Lindsay Anderson

For the past six summers, Bonnie, our best guy friend, Shea Thompson (AKA: The guy that I have been in love with since forever), and I have attended Mt. Oberlin Church Camp. It is located on the outskirts of Ft. Lauderdale. It has twenty eight beautiful cabins (Since grades 6-12 are served, each grade gets four cabins each), Three cafeterias, Two large swimming pools, two canteens, a large sports field, one large infirmary, one chapel, two large dance halls, two large worship centers, Two large indoor gyms, a gift shop, a large kickball and sports field, and a plethora of meeting classrooms. Even if it were just a shack by a lake, it would still be one of my favorite places on Earth. It also happens to be a great escape from life in general. Two weeks ago, Bonnie and I were stabbed in the back by two girls whom we thought were our best friends. Ironically, the two girls are Shea's twin sisters, Stacy and Sarah. Even though, it was Shea's sisters who hurt Bonnie and me, Bonnie and I did not blame Shea for what happened. After all, he was not a part of it. Because of how bad the situation was, my parents had sent me to for a month long stay with Aunt Kara. Thankfully, Kara is my favorite Aunt ever. From last Sunday until today, I stayed with her. The trip was good for me, because a lot of healing took place. Because we would both be flying to Ft. Lauderdale today, Bonnie flew up to Orlando from Albuquerque and stayed with Aunt Kara and me. For now, I am ready to put what happened aside and be in the present. After all, I am planning on making my five week stay at Mt. Oberlin Church Camp as amazing and stellar as it can possibly be

Dear Journal, This past November, Dad and I were involved in a head on collision with a drunk driver. By the grace of God, Dad was unscathed. As for me, however, I was not as lucky. Besides leaving me with a broken leg, wrist, collarbone, nose, I also received multiple bruises, cuts, and lacerations. When I arrived at the hospital, I was rushed into surgery to repair all of the damage. At one point during the surgery, I stopped breathing for an entire minute. For the next couple of weeks, the hospital was my home. However, it was not all bad. My best friends, Bonnie Combs, and Shea, Stacy, and Sarah Thompson, visited me daily. After I was discharged from the hospital, I was sent to Thompson Rehabilitation Center. Due to the fact that the Thompsons owned the facility, I did not have to pay for my treatment, therapy, and room and board. Even after I left the place, my Physical Therapist was still free. Up until today, Mrs. Thompson had been my PT. As you have probably guessed by now, I have not been back to my school since the accident. Because of all of the school that I had to miss, my family and I thought that it would be best if I was homeschooled for the remainder of my Junior year. While at TRC, Quinn Rocha, my kind and awesome tutor, came by the center and helped me with my assignments. She also came to my house after I got home. Thanks to her help, I was able to keep up with my classes. Speaking of school, I will be returning to Brocket Academy, a K-12 school for students with learning disabilities, to see my friends perform in the Last Day Assembly. I am truly excited about returning to a school that I have called home since Kindergarten.

"How are you feeling about being a student here again?" Mom asked, taking a seat next to me. "I am 90% excited and 10% nervous." I said, thoughtfully. Last November, Dad and I were involved in a horrible car accident. The accident had left me with injuries that were so bad, that I had to be home-schooled for the rest of the year and attended a plethora of physical therapy sessions. Even though I had returned to Brocket in May to watch my boyfriend and best friends perform in the last day of school assembly, today was my first time returning to Brocket as a student. Even though I am the most popular girl in the Senior class, and had many friends, and had been assigned to a great teacher, I was still nervous. Would I have a great first day back? Would I be able to conquer my nerves? Finally, would I be able to make this year, as well as my first semester back at Brocket, the best that it could be? My goodness, I certainly hope so.

