Half birthdays. This is a concept that I learned about while being in college. There is really no point to it, just another reason to get together and celebrate with people you love. Your half birthday is exactly what is says, the midway point between your birthdays. When you can actually add that I am __ and a half years old. For example your birthday is July 4th your half birthday is January 4th. And today just happens to be my half birthday. Don't worry, this post is not to make you feel bad that you didn't wish me a "Happy Half-Birthday" or send me cards, flowers or presents, but just to express what has been going through my mind the past few days.
If you have been following me from the beginning then you know that this blog was started with the thought to share what life has been like at"Mile Marker 21" (if you haven't then I suggest you go and read my blogs because they are quite good :) but at least the first one). I have slacked off the last little bit, but I will get better. But back to my point. Today is my half birthday, and let's just say it is slightly strange to think about that tomorrow I can technically say I am almost 22. But I don't want to rush things, so let's stick with 21. I survived, with a few bumps and scrapes, but I am here to tell about it. The last 6 months have been a whirlwind of a time, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
I have officially finished my first semester of my senior year! I have one semester left, until I get that coveted alumni status. What the heck?! This should not be happening! I am definitely not old enough to be graduating college. When did this happen? I am sure my parents are saying the same thing, but it is just as alarming to me as my family. Sometimes I am sure excited about the next step, and sometimes I am completely overwhelmed at what a difference life is going to be like after college. Some friends and I have been discussing what he next few months will look like, we have five months with the people we have called family and shared life with for what seems like a lifetime. How are we going to spend it? How do we deal with such a great transition? Senior year of high school you pretty much knew what the next few years would hold, and you each had a very large common ground...your hometown...to reconnect when it has been awhile. After college you don't have that. So how do you enjoy the bittersweetness of the end, and the beginning?
Over the last couple weeks, I have been looking back at the past 6 months and what the Lord has done in my life. I cannot even put into words the heaps and heaps of blessings he has poured out on me. I have been surrounded with a body of believers in community that has made the entire difference in my college career, with out these women there is no way I would be sane right now. He has put me in a new place with new friends that have encouraged me in new ways. It is beautiful. He has come over me like the waves and drowned me in his love and grace. I feel like a whole new person. I am slowly finding out who I am and who I am in Christ. It is an amazing feeling to know who you are and that you are defined by the great King of Kings. As much as I hate the thought of growing up, growing up in Christ is be far the coolest experience in the world. I am happy with where life has taking me thus far, and am anxious excited about what happens next.
To update on what has happened this semester since I haven't posted in awhile here are some highlights:
-I live in a wonderful house with 6 beautiful girls next door to a house with 6 great Godly men and the best friends a girl could have
-I have spoken several times about Haiti and what the Lord has done in small crowds as a handful of women in WMU (which I am the most proud of ..click here to find out why) and as big as Sunday morning Big Church and have had the Lord do great things because of it in me and others.
-I roadtripped to Gainesville with 35 of my friends and then to Tuscaloosa staying with a Crimson tide couple for some Tennessee football. And had the greatest time!
-Went to my first hockey game! Go Ice Bears!
-Had more Christmas parties then a person could dream of having and attending
-Ran a full 5k (Running with Hope) without stopping or walking...and after 12 years of having knee problems, pain, and missing out on fun activities this was the biggest personal accomplishment in the world! then I did it again (Jingle Bell Run) :)
-Dressed as Pocahontas for Halloween only to gain to new nick name "Runs with Squirrels" because apparently I look Native American or something
-Traveled to Huntsville for the memorial of Melissa
-Completed #48 on my list. "Stay up all night" Did it three times in one week.....finals week=no bueno
-Cooked lots of good food, laughed a lot, cried some, grew in heaps, and felt the love of many
Thanks for reading, and can't wait to share again soon about the next marker in Mile 21!
