It’s obvious to me, and some of you, that this particular blog is long overdue. I have a few other trips to document as well, but this is one for the books. Luckily I did keep a book along the way. Otherwise, we would’ve lost most of this precious experience to the depths of my useless brain. I’m going to recount the trip in three separate blogs.
The PeopleBelow are some personal notes to self on my journey. Let’s take a moment – not to focus on my horrible spelling – but the end of #4. I say, “Good people are everywhere – just find them.” This is a hill I will die on. The people alone made this trip worth it and memorable. Those with *asterisks* are my MVPs! New Mexico*Breanna from Carlsbad, NM.
Breana checked me in to my campsite at White’s City Campground just outside the national park. After setting up camp, I walked back to the shop and asked when I should go watch the bats fly out of the caverns. She said 7:30. I asked her if she’d ever seen them and she said no despite living in Carlsbad her whole life. I asked her what time she got off work, and she said about 7:30. I invited her to come watch them with me, and to my surprise she said yes. At the caverns, we got to talking and she said, “I feel like we’re the same age. Our childhoods sound exactly the same.” I told her I was 23 at which point she revealed it was her 24th birthday. So here’s to Breanna— who watched bats fly out of their smelly lair with a perfect stranger on her 24th birthday on. She was my reminder that we’re all capable of unusual adventures— even without leaving home. Robert from Farleys in Roswell, NM. Robert is a dad of 2 from New Mexico. He was full of suggestions. We talked for an hour about racing side by sides, the PGA tour, my trip, the rain cycles of New Mexico, and Gypsy. He recommended the Rio Grande Gorge bridge to me when he learned of my love for bridges.
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Intro:
I knew these first 2 months away from home would be the hardest, but God has shown his love and protecting hand in many ways. Yes, my faith has been tested. My sanity was stretched. The resilient part of my brain grew silent. I wanted to pack up and move home until about June 10. Since so much has happened, I need to brief my friends and family on a bit of all of it! Graduated from LA Tech:My graduation day was the happiest day of 2019. I was surrounded by friends and family I love most. Every person there (and a few missing) has invested in and inspired my family in a perfect way. By God’s design, each of those people have touched my life in a way I will never recognize in full. It was a day of confidence and joy. The people who inspire me most were gathered in one place– my home.
Trip to Lake Martin, Alabama:This lake trip to Martin Lake in Alabama was the perfect “senior trip” to break up school and the busy 3 months to follow. For a week, we got to escape and live in a paradise. There were 11 of us there: Abby & James, Bruski, Zach, Luke, Mrs Mary, Mr Tim, Kim, Val, Sav, and myself + 4 dogs. The house belongs to the Moreau’s. Its a beautiful home with all the lake toys you could imagine. Each morning started with breakfast including mimosas and bacon. The weather was beautiful every day. I learned how to drive a jetski, wakeboard, and took some fun lake pictures. But the company was what really made the trip perfect. In so many moments, I wanted to bottle the feeling and save it up. Making memories with these people was the most important thing for 5 days. We were all going in separate directions after– some of us for an unknown amount of time. Abby to Florida, James to Ruston, Zach to Alexandria, Luke to Lacombe, Bruski to Colorado, and me to Charlotte. I will cling to this lake week all summer and probably forever. Moving to Charlotte + Being Homeless:
Started working at Charlotte Motor Speedway:
Moving in with Cindy:
Mom and Dad visit Charlotte:
Second Job & Connecticut:
Visiting Lacombe & the Moreau's:On July 3rd, the Wednesday after getting home from Connecticut, I took the day off work and headed to south Louisiana. The 10.5 hour… ok 11 hour drive, because I have to pee so much, was worth it! I went to visit Luke and his family for the 4th of July, and I didn't realize how glad I'd be to be back in Louisiana. It helps that Luke is there, but it was a special weekend because for all intensive purposes I was home (at least in my state). For those of you who don't know, Luke and I have been teammates on the eco-car team for the 2019 season. Since we got back from competition in April, we've been a little bit inseparable. Now he's a really important part of my life. On Wednesday night, he asked me to be his girlfriend and I did not hesitate to say yes. For those of you who don't know him, I hope you get the chance to meet him. He's pretty stinking special, and is going to continue to do amazing things in his final year at Louisiana Tech. I'm glad to have him as a cheerleader and best friend. I can't thank the Moreau's enough for taking me in and letting me come visit. Their family has shown me nothing but kindness, although I met Mrs Mary and Mr Tim before Luke and I ever had potential to be in a relationship. They raised seven children (5 of whom I've met) and have incredible life experiences. They're both gifted storytellers. I learn new valuable lessons through their unique perspectives. When we were at the lake, I got to visit with them each morning over a cup of coffee and talk about everything under the sun. Although my upbringing was a little different, I feel accepted and loved in their presence. Looking back, they probably knew I had a major crush on their son. Luckily that worked out. I'm really thankful for everything they've offered to my life, in the short time that I've known them. I only hope that I can bring a joy to their life in the same way. (I was mostly unplugged from my phone. I didn't get many pics from the weekend, so here are photos of us from the past months. Oops) Back to Charlotte:So as I write this, I'm headed back to Charlotte, North Carolina. Don't worry, I'm using voice dictation for most of it, and I'll clean it up and edit after I'm done driving. I don't know the next time I'll get to see family or Luke, but I know that I've almost made it halfway through the summer. Before I left Louisiana, I took care of my Cane's, drive-thru daiquiri, and my Icee cravings. Luke and I also went on our first official date, or maybe our first three? As I go back, my three things to look forward to are Tallie and Gypsy visiting me next week, starting my official work with tech force on Monday, and another round of the Bojangles Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In Closing:This is probably been the most roller coaster month of my life, emotionally. And that's the great thing about having joy. Whether you're happy, sad, distressed, panicked, or fearful even, JOY can always be present. It's not like happiness. It's not a fleeting feeling. Joy is being in the midst of the chaos and holding on to the good that is there and the good that is inside of you, through Christ Jesus. I've not done everything perfect in Charlotte, and I've certainly had my doubts. But God has not let me down and nor will He ever. Thanks for reading this far. Feel free to send snail mail!
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AuthorMy name is Madison Sanders Wooley. I am 24 years old with a life of travel, Jesus, and joy. I'm a communication and marketing graduate. I have a lot of love for animals and eco-friendly practices. I don't have anything figured out, but I have everything in the hands of God.
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