grown from being my frog catching, bike riding, coloring book buddy, to my godly, inspiring, life changing, sister and best friend. My prayer for her is as she goes on this crazy adventure that she not only gets to have amazing adventures, but that she also grows closer to God, finds her calling, and encourages and inspires everyone she meets in the same way she has and continues to encourage and inspire me.  I am so very excited for her.

If you're interested in following her blog to see how her crazy adventure all started just click here :) I seriously am so proud of her!