Out with the Old...In with the New

As I watched the new CP's move in on Monday, I was reminded of my check-in day five months ago. I was terrified. I left the small town that had been my home for nineteen years and moved to a big city where I didn't know a soul. I learned to live and work with people I didn't know, who later became some of my best friends. I quickly transformed from a quiet girl who was perfectly okay with not saying a word all day to a girl who had conversations with complete strangers. I went from a closed-minded person to one who is more open to new things. I learned that it's okay to try new things. I also learned that the phrase, "you never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have" really is true. I grew to realize that it doesn't matter what a person looks like, what they wear, their background, or what type of music they listen to; it's what's on the inside that truly counts. I learned that even in the moments when I was completely alone physically, I was never really alone. In the hardest moments when I felt like giving up, I got a text or sweet letter from a friend. God used so many people to encourage and comfort me, and I appreciate their gestures more than they will ever know. I have watched myself grow and change so much over the past five months. I am now independent and more outgoing than I was (I'm still working on that). Coming down here forced me completely out of my comfort zone, which was exactly what I needed. I am so thankful that I have had this opportunity and could not have done this without the support of my family and friends. 

Now I am learning to adapt to new situations, as I have a new roommate and a new job. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I had two days to find a roommate and God provided! My roommate, Alicia, is such a sweet Christian girl. I'm now working merchandise at the Polynesian resort...it's not all that I had dreamed it would be but I'm still happy. I'm trying to meet new people which is hard, since I don't work with many CP's. However I know that in time I will make new friends.

I've gone through some hard days, especially here lately. Tuesday morning I woke up feeling very bad and achy. I was very afraid that I might have the flu, and I did. Tuesday night I wanted to come home so bad. In fact, I think that's the most homesick I have been since August. I just wanted to be in my own bed with my mama there to take care of me. I was so blessed to have Alicia to take care of me, as well as several friends check on me. 

Despite all the change and uncertainty, I still feel like I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. Prayers as I am adjusting to these changes as well as making plans for future education are greatly appreciated. 

My fabulous new costume...haha 

The best part of working at the Poly (or maybe the worst)...Dole Whips!

Welcome Event

See Ya Real Soon...

I'm sitting here looking at this blank page and a million thoughts are running through my head. This post is probably going to end up being really long and it will probably take me forever to write, as I am flooded with emotions...

Let me start with New Year's Eve. New Year's is, by far, the busiest holiday at Disney (Christmas is the second busiest). Our leaders had spent five months trying to prepare us for this night, but I don't think there was really any way to prepare. I was scheduled to work 4p-3a that day, so before my shift Molly and I went to play in the parks together one last time. She wanted to see Beauty and the Beast one more time, which was perfect because I wanted to show request Jack at GMR once more. So we went to Hollywood Studios. We rode Star Tours, met Mike and Sulley, played in the "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" playground, and of course saw Beauty and the Beast and rode GMR. We had so much fun!

Oldest kids in the play set, but we didn't care!

Riding the Great Movie Ride with Jack as our guide for the last time was definitely much harder than I expected. All the CP's had been talking about how sad they were about going home, but it hadn't really hit me yet. When I stepped out of that vehicle at the end, it became real. I realized that I wouldn't be able to go and show request Jack whenever I wanted to. I realized that he wouldn't be here anymore. We may not have spent as much time together down here as we had hoped to, but it was still nice knowing that if I needed something, he was here. It was nice to be able to see someone that I had known for more than five months. It became even more real when I told him bye and he answered with the classic line from the ride, "I'll see yas in chuweych (church)..." I just looked at him kind of puzzled, and he said, "I'll be there Sunday." I stood there for a few seconds and finally said, "...I won't be there..." We both realized that this was it for now. I definitely shed some tears after leaving Hollywood Studios. I am so so so very thankful that the two of us were able to pursue our dream of participating in the college program together! I can remember talking about it when we were just juniors in high school and it's still crazy to think that our dreams actually came true! I am so blessed by our friendship!

