Sleep deprived. Welcome to college.

It's 3:30 in the morning, and I still have a paper to write, but instead I'm writing this. It's been almost a month since I moved out of Tallahassee and I can't even believe how the time flew by. I'm a little overwhelmed by it all... actually, a lot overwhelmed. These past couple months have been absolutely insane. I've had to grow up a lot, in such a short amount of time. But I have to say that it has been amazing, and I really couldn't be more thankful for the way that things all played out. I hated that I was leaving for college in the summer. I wanted to have that time to spend with my friends, and maybe earn some money, and just chill for a little while. But now, looking back, God couldn't have planned it more perfectly for me. He knew that I was going to be ready, and that I could handle it. I've learned so much through this whole experience, and I'm (obviously) still learning. From little things like learning how to get around campus, learning how to get around Jacksonville, writing my first college paper, taking my first exam, doing my own dishes and laundry and cleaning my room on my own time, buying groceries, etc. To things like learning how to say no to a drink at a party, being designated driver, managing my priorities and keeping God first. It's not easy. To all my friends who I have recently just graduated with back home who are getting ready to do what I did: Don't go into it expecting it to be easy. It's hard to not give in to all the new pressures that are around you. Being so fortunate and blessed to live in the community we do, it was easy for us to be Christians. But as we branch out to new places, and don't have our youth pastors or parents always around to hold us accountable, it becomes a lot harder. I have never been more tempted in my life. But it's not supposed to be easy. John 16:33 says "In the world you will have trouble. But, take heart! I have overcome the world." It may be hard, but it's so worth it. That's what I have been realizing lately. I've met so many new people here of all different kinds, and it's really starting to feel like home. But, for everyone who I don't talk to almost every day, here's what's been going on in my life: I love my roommates. I have 4 of them, and we all get along so well- even though we are all SO different. Jacksonville is amazing. There is so much to do, and I'm never bored. I love my campus, classes, and professors. I lucked out and got the easy ones :) I've met so many new people and it's really refreshing. I love that I meet a new person every single day, and there's always something going on. Not a day goes by in my life that I can say is boring. My roommates and I are going to a Britney Spears/Nicki Minaj concert this saturday... don't hate. I'm really excited. I checked out Calvary Chapel Jacksonville today and it was almost identical to old school Calvary Tallahassee. They had plants too... I'm going to a campus ministry on Tuesday night called Resolution. *It's important to get plugged in. Seriously, everyone told me that before I left and I took it lightly, but it's serious. The beach is amazing, the city is amazing, and my life is amazing. I honestly couldn't be happier with the way things are right now. I miss my friends and family back home dearly, but I am also loving the ones that I have made here. I know I said I would be posting a lot, but as you can plainly see it has been a busy month. Expect more frequent ones. :) But, that's all for now. It's 4 AM, and I still have a paper to write... I love college.