It’s quite surreal really..

The last week of school was incredibly difficult. Practically no sleep, a lot of studying and some sad goodbyes. Most of the goodbyes weren’t for good though, as I will be in the Twin Cities until the 3rd.

Right now I am in Sheldon, Wisconsin at Sheena’s house getting a taste of country living. It has been a very fun and interesting weekend thus far. Life is different here and very relaxing. However, I am content with my suburban upbringing. The country is nice, but there isn’t anything like the ice cream man, spying on your neighbors, riding your bikes everywhere, getting lost in the overcrowded public school system, and sprinklers. I bet kids in this town NEVER had to run through a sprinkler. There are lakes and rivers everywhere here.

I saw Shelly for a while on Saturday and it was awesome. ‘Nuff said.

This semester has been good. It has had its ups and downs but altogether I am pleased. I have a lot of love for the people at Bethel right now… and that is the way it should be.

I am now accepting suggestions for good summer reading materials.

And yes, I have read Travelling Mercies and Blue Like Jazz.

Something theological, witty, poignant, challenging or downright controversial would be welcomed. Inspirational or Christian Fiction.. not so much..

I have learned the secret of being content.

Even if it was just for a day.. atleast I felt what it was like.

Pat Robertson said that the Lord told him storms will hit the US coastlines this year.

In other news, God has told me tornadoes will develop in the Midwest this summer and fall.

Not really, I am just being facetious.

What else do you have for us, Mr. Robertson? Surely another push for an assassination is due. Or maybe I should start being suspicious of my liberal professors? How about you name another city in America that won’t recieve help from God during a natural disaster?

Liberals can trash Christianity all they want, it doesn’t bother me. I just have a real problem when right wing conservatives bring trash to Christianity in God’s name.

Maybe college is making me more liberal after all.

You should all be encouraged to know that Jesus out-ranks Satan in Google searches worldwide: Check it out! Sadly, Google out-ranks God in Google searches as seen here.

Perhaps the most intriguing comparison can be found here. I’m not 20 yet, so I can still do immature things like that.

Boy oh boy the year is winding down very quickly! The last 2 days have been absolute chaos, but I got through it and I can take a short breather before finals begin on monday.

I am certainly not ready for this year to be over. I have really, really enjoyed this semester. School has been far less stressful, new friends have been amazing, and God has really been moving. This summer, I will honestly miss my life here at Bethel and I am so thankful for the people who have made this year what it has been. RIOT ends on Wednesday and words cannot express what those girls mean to me and how much I will miss having such a role in their life. The friendships that have blossomed from my trip to “Foley” have drastically improved my quality of life. God answered my prayer for an adventurous friend when he brought Sheena into my life (though it was a very unconventional way), and her new friendship has completely rocked my socks. My roommates (and C-Dawg) have been a wonderful support and I will walk away with some very fond memories of some very hilarious moments in 412. And I guess it is worth mentioning the various boys I’ve encountered this year… Well, it has certainly been an interesting experience. Some deceit, some mongo crushes, some disappointments, some crying in market to C-dawg, and some duds… it was a learning experience.

Though there is sadness for the end of a wonderful semester, there is much excitement for the summer and the semester to come. I am very much looking forward to a break from school and some good times with a modified version of the Children of the Noble Task. I will also be training for the 1/2 marathon again and probably working 2 jobs. I kinda want to get involved with some youth ministry, if possible.
I am almost certain next year will be a very, very hard year. I will begin my work in the Nursing Program, start my ministry as a freshman RA, and continue my work as a TA. I really need to start preparing my heart for next year. Being an RA will be incredibly difficult, but I know God will show up. I fear I will struggle with lonliness and balance. I try to be everything for everyone and that just won’t be possible next year or ever. God really needs to provide all my strength and I need Him to direct my relationships (with the girls on the floor and with friends) down a healthy path.

Okay, I’m off to read the DaVinci code before Friday. If you have any thoughts on this semester, leave me a comment. I am interested to hear what you have learned.