I am home-
It is good-
        that is all.


.....for now

Life is relatively peaceful at the present moment. This being the weekend following the first week of class, I'm not too stressed out yet, but I do have plenty to do at the same time.

I was finally able to get things organized in my room so it feels so much better. Now I don't have to move things from desk to chair to floor and repeat the process every time I want to sit somewhere or have a guest. All my junk was just sitting under my bed waiting to be dealt with until I got my loft, which didn't happen until Thursday night. Since then I haven't had the time or energy to deal with the stuff, so it stays wherever I last left it. I've got a box going home with all the stuff I don't need afterall, which will help with the space. It's really nice though, our room is huge, and the way we have it set up really maximizes the space, it's so nice. :)

In other news, classes are going well. They get really intense really fast though. I'm taking four required courses for my major to get them out of the way, so I knew it would be tough. I'm enjoying them, it's exciting to be getting deep into things I know I'm going to be spending a whole big chunk of my life in. But there's so much to think about; so much to memorize; so much to process and retain. Well, I just need to get in a good way with studying and keeping focused. That will help a lot. Plus, a big benefit to taking all the classes at once is that they kinda flow together, ie what's learned in one class will help me understand what's going on in the next one, etc.

I'm enjoying working at Bailey's info desk as well. I only have two hours on Tuesday night set, but the weekends are scheduled individually so I'll get more hours there. I'm really enjoying meeting people and making connections with them in the way I get to at the desk. It's fun to be a resource (most of time-when i know the answer to their questions).

Life in the dorm this year is going fairly well so far. I miss Bailey heartily though. There is such spiritual warfare going on here. It's absolutely astounding. For the entire first week that I was here, I couldn't open my Bible, couldn't connect to the Lord, couldn't do or feel anything beside fear and doubt of everything- the coming year, my classes, my relationships, my problems, and so on. It's funny because I didn't really believe in spiritual warfare before just a few weeks ago. I knew it existed of course, but I thought it was just one of those things that people more often use as an excuse for not being able to read their Bible or pray or take responsibility in their relationship following Jesus. Not so. Spiritual warfare is real, Satan's power is real. And his hold on this dorm hall is strong and dark. But God is so much bigger- I can see that now. And it has done wonders for my understanding of who He is. My dear friend Erica lived here only seven weeks last semester, and has incredible stories of how God shattered the darkness of Satan's hold even in her room. She has been such an encouragement to me, reminding me of who I am as a child of the Creator- the God who shatters darkness time and time again. She's reminded me that God has placed me here for His purposes, and that I am safe in His arms. His simple request to trust Him has proven to be so difficult, but so much more important than I've ever understood before. I'm so excited for the ways God is going to stretch me this year. I can't wait for Him to test my faith, grow my heart and spirit, and use me for His reclaiming of Centennial Hall. I have already felt Him so closely here, I can't wait for that to grow even more. Thank you so much, those of you who have been so faithful in prayer for me. Your dedication has already helped to break down Satan's walls in my room and in other places around this hall. Please continue as prayer warriors alongside me this year!

I'm also remembering all to quickly how easy it is to fall into a trap of lonliness here. There are people everywhere- many wonderful people at that. I'm so blessed to have wonderful people in my life here. But there is almost a painful longing that I feel here for the deep relationship that fulfils the deepest lonliness in my heart. I know this desire is for my Jesus, my King and Savior. But it is so easy to see so many of my friends who are in serious relationships, now looking at marriage and their future as husband and wife and fall into the trap of believing that romance is the answer to the lonliness I feel. I still felt this back at home, but in such a different way. I was distracted at home by everything else that demanded my attention- work, family, whatever else I had to do. When I felt the longing, it was only for someone, something I had before and knew I wouldn't have again. Still, that's an entirely different feeling. Being here, surrounded by good looking men, and at church and crusade- good looking solid Christian men who can hold decent comversation without pick up lines or flirting incessantly, who genuinely care about who you are and are glad you're here. Man- it's tough. Oh Lord help me to see that my desire is for the connection and intimacy only You can give me!!!

Well, dears- I think it's about time to wrap this baby up. Thanks again for your support and prayers. I love you all!