the first semester

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{saying goodbye}

{orientation week square dance}

{first day of classes}

{sunny afternoon at the park}

{around my room}

{the path that I walk everyday}

{autumn hayride}

{silver medals at the regatta}

{quiet afternoon study breaks}

One of the first nights at college in August, my RA had each of us write a note to ourselves that she then gave back to us this past week. This is a small snippet from mine, which I found meaningful as I reflect back on this semester . . .

Dear Jessina,

You just finished your first half-of-a-week of classes at college. And now you are sitting in Sarah's room, with all the girls on your floor. It has been an amazingly easy transition and a good first week at college . . .

And yet I know that within the upcoming months, in the intervening time between when I write this now and when I open it up at the end of the semester, there will be many challenges - many times when all I will want to do is hide away or cry, or times when I will be overwhelmed, exhausted, and stressed to the limit. But remember these two things:

First, like Mrs. D. reminded you before you left, remember to grant yourself much grace - realize that you are not perfect, but that God is constantly and always sanctifying you, and making you more like himself. Maybe this wasn't the perfect semester, but trust in God's goodness and love towards you, which he has shown you in an infinite amount of ways in the past and present, and most certainly will in the future.

Second, remember this: all will be well and all will be well and all matter of things will be well. No matter what happened in the past three months, all will be well. Trust in the Lord's love. And have hope.

. . . and in the end, realize the abundance of God's grace and cultivate an eye to see His presence in the lives of those around you. Love much. Serve wholeheartedly. Listen to others with compassion. And be more concerned about giving than getting.

See you at the end of the semester,
Jessina

And now I am here - at home, back in my little beloved room, at the end of the semester. It was good. It was rich. It was more than I had anticipated. It had challenges and difficulties. But overwhelmingly, it was full of much grace.

He is indeed faithful.

candles & pencils,
Jessina

P.S. Back to all things Christmas tomorrow!
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to live with arms stretched out

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Forty days until I up and away to college. So much anticipation + excitement + fruitless curiosity.

About these classes:

Classical and Early British Literature
Freshman Seminar
Public Speaking
Foundations of Ministry
Introduction to Philosophy

And about K., the roommate-to-be, and all the other people that I shall meet.

And about all the adventures and happenings that will take place there.

Yet I am also trying quite purposefully to simply enjoy this summer. I've been doing a lot of reading (The Hobbit, currently, and an awful lot of Madeline L'Engle's non-fiction). And a lot of baking. And a lot of shopping with Mom. A few too many doctor appointments. And probably too much sleeping. And smoothies with dear girls. Watching cooking shows as I eat my lunch. A little bit of crafting and creating. Attempts at the ballet Don Quixote. An awful lot of cleaning and reorganizing.

And beginning tomorrow I am off for a week downtown with my church to work with kids in a not-so-good area of town. I'd covet your prayers . . . that I'd truly be able to love in a self-sacrificing way.

bright as yellow,
Jessina
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birdies or patchwork

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So, another college decision. Which bedspread?

Option Number One: Birdie Stamp Duvet

Option Number Two: Iris Quilt

Comments, suggestions, advice? Option number one is a bit more practical because it is machine washable. It is also green, which I like very much. Option number two is a bit more unique, and also a lot softer. Help?
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dorm decisions

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So I have to decide as soon as possible whether I want to live in a dorm with hall bathrooms or suite bathrooms. And I keep debating between the two and simply cannot decide!
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Here's what I am thinking so far:
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Hall Bathrooms: Builds community more. Someone else cleans it. A stall/shower/sink is pretty much always available. You get to know the people on your hall better.
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Suite Bathrooms: You don't have to lug your soap and toothbrush and whatnot down to the bathroom every morning and evening. More privacy. More counter space. You get to decorate it. You get the fun aspect of having suite mates.
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As soon as I am sure I have decided on the one, I start to thinking about how the other option really would be better. And I am the type of person who likes to make decisions fast, so this is really frustrating me.
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Thoughts or suggestions, anyone? (Ahem, sister?)
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