Mrs. Alaska United States 2011 Pageant

As my year as Mrs. Alaska comes to a close, I have so many thoughts and feelings about my experience-enough for a book (don't worry, I will save most of them for my book and not try to squeeze them all into this blog posting!) First and foremost I am so grateful-to God for giving me this opportunity and growing me into the woman He's designed me to be, to my family and friends for all their support, prayer and love this year and always, to my sponsors and supporters for their generous hearts and for believing in me enough to invest in me. There are so many moments from my reign that I will look back on fondly, and proudly and I can honestly say I have no regrets-nothing left undone, or unsaid. It's bittersweet saying good-bye to my time as Mrs. Alaska and the opportunities for service it brought, but I know opportunities to show God's love and advocate for children and families will always present themselves in my life. They were plentiful before and during this year and I have no doubt that they will continue to be so in the future. I am so incredibly blessed by all the memories I made this year, and especially by the friendships and partnerships that I formed. I will forever be grateful for the chance to invest in the pageant world, our community, and most importantly people. The 2011 pageant brought together 6 of Alaska's most motivated women as they competed for the crown. It was such a delight to get to know each of the contestants and to learn about their passions and visions for our state. It was great to build up friendships I already had with some of the contestant I already knew, while making new friends with the ones I didn't. We had such a fun time sharing a meal together and just having a chance to talk with each other, get to know each other more and share the excitement of the pageant experience. It was special to sit with them during their judge's interview on pageant morning and feel that I could call each of them friend and celebrate the success of this accomplishment with them. I was thrilled that my good friend (and Mrs. AK successor) Renee Scott was MCing the pageant. It was so special to have someone who'd walked this incredible journey with me for two years now be there to share and celebrate my final house as Mrs. Alaska. She got to introduce me for my final farewell video and help my hand tenderly through the whole thing, commenting on some of our shared memories and the sweet photos as they played across the screen. As always, the competition went so quickly that before I knew it, it was almost over. The ladies all did such an amazing job showcasing their platforms and answering questions about themselves on stage. They all looked spectacular in their swimsuits and so elegant in the evening gown portion. After a brief intermission, my video played, I took my final walk (Lem brought flowers up to me on stage with a hug and a kiss) and it was time for awards and crowning the new Mrs. Alaska. Our new titleholder, Brandy Wendler, has such a knowledge and passion for her platform (Celiac Disease) and I know that she will have an amazing year. She's a fellow woman of God and I'm excited to walk with her through this year as she seeks to put God first and bring Him glory in all things. I'm thrilled to be passing on the crown to someone who knows her beauty (inside and out) is designed by our Creator and her year, like mine, is sure to be guided by that truth. I couldn't have asked (or prayed!) for a better successor. I wish her all the best in her experience as Mrs. Alaska United States 2011 and will certainly be here for whatever support she needs, and if nothing else, as a new friend.