The two weeks leading up to this past weekend were extremely busy putting final touches on my talent and paperwork. I was so relieve to finally turn all my paperwork in on Saturday!
Saturday started at 9AM with check-in and turning in paperwork. Though the day was long, it was very informative. We learned more about what Miss Minnesota week will entail, how the judging process works, received our opening number dresses, and picked roommates and contestant order. I am contestant #13 (lucky #13 that is!) out of 25, which means I will perform my talent and onstage question on Wednesday night of prelims and I will do swimsuit and evening gown on Thursday night of prelims. Though I really had no preference where I wanted to be in the line up, I'm very happy with place #13. My roommate for the week will be Miss North Star, Kailee Ogden! I am so excited for the week we will have together and I'm blessed to have such an awesome roommate! I know we will have so much fun.
After orientation, we had some down time to get ready for the Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen pageant. As I was getting ready, it occurred to me that something seemed off. I realized that this was the first time I had EVER watched a MMOT pageant in my entire life. For the five years I've been competing, I've always been one of the Teens onstage. Now it was my turn to sit in the audience and enjoy the program that gave me my start. Though it was strange, I greatly enjoyed watching the show and became even more proud to say that I'm a former MMOT. The Teens onstage that night were phenomenal. I couldn't believe how intense the competition was and how great the girls were! This program is just incredible, and the changes that occur in these young women's lives are indescribable. I know because I'm a living testament to what this program does!
My two little sister queens did such a fabulous job! I'm beyond proud of both Lauren and Molly on their flawless performances Saturday night. Molly was consistent onstage and could not have done anything better! Lauren knocked peoples socks off with her talent and one the Teens in Action award for her platform work. I'm lucky to have them another 4 months :)
Congratulations are an order to the new Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen, Lauren Algyer! She had such a beautiful and consistent performance, and I know she will represent Minnesota in her own unique way. I'm proud to welcome her into the MMOT sisterhood.
Also, congratulations to the now former MMOT, Corrina Swiggum. There is no one better I could have crowned that could have been able to handle this past year better that her. I'm so lucky to call her my friend! The future is bright for Corrina and I know we will be seeing her onstage again soon enough :)
Yesterday, I found out that I've been selected as a Shift leader here at Bethel University! It is a huge honor to be chosen, as the application process was long and hard, but I can't wait for God to use me in a new way! Shift is a ministry program for incoming freshman on campus. It is designed to help grow first year students into the image of God and be a constant form of support for them as they find their way through college. Thanks to all who prayed for me during the application process! I had been feeling God calling me to serve and felt Shift was the perfect opportunity for me to do so. I would appreciate more prayers as I begin the training process and ultimately meet the young women I will be leading next August.
Your Sister in Christ,
Bailey
Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013
My sister queen, Lauren (Miss Central Lakes) and I!
My beautiful roomie for Miss MN week, Kailee!
Molly, Miss Brainerd Lakes' Outstanding Teen!