After leaving Hollywood Studios, I went to Epcot to get ready for work. After clocking in and getting our assignments, our leaders talked to us about how the night would go. We didn't clock in and out for our breaks to make things easier, but we had to take our breaks exactly on time because people were scheduled to cover our areas while we were gone. If we saw a trashcan that was full, we were supposed to pull it, even if it wasn't in our area. There were a thousand custodial cast members working that night and the park was very close to capacity. I know that at one point, Soarin' (Epcot's icon attraction) had a four hour wait. I was assigned to the restrooms right at Spaceship Earth (or the big golf ball) and when I got there I had a line pretty far out the door. I never asked anyone for sure, but people probably waited at least fifteen minutes to use my restroom. I literally stood there for hours directing people to open stalls and trying to keep the floor semi clean, the place smelling decent, and the paper products stocked. The nice thing about it was that MOST people were not angry about waiting in line, and MOST of them were in a good mood. Of course there were a few grumpy guests. I think the worst part of the whole night was that they gave out hats and horns. Why anyone would want to give 85,000+ people horns is beyond me. Thankfully, we all survived the night. Our leaders let us watch the special New Year's Eve fireworks from our areas. They were phenomenal. This was the last night that all the CP's would be working together at the same time, so we had to get a picture. One of our non-CP coworkers decided that he wanted to be in the picture as well...

After we got off at 3am, we all decided to go to IHOP, because what else were we supposed to do at that time of night?! Haha. The next day was our official last day of work and emotions were high. Our coordinators and leaders were so generous to us. They didn't assign us break times and told us that we could all meet up at 9 o'clock and watch Illuminations together. After the fireworks our closing manager, Dee, ran up to us and told us that we were all going to do "the wave," where we wave goodbye to everyone as they exit the park. After that we quickly closed our areas. The night ended with Willy giving a speech over the radio, followed by Ron singing a song he made up to the tune of "Proud to be an American." We had to turn in our pan and brooms, which was bittersweet. One of our sweet coordinators, Bexaida, gave us all fanatic cards. We took pictures, then all the people that got off at 10p walked back to cast services together. We turned in our costumes, cleaned out our lockers, and then we all just stood around...no one could take the step and walk out the door for the last time. We finally made it outside. Most of us were hanging out after the others got off at 11p, but we said our goodbyes just in case...

My best friend for the past five months

Clocking out for the last time

Group hug

Later that night, most of us hung out together. We played just dance, watched a movie, and just talked. We reminisced on the first time that we met each other and shared memories. Each time someone got ready to leave, we would all get up and hug them because we weren't sure if we would see them again. We made plans to have lunch together the next day and go to the parks that night, but everyone was also trying to do the things they wanted and pack. 

During this crazy and emotional time, Chuck, Christy, Miles, and Will Dodd were in Orlando and they came to my part of the city and took me out to lunch. I have been Ms. Christy's baby since I was practically a baby! She taught me in summer music camps and later on in life I had the privilege of assisting her with musicals. They are such a sweet family and I really appreciated them taking time out of their busy week and going out of their way to see me. 

From there, I went straight to lunch with my custodial family. We enjoyed eating together and when it was time to leave we all said goodbye again because, of course, we didn't know if it was our final goodbye. Since everyone was leaving the next morning (Friday) and my second program didn't start until Monday, I decided to go home for the weekend. This was a very last minute decision, so last minute that all the cheap flights were booked. I was going to fly home Thursday night but there were no flights available. Luckily for me, Ryan (one of my CP coworkers) goes to school at Clemson and he was going straight there from Orlando Friday. He was generous and let me ride with him. So Thursday afternoon I helped him pack up all of his stuff. I had more goodbyes to say to my roommate, Lauren, and her mom, as well as my sweet friend from class, Brooke. Later that night, I went to Epcot and met up with some of my CP custodians. We had intentions of staying together, but everyone had things that they needed to do. We saw Illuminations, and then after saying goodbye to them for the last time, Luis and I decided to quickly go to Magic Kingdom to meet some more custodians and see the fireworks. Oh my goodness. The atmosphere at Magic Kingdom after Wishes ended was so sad. A ton of CP's were there, and they were all crying. The Guests were so puzzled and confused about what was going on. We saw Celebrate the Magic (the castle projection show) and rode a few things. Then it was time for me to say my final goodbyes, so that I could get back to my apartment and pack. 

Let me just stop right here and say that never in a million years did I dream that saying goodbye would be so hard. I came to Disney expecting to have fun, but I never thought that I would grow so close to the people that I worked with. However when I think about it, it makes perfect sense. They really were my family here. We spent at least six and half hours a day working together, five days out of the week. We were all so unique that we just fit. We clicked. We worked well together. Even our managers and coordinators told us that we were one of the best groups they had had. It's crazy to think that we went from complete strangers to best friends in just five months. Needless to say, my life was changed because of these people and I'm going to miss them terribly. 

The next morning Ryan and I packed his car and got ready to head for Clemson. Before I left, I went and said goodbye to Molly. Saying goodbye to her was just as hard as saying goodbye to everyone else. She was my park buddy. When I had a day off, I could always count on her to go to the parks with me. We never got tired of it. I never thought that the girl behind me at check-in who knew that there were gnats in South GA would become one of my best friends. I'm going to miss her and Meghan, her roommate, so very much!

