I would probably have to say 2013 has been my most challenging year yet.
Some of the best and worst things have happened in this year, but because of Jesus I have gotten through it all!
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3
Beginning my year, I thought I was driving in the right direction, but I’ve discovered the second you think you can do it on your own God shows us a mountain that we can’t just drive through without him!
With the commencement of 2013 brought my first semester of statistics…..
But it also brought fun adventures in New York City and Philadelphia with my amazing little brother!
- Philadelphia Exploring!
It brought movie nights with friends.
And first snowfalls…
And second snowfalls….
Outings with friends, halls, and Wharton Women…
It brought Trips home…
Coffee…
Many Birthdays…
And more trips home…
It brought Mommy to Philadelphia!
More movie nights with friends!
And volunteering with my friends! (now roommates too!!!!)
I saw my little brother perform in Carnegie Hall!
Experienced my first Fling!
I explored West Philly with a great friend (now roommate!!)
It brought Salsa Dancing on Friday Nights!
It brought lots of random dancing!
2013 brought Train and John Legend to Penn! (for free!!)
And meetings with celebrities!
I sailed for the first time in 2013!
It brought cupcakes and finals…
It brought the end of my freshman year, the end of BEPP 250, move out, and an awesome final night in Philadelphia!
It brought a summer working at Walmart and the start of my blog…
With the summer came hiking and camping!

Appalachian Trail Hiking and Camping! https://lifethroughtheeyesofarunner.wordpress.com/2013/05/17/camping-through-the-eyes-of-a-runner/

Crabtree Falls with the brother and father!
https://lifethroughtheeyesofarunner.wordpress.com/2013/05/21/crabtree-falls-through-the-eyes-of-a-runner/
It brought fun country adventures…

Strawberry Picking!
https://lifethroughtheeyesofarunner.wordpress.com/2013/05/26/strawberries-through-the-eyes-of-a-runner/
It brought Mayhem in Mexico!
It brought trips to South Carolina with my boyfriend!

Myrtle Beach!
https://lifethroughtheeyesofarunner.wordpress.com/2013/07/23/south-carolina-through-the-eyes-of-a-runner/
Time on the lake…
I ran my first half Marathon!

The Lynchburg Half!
https://lifethroughtheeyesofarunner.wordpress.com/2013/08/10/lynchburg-half-marathon-through-the-eyes-of-a-runner/
I returned to Philadelphia as a sophomore!
I became single…
I fell in love with my roommates!
It brought White Water Rafting!
I went to New York City for the 5th and 6th times this year
I dressed up and danced…. A LOT!
I had a lot of fun!
I became not so single and chopped off all my hair! 🙂
I ran my second (and best!) Half Marathon!!!
I came home for Thanksgiving!
I witnessed more snow….
I celebrated Christmas over and over and over again!!!
But the last moment of the year was one of my favorites! Radiate! The Winter Cru Conference! Ringing in 2014 while worshiping God is the most amazing thing!
Now all I’ve talked about in this Photo Review is the positive.
The things that I desired not to take pictures of in my year: a 3 week flu sickness, failing finals, crying, a LOT, becoming depressed, doubting myself, not feeling close to God, hating myself, distancing myself from people, feeling sad, that pit in my stomach, and so much more.
Through all those un-picture-worthy moments I have been shaped. God has used those gross, lowly times to grow me!
Happy 2014 all!