WAITIN....

I'm not such a morning person....come to think of it, I'm not a night person either. Although the college life has attempted to make me accustomed to late nights, I've slowly weaned out and am snug in my covers by the early hour of midnight (early according to the college student's biological clock). I had to wake up this morning to check a few girls out so I decided to get my workout, tanning, and bank run in before waking Amber up. Now I'm done with the major errands for the day and it's not even 11:30 am. It's a good feeling.

I just woke Amber up with my rendition of my mother's morning song, "Rise and shine and give God the glory, glory!" After laying in her loft for a few minutes, I realized two things...she had bad morning breath (haha, sorry Ambs), and she left out the detail of her lack of clothing. No sooner did I jump out of her bed than i made her get ready and now I sit here....waiting..... waiting...waiting.... to spend one last day with my "roomie." It's Janna & Amber day!!!!!! I'm gonna miss this girl! I'm gonna miss our toilet conversations, sharing whole bottles of sparkling grape juice in one sitting, sharing the latest gossip, and creating our own, every-other-word, two-headed songs! Without sharing a toilet, she will still always be carried in my heart!


NOW OFF TO THE MALL...to spend time, not money!

Lasts

CELEBRATING BEFORE OUR LAST DAY! (1 day!)

On our field trip to Leadership Ranch


Being Silly!

Enjoying their cupcakes at my party

Ty, my favorite student, and I are flexing!
(most adorable smile, isn't it?)

My blessing of a cooperating teacher, Ms. Stalena Snyder!

The yummy and adorable cupcakes she made for my party

Enjoying the party with my kids

Some of my favorite girls. They were so sad. I miss them already!

Opening my presents for them to see

I'm up, procrastinating on nothing, knowing I should be in bed. I can't help but contemplate the several "lasts" that I seem to be making mental moments out of. I already had my LAST day of student teaching. It wasn't until this LAST day that I realized how hard it would be to let go. I've invested almost a full school year with this class and couldn't help to cry knowing that I may never be privied to information on where they end up in a year or five years. I won't know if those who were being abused are safe, if those who excelled will continue this path, and if those who were malnourished emotinally and physically eventually have their needs met. I value each and every child...even those trouble makers. I thank God for this opportunity. They threw me a fantastic party, and we had fun with a picture taking session. I was even foolish enough to allow them to take some pictures, both on our field trip and on my LAST day. This was our LAST Sunday at the church we have been attending for the last four years- James River. It's such a powerful and growing church, that it's hard to leave when the hand of God is so strong. I photographed our LAST dinner together as Lewis RA's with our RD's who will be taking another job this summer. After dinner we sat in the lobby for literally hours, entertaining ourselves with stories and watching the boys do stupid things. Sharon keeps reminding me not to wish this time away too soon because we will never have as much of a social life as we do at present, which I realize is so true. More than 10 girls stopped by my room tonight while Amber and I were goofing around. it's so nice to have random conversations that others join in on. Amber definitely isn't making these LAST few nights we have together any easier. The women is the public water works facility. She turns them on at each and every thought of my leaving. Not having finals is so nice. While everyone is studying, I'm packing up my things and the floor things so that when everyone is ready for some final college fun at night.......I'm ready to go out on the town!

What Do You Mean, "Alumna?"

Today was a slap in the face. Unfortunately it wasn't the kind of slap that takes you by surprise, stings for a moment, yet can be soothed by a cool compress. No. This one felt like a "wake up, get out of bed," slap that I realize leaves a permanent remnant on my cheek. The wind up before the swing began when we took my 3rd graders to a "Students Go to Work" field trip at the local technical college. It was an opportunity to show them types of jobs and to help them realize the importance of staying in school and doing your best. They were amazed at the medical dummies, computers, cooking stations, and the dark room (which remains a highlight of their trip). As our tour guide spoke about careers and choosing what they would do "when they grow up," I thought...."What will I do when I grow up." Then came the blow! I was stunned to remember that I am grown up; that life will greet me like a hurricane wind in less than 2 weeks. Then to make the sting last longer, i received mail from the Alumni Office here at Evangel. I couldn't believe it. Not only were they already asking me to consider donating to my soon-to-be Alma Mater, but they were calling me part of the Alumni. I haven't even walked across the stage or switched my tassel to the other side of my cap, and I am being reminded that this stage of my life is coming to a close.

