Life. Being. Back.

Wow its been too long! I felt like I needed to fill you guys in on a few things since Ive been back from my trip to Honduras!
Right when I got home my schedule picked up! Making up work that I had missed while I was gone, trying to get back into the swing of things and of course getting back out in the community as Miss Tampa!

Even though I was only gone for a week....It has changed my lifestyle...
Living here in America there is a fast food restaurant on every other corner of the street. Going to Starbucks is nothing unusual, and if you need something... we drive up to Publix, or CVS and get it.
This is not the case in a third world country.
I have found myself driving home from school thinking about what food I could pick up on my way to work... or where the closest Starbucks is... and I cant bring myself to go buy that food that my stomach so desperately wants. Instead I decide that going home and getting whatever we have in the pantry would be best.
Through this whole thought process I can only picture one thing.... those little kids in Honduras that stole my heart. I think about how happy they were to have just a little bit of rice and mashed up beans.
I cant bring myself to go buy something that I truly dont need.

I was sitting on the couch with my mom and dad talking a few weeks ago... and they were talking about their plans for that Saturday, and how they were going to go to the mall and then lunch. I looked at them and said "I cant bring myself to spend my money on anything... because I just dont need any of it."
I know this conviction is from God. And I dont want it to go away.

...

A few weeks before I left in September, I went to the Miss Americas Outstanding Teen Pageant to support Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen, Elizabeth Fechtel! This young woman is one of the most amazing people I have ever met! She is poised, well rounded, and amazing speaker, and beautiful!
That night she won Miss Americas Outstanding Teen!!!! It was such a surreal feeling for all of us who went to support her... I cant even imagine how it must have felt for her!

Elizabeth and I!

It is tradition that when a state title holder wins a national title, that the state throws a welcome home celebration for the winner! I went with Miss Orange County, Brittany Hagan to celebrate Elizabeth's new crown! At this homecoming we also crowned the new Miss Florida's Outstanding teen, Rachel Strever! I am so excited for her, and cant wait to see how she uses the crown to open doors for herself and the state of Florida!

Brittany and I!

...

When I got back from Honduras I went with a few friends to Atlanta to see Coldplay, one of my favorite bands! On this trip we stoped at Andy Stanley's Church, Northpoint, on Sunday!

Coldplay!

....Back to Northpoint....
In Andy's lesson he started talking about how us as Americans feel so entitled... and we feel like we are entitled to all of this stuff!... When we arent really entitled to it.
He used the verse John 13:12-17 when Jesus washed his disciples feet...

"Then he said, "Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as 'Teacher' and 'Master,' and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other's feet. I've laid down a pattern for you. What I've done, you do. I'm only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn't give orders to the employer. If you understand what I'm telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life."


Right there in the middle of service... I started crying... Flashbacks of Washing dirty little feet came to the forefront of my mind.... it was then that I knew God would never let me forget the journey that I had just taken.
I understood and saw what Andy was speaking about... but I truly understood that lesson in more than one way that sunday morning. It was such an overwhelming feeling!


...

Last weekend we had  Honduras get together, and I got to see some of the team that we went with!
I missed them so much! It is so cool to see that even though we haven't seen each other in over a month... our hearts are all still on the same page! We took sometime to Facetime the boys from MikesChair so we could include them some how! (they are all still in Nashville, working hard!)

On GREAT news from the trip, Carmen from the Joy fm has one of the babies out of the government orphanage, and Hopefully on her way to America to be Adopted!!!!! Carmen met this little baby on our trip, and was taken back by her... she knew something was special! Right before we left she asked what the babies name was.... and the lady responded "Se llama Carmen".... This little babies name is Carmen too!!!! Right then she knew it was meant to be, that, that baby had something special!
I am so excited to see this little modern day miracle come true!
Our whole team is praying for this baby, her health, and Gods plans for her life! Please be praying for her too!

Carmen and Baby Carmen

Here is a link so you can go see a video of this beautiful baby! She is precious!!!!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150366828449844&fb_source=message

Needless to say... I am jealous. I want the little ones that I met to be out of the government orphanages.... I want them to be taken care of.. I want Elsa to have a safe home, and a great family who she can trust!...
That just means I cant give up... I have to keep praying, and I have to remember that God has a time and a place for everything!

