Miss International Week

Phew, I am back in my bedroom in my on-campus apartment at U of MN, after a whirlwind of a week at the Miss International pageant in Chicago!  This week included a brutally-long bus ride, lugging heavy suitcases back and forth, sore feet and ears from wearing 6" stilettos and 3" earrings, and exhausting rehearsals- but it also included heartwarming and heartbreaking moments, new friendships, and memories that will last me a lifetime!

My adventure started at 4:45 am (after a sleepless night of packing and trying to get ahead on homework) on Monday morning.  I have to give a shout-out to my amazing friend, Jess, for getting out of bed just to drive me to the bus depot in Minneapolis!  A few hours into the ride I was chatting with my seatmate, a dear woman in her seventies, who shared with me that she had three adopted granddaughters from Ukraine, Guatemala, and Rwanda.  What a privilege to talk with her and be reminded of why I had applied for the title of Miss Wisconsin International in the first place!

I finally arrived at the hotel and met my roommate, Ashley (Miss Oregon International) and had a few minutes to relax before heading to hair and makeup for orientation.  I am so thankful for the Stand Out Salon and their work with the pageant- I am by no means a "glitz girl" and I would not have known what to do with myself!  It was a huge stress-reliever to not have to worry about my hair or makeup before the most important events of pageant week!

Just before orientation!\

I could tell I was in for a crazy but exciting week once orientation started.  My favorite part was that our director, Mary Richardson, opened the meeting in prayer- I could tell from my personal interview with her when I applied for my state title that she was a Believer, but what a blessing to see her using her position to proclaim Christ to all those present!  The reigning Miss International, Krista Wanous, also openly shared about God's work in her and her family, how He had brought healing after years of brokenness and allowed her to turn her past into her platform, "Art Heals."  

After a long bus ride and all the excitement of the evening, I was more than ready to veg out in front of the TV for a bit with Ashley and zonk out.  The morning started off with a fun tour of Chicago, including the John Hancock Observatory and the zoo:

View from the top of the observatory

With Miss Teen Wisconsin, Anna, scared of the height!!

With Miss India on the bus!

 Dude!  It's a TIGER!!!

We also visited the Boys and Girls Club- I assumed we couldn't take pictures of the kids, and only after the fact discovered that they had all signed photo releases.  Well, just trust me when I saw the kids were pretty awesome!

We returned to the hotel and had a few hours off before a group dinner, where we listened to inspirational speaker Eddie Peterson.  Once again, I was blessed to hear God's word being openly proclaimed as he centered his talk around the Biblical queen Esther and how she used her royal position to save the Jewish people.  He urged us to use our modern-day royal positions for a purpose that would honor God.  He also mentioned that we were already making a difference by serving that day at the Boys and Girls Club, explaining that many of those precious children would return home to broken homes that night, but would always remember that a group of princesses came to play with them one day.  What a powerful reminder of why we were all here!!!

With Miss Mexico- I had lots of fun practicing my Spanish and interpreting for her all week!

Our beautiful Miss International 2012, Krista Wanous!

Tuesday morning began right off the bat with rehearsals- thankfully the opening number wasn't too overwhelming!  I had had more opportunities to get to know the other women present and was awed by many of their stories.  Some of them had dealt with bipolar and depression, narcolepsy, or celiac's disease.  Others had grown up in abusive homes, spent years struggling in school because of undiagnosed dyslexia, or escaped dating violence.  However, none of these women let their past stop them or break them- they instead wanted to use their experiences to be a voice for others and make a difference.  What an inspiration they were to me!

One of the most powerful moments of the entire week occurred during rehearsal when we learned that one of the producers had had to rush home to her son, who had been hospitalized (he is out of danger and recovering now!).  I felt a tug at my heart to lead a group prayer, but I wasn't sure how such a suggestion would be received.  I finally went ahead and asked our assistant leader if we could stop and pray for our producer and her son and she said absolutely- and all 43 other girls joined hands and bowed their heads for me to lead them in prayer.

