Camp 658

This week my sister, Melissa, and I had the amazing opportunity to volunteer with Project 658 as a "coach" at Camp 658.  This camp was organized and held at a local apartment complex in a low-income area of our city.  For four days we got to hang out, play with, and reach out to children from the surrounding area.  It truly was an incredible experience.  We did arts and crafts, sports, games, and of course talked a lot about Jesus.  The kids have an incredible spirit and were so full of life and joy. 

Each day we would walk to the surrounding apartment complexes and go to the doors to pick up the kids.  Some kids didn't speak English, but still wanted to come.  They were all so sweet and fun.  Many of the kids would just run up, grab your hand or crawl on your back, and be ready to go.  I can tell you I got a major workout from carry kids around all week!  Just an added bonus!  Two days of the week were dedicated to art and two were dedicated to sports and playing outside.  The kids loved it all.  They were up for anything and it was so sweet to be able to teach them new things and see their little faces light up when they accomplished something.  

I truly believe that Jesus calls each of us to serve our cities and  communities.  We are all so blessed to know Christ and need to be a light in the world.  Whether you like working with kids, adults, the elderly, or just doing something with your hands, the Lord can use your talents and skills.  Trust that you can make a difference.  Just holding a child's hand or serving someone a meal goes a lot further than we think.  So get on out there and make a difference!  You will receive just as many blessings as the people you are serving.

San Diego Part 2

So we left off on Monday at Sea World.  Here's the rest of our photo tour, enjoy!

Tuesday: We went on a trolley tour through San Diego and hit some major spots, including Balboa Park, eating our way through Little Italy, and Old Town.  To be honest, the trolley tour was not the best I've been on.  The trolleys didn't follow the time schedule and we ended up missing some of the sights, which resulted in me yelling down the street after we missed three trolleys in a row because they weren't on schedule.  Of course, Brandon made fun of me the rest of the week for it.  However, Balboa Park is stunning.  So pretty!

Wednesday: This was one of my favorite days!  We went to the zoo!!  You all know that San Diego is famous for it's zoo and it did not disappoint.  I love how natural feeling it is and how many different exhibits there were.  It was fabulous!

Thursday:  This was the day I had been looking forward to for a long time.  We went to La Jolla and kayaked the sea caves.  I love doing outdoorsy things and was excited to try sea kayaking.  The conditions weren't stable for us to actually go in the caves, but it was still a fun experience.  After kayaking, we explored La Jolla.  Their shores are beautiful.  Sea Lions and Seals are all over the place and will come right up to swimmers in the coves.  It was awesome to see all of the wildlife. 

Overall, our trip was amazing.  San Diego is a wonderful city with so many different things to do.  Where are you all traveling this summer??

You Stay Classy San Diego Part 1

Woohoo, we just got back from a week-long vacation (Praise the Lord!).  My mother-in-law was extremely gracious to provide us the opportunity to go to San Diego for a little Brown Family Vacation 2012.  Needless to say, it was amazing.  I have never been to California, at least that I can remember (went when I was a baby).  Seriously, San Diego is beautiful.  We loved it so much, we talked about moving there one day.  The weather is perfect.  We're talking 72 degrees and sunny every single day, compared to 95 degrees and humid here in good old NC.  There is so much to do and boy did we pack it all in a week.  I won't bore you with talking, but I will take you on a photo tour!  Here is part 1 (you can thank me), I didn't want to overwhelm you with photos.

Saturday:  We went to the Loew's Dog Surfing Competition!  So much fun!  Those pups absolutely loved being in the water, adorable.   There were so many different breeds and size of dog.  There was even a first-time surfer girl!

Sunday: We toured the USS Midway, a navy aircraft carrier.  It was humongous!  We also piddled around Seaport Village, a cute little shopping area.

Monday: We headed to Sea World! 

Okay, I will stop there for now, but there will be more to come :)

Summer Workout Plan

I am vowing to get in better shape this summer.  I have reached a point, where I can't take it any more.  I think if I put it on here, I will be more likely to do it.  You all can keep me accountable.  So here we go, my summer workout plan:

Mondays: Zumba Class-  I love doing Zumba.  It makes me feel sexy and I have a ton of fun.  It is great to be able to let loose and just have a good time.  Plus, it is a great workout, burning almost 500 calories per class.

 Tuesdays: Step Aerobics- I also love step aerobics.  The choreography is challenging for your body and your mind.  You burn about 540 per class.

 Wednesday: Toss Up Day (I pick)-  I will use Wednesday to do whatever workout I want.  Whether that be running, going to a class, etc.

Thursday: Running or Step Aerobics- I recently have increased my mileage running, so I am anxious to continue to challenge myself.

Friday: Abs and Cardio Strength Classes- I am going to focus on toning on Fridays.  I have never been a huge fan of weightlifting, but I know it is crucial to reach my goals. 

 My goals for this summer is to lose 15 lbs, at least, and to increase my lean muscle mass.  Overall, I just want to be healthy and get back in shape.  What are your workout plans for this summer?  I would love to know!