I am so humbled, Coming back home to everything I could ever want... or need. It just makes me very proud to be an American, and it makes me want to share the joy and the things that I have in my life.

This Month has been fantastic being able to share what God has done, and what he is doing! I love it!


Thats all for now!
Thank you for reading!
Keep praying, anything is possible!

Ill see you later...

After a long, emotionally draining week, fellowship is a must! Today was our shopping day!

We slept in, had a big breakfast, and then left for the market! Had lots of success, and had a Coke in a bag!

or as they called it "Coka en una bolsita" Coke in a little bag! I felt like a little kid! It was so much fun!

Then we got back to the hotel, we sat around and talked then got ready for our farewell dinner!

We got to the restaurant for dinner and had some amazing local food! As we sat around we shared stories about our week, little inside jokes, and as we did the tie that binds our hearts grew stronger. The boys got up and gave us a little mini concert, and we were able to spend our last night worshiping together. 

All of the high school students whom translated for us all week joined us. We took the rest of the night to thank them and love on them! They bonded with us just as much as the rest of the group, The dynamics of these amazing people were, are, and forever will be, unforgettable!

With lots of pictures taken and love shared we had to say our goodbyes. But as the youngest member of our group, John, so wisely shared... This isnt a goodbye... it is an Ill see you later!

So I am sticking with that, Ill see you later =)

Amazing food!

Our great translators!

Mini Concert by MikesChair! <3 Love em boys!

The amazing Carmen, with out her I truly wouldn't have been here!

Miss Tampa and MikesChair!

One of the most amazing women, Darlene... She taught me how to salsa, I love her!

Escape.

Have you ever pictured something in your mind, and started freaking out about it even though you have no idea what it really is... and you've never truly experienced it?! It is all in your head.

Well, this happened to me today. I woke up, and went to devotion today... and something was said to the effect of..."Are you okay? because the girls that we encounter might not be receptive to you... You are everything that they will never be." Honest and true, I am not THAT girl. And I don't want to be THAT girl! I don't want people to see my exterior and think that I have a different attitude.... it stays true to the saying, don't judge a book by its cover. I want my inner beauty to shine brighter than my outer beauty ever will.

This may have sounded like a backwards compliment, but the only reason that this truly effected me, is because I had been praying that God would break down all the walls and barriers that would keep us from truly making connections to the girls in the orphanage we were preparing to meet today. Praying that a little blonde haired blue eyed American girl could get on their level, feel their pain and be a shoulder to lean on, and share the word, and love of Jesus.

So right off the batt Satan was trying to slap me around.

I got on the bus, and truly felt like crying... I let a few little sentences get to my heart real quick. For some reason I felt like I needed to share with someone, so I looked over at Carmen with tears in my eyes and told her. With out the blink of an eye she said "Don't you dare let that get to you, that is satan trying to get you to end your last experience on this trip, on a sour note. He is trying to steal your joy. Don't let that happen!" These few words, made a world of difference, and I started praying for strength, and wisdom!

We finally got to the Girls orphanage, keep in mind... we were told that this group of girls had gone through horrendous things, and they were the worst of the worst. We pulled up to the metal gate, and got out. As we waited in front of the gate, waiting for it to be opened... something else was said, to the effect of.... "Oh you better be careful! These girls are going to try to beat you up, just because you are so beautiful! They are going to be jealous..." and I thought to myself "seriously?!?! are you kidding me." Not cool. So I said, no! I can do this! Im not going to let satan steal my last chance to love on these people! So I started praying. As the tears ran down my face I tried to just suck it up but it wasn't working. Our group started walking in, and right when I took my first step into the court yard past the gate, I had that huge weight lifted... I wasn't crying anymore, and I knew God had wrapped his arms around me to reassure me that it would be okay!

As I walked into the prison like facility the only odor I could smell was feces. It immediately brought back memories of Tuesday. As I walked in I was greeted with hugs!.... Wait... what?... Yeah you read that right... HUGS!!!!

I was ready for these girls to not even want us to be there... I was ready for them to hate me! But I knew God would show up somehow! and In God showing up, I mean he went there to pre-set, and we followed. God was there moments before us to soften their hearts and comfort them! In shock, I started walking around meeting the girls, some giving me compliments and others snickering at me. But thankfully it didn't even phase me!