It is a known fact that the last day of school is one of the most exciting days ever. School is out and summer is so in . For fourteen-year-old Meredith Nash however, that is far from what the day brings. At the end of the school day, her supposed best friends, Max and Marissa, tell her that their friendship is over. Due to the fact that Meredith did not see this coming, she is completely blind sided and hurt, At this point, the only thing making her feel better is the big move to Orlando that is coming up in June. As Meredith will soon learn, however, the move is not all that she has to be excited about. In this story of healing and celebration, follow one girl as she discovers that a day that began as truly awful can turn into one of the best that she has ever had.

"At this point, you are probably wondering about why I called an emergency assembly." Clearing her throat, Mrs. Ingrid continued, "After the winter formal on Saturday Night, a student was attacked on campus." Immediately, whispers of curiosity filled the entire room. However, I stayed quiet. Feeling unsteady all of a sudden, a thought of who it was went through my head. Feeling like I was going to be sick, I tried to will the thought from my head. After all, it was too awful and scary to think about to bear." Quiet down, please." Mrs. Ingrid said, urgently. After the room became silent again, she continued, "On Saturday night, Meredith Nash was jumped and beaten mercilessly in the parking lot. While Valerie Waters, the instigator of this awful deed was sent to the juvenile detention center, Miss Nash remains at Oliver Children's Hospital in critical condition."

It is the first day of school at The Meriden School, and fifteen year old Meredith Nash could not be more excited Besides finally being a high schooler, she is also being granted a fresh start. She has new best friends, and has a chance to reinvent herself. As Meredith will soon learn, howevever, new beginnings never present themselves wtihout challenges. When Meredith witnesses one of her new friends getting bullied by the freshmen class bully. she is terrified. In her heart, Meredith knows what she must do. In this book of new beginnings and hard decisions. follow Meredith as she discovers just how brave you can be when you put your mind to it.

As Blakely sang the final notes of Selah's "Bless The Broken Road,"she felt herself relax ever so slightly. At the end of the first audition a few weeks ago, Jessica Lee, the director who would be directing the Rowan's Journey trilogy, had asked her to pick a song to sing for her and Marissa today. Instantly, Blakely had known what she would sing. The specific song that Blakely had chosen to sing meant everything to her. It was the song that her parents played for her quite often when she was battling cancer, as well as long after that. It was also the song that, to this day, Blakely's parents continued to play it for her." That was amazing, Blakely." Marissa Jones breathed, tears of awe welling up in her eyes. "Just like at your previous audition, you personified exactly what I envisioned my Rowan to be like.""I can see it, too." Jessica smiled, warmly. "Blakely, may I ask you something, please?""Yes, Ma'am." Blakely said, feeling overwhelmed with happiness." What would you say if I told you were chosen to play Rowan Jacobs after your first audition?"

"Brett, this is amazing." Blakely gushed, taking a bite of her chocolate covered strawberry. "I could not think of a better birthday lunch than this right here." For her birthday lunch, Brett had treated her to a picnic at their old elementary school's playground. This same exact playground was the one that Brett and Blakely would play endless amounts of tag and four square on. As you can imagine, this school and playground held a special place in both Brett and Blakely's hearts. After all, this school is where they first met and became friends." I am truly glad that you like it." Brett smiled, wiping some chocolate away from Blakely's lips. Retrieving a jewelry box from his shorts pocket and handing it Blakely, Brett said, "Blakely, I love you more than anything in the entire world and promise to always be there for you.""I love you, too, Brett." Blakely whispered, kissing Brett on the lips. Her heart overcome with happiness and joy, Blakely opened the jewelry box. As she opened it, Blakely felt her heart stop. Inside the jewelry box was a silver band with a dark blue stone. Without having to guess what it was, Blakely immediately knew that Brett's gift to her was a promise ring.

As I got my things packed and ready to leave on Monday, shock and excitement hit me once again. I, Faith Johnson, had been chosen to play Julia Brooks in the upcoming Julia's Journey movie franchise. How in the world had that happened? Before I knew what was happening, my phone beeped. Going over to my phone, I had noticed that I had one unread text message. One of my good friends, Hannah Brewer, had sent it to me. It read, Faith- I was at the mall today and saw this. I am so so sorry. XOXO, HannahWith tears in my eyes, I glanced down at the picture. Looking quite cozy and kissing each other on the lips were Nick and Hope. Crying, I picked up the phone and dialed Grace's number. After picking up on one ring, Grace answered and said sympathet-ically, "I will be over in five minutes." With just that one sentence, I knew that one thing was for sure. Grace had received the same photo that I had.

