So I have arrived at the end of summer with only one week left of work before I head back home to Indiana. This summer has been a great experience and I have learned a lot about living on my own and taking care of expenses. This is my first time that I have had to actually buy my own food, pay for housing expenses, among other things. It’s been fun though, traveling a little, getting to meet lots of people, and living on the coast.
My spiritual side has been a roller coaster this summer, as I found it hard to get into the word and into a routine prayer life. When at school I’m constantly challenged by my friends to stay strong in my faith. Its also easier being at a Christian University where it is much easier to discuss issues with faith and it is somewhat expected.
But through all the struggles, I have become stronger. In order to grow we have to experience some struggles. I have learned how God uses things to bring us back to fully trusting Him. It’s been a good experience to learning how to challenge myself to stay close to God and not rely so much on friends to keep me close to God.
It’s been great getting to talk with so many people though. I have had many great conversations with people. It’s also been fun getting to know the guys that I work with. Working with each other for 4 months, I have been able to develop some good relationships with guys and now I have connections all over the country, which is always good.
But my next semester has been changed so many times throughout the summer. As many of you know I was planning on attending Focus on the Family Institute next semester. I missed a meeting in the spring for study abroad students so I was not able to attend. At first I was angry with IWU and extremely disappointed with not being able to attend. Now though, I’m so excited to be back at IWU. God knows what He is doing and I think I will get so much more out of it next year. I’m so excited for all that God has planned this next semester. I even got into the lodges after everything, which is exciting.
Going to Costa Rica was such a good experience for me. Through this experience I have felt that God is calling me overseas. I do not know if this call is for a lifetime or just for a year or two, but I have felt called to overseas missions. We’ll see where this call leads and boy am I excited to see what God has in store for me over this semester. Through all the things that have happened regarding this next semester, I know God has big things in store for me.
So I thank all of you for your many prayers and your support over the summer. All of you have meant so much to me and have all been a big part of my growth over the past year. To those of you that presented challenges to me and letters of encouragement, thank you so much. It’s been such a great experience, but I’m ready to see you all again. Until then, take care!!