We listened to some music by MikesChair, then split up into our groups! my group had about 15 girls. One little girl Estephany was the social butterfly, but she still came back to sit with me. I drew her name on a book mark and gave it to her, she sat and talked as I painted her nails pink, then her toe nails purple! He told me she loved me multiple times, and she asked if I was coming back tomorrow. I didn't want to say no. So I told her I wish I could, but I cant... =/ She understood, and continued on.

Estephany!

Then there was another girl that I connected with, her name is Fanny. She was beautiful, 16 years old and an amazing artist! She drew me a picture that said Princesa on it, and T.K.M. Te quiero mucho, and she spelt my name as : Clowy, amazingly they still haven't heard my name down here in Honduras.

I got to hang on to a few of the girls babies, and spread the love.

Fanny, the beautiful artist!

We finished everything, and we were going back into the large gathering room to finish with music! I had a few extra supplies, so I took them to the bus, and as I walked back in, another little girl came up to me, her name was also Fanny. She looked me dead in the eyes and asked, "so when are We leaving?" Implying that she wanted me to get her out of here! I said we are going to just listen to some music for now, she grabbed my hard, and wouldn't let go. She hugged me and told me she loved me. She continued to tell me in spanish how hard it is to stay there, and she wants to escape. I held her tight and prayed that she would change her mind, I didn't want her to get hurt... even thought the living conditions were terrible, and the girls were not nice to each other, i told her I will never forget her, and I will pray for her when I get home! Another trip member, Audrey, saw me rocking with her while we waited for the last few songs, She came up to me and gave me a little brush and hair ties to give to this little girl! I gave it to Fanny and she was so incredibly thankful! The last song the boys played was Mighty to Save... It was one of the most beautiful things... I have ever heard! Fanny and I sang together, then it was time to go. She hugged me and held on tight. She said she wanted to escape this prison, and run away multiple times. Begging me to get her out, my heart cried out for her. I told her, "listen, even thought I have to leave, That doesn't mean God isn't here. God IS here! and he loves you dearly! God will never leave you, he will always be here in your heart!" She gave me a fake smile.... and once more I said "Seriously, There will be good and bad in life, but you have to choose. God is here, he loves you, and I love you! Never lose faith! This may not be fun now, but it will be one day!" I had to leave as quickly as I could, I couldn't hold it together... I had to let the tears out.

Girls at this age... are my thing. I always remember when I was around 13 and prayed for a mentor that was a little older than me, and I never got one... and so I strive to be that person in the lives of all of the girls that I know. A.K.A. my heart was left at this one orphanage. I wanted them to learn more, I wanted to love more, and I wanted them to be happy.

Fanny, Still praying that she finds some joy in her everyday!

Ive never hugged anyone this close, and wanted to take their pain away so badly.....

Nicole! An Adorable, very happy little girl!

Astrid! Lovin her new shoes!

The worlds heaviest baby... Im not kidding... It was my workout for the day!

It was a hard day, but after the tears, followed smiles and laughter and fellowship. Praying for every single one of those girls right now. I hope, that maybe because you are able to see a face in these pictures, that you will choose one and pray for them, because I sure know... that if I were in their position I would want you to do the same for me!

Broken and poured out I come to you lord.

XOXO

Chloe

p.s. I hope all of that made sense, I am SO tired, it is 12:45 over here and 2:45 at home... I just knew if I didn't get exactly how i felt today out... then it wouldn't be the same tomorrow! Grace please! =)

Be the Light.

Today was an early day, we met on the bus, and drove to Tela community center which is about an hour and 45 minutes from where we are. We did our group devotion on the bus, and had some great fellowship time! I truly have fallen in love with the people on this trip. They are awesome! God did a great job when he hand selected us!

On our way there we got to see a few parades, because the Honduran Independence Day is Tomorrow, Thursday the 15th! They had some beautiful Beauty Queens!

The community center is almost like a daycare for the Tela community! We got there are walked in through a large yard, and entered the patio area. Greeted by little hands reaching for hugs, and huge smiles! We waited to get our group of children. There were children from toddlers to 13 years of age here.

