As I am writing this I am still overwhelmed with the excitement and satisfaction from tonight. I can't express to you how much fun I had up on the Miss Georgia Stage. Before, I get to the details, let me catch you up on what we did to prepare for the big night.
But first, I forgot to mention that we had our Pajama Party with our Princesses last night. My princess is Emorie Maddox. And, she is the cutest, sweetest, and beautiful little girl you have ever met. I love the fact that she has no front teeth right now. She is so cute, and I am really excited that I get to see her tomorrow.
Now for Today! It started off with me waking up at 6:00AM to prepare for rehearsal. This rehearsal was going over the show completely like we would for an audience. This really got to show me how much time I had to get ready, and when I would have breaks just to relax. After the rehearsal, we went to Hollywood Connection to have lunch at Lieutenants. Next, we went to the Medical Center to have a special visit to the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) ward. This place is very familiar to me through my work in Columbus with the March of Dimes and Children's Miracle Network. This wonderful facility helps babies when they are born too small, and too early. The March of Dimes is my platform for the Miss GA pageant. I found it to be a blessing for all the girls to really see what my mission is with the March of Dimes by seeing the babies, and seeing the families that are affected.
Next, we walked over to Doctor's Hospital where we had a delicious meal that was themed on flip flops. "We flip for Miss Georgia!" It was super cute and I know all of the girls enjoyed it a lot.
It's so cool that every place we go to, I seem to find someone that has connected with me in my life. I am so grateful for this city. The people in Columbus and Harris County have help shaped me into the woman I am today.
SO THE BIG NEWS!!! The competition tonight was AMAZING. I'm sure you can tell by my other blogs, but my main goal is to keep GOD first in the pageant and to be a LIGHT for him. Before, I walked out on the stage for talent, I could tell there were many girls standing around who seemed nervous and anxious. I asked them if they wanted to pray with me. It was so uplifting giving all my worries to the Lord and just asking him to let his light shine through us. When I walked out on the Miss GA stage, I can't even describe the overwhelming feeling of peace and excitement I had. When I begin my talent, I actually have my back faced away from the audience, and once the music starts I turn around. When I was facing away from the audience, I was able to look up to God one more time and tell him that this was going to be for him. When performing my talent, I felt so good. I had so much fun, and it was the best I have EVER done on that song.
When I walked backstage, my emotions took the best of me. Growing up, I had to take speech classes for years. I never imagined myself on a huge stage singing for the chance to be the next Miss Georgia. Do you see how amazing GOD is? And my roommate Lauren Edmonds, reminded me that what I just experienced is what the Miss America system is all about. It's inspiring young women to go for their dreams and to be an example for others. If you want something bad enough, you have to go for it. I have no regrets about tonight. God is good, and I know he is taking care of me.
I have tears in my eyes right now just reflecting on how much he has done for me. My next competition tomorrow night is evening gown and onstage questions. So watch out COLUMBUS, I am on FIRE!!! :)
Thank you for the support, and all the wonderful notes, flowers from my March of Dimes family, and gifts that I had when I got back to headquarters tonight. Your support means so much to me, and I can't wait to show the judges tomorrow night some more of HAYLEY!
Sweet dreams!
But first, I forgot to mention that we had our Pajama Party with our Princesses last night. My princess is Emorie Maddox. And, she is the cutest, sweetest, and beautiful little girl you have ever met. I love the fact that she has no front teeth right now. She is so cute, and I am really excited that I get to see her tomorrow.
Now for Today! It started off with me waking up at 6:00AM to prepare for rehearsal. This rehearsal was going over the show completely like we would for an audience. This really got to show me how much time I had to get ready, and when I would have breaks just to relax. After the rehearsal, we went to Hollywood Connection to have lunch at Lieutenants. Next, we went to the Medical Center to have a special visit to the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) ward. This place is very familiar to me through my work in Columbus with the March of Dimes and Children's Miracle Network. This wonderful facility helps babies when they are born too small, and too early. The March of Dimes is my platform for the Miss GA pageant. I found it to be a blessing for all the girls to really see what my mission is with the March of Dimes by seeing the babies, and seeing the families that are affected.
Next, we walked over to Doctor's Hospital where we had a delicious meal that was themed on flip flops. "We flip for Miss Georgia!" It was super cute and I know all of the girls enjoyed it a lot.
It's so cool that every place we go to, I seem to find someone that has connected with me in my life. I am so grateful for this city. The people in Columbus and Harris County have help shaped me into the woman I am today.
SO THE BIG NEWS!!! The competition tonight was AMAZING. I'm sure you can tell by my other blogs, but my main goal is to keep GOD first in the pageant and to be a LIGHT for him. Before, I walked out on the stage for talent, I could tell there were many girls standing around who seemed nervous and anxious. I asked them if they wanted to pray with me. It was so uplifting giving all my worries to the Lord and just asking him to let his light shine through us. When I walked out on the Miss GA stage, I can't even describe the overwhelming feeling of peace and excitement I had. When I begin my talent, I actually have my back faced away from the audience, and once the music starts I turn around. When I was facing away from the audience, I was able to look up to God one more time and tell him that this was going to be for him. When performing my talent, I felt so good. I had so much fun, and it was the best I have EVER done on that song.
When I walked backstage, my emotions took the best of me. Growing up, I had to take speech classes for years. I never imagined myself on a huge stage singing for the chance to be the next Miss Georgia. Do you see how amazing GOD is? And my roommate Lauren Edmonds, reminded me that what I just experienced is what the Miss America system is all about. It's inspiring young women to go for their dreams and to be an example for others. If you want something bad enough, you have to go for it. I have no regrets about tonight. God is good, and I know he is taking care of me.
I have tears in my eyes right now just reflecting on how much he has done for me. My next competition tomorrow night is evening gown and onstage questions. So watch out COLUMBUS, I am on FIRE!!! :)
Thank you for the support, and all the wonderful notes, flowers from my March of Dimes family, and gifts that I had when I got back to headquarters tonight. Your support means so much to me, and I can't wait to show the judges tomorrow night some more of HAYLEY!
Sweet dreams!