Congratulations!

Our Small Group Bible Study was kind in making our snack for the evening gathering into a "Congratulations Cookie and Ice Cream" treat.  Thank you to Kristin and Mark, Amanda and Ron, and Jenny and Dan for your love, support and prayers (Dave and Kathy, we missed you, and Kathy we are praying you feel better!).

Philippians 1:3

"I thank my God every time I remember you"

Meet My Sisters!

The Vanbros Family is a pretty good size considering all the states the directors take care of through Mrs. United States, Miss USA and Teen USA.  I've met a few already via email and in person and am very impressed with the quality and character already. 

I'm fortunate to get to go into this with friends, especially in a place where I've never been and in a system that is also very new to me.  I don't feel anxious or nervous...I'm ecstatic!  So I figured I should introduce my sister queens that are the Vanbros Girls so you can follow them as well!

Mrs. Arkansas, Karen Bartosh
http://www.ahealthiergeneration.org/bio.php

Mrs. Kansas, Christina Dreiling
http://www.vanbros.com/unitedstates/kansas.html

Mrs. Missouri, Carrie Hruza
http://www.vanbros.com/unitedstates/missouri.html

Mrs. Tennessee, Amanda Grantham Sekulow
http://mrstnus.blogspot.com/

and last but not least, Mrs. Texas, Melissa Pocza (she and I have a special history together - LOVE HER!!!)
 http://mrstxus.blogspot.com/

 If you are praying for me in this, I hope you'll add these ladies to your list.  They are very, very special!

"In It To End It!"

This past weekend was spent in Chicago volunteering for Avon's Walk for Breast Cancer 2011.  The first part of the event I was a "tent angel", meeting walkers as they came off the route, picking up their luggage for them, taking them to their designated spot and setting up their tent!  We had to work fast as two waves of thunderstorms came through...soaking us, but cooling us that was very welcome in the heat!  Afterward, I was set up in the Yoga tent encouraging walkers to come stretch their muscles and to take photos for the instructors. 

Much thanks to Anthony with Avon for coordinating everything, to the volunteers I worked with for making it "funny and fun", and most of all the walkers that gave their time and raised more money and awareness for breast cancer support!

Photos of the event are posted: Tents, first finish line, Anthony and I (can you see the clouds coming in? You can really see the darkness coming over the luggage lines...we rushed to get that all tarp-covered quick!) and of course the "ominous clouds"!

Welcome!

Hello!  I'm Anji Meidel, the new Mrs. Illinois United States, 2011.  I'm glad you've decided to read and/or follow my journey serving my community and state for the next year in this additional way. 

I am excited and honored to be called one of the "Vanbros Girls", so I open with my first entry of thanks to John Vannatta, the most amazing director and his family, Janet, Jason, Jennifer and more...each have been a blessing and joy to work with and work for...and I'm JUST GETTING STARTED!  There are not enough words adequate to fully show my gratitude for everything they are.

I never thought I would return to pageantry in this capacity...and I've learned that you "never say never"!  ;)  I am really glad for those that pursued and encouraged me to do this, and the unbelievable support I've received in such a short amount of time.  Yes, you all know who you are...so thank you with all my heart as well!

I'm looking forward to share more with you in the coming year! Many Blessings!


"When you make room for the possibility, the possibilities are endless"