Sunday, November 27, 2011

the big 2-0

 Age has been a strange concept to me ever since I skipped third grade.  I've always felt like I was Kennedy's age because we have always done the same things and been at the same stage in life, or at least in my mind.  After I was able to reason with my brain and tell myself that I am indeed not Kennedy's age, I lump myself with my class's age.  But alas, this is also incorrect, so then I have to just accept the fact that I am the age I am and it's no big deal.  Tomorrow is my 20th birthday and that's weird to me.  This past year has been the year that I have had the most changes in the way I see the world and how I view myself in it.  The biggest thing that I have learned in this past year is the battle between faith and fear.  They can not co-exist.  It's so easy for me to hide behind my fear; fear of failure, fear of the future, and fear of the world.  While shooting hoops today, it hit me that this fear that I have is choking my potential.  Kaitlyn gave me the best advice in regards to basket ball.  She said that I needed to do two things: pretend like no one is in my way and keep shooting after I get blocked once or twice.  That girl is the best.

 with Jess in Amman :)  Isn't he handsome?
Boy that is the best, Jesse.  Jesse has taught me so much about what it means to have faith.  Being away from him has been painful this semester.  Being in Jerusalem has been completely life changing.  I am the 1%.  I have no reason to not be happy, confidant, and successful.  I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have had to grow and learn how to overcome fear through faith.

On a side note, here is my birthday gift to you all...finally a few pictures from the trip thus far!
At the pools of bethesda with Allyson and Whitney
in turkey with elyse
Inside Hagia Sofia with my group
sack lunches....
In a water/hampsterwheel on a field trip
Under the center with none other than whitney
candid in turkey
enjoying my first of 2 magnum bars
at the Harem in Turkey

3 comments:

Erin Southworth said...

Leslie! It looks like you are having a blast! I miss you! I'm so happy for you and all that you're learning and accomplishing. I hope you have the most wonderful birthday!
P.S. You look super tan. What else is new

Shill and Company said...

Awesome post Leslie Bean. I enjoyed reading about your perspective on life. You have learned a great deal in your 20 years. Thanks for posting some pictures as well. It's terrific to see what you have been up to. Hope you enjoyed a beautiful day today. Happy Birthday my lovely niece! xoxo

Rebekah Wadsworth said...

Leslie you are so beautiful! I'm glad you're having such a good time. Happy late b-day! : )