Home Stretch

Whoops! I knew it had been awhile since I blogged last but didn't realize it has been that long! It has been so long that I can't really even remember all what has happened since last time.
I guess the biggest thing was spring break 3 weeks ago. The week before that was midterms which was kind of crazy! Almost every day that week I had 1 or 2 tests. It was stressful. So I was very happy for it to be spring break, and because I just wanted another break! I had stayed up here at school the 2 weekends before that as well, so it made going home that much better. I wish I could say I went somewhere warm, but I just went home. But it was still a really nice break. Didn't do a whole lot other than just relaxing for the most part. I got to hang out with Heidi who was also home for spring break, so it was nice that our breaks lined up! I was also able to go to Living Hope's showcase which was great! Overall it was just nice not having to worry about school for a week!
Also, since the last time I wrote I decided what I'm going to be doing next year. It wasn't easy, that's for sure! I went back and forth and back and forth. Did a lot of thinking and praying about it. But I decided to come back to school here next year. I'm going to be rooming with a girl I met last semester in my biology class who I also have a class with this semester. We get lunch together on the days we have class and a few other times as well. We both get along really well. I'm glad that it worked out for us to be roommates. The one thing that would have made it so much harder coming back next year would have been having to go in blind for a roommate. It's still going to be quite different for me having a roommate, but it will be easier knowing the person!
It's crazy thinking about next year and how this year is almost over. I can truly say that I am so looking forward to summer! Not only for the warm weather but also just for a break from school. We are in the home stretch..! I have 4 1/2 weeks of classes, plus finals week. I have a lot to do before then but am looking forward to it!
Also I'm really looking forward to warmer weather! This winter has been so gross..I am so sick of cold weather and snow! Although it's spring, it really hasn't felt like it yet. This week it was cold and snowy/rainy again. It's supposed to warm up a little this weekend so that would be great!
Prayers for these next few weeks till the end of this semester would be appreciated! Need to stay focused and continue to work hard! Gotta end strong (:

Update

Well it's about time for an update again!
Last week was kind of crazy busy. I had 4 tests in the week, 3 in one day, on top of a bunch of homework. Then this week I had another test and one bigger homework assignment. But other than that this week has been so much easier and less busy!
A couple weekends ago there was a shooting here at school. I was so thankful that I decided to go home that weekend. It was scary knowing that it was happening even being at home. You always hear about a lot of shootings but never really think it will happen at your own school. After a long day they finally caught the guy. So that was a relief!
This past weekend I stayed up at school for the first time this semester. There were hockey games so I thought I'd stay up here and go to those. I ended up not even going to either of them because the people I thought I'd maybe go with all left for the weekend. So it wasn't a very eventful weekend at all. I'm going home again this weekend which I'm really excited about!
The weather has gotten a little bit better. This week is still kind of chilly but it hasn't been snowing much so that's good! Yesterday was awesome weather with the sun shining. It's crazy how much of a difference it is with the sun out! At one time in the day when I was outside walking it was 9º but with the sun shining it was bearable and felt pretty good. Rather than today where it was in the 20's and very windy. Sounds like next week is supposed to warm up a bit though, then we'll have a nice sloppy mess (: But spring would be much appreciated soon.
Speaking of spring....spring break starts 3 weeks from this Friday, which is crazy to think about! This semester seems to be going pretty fast so far. But, I'm definitely looking forward to a break again.          
My favorite song lately has been Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong United. I absolutely love the bridge at the end and thought I'd share the lyrics.

Spirit Lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior

Such a great reminder!

Brrrr

Well we are officially 3 weeks into this semester. 

Things have been going pretty well for the most part. I definitely have more homework this semester than last semester. So in a way that's nice to keep busy with, but yet again not because who likes homework? not me :) I've had a few quizzes already and next week have my first tests. 

It's been different for sure not having a close friend here but I'm making it work. It's nice having some people I know from last semester and what not to be able to go get food with. So far I've gone home every weekend, just because I'm not sure what I'll do on the weekends. But it's always nice going back home and spending some time with my family and eating at home! 

Also it has been freezing cold lately! I wanted a snow day so badly yesterday or today..but no such luck! Not really a fan of walking 10+ minutes in -3º plus adding on to that the wind with the windchill of like -20! It's not very enjoyable. But oh well, do what ya gotta do! We don't have as much snow here as we do at home so that's probably part of the reason for not having a snow day. Right now the sun is peeking out and that's always nice to see even if it doesn't help warm it up at all! 

That's about all I got..nothing to exciting happening lately! Better go do some homework before heading back out into the cold (: 

2nd Semester

Well since I didn't get the chance to yesterday I thought I'd update today. Yesterday was the start of  second semester.
Christmas break was really good! Having a month off from school was fabulous. It was great hanging out with friends and family again. Relaxing and enjoying the Christmas season. The only "bad" thing about the long break was coming back. I think after having such a long break it made it that much harder to come back.
Another thing that made it harder coming back was finding out that Emily wasn't coming back. Last week Thursday she told me she was going to GRCC this semester. She had literally just decided that. So that was really hard for me to hear. She was the one I hung out with the most and did like everything with here at school. I went to church with her and she brought me home. So the next few days were a little rough for me. It made coming to school so much harder. It still isn't easy but things are slowly getting better.
I know that this is all a part of God's plan for my life, but that doesn't make it any easier! That day after I found out I was in the car driving and the songs that came on the radio were just perfect for me. Later that night my mom was telling me some quotes she had seen on Facebook that were so fitting for me. And I had the same thing the next few days when I was on pinterest. I found something yesterday that just really stood out to me. It's a quote by Louie Giglio.

