For Good.

Because I couldn't say it any better... I have to quote Wicked. Favorite Musical of all time.

Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.

So much of me is made from what I learned from you.
You'll be with me like a handprint on my heart.
And now whatever ways our stories end, I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend.

The four of us: solid sisters.

Some people in this world are lucky enough to have friends they call family. Family instead of friends. I cannot remember the last time I did not refer to Kelli or Kimberly Straub as a sister of mine. Sophia, Kelli, Kimberly, and I have been inseparable since we were so young. There was never an activity I did without Kelli and whenever we were apart, it was always like something was missing. The four of us have been a unit, a sold group of sisters for as long as I can remember. We have seen each other at our best and we have been there for each other during our very hardest times. I am at a loss for words at what to say about these girls. To say the least, I know I would not be who I am right now today if it hadn't been for having these sisters in my life. And as I am sitting here with my bags packed, it is this group I am thinking of and tearing up as I think about leaving them. It is this group that I remember pushing me to go and serve. It is this group that constantly encourages me everyday to be better. It is THIS GROUP that loves me unconditionally. And for that, they deserve a shout out.

Kelli and I

Our favorite place: Cocktails and Canvas!

Kelli, with her huge heart for people. Nobody would believe me if I told them that in Kindergarten when we first became friends she was probably one of the shyest people ever. My how she has changed. Now,  I know that when I am with her, I will always be entertained by never ending story telling and conversation. I remember sleepovers where we would stay up and talk until the both of us would fall asleep.. well we would always have to make fun of Kimberly grinding her teeth before we fell asleep of course. Kelli and I have not been at the same school since 5th grade but have still remained the closest of friends. That says something right there. We were always making time for each other during school and got to escape from our school life right to each other. Now, I go to Kelli for almost everything and would not have it any other way. I have a friend I know I can call or stop by at any hour of the day/night and she will be there. She is my best friend. The sister I love just as if she is my sister by blood.

With Kimberly in the Fall 2010

Kimberly, such a rock. I have seen Kimberly grow up since she was so little. She has grown into such a beautiful, confident, smart young lady and I am so proud to call her a sister of mine. Kimberly keeps us sane. With her intelligence through the roof, she always adds the brains to the conversations. She outshines us in just about every way, but she would never say that. She will be a Senior in the Fall and I cannot believe this. Her sweet spirit is so uplifting to the group and she looks out for all of us. This girl has got it all. And now that we are looking at colleges for her, it blows my mind that she has grown up so fast. She is always so supportive when we talk about things going on in your lives and always stands up for her friends.

At Sophia's Graduation Party!

Now, my bags are packed. Ready to go. And leaving for training in Dallas in just a couple of hours!

You've been more than a friend to me.

As I am preparing myself for my trip and reflecting on points and people in my life, I can't forget my friends I have at Samford. I have been truly blessed to attend Samford University and that is a whole other story... for now, I just want to share just how much these individuals have poured into me during my last two years at Samford. To say the least, I am a very very lucky girl.

One fine Sunday, Spring of Freshman Year, just strolling along in the Caf... Laren Lewis asks me if I want to room with her for Sophomore Year in the Alpha Delta Pi House. We chat about it a little bit and decide Yeah! I had no idea we were a perfect match from the beginning. To find a roommate and best friend that inspires me, uplifts me, and shares the same goals and interests as me is so rare and I am so lucky to have found that in Laren. She goes after everything with all of her heart and I cannot imagine a better person to come home to everyday. Her passion has inspired me to go after my dreams just as she is not afraid to do so. And her heart is so big... I look up to her servant heart so much. I am so lucky to have someone always there for me and never let me down. Mrs. Lewis always jokes around about how I have to put up with Laren... that is not the case at all. If I put up with her, she is the one putting up with me. I am the lucky one. Laren is actually the one who got me to apply for this internship with Buckner. And we are so lucky to have both gotten the chance to do this. She is also the Trip Leader for her team traveling to Dominican Republic and I know that she would be more than grateful for all of your prayers as she is there in June too.