After finding our group, and Sharing the story of Joseph, and the memory verse John 3:16 we went on to shoes! Again blessed with the opportunity of taking 6 years of spanish, I was able to communicate freely with these kids and tell them what we were doing and why! (I still love that God has given that gift to me, for a time such as this!)
Then we got to hang around and help with their lunch, and then eat our own lunches there at the center! These children were beautiful, and so so sweet! After lunch I was able to sit down with a few of the older girls and paint their nails and do their hair. Beauty is a universal love language for us girls! Then MikesChair played a few songs, and Then the children sang for us!
That was the most relaxed and laid back experience of the whole trip!

She was posing for a mini photo shoot, so I taught her the pageant stance!

Beautiful girls!

The kids singing for us!

Mr. Serious, y La princessa!

Lunch!

We jumped back on the bus, and came back to the hotel. We were told we had a surprise that was coming to the hotel when we got back. Curiosity killed me!!! But I waited patiently! =)
Here in honduras the team we are here with has a transitional home for older girls who are going through school, and coming out of some not so great situations.
Our surprise was that these girls were coming to visit us, and show us things they had made so they could sell it. I purchased a key chain so that no matter what, when I go home every time I get in my car, I will pray for these girls!
I was able to sit with a few of the girls and talk about them! They were just like normal kids in America! Beautiful, smart, talented women! They kept telling me my hair was beautiful, and they liked me... Its not everyday that they see some crazy blonde girl!

Then we went to the mall right before dinner, and we walked around shopping, and trying to find cheaper clothing than in the U.S.... it didn't happen! We started to make our way back and we are on the first floor. All the sudden my friend Julia pointed out that there was a beauty queen with a long dress and sash on. Sam heard what she said, and quickly said lets go! This little girl was already on the 3rd floor. So we ran after her. Out of breath I told her "My name is Chloe, I am from Tampa, Florida... and I am Miss Tampa in the Miss America system." and I asked to have a picture! It was so much fun!

Once we got back to the hotel, we went down stairs to prep for tomorrow, and Started making string bracelets for the girls for tomorrow! Then we had a Salsa lesson with Darlene, and Emy! (2 Beautiful sisters from Puerto Rico! Great fellowship time!

I have to point out. That todays post was so much more surface level compared to yesterdays. I feel that it was an easier day, only because it was a community center. I knew, beyond the shadow of a doubt that every single one of the children I saw today were going home at the end of the day. Most likely to a home and family. Unlike the children I met yesterday. Whom are still at that Orphanage as we speak.
I am feeling a mixture of emotions right now, and Yes it was nice to have an easy day... but that doesnt change the fact that what I saw yesterday is still haunting my heart. 
Please do not read this post and only hear that It was a wonderful day and God showed up big time. I want you to read this and understand that... These kids you have seen in the pictures today, are loved every day of their lives. 
But, the children you have not seen, (the ones I spoke of in yesterdays post...) the ones whom are laying on a cold dirty floor, or a steal frame of a bed... are still in a prison like orphanage. 

I am proud to bear the burden of the cross along side the son of God. Ready to be the light to our last orphanage tomorrow. Please pray for our time there, We have been told it will be another rough one. Pray for peace, strength, confidence, faith, wisdom, and above all of that for God to show up in a big way!
Thank you for taking your time to follow my journey.
I am praying that You have a blessed day, and that you see your day through Jesus' eyes. Be Jesus with Skin on for someone in your life.

Go change the world, Be the Light.
Chloe

You are Love on display for all to see...

There are no words to explain to you what I saw today. You can only experience it. Truly.
We started our day out with another great devotional and some worship and left for our first stop, a community center. We got there and entered a court yard and little boys all ran up to hug us! Saying Hola!

The patio as we were welcomed by the kids!

We split up into our groups and had a wonderful time with the kids! I was playing with some of them in a class room, and got so many hugs and kisses on the cheek... it was an overwhelming feeling of love!

Once it got to the time for the kids to get new shoes I grabed some of them and started washing their feet, David was first, then Herman, and Darsi, and Edgar. They were all adorable! I have taken 6 years of spanish, but the confidence in my speaking gets in the way sometimes. So on our way there I prayed that I would have confidence and I would have GREAT conversation with these little ones! As I cleaned their feet, I looked up at them and asked them if they knew why I was cleaning their feet... and then I told them it was because Jesus cleaned his best friends feet, the disciples!... all in spanish, with out thinking.... and I have to say... I was proud of myself... but at the same time... I knew it wasnt me. That was God.

