everything's closer to the end

The end of the semester is upon me. I am 3 papers, 2 finals and 1 test away from the freedom of Summer. In attempts to cleanse my palate a bit as I’m in the middle of paper writing, I thought I would try and reflect a bit on what has been going on in life as well as what’s coming up… we’ll see how it works.  So totally random and in no specific order, here’s what’s going on up in my head …

• I was elected President of our Student Association. Before you get all impressed, I ran unopposed so there was no competition, but still, I’m coming to terms with the fact that this is kind of a big deal. So far, not much has changed except that I’m suddenly super visible on campus and people are starting to call me “Madame President” and the rare couple of people enjoy saluting me in the library, on the green space and in the Seminary building. But basically, little has really changed …. yet. I know the change is coming, I know it’s happening soon, I just can’t wrap my head around it quite yet.
• I’m starting to realize how much my community here has blessed me and shaped me within this first year of seminary. I look at those around me and realize just how much of an impact they have had on me. The people who have pushed me to be a better version of myself, those who have made me stumble in challenging ways, those who have broadened my interests to include things like the Lord of the Rings movies, and those that have taught me valuable life lessons – like self-confidence.  It is almost impossible to leave a community like this unchanged, and I think this year has changed me a lot, in a lot of good ways.  I’m looking forward to continuing this community in coming years but realizing how much it will change with a new class coming in as an older class graduates and moves on.
• I am not ready to spend two and a half months away from the roommate.
• I am, however, excited to spend six whole weeks with my nieces and the goddaughter.  I think I’m going to teach Bizzy to walk so that I don’t miss her first steps…
• I survived my first Chicago winter, and while the spring is slowly arriving, I am excited for the Colorado summer ahead of me, at least part of it.
• I babysit three children on a regular basis, different families – their names all started with Es.  I think E-names might be trending right now.
• I do not miss facebook, not even a little bit.
• After several conversations lately with a new friend I realized … I really miss the dance world.
• Research papers are way more fun when you’re passionate about the topics.  I’m writing one right now on the lives of John and Spencer Perkins and the Christian’s call to Racial Reconciliation.  Boo-yah.
• Friendships/Relationships are messy and sometimes they hurt like hell, but if you can make it through the pain, there’s beauty on the other side.
• Some days, coffee and music are the only things that help me survive…my own personal gifts from the Lord.