If you ask my friend Lauren what I thought of her in Middle School, she will say she thought I hated her. False. But, Lauren and I became best friends after seven years of knowing each other. Freshman year at Samford, we stuck together like glue. To sound really cheesy, Lauren completes me. The hilarious comments and humor she brings to situations saves me over and over. I always look forward to our lunches that we isolate ourselves in the Caf and just focus on each other for a little part of our day. Not only is Lauren one of the most intentional people with her friendships, but she has no idea how influential she is. Lauren has always encouraged me while at Samford and been there for me every single time I needed it. She knows not to hug me when I am upset (learned that the hard way!), she knows when to push me to go for something, and she knows that without her support, I do not know where I would be. And she has been so encouraging with me and preparing for this experience in Guatemala even if it means I cannot go with her to Cozumel this summer… just another example of how she always puts her friends first.

I would like to thank Marge for many things during this process… but most importantly, her honesty. Surprisingly, Marge and I lived on the same hall all of our Freshman Year at Samford. Since I basically lived on 4^th East instead of 1^st East, I really did not get to know her all that much and I regret that. It was not until living next door to each other this year in the ADPi house that I really got to call Marge one of my best friends. If it weren’t for Marge, I would not be aware of so many things about myself. Her honesty saves me over and over. Marge is another friend that I would describe as so intentional. She is intentional with her time, energy, and love. Her determination amazes me and I know that if I ever need anything, she is there. I am so lucky to have a friend like this, it is so rare. For her sweet letters, room visits, last minute dinner dates when nobody else is home, I am thankful. Marge always pushes me to stand up for what I believe and without her pushing me, I know that I would not be going to Guatemala in just a few days.

And what would I do without Kate and her cuteness? Whenever I need a good pick-me-up, I know I will be satisfied just walking into that room and distracting her from her many studies. Kate is the friend that holds everyone together, helps us keep our sanity, and knows how to get a car to sing at the top of their lungs. I am so lucky to have a rock like this girl in my life. Her prayers and sweet words are so uplifting and I know that I am so lucky to have her by my side.

My favorite hand to hold. I am so lucky to have this spunky, fun, light hearted girl in my life. Jordan is the friend that even though our lives get crazy and we may go missing for weeks or even months at a time, we still come right back to each other. I have so much appreciated all of the time you have spent in our room as our third roomie. You know what you believe, you stand by it, and I so much admire you for that. I know I have learned to be more confident in myself because of you and you probably have no idea the influence you have made on me.

During my Sophomore Year, we had a new friend come visit our room quite often. Mariah. We were so happy to have another roomie and especially one as sweet as her. She works so hard at everything she does and puts even more effort into her relationships. I have been so lucky as to be one of those people that she invests in. Mariah’s sweet soul inspires me to be compassionate and always look for the best in people.

When I first met this boy, I couldn’t stand him. He knows that. He was super honest, outspoken, and was not the least bit afraid of people not liking what he said… this was so not like me during my freshman year of college. Somehow we became the best of friends in time. Now, words cannot describe how thankful I am for Nick. I can honestly say I have never had a friend like him. Nick has shown me what a true man who fears the Lord looks like and for that, I am so proud to call him one of my best friends. Everything he does, he has a reason. Everything he says, he has a reason. He challenges me over and over to think about just how great our God is and these are the conversations I will always remember from my time at Samford. Like a father, Nick is one of the most protective people I know.. which is great for me because I always know I have someone looking out for me. As much as I tease him about it, I really do appreciate having someone like this in my life. I have learned so much from this friend just in the past year. And when it came time to discuss summer plans, he was so supportive of making me go for the most worthwhile experience and that was Guatemala. He knew that God was leading me somewhere this summer and this was it.

Thursdays are my Kameron days. During our Sophomore year, we decided that in the craziness of our schedules, we would set aside every Thursday lunch for each other. Best plans I made! I am so thankful for Kameron in my life. I have been able to spend time with such a caring, supportive, honest individual every week and he is so selfless in devoting time to me. I have learned so much from Kameron and have admired him as long as we have been friends. He never gives up, always puts his friends first, and always supports. Everyone always says you cannot read peoples’ minds… but pretty sure this boy can read mine. He knows exactly what to say exactly when I need it. Whenever we talk, it is like coming home again to family. I am so thankful to have met someone so supportive and especially in this process of preparing for Guatemala.  