"God is using your present circumstance to make you more useful for later roles in his unfolding story."

This couldn't be more perfect for me right now! I know this semester isn't going to be easy but I just need to have faith and keep believing that it is all a part of His plan for my life. It's always amazing how God places things in your life at just the right time. I have this coming Monday off so I'm excited to be going home again on Friday!
Continued prayers for this semester would be appreciated. Prayers that God might place someone in my life and that he will use me this semester! Also just that my classes will go well. And also for health! Especially in these winter months.
Thanks :)

10 Days

Today is the beginning of the last week of classes. Crazy!

I got home Tuesday night for Thanksgiving break. Tuesday I had a bio test and a project so that wasn't all that fun but I was so glad when they were both over and I was able to go home. Wednesday I was finally able to get my bangs cut which was awesome! Pretty sure they've never been that long before..was getting very annoyed with them. Wednesday night we did a little shopping and went out to eat. Thursday was Thanksgiving! So we went to church in the morning and went to my mom's parents for lunch. Everyone from that side of the family was over. I didn't eat as much as some people did but Thanksgiving food just really isn't my favorite! Overall it was a really great day. Friday afternoon I went to Rivertown with my family. I was finally able to get a long coat which I'm sure will be put to great use this winter! Saturday afternoon I went to JP's with Heidi and it was so good to catch up with her. We haven't been able to hang out with each other since this summer. Then at night we had the Zuverink Christmas party. For as long as I can remember we've had it the Saturday after Thanksgiving because everyone is home and that's when it works the best. So Saturday night was a good night as well! Before I knew it it was Sunday already. Crazy how fast it went. I wasn't ready to come back to school but I know these next few days will go fast.

This week is the last week of actual classes. Next week is finals...!! I have a paper due on Friday and my lab practical on Thursday. I'm trying so hard to study but am realizing how hard it is all going to be. I will be so happy when these 10 days are over. 

I actually am pretty lucky this semester and only have to go in to take one final. I have one online, one is a take home, I have a test during finals week, and a paper due this week. I have to go in on Thursday, my birthday, to take my medical microbiology final. By far my hardest one, what a great birthday present! But I'm planning on heading home after that so I can't wait! 

Prayers would be much appreciated during this next little while. I need to focus like I've never focused before! Also prayers that everything will go well and that this time will go fast. I can't wait for a month off!!

Time Flies

So I realized I haven't updated in over a month..whoops! Time sure does fly!! After this week there is 2 full days next week as well as 1 class on Wednesday, 1 full week of class after Thanksgiving, and then finals week..crazy! Only 2 full weeks left. That is both exciting and nerve wracking. I am looking forward to a month off of school but not looking forward to finals.
Since the last time I blogged I've been home a few times. It's always nice to go back for the weekend. Not to much longer and I'll be back again.
I've also been to a few hockey games as well. My first hockey game was here! They are a lot of fun and quite intense. It's even better that our school is pretty good at it!
It's also starting to get quite chilly up here! I always knew the winters weren't going to be much fun, but the colder it gets the more I realize it. It's nice being close to my classes but not so nice being a ways away from food..! Yesterday it was in the 60's and storming and today it was in the 30's and snowing a little..only in MI (:
This weekend my friend Kelly is coming so that's exciting! Can't wait for her to see my school as well as to catch up with her. Really looking forward to that!
I want to just ask for prayer as this semester is coming to an end. Prayers for focus and motivation to get through these next few weeks. Especially finals..! Lots of stuff to get done before Christmas break. Thanks!
Hopefully it won't be a month before my next post!

Blessed

Not all that much has happened since the last time I blogged.
This past weekend I was able to leave for a few days and hang out with family. I left for home almost right after classes Friday afternoon. I wanted to surprise my sisters so my parents didn't tell them I was coming with. We went and picked them up from school and they were surprised to see me along. Around 5:30ish we headed to Auburn Hills to a hotel to meet other family there. We just hung out at the pool Friday night. Saturday we went to the mall and went to Logan's for supper. That afternoon Mom and Dad took me back to school. I wanted to catch some of the football game against Grand Valley. It was rainy and cold but we won the football game. I was really glad it worked out for me to go along with them. It was nice to get away for just a day and to see some family.
This morning I was extremely tired in my first class. I was heading to my next class right afterwards and wasn't looking forward to it. I just wanted it to be over so I could be done with classes for the day. But it ended up being a really great class! We watched a movie called American Winter. It's about a few different families who live in Oregon that are struggling to stay off the streets. Many of them have had their electricity and water shut down because they can't pay the bills or their rent. They have kids and can barely afford food to feed their children. One of the mothers wasn't eating just so her kids could have food. These parents were heart broken that this was happening to them and that they couldn't give their kids what they needed.
One of the women in the movie had gone to college and became a medical assistant. She thought that it was a great field to be in and there were lots of jobs. She was barely making minimum wage with this job. Eventually she was laid off and now is struggling. All of the parents kept saying that they said they would never let this happen to them. Seeing how much they just wanted to raise their kids and give them what they needed was hard. One of the girls said that when she gets older she wants to be able to support her family and if her parents need to she'll give them money and let them live with her.
While watching this it made me realize how blessed I truly am! This sadly is so common now in the United States. One of the statistics was that 55% of food banks were unable to meet the demand. Although my family might not have a lot of money, we are still blessed. Here I am going to college which not everyone gets the opportunity to do. I need to be thankful for what I have and to remember how blessed I am! I'm really looking forward to finishing this movie on Friday.