Healed Minds Through Broken Hearts

I found the 24-7 ice-cream bin at Taylor. Also the to-go coffee cups. This is good. However, all the athletes are here now, so if you want food, you have to be waiting in line 7.4 minutes before the dc (dining commons) opens up.

God works in mysterious ways indeed.

Well, today we shared our testimonies in our "Foundations of Christian Thought" class. Our group was so diverse in our backgrounds, yet everyone had a common point with someone else in the room. Most people grew up in Christian homes, attended church all their life, and are learning to make their faith their own. However, there were many people who have gone through unbelievable hurt. The fact that they felt safe enough to be this honest, open up this much to people they don't really know yet, was truly a "God" thing. There's Amy, who's mother committed suicide when Amy was in 8th grade. Sitting beside her was Carley, who's father announced he was leaving this spring. Then there was Olivia, who just found out her mother had been having an affair with her principle. Tyler has met his father once in his life. The list goes on. These people have been to hell and back, yet they persevered through God's grace and forgiveness. They found strength in His loving arms, and healing in His peace.

This is the God we serve. This is the God we love. It's through Christ we are able to overcome.

In Him alone,

-E

How Much Are These Suitcases Supposed To Weigh?!

Wow. I feel like I could fit a few small people into my two suitcases, and yet, I seem to be running out of room and over the 40 pound weight limit. Between American food, my shoe collection, and some wool sweaters, I feel like I'm getting ready to trek across the globe! Hmmm. I'll have to work on that.

Well, today is my last day at home, and it's bittersweet. I was blessed to be able to say good-bye to a lot of the people I didn't think I would see again (til Christmas!), yet still have many good-byes I would've liked to say. If I didn't say good-bye to you at home, I'm sorry and good-bye! It's the craziest thought that I'm leaving not only all the comforts of home behind, but also all the familiarities too. It still feels like I'm packing for a vacation, and not an extended stay. I wonder when that feeling of "home" in Ireland will sink in. And I'm assuming that as soon as I start to feel at "home" in Ireland, it will be time to make yet another new "home" in Indiana! However, if that is the way life goes, then that is the way I will go.

Wish me luck with making a new home...

...and wish me luck with this whole "packing" thing. Just not my cup of tea.

Cheers!

-EEF

Humble Beginnings

Hello All!

As I get ready to start my college adventures in Ireland, Indiana, and beyond, I wanted to have a way to communicate with all of my friends at home. I wanted to share the lessons I learn, experiences I have, people I encounter, and God I discover with you. Thank you for being there for me for all this time. I hope God will move in huge ways this year, and all I ask of you is that you be willing to go along for the ride (or more so pray for my ride!).

Thank you for being the best of the best!

-E