Caroline, My Little Sister 

Kadie, my Violet Sister

How could I forget my Little and my Violet?! These two have been such awesome support systems for me. They may be younger and I am supposed to be the big sisterly role model type… but really, I look up to these two so much. Kadie, wish her selfless and compassionate attitude towards absolutely everything. And Caroline with her always fun, uplifting, and optimistic approach towards everything that comes up. I know that when I am with these two, I will be happy and have such great conversation. I am so so happy these two came to Samford this year and better yet are living under the same roof as me next year. I can’t imagine Samford without them now. 

And there are so many more people to thank, but then you all would get very bored reading pages and pages. In the end, I am so thankful for these people in my life and I am so lucky to have them by my side. 

Change your THOUGHTS and you can change your WORLD.

As I am preparing for this giant step in my life, I am reminded of the many steps I have already taken and the people that have helped me get there. I am reminded of the events in my life that have changed me and the people in my life that have shaped me be who I am today. So, for the days leading up to my internship, I have decided to share with you just what some of those things are in my life.

Cozumel Streets

Today it is City of Angels. If you know me at all, you know that this is something that has captured my heart like none other. During my Junior year of High School, I began this journey of spending my Thanksgivings in Cozumel, Mexico. The mission trip to Cozumel, Mexico serves the City of Angels children's home and the community of Cozumel through various activities such as VBS, nightly activities with the Angels, Special Olympics, handing out food baskets to the community, and building relationships with everyone we come in contact with. Never been to Mexico before. Never been on a mission trip before. Never spent a Thanksgiving away from my family. But I knew that this mission trip would be the start of something new in me, a huge turning point in my life to say the least.

Gustavo

God truly has his hands on these teams and Angels. Right before my second year going on the trip with GACS, I had brought up the idea of sponsoring a child to my parents. Of course, they had never been so they were not fully on board nor were there any children in need of a sponsor at the time. A little while before the trip, I so kindly volunteered my Dad to be a leader... then I asked him if he really would. With that undeniable servant heart that my Dad possesses, he says yes. If there is any man capable of absolutely anything in this world, any man thats love is so contagious that it is obvious to everyone around him, any man more willing to serve above and beyond anything else, it is my Dad. This man serves with all of his heart and asks for nothing in return every single time. He deserves to be thanked every single day for his leadership and heart. The Angels absolutely adore him just as he has loved on them. So giving. So loving. Such an incredible example to us. 

Dad with Elias, Mari Chuy, and Angel at Christmas in 2008.

We arrive in Cozumel that 2008 Thanksgiving to find that a family of four (one more joined a short time later) had just arrived a week before. It is heartbreaking for me to think about this family being in the rough living situation they were in before. I like to believe that God brought that Garcia family of four energetic, loving, radiantly beautiful children there to join the Artusa family only a week later. Mari Chuy, the oldest, has such a loving heart caring for each of her younger and older siblings. Angel and Elias always brighten up the day with their laughter, sweet sayings, and fun attitudes all the time. And, Daniela.. our gift from the Lord that year, a light in our life, and truly a match made by Him. We were chosen as her sponsor family after that week with her, loving her, her loving us, and promising to pursue this relationship. What a ball of energy running around, always everyones favorite little princess, speaking so fast that you get lost in translation, and she gives the best hugs. Daniela's smile brightens up the room every time she is there and it blows my mind that we are the lucky ones that get to call her "hermana." 

Sophia, Daniela, and I on our first night of the 2009 trip

Family. When I started going to Cozumel, I had no idea that I would have Angels, team members, and mentors that I consider family today. I have so many people that I need to always continue to thank for shaping me today.

Family. 2010.

To my sister, Sophia. I have been traveling to Cozumel with Sophia for the past three and a half years whether it be on our own time or with GACS. Sophia, even though my younger sister, I look up to her so much. The way she connects with absolutely every kid blows my mind every day. Her love just radiates from her as she walks onto the City of Angels campus every day and every child there knows her by her name and her beautiful red hair. I have seen her from her first day with the Angels to being considered a part of the Cozumel family today. I still remember her first night meeting the Angels.. she asked me what to say and do as we walked that long walk through the streets to the Sports Park. I told her nothing that I say can prepare you for this, it will put you completely out of your comfort zone at first, but I knew that all she had to do was be her and they will instantly love her. Sports Night is a crazy night and as soon as I found my Angels, I introduced them to my sister and they spread the message FAST that I had a sister and she was there to play with them too. With Sophia by my side, I have been able to take my trips to Cozumel to a whole new level. There is nothing like having someone in your life that shares the same passions as you and especially on such a close level as this. She has been there for me to bounce ideas off of, just tell stories with of my sweet Angels, lend a shoulder for me to cry on when I have to say my goodbyes, and just always be there for me in both my days of serving and my days at home missing Cozumel. Because of Sophia, we have been able to share special connections with the Angels and we have also been able to build a family in Cozumel with our sisters, Mari Chuy and Daniela. For this, thank you will never be enough.

