Dearest Allume Roommate

Dear Natalie,

     We don't know each other...other than the fact that Logan tells me we are a match made in heaven. Which I am trusting in that judgement because I trust that Logan has a keen sense for people's hearts. So yes, we are strangers. I am going to sleep in a king size bed with someone I can't even remember the last name of. However, I am excited to see what God has in store for this matchup.

     If there is anything I have experienced in the last 3 weeks while I have been playing the Allume version of eHarmony matchup to make sure everyone has a place to sleep at night..it is to trust the God is in this 100%. I see it every day as I watch people who have just been introduced as bunk mates become glorious friends. I see it as I have recieved emails from ladies who had no desire to share their sweet, quiet, single person rooms...and they have heart the nudging of God to step out and invite someone to share their space with. I have seen the blessings that have happened while these ladies have been obedient to Jesus' whispers to be hospital and make room at the Inn. I have heard the worry in women's hearts as they realize there are no rooms left, and then the redemption after they hear someone has made room for them. Yes, it has been a tedious job of spreadsheet making, twitter, facebook, and email scouring...but I assure you I have enjoyed every single minute of it. Have you heard that saying that "If you find a job you love it will never feel like work"...or something like that...well this has been it. It has felt busy, but not like work. I can't wait every day to help these women!

     Ok, where were we? Oh yeah....telling you who I am...well that last paragraph will be #1...Rabbit trails. I go on them. I can be talking about something and then suddenly change lanes without any warning....leaving you in the dust of my tracks. My mind...never...shuts...off. I am a creative minded person (as I am sure many women who are bloggers also are). I am artistic, crafty, love music, and love coming up with new ideas and different ways of doing things...so my mind is always rolling. I am married to an entrepreneur...so dreaming up new ideas never stops.

     Extrovert or Introvert....I think I am somewhere in the middle. When comes to parties and gatherings I HAVE to be there. I don't want to miss a thing. I love gatherings. I love the "eclectic sparkle" that happens when women gather. Eclectic being the gathering of people from all different walks and stories...the sparkle is what happens when they join in conversations and the unity begins to sparkle through! On the other end...an introvert because sometimes I just need to go run away by myself for a minute. If I begin to feel overwhelmed it is almost like a claustrophobic feeling. The first thing I want to do is run to my room...shed as many clothes as acceptable to do in the given environment and just lay there for a minute. I will try my hardest to not do this clothes shedding in your presence.

     I am messy. In my college dorm room I was the messiest girl of the 4 of us. Mainly clothes. I will try and be on my best behavior. Ironically though when I stay in a hotel without my family...I somehow become organized...maybe its because I need something to take care of? Feel free to analyze me.

     My mom taught me to be resourceful. So...if you forgot something...its ok. I probably brought it...possibly even 10 of them. If I didn't bring it, I will find a way to get it for you.

     I am not a morning person. I will go to bed really late (because I don't want to miss a thing) and then I will sleep until the last second. I will have my hair done Thursday morning professionally...so that I don't have to do anything with my hair the entire weekend.

     I had my first son when I was 19. From the ages of 18 to 25 I have always been me plus one.... from 25 to now I am me plus 4 with my hubby and 3 boys. When I get the chance to be by myself...I sing, I dance, I shout hallelujah from the roof top. It is possible I have too much testosterone in my body....because I have the ability to completely forget about my home when I am away by myself. I love it so much that I have booked my trip to last as long as possible. Tuesday to Tuesday....and I don't feel a bit of guilt about it.

     One of my favorite things is to shop for other people. No doubt I have already been scoping you out to see what your interests are so I can get the perfect hostess gift for you.

     I am not perfect. I don't always say the right things. Sometimes my dry wry sense of humor gets me in trouble. I usually say things out loud that most people say in their minds and don't dream about actually saying.

    I snore. I am so sorry. This is honestly why I didn't share my room last year out of fear of driving someone batty. I have lost 30 pounds since last Allume. For many reasons health wise obviously....but honestly also because I hope to not snore while I am at Allume! If I do...please feel free to wake me and tell me to roll on my side or stomach. I also sleep to white noise. Which is why in the food hall I zone out instead of interact...because the white noise of 450 voices chatting makes me want to sleep.

     I live in a house full of boys. Not much grosses me out.

     I do tend to get overly excited and talk way too much. Please feel free to remind me to come up for air and allow you to speak as well.

     Number one....this event...Allume...is on my list of favorite things experienced in my life. I am going to be sure to soak in every minute. I have a heart that is so elated and expectant to see what miracles God has in store for us all. I eat, sleep, and drink Allume right now. And I love it.

Ok, enough about me...what about you?