Le fin

Okay let me just make sure we have this straight: the title of this post is not like the fin on a fish, it's French for the end and it's pronounced kind of like the word fun without the "n" sound.  I guess it's more of an appropriate thing to say for someone graduating college, but I'm halfway done and it feels like a pretty big accomplishment.  I am a JUNIOR in college. Holy cow.  (Let me just express my excitement for a moment here AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! AAAAAAHHHHHHHH)  I can't even believe that I'm halfway done with college right now.  It has flown by.

This has been quite the semester.  Quite the year.  I have learned so much, and it was such a blessing to spend my year befriending and loving the freshmen on my floor, while rooming with my wonderful friend and kindred spirit Stephanie.  I made it through persisting sickness to do well in all my classes (with the strength of God!).  I discovered the value of silence and centering conversation on others (blog post on this to follow in the near future).  I experienced urban ministry in Detroit and heard about the hardships that people endure far too frequently.  I got a crash course theatre production while working as assistant stage manager for Bye Bye Birdie, and sang my way through Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York on choir tour (including NYC and Niagara falls! so cool.).  I survived (and LOVED) a year of organic chemistry.  I learned a Debussy piece on the piano (Fille aux cheveux de lin, or Girl with the flaxen hair).  I successfully applied to several jobs, and I can't wait to start work at a Christian conference center this summer.  I made many sweet friendships.  I managed to pack enough clothes for 9 months in a suitcase, a carryon, and a backpack (with an unfortunate coat mishap).  I leaned on God when I couldn't do it myself (like, all the time. let's be real.).

Right now I am snuggling with a denim comforter from my friend's college years, and enjoying its smell of basement/closet.  I happen to love that smell, for the record.  Unless it's musty and nasty.  I'm listening to Selah, and thinking about the great friends I left behind at school.  It will be weird to be gone so long, but I am super excited for the things in store for me this summer.  Tomorrow afternoon I fly home to see my family.  It has been about 4 and a half months since we've seen each other in person.  It will be a good reunion :) I'm falling asleep and I can't think of anything more to say so I am signing out for the night.  More soon.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise him all creatures here below.  Praise him above ye heavenly hosts, praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.