A Fantatic Friday!

I am back at Harding! This week has been hard in multiple ways, but very healing. Two people I know have passed to go be with God. Mr. Bosco has been a good influence to me and many others, I always remember him from when I was little at church. I have never said this to anyone, but I really look to the relationship he and his wife had as an example to me that I would like to reflect. Also a cousin passed away from a fight with cancer. Shawna seemed like such a joy to all that knew her, unfortunately I did not know her as well due to age and distance (they lived in Kansas City). But I have confidence where they are now, and that's a beautiful thing. It has gotten me thinking about a lot of many things. God's peace, His love, and the place He has for us in heaven. And I think importantly giving it all to God: "I surrender all to you, all to you." This is part of a song that I have heard before by this random youtube guy that sings praise and worship song. I found him a few years ago and kind of forgot about him in the past year. I'm glad I thought of him again!

Other news. I broke down on my way to Harding, just minor car troubles. A fantastic couple helped me! And Kayla passed by and helped me by following me the rest of the way to Searcy! A double blessing. Classes and homework is going well, not too much to do this weekend!! I made a paperbag puppet with Tyler, I was glad to be spontaneous once again. I am uplifted to see all my friends again. It just has been awesome. This week of chapel was amazing for me, we just read Mark. God spoke to me in many ways; of which I would love to discuss, but I do have class soon! But all is well!

Where my Heart Lives

I am home in Rolla! I pulled in early evening on Friday, I missed home very much. The drive from campus was spectacular. I sang (loudly) basically the whole way, and then I prayed. Turning off music and literally talking aloud to God is one of my favorite things about the drive. I really keep on track and am thinking as I go along about what to say next. I feel joy, the true God-given joy that goes beyond comprehension sometimes for me. Before I came home I did make a stop, and Emily and Jeremy's house. That nephew of mine came running and laughing. Again I felt and saw joy from seeing people that I care and love so deeply. God's love has changed my view and the way I love the past couple of week, really days. It's an overwhelming love. I felt it again when I got home to my parents. I was tired by the end of the night (well it was not yet 10 when I made it to my bed). I'm glad for spring break. I'm so on fire and on a spiritual high that I get to see what I do with it while I'm at home. So far it's a lot of talking, really talking with people! My best friend put up with me for a night and we got to talk some. It is a great thing.

But at the same time I miss people. Everyone at Harding! I know it is ridiculous, it has been two days! Break is only a week so it will fly by and I'll be back with all those lovely people that have challenged me, loved me, and have encouraged me in my walk with God. I just hope that they all have a fantastic time as well, and we will meet again soon. So I am happy to be home, my heart is torn, and I'm okay with this. My love is spread everywhere now. From the best friend Tyler that is in New York (please stay safe), Azel who is all the way in Italy, to even Kayla whose only 15 miles away. And who is newly engaged to Joshua!!
Anyways, I'm just saying there is a lot of conflicting emotions for break, but I welcome it gladly.

You're Gonna Need a Bigger Boat

***Mom: Yes I did make a Jaws reference, be proud, you raised a good daughter. I refer to this because it has been raining like crazy for the past couple of hours.
I again send deepest regrets. I have avoided updates on this blog for some time now. Some of you guys have been nagging me about it. So I have decided to stop being apathetic and update! I have only three days left of school before I will be driving home! I cannot believe how fast this semester has flown by. It makes me think of my Grandma Dorothy how always said, "The years fly, but it seems the days go slow." During the days it seems time just inches by, but now that I think about it, I've been here for 9 weeks! Again, I just am in denial that it has been that long. School has been challenging but still very good. Over break I have to do some homework, including shadowing a nurse at the PCRMC for a day. As you all can guess, I'm excited for this. My nursing professor also spoke with me individually about shadowing at a cancer clinic in a nearby town close to Searcy. We shall see what happens. My friends are all well, and it's kind of funny how much I will miss them over break. It's just one week, but that tells you of the bonds I have made. I think of one of my favorite songs....
1. Blessed be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like that to that above.

2. Before our Father's throne
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one
Our comforts and our cares.

3. We share each other's woes,
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.

4. When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again

It is a comforting thought to have such close relationships with people. But don't worry, I do deeply miss all of my Rolla family. The WINGS conference was two weekends ago. I was thrilled to see the group of ladies (and of course George) for that brief amount of time. It did my heart good.

**Just a disclaimer for all of the Rolla people. I will be home ALL week next week, so give me a call and I'm sure I should be able to visit with you all!

Spring Sing practice is fantastic, we are almost completely done learning all the dances to all the numbers. I hope some of you can make it, it will be worth you're time.

Other exciting things I have done recently....

I had the utmost priviledge to watch the Wind Ensemble perform last week, I loved it. Music is amazing.

Two of my friends had birthdays this past weekend. It was a fun and silly time celebrating Bailee and Megan's birthdays. Too many memories!

Yesterday in my nursing class I got to tour the Skills Lab. It's set up as a simulation clinic and hospital ward. The experience was interesting, I got to practice my CNA skills and assess a "patient", a manequin. But it was a simulated dummy that had programming that would give you feedback. I did not know this, and after I introduced myself this dummy started coughing loudly! I was rather confused and (naturally) preceeded to laugh loudly!

I'm still trying to imagine what is going to happen with nursing school and thereafter. It's a beautiful mystery where God will put me.

As always, some updates with pictures!

Spring Sing (we're trying to stage ourselves) emphasis on trying!

Candid Shot!

We normally warm up with awesome games! We did chair races that night!

I can never take a normal photo!

Julie with her new hair color, and Tyler with his new haircut!

Look Jenna there are other people that aspire to be trekkies!