After nine and a half hours in the car, Ryan and I finally made it to South Carolina. We learned a lot about each other in those nine and a half hours, and there was never really a dull moment. Haha. When we got off at the exit to meet Mama, it was time to say the final goodbye and it was just as hard as the rest. However this definitely wasn't goodbye for us; we live too close not to see each other!

I enjoyed relaxing at home on Saturday and Sunday, and I'm so glad that I came home. I definitely didn't expect all those goodbyes to be as emotional as they were, and it would have been hard to spend the weekend alone. Due to the weather, my flight back Sunday night was cancelled and rescheduled for Monday night, then it was delayed for an hour and a half...I was supposed to be back Monday morning. Thankfully I was able to contact my custodial leaders and they assured me that I wouldn't be punished. I finally made it back to Orlando. 

I can't say enough how hard it was to leave all the friends that I made during my program! I am so thankful to have met each one of them and truly believe that they all will do great things in the future. I hope and pray that this really wasn't goodbye for us and that we will be able to get together sometime, somehow in the future. So this wasn't goodbye, it was just see ya real soon...

It's the Spirit of the Season

As soon as I got back to Orlando there were more families to spend time with, and I wouldn't have it any other way! Bruce, Cindy, Abby, and Evan Herring were down, so I got to meet up with them. They go to church with us and are so sweet. They love Disney too, so I really enjoyed spending time with them! 

Next, the biggest group of people that I've seen yet came down. The Davis', Gaines', Vickery's, and Malcom's were all here together and I had so much fun with them! I think at one point there were twenty seven of us. We were definitely representing Franklin County! Kaytlin Stubbs came down with the group, and she auditioned for the American Idol Experience at Hollywood Studios. She performed in one of the day shows and won that, then performed in the finale and won that as well! It was so cool to see someone I actually knew win! Our whole group show requested Jack at the Great Movie Ride and filled up the first five rows of his vehicle! Haha I'm so glad that I got to spend time with them.

By the time their trip was over, my family (Mama, Daddy, and Nathan) and the McRee's were down. We all stayed together for a week, and we had a ball! It was definitely a different Christmas, but it was still fun. Of course I had to work the afternoons of both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and the parks were crazy crowded. Both nights I worked in the busiest restrooms and worked non-stop during both shifts. Christmas morning Jack and Colby came over to the resort we were staying at and we all watched the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade (I saw myself) and opened presents. Then it was time to decide where we were going to eat Christmas lunch...our choices were somewhat limited and we ended up eating at CiCi's Pizza. Haha. Grandmother and Paw Paw and Danette and her family were all in Georgia, so after lunch we FaceTimed them. All the grandkids take turns each year reading the Christmas story, and this year was Charlie's turn. Standing outside of CiCi's, we listened to him read the story. He brought his guitar, and they all sang "Go Tell it on the Mountain." I never thought that it was possible to worship in the parking lot of a restaurant, but we did it. It was hard not having a traditional Christmas, but it was so good to spend it with part of my family and very sweet friends. 

Saw Stephen Curtis Chapman narrate the Candlelight Processional...in the rain

Five "F's"

I was definitely exhausted after November ended, but there was no time to rest! December was already off to a busy start!

Formal: 

We had our DCP Winter Formal to get ready for. It is the biggest college program event. It was held at the Contemporary, one of the deluxe resorts here at Disney. I had never been to a formal (because I was antisocial at Emmanuel) so I didn't really know what to expect. Molly and I got ready together and headed to the Contemporary. The food was so delicious and they had lots of characters doing meet and greets. The theme was "blizzard bash," so it was decorated all wintery and it snowed on the dance floor. Molly and I spent most of our time making pictures with characters, because the dance floor was really crowded and...I don't dance. Haha. It was so much fun! It was like prom, but a thousand times better, and without the drama. ;) 

Molly and I with the fairies!

Jack!

Brooke! 

Willy!

Lauren!

Filming:

The first weekend in December is always the weekend for the filming of the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade. Friday morning Willy and I got up bright and early to go to Magic Kingdom. On the first day, they film everything at the castle. This year was a little disappointing...I didn't really know any of the people that performed and it was extremely hot. We saw "The Wanted" and the Italian Jonas Brothers (don't know their real name) perform and then left to rest and cool down before work. Saturday they film the actual parade, so I knew that was my chance to get on tv. I got up early again and went and claimed my spot on Main Street. It wasn't the spot that I wanted but it was still pretty good. I had been to the parade filming my senior year, but I had forgotten how tedious it was. I stood on Main Street (extremely close to complete strangers) for at least two hours before I could even hear the parade music. But finally, the opening number made it's way towards us and I got to see Neal Patrick Harris, which was all that I really cared about. After they finished filming right there at us, I decided to go back to my apartment and rest before work; I was tired of people. Haha. 

