4 years ago, I never thought this day would come quickly enough and I stood amazed on my final hole of day #4 of our National Championships in Rapid City, South Dakota with the realization that the last 4 years and 4 seasons have gone by so quickly I wish I still had more time. I found myself as I walked up to my final putt on the 18th green on friday getting somewhat misty eyed and overwhelmed with emotions of gratitude, bewilderment, sadness, joy, and excitement of what is to come next in my life. I was very proud of all that I had done the last 4 years and found myself every hole just praising the God I so lovingly worship for all that He has taught me, for without it, I would've never accomplished any or all of my goals I had set out.
Although, we left Rapid City with only a 3rd place trophy and not our Championship Banner that we had longed for, we were still very proud of what we had done. We put on a phenomenal performance and beat out 25 other amazing teams from all around the country! Not only that, but one of our own, Nathalie Silva from Brazil won the entire field and left with her own National Title! We were so very proud of her and just how we handled ourselves during the week. I had struggled during the second day with what I think was either food poisoning or the 24 hour flu. It hit me hard and not being able to keep food down for over 24 hours and fighting a fever off made it an uphill battle to do my best. However, the Lord gave me strength and I was able to make it through and push forward towards the final days. I hit the ball better than I have in a long time and the course just proved to be difficult for me with being so aggressive with the pins. However, I would not change a thing and I feel satisfied with my last "Hoo-rah."
I had accomplished all the goals I had set out for the season which were to being my stroke average down to a 78, shoot in the 70's for both rounds at Monterey Bay's most difficult golf course, Place in the top 10 in a tournament, achieve Academic All-American and also receive the honor of being an All-American with my performance throughout the season. I got word after my final round of Nationals that I became a 2nd team All-American honoree. It has been an amazing 8+ years of competitive golf and I've learned so much from the game and the people I've met over the years. I will never let go of those relationships and the wisdom I've gained from it.
As for now, I will be taking a long awaited break from golf for a while and just let my body heal and relax and focus on my new job and my church and catch up on some reading and studying. I know that in about 6 months (if I make it that long haha) I will be yearning to go out on the course again and it wouldn't surprise me if I paid a visit to the new CBU golf team next year and played a few holes with them just for fun. But as for now, I am anxious to start working at my permanent store at Sips Coffee in Colton tomorrow afternoon and do my best to provide for myself and to do what I can in my Walk with the Lord. I am anxious to see what He has next!
Thanks for all your prayers and support this last week and the last 8+ years! It has gotten me to the place where I am at today and I will cherish that forever. Enjoy the pictures!
