This chapter of my life is quickly coming to an end, and a new one is about to begin. Such a mixed bag of emotions. Excitement and joy, sadness and fear, all mixed up inside my heart. I took my last final today and officially finished my classroom time in my undergraduate degree. Where did the four years go? Seems like not that long ago that I was moving into Printy 34A, meeting my roomie, Nicole, and wondering what was to come in this new world called college. And now it's almost over.
Looking back, so many people have impacted me here. My profs have been amazing. Couser taught me the basics of doctrine and prepared me for much more knowledge. Estes taught me how to be confident in my salvation and how to study God's Word. He also poured into me and encouraged me in my walk with the Lord. Miller opened my eyes to the Old Testament and some of the NT as well. He showed me what it means to really care for your students and to have the desire for them to "get it" in their hearts, not just in their heads. Hoffeditz shared his enthusiasm for God's Word with me, blowing me away by his knowledge and love for Jesus Christ. Thigpen taught me Hebrew and gave me an opportunity to meet my fiance! Dr. Tse gave of his time to build me into a better student and person. His willingness to listen and help was a constant source of encouragement. Pagnard showed me how you can be a professional who knows how to have fun. DiCuirci gave me the opportunity to play my bass in his jazz band and to be his secretary for two years - and I'm so grateful for both. Dean Johnson stepped in and was used in a majorly pivotal way to direct my life in the direction it is now headed. I could go on. These profs just pour themselves into the students. They love us and just want us to grow, especially in our walk with God. Amazing.
My friends have been such a blessing as well. Nicole was my first roomie and one of my best friends. Lynn has been here through all four years, blessing me in so many ways. Callie came along near the end, but God blessed me through her friendship so much as well. How Stephanie and I became friends is odd, but such a God thing! I can't imagine not knowing her. Michael has been my true brother in Christ and one of my best friends. Our time together was always well spent. I will miss him very much. I could go on for pages and pages about all my friends, the girls in my hall, the RAs, my music buddies and so many more. They have all impacted my life in such great ways.
And then there's my love. Who knew my language elective would satisfy more than a requirement to graduate? It provided for me the love of my life as well. My Roy. Hard to believe it's been almost three years since we met. He brings so much joy and love to my life and reminds me daily of Jesus through his words and actions.
Most importantly is God. He has grown me, stretched me, broken me, put me back together, and done more in my life in these four years than I ever thought were possible. My heart is changed. My mind is changed. I am not the same girl I was four years ago... not even close. I see ways in which He is growing me, pursuing me, pressing me on in my faith. All I can do is thank Him.
It's been great... so great. Through the ups and downs, God's been so faithful to me. But now it's time to go. It's time to say goodbye to this life I've known for four years and take a new step of faith. It's bittersweet. A smiling face with tear-stained cheeks.
But it is time.
Goodbye, Cedarville. It's been great.
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