Tough, but rewarding

I honestly feel like the words that I'm beginning to type will not do justice to the subject: My sophomore year at Friends University.

Last thing I knew, it was CORE week for campus ministries. I was spending sweet fellowship time with people I felt like I had just began to get to know. Some great and challenging things happened that week, but they lead right into RA training. Seth Oldham, 18 years old, weighing in at 155 lbs and standing 5'9" would be paired with guys all over 6' and most well over the 220 lb mark, some even in the 300 lb range. Why in the world would they respect me? I'm younger, smaller and less assertive. Needless to say, I was FREAKING out about how I would control my neighborhood. Despite my fears and hesitations, I was blessed with phenomenal room mates, awesome co-workers, and the greatest boss I could've been given.

August was jam packed with Residence life events, and the fall semester proved to be the toughest semester academically of my life. It was incredibly difficult and hectic. I remember looking at my planner for the two weeks before finals and literally being unable to write anything else on the pages. But, with the help and comfort of the Father, I trucked through.


I made leaps and bounds spiritually as well. My faith was stretched and tried by one resident in particular, one whom I prayed for frequently and prayed that the spirit would work in his life. The first time that I ever shared my faith with anyone was with Alex, my very dear friend. I cannot begin to express what I felt afterwards. I felt like a true servant and proponent of the Kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit definitely spoke through me that night, brining to my mind several scripture references that I hadn't studied in years. Christ humbled me that night, and show me the joy can come through sharing my faith.

Fall semester also included my very first half marathon and a New Testament Survey class, where I met one of the most amazing men and preachers I have ever met: Philip Wood. Philip challenged the class daily with short and inspirational devotions. He is such a man after God's heart and is SO led by the Spirit. Its inspiring. Philip mentioned in passing once that I should start a Bible study, which I belive was God's way of instilling that desire in my heart. One that he would carry into completion in the Spring semester.

Spring rolled in, and incredible things kept happening. Mancave, a men's bible study held in my room, started meeting every wednesday evening. The first week, I over prepared and planned to go through an entire chapter. After a glance at the clock an hour and a half later, we had only managed to wrestle over 11 verses. God taught the group a lot through The Sermon on the Mount, and taught me a lot about genuine friendship through the guys in that study. My room mate's and I got closer, I made new friends, and deepened the frienships that I already had. God spoke through me on several occaisions, bringing scripture and words to the front of my mind that I hadn't studied in years. He always fills me with the words to say exactly when I need them. Through this study, I saw at least 3 men turn and run to Jesus. I cannot think of a better investment of time!

Now, summer is here. I'm leaving for Cancun in less than 48 hours. Its incredible. I feel like I just signed up for the trip and got approval from my parents. This year flew by, and I know that this summer will too. I covet your prayers for my trip this summer: for safe travels, wise decisions, open eyes, ears and heart, and a Christ-like attitude in every situation. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me and gotten me through this tough, but rewarding year. God has truly taught me what friendship is, and for that, I praise Him wholeheartedly.

*I'll try to update a couple times while im in Cancun!*