Future Mrs. Currie

I think I am a very "go-getter" person. Once I finally make up my mind as to what I want there is not a single thing that will stop me from getting it. This mentality crosses over into my love life and I think it's served me well, BUT it takes some time for me to get to that state. I met OJ a little over two years ago and while I hate admitting when I like someone; (I especially hate admitting it when my friends are forcing me into getting to know him), I couldn't deny the smile that popped on my face when he came around. I nonchalantly acted like I didn't care when my friends tried to make us dance at the glow dance together but when they forced us to take a picture we together, I was cheesing. And so what if OJ's going to be at cartoon night? Only I was far too excited. Okay, I see him everywhere and get super nervous? I'll just play it off, but for the love of make-up do something with yourself Jasmine don't you get that you see him EVERYWHERE? Look decent please! So maybe I had a crush, it's no big deal. He probably doesn't like me anyway.

Oh but how hard he makes me laugh. And his smile, my God that smile. We have joint custody of this Spongebob DVD, it must be a sign, right?. AND HE LOVES JESUS? SIGN ME UP! Yes I was that type of crushing but we took the time to get to know each other. I stole a Miami Dolphins hat from him and he quickly became a really good friend. When I'd see him around campus, we'd stop and talk. He let Sabrina and I steal his phone to take selfie's and post them on Instagram as his wcw. And when I received heart breaking news about one of my best friend's, he offered his prayers and a shoulder to cry on. I knew then that he's the person I wanted. From there everything fell perfectly into place, with the help of three of my best friends haha. The day after my friend's passing we made it official ("I just kinda thought we were already boyfriend and girlfriend.") In true OJ fashion, his timing and way of asking was perfect.

Everything happened so fast and never for a single second would I take it all back. Almost as quickly as he became my best friend, did I begin to fall in love. (I'M SO CHEESY, I KNOW, I KNOW.) Fast forward a year later and I knew, Lord willing, OJ would be the man I would marry. Everything I have prayed about finding in a man, he exceeds. Every little fiber in me shook when he looked at me but oh my gosh if this isn't the most effortless love I've ever had. How could I not love him? He sees something so intriguing in me, he's so supportive and motivating, there's no way I would ever be stagnant in my faith and becoming a better person, he loves my heart and my obnoxious laugh. He has more nice things to say about me than I do myself. He's kind, he's so funny, he works harder than anyone I know, and he is the biggest blessing because hello, he loves Jesus. I've never had someone be so painfully honest with me at times, someone who strives his hardest to take care of me, someone to look at and just be amazed and enthralled because he's just so good, this can't be real?

Flashback to September 13th, 2015. I'm shaking with happiness and crying the ugliest tears. OJ's on bended knee, and although there are loved ones around us, he's the only voice I hear and the only thing I see. "...I want to ask your hand in marriage, so will you marry me?" I sincerely mean it when I say, I've never been more sure of anything in my entire life! Of course I said yes and these past few weeks have been a whirlwind! I'm on cloud nine and I feel nothing but bliss! The day was so perfect for so many reasons. Not only did it make me one step closer to marrying the love of my life but all our family and friends were there to witness it. My family from Chicago (my freaking dad came down from 6 hours away!) and my family from Maysville (my sister cried so hard and it melted my soul), OJ's family from Cleveland (they're just the cutest and I love them), it was the sweetest thing ever! Hence my ugly tears.

But I'd be lying if I said I was totally surprised. About three weeks before it actually happened I slowly found out bits and pieces. I knew enough to anticipate it but not enough to not be surprised. But this has been my goal; I know it's cheesy and lame and I should aspire for bigger things, and don't get me wrong, I do. But getting to marry my best friend, my sunshine when it's cloudy, this son of God's is huge to me. And it makes me feel so proud. OJ's an incredible human being, far better than I could ever explain to you all. Getting to call myself his wife and to worship God with him and build a family and life and to continue to grow up with him is most definitely goals to me.

So in the simplest words, I'm engaged and it's so exciting and beautiful and right now I've never felt more blessed and happy. I am so, so thankful for all the love and support OJ and I have received. I know by some people's standards we're young and trust me I know how insane it is to try and plan a wedding while I'm in school! But I was given this man to love, to cherish, and to serve with and the timing doesn't feel more right than it does right now. We've prayed and prayed about this giant step and God answers with all His love and grace. So in 11 months and 10 days you can call me Mrs. Currie!

Why DPhiE

Recruitment week has come and gone yet again this semester, and as always it makes all of the sisters reflect on our past in Delta Phi Epsilon and what we are looking for in the future of this sorority. In my senior year, I’m feeling pretty sentimental about it all. I joined DPhiE in the fall of 2013 as a spur of the moment decision. As a sophomore, I wasn’t very involved on campus. Okay, I wasn’t involved at all. I went to class, spent all of my breaks on the third floor of the library, and then I went home. I didn’t care about Shawnee State. The person who later became my Big played a huge role in getting me to even consider coming to a recruitment event. We worked together and she basically pestered me until I almost thought about it. Then the night of the event I just decided, why the heck not? I went after work and was only at the event for about 20 minutes but I quickly realized that I liked what was going on there. Before I knew it, I had accepted a bid, was going through the New Member process, and became a sister of Delta Phi Epsilon.

