When the summer started out I was kind of concerned. I had quit my job and was looking for a new one. (A decision I'm still trying to figure out if it was good or bad.) I was planning on moving to DBU in August and hadn't found a roommate. But despite all that I had a pretty great summer. I'll start with the last week of May. Even though I wasn't finished at work yet. May 25 I finally did something I had been saying I wanted to do for years. I always said if I got into DBU I would get my nose pierced as a kind of celebratory thing. So on May 25 I finally did it. My friend Travis went with me and I got a needle stuck through my nose. It didn't really hurt but it didn't feel to great either. But I love having it. It's kind of a way to show my independence and moving forward in my life. After that I said good bye to my kids at West Hurst which was hard. Saying good bye to the Bollinger's broke my heart. But I still keep in touch with them. It's going to be weird tomorrow not being at WH for the first day of school.
nose ring
Bollinger babies.June came around and I was looking for a job all day everyday. It was exhausting. I got one at Macy's and I like it a lot so far. I wish I could get more hours and my legs kill me after my shifts but I like the people I work with a lot. They are very helpful and fun to be around. Emily started working with the youth. I was so excited because we were in desperate need of another college age girl leader. The last week of June was the busiest. Monday Sommer, Lisa, and I went to see Anberlin Acoustic at The Door. It was AMAZING!!!! There was maybe 300 people there so it was a very intimate show. They played my favorite songs and were all just hanging out after so we got to meet and get our picture take with 2 of them. They remind me of Switchfoot because they make you feel like you're the only person they want to talk to at that moment. They make you feel important and they are genuinely happy and excited to meet their fans. On Saturday mom, Sommer, and I went to see Switchfoot out at Celebrate Freedom. They FINALLY came back to Texas after a year!!! I always feel rejuvenated when I see them. They are the hope I need in my darkest moments. They bring me back to God.
That Sunday I left for San Antonio with the youth for mission trip. From June 30 - July 4. I was nervous because I didn't want to feel left out. I knew that I was there for the kids but I didn't want to feel left out by the other college leaders. I am very lucky that instead of feeling left out I felt very included. And I know that trip made me closer to Reed, Emily, and Travis which I am very thankful for. I was so proud of the students too. It was many of their first mission trip and everyone was incredibly involved. They were interacting with the kids and serving with no problems. It was so evident that God moved in the students and the kids they served that week. And that He moved in the leaders also, I was so proud of all of them.
As July rolled around I didn't do that much except work. And hang out with Ericka when she came into town. (Which, was twice!!!!) I'm so happy she is back in Texas. She's in Abilene but it is so much closer than Michigan. It's so nice to know that she is only a few hours drive away. I got to see Allison a few times but not nearly as much as I wanted to. But I did get to see my Kaitie!!! I really wish she would just move to the Keller campus so that I could see her more but she won't. :-/ I love getting to talk to her and spend time with her. I wish I could see her more!
I spent most of my summer hanging out with Emily, Reed, Travis, and Tank. Getting to know them and getting closer to them. I had thought about going back to Vista, I felt I could probably do it this year but I decided I needed to find a job and get an apartment so I stayed home. I am happy I did because I think God was showing me new people I can count on. He was showing me that these four are great people and great friends and that I need them in my life. I am so happy that Emily and I have gotten so close this summer. She is wonderful and we think a lot a like. I know I can tell her things and she isn't going to judge me or think I'm (that) crazy. All four of these guys (and girl) have shown me nothing but unconditional love and acceptance. Thank you for being my friend and helping me see the world in different ways. You guys are great and I am very excited to see where the school year takes us all. I know I can go to any of them with a problem or concern and they will listen and help me in whatever way they can.
Now school is starting tomorrow and I am moving into an apartment on campus. I'm super nervous but excited. I have been waiting for this faze of my life to begin. It should have began a few years ago but it didn't. But if it had started a few years ago I wouldn't have met Travis, Emily, Reed, or Tank. I wouldn't lead a lifegroup in youth and I wouldn't have had the wonderful experiences that I did this summer. I am so thankful to Jamie for letting me lead in the student ministry. I love my girls so so much and it is such an honor to watch them grow into beautiful Godly women. Three of them even asked me to help baptize them this coming Wednesday. I know that no matter what amazing things I get to do this year, that getting be part of a total of four of my girl's baptisms this year will be the most important and life changing thing I do this year. No matter how many concerts, trips, or new experiences I have getting the honor of baptizing someone is the greatest thing I could ever do. I am honored and humbled that they want me to be apart of it. It is a great reminder that I am actually having a positive impact on these lovely ladies.
There are 4 months left in the year and a lot to do. Between work, school, and church I will be super busy but there are still some fun things happening. 2 Switchfoot concerts, Hanson (fingers crossed), vacation with Gram and Som, and finally the Justin Timberlake concert to round out the year. It will be good, I can feel it. New semester, new challenges, new people. Good thing I have a wonderful Father in Heaven and the great friends he has sent me to help me through all the craziness.
