missing that mountain already...

okay, so i thought i should forewarn you, but i'm assuming this post may be be pretty sappy. Sorry, i'm in a sappy mood, so that's whatcha get. you've been warned.

well, i am back home and summer has begun. confused? oh, let me explain! Approximately, 12 hours after my last post, I woke up to sirens. yes, sirens. It took this Florida girl a good five minutes to figure out what the heck the loud wailing was. After I realized it was tornado sirens, I woke up my roomate and packed my "important emergency items," as Aften and I call it! (ya know, pictures, notes, and journals...the special things!) and headed down to the basement for the first of what turned out to be five trips down to the basement throughout the day. Thanking God for the safety that we had and praying for those grieving over lost loved ones.

The next day, we had an all-campus meeting. We were told that the school would be closing down a week early due to lack of water in the county. We were asked to pack up, say goodbye, and evacuate campus within the next 24 hours. Let me tell you, the mad dash began as 1200 students frantically began packing up our belongings, loading our cars, calling our parents, and saying our goodbyes. After running up and down the stairs with many, many, many large boxes, I have resolved to take less to school next semester!

My mom and Karen drove up and arrived at school the next day around 1, we loaded the car, and I began my goodbyes. As I hugged sweet friends, I was reminded how thankful I am for them...some I'll see over the summer, some I'll see next semester, and some I may never see again. Oh, i can't wait for Heaven...this separation thing STINKS.

I arrived home late last night, emotionally and physically exhausted and took my first shower in three days. I sat in bed and thought "okay, now what?" I sat and thought about this past year and all I could pray was "thank you, Lord, for being faithful." and that is the truth of it all. As I look over this year, I see times of joy and times of struggle; i see growth and change; and as i switch gears again so abruptly, i recognize God's faithfulness to me. I am thankful that it's hard to say goodbye, because it means I've been blessed with people I love. and i'm thankful that i'm missing that mountain already, because it means its become home.

operation freshman year is complete. As life constantly continues to change, as i constantly move from place to place, and always find myself missing people i love, i am thankful that the Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore! He has been faithful.

I can't wait to get back up on top of that mountain.

sweet summer, hurry up!

I am currently sitting in the library trying to get a paper done.
I really can't do school anymore. oh, I just CAN'T.
I know I should be thankful, and actually, I really am for this lovely place, pretty weather, and great education.
OH. BUT SUMMER IS SO CLOSE.
you know the feeling...that almost there, but NOT QUITE YET kind of thing...so lovely and miserable.

I should care about all these papers, books, and tests.
however, I am near the end, and painting and reading real simple sound much better to me!
therefore, i most certainly do not care!
all i care about is rolling around in the green grass, playing outside, and enjoying these last few days with my friends!

There are three papers, one project, five more classes, five exams, eight more showers, sixteen more meals, one more weekend, 192 hours, and 11,520 minutes standing between me and summer. BRING IT ON.

how i love you!

Last night, I went with the other soccer girls to a park on the mountain called Point Park. I had never been there before, but let me tell you, it is quite the cutest little park! One side overlooks Chattanooga, you know, sparkling lights and flashy cars (this non-city girl can't get enough!) and the other side overlooked the mountains. Anyways, we just laid out blankets, ate dinner, prayed, and sang worship songs together as the sun was setting. I love how the simple things are sometimes the most fun.

Last night I realized how much I love the girls on the team. My whole life, growing up, I played competitive soccer, but never really felt like I fit in with the team. why? Well, partly because all the girls had gone to school together since the beginning of time and partly because they were so much better than me in soccer. This is the first team I've been on, where I feel loved. Sure, the girls want me to work hard, do my best, and improve, as a player. BUT. the difference is, that they love me, despite what I can or can't bring to the field. So yeah, I'm still one of the worst players on the team. But I'm beginning to love my teammates. I am so very thankful for their love and encouragement.

As we closed we sang a round of a song that I sang as a kid but had completely forgotten; such simple, sweet words. (and even soccer girls can sing!)

"Jesus, I adore you.
And I lay my life before you.
How I love you."

Oh, Jesus, how i love you!
I am thankful!