Edgar!!! What a cutie!

Sweet little Kensy!

I have had a huge conviction on my heart to make sure that each of these little girls know that they are Princesses of the most high God! and I have been able to effectively communicate that.... it felt amazing to see the smiles on their faces after that.

A few things that really stuck out at this stop...
1. One little boy, David, came up to me and hugged me big!!! and gave me a kiss on the cheek, and looked at me and said "Tu eres especial, Te Amo!" (You are special, I love you) and looked over at my new friend, Nate O. from MikesChair, and said "Tu tambien, tu eres muy especial!" (You too, you are very special!)
No duh, that made my day. its amazing how when you show a little love, you get a lot in return! <3

David!

2. Darsi, was a very quiet beautiful little girl. She stuck with me, and as I got her a pair of shoes, she told me she had 10 brothers, and 7 sisters... Wow! and I told her she was a princess, and she looked at me and said no and shook her head. For a minute was was so confused... and I looked at her and told her, Yes!! You deserve a crown, you are a princess because you are the daughter of God! and he Loves you!
Right away she had a smile on her face from ear to ear! What a sweet little girl!

Darsi, before crafts =)

3. The leader of the group center asked to pray for us before we left... and again, 6 years of spanish, so I could understand most of it. my favorite part was when he said "and thank you thank you thank you for placing the seed in their hearts to come here, to be used by you... to bless us!" I started crying just in gratitude to the call that God has given me!

Just other random shots!

This ADORABLE little one, Lindsay, found a coloring book that had a blonde princess on it, and it said  Princess Chloe! She was so excited for this picture!!!

Leaving and passing out the word, in Espanol!

Handsome little guy and his momma!

Once we left there we went to lunch, then traveled to our next stop.
This stop was a government orphanage. Since yesterday, our trip leaders, Carmen, and the boys have been trying to prepare us for what we were going to see. This, is the worst of the worst. We were told that the kids are almost like caged animals, lice is rampant, ring worm in their scalp, Sores, and they have terrible living conditions. For these kids it is survival of the fittest, and they have been known for pick pocketing. So we didn't take anything in. Took off all jewelry, no cameras.... nothing. So unfortunately I cant even share a picture to help explain my story.

As I walked up to this place, it truly looked like a prison. It was a very intimidating scene. Once inside we split up into our teams and went to our rooms, we were waiting to go in, and our translator looked at us and said "Listen close, this is the 'special needs' room... so don't be scared, but Do be careful..." and right then I said to myself "... oh... great... awesome.... lovely..."I was not too excited about that. I knew the conditions were already bad but adding that on top of it was even worse... so I said a quick prayer for a calm spirit. I walked in and the very first thing that happened to me is a little boy ran up to me, climbed up me, like i was a tree... and pulled my hair SO hard... it still kinda hurts to be honest! and again being negative I thought "great, this is how my next two hours are going to be...." and I looked across the room, and a little girl no older than 6 was staring at me with a huge smile! I felt like that was God smiling telling me, Look... serving my people is not always an easy task... but I love you, I will give you the tools to do this, stay calm!

I started to walk towards her and asked what her name was, Elsa, after that, it was a wrap... I WANTED TO TAKE HER HOME WITH ME! A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E.!
as we got everyone shoes there wasn't a pair small enough for her, so i told her to hang on, and I had to go search, unsuccessful I went back and she started crying... saying that she was the only one without shoes. Now there was NO way I was not going to get this little girl her shoes, I went and searched again, found a pair that was still 2 sizes too big, but she was soooo so happy! (she can grow into them!)
Meanwhile getting shoes for everyone else, was organized chaos. Keep in mind these kids didn't have any shoes. The bottoms of their feet were black, and crusted with dirt, so my cleaning process took a little longer!

