1. Graduate school is a whole different beast than undergrad.
Arriving at Appalachian as an 18 year old baby undergrad student was overwhelming, I'm sure. I don't really remember how or why but I know that I developed a lot of friendships quickly. They throw you into a dorm and you are forced to be with people you don't know until you know them. Class work is challenging but very doable and cramming, in some instances, works. Grad school is the complete opposite of all of those things. I just drive to campus when I have classes and work so building relationships with people in my program has been a little slow. There is so much reading and work that if I get 3/4 of it done in a timely manner I am really happy. And cramming? There are no tests! Only research paper after research paper. If you aren't prepared, it's on you. 100%. There are no excuses, only preparedness. After all, I am here to become a MASTER at something. You don't become a master at something by only completing the process halfway.
2. Leaving a place you call home, even if you feel ready, is really, REALLY hard.
I've seen the effects of this more as time has gone on. Every single day I miss Boone and friends and my church and normalcy and all things from that home. BUT, I am blessed to be here and don't want this to come across as me being ungrateful. I fully realize that I am here for a reason...I am still discovering that reason. Missing people in the process has been really challenging but processes take time. Familiarity takes time.
3. Living with your parents in your mid-twenties can be a big blessing.
I know what you're thinking...NO WAY, not me! I thought that too. Until I actually moved back home. Living at home is the single biggest blessing in this season. It has reduced my financial burden tremendously and given me an opportunity to repair relationships that were really broken. This situation has been a constant reminder that Jesus is FULLY at work in this transition.
4. God is faithful to provide for us, even down to the smallest detail.
Guys, I prayed when I was just considering grad school to be able to do it completely debt free. Not only has that happened, but I actually received a refund off of my scholarship. A few friends said, wow that is unheard of! I maintain that it's not unheard of because I asked God for it and he faithfully provided every single thing I needed and even more in abundance.
5. Forsaking normalcy leads to abundant life.
My normal life even just a month ago was pretty great. It was comfortable and familiar and full of a lot of love. I was spiritually challenged and encouraged on the regular. But I will tell you, in reality, as soon as I gave up what was normal and took a step in obedience, I began to see what it was like to live above normal and in abundance. Every single person on earth has a calling. Seeking after your calling and achieving your dreams along the way is the definition of the abundant life. Abundant life means taking risks, sometimes not knowing what is around the corner, and putting EVERYTHING aside for the sake of what you are going after. It is not easy, but it is a real blessing.
Finally, I found a great church here and have been attending their "get to know you" classes if you will. This week, the lady leading said something that really reminded me why I am here. She said:
Everything outside of hell is grace.
What a relevant reminder! These days might not be the easiest of my life, but they are chocked full of the grace of Jesus. And I would not rather reside anywhere else but in the grace that saved me.
I am thankful to be here where every day is an opportunity to learn something new. Thanks for all your prayers and encouragement. Love to you all!
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