Saturday, January 4, 2014

2013 in review

Part of me wanted to do this post in pictures, but really the only pictures on my phone are funny conversations I've taken screen-shots of, embarrassing selfies my roommates have sent me, and a wide array of Kyle Field shots taken at football games. As telling as those are, my year hasn't been totally dominated by texting (though my mom might beg to differ), selfies, and football.

This year was a good year.

While my blogging hasn't been consistent, it's captured the major moments of the year. Impact counselor round two, this year more of a leader within the camp than a "Oh wow I'm actually here" deal. Miraculously, Netflix continued to be a positive influence on my GPA. I traveled to London with an English class. I changed churches in College Station. I worked in my church's youth ministry back home over the summer and cranked out 8 hours of Spanish. My roommates and I migrated from our three room apartment to a three bedroom house down the street from campus. We like it a lot more than the apartment, but have had our fair share of calling the leasing agency to fix things. I even rode my bike to class for a few weeks. Huzzah. Impact retreat was pretty picture-perfect. My girls are amazing and two of my closest friends. I wrote for the school paper. Impact leadership applications came out and for some weird reason, I was put in charge of a camp.

And now 2014 is 4 days old, and I'm onto semester 6 of 8 in my college career.

Weird.

There are a few people who deserve major shout-outs for this year. Only the first is in a particular order.

The first is Jesus. Duh. Being thrown into situations where His trust was my only thing to hold, His patience was the only thing I had, or His joy was my only strength grew me exponentially this year. I have a long road ahead of me still, but progress/change is good and encouraging. And I have no doubt that everything I faced this past year will be something be challenges that are thrown at me in 2014. Like the last 5 semesters, I don't see the growth until I look back and have to close my gaping mouth. His faithfulness is something I'll never get used to.

The second is going to go to my family. My brother came down to school at Blinn, so we ran into each other on a weekly basis (and normally ended with me buying him food). So huzzah to that. My sister has successfully found her life's ambition--being a special education teacher (it fits her beautifully--like I've never known anyone to have a job so designed for them). My mom is hilarious and supportive as ever. I always know when she's bored because she'll call me and talk 90% of the time we're on the phone--her New Year's resolution is to let my dad talk more. My dad is someone I'm still continually figuring out and appreciating more as I do. He is a creature of habit and a peaceful presence to our family.

The third is a group of people--my roommates. Rachel, Myles, and Joy were a huge factor in my growth and success this year. Just being around them has helped me to see what Godly love looks like because they love me. They are truly friends I plan to keep for the rest of my life. And even when I land on Rachel's leg trying to get out of bed or accidentally scare Myles or lay on Joy's bed and word vomit all my woes, I am confident in the fact that the four of us were put together for a reason. We live together well and we love each other despite all of our differences and struggles.

Lastly is a general shout-out to all the friends I've grown closer to this year. Thanks for being a friend.

2014 is going to be a busy, chaotic, fantastic year. I've been prepared as much as I can be, but I know there will be many times where I'll need Christ, my family, and my friends to carry me through. I'm ready to trust and to put what I've been taught into practice.

So here we go.