The kids in our room, definitely had some challenges... they were all sweet, but it was still a little scary. There was one little boy in particular, his left eye was half closed, and glazed over, and he was drooling, with sores, and open wounds all over his body. Again, being completely transparent with you I tried to avoid him, because I was a little scared, but once again God was going to use me to be Jesus with skin on! So what happens....
Someone hands me his shoes and asks me to give them to him. So, I took a breath! and Got some wipes to clean his feet, I sat down and cleaned his feet and started praying over him. Touching his sores on his arms, and legs I prayed healing over this little boy. It didn't phase me that I probably shouldn't be touching that, just for sanitary reasons.... but I realized that God was using me... that wasn't me! He smiled, he was so happy to have shoes! And I was so happy to see his joy, and to have the opportunity to be Jesus with skin on!

Then it was time for music! Elsa still attached to my hip sat in my lap as the boys played... and yet AGAIN when we got to the part in "open the eyes of my heart" that says Holy Holy Holy or Santo Santo Santo, Elsa looked at me and said that her mothers name is Santas (meaning holy) I started tearing up. Sometimes, if a family doesn't have enough money to take care of their kids they have to send them to the orphanages... and obviously this is exactly what had happened to her. No one wants to have to do that to their children. What a terrible thought. She brushed the thoughts off and grabbed on to me as I rocked her back and forth.

The rest of the time I was there I met another beautiful girl, and she was 17. As I left, I told her I would be praying for her when I got home, and I will pray that God will open the doors in her life so she can be the true princess that she is! She was so receptive, and thankful! I embraced her as if she was part of my family, and she kissed me on the cheek. I can only pray that she did feel Gods love through us, and that one day she will feel tangible, earthly love. Because she deserves it.

I gave my last few hugs, and received a lot of love in return... I turned away and started to walk to the front door, I just stared weeping thinking about these children's circumstances and feeling broken. God truly Broke my heart for what Breaks his today! My desire is that God will leave a portion of that brokenness, and to stamp it on my heart so it will never leave me, and that I will never be content in my everyday life.

You are good, You are good
When there's nothing good in me
You are love, You are love 
On display for all to see
You are light, You are light 
When the darkness closes in
You are hope, You are hope
You have covered all my sin

You are peace, You are peace
When my fear is crippling
You are true, You are true
Even in my wandering
You are joy, You are joy 
You're the reason that I sing
You are life, You are life, 
In You death has lost its sting


Ready to Love on some more amazing kids tomorrow, God, let us be your hands and feet.


<3
Chloe

Santo, Santo, Santo

Hey everyone! Im back to the hotel finally! It has been a crazy long day!
Im still amazed at not only the kids that Im meeting... but the way that they are touching my heart. Everyone has told me that an out of the country mission trip is so different from one in the states... and they were right.

To start out, this morning we had a devotion and the boys from MikesChair lead us in worship. I started out my day singing "Break my heart for what breaks yours, everything I am for your kingdoms cause" and it Stuck with me for the rest of the day!
After that we made our way to the first orphanage. This one only had about 35 girls from elementary to high school, and a few toddlers. I was STOKED for this, just because Im a girl and I loved relating to them!
Our group got paired with 5 girls, and I sat next to a beautiful little girl! Her name is Andrea. I painted her nails neon green, and I was privileged to wash her feet, and present her with her new kicks! Chuck Taylors to be exact!

She laughed as I asked her how her life was, what her favorite things to do were, Favorite colors... ect. Practically everything and anything I could think about how to say in spanish!

Carmen, Nate, Mike and Andrea about to paint the boys thumbs... They were troopers!

Then it was time to bust out the Miss Tampa Crown and Sash, I let each of the girls wear my crown to feel like the true princess they all are! We explained to them, that no matter who they are, what they do, what they have been through, that God still loves them and each of them are Gods Princess!
This was just another amazing moment to realize what the Miss America Crown can do! It was such a blessing to be able to share!!!

After we had our time with the girls we had some worship, and the boys played open the eyes of my heart first. Then three of the translators sang it in spanish... the bridge in the song says "Holy, Holy, Holy." As they started singing it in spanish, we got to that part... and everyone in the room was singing "Santo, Santo, Santo." I got the goose bumps! How amazing is that, that God is Holy, Here in Honduras, in the U.S., In Africa, In Europe... everywhere.
Carmen and I talked about it... and we agree that thats how its going to be in heaven, everyone in their own language singing Holy...Santo. It was beautiful!