As Nick and Faith made their way to TCBY to enjoy some celebratory ice cream, Nick could not help but feel awestruck. His best friend that he was completely in love with had agreed to go with him to get some celebratory ice cream at TCBY. After all, they had both been awarded the lead roles in the upcoming winter musical. As Nick parked the car, he wished that he had the courage to tell Faith how he felt about her. Even if she did not feel the same way about him as he did for her, at least Faith would know the truth.

"Excellent job tonight, Nick " Martin Gears, one of the members of the backstage crew, as well as one of Faith's and my good friends, exclaimed. "You were truly convincing as the Phantom ""Thanks, Dude " I exclaimed, smiling and giving my good friend a fist bump. Sincerely, I added, "However, I think the one that truly deserves an Oscar for tonight's performance is Faith.""She definitely has a calling for acting that is for sure." Martin pointed out. Nodding and smiling, I agreed with Martin. Faith had a raw and natural talent for acting. For as long as I had known her, acting had come to Faith naturally. Just like Faith had done in all of the plays that she had been cast in, Faith had the capability to blow a crowd away and bring the house down. No, I am not joking, nor am saying this because she is my girlfriend. I am saying it because it is the truth." Do you think that she would ever consider acting as a profession?" Martin asked, breaking me out of my thoughts." I honestly don't know." I replied. "However, if it was something that she wanted to pursue, I would be there for her and back her up 110%."

As Jocelyn, Jesse, and Treyenne read through the assigned portion of the script, she felt the character of Lisa come alive inside of her. It truly felt like she and Lisa were somehow connected. As the reading continued, Treyenne noticed that Jesse and Jocelyn kept exchanging looks and smiles. She also noticed that Kelly and Jonah were also smiling as they listened to Treyenne and the others read. At this moment, it became official to Treyenne that she wanted the part of Lisa more than anything in the entire world. After all, it seemed to Treyenne that she was born to play Lisa.

Fifteen year old Maggie Carson has officially been diagnosed with Leukemia. When she informs her best friends from school, Nina and Kate. and her boyfriend, Jeff, they are beyond devastated. After promising Maggie that they are (and will be) there for her, no matter what, they end up being true to their word. However this cannot be said for Lisa and Sarah, Maggie's best friends from back home. Sure, Maggie understands that they can't come visit, but what is stopping them from calling her? In this story of friendship and loyalty, follow one girl on her journey of discovering who her true friends are.

"So, tell us " My best friend and Jeff's twin sister, Nina, squealed into the phone after the first ring." How did it go today?""Tell us, please " My other best friend and Nina and Jeff's cousin, Kate, squealed. "We are dying to hear the results ""The teams from Australia and England went home, which means that the team from Japan and the WCA Volleyball team will be battling it out tomorrow "Instantly, my best friends and I started to squeal and cheer loudly. Realizing that Hawaii was four hours behind from Colorado time, I lowered my voice. Mr. and Mrs. Billings were more than likely getting ready to go to sleep, and I did not want the squealing to wake them up. Obviously realizing the same thing, Nina and Kate lowered their voices, too." Maggie, I am so proud of you " Kate hissed, excitedly. "Me too, Mags " Nina chimed. "How are you feeling about tomorrow?""Excited and nervous." I replied, honestly. "Even though I am as excited as can be, I am also nervous about letting my team down if we lose tomorrow.""Even if you lost, which is a low possibility, how would you be letting them down?""I agree with Nina, Mags." Kate said, thoughtfully. "You are the best captain that that team has ever had. Do you really think that they would change their minds about you if you were to lose tomorrow?"