Surprise!

I think day 3 on the job has been my favorite one thus far, for many reasons. For all those who aren’t here (so anyone reading this who’s names aren’t KrisAnne or Colton Hall), let me recap my day for you.

This morning I woke up at 5 am to an energetic “rise and shine liberty loving patriots” from across the dimly lit hotel room. Now, I knew KrisAnne would be doing this since the change in time zone required her to record the daily radio program at that ungodly hour. Nevertheless, I was surprised because that was the first time I had ever heard that trademark phrase in person. Needless to say, it put a smile on my face to hear those words at the start of the day.

Later in the day, KrisAnne was scheduled to shoot some short promotional videos for all the various classes she offers. I thought that was the only thing on the agenda at that time. Wrong. About halfway through the video recordings, I discovered that I, along with past intern, Elizabeth, and fellow patriot, Patrick, were to be guests on the following day’s radio and TV shows. Surprise! I knew that I would have to do this at some point, I just didn’t know that day was today. After the initial “I don’t want to say something unintelligent in front of thousands of listeners” fear, I really enjoyed being a part of the recording and filming. This was the opportunity of a lifetime, and I am so thankful to have gained that experience. Not to mention, this was the point in the day when KrisAnne discovered I had a blog and wished to read it. Immediately self-conscious, I avoided the subject as best I could until she reminded me that she conveniently had my mother’s cell phone number and could get the link that way. *cue nervous laughter and palm sweat*

Yet another unexpected event transpired at tonight’s class on State Sovereignty. We were running a bit late and were in a bit of a hurry, but when we arrived at the church, a special couple was waiting there to greet KrisAnne. This couple was Sean and Sandy Anderson. For those who don’t know, Mr. Anderson was one of the last four occupiers to surrender at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon this past February. He stood up for and defended liberty in the face of grim consequence, and should be regarded as a hero in the eyes of the public. Sadly, many view him as the enemy. Having the pleasure to meet and thank Mr. and Mrs. Anderson for their brave acts of patriotism was a very humbling and eye-opening experience. I even learned that, before moving to Idaho, they lived 40 minutes from my hometown (thanks to the necklace a college roommate gifted to me). Right after our conversation, they wanted to take a selfie; a proposition I couldn’t possibly pass up. Naturally, that photo is the featured image for today’s blog.

As I was typing out this post, yet another surprise unfolded. KrisAnne stopped at a local grocery store to grab Colton a snack, while I stayed in the car. As she got back in the car, she told me to “close my eyes.” When I opened them, she shouted “Suprise!” and revealed a box of Lofthouse frosted sugar cookies. With the countless things she has to remember and keep track of, I could not believe she recalled me telling her how much I love sugar cookies. Maybe a more appropriate title for this post is “Blessings.” Because even though daily events surprise us on Earth, God knows about them all and is the one who sets them into action. Thank you for my many blessings, Lord, today and every day.

Pursuing truth and defending liberty, always.

-A Devoted Patriot