*Side note* 

My mentor and dear friend Zebrah, and her daughter...My Sista ;)... Reed, wrote me a little card for each day here on my trip....

This morning I read my note before my devotion, and it said... When you hold the kids, pray over each one. "Father, hold him/her so close that they feel you."

*Back to the story*

It was time to say our goodbyes
I grabbed Andrea to hug her and I started praying... little did I know... but the tears were flowing down my face. She hugged and didn't let go... after a few minutes I saw her smile, and I knew she felt Gods love through me. A seed was planted!
Im positive I hugged all of those girls and said a quick prayer for each of them!

Then it was off to the next Orphanage, with all boys from little ones to 18!
We arrived and each of them were dressed up in a polo and jeans, awaiting the Americanos con los zapatos! (americans with the shoes! lol)
The boys were great! So much fun to play with, and get to know!
I grabbed the cutest little boy in THE WORLD! Carlos. He was 4 years old... and he was the energizer bunny! He just wanted to play!
So... I tickled him to death... I have a little brother, I know how this game works =) I tickled his feet as I washed them and put some new little shoes on him. He made sure to cling to my leg or get me to hold him any chance he wasnt playing!

I didn't think I was going to bring out my Crown and Sash.... just because they are little boys..... they couldn't care less about a sparkly crown on my head! but everyone said it would be perfect!
So, they introduced me as the "American Beauty Queen, a true Queen!" All of the boys stopped and stared! Then I asked to get a picture with all of them and they RAN over to me, fighting to get next to me.... I guess all I can say is that it went over way better than I had planned!

As we left, I continued to pray over each of them as I hugged them and then it hit me. I started thinking about my brother, Trey. I got teary Eyed again just thinking about how blessed I am.... and how I pray that each one of those boys will experience the love that they deserve!

Dinner was amazing! Local food... It doesn't get any better!
There are some amazing people on this trip! I have been able to talk to some of them... like I have known them for years. (that is a rare occasion for me) and I have been able to receive and share some unforgettable advice!
Today was amazing.

I cant even imagine what else God has in store for the rest of our week.

XOXO from Honduras!

Chloe

Where you go, I'll Go

I am FINALLY here!
All I can say is Wow.... Seriously! I never thought the first day would be this amazing!

This morning I met Carmen, her friend Gwen and the Boys from MikesChair we made our way to the airport at about 8. Yes we flew on 9/11, God knows what he is doin. We were halfway through security when everyone dropped what they were doing, turned everything off. After a few seconds, all of us remembered what time it was. At 8:46 we stood and took a moment of silence.

An hour later I found myself too excited to think on the plane ride to Miami! Once there we met up with Mary "the money savin momma", her son Drew, and Marcy! and yet again on our next flight to HONDURAS!!! As I sat on the plane it finally hit me. I thought to myself "Oh my word... this is really happening....God got me here... Here!"

Once we landed in San Pedro Sula we drove off to lunch to meet the rest of our group! (the other 25 people in our group got here on Saturday, and they were waiting for us!) Then Off to our first orphanage!!!

Our first orphanage was an AIDS orphanage. We walked in and there was this mural on the wall, and there was a hand print for each child. The ones with the crosses in their hand are the ones that have already passed away. It was such a reality check at that point, seeing that... these kids are first off orphans, but they are sick also. It made my heart cry out for them, They could, possibly, never have anyone spend time with them and love on them like we were about to.
We walked up, and all of these children looked so normal to me. Routy, Excited, Silly children. I was SO ready for this!!!









We split off into our groups, our group did craft first. One little boy caught my attention, so I sat with him! His name is Ryan or (rrrriooon) *In a spanish accent* We were tracing our hands and then cutting them out and drawing a self portrait in them to show we are in Gods hands!
Well Ryan did NOT want to do that, so he decided to color his hands then color my jeans... then grab my hair with his hands covered in magic marker! I was laughing all too hard at this. Fun!!! >>>


By then I saw a little girl with a Crown on... HOW PERFECT?!?! She walked up to me and smiled, I grabbed her and hugged her and talked to her for a little while. Her name is Dulce... it means sweet in spanish, and she truly was the sweetest little girl ever.

