Long Runs

I met Chelsea during London Study Abroad and knew right away we were going to be friends. We both figured out from the first day we met that we loved to run and having a huge park right across from where we lived was the perfect way to start the day for the both of us. A lot can be said when you spend every morning putting in as many miles as you can without being too late to class! Many conversations on our run I can remember centered around how much she loved her family. I think by the end of the semester I had heard so much about her mom that I felt like I knew her and wanted to be just like her!

I loved the fact that I could always count on Chelsea to go on a run with me no matter what time or where we were at. I remember staying in a hostel in Scotland and we had to leave pretty early in the morning. She was the only one that would go running with me that morning and we had the best time exploring the city just as the sun was rising.

One thing I loved hearing about from Chelsea was her experience serving in Africa. It really made me look at my life and try to set goals on serving others. I contribute a large part of why I served a mission to Chelsea. I still want to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro because of all the great stories she told me about that day.

The most memorable experience I had of Chelsea was the one week when they fanned all of us kids out to different family's houses all around the country. The only person that went to the same area with me was Chelsea. Oh how I wish we had gone to the same family!! My experience was awful and one afternoon I somehow was able to slip out of the house for a few hours. I remember just wandering the city miserable and wanting to go home when who appears out of no where but Chelsea. She took one look at me and gave me a huge hug. We spent the rest of the afternoon together and she totally helped me get through the week by setting up times to meet up together and just make me laugh about my whole experience.

I am so grateful for the short time I was able to know Chelsea. I wish it was longer but am so glad I will see her and hear her infectious laugh again. Miss you Chelsea!!!

Kim (Edwards) Rodela