First of all, the rock climbing trip was such a fantastic time! I can't explain how much fun it was. But beyond that, I learned and gained so much in the midst of that busy weekend. First off, I drove there 10 hours down and 10 hours back up with Hannah's boyfriend Josh, and we cultivated an incredibly awesome and Godly friendship. I can't say how grateful I am for having the opportunity to be able to talk with him and share the experiences and thoughts we've both had throughout life. I feel like God did me a huge favor in bringing his friendship into my life. I mean, we'd been friends for about a year now, but we didn't really know one another. I think the best part, though, is that, because he's dating my roommate, he nor I ever have to have that awkward interaction where we're not sure what the intentions of the other are. Our intentions are clear--we're friends. Beautiful.
The rock climbing itself was a very growing experience. First of all, I'm terrified of heights. Second of all, I hate doing things I'm not very good at in front of other people. Third of all, I don't like relying on others in order to do something. I feel like, once again, God used a seemingly unspiritual event in my life to teach me a million things. Those three elements fully encompassed what my climbing experience was.
I was shaking the entire time. Badly. I was scared, and I was clinging to the rock wall, about 25 feet off the ground. I had to let my friends see me be scared and unskilled. I couldn't see where to put my feet because I was too shaky to lean back enough to look. So what did I have to do? I had to ask for help. My friends at the bottom of the cliff face talked me through, literally, every single step I made. I had to trust them. And, what do you know, they were the reason I was able to accomplish anything. I re-learned just how much I need people, in all things, even when I don't want to admit it.
Currently, I'm at a Campus Ministry Conference in Evansville, Indiana. I've been here since Saturday, and won't get home until Wednesday afternoon. This, too, has been very eye-opening and refreshing. At first I was afraid I'd get tired of constantly being around people, but it's actually been a very welcome change of pace from my typical stance towards socializing.
And finally... Yesterday I checked my class schedule to see what my class line-up would be (because, upon admittance to the Graphic Design program, they automatically place you in the class... I was accepted, by the way! Wahoo!), and my schedule is fantastic. Mondays and Wednesdays, I get out of class by 1:30. Tuesday and Thursdays, I'm out by 3. I don't have class on Fridays, and the earliest I ever have class during the week is at 10am.
For once, I am so pumped for the upcoming semester. I feel like I can actually enjoy my classes, my relationships, and my academic life in general. It's going to be so good. =)