Sit Back and Enjoy the Ride

These next few weeks are sure to be nothing short of the most daring roller coaster I've ever ridden on. I have been fearful of roller coasters since I was a child. When all of my friends would get in line for the newest and fastest ride, I would cheer them on from ground-level and listen to their screams of excitement as they did loop-de-loops. It wasn't until a few years ago that I took my first roller coaster ride. JP held my hand and took me in line. Oddly enough, this roller coaster just happen to be the largest in the Six Flags park. As I begin the road towards graduation, I can't help but feel exactly what I felt while waiting at the top of the highest point of Raging Bull. The "I don't know that I can hold my lunch down," "should I throw my hands in the air or hold on," and "what will it feel like," emotions are running through my head constantly. I have waited so long for such a thrill and now that it is less than weeks away, I'm afraid to throw my hands up, to give it to God and trust that the metal bar holding me in my seat is strong enough......

In the end, when all is said and done and my cap and gown is hung back on its hanger, I know that I will be safe. That the ride has been taken my thousands and is checked for safety before each and every ride, but I wonder if when I look back I'll be able to say, "Let's do that again!"

For now, I hold on tight to the bar, knowing I waited so long in line, and as I near the point before the drop, trust that God has me in his hands. He would never let me get on a ride that he wasn't prepared to hold my hand through.

Silver & Gold Have I

I have been blessed with wonderful friends and relationships throughout my life. With the hurts, trials, struggles, different paths and stages in my life, many have walked in and out of my life. With the changing of seasons, however, God has always provided me with steady and unique friendships. Some have walked beside me for years and others have rushed in like a wave without recession. No matter the contrasting amount of time these women have been a part of my life, each constantly leaves footprints and bring smiles to my face!

Amber- The last two years, as an RA, I have been through much. Amber has been not only my supporting floor president, but my confidant. She has left me laughing until my side aches and spends many a nights watching and quoting our favorite "Friends" episodes. This creative and patient soul has stood by my side and encouraged me through the trials of relationships, RA decisions, and academic tribulations. Although come next month we will no longer be sharing a toilet, she will remain a vital part of my college-experience and a close ally in the future.



Bridget- Bridget has loved and laughed with me in and despite of my awkward adolescent years. Since middle school she has been a soft spoken and genuine heart who offered a listening ear through break-ups with both friends and boyfriends. Through broken, priceless china, unattractive pubescent years, and Friday nights at Chili's, Bridget was a constant breath. Today, although we have lived more than 500 miles away for the past four years, Bridget never ceases to remind with a phone call or email of how much her heart still cares and thinks of me. I have never been more challenged by a single person, who is the epitome of selflessness, empathy, and achievement. Christ placed this gentle and wise person in my life to serve as a reminder of love and loyalty.

Carla- Although less than five feet tall, this girl can leave an imprint in one's life that is larger than life. On a mission's trip to El Salvador I shared more than a sleeping bag and sun-poisoning with her. My accountability and a bright light, Carla has brought tons of laughter and hours of coffee to my life. No matter the miles between us these last few years, I always knew she was less than a phone call away and am excited to know that in the near future, my fellow Italian Princess will be less than a Starbuck's cappuccino and piece of foccacia away.














Danielle- Where do I begin? Friends since our youth, she was my strength away from home. My freshman suitemate and only a residence hall away today, she has been by my side despite ups and downs. Whoever said living with your close friend can be rocky, gave up too easily. I couldn't have imagined not having this girl as my strength my freshman year. She was comfort and my welcome wagon. We have built a strong foundation through tanning bed sunburns, Saturday morning breakfasts, heart-wrenching conversations, and thousands of views of "Mean Girls," which leaves me depressed about knowing she will be more than state away come next month. There is no doubt in my mind that this girl who knows what it means to overachieve, worry, and desire to have a crazy time, will always linger in my life like any childhood friend would.

Kim- Comrade and companion since our elementary years, I have been pieced to Kim in so many walks, styles, ways, and levels. Despite times of separate lives and relationships, Kim and I always found our way to each other's company. Rebel church camp days, family vacations near the ocean, and disaster camping trips, have created a tie that is still tighter than any sailor knot. Today, she is one of the reasons I cannot wait to move back home! I look forward to many more double dates, random movie nights, and....weddings?!?!?!?!?!

Maddie- My unmatchable roommate! From the start we got along like two peas in a pod! While she slowly got me hooked on organic foods, we shared thousands of laughs together in our tiny but quaint living space and had a more than memorable spring break in the sun. Although that was two years ago, I have never stopped loving this great friend. She has sacrificed so much for me. To this day, she has made many short and quick trips to see me, just to remind me she cares. Her passion for people and nature has driven me to a challenge of care for things around me....a gentle reminder of how what we do affects other living things. Things come naturally for our time together and our laughs are random and often. No matter the amount of time that goes by between visits or phone calls, we can always seem to pick up where we left off. I can't wait to be 6 hours closer to her home! Watch our Milwaukee!






















I have had so many other special friends, and still do, and thank each of them for their love, compassion, giggles, and memories. I am truly loved.