First blog ever... bare with me lol.

     My name is Lauren Mae Dalton. I was born in a small army base, Fort Lewis, Wa. Yes an Army brat.... minus the brat part (more like tom-boy). Shortly after being born my mom flew us to my Dad in Germany. Not there for more than little over a year till we were back in Washington. Then again another move, straight on down to the GOOD OL'E SOUTH, Natchitoches, Louisiana. A testimony in itself, my mom was just 16 when she had me. Her family also young and close in age. A sister not many years older with a son, her mom moving all over with different boyfriends and dad who just remarried a younger woman and pregnant. They were all young living there own life. She saw the life she lived and wanted a change. Since I was about the age of 1 she made a choice that she did not want me to grown up in the life as she did (not that she complains). So she started going to church, UPC, Pentecostal Church. I have been raised in UPC all my life. 

     Shortly couple years after living in Louisiana my parents divorced. Dad moved off with military life and mom felt led in God's will to stay. Long story short, mom made a best friend and had a new roommate, also helping out with taking care of me. We joined them in family nights and activities, soon years later moved in with the family (the Wellman's) and they gave my mom legally the family name. ( There is a lot more in detail about her and her testimony with all that but I am going to try to keep on track with me). I got the whole life of a child that grows up in a "torn home".  Stayed with my dad weekends here and there. Through my child hood growing up we even went through periods of not seeing or speaking for years, the longest 5. Though I missed him and that personal relationship some kids share with a dad, I counted myself BLESSED. I have now, including an amazing relationship with my dad, I have 5 father figures in my life!! I also have more people that I could consider family than what any ordinary home to count. WoW, I know. My mom is my best friend and could tell you every little detail of my life, she is the power of a praying woman and God sure new what he was doing pairing us together!!

      I do not define my life and who I am by not having a normal family or my parents not doing things perfect, no one gave them a book on how to do it right or wrong. I also do not define my life but not always having a dad there, I refuse to let my self or anyone else blame him or my self. Some people tell me I allow certain people (boyfriends) walk all over me, control me, or let people use me, because I did not have a "father" figure in my life. They are wrong. I will tell them that is bull!! That is simply an excuse and I wont let excuses determine how or why I LIVE MY LIFE. Some might call me stubborn or unwise, I call it living God's will. I strive for that anyway. I am sure we will be gladly sharing our testimonies, and probably in fuller detail but I felt it ok to start off with mine.

To get everyone up to date though....Hi, lol, my name is Lauren Dalton.... family and friends call me Lauren Mae. Was born on September 13, 1989. I live on my own but close to my mom (proudly) and have a great step Dad, a one and half year old sister, and a four and half year old brother. I also have a best friend, April Johnson, going on ten years now, and I consider her even more as a sister. Without our friendship I know I would not be strong or where I am today if it was not for her also. I am very family oriented and if I had to mention everyones name, you'll would stop reading by the 3 out of 10 paragraphs lol. I grew up the youngest among all girls (the Wellman's) so I had to learn to tuff'n up and pick up things quickly. I think that is how I ended up going to technical school at Blue Cliff College coming out of High School with TOPS. Nine months later I graduated as a Licensed Massage Therapist and come July I will have been an LMT for 3 amazing years. I also am a Certified Swim Instructor, teaching here and there. I now work at Louisiana Athletic Club (Wellness facility). Seeing I looooooove athletics and everything about holistic health, I fit right in. 

     Mom stressed an order of life I will always live by....God, Family, Church, and Friends. I grew up playing almost every sport in the book besides softball and basketball, hand coordinated sports didn't turn out so good for me, how I ended up doing massage.... beats me. I grew up wanting to be a Marine Biologist, scuba diving (which I am also licensed) and training dolphins. If I listed all my activities I love to do ... well you would be reading quit a bit. I'll save you!! I have to mention I reach out and grab onto ADVENTURE ...Mud, Rain, Snow, or Sunny. You could find me doing family stuff, church activities. I love everything outdoors, and as easy going as being able to watch movies and play board games all weekend. My motto...I DARE TO BE ME, and I can make anything I am doing FUN. I also love to write. If I had to tell you what I mostly do day to day besides work it would be, with family, music (guitar and singing, no professional by annnny means lol I just love it), any exercise, or writing. A big hobby to me though that is out of ordinary coming from a southern raised girl (and yes I get picked on) is that I own my own snowboard, I love everything about it and yes it is a pretty big deal lol. I am sure I have left plenty out about my life but that is the writer in me not wanting to leave a single detail out.

     So thank you for baring with my bad grammar, spelling, and occasional talking in circles. Not only will this be my first mission I could not be more EXCITED to be joining ya'll in going to Peru!! I have reached the point in my life I am ready to be able to reach out and show others less fortunate than I the miraculous ways God can move, He is triumph and brings inevitable VICTORIES!! 

Can't wait to get to learn more about each other!! We are going to Mission for God in Peru ... YAY!!