A question that all of us get asked a lot is, “Why did you join DPhiE?” In the end, I don’t think I could answer that question because at the time I had no idea why I was joining except it was just something to do. So I really can’t give you a heartfelt answer. However, I can tell you why I stayed in DPhiE

I stayed for the confidence. Before DPhiE, and even right after I was initiated, I was shy and quiet, and still not very involved. But the more I got to know people, the more events we put on, and the more I just let myself explore new things, my confidence level completely changed. Without DPhiE, I wouldn’t voice my opinions or speak up to ask a question when it involves strangers listening to me. I wouldn’t have gotten on a plane to London without ever flying beforehand or even thought about studying abroad. And I would not be the President of this chapter today. This confidence I have found with all of my sisters is something that I will be forever grateful for.

I also stayed in DPhiE for the support. When I joined DPhiE, I wasn’t in the best place, and this sorority, these women that are always there, offered me a home away from home. When things got bad, I would have a note pressed in my hand after a meeting telling me that they were saying an extra prayer for me. I would get a random sweet tea left on my desk at work, or just a shoulder always waiting for me to cry on; and there were a lot of times I needed those shoulders throughout the past years. Without DPhiE’s support, I honestly do not know how I would have handled things.

Most importantly, the biggest reason I stayed was for the connections. I never had sisters before this, and that means I never knew what I was missing out on. I have an absolutely amazing Big that has been my rock and role model for going on three years now. I would be lost without her. I have one beautiful Little that puts a smile on my face every time I’m with her no matter how busy we are and how little time we get to spend together. And I have a set of best friends I could not have found anywhere else; someone to craft with, someone to laugh with, and someone to explain my life using a bowl of pasta at Applebee’s. The cliché is that your sisters will be your bridesmaids at your wedding. Well when I get married (you know, in 15 years), I not only have my bridesmaids, but my event planner as well (thanks Brittany!). I never had connections like this before and it’s something I never realized that I needed.

I shared a quote the other day that I feel like sums up my experience in this sorority. I want to share it all with you as well. "People ask why I am in a sorority and I try to explain all the things a sorority is that they cannot see. A sorority is more than letters on a sweatshirt, I say. More than traditional songs, a gold pin, rituals, and obligation, or a way of life. A sorority is learning about people, a sorority is giving without expecting a return. A sorority is earning respect from others, as well as for yourself. A sorority will not solve all your problems. But I have made good friends and found confidence there to help me take life one step at a time."

So why have I shared all of this? When recruiting new sisters, one of our biggest concerns is who is going to be involved their entire college career and who is just there for recruitment. It is always important to have a commitment that will be there until a sister becomes an alumnae; and then after that as well. The quote everyone hears is, “it’s not four years; it’s for life.” For me it will only be three years. Those three years will be filled with new experiences, new challenges, and new best friends, who just happened to be my sisters. DPhiE was not just something that I was a part of; Delta Phi Epsilon is a part of me.

            Amber Montavon

            President

            Gamma Class

Experiencing More - Courteney Francis

  

  Acts 20:24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace.

            Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.”

          Both of these verses from the Bible represent my drive and passion for missions work. Fortunately, I have been blessed to go on mission trips to Boston Massachusetts, Santarém Brazil and my latest trip Port-au-Prince Haiti.

            It all happened so fast that it could only be explained by Gods amazing grace. I had been praying about where I wanted my life to go and how I could incorporate a career that I loved (teaching) and my passion (missions work). Then one day my former youth leader, Ashley, messaged me about an opportunity of a lifetime. A family (The Munafo's) was in the need of a babysitter who also loves missions work who was willing to go to Haiti with their family for 35 days. Without even meeting the family I called Emilee (the mother) and told her I would do it, she was so excited and said she would call me back. Now the hard part, telling my parents. I sent them a text telling them I needed to talk to them and since the last time I said that was a week earlier when I told them I had changed careers, they were a little nervous. I told them about this amazing once-in-a-life- time chance and how I couldn't pass it up. They were not thrilled to say the least but the next morning they called me back with their answer: Yes. I was ecstatic! I called Emilee and told her the news, the next day I got the email conformation that my plane tickets had been purchased. And in 5 short weeks I was off to Haiti!

              If I wrote about my whole experience while there it would be a book so I am just going to highlight some of the major events. First off, I had the privilege of meeting the Fudge family: Brent, Anna and their children Samantha, Kistern and Cody. They work with Back-2-Back (B2B) and are full time missionaries in Haiti, this is the family we stayed with. Next I got to meet the staff: Wadson, JD, Jimmy, Fritz and Steven. They have various jobs and are all Haitian employees of B2B. Then there were the interns, Anna and Allie. I could write a whole chapter in a book about the amazing time I had with theses girls and how they impacted my life and even though all of theses people changed my life for the better there is one person who will always hold a special place in my heart, Monestime. I will talk more about him later.

            While in Haiti my main job was babysitting two great kids Peyton and Michael but, I did however get the chance to work with the teams that were visiting and the two children's homes that B2B help. With the teams I went to Cité Soleil to help with a Vacation Bible School and to help improve the school in the center of the city. At one of the homes is where I met Monestime. He is 10 years old and absolutely adorable. The first time I went to visit he held my hand right away and didn't let go. We played football, soccer and frisbee together, colored with chalk and played with play dough. Even though we couldn't talk to one another it did not matter, we bonded instantly. My favorite days were the ones I got the chance to go see Monestime again. I grew so close with everyone I had the blessing of meeting but sadly my time in Haiti was over. The 35 days flew by in a blink of an eye. I was so blessed during my time there but I think anyone who has gone on missions trips would agree with me that the people we serve change our lives more than we change theirs.