12.17.2014

Conquering Mountains

As of yesterday at approximately 11:05 a.m., my first semester as a college student at Bethel University is complete + in the books. I knocked 17 credits out of the way although the process was long, laboring, and at times quite bleak. I have so much to say and recap that I simply don't know where to begin. What I want to document most and never forget is that (as always) God has been faithful to me and has blessed me with immeasurably more than I could ever think or imagine. From studies to health to friendships to growth in my faith, so much has changed about my life...and oh how grateful I am that it has.


When I moved into my dorm this past August, I had no idea what I was in for - good, bad, ugly, (or sometimes) something in between. I didn't know what an actual mental breakdown during a stressful week felt like. I didn't know how much funnier everything seriously gets at 2 in the morning when your roommate turns an old t-shirt into a do rag and starts running rampant through the halls. I had no idea how much I'd miss my mom's cooking. I had no clue how much I'd miss my best friend leaving for school in Missouri. I couldn't have imagined becoming insanely close with so many of the girls on my floor. I didn't anticipate I'd be having hip surgery today. Heck, during midterms and finals, I wasn't even sure I'd survive.

But, I learned. I experienced. Firsthand and often brutally, I would say. There were times I thrived and there were times I fell apart but no matter what circumstances I found myself faced with, I could look to my left and to my right - in front of and behind me - and find myself surrounded by people who love and support me fiercely.


Jordyn, whom I formed a deep connection with before we even moved in. A lover and an encourager and the best hugger ever, I might add. My Maddie, my hilarious and altogether beautiful roommate who gives the best advice with the most gracious heart and can make me belly laugh no matter how my day has been. Carrie, a deep, sensitive, and understanding soul with the most amazing gift for listening and saying all the right things at all the right times. Paige, an energizer and supporter who goes out of her way to do the little things and do them well...whether it be a hello or a hug. Julia, the girl with the most beautiful smile and ability to hold people accountable. Her laugh is infectious and I desperately wish her motivation was too. ;) Amy, oh sweet Amy...who has facetimed, called, and/or texted me at ALL the hours. The selfless best friend I've been so blessed to know for all these years. My person. My people.

And that's not even all of them.


A powerful and amazing thing happens when you surround yourself with the right people - ones who support you, challenge you, and crack you up all at the same time. A 'thing' so powerful that doing so radically changes your life. Pursuing those people, being vulnerable, and learning the true value of friendship comes along with those things...and so do sweet, sweet (+often hilarious), memories.


One of my all time favorite quotes says, 
"Associate only with positive, focused people who you can learn from and who will not drain your valuable energy with uninspiring attitudes. By developing relationships with those committed to constant improvement and the pursuit of the best that life has to offer, you will have plenty of company on your path to the top of whatever mountain you seek to climb." 
And this morning, as I head into my first surgery and what already feels to be such a daunting + challenging season, I just want to document how blessed I am to have these beauties. Oh, how blessed I am to have these beauties conquering my mountains with me.

5 comments:

said...

Praying that everything goes well today! I love the love shared in this post! He definitely blessed you with an amazing support system!

said...

So well written! Praying for a very successful surgery and that you have a very quick recovery.

said...

Congratulations on making it through your first semester! So proud of you and happy for you! Good luck today!

said...

Reading that brings tears to my eyes! I miss my college days so much. The fact that your takeaway from the first semester was more than just in the classroom--that means you did it right! I was so blessed to get to spend my summer between freshman and sophomore year with a group of 50 people from my college.

said...

So proud of you sweet girl! You are moving mountains!