She played more with me, and finally it was our turn for Shoes. She sat up on the bench, and I got a wet wipe, and proceeded to clean this beautiful little girls feet....
I can not explain to you how humbling of an experience that is! Explaining to her that this is what Jesus had done for his best friends...
I got her new, long awaited, pair of shoes and socks and helped her put them on. Pink tennies, perfect for the little princess that she is! She was Overly excited for a simple new pair of shoes, something I take for granted every day. I fell in love.

After helping a few other kids with their shoes, it was time to go. Our group left and went to dinner, then back for a team meeting. We each had a chance to share our story... and how we got here. It is amazing to see how God made such a Pretty Puzzle with the team of people here! I am so blessed to be here!
I want to tell you guys every little detail of this trip.... But I totally need sleep, so i can keep doing what God put me here to do!!! =)

When ever I go out to speak to a school or I am doing things in the states... I usually say "As long as it touches one person thats what Ill be happy with God." No.
Im ready for BIG, My God is BIG and he can do BIG things. So my new prayer is that no matter what I do, as long as a seed is planted in every person that I hug, smile at, wave, wash their feet, play with, shake hands, walk by... I will know that I am living the life I was called to live. There is no limit to God, why should there be a limit to what Im asking of him....

Please pray for this trip, a few of our team members are already getting sick... and Im ready for every one we come in contact with to be touched!!!!

Much Love from Honduras!
<3

Chris Tomlins I Will Follow, has become my anthem for this trip.

Where you go, I'll go
Where you stay, I'll stay
When you move, I'll move
I will follow you
Who you love, I'll love
How you serve I'll serve
If this life I lose, I will follow you
I will follow you 

To give you some background...

Last night I was talking to some good friends at Fusion (the youth group that I lead an 8th grade small group at!) and they asked me why I wasn't blogging?! To be honest, I have always wanted to... Ive just never taken the time to! I am so excited to actually start, and be able to give everyone a glimpse into my life!
One Huge reason why I am so excited about this, is that I leave in 3 days to Honduras!
I will be going with Carmen on the Joy.fm and Mikes Chair! We are going to supply over 600 Children with shoes.
Let me give you a little back story to explain how I got on this trip! (This looks long but it is SO worth it!)

July 9, 2011 Kristina Janolo (my roomie for Miss FL) was crowned Miss Florida 2011, I am happy to say I received top 15! The next day my family and I packed up our cars to head home from St. Petersburg, back to Tampa. My mom got in the car and immediately asked me "So whats next?!" with out hesitating, I said "A mission trip!"

For years I have known I had the call to go somewhere and serve others.

The next day I texted a good family friend Carmen, who works at the Joy.fm and asked her if she knew about any good trips I could go on that were coming up.
Every year she hosts a trip to deliver shoes to orphans in need every year with the band Mikes Chair, I knew this trip had closed at the end of June and there was no way I had a chance to go at this point. (The past 3 years I have wanted to go with Carmen to deliver shoes, but it has never worked out.)
She texted me saying "Sure let me get back to you" I figured this meant she was going to see if anyone knew about any trips coming up.

Little did I know, God had bigger plans than what I had my mind set on.

Three days later she asked me if I was serious about a mission trip, and she mentioned the trip to Honduras. She said she had a conference call with Buckner International, the team she was going with, and she would see what she could do.
The next text message I recieved from her said "I hate to tell you..." "You need to clear your schedule for September 11th through the 17th...." "Because you are going to HONDURAS!!!"

To wrap up the rest of the story, I surpassed a 97 person wait list for this trip... This was only by divine intervention. I then contacted someone from the Miss Florida Board to see if I was able to take my Miss Tampa Crown and Sash with me on the trip....

Now, Miss Tampa 2011 will be going to Honduras to put shoes on the beautiful feet of orphan children, and deliver lots of love and hugs from America!

I cant wait to share all of my adventures with you!

Stay tuned,
Chloe

Just the Beginning...

Welcome to my new blog! I will be posting notes and pictures about my journey to Miss Florida, and about my everyday life! You will find updates about my year as Miss Tampa, my platform; Alcoholism in America, Think before you drink!, and other extra curricular activities I partake in.

Please enjoy and Thank you for taking time to visit my blog!

Chloe