Wow, time has flown by so fast. It seems like just yesterday I was searching for a college and trying to figure out what I wanted to study. Now, I am more than half way done with my first semester. It is so crazy to think that I am in college. I am not going to lie. It is overwhelming at times, but at the same time I absolutely love everything about the college experience, the social life, time in between classes, going to chapel, and not to mention my own independence. It feels great to decide what I am going to do and when I want to do it. Within the first couple months of being here at Indiana Wesleyan University, I have learned so much about living with others, my relationship with my family and God, and a little bit of academic material (okay, that was totally an understatement! I have learned so much.) I just wanted to share a blog with you guys and give you a little bit of insight to my crazy, new life.
I have never had to share a room with anyone, and now I share a room and a bathroom with three girls. Can I tell you how hard it is at times to share? Me, the princess has learned to share. Mom, can you believe it? All those years you have begged me to share with my brother, and now I am actually doing it. My roommates…boy do I love my roommates and I don’t know if I could survive this experience without them, but at times, it is really hard to adjust to this new lifestyle. Like I said earlier, this is a completely new experience for Lauren, I have not really had to share anything… Four girls with four different personalities, four different living styles, and four different sleep habits all in one room. I am so thankful that I have adjusted to a routine, and it is getting a little easier each and everyday. It is a constant battle everyday, but I think I am growing up and looking at things from a different perspective. Everything is new, and I am trying to take every advantage of life one step at a time.
I don’t think I have ever been this challenge with my schoolwork and my relationship with Jesus Christ as I have been here at Indiana Wesleyan University. I go to chapel services 3 times a week and church on Sunday. It is amazing! One day this week we spent a whole hour singing the name of Jesus Christ. A whole hour of constant worship and giving thanks for what God has done for us. I am so blessed to constantly be surrounded by Christians 24/7, and they are not just people that claim to be Christians. They are true, genuine believers and you can see it in their lives everywhere you go. People my own age not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ! So cool! I can walk down the sidewalk on a frequent basis and see students praying and reading their Bibles. Another thing that our school focuses on is being a world changer in our community and around the globe, which is totally up my ally. It is such a great thing that people my age are willing to step out of their comfort zone and reach out to those around the world with the love of Jesus Christ. I am considering a 6-week internship next summer in a medical clinic in Honduras. I will get to work with nurses there and speak in Spanish. This summer, I am so excited to be spending a month in Spain. I get to represent my school by studying in a university in Seville, Spain. Man, I just can’t wait! God is so good. Words can’t even describe how thankful I am that I have this wonderful opportunity.
Schoolwork has been very stressful for me. As many of you know, I am a type A personality. I love to understand things and you know, good grades. I am kind of a perfectionist. Luckily I am doing pretty well, but the workload and material is so much harder and demanding than anything I have seen before in high school. Sometimes I just struggle understanding and I continuously have to fight the clock and learn how to have time management. As I prepare to be accepted into the Nursing School next year, I sometimes doubt myself and wonder if I really have what it takes. I am so glad that I have people in my life that tell me to stop thinking that and remind me that I can do all things through Christ. What great truth that statement has. I have never let anyone tell me that I couldn’t do what my heart is set on so why should I now? God has a plan for me. I have chosen to trust him. He knows everything. It is not going to be easy but I can do it if I am focused on Christ. I have always wanted to be a nurse. How cool would it be if I could help put a smile on a sick kid’s face like the nurses did to my little brother 11 years ago?
Well that is my story for now. I hope you enjoyed the little insight to my crazy, new life. I send my love to my wonderful friends and family. Remember that God loves you, and I do too! Have a wonderful week, and make sure you thank God for the wonderful things he has done for us.
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
6 Then I said, “Alas, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, Because I am a youth.” 7 But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And all that I command you, you shall speak. 8 “Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.9 Then the LORD stretched out His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me,“Behold, I have put My words in your mouth."- Jerimiah 1:5-9 ♥
