Destination: Tucson

As I prepare to make the journey down to Tucson today I look back at the past year and wonder how I got to this place.  So many people have asked me "Why U of A?" "What made you want to go there?"  To be completely honest, I have no idea!  I have seen God at work for sure over this past year and I have finally hopped on board with his plan!

Last summer, U of A was not even on my radar.  I never planned on going there and I never really wanted to.  Not because I don't like U of A but because I never really thought that I would go there.  I was convinced that Colorado College would be my home but that definitely did not work out.  ($36,000 a year. I don't think so!)  My dad came home and told me that he thought I should apply to U of A because he heard it was a good school and it would just be a back up if my other schools did not work out.  I thought nothing of it because I didn't think it would ever happen.  If Colorado College wasn't for me, I knew that the University of Tennessee would be.  But God is funny and that didn't work out either.  (How in the world do I not qualify for financial aid?)  So everyday it seemed like ASU or U of A would be where I ended up.  If it came down to the two, ASU was for me.  My blood ran maroon and gold.  It was close to family, I could stay at Cornerstone and I wouldn't have to leave any of my friends.  When it came down to it, my financial aid was better at U of A and overall it really is a better school. (no offense to anyone that goes to ASU)  

Everything fell into place and my parents decided, with little help from me, that U of A would be where I spent the next four years of my life.  At first I was excited but then the reality of it really hit me.  My world was about to be turned upside down.  I hate everything about change, so this whole U of A thing was so not going to work out.  I cried about it a lot but my parents wouldn't sway in their decision because they knew it was what was best for me.  

I accepted the admission to the University of Arizona and I was officially apart of the class of 2012.  I went to orientation and was so mad that I was going there my parents started to get upset.  They started to worry about me because they knew I wasn't happy.  I had come to the conclusion that even if this was God's plan for me, I didn't want to have any part in it.  I would rather go against the will of God than go down to Tucson.  I mean there is nothing there!  

As the summer went on, I started reading  A LOT!  Irresistible Revolution, Jesus for President, Mere Christianity, Screwtape Letters, Soul Cravings, Cold Tangerines.  My view on everything in this world changed drastically.  As I began to read God's Word it was so evident to me that this life is not about me; it was never about me and it never will be.  I exist to bring honor and glory to my heavenly Father.  If I am going to call my self a follower of Christ, then I need to follow.  If that means moving to Tucson and shining my light to my peers then that means moving to Tucson.  If I expect to live in unity with Christ, then I can only be in His will.  As I began to pray about God's will for my life, it became so clear to me that what was once my parents choice was really His will.  My attitude has really changed towards Tucson, it hasn't gotten any easier thinking about leaving everything that I know, but the joy that comes with following Christ is much greater.  2 Corinthians 12:9 has constantly been on my mind.  "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  I am excited that God is giving me a second chance to shine for Him.  I am excited that He has found me worthy is go.  I am excited that I will no longer be in Jerusalem but that I am moving on to Judea (Acts 1:8).  I am excited to show my roommate how amazing Christ's love is.   

This is a wild journey but I will keep you all updated.  To those who I leave, it's more of a see ya later than a good-bye!  (Breanna reminded me of that).  

Everyday I remember the truths of Galatians 2:20.  Please pray that Christ lives and shines through me.  

I love you all more than you know!

September 12th - my first trip home because I will be apart of Keira's welcoming committee!