Endings and Beginnings

Wow. Tomorrow I graduate from MSSU. It's hard to believe it's already here! Practically everyone has moved out of the dorms, so it's really quiet. Although it hasn't quite hit me yet - that I'm graduating, that I won't be back for another semester, that I'm done with college - I'm starting to get this bittersweet feeling. My time here has been great! I've made wonderful friends and memories! It's sad to say goodbye to the college life I have known these past two years. The 'real world' awaits me. Yet, I'm not sure when I'll enter into it...this summer will definitely not be it. I will be traveling (within the U.S. for a change), living at home, and working at my grandparents' business. I still don't know what I will be doing in the fall. I'm totally trusting God with my future. Today was my last day at work, and it went better than I thought it would. Monday I'm going to Florida for a week to spend time with one of my best friends from high school! This summer, I have a feeling, like most summers, is going to be busy: traveling, working, finishing my England scrapbook, cleaning and having a garage sale, hopefully volunteering somewhere regularly, spending time with friends, family, and my boyfriend, working at the Spanish Village Summer Camp, and what ever else comes up! I'm excited though! It's like someone recently told me, I'm finishing one chapter of my life and turning to a blank page to begin the next chapter...anything is possible! As I begin this next chapter, the only thing I know for sure is that God will be the central theme and I'm letting Him guide my hand as I write.....

Less Than Six Weeks!!

This semester is going by so quickly! I suppose mainly because it's been very busy - with work, homework galore, club and campus activities, and spending time with my friends and boyfriend. It's hard to believe that I will be graduating on May 16, but I am definitely ready! Despite being so busy, life is wonderful. Each day that passes is better than before, with more knowledge and excitement for the future. I am learning that it is absolutely vital to begin each day with God in reading and studying His word and communicating with Him through prayer. God has blessed me with incredible friends to hold me accountable and to spur my spiritual growth. My post-graduation plans are still works in process, yet I am not worried as I know my future is in God's hands. I am planning a few summer trips, specifically to Florida to visit one of my high school friends, to California for PBL (collegiate version of FBLA) Nationals, and hopefully to Washington, D.C. with a friend who studied in England with me. I have not yet been to Florida or California, so I'm excited to see more of the states before I continue my international travels. Two-on-two sand volleyball intramurals are just around the corner at my university; I'm ready to play some volleyball again! Until next time....

Over One Month Later....

Wow!! Life has indeed been busy! I've finally become accustomed to life in the U.S. again and have gotten into the swing of my last semester, dividing my time between friends, school, and work. I just found out that I will not be going to El Salvador for a mission trip over Spring Break, which is a little disheartening, but I know God must have other plans! Speaking of plans, I'm in the process of figuring out what I want to do after graduation. There are so many options, so many places to go! Right now I'm looking into volunteer and mission work, preferably in a Spanish-speaking country. I truly love the Spanish language and love being immersed! It's become one of those things I didn't realize I missed until it was gone... Thankfully, I have a Spanish conversation class and Spanish tutoring time to speak and listen, but I wish I had more time to simply read the Spanish books I have sitting in my room!

Here are a few culture notes from Chile:
-The typical greeting consists of placing right cheeks together and *kiss.* Guys and girls greet in this manner, although sometimes guys who don't know each other as well will shake hands.
-The former being stated, Chileans have a much smaller personal space.
-Time is a lot more relaxed, and many use the 24 hour clock.
-It is bad table manners to eat with one hand in your lap/under the table.
-Family is very important. Many students live at home through their university years.
-There are five meals each day: desayuno, colación, almuerzo, once & cena.

Welcoming Comments

Hello Everyone! And welcome to my blog. This is my first blog, so bear with me….and my probable randomness. I am beginning my last semester as a senior at university, so it’s an exciting time of my life with a lot of unknowns. I recently returned from a semester of studying abroad in Santiago, Chile. As with my previous study abroad experience in Canterbury, England in 2006, I learned a lot about other cultures as well as myself. There were many moments I loved, and some that could have been foregone. But I wouldn’t have traded the whole experience for much of anything! I will use my blog as most do, but I will also be sharing stories from my travels and providing some useful travel tips. I hope you enjoy!