Beginnings

I thought that I was being brave when I joined seven other teens this summer and flew to Kenya. And maybe I was. Well-meaning family and friends worried over my safety, and I was just like, "God's still in control, and He wants me on this trip, so I'm going."



I thought that I was being brave when I gave into God and said, "Yes. I'll pursue my RN and get a bachelor's in nursing." And maybe I was. I've never really been that excited about science class, but God can pull me through it.

But I didn't really face anything that shook me up as much as when my parents and little sister helped me arrange my college dorm room that looks nothing like my room at home. I never felt really alone until they hugged me goodbye and walked out of the dorm and drove away. I most definitely did not feel brave surrounded by hundreds of other young adults that I did not know.

Yesterday, our freshman class had "LEAP Day". We went out to a camp and built cardboard boats. We smeared paint on each other (and got a little on our signs and ships), worked up some team spirit, and laughed together. I had fun and met some new people. It was a good time.
But as evening approached and I got more tired, I started to feel alone again.

Then we had a worship service. We sang praise to God, and the songs reminded me that He really is in control and that He loves me. Pastor Tim Green spoke to us about being rock-pilers like the Joshua generation, and I thought about how this is a new chapter of my life. I felt God surround me with His love and peace, and then I was okay. This morning, my roommate and one of my suitemates and I all went to the church here on campus. Again I felt God's love and peace, and I praised Him for it.

Because even though all of my family and friends may be three-and-a-half hours away, God isn't. And He is helping me feel brave.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." ~Joshua 1:9