GUESS WHAT?!?

(this is me after a CYT play!)

So I realized the other day - during opening night of the play I am in, CYT's The Wizard of Oz - that I hadn't posted about my big news! I am so shocked; it has been in almost every waking thought I've had. I figure I should post, since I am too excited to sleep at night!

I'm engaged!

Ha! Just kidding. That will not happen until God's time; hopefully not for a few years seeing how completely immature and irresponsible I am.

However, I do have big news. I have been following the blog of Sarah Anne Barlow - yes she is related to THE Barlow girls, but she isn't the drummer - for awhile now. She is a professional wedding photographer based in Illinois. I love her work (she's amazing!) but more than that I respect her sooo much for her outspoken faith in every aspect of her life. Reading her blog posts has both encouraged and challenged me numerous times since I found her blog. All things considered, I was writing an email to send to her about the possibility of interning with her this summer. I know a few other young - teen - lady photogs that have benefited from her tutelage. Before I sent it, I decided to read up on her blog. On there was a 2-week-old post introducing The Interns. I was amazed. Then I read a later post also on The Interns which said Sarah had all the applicants filled. My mother said it never hurts to try. Well, long story short,

I got it!

And so I am going to Chicago, Illinois May 11th - 25th and I will be interning with one of my photographic HEROS! I can hardly stand it; God is so good to me. I cannot tell you how excited I am to spend time with Sarah; and it's totally a perk that she lives in a state I've never been to! I hear the food there is to DIE for. All very exciting. I have been following the blog of one of Sarah's previous interns, Kristin Leigh, and more than anything else, Kristen's account of her time there is what gets me most excited. I am so blessed.

In other news; CYT's "The Wizard of Oz" has run it's course. It was an excellent run, too. Opening night was, reportedly (since I was in it) one of the best opening nights ever seen. The next two runs went wonderfully despite the little slip ups. All in all, I believe God was glorified. I know at least for me, He taught me so much about giving grace and being patient. Though it may not seem like it, the last two weeks of any theatrical production are some of the longest weeks you can live. I am so completely exhausted. It's a good exhausted, though, because I know now that the play was not anything in me... I would have collapsed a long time ago! Every ounce of energy and strength came from God. All praise and glory and honor to Him alone!

Now, I am gearing up to finish my junior school year before the 1st of May, immediately after which prom and SAT will follow. I keep hoping and praying my life will slow down, to no avail. I cannot do everything I must complete this year! There is no way. Thus I must assume that God will give me every ounce of strength I need and victory over any dispare that may creep into my mind. I am looking forward to what He will do in me over the next month.

Stay tuned!

Cait