One year ago I remember feeling like the most nervous human being in the world! I stood at the bottom of a stair case looking up and feeling like my life had just taken a dramatic turn. I knew that this unfamiliar place was now my home. I knew that soon a group of guys and girls would take these stairs and I would meet the people I was to live with for the next 10 months. I knew a few of their names but I didn't have any clue what they were like. As I lugged my things up the stairs my brother guided me through the glass door that I open about a million times in the next few months. The halls were bare but something about this old building felt friendly! Soon I was introduced to people and moved into my room and my family left. As I unpacked and talked to my RA and Sight Coordinators I felt my nerves building. I spent that first night alone in my room. Over the next two days I was introduced to an assortment of young people from various states, family backgrounds and races. It was pretty obvious to me that we were a very strange group. Not much in common. Yet I don't really remember much of an awkward stage. We soon blended into the crazy wacky family we are today!
But now looking back I cant help but smile to myself! I can hardly believe that a year ago these wonderful people were strangers to me! Now I am pretty sure I can identify each of their laughs, I can even know who is coming down the hall by the sounds of their steps! I remember times that we stayed up way too late talking about nothing!
I remember laying on the floor in the common room curled up in pain from laughing too hard! I remember crying my eyes out to about 99% of my class mates at least once in the year!
That little smelly hall that friendships were forged!
Long walks around the circle!
Long chats on the bench!
Sunsets at the pier! Four Wheeler rides at the Watson's. Camping in the frigid FL woods. Long hours in class that didn't feel long at all! Playing an assortment of games together simply because we wanted to be together. All of us crammed in the hall watching Frozen! Being surprised with coffee mugs from the boys on Valentines day! Going to Brewster's.
Flying half way across the world together!
All of these are sweet memories I will cherish forever! I thank God profusely for all of these people! I love you guys so much! Each of you have taught me something, made me laugh and built me up to be a better person! There is nothing I would trade for the year I had with you guys!
I was not only molded by my time in the Word and by the teachings of our wonderful teacher and friend Dr. Randy Smith. I was also trained up by the challenges of living in communion with these people, the joys of living with such a wonderful group who really truly accepted me for who I was, and the life lessons that each one of you taught me as I learned what it truly looks like to love and live in a God honoring way! There is no experience in the world that matches this one and I will never ever forget any of you. Not a day goes by that I don't miss you but I know one thing for sure. GOD IS GOING TO DO GREAT THINGS WITH US!
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