Italian Jonas Brothers

So happy to see him hold his own umbrella...unlike Mario Lopez 

Friends:

Daniel, Tonya, Anzley, and Ava Smith came down the next week. We go to church together and I have worked for Tonya and taught Anzley and Ava at the dance studio. They are such a sweet family and I adore the girls. They all love Disney as much as I do, and we had so much fun in the parks! I enjoyed spending time with them! 

Finishing:

That week we also had our college program graduation. I'm not sure why they do it a month early...I guess since the holidays are so busy. They have two different days that you can come, and unfortunately with my work schedule I didn't have much of a choice as to the day or time and I ended up going alone...but that was okay. It wasn't a ceremony. You just walk up to a tent and someone hands you a certificate and Mickey graduation ears, and then you stand in line to have your picture made with Mickey and Minnie.

Flying:

The community players, in association with the high school, performed Beauty and the Beast and Nathan was a villager in it. Since I had missed seeing him march in the marching band, and since I had been away from home for four months, I decided to go home for a few days. Luckily, it worked out for me to ride back home with Daniel and Tonya. I was so grateful for that! I got to see Nathan in Beauty and the Beast, as well as see some friends and girls from the dance studio. I also got to play handbells at church that Sunday. Even though it was busy, it was good to be home. After Nathan's final performance on Sunday afternoon, we made our way to GSP for me to fly back to Orlando. I was so nervous...not so much about the flying part, but about being at the right place at the right time. I had flown once in a small plane, but never commercially. Luckily Greenville-Spartanburg is very small and things went smoothly. I landed right on time, and Colby (Jack's roommate and my distant cousin) picked me up at Orlando Sanford. I had a great first flying experience, and it's so much better than driving eight hours!

Lunch at 211 was a must! 

First plane ticket

Giving Thanks

November is a month of thanksgiving, and I definitely had so much to celebrate and be thankful for. So many people from home came to visit around the time of Thanksgiving and I was so glad. I'm trying to be sure that I include them all! I have been blessed that I haven't had to spend a holiday alone. The first families to come visit were the Harbin's and the Burton's. My family was coming down the next day, so Nathan rode down with the Harbin's and he and I spent the night at All-Star Sports. Boy did that feel weird and grown up! 

Both of these families have a very special place in my heart. I have been babysitting Grace, Keyes, and Elliott for four years, and this past school year I kept them at least once every week. Westley and Dawn welcome me into their home and treat me as family. I have known the Burton's since we started attending First Baptist over twelve years ago. Alan and Jen both taught my Sunday School classes, and I have always loved Keaton, Georgia, and Josie. Needless to say, I was very excited to spend time with them. Even my coworkers commented on how happy I was while they were here. 

Dinner at Rain Forest Cafe 

Got to hang out with these cuties while the big kids rode Rock-n-Roller Coaster!

All my sweet babies! (and Nathan too, haha)

Elliott's last ride

I have to stop here and elaborate on the picture above. Elliott has a very special place in my heart, because I have kept him since he was a tiny tiny baby...only a few months old. So I kinda feel like he's partially my child. He had done so good the whole time, but on the last night he had a meltdown because he didn't want to ride Big Thunder Mountain, which was the last ride of their trip. I told Dawn to go ahead and ride with everyone else and I would keep Elliott. We went and bought the hat he and been wanting and then he was fine. While we were sitting there waiting he looked at me and said, "Wizabef, when I'm gonna get to do my last ride?" My goodness, it was the most precious thing ever. I was not gonna let him sit there while everyone else was having fun. I told him I would take him just about anywhere he wanted to go, and he decided he wanted to ride the magic carpets one last time. So that's exactly what we did!

That week, Mama, Daddy, Grandmother, and Paw Paw also came. Lori, Ricky, Olivia, and Grayson Morris came too, and we all stayed together. I really enjoyed spending time with my family, as well as the Morris'. Lori teaches with Mama and Grayson is my boyfriend. Haha. 

Taking Christmas card pictures.

They found a new way to carry their matching backpacks. And of course Nathan photo bombed.

Got to be an extra in the Indiana Jones show for the first time!

The McRee's were also down towards the end of the week, and I got to spend some time with them after my family left. I really enjoyed that. I've pretty much become their third child. Haha. I think those were all the visitors that I had for the month of November! I am so thankful for all of these sweet people and what they mean to me!