New beginnings.

It's kind of funny how big changes and new adventures in your life make you almost forget what came before. I haven't even been in Greeley for a week and I already feel like I've been here forever. While the still unsettled state of my apartment and lack of a social schedule tell me that isn't the case, I feel like Chicago and Calvin are lightyears away. Obviously, I miss them immensely (the people in those places even more so) and it feels strange to not be in either place but I'm really excited to be where I am now. As I said before, I'm settling more and more into the comfort that this is where God wants me to be and I'm ready to see what He has in store for me while I'm here.

The trip out here was both eventful and uneventful at the same time. Other than the obvious 'I'm-moving-way-across-the country-away-from-everyone-I-know' thing, nothing big happened. We, my parents and I, drove west on I-80, then I-76 and then I-34 (a super easy trip. you should come visit) with an overnight stop in Nebraska along the way. We arrived in Greeley around 11 on Tuesday morning and (mostly) had fun unpacking and getting set up. We were able to find some of the furniture that I needed and made several trips to Target for other necessities, plus fun things of course. :) My parents were actually only here for 24 hours but I am beyond thankful that they made the trip with me. I don't think I would have survived such a big move on my own. My dad made things happen and my mom made sure things didn't happen (mainly, any panic attacks on my part). And since their departure I've made a friend, got a library card, got a UNC id card, got my books (all $2387498345 worth), unpacked more boxes, explored more of Greeley, climbed part of a mountain, visited Estes Park and so much more.

And so, that brings me to the next adventure on my list. School starts tomorrow! I'm both nervous and excited. I'm ready to get started, to have something to do with my days (even if it is lectures and homework), to make friends, to learn more about what I love to do. But I'm nervous about being at a new school, about making new friends, about being a good example of Christ and His love, about the lectures and the homework and the clients. Your prayers are much appreciated!!

Pictures of the trip out to Colorado and my apartment!

Climb every mountain...

I feel like I've climbed several mountains in the past week, both literally and figuratively. Obviously, the move across the United States to the beautiful state of Colorado has been a bit of an adventure (more on that later). I'm adjusting pretty well and I'm very excited to share pictures and stories. After several failed attempts, I created this blog (welcome, by the way) and now feel more technologically stupid for the endeavor.

And, just this morning, I climbed an actual mountain (well, only part of the way up. stupid lack of oxygen) with my new friend, Diana. It was a beautiful small mountain called Crosier Mtn. near Estes Park that afforded some great views of beautiful peaks and valleys. Part of the way up, we decided to stop and catch our breath and found this great rock formation to sit on that overlooked some pretty fabulous scenery. (Part of the view from our rock ^) I'm not usually one for silence but sitting up there around 8:30 in the morning, it was incredible to just hear nothing. It was so peaceful and definitely a place I will return to with my Bible because God was just so evident there.

Even though I've only been here for 3.5 days, I have already fallen in love with Greeley and the mountains and Colorado. My overall consensus, despite all the hard work I'm going to have to do for school, is that I'm really going to enjoy living here. I truely feel that this is where God wants me to be, where I can grow and learn a whole lot about myself and enjoy some adventure all at the same time!