Afterwards, on a few occasions, some of the other women approached me and asked me to pray- grace over a meal, or before going onstage.  Wow...when I first applied for the title of Miss Wisconsin International, I prayed that God would use me in this position to point others to Him and bring Him glory.  How humbling to see Him answer my prayer in this way!  When we set our hearts upon Him and ask Him to use us, He will answer our prayers in mighty ways!!

On Wednesday afternoon, we took a break from rehearsals for the Princess Ball at the Skokie Library.  Our events for the afternoon included hearing Krista read her favorite princess story, crawling around on the floor with our little princesses (in fancy cocktail dresses and heels!) to find a "pea" (marble) in honor of "The Princess and the Pea," and helping our girls decorate their own jeweled treasure chests to take home.  My assigned princess was three years old and dressed as Snow White- when I asked her if she remembered which princess had the long, long hair, she looked at me excitedly and said, " 'Punzel!!"  I know, right?  Awwwwwwww!

Ready to go hang out with some little princesses! (My crown didn't want to stay on!)

Thursday ended with Teen Preliminaries.  I may be a bit biased, but I'm pretty sure our lovely Miss Teen Wisconsin International killed it!

Isn't she just the cutest thing ever??

Finally, Friday brought preliminaries!  Pictures could only be taken by the pros, but here's a few links if you'd like to see the proofs!

Opening Number

Fitnesswear

Fun Fashion

Eveningwear

My favorite part of the evening was that my good friend from college, Tasha, and her husband, Shawn, made the trek up from Nashville to see me!  We went out to dinner afterwards and caught up on everything that had happened over the past five years!  

Nothing like reuniting with a longtime friend!

Finally, after another day of rehearsals, Saturday brought the big night!  And...here she is, our new Miss International: Miss New York, Jesse Ladoue!!

Top Ten: Miss Texas Samantha Riddle, Miss Pennsylvania Rachel Syktich, 4th RU Miss Idaho Lauren Stopher, 2nd RU Miss Netherlands Jan Humphrey, Miss International 2013 Miss New York Jesse Ladoue, 1st RU Miss Minnesota Charity Bess, 3rd RU Miss Alabama Mollie Parker, Miss California Tiffany Allen, Miss Virgina Ashley Greenfield; Miss North Dakota Taylor Wagner

I am so honored to have shared the stage and been a part of the International class of 2013 with these ladies and all my other sisters!  I cannot wait to see what Jesse will accomplish this year- she is an amazing young woman with an incredible, servant heart!  I know she will use her crown for purposes beyond herself!!

Thank you to all of you who prayed for me throughout this week, and thank you to all the pageant staff, sponsors, volunteers, and to my 43 new sisters for making this week so amazing!!!

Why Do I Do This? A Reminder...

Sometimes, it's easy to get caught up in the glamour of pageantry.  Just like a bride planning her wedding, a contestant preparing for a national pageant can spend hours shopping for her wardrobe, working on her fitness and skincare regimes, and rehearsing answers to her potential interview questions.

Then, discouragement comes.  The expenses of pageantry are hanging over our heads, and sponsorship is slow in coming.  A friend introduces us to others as "Miss Wisconsin," and your momentary pride drains as someone asks if you want "world peace" or if you have eaten anything besides laxatives that day.  You get injured or sick and fall out of your workout routine.  Just like sports, business, the arts, or anything else that has potential for great achievement, pageantry also demands dedication and hard work.

If the glitter and spotlights were all that pageantry was about, I can't say if it would be worth it.  But, yesterday, I was reminded of why I applied to be Miss Wisconsin in the first place.

If you've been following me for any length of time, you remember my friend Susan, and the story of her and her husband's journey to host Anna, a teen who was an orphan, from Ukraine.  After Christmas, Anna returned to the orphanage, but Susan was determined to find a family for her.  Time was short- Anna would turn sixteen soon, and would age out of the Ukrainian care system.  She would be left to fend for herself in the streets of Ukraine.   We prayed.  We spread the word.  We prayed some more.  Then, a family stepped up.  They would adopt Anna, if Anna was willing to join their family.

