A Chapter Comes to a Close.

In hand:  fresh brewed Veranda.  My host family uses an Italian moka pot to make coffee and I love it.  When heated on the stove, the water boils in the bottom and the steam pushes it up through the ground coffee so all the brewed coffee collects in the top.  It's pretty cool and produces deeelicious joe.


So, as I sit here drinking my coffee in my pjs in a yellow room in a house in Southern England, I'm working on coming to the full realization that I am, in fact, graduating from college today. 


I obviously didn't do this the traditional way- back at Penn State there has been the RUF banquet, the final RUF large group, a student teacher reception, my student teaching cohort reception at my supervisor's house, the final day of student teaching, senior week, senior send-off, getting the cap and gown, senior pictures with the lion, the College of Education reception, and then the actual graduating ceremony today.  Many things I couldn't attend because I'm abroad.


Though I'm sad to miss all of these things, missing the "final events" doesn't discount everything that has come before them.  It doesn't change the fact that I started my freshman year at Penn State not knowing how much I would truly grow and change as a person and in all areas of my life over the next four years.  It doesn't change the heartbreaks I've had, the chances I've taken, the lasting friendships I've made, the knowledge and experiences I've gained, or the work that God has done in my heart.  

I am thankful.

For the initial visit and the scholarship that opened the door for me.

For the campus.

For the football games.

For the birthdays.

For the karaoke.

For the midnight showings.

For my Halloween dream-come-true.
(The Office)

For the tacky Christmases.

For RUF and the wonderful campus minister.

For small group.

For the canning trips.

For the service trips.

For summer conference.

For THON.

For Starbucks.

For the visits.

For all the wonderful people that God brought into my life, including these special ladies.

 For the woman who supported and inspired me through her faith, her strength, and her love.

For EVERYTHING.

Thank you SO MUCH to my beautiful family, my thoughtful boyfriend, my incredible friends from all over, and everyone else who has supported me through these past four years.  I don't know where I would be without you.  I am so blessed to have you all in my life.

Happy Graduation!

And congratulations to everyone else who is graduating this spring!