Lauren Hales
It's difficult to predict how our cast of characters might expand once we touch down in Spain, but until then I think it is absolutely necessary to at least introduce the other half of this little walking trip: The marvelous, indomitable Lauren Sydney Hales!
Lauren is from Mobile, Alabama down by the Ocean. She is 5'6 with straight, fine blonde hair that tangles very, very easily. She is the hardest working human being I've ever met--even when there's not really anything to do, Lauren is amazingly busy. Like a bee. Many of you may know her as Huey's best server. She was valedictorian at her High School. She is recently graduated from Rhodes College, magna cum laude, phi beta kappa, with a degree in Religious Studies. She won the highest honor in the department.
Next year, Lauren will be entering the highly competitive Episcopal Service Corps in Hawaii on the North Shore of Oahu working at a retreat and particularly, learning how to sustainably farm. Her chief interests are in Food Justice, Food and Faith, and Intentional Community. She's off to big, bright, amazing, world-changing things.
But until then, she's all mine. Mwahahaha....
Which is a big deal. Lauren worked very hard all year, and sacrificed a summer with her family before the big move to take this trip. I know it was a hard decision for her. But I know it was the right one.
Lauren's greatest strengths, to me, are her grit, her determination, and her courage. She is also a loyal friend with a heart for service. She has a sharp tongue. She'll call you on your bullshit. Sometimes I have to call her on hers. But, one of my personal heroes, Lauren is an unbreakable stone in my support system, by my side through thick and thin, willing to charge into battle in my defense. I am so lucky to have her. This is an adventure I couldn't have without her, and I'm so grateful!
Are we both nervous about the trip? Yes, definitely. But I'm not nervous about Lauren Hales. No one else would be up for the job. Is she strong enough to carry me on her back? Probably not. But I know she'll be there for me when things are hard. There will be painful days. Sore days. Days when we don't get along, when we are frustrated and cry and the blisters hurt and we still have a long way to go. We will need each other. But those trials will be strengthening and teaching, and Lauren is the person I want to learn those lessons with.
Here's to you, Lauren!
No comments:
Post a Comment