The Crowning Moment!

Mrs. International 2014 Crowning: http://youtu.be/XvJuHdUw-jY

This will always be the greatest honor in my life to be crowned Mrs. International 2014 with so many absolutely amazing, courageous women and now sisters by my side.

  If you would have asked me just a few years ago when in the midst of building construction projects "Where do you see yourself in 5 years" , this likely would not have been on my list. Once I heard about International Pageants and the platform focus and saw what was possible to serve others, to be a champion for a cause and see the hearts of people around the world, it was an easy decision to pursue joining a legacy standing nearly 3 decades.

  Could I have easily told myself "I'm not enough" or "Don't work so hard" , "You're not experienced enough", etc? Absolutely. BUT.....everyday God told me "You are enough", "You are strong" , "Be Courageous" . It's not a crown and sash, it's an OPPORTUNITY of a lifetime to serve and connect with others like you never imagined. Can I still serve others without it and would I if I didn't win? Absolutely. Being a part of a prestigious organization like International Pageants elevated our efforts with Soles4Souls to an extended global outreach. Pageantry is a humbling experience, standing in front of crowds sharing your soul with every second being an opportunity to bring hope, bring love and bring awareness for your passion....your platform.

This moment is dedicated to my brother and best friend Susan. The loss of their lives has forever shaped how I operate while on earth. Their funerals a daily thought on my mind and watching their graves go in to the ground part of the fuel for my fire to love people.

    I'm a little girl who grew up in my brothers hand me down clothes, no one ever showed me how to use makeup and based on my family's history, could have easily gone down a dark path. Light was brought into my life through Grace and I have never looked back. We are all given one basic equality in life and that it choice. Every single second I am glad for the fire that was placed inside me to choose to live beyond my circumstances, NEVER letting them define me, but taking the path of few, a path that you don't know where it leads to, but YOU are called to follow with faith and courage with all of your heart.

  That is what I did in 2014. Sacrifice, commitment, faith. I'm never asking anyone to full understand my decision to join the International Pageants Family, but I do ask for you to believe in yourself and all that you are capable of, to take risks and have faith. Choose happiness, work hard and of course Never Give Up. One more thing...don't forget to sparkle <3

<3 Mrs. International 2014

The Countdown!

Can you believe it is SO close to Mrs. International 2015?! The time has flown by and thank you all for continuing to join the journey!

While the countdown continues, here are some tips and tricks! Remember International Pageants is on YouTube as well!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCirWt28RdT0jH91KxO9OLuw

Preparing for Mrs. International in the Final Months

Time will fly these next few months and before you know it we will be at orientation finally meeting everyone in person (which I am really looking forward to meeting ALL of you face to face!!!). From the moment you arrive to the minute someone is crowned Mrs. International 2015 (and the following week Miss Teen International 2015 and Miss International 2015), you will blink and it will be over. For one of you, the journey once you are crowned will be even quicker. 

Thorough Preparation is critical for these 3 reasons:

• Being as effective of a queen as possible for your platform and the International Pageant system
• Confidence building. It is amazing knowing everything that is set in place (while still being flexible to change, let’s face it, while having a plan is critical, the more critical component is being adaptable). It’s astounding how an organized checklist can clear our mind to stay focused and effective! I am a HUGE list person, a must for daily life in our world.
• We are on the GO when in Jacksonville and rest is a must. When you show up prepared, when we do have downtime, you can rest with ease instead of doing last minute tasks. 

Here is a checklist I used both years for competing that you may find useful, but I would encourage you to make your own also, as no two queens are the same.

To See the Checklist, visit here:

http://theinternationalpageants.blogspot.com/2015/02/preparing-for-mrs-international-in.html

Live what you Love!

Maggi

Your Mrs. International 2014

#GiveShoesGiveLove