Susan called Anna in Ukraine and, through an interpreter, explained that she and her husband loved her very much, but they couldn't adopt her because of they didn't meet the Ukrainian age requirements.  However, Susan explained that another family had fallen in love with her and wanted her to come home to them.  Would Anna leave the country, the culture, and the language she had known for her entire life and come to the United States?  Would she open her heart to these people she had never met, allowing them to become her mother and father?  This family wanted to provide for her, care for her, and love her for the rest of her life, but would Anna understand this?

Susan finished the conversation and left Anna with time to think.  We all waited and prayed.  Susan made several attempts to get in touch with Anna again, but technical failures prevented them from being able to speak to each other.   Then, yesterday, the email came from the adoption agency.  Anna said yes!!!

This was why I first applied for the Miss International system.  God had broken my heart for the children around the world without families, and I knew I needed to do something.  I'm not a politician, a celebrity, or a multi-millionaire, but I am a pageant competitor.  If I can play a part in bringing Anna home, I can also help bring the 153 million orphans around the world to their families.   As Miss Wisconsin International, I have been given a voice for my cause.  True pageant winners don't choose a platform for their crown; they go for a crown so they can fight for their platform.

We praise God for the way He has orchestrated the events that lead to Anna and her family finding each other, but we also need your help more than ever right now!  Anna's family will need to raise $15,000 to bring her home.  You can send donations to bringorphanshome@gmail.com (using paypal, or visit Susan's blog to donate with a credit or debit card).  You can also shop at any of the following businesses:

Susan's Etsy Shop (Check out Susan's gorgeous, unique handmade jewelry!  All her profits go towards adoptions. Some jewelry is specifically designed for other adoptive families, but everything else goes towards Anna's adoption!)

Susan's Skincare and Cosmetic Business  (through Mary Kay, 100% of profits go toward Anna's adoption)

Appleton Enterprises (My business through Amway, 100% of my profits go towards Anna's adoption)

Stefanie's Chocolate Business (Stefanie has set up a party under "Bring Orphans Home" with all profits going towards Anna.  This is some seriously amazing chocolate!!!)

Let's all bring Anna home!!!!

(Note: this is separate from sponsoring ME in the Miss International pageant.  All sponsorship donations can be made here:)

Please support this family in their adoption for a chance to win some great Apple products!

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Why Pageants?

Pageantry is hard to explain.  I have encountered plenty of people who assume that, as a college graduate and missionary, I am the exception to the "norm" in pageantry and all the other girls are comparable to Rachel McAdams character in "Mean Girls".  I'd like to clear up some of those false ideas...

Modern pageantry can trace it's roots back to 1921 when Margaret Gorman was chosen to represent Washington D.C. at the Inter-City Beauties Contest in Atlantic City.  After being awarded first place and the coveted "Golden Mermaid Trophy," Gorman was awarded the title of "Miss America."

Today, national and international pageant systems attract contestants and fans from all over the United States and the rest of the world.  Popular national pageants include Miss America, Miss USA, National American Miss, America's Perfect, and the system I represent, Miss International.  Many of these systems also include teen pageants or "Mrs." pageants for married women.  There are differences in areas of competition, age requirements, business sponsors, and many other factors, but all these systems have common purposes: to honor women for their accomplishments, establish positive role models, and to encourage community involvement and service.

I know this can be hard to believe, especially with the image that media projects onto pageants.  "Reality" tv shows are quick to portray overly-pushy mothers forcing their pre-schooler daughters into degrading beauty contests, implying that the same thing happens backstage at all pageants.  News rarely covers daily occurrences of young women in their crowns and sashes reading to children in hospital beds, fundraising for charities, or setting up community programs, but the few scandals that arise in pageantry are guaranteed months of coverage.

