Time Flies

When I was a little girl, I never understood the statement "Time Flies." As a kindergartner, High Schoolers were huge, intimidating figures to be revered. My brother and I even formulated a game called "Evil Teenagers" where we would scream and yell for my mom to drive faster if a teen driver appeared in the car behind us. Needless to say, I thought I was never going to grow up. For me, time certainly did not "fly".

Flash forward more than 10 years and I have come to realize that I could not have been more mistaken. For instance, the last blog I posted was back in the beginning of July, although it feels to me that I posted it only yesterday. Another example would be my crowing moment as Miss Kansas' Outstanding Teen 2011. It feels like an eternity and only yesterday, all at the same time! How that even works out, I have no idea. I can say this though, in just two brief months I have experienced memories that will last me a life time, no matter how fast the time has flown. As Nationals draws closer (4 days until my departure!) I want to share some of the moments that have made an impact on me...

- Lets begin with my Children's Miracle Network event. It was overwhelming for me to have so many kind-hearted supporters donate to my MAOT page. My initial goal of $500 was reached after only one week. So, I decided that I would work to raise more funds. While out and about requesting support from local businesses, my mom and I decided to head over to Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt. Partly because we believed they would be a significant supporter, and also because we both REALLY wanted some frozen yogurt. :) The store manager surprised us by offering to host a fundraiser on a weekday night. Of course, we gladly accepted and set to work spreading the news of our Thursday night event. My MAOT Big Sister, Carissa Kelley (aka Miss Kansas, aka the COOLEST big sister a girl with only a brother for a sibling could ever hope of having), my incredible director, Lisa Ronen (aka one of the most genuine, kind hearted people God has blessed me with in my life), and the beautiful MKOT who crowned me, Leslie Carrillo, drove up from Wichita (2 1/2 hours) to support the event. Fellow cross-country teammates, my coach, and an assortment of other dear friends helped make the $333 sum possible. The final amount for the Children's Miracle Network coming from the beautiful state of Kansas is- $1300!

- A week as a camp counselor at King Solomon Christian Camp for Junior Highers allowed me to experience the true beauty of the Kansas country side, then it was back to work...

- Instead of coming home after camp, I went directly to Wichita to participate in the Girl Scout's Mall Madness Event. While in Wichita we had time to visit my incredible sponsors at Foggy Bottom, enjoy a wonderfully prepared meal by Lisa and Mr. Ronen, and spend quality time with Carissa! Then, it was off the the mall! We arrived around 10pm and stayed to chat with the girls and help with a charity event called "Packademics". Packademics is a wonderful on-line organization that provides school supplies to children in need with a click of the mouse key. We arrived home at 1:30am. Needless to say, it was an appearance that I won't soon forget.

- If there is one thing that I have learned from preparing for nationals, it is this: Preparation means taking time every day to intentionally better yourself. I have come to be a better martial artist, current events guru, and situationaly aware young lady because of being intentional. But it also takes support from loved ones. I have learned that I am surrounded by people with extremely large hearts and heaping amounts of patience. I could not have even made the first step on this journey without the love, encouragement, and support that my mom provides. The kindness that has been shown to me by Lisa, Mike, and Mandy Ronen as well as Becki Walenz is staggering. It would take to long to list everyone, all of my friends and family, that I owe a debt of gratitude to. It is true that Kansas is "Home on the Range" and love can be seen and felt everywhere. I feel honored and blessed to have this opportunity to represent Kansas and the Miss Kansas Organization. Until after nationals...

Love and Blessings,
Caitlyn Webb your MKOT 2011

Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness. Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone. 2 Peter 1:5-6

Miss Kansas Outstanding Teen 2011 Blog