Visit

I went to Olivet this weekend and it was wonderful. On the flight to Illinois my plane flew by two huge thunder and lightning storms. It was incredible, like nothing I've ever seen. The lightning just kept on going, it didn't stop and I could see every bit of it. Then the next morning we got up and drove to Burbonnais, Illinois, to see Olivet. The campus was beautiful. The buildings were all brick and there was grass, trees, and walkways everywhere. Despite it being extremely hot and humid, I had a great time. I got to meet with the head of the youth ministry department which was really cool. He was so nice and friendly. I could tell that he actually cared about me. Then I met with my counselor and we talked about logistics and such which also went really well. Then we left to go to PJs Creamery for some delicious ice cream. While there the power went out because it started raining cats and dogs out of no where! It was only out for a couple of minutes though. The stormy-ness was definitely new and interesting but it really didn't bother me. I really know that God is calling me there. Even when a hint of doubt rolls into my mind, God quickly whisks it away. I know that God is behind me. And I am so STOKED!

Update

Everything with Olivet has been working out perfectly. I still get my scholarship which is definitely one of the big things that was worrying me. Everything has just been so seamless. How amazing is that? So I definitely am going to be moving to Illinois this fall! I am truly so excited about this decision and I have so much peace about it. Every once in awhile I get so hyped and giddy about it that I just want to scream! This is the right decision! And I know that it is because I know that this was completely a God decision. My faith is being strengthened and I'm loving every minute of it.

This is a big one...

Well ever since fourth grade I had decided that Point Loma Nazarene University was the one for me. I dreamed about living there. I loved the idea of being surrounded by the ocean. I loved that Amy went there. I was absolutely certain that that was going to be the school for me. So naturally it was my senior year and I was ecstatic to finally be applying to my dream school. I applied and visited for the third time. Then I waited. I got letters from all of the other schools I applied to, congratulating me on my acceptance, but still not one from Loma. Finally I got that letter over Christmas break! And I was accepted. So I naturally began to put everything into place and get everything worked out for being a PLNU student.

I was offered a huge scholarship from Olivet Nazarene University. I completely rejected it, trusting my admissions counselor from Loma assuring me that I would most likely receive more than that from Point Loma. And I did. And I was always planning on going to Point Loma, so whatever Olivet.

But God didn't let Olivet go and neither could I.

After a lot of prayer and definitely feeling God pulling me in this direction, I have decided that I will be attempting to go to Olivet this year. I say attempting because of course I still have to talk with the administration at Olivet but I am confident that God has paved the path ahead of me and it will be smooth and easy to accomplish. So tomorrow morning I will be making some big phone calls. And I will need big prayers.

Because what I am doing is a leap of complete and utter faith. There is no other way to describe it. I am following my heart because I believe that what is in there is from God and God alone.

Necessary steps to be taken to complete leap of faith:
1. Tell my parents- done
2. Call Olivet- done
3. Figure out what needs to be done- done
4. Arrange a visit- done
5. Tell Point Loma that I've changed my mind- done!
6. Make the move- done!!

Please, please, please, pray for me.
Jeremiah 29:11

Good Stuff

Well everything has been going pretty well! I've been babysitting a ton and making money. I've bought a few purchases for my dorm room. We had a really fun 4th of July party with a BBQ and swimming and of course some fireworks. For the rest of the summer, I'll be working and just spending time with the people I love. I'm excited!

Sorry this is so short!