Winter Wonderland (1/27/14- 2/2/14)

It snowed on the night of the 27th (a Monday) and the next two days following it were snow days, meaning that school was canceled!

It was a nice break from school, just a week after getting back. I got the opportunity to relax, appreciate the beauty of nature that living on campus has provided me with.

This is a picture of the view from just stepping outside my dorm building.

During that week, I went around singing Wonderland on my own and "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" with my friends. Funny thing is that we've been singing Snowman for a least a week before it snowed, so even now (as I am writing this, the song has not died among us yet).

The next 4 pictures are various parts of campus covered in snow.

Soccer Field

Trail in the Campus Forest

A House the Campus Forest

Having two days off and one delayed day (2 and a half days of school) was exactly what I need to get into the pattern of being back in school.

I thought constantly thought of home and prayed for rain to come for y'all and I'm so glad it finally has :)

Someone Acknowledges My Wants (1/20/14- 1/26/14)

Have you ever felt like you couldn't possibly figure out everything on your own? I have. There are several people in our lives that we can talk to. One being God.Thinking that one prayer request goes unanswered-None of them do.

I know that I often think that when I don't get what I asked for, it's often considered an 'unanswered prayer', but I've begun to grasp that every request we give God
through prayer is heard and answered. If we don't see it happen as we ask for it to be, His answer is probably

• no, it's not meant to be
• this isn't the right time for this to happen
• I will send someone to help you get there

I truly do believe that everything that happens in my life is INTENTIONAL. Beginning last year, that word struck me with a figurative consciousness--awareness. I've grasped that my hardships and rough days help me appreciate the many decent (and even wonderful) days I have experienced. 

Being away from home and not sure where the declared focus of my studies (major) should be, is definitely a big growing process. 

I am currently trying to decide what ministry/service I should commit my community service hours to. There are a lot of projects going on and I'd love prayer for that. I think that I may find an unexpected interest in the process.

I know that wherever I happen to do my hours, it will be very rewarding if I let it be.

It's been incredible getting to go back home to family and friends. It was exactly what I needed to recharge. Some people back home know more of me (in the sense also involving time) and it's comforting to feel their physical and social embrace. Returning home is incredibly worth it and helped me realize the big heart I have for where I'm from-a fierce sentiment I never knew I had.

Thank you for being a part of home for me. I'm smiling as I type this, because my friendships are a shining example of the fulfillment of an acknowledged 'want'.