Knowing the negative light that is often shed on pageants, I would like to clear up a few myths based on my own experiences.  Here is what my live, unedited experiences in pageantry have taught me:

Myth: Pageant competitors are pressured to practice unhealthy eating habits, pursue cosmetic surgery, and spend a fortune on useless beauty treatments and pageant supplies

Truth: Yes, there are "beauty contests" out there that award women or children for looking more like Barbie dolls than real people.  However, the most prominent systems in America and in the world are about rewarding accomplishments of women.  Miss International Contestants are all expected to choose a platform to promote during their reign, and also serve as spokeswomen for the National Heart Association.  Pageantry is about showing that a woman is the "entire package"- we are active in our communities, we are positive role models, we are committed to health and physical fitness, and we have the self-confidence needed to pursue dreams and make a difference.  A side affect of physical health, genuine self-confidence, and a heart for helping others is always, without fail, a more beautiful overall appearance.  No, it won't change your bone structure or make your hair shinier, but have you ever met a woman with those assets who wasn't beautiful?  THAT'S what Miss International seeks to recognize and honor!

Myth: Pageant contestants waste thousands of dollars on wardrobe, entry fees, and other expenses.

Truth: Yes, there are costs involved with pageantry, just like there are costs involved in dance or music lessons, playing a sport, traveling, or anything else that we might do for recreation.  However, any successful pageant contestant knows plenty of tricks to save money- we know where to look for reasonably priced evening gowns and accessories, we learn to do our own hair and makeup rather than hiring a professional, and we seek sponsorship from businesses, friends, and family.  As a result, we learn valuable skills in bargain hunting, fundraising, and navigating the complicated business world- skills that serve us well far beyond our experiences in pageantry!

Myth: Pageant contestants throw away all other dreams and goals in the name of pursuing a crown.

Truth: On the contrary, pageantry is about empowering women to achieve their dreams and goals.  Almost every pageant titleholder is either a full-time student or has a career (and no, that full-time career usually isn't modeling!).  Some systems, such as Miss America, may ask state or national titleholders to take a year off of school or scale back to part-time at work in order to fulfill their duties, but those ladies also receive generous scholarships to continue their education or pay off student loans as soon as their reign is over.  Holding a title gives women a chance to leave network and to make their name known, opening doors for many career and professional development opportunities in the future.

Myth: Pageant contestants all say they want "World Peace" but really have no idea what is going on in the world (besides the latest celebrity gossip and fashion trends).

Truth: Pageant contestants are expected to be up-to-date on current events and be heavily involved in serving their communities.  Most pageant systems require contestants to participate in a private interview (which weighs far more heavily on their score than any physical beauty) in which they may be grilled about political issues, current events ranging from local to worldwide, and how they plan to use their crown to make a difference.  They are not judged on having opinions that match those of the judges, but on their sustenance and ability to back up what they believe in with words and actions.

So, despite the media's agenda or the preconceived notions that so many have about pageantry, I hope this will help my readers understand why I have chosen to pursue a crown.  My hope and prayer is that I may be used by God as a modern-day Esther to serve as a role model and to be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.


If you would like to sponsor me to compete for Miss International 2013, please donate here!  Please let me know your name or business name so that I can thank you properly and promote your business!

Please "like" my facebook page: Miss Wisconsin International on facebook!

And So Begins Another Journey...

...or, technically, a journey within a journey.

For those who don't know my whole story, I earned my undergraduate degree from UW La Crosse.  The city of La Crosse La Crosse is where I learned Spanish and language teaching methods, where I was launched to Panama, Mexico, and France, and where God worked in my life in many ways.  It is also where I competed in my first pageant.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I entered the Miss La Crosse/Oktoberfest pageant, except a chance to get dressed up and maybe earn some scholarship money.  What I found, though, was the opportunity to begin lifelong friendships, create memories, and learn valuable habits and skills- and I don't just mean walking in high heels!  The intense private pageant interviews taught me to know who I was, what I believed, and make sure I had actions to back up my words.  Preparing for swimwear and eveningwear competitions taught me to develop healthy habits; contrary to popular belief, it's NOT the skinniest girl that wins.  Even small pageant-skills, such as proper posture and expression, continue to serve me today.  I competed in six local level Miss America pageants before aging out.  The highest I ever scored was first runner up, but the actual titles and awards were only a small part of everything I took away from pageantry.

