The Future

I wondered about continuing to blog after my year as Mrs. South Dakota International 2011 was done, but I have decided to continue.  I have been blessed with so many opportunity and have a lot of irons in the fire you might say to things that are upcoming. 

Had a great meeting last night and I am looking forward to what the future is going to bring! It is amazing how opening one door can lead to opening many more. That is truly why I believe that you should face your fears and the unknown because you never know what is going to be behind that door!!

 

You will have to stay tuned for my upcoming ventures!!!

 

Mrs. South Dakota International Pageant 2012

What an extraordinary group of women!  All of the women have so much to be proud of! I had so much fun visiting and getting to know you all through the day!!!  I hope to keep in touch with you all!!!  Best of luck!

Children's Home Society

I spoke yesterday to the Children's Home Society Board and the CHS Foundation yesterday.  What an amazing group of people! It really means so much to me to share my story and reach out to others!

VTwin Magazine

Check out the November issue you of VTWIN magazine!  This is the Sturgis addition.  I am featured in the 2 page spread, we were on the Legends Ride!!

My Year as Mrs. South Dakota International 2011

I would like to take a moment to to say how much of an honor it was to be Mrs. South Dakota International 2011. 

I had so many wonderful opportunities and met so many wonderful people!!  I attended many events such as Funski, Go Red for Women Luncheon, Cure kids Cancer Radiothon, Children's Miracle Network Telethon, Princess Ball, and many more.  My husband and I were also invited out to stay at the Buffalo Chip in Sturgis for the motorcycle rally.  This was fun for Brad and I because riding motorcycles is what we love to do and especially together.  This year we got to do a lot of great riding in the Hills as well as attending many Charity events.  Rod and all of the staff at the Buffalo Chip was without a doubt the best.  We also attended the Mayor's Ride with the Governor of South Dakota Dennis Daugaard.

On December 12, 2011 was the day that I had the honor of being crowned Mrs. South Dakota International 2011.  I had no idea from that moment forward where this journey would take me and how much I would learn about myself.    This has been an incredible year.  The International pageant system has given me so many opportunities that I know will continue after my year is done.  They have also given me the opportunity to meet so many different people, in so many different capacities.

Little girls everywhere dream of being chosen to wear a crown and hold such a title.  But my life journey to this honor is also marked by another triumph-- my victory over being a victim of domestic Violence This experience helped shaped my platform of domestic violence awareness. 

My mother was a victim of domestic violence for over 20 years.  When I was 13, my family and I were able to connect with crisis intervention services that could help us.  Later, as a wife myself, I endured my own abusive marriage for eight years before reaching out to the Children’s Inn for help.  Because of my experiences I am able to share stories of my own struggles, in hopes of inspiring others to overcome their personal hardships. 

First of all I would like to thank God for guiding me and giving me the strength to stay true to who I am.  He has blessed me with my life and wonderful family.  My prayers for all of you are that you will experience the love and joy in life that I have.  Always remember God is with you in all that you do.

Brad Visker, you are the love of my life and truly my soul mate.  I want to thank you so much for being the kind man you are.  You have helped me find myself again.  When we first met 6 years ago, I was broken and you have made me a strong, independent woman and I thank you for that.  You never walk in front of me or behind me, you walk beside me.  We will continue our journey in life together, making new chapters in our story of life.  I love you always and forever.  You are my everything.

To my family, thank you for all of your support.  I have 3 of the most incredible children that a mom could ask for.  Jade, you have such a kind soul and are an awesome big sister.  Payton, you’re very kind and caring to everyone around you, that is one best thing about you.  My little man Chase, you are at a point in life where you are like a sponge and absorb everything around you.   I look forward to seeing you learn new things every day.  You definitely have your dad’s looks and your mommy’s personality.  You are all so smart and very successful in all the things that you do and I know you will be in life as well.  I love you and am proud to be your mom.

Throughout my year as Mrs. South Dakota International 2011 I have had the most amazing sponsors.  You have helped make this year very successful for me.  These are the great sponsors that I had:  A-OX Welding Supply, Sioux Falls Kitchen and Bath, Creative Surfaces, The City of Sturgis,The Buffalo Chip, Dr. Mike Wilde, Orthopedic Institute, Envive, Dakota Vision, Tan World, Year Round Brown, AMaVo, Impower, Max Muscle, BK Photography, BJ Photography, Salon Britori, Vanessens Hair Design, Results Persnal Training, LaMode, Miracle of Touch, Elite Travel, as well as a host of family and friends.

To the new Mrs. South Dakota International 2012,  the first thing I would say is, stay true to who you are, don’t’ ever stray from that.  Everything in life happens for a reason, that is why  I always say that I would never change anything in my life, because everything that has happened in my life has led me to where  I am today in this very moment.  Take advantage of all of the opportunities that will be before you.  It is one year but that one year goes by so fast and you don’t want to look back wishing you would have done anything different.  Congratulations to you and your family. I wish you nothing but the best and to have a very successful year.  God Bless

                                                                                                                                                                                        Lori Visker

Mrs. South Dakota International 2011

Mrs. South Dakota International Pageant 2012

Congratulations to the new 2012 South Dakota International Titleholders!! Mrs. South Dakota International 2012 Bekah Cheppenko, Junior Miss South Dakota International 2012 Kya Brings Plenty, Young Miss South Dakota International 2012 Payton Steffensen & Little Miss South Dakota International 2012 Jadyn Ramazani!!!

Festival of Bands Parade

These bands were so great to see!!!  They came from from all over.  They had different styles and I really enjoyed watching them.

Abbott House

I just got home from speaking at the Abbott House in Mitchell! Let me tell what a humbling experience it was to speak to these young girls. When you see some of these girls have tears running down their face while I was telling my story of growing up. It is a great feeling though to know that I reached some of them when they have built walls up the size of Skyscrapers!

 

I have no picture to show for the safety of the girls  but they each got to take a picture with me that the staff will give to them!!!

HOLLY HOFFMAN----SURVIVOR NICARAGUA

Hey everyone LIKE Holly Hoffman's fan page and you too can follow all of her adventures!!!  She can inspire you as she has inspires so many!  Holly made it to the Final 4!  What an accomplishment---she represented South Dakota amazingly and has so much to be proud of!!!!

http://www.facebook.com/HollySurvivorHoffman?sk=wall

2011 Candle Light Vigil to Honor Victims of Domestic Violence

I was asked to be the Key speaker in Yankton, SD.  This was hosted by The Yankton County Sexual Assualt Team/Community Response Team.   It brought tears to my eyes last while speaking.  The Yankton community suffered from a terrible tragedy April 9, 2011.  That was the day that Brianna Knoll's life was taken by her boyfriend.  Not only the lives of Brianna's family and friends were forever changed, but impacted the lives of many across the state.

Tea Area Homecoming Parade 9-23-11

I was invited to attend the Tea Homecoming Parade!  Thank you so much---what a great community that you have.  The Hospitality that the people of Tea was truly amazing!!