Freshman/Out-of-State Blog

Hi everyone,

     I fly back to Oregon tomorrow! I am so excited to go home... I miss the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Cascade Mountains and the verdant Oregon forests. I miss the seaside cliffs along the coast and the beautiful Willamette Valley vineyards. I also love the city of Portland! It is so contemporary and has a dynamic culture... rich in visual and performing arts.

     My goodness, this semester went by fast! Living away from home has been a great experience... freedom!!! I made wonderful friends that I will know for my entire life and alot of funny memories. My faith in the Lord had grown during this past fall at Judson College. I realize that even in an unfamiliar place I do not have to worry because the Lord's love never leaves or changes.

     Today is December 28, 2009. My entire family and I spent Christmas at my Aunt and Uncles home in California. Memories were made and blessings were shared. I loved seeing everyone! My life experience during these past five months can be summed up in four words... unique, significant, extraordinary and challenging. At times, I feel slightly ambivalent toward the challenging life experiences, but with all good things, there are uncertain times. I have to remember that the Lord has a plan for my life and if I trust Him, I will accomplish great things.

"Time erodes all such beauty, but what it cannot diminish is the wonderful workings of your mind... your humor, your kindness and your moral courage."  - Louisa May Alcott

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.  - Psalm 37:4

"Glorious, clear daughter of mountain pastures. Statuesque within nature, you're beautiful."        - Simon Gregorcic  ~Soca River in Bovec, Slovenia~           

Hello,

     Thanksgiving was lovely. I had such a splendid time with my family! Thursday morning, we all made our way over to my Grandparents home. Grandma Shirley cooked a great dinner! Earlier in the week, Danielle and I made pies for Thanksgiving and thankfully they all turned out really good! We got the recipes online from the Paula Deen website. The Pecan Pie and Apple Pie were yummy. It was wonderful sitting at the table listening to all the funny stories being told and talking with everyone. Later, I got to look through some old picture albums and I realized what a blessing it was to be with my family in Tennessee.

     Last Friday night was fun! I went to Tuscaloosa with friends and met up with students at the University of Alabama. It was a little too late to go bowling so we all went to IHOP. My lovely friend Amanda Nolander and I split some scrumptious strawberry pancakes... yum! So, as you know Judson is all about traditions and I really love being a part of them! The most special tradition as a freshman is getting to choose someone from the sophomore class to be your Big Sister! Amanda Nolander is my Big Sister and I am her Little Sister! Even after college is over, Amanda and I will always be sisters!

     Finals are coming!! Run for your lives!! This week is going to be a little busier than normal. I cannot believe there is only one more week of school before I travel home for the Christmas break! I am so excited to see my family and friends! They are so supportive and I am thankful for all their encouragement. Oh! I kind of have some sad news... Charlie, the sweet Labrador I found, wasn't at Judson when I came back from Thanksgiving. I was disappointed, but hopefully, he was found by a nice family:) Well, I need to study for my Art Appreciation final. Talk to you later!

"Nobody trips over mountains.  It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain." 

                                                                             ~Author Unknown

     Thanksgiving is almost here!! I traveled up to Tennessee on Friday with my friend Anita and arrived in Chattanooga around six o'clock. After my Aunt Leanne and my cousin Katie picked me up, we all drove to their beautiful home in Cleveland. Everyone was waiting for me when I walked through the door. The last time I had seen anyone was about six years ago. Uncle Randy still has a moustache! Aunt Leanne cooked a great dinner and I had a really good time talking and listening to everyone. My dear cousin Danielle is married and has a beautiful baby boy, Kaiden.    

     I desperately needed some time away from the college!! I was delighted to hear that I was staying in the guest room. It is going to be so wonderfully wonderful to have my own room these next nine days...Hallelujah!! I am so thankful the Lord brought me to Judson! Oregon is a long way from Tennessee and going to college in Alabama has given me the opportunity to spend time with family inTennessee.

     The weekend was lots of fun! On Saturday, Danielle and I went to the theater and watched New Moon!! I had such a great time with Danielle and the movie was awesome! Sunday morning, we all went to church at Westwood Baptist. I felt right at home because it reminded me a lot of my church back in Oregon. Later that day, I went over to my Papa Joe and Grandma Shirley's home. Grandma made chocolate chip cookies and the world's best peanut brittle. I loved spending time with my Grandparents!

     Today, Katie and I went to the movies. The Blind Side was really good and we had a fun time together! When we got home, Aunt Leanne cooked another great dinner and later we all watched The Proposal. I am so thankful to be with my family during this Thanksgiving break! I read a quote today that pretty much sums it all up... "The love of family is life's greatest blessing." Well, tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I can't wait to see everyone! Untill next time...

     This past weekend was typical and much like the other weekends I've experienced in Marion, Alabama. I had a fun time at the bonfire Friday night! We roasted marsh mellows and drank hot chocolate... yum! A group of us went to the cemetery! Paranormal activity has been reported in the past, but unfortunately we didn't see anything creepy that night. Later on (12 o'clock midnight) we girls made our way back to the dorm with absolutely no intention of going to sleep. My suitemates and I played board games and laughed... very loudly!

     On Saturday morning, I got up early and helped out at the IHSA horse show. Judson College was hosting the event and I was put in charge of capturing the occasion via camcorder. Oh! Very funny story... so on Tuesday I was on my way to the Jewett building for Judson's Next Top Model... I was asked to be a judge. Fearing the probability of being late, I quickly flew through the front doors of the dorm and nearly ran over the cutest dog I've ever seen! "Charlie" is such a sweetheart! He is a black Labrador and very loyal. He follows me around campus and waits outside for me until class is over. I am really sad that I have to leave him all alone during the Thanksgiving break. I am planning on filling a big bowl with dog food... hopefully Charlie will survive! I am praying that he doesn't run off during the break because I really want to keep him!

     I am so excited to be spending the Thanksgiving break with family in Tennessee! But before I start thinking about the holidays, I need to stay focused on this present week. My history paper is due and I need to work at least seven hours out at the barn or I am going to be in trouble. My classes are okay... I am looking forward to next semester. A new class schedule is much needed at this point! Well, talk to you later.