I LOVE WINTER...sometimes.

Oh my. Is it December already?! That's insane! Seriously. I can't believe it. It really feels like it was yesterday when I graduated high school. But it was, like, 6 months ago. WHAT?! I feel like time is seriously flying by and getting away from me. I just want it to slow down a little bit.

But, that's not what I wanted to blog about. I wanted to talk about the fact that it snowed today! Ahhh. I LOVE the snow. It just holds so many happy memories for me, as a kid.

Being pulled behind a big church van on a sled in an icy parking lot one night...sledding the one Christmas I can remember having snow on with my dad and brother, sledding with my brother and friend on a tube that you use for tubing in the lake. Playing in the snow every day for a week when I lived across the street from one of my best friends in middle school.

There are just so many things that I associate with snow, that don't even necessarily have to do with snow. Christmas, my mom's hot chocolate, and so many other things. For me, snow is the proof that it's the holiday season. It's the proof that Christmas is coming soon. Snow makes everything look fresh and new. It makes the world look brighter, even if there's no sunshine. I just really love the snow.

And, today it didn't really "snow" all that much, it was more ice. But it was white, and the ground is white so I'm making an executive decision...it counts. Today was a snow day.

Ok, I realize that I just rambled on about how awesome the snow is. But, today has just put me in a really good mood. Not only because of the snow but also because we got to come home early, and that meant that I got to take care of some things that I wanted to take care of without it being rushed or stressful. (Including but not limited to cleaning my room.)

Ok, that's all.

so, it's done...

So, tonight we filled out these lists saying where we'd like to go and who we'd like to go with. I'll be honest...I've been saying all along that I'm not worried about it, because God has my team and field already picked out. And that was true, to a certain point...

But honestly, deep down, I've been freaking out. I know, on a logical level that God already has this figured out and it doesn't matter what I want, but it's ok. Tonight was a relief for me, because I feel like I have officially relinquished any kind of control I had, and it's all in God's hands. It's a cool, but also scary feeling.

I know the time that lies between now and when we find out is going to really be a challenge for me, and it's going to stretch me and cause me to really "practice what I preach" and truly walk by faith.

Soooo, yeah. Short blog post, but I just wanted to write about this because it was such a big deal.

Also, I just wanted to add in this picture of me from Wal Mart the other night. I have a hurt foot, so walking has been really rough for me. So, I got a wheelchair from Wal Mart. Yes, I acted like I was a thug. Yes, I'm 18 years old and should be more mature. I know, OK? ;)

So it's been awhile...

Oh my goodness. It has been sooo long since I blogged! Well, it hasn't really been that long, but it feels like it's been about a year. Time moves fast and slow here all at once, which leaves me equally surprised and relieved every time Friday comes. But I wouldn't trade any of the experiences and friendships I'm making...no matter how much sleep someone was offering me! ;)

This experience has already been a crazy ride! It's been a blast and totally challenging all at once, and I wouldn't change anything about it. I feel like a better version of myself here...more comfortable in my own skin than I ever have before. But, just so I don't get all sappy, I'm gonna move on.

Classes have been nuts. Every morning, I go into my classes and in the afternoon I leave with my mind completely blown. My favorite class is most definitely my Life of Christ class. While all of my classes are interesting, and I like them, I especially like this one.  It's taught by Pat, who is the assistant director of AIM. He's one of the most incredible Bible teachers I've ever had. I always feel like Jesus is in the room with us whenever he teaches. It's crazy. I feel myself growing so much as a Christian.

I've made so many new friends since I got here. Friends that I feel like I'll be friends with for the rest of my life. And I'm so glad. I love all my friends in AYG and stuff, but the relationships I'm building here are so incredible. I'm just so so so happy. It's the best feeling.

Ok, this has been really short and all over the place, but I don't really care. I've got to pack for our first trip, which we leave for tomorrow! It's a retreat with just our class. Mountain View here I come! ;)