Gentle Surprises

 Hey hey! 

Back again only eleven days after my last post. Broken record?!?!?

This first semester as a third year has been so so wild. Half of what I get to do and what my life looks like has been totally unexpected in the best way possible. 

Before returning for my third year, Holy Spirit whispered to me that there would be some "gentle surprises" along the way this year. If you know me, you know I do not enjoy surprises. I love to know what's going to happen and what's going on at all times. Christmas kills me because I just wanna know what I'm getting!! Anyone else this way?!

Anyways, I was never told what these gentle surprises would be or what they would look like, I just walked into my third year expecting some sort of surprises. 

The first was probably two weeks into returning to Los Angeles. The first years were about to arrive and with being in a new building this year, everything was all a little different. I had moved into the first floor of our three floor building only two days before being told I had to move to the BOYS floor for the semester due to lack of rooms available for all the incoming students.

At first, I was horrified. I was so upset! I mean, come on. Who wants to live with BOYS?!?!? I was so so upset, but I knew I would rather it be me up here on the third floor than any of the other incoming students. So... I moved my entire room up to the third floor, the first door on the right. It sure has been an adventure up here! 

I hear a lot of things that make me face palm. 

Sometimes there are intimate conversations about all kinds of disgusting stuff right outside my door.

Don't even get me started on all the stairs...... My dad is probably secretly happy I've lived up here all this time because of the work out I get coming up three flights of stairs all day!

But what I didn't expect was to be thankful for it. I'm thankful for my place of rest, even if it's a little noisy. I'm thankful I have gotten to build stronger connections with some of the boys this semester. Even this past weekend one of the first year boys made me and a few other guys breakfast and it made me feel so included. 

So while yes, I was not excited at first, this came as an unexpected blessing. I cannot tell you how excited I am to live on a floor where I can actually use the bathroom and the shower and LIVE with girls again, but I truly will miss these boys.

Another unexpected thing from this year- I have had the privilege of mentoring and pouring into so many wonderful students! This has taught me so much. These girls have challenged me. They have pushed me to dig deeper into who He is due to their questions. And I really see His character in each one of my girls. 

For so long I didn't believe that I would be good enough to be a mentor. I didn't think I was put together enough, I didn't think I had all the right words to say. 

But that isn't what discipleship is all about. 

Discipleship isn't about having all the right words to say. It isn't about sounding good or being put together. Discipleship is about real connection with our Father, and helping people see Him closer. That's all. No need to be put together or say it all perfectly. 

And lastly, community. Because I have gone the past two years surrounded by close friends and allies, it was a lot different for me to walk into this year with only two of my former classmates with me as third years. It started off really difficult to find my balance and to make time to be in community with those that I have a real friendship with.

Of course, yes, I have Mikey who is so wonderful. (Side note! Our ONE YEAR is in two weeks!!! Holy moly how faithful is our Father!!!) But you need community outside of your boyfriend. He can't fill all roles, nor should I expect him to.

I have been so blessed and SURPRISED by the genuine friendships that have come to life these past few months. From coffee dates with old classmates... chill days with Chlo where we watch one too many movies... yoga that's so stretching that we cry from laughing so hard... Jesus has blessed me so much. I could go on and on about the laughter and celebration and joy that has come from growing in authentic community with those around me. 

I am just so thankful.

There has been so much more that has happened this semester, but these highlights give you a good picture. I have loved being a third year and growing in relationship with Him and with all those around me. I am one lucky lucky girl. 

I probably won't be updating over Christmas break, but more to come soon. In the meantime... He is so faithful. 

xo

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Ry