The girls of the family in 2010.

Fantastic Four in 2010.

To my Angels. All of them have truly impacted me over the years so writing thank you's is ultimately never enough for showing my gratitude towards these kids. The Angels all come from very tough backgrounds and live together at the City of Angels. They become a family. The number of Angels has grown every year that I go down and that makes me so excited. To know that the orphans of Mexico have a safe and loving home is so comforting to me. My love for orphans began here at City of Angels and I am so lucky to call it home just like these kids. So... the angels I have not already shared with you (Just going to share a few).

Jose and I on our last night of the 2008 trip.

Jose, my baby boy from the beginning. This boy's smile keeps me coming back each year. I have seen him grow up to be such a loving young boy and every year, when I take him a picture of us from the year before, it is so nice to see them in his room.. I know that we are in each other's lives for good and I am so thankful for that. 

Chanti and I in 2010.

Chanti, wow my girl has grown up. This one always does keep me on my toes watching out for her pranks and jokes towards me. No matter how funny we are together, there are always tears in our eyes as we part each other. Her hugs make me remember why I long to go to Cozumel every day of every year.. because I love these Angels with all of my heart. And her love shows me that. What a servant heart, this girl.

Carlos and I at VBS in 2009.

Carlos. I have also been able to see this sweet boy grow up to be so kind and loving towards every one that he meets. He is always one of the first to welcome us onto the property and he is always looking out for others. I cannot wait to see how God uses him in the future.

Damian and I in 2009.

Here I am visiting Damian at his Starbucks Job! Damian and I remain great friends today, mainly because Damian can speak perfect English! So close in age, we are able to go to each other with everyday life and just have each other in our lives. I would say I am unbelieveably lucky to have this boy in my life and I get to visit him at least once a year. When we do meet up again, it is like no time has passed and we are able to pick right back up chatting about just about everything. I am proud of him and know that God will use his heart to change the world.

Gustavo and I in 2010.

Oh Gustavo. The special candle in a decorated glass jar sitting in the console of car.. friends, it belongs to Gustavo. It is a reminder of our friendship everywhere that I go. We have grown to be good friends over the years and I am so thankful for this joy in my life. To know that I have someone in my life like Gustavo brings happiness and peace to my heart as I am home.

The Big Kid House in 2010.

And of course I could never describe my Cozumel experience without mentioning how grateful I am for my mission teams. To all of the adult leaders, we could not ask for any better. You each bring something so special to the team and because of all of you, I have made it a dream of mine to lead a trip like this. I have considered all of them my honorary parents for the weeks of the trips and will never forget the funny times we have all had together. When I think about not going with the GACS team over Thanksgiving this year, what saddens me most is that I will not get to stay up late and hang out with Dr. Morris, Dr. Overman, favorite Coach Lana, or hear bedtime stories with The Landreths. 

With Dennis and Theresa Wilson in 2010.

The American Directors of Cozumel, Dennis and Theresa Wilson, have been such inspirations to me. Their servant leadership is so evident and I always hope that I make the impact they have made on the Angels. Their hearts are so big and their lights are so bright. Every team is so lucky to have role models like these two to look up to. And I am even luckier to consider their family friends of mine. 

Billy and Juan in 2010.

Gotta give a shout out to my partner in crime in Cozumel... Neighbor. Without him, the trips for sure would not be the same. I got to know Billy when I moved into Country Club of the South and instantly we became good friends. I would have never guessed back in Junior High that I would still consider him one of my very best friends going into my third year of college. Like I said before, it is an unbreakable bond that you have with someone when you share a passion for something such as The City of Angels. Because Billy and I share this love of the Angels, we are able to stay connected and dependable on each other every day of the year. On the trips, we are able to join together for the good of the Angels and have so much fun together. There is absolutely nobody else that  I would have wanted by my side all of these years making me laugh, comforting me when I need it, and playing with the Angels. 