After college, God called me to serve Him overseas in Spain.  In November 2012, I got on a plane to Madrid, and a few days later I began teaching at Evangelical Christian Academy, a small, Christian school for children of missionaries just outside of Madrid.  Arrangements were made for me to rent a room from another teacher, Mark, his wife, Charis, and their three children, ages eight, six, and three.  I learned that their youngest, Ati, had just joined the family in February, when they adopted her from Ethiopia.  What started out as an "Aw, how sweet!" story quickly became heart-shattering as I learned the truth: that there are five million orphans in Ethiopia, and due to the lack of space and sources available, they cannot live in orphanages after they turn fourteen.  Fourteen-year-olds with no parents, no source of income, and no one to take them in, are living on the streets.  Ati had been given a loving family, but most others would not be so fortunate.

And this was just one country.  This tragic reality is a worldwide phenomenon.  As an adoptee myself, I have always believed adoption to be a great "option" for couples who cannot have biological children or for those who would like to "do something special" for a child without a family, but now I knew that adoption was not an option, it's a necessity.

I resolved that I would one day adopt at least one child, maybe more if God provides the means to do so.  However, I didn't want to wait until I was able to adopt to take action.  There is nothing, nothing a child could do to deserve abandonment, poverty, or life without hope for a better future. It was at this same time that a few of my friends back in Wausau made plans to host orphans from Latvia and Ukraine over Christmas.   I followed their blogs and email updates, glad to read that these children where having a chance to be part of a family, even if it was temporary.  One couple, Josh and Susan, had hosted a beautiful young lady from Ukraine, Anna.  They desperately wanted to adopt her, but they did not meet the age requirements for adoption. Time was of the essence as Anna would soon age out of the care system and would have no where to go.

I was hesitant to get involved.  It wasn't that my heart wasn't breaking or that I didn't believe that Anna deserved a family; I was afraid that, if our efforts to find her a home were unsuccessful, I would spend the rest of my life wondering and worrying about her.    But that was no excuse.  As a hobbyist vlogger, I offered to create a short video for Susan, sharing their story and asking people to please consider adding Anna to their family.  I published the video to youtube, and then all I could do was pray.  Three weeks later, Susan emailed me to tell me that a family in another state had seen the video, and had committed to adopting Anna.

I had been able to play a role in bringing an orphan to the family she needed and deserved.  I had no connections, no experience, and I was living in a foreign country, but none of those factors had stopped God from using me.  If He could use me to bring one orphan home, would He use me to do more?  The idea was thrilling to me.

I applied for Miss Wisconsin International because I wanted the chance to use the title as a "megaphone" to bring awareness to this cause.  It was a leap of faith; my return ticket isn't until June 7th, and I didn't know what I could accomplish from the other side of the ocean.  But people who have never heard my name have heard the words "Miss Wisconsin," and people who won't notice a 5' 5 1/2" brunette will notice a crown and a banner, and they will listen to what I have to say.  I sought the blessing of my ministry directors and colleagues in Spain, and they were fully supportive.  Last night, I spoke on skype with the national pageant director, and she officially offered me the title.   I have fallen in love with my students and my work in Spain, and they will remain my priority until I hand in my final grades at the end of the semester.  However, I will always have another cause to fight for, regardless of what country I live in or what profession I am engaged in.  As long as their are children living without families, I will be fighting for them.  I am honored to be able to use the title of Miss Wisconsin International (and, hopefully, Miss International 2013) as a platform for this cause, all for the Glory of God!

Please consider sponsoring me and helping me promote my platform!