Bittersweet

When I started college, I couldn't wait to finish.  Now that I have completed my first year, however, I find it very sad to leave.  Yes, I will see everyone in a few short months, but not everything will be the same and I will miss it.  My first year here has been wonderful.  It is chalk full of good memories, funny stories, and lessons learned.  I have learned so much about myself and other people.

A few of the best memories (most of which also double as funny stories) from this year include the following:

• Running barefoot on the sidewalk late at night 
• Attending late night movies on campus and squishing into the crowded Devries theater (or rather, being carried along by the current of people into the theater...)
• Attending the Denver and the Mile High Jazz Band concert on campus and meeting Denver
• Campus Christmas and turning our unit into a world of Disney princesses (and princes!)
• Overtaking Briana's room and telling stories, laughing ridiculously, and generally reveling in the splendor of God's creation
• When Dr. Hartman visited our unit, and even helped us study A&P!
• Playing wallyball with our brother unit and getting spiked in the face by Lizzie

Some lessons learned (or reinforced) are as follows:

• The only way to make it through college is by God's sustaining grace
• God has mercifully put certain people in my life for a reason--don't take them for granted
• God is always faithful even when I am not
• Live in a way to always glorify the Father who is in heaven
• Be prepared to give a defense for the Gospel (1 Peter 3:15)
• I am very blessed!

To be perfectly truthful, I hate saying goodbye.  It is incredibly strange to feel as though I have two lives now...I am no longer based simply in Carson City, Nevada, but I also have many ties here in Ohio and throughout the country!  God has truly blessed me with many wonderful people here.  I will miss them so much over the summer! Losing the seniors who are graduating is the worst part, as I don't know when I will see them again.  This is the bitter part of "bittersweet"....

However, there is a very sweet part as well! My friends and family at home can NEVER, ever be replaced.  It will be so wonderful to be back with them again! I most look forward to worshiping at my church with my wonderful, huge family in Christ.  Also, there is nothing that can compare to Nevada sun and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Even though I am saddened by all this packing, I am looking forward to going home and spending time with the amazing people who have stood by me since I was small (well...smaller haha).  Also, I look forward with anticipation to the year which lies ahead.  Both the new and the old will continue to grow me and shape who I am becoming.  God truly has blessed me, far more than I deserve!