Our Garcia/Artusa family all together: Daniela, me, Juan, Sophia, Mari Chuy, Elias, and Angel in 2010.

The island of Cozumel has shared its people with me and for that I am forever thankful. Because of my love for Cozumel, I have been able to learn so much about myself and what I want to do with my life, why I am here on this Earth. I have seen God work through me, my teams, my family, and my Angels. I have witnessed His love in every person I come in contact with, witnessed His miracles over and over on our trips to Cozumel. I have found lifelong friends and family and I have no idea how I will ever be able to say thank you for that. So, everyday I thank God for each of you that have impacted me through Cozumel. I say an extra prayer for you and know that God truly does have his hand on that place that I like to call home. 

Getting there.

Friends and family,


I have decided to start my blog for my trip to Guatemala coming up in June! As our trip leader, I will be responsible for keeping our team up to date on blogging. I should warn you now... this is my very first blog EVER. So, bare with me. In this blog, I hope to share with you my heart. I will do my best to share with you all of my adventures serving in Guatemala this summer. This is certainly a once in a lifetime experience for me and I want you all to be a part of it too. 


For the month of June, I will be serving as an intern in Guatemala with Buckner International, an organization that sponsors and assists family and orphan ministries around the world. We will be spending most of our time in Guatemala City serving in different orphanages and Community Transformation Centers. While in Guatemala, I will be teaching Vacation Bible School to orphans, working in the orphanages, serving in the Community Transformation Centers, and leading the mission teams that come down to serve with Buckner. While I have been preparing for this trip since January, our director has shared the greatest piece of advice with us through all of this. She says, ultimately, it does not matter how much planning we do in regards to VBS.. what matters is that we will be there to love on these orphans and show them Christ's love for all of us. 


This whole trip has been a whirlwind of a process for me, never expecting it to really happen. I know that without my supportive parents, especially my Dad for putting up with my countless phone calls from Birmingham, I would not have this opportunity. This year, I have made so many realizations about myself and my passions. Being my sophomore year of college, it is about that time. I have learned that I have two HUGE passions in my life... Serving Internationally and the youth of today. I have always loved traveling and serving internationally but it wasn't until I traveled to Ciudad de Angeles in Cozumel, Mexico that I found a place that trumps all. My relationships with the Angels are what calls me back for more every year. There is never a day that goes by that I do not think or pray about my Angels. I have always loved working with kids too. Whether it be working with younger kids as a YMCA camp counselor every summer or impacting the lives of teenagers at WyldLife each week. You may be thinking, why is she sharing all of this? Well, to share with you a little bit about my heart and why this trip means so much to me already. My upcoming trip to Guatemala is a dream of mine because I am bringing my two passions together and living it out for an entire month. God really does answer our prayers.


With a trip like this, comes many obstacles. But, I know these will be overcome in time. In order to serve in Guatemala for the month of June, I am still in need of $1750 for the internship. This is all of the financial requirements I have left for the trip. The $1750 includes my lodging, transportation while in Guatemala, and food. Already, my prayers have been answered piece by piece through airfare and being given scholarship money as the Trip Leader. I ask that you keep this requirement in your prayers as I am getting ready for this internship. Most importantly for this opportunity, I ask that I have you as my prayer team. However, if you feel that the best way for you to support this trip is financially, then please let me know or you can enclose a check to the address below with Olivia Artusa, Session 1: Guatemala, Project Go. 

Buckner Missions 

5200 S. Buckner Blvd. 

Dallas, TX 75227-2099

I am also collecting a large amount of humanitarian aide before I go down. Things like markers, beach balls, big bags of candy, jump ropes, basically anything that a child can play with or use... we are collecting. So, if you have any of those things just taking up space in your home, feel free to contact me and send them my way! 


Again, I cannot stress to you how important and powerful prayer is to me and this trip. I know that God has had his hand on me the past few months in preparing and getting me to this point, blessing me with this opportunity to serve. It means the world to me to have a powerful group behind me in prayer. If you do not know a lot about Guatemala, it can be a very dangerous place and I would be lying if I said I was not scared. But, I know, in faith, that I have been chosen to go for a reason and that gives me peace. I want to say thank you to you all for supporting me and investing yourselves in me. Without all of your support through prayer and friendship the last few months, I would not be going. I can't wait to keep you posted on all of my adventures in Guatemala!