Our Texas Adventure ~part 1~

Just this past Saturday we pulled out of the Stephens' driveway to make our two-day trek to Kerrville, Texas. It was a LONG journey, but it was WELL worth it. The hotel we stayed in, The Inn of the Hills, was pretty nice. We got in Sunday evening and relaxed. On Monday we had equipment check and unofficial practice. The FITA field was in a valley, with trees on either side. When the wind got into that valley there was nothing there to stop it so it was completely unpredictable. It helped to be able to see what it was going to be like shooting in those conditions on Wednesday.

Later that day we went to a ranch to practice 3D on hills. As you may well know, Georgia is completely and absolutely flat. Texas, on the other hand (especially hill country) is NOT. It took a little while, but we finally kinda got an idea of what it was like to shoot uphill and downhill. After we left we were a little nervous about how we were going to shoot compared to everyone else, but we were excited to be able to see what our competition looked like the next day.

Wow!

This past Saturday the girls of our 4-H archery team went to the local Bass Pro Shops to raise money for our team to get to Texas. We spent the better part of six hours literally begging people for money, asking them to donate whatever they could to our cause.

While a fellow team mate of mine and I were standing at the exit with a jar, we asked a father passing with his son to donate money to our cause. "I only have a dollar," he said. We told him that was perfect, that every little bit helps. His son, who couldn't have been more that six, looked up at us with big eyes and blond, curly hair. "Here, you can have my quarter." It was one of the most heartwarming experinces I've ever had. It also reminded me of a bible story. The one where all these rich men are giving loads of money to the church and this one poor lady gave only a little, but it was all she had.

That one quarter was more meaningful to me than all the twenties and tens we got that day (though we are very thankful for all of those!!! they most certainly got us closer to our goal!!!) He didn't have to give, his dad already did. He wanted to give all that he had. He could've gotten himself a gumball at the candy machine but he gave his quarter to us. You never have to look very far to see the wonderful power and strength of God's love for his children!

Latest News

So, here's what's been happening. For those of you who don't know, I recently sustained a shoulder injury. The doctor said that I have loose shoulders and the muscles in my left shoulder have weakened substantially. So, I have been going to physical therapy to strengthen the muscles to their former capabilities. It hasn't been fun, but it has worked REALLY well. I also went to see a local chiropractor who worked magic on my shoulder. It wasn't cured, but he adjusted it back into it's socket and gave me some pointers on how to strengthen it. He was a HUGE help. When I walked into his office he told me that he would get me to Nationals and I remember thinking: "You know, that's the best news I've heard all day." And you know, he was right. I was able to shoot all six arrows today, at full draw (more or less), for all of the rounds we shot. I was SO excited! I could physically see the progress I was making. The day before I was lucky to hit the target twice from 60 meters and today I missed a total of two times from 60 meters.

Recently our archery team stood before the County Commission and told them what we were about and what we did. Shortly after our appearance, they donated support to our cause. We also got an article put into the Coastal Courier. It talked about what we did and what we were about. I have posted the link to the website where most of the article is posted. Thank everyone for all of their support and prayers!!