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Barge Hall the oldest building on Campus
Happy Fall Y'all! I am missing my beautiful little town in Latah this season, but I gotta say my first fall on campus has been stunning. I will never get over how amazing fall colors look against the
brick. We have been blessed with amazing, crisp, clear days. It makes walking to classes an absolute joy.
It's hard to believe where the time has gone. I have been here over a month, mid-terms have come and gone, and Thanksgiving break is only a few short weeks away. In all of this hustle and bustle, it is easy to get caught up in the next to-do list. What homework needs to be done or what chores need to be finished. Did I talk with that advisor? When is that meeting again? It's life we all have our schedules. I am trying hard to make it a point to stop and thank God for what He is doing in my life...right now. Because He is and has done a LOT. I have a tendency to go to Him when I need or want something, not always in the little things. My goal this fall has been to pursue a deep relationship with Him. Where I can totally let go and let Him guide every step of my life. I'm not there yet, but with His guidance, I will grow closer to Him in this adventure of life. Which brings me to the main point of this post. An update on what's been happening since I moved in September. 
 Living on my own has been a wonderful adventure of learning how to REALLY manage a budget, navigate a bus system, take ownership of my life, learn to vote, meet deadlines without reminders and making sure I remember to eat. When things are going well, I tend to give myself a lot of the credit.
I got a pumpkin her name is
Penelope 
Like saying "Man, I handled that really well! I carried those groceries on my bike without falling over." When the truth is I didn't do it alone.  I serve an amazing God who put a multitude of plans into action so I would be taken care of when I moved to Central. 
This last month has been full of ups and downs. Mostly ups, but nothings perfect. I can honestly say I have felt God be apart of it, guiding me through each step. He has connected me to a wonderful church called Mercer Creek. Where I now attend a weekly service, serve in the nursery, and I am apart of a college program called S.A.L.T. Every Tuesday night young men and women gather to grow in Christ and worship Him. My first night going I was awe-struck at what I was seeing. The power that filled the room was indescribable. Through this college program, I have connected with a small group. A couple has opened their home to 7-10 college students, bless us with dinner and then we have a discussion on Sunday evenings. Let me set this up,  I just randomly signed up for after S.A.L.T one night for this small group because one, it was on Sundays and 2 and this one is a really lame reason. They served dinner. However, despite my reasons God directed my randomness and it has been an amazing fit. I love spending time with these people and getting to know them.
Music Girl, Redwood, Origami Man and Me!
On top of all this, I have met people I call my  "Beck" family.We met at the welcome weekend and have formed a wonderful friendship. We are constantly getting meals together, hanging out watching movies, helping with homework or just making sure we are all ok.
 Last weekend we all went to Huffman Farms, ten minutes out of town and picked pumpkins, drank apple cider, played jumbo Jenga, and chased each other with wheelbarrows. The memories and laughter were incredible we had such a fun time enjoying fall.
While I am learning life on my own, I will say no matter how I feel sometimes, I am NOT alone. My family is still the amazing support system they have always been. Texting me and talking with me on the phone. Sending lovely care packages with the "good" mac-n-cheese. Visiting me twice since I've moved to make the transition easier. Just generally doing all they can to help me. I love them and feel incredibly lucky to have them as family.
Coffee and Books what more
could a Girl want 
At times it's hard to believe I really am at college pursuing my dream career and meeting these amazingly talented people. I don't want to give the wrong impression, its not always sunshine, perfect days. Sometimes stuff happens and I wonder if I am doing the right thing or I get bogged done with the world around me. However, I really believe I am where I am supposed to be. Central will have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Education in the winter, which I can apply for Sophomore year and the dance program continues to grow. God has gone before me in this journey and He continues to do so.
 One verse that has been floating through my head as I navigate life and wonder what I am doing is...

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" 
                                                                            Psalm 37.4

 Anyway, that's my fall update here from Central. Just thought I should let you all know I haven't died. Hope you are enjoying the fall colors!


Comments

  1. UnknownOctober 30, 2017 at 11:48 AM

    Love it,Erika! So happy you are allowing us to share the journey with you! 😙

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownNovember 4, 2017 at 8:57 AM

    I love you Erika! You are a beautiful woman and God loves you. HE is right next to you always. Following your dreams is pursuing the talents that the Lord has blessed you with, and He has blessed you with many. We are proud of you. Let me know when it's "Aunt Week" on campus! LOL. [Hugs]

    ReplyDelete

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