when everything goes wrong

So I didn't take many photos this weekend. The main reason was I was to busy laughing.
Angela and I went on an adventure. We do that sometimes just because we can. Normally, for the safety of others, we have some form of adult supervision but this weekend we decided we would go it alone. Because after all I am 20 now.

Everything that could have gone wrong went wrong but somehow turned out exactly right.
First we left Sale much later than planed. This was a direct result of our inability to pump up a tyre. In fact not only did we fail to put air in the tyre we somehow managed to make it more flat than when we started. Thanks Neil for bailing us out of that one. Turns out when there is a kink it the hose it doesn't work.
Next we had to navigate to the hotel. For the record I'm normally quite a good navigator. That said I somehow managed to push Angela to the edge she was using her 'I'm remaining calm but I might yell any second' voice. How you ask? I accidentally directed her into the city. After some quick refreshing on google maps and some deep breaths we managed to go round the block and end up back in the right place.

Plenty more ridiculous and stressful things happened. Things like parking in the wrong place, almost going up a one way street, waking up an hour later than intended and almost missing church and getting lost trying to find The Glen. The point is, however, that we did all the things we wanted to do and more and had a good laugh on the way.

When I talk to some of the older wiser people I know I am amazed by the life they have lived and the stories they have to share. This weekend will go down in history. 20 years from now I'll be telling Angela's kids all about it. 'This one time your mum and I......'

never nineteen again

I have been twenty for twenty four hours. So far I like it.
I'm not going to lie nineteen was a tough one, now with hindsight I appreciate the work God did in my life this last year and I wouldn't change it. I am in some ways glad to see the end of it.
Today started when I was woken by my mum and little sister jumping on me. I was then dragged from my bed by Lateshia who took me to her house. I got to bend the rules of presents in our house and open my families gifts before I even left the house (bonus is I got new clothes to wear) At Lateshia's I found three balloons, Damon, pancakes, a Matt Corby ticket and Angela.
Angela then took me for a walk down the street and purchased me a wondrous hippy bag.
When I got to my home I found Alison, Steph and Booster had set up a picnic in the back yard. There was three more balloons, fruit, chocolate and three beautiful hugs.
Next Russell arrived. He told me that was taking me to the place... So I got in the car and off we went. After a walk around cob and co stables he guided me to La Pochetta where a small tribe was ready to have lunch. I sat next to my friend Neil who happens to be born the same day as me.
After some persuasion from Lisa the next stop was the Ladies High Tea. I learnt that turning twenty doesn't automatically make you fit for polite society - my pinky just doesn't want to stick out.
Lateshia, Shanae, Alysha and Angela then took me to another 'place' (*cough* Redd Catt) where I got to drink carmel latte and laugh like a fourteen year old.
Then home again to eat dinner with Lateshia and Angela followed by cake with my wonderful friends.

Today I was blessed. I got to begin my twenties with people I love. I got to eat, laugh and share with my family and friends. I don't feel wiser or more sensible than I did yesterday but I do feel hopeful. This is the life God has given me and I love it. I'm excited for the year to come, whatever it may bring.

And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint. (Galatians 6:9 AMP)

Hi I'm Lauren. I'm 20.