Joella Appreciation Day 2013

Today, I am happy to say, is a very good day. Because on this day, 23 years ago, Joella Eves was welcomed into world.

I never knew Joella until 3 years ago, but I can definitely say that meeting her has made me into the person I am today. I would not be where I am if it was not for her.

When I first met Joella, I thought she was a bit strange. Which is a lot coming from me, because I am pretty strange myself. But yes, I never saw myself being friends with her, purely because she seemed very settled in the friendships she already had and probably wouldn’t need anyone else.

The first photo I ever took with Joella.
I didn't even know her at all and she asked me if I wanted to be
in this "awkward family photo" with her and Olivia.
I, of course, agreed to it. But I was very weirded out by the
whole thing.

My first time speaking with Joella was at a Student Life Conference in 2010, the very same conference where I decided to give up alcohol for good. Joella was the team leader of the team I was put into, ‘Spark’, and I suggested that we change it to Team ‘Sparkle’, because that is much more fabulous! The ‘Sparkle’ name stuck, and Joella and I became friends based on the fact we were both in ‘Sparkle’ and we would do this fun ‘Sparkle’ catchphrase to one another in a high voice AND with sparkly “spirit” fingers to match. To this day, I believe that I am still in Joella’s phone as: Martinette Sparkle.

Team Sparkle! (+ Yijie who snuck into the photo because our team was so awesome)

One of the times Joella and I hung out after Conference.
She has very good drink-pouring skills.

After Conference, Joella and I would talk now and then if the situation arose, and we both had mutual friends so we would sometimes hung out in a group. I found that Joella was a very friendly person, and enjoyed meeting new people. She was fun to hang out with. I discovered she was also totally crazy, just like me!! So we had that in common.

By the end of 2010, Joella and I decided to live together with a few other girls. In my year of living with Joella, she became one of my favourite people. I felt comfortable enough to come home after I’d finished my day and visit her in her room and talk to her about anything and everything. I have never really done this with anyone else, so this was a clear example that our friendship grew very close. I could always trust her; she always gave very sound advice and always had my best interests in mind. To this day I still enjoy going into her room and hanging out with her there, I know that 99% of the time I am welcome to do so. Ok I lie, I’M WELCOME TO DO IT 100% OF THE TIME! Muhahaha.

Through some very hard times, Joella was like my rock. I could not have gotten through some of my harder days without her. She is a genuine, top-notch lady.

In my six months of living in Mornington, I did not get to see Joella as often as I would have liked, but when I suggested she come visit me, she did it. Last year on her birthday I was completely swamped with Honours work and could only manage a measly text to her, but she did not hold it against me.

This blog isn’t big enough for me to recount all the ways that Joella has impacted my life, and how awesome she is, but a really big moment happened only a few weeks ago.

Joella and Me on my 22nd Birthday.

I was going to break my 2 year-long sobriety because I was feeling emotionally overwhelmed, and she wouldn’t let me. She was literally going to fight me if I tried to have a drink. That right there is the embodiment of a true friend. I tell her that if it wasn’t for her I would not have remained sober, and she brushes it off, but its 100% true. I had every intention of following through. So I have to give her the credit. It wasn’t me. If it was up to me, I would have had a drink. Or twelve.

So thanks Joella.

Joella doesn’t like reading but hopefully she will read this. She probably knows that I appreciate her, but I want the rest of the world to know it too.

She is one of the nicest people I have ever had the privilege of being friends with, and I feel so blessed to even know her and have her as both a friend and flatmate.

She is so fun, and caring, and generous, and she has such a big heart and such a love for the Lord. Her passion for God is incredible! When she’s on stage playing keyboard, she is just filled with SO MUCH JOY! I can’t help but smile.

Typical Joella-Martz behaviour.

She is encouraging and uplifting and always speaking words of life. She builds up instead of tearing down. Sometimes when I say something stupid or mean (usually unintentionally) she will pull me up on it and tell me that she knows I can do better.

She is relaxed and does not get easily stressed out. She reminds me a lot of my Mum, not just because she has dark hair and green eyes, but her demeanour is very similar as well.

Joella does not like hugs, but she knows I love them, so she gives me hugs more often than she’d probably choose. Hehehe. See what I mean about her being caring?! She is such a good friend.

I could go on and on and on, but I think you get the picture.

Me and Joella on her Graduation in 2012. YAY!!!!

Whenever there is a boy in my life who I might have a wee bit of a thing for and she does not approve of it, it’s always because they are not treating me the way that I deserve and she doesn’t like it. But even in these instances, she will be polite and friendly to the boy and stand by the fact that she doesn’t dislike the person, but rather their actions.

I am very grateful to have Joella. She is one of my best friends, and I hope we will be friends forever. I know that sounds lame, but I mean it.

I hope if Joella is reading this that she has made it this far, and if she has, I am proud of her.

Joella, you always wanted me to write a blog about you, and now I have, SO STOP ASKING!!

Hahahaha, just kidding, but seriously ;-)

J, I love you heaps and hope you have the most amazing birthday!!! I hope it is everything that you want it to be and that God will continue to bless you always.

All the boys love you and so do I. Keep the party alive.

M

xx

<3