Happy 1 year blogiversary to Wanderfully Made.

In this past year, I have seen, heard and experienced the most incredible things. Saw a few of my favorite bands in cool venues, fell in love with “The Land of Smiles”, watched the US take on Australia in the World Cup, and many many more.

How I will ever be able to blog about it all, is beyond me! Life hasn’t slowed down this summer, as I have multiple weekend trips planned as well as working two part-time jobs, totaling to full time and hoping to volunteer as well.

Although it took me a year, I finally decided on a name for my blog that I truly feel is “me”, but I haven’t explained the meaning. Look out this might get deep.

“I praise you, because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14

Over the past couple years I struggled with confidence, still do at times. My grades in high school (straight A’s) weren’t good enough as I reached for above perfection. I beat myself up after soccer games comparing myself to girls who had played select all of their life. I hated my hair and the way I looked.

It wasn’t until after things started falling apart my senior year, that I started figuring it out. My grandma whom I was extremely close to,  passed away. I sat the bench in a boot after finding an avulsion fracture in my Talus. I lost the ability to play the sport I used to “get away.” I lost the women who passed on recipes that will forever satisfy a hungry tummy. She had the kindest heart and did nothing but give to anyone in need.

There were those big things, and then there were the little things that came about because of the big things. I took everything personally and really struggled to realize why God was making everything so hard and hurt so much.

There was a reason for it all, because if it wouldn’t have happened I wouldn’t be half the person that I am now. I became strong, I found my faith.

Struggles force you to find a reason to make things better.

I am confident that I am where I’m supposed to be right now. There is a plan for me, and every stumble makes me stronger than I was the day before. God made me, mane and all, exactly how he wanted me.

About the WANDER part…..

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever you would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Savior

Where I am supposed to be also consists of helping others. I knew that experiencing a culture that I would have never wandered to on my own, was on that same list.

I wandered on down to Simpson, dreading the general education classes that I was FORCED to take. “Why would I take that, I just want to major in marketing.”

The classes outside your major do have a purpose. It’s called a well-rounded education, to become a well-rounded person. Every adult preached about it when you were in high school… ahhh now we understand why. You get to form beliefs and ideas that are your own, they make you the person you will be for the rest of your life.

I found an appreciation for everything. Everything that we as citizens of the United States take for granted. There are so many, that I cannot even name them. Then came the urge to travel. I didn’t do it for bragging rights or for vacation purposes. I wanted to truly experience a whole new culture and learn as much as  I could.

So I wandered to Thailand, where no one yells or gets upset. They welcome you with open arms (not literally, they don’t touch) and each conversation is treasured. The people are happy selling food on the streets for a living, wearing mismatched clothing, and living in square boxes with a tin roof.

I fell in love. (To be continued)

 

Now you know…

that I am Katie Eichelberger,

made in God’s eyes,

just as I am,

with a specific purpose,

on a path to find it.

 

Love & Stuff,

KT