So, I’ve just finished my first (official) week of college. I won’t lie, its been different, and rough at times. It has definitely taken some getting used to, and it hasn’t been easy. Before two weeks ago, I had never been away from home for longer than two days. So this adjustment, to say the least, has been hard for me.

The first week I was here, I wasn’t really here. I attended a camp for my school up in Black Mountain. It was fun, but also showed me that if I want to make friends, I really have to put myself out there. Which, if I’m being honest, isn’t always the easiest thing for me. Being at camp made me realize how easy I had it at home. I had amazing friends whom were always there for me, and my family whom I miss like crazy. I had a great job that I miss, more than I had expected to.

But, there have been some good things about college that I do enjoy. I have met a lot of cool people and done a lot of new things. College has definitely forced me out of my comfort zone, which is good in some ways. My classes are manageable, and I really lucked out with professors. They all seem super nice and willing to work with me if needed. There are a lot of opportunities for me to get out, and new places for me to see… but all these new places also make me miss the old ones back home. Many things make me think of Charlotte, and I realize that I now have to make this place my second home. I’m still working on that part.

A few days have past since I wrote that first part. Even though it has only been a few days, I still have found a new perspective on this whole college thing. You see, when I came to college, I felt like I was slipping on my faith. I didn’t feel as connected to God as I had at home. But, there were some things that helped me to change that.

I started going to a church and youth group on campus. Both are similar to the ones I went to back home, but just a little more low-key. I really enjoyed them. I have found a new community where I can share my love and passion for the Lord openly. I have found new places where I can be reminded of God’s endless love for us. I joined the youth group worship band, so I could combine two things that I love: singing and God.

I started praying more. Several times a day. This has helped me tremendously. Talking to God about my worries and problems took them off my chest, and He took them and made them better. He showed me that I am strong enough and more than capable enough to overcome the hardships that I have experienced so far in college.

You will notice that these two things that helped me to gain a new perspective have one common denominator: the Lord. I now see these obstacles that I face as things that make me stronger and more independent. God has given me the strength to become more confident in myself.

The leader of my youth group said something during our meeting this week that stuck with me: “His love outruns us”. Once I heard this, I was struck with this feeling of comfort. I realized that God’s love and guidance follows me wherever I go. He always finds me, and reassures me through my struggles. This was when I had rediscovered my close relationship to God that I had lost for a short period of time. I immediately felt more sure of myself and my new life here. My mind has felt lighter, more content, happier, ever since.

With this new headspace, I know that I can tackle anything that college throws at me, because I know that His love outruns me. God is good, and He is bigger than any obstacle I could ever face.

I apologize if this was kind of all over the place, but that is a good representation of my life here anyway ❤️

Much Love,

Emily

Song of the Post: “Death Was Arrested” North Point InsideOut

This song was sang during worship this week at church. It is very powerful, and is guaranteed to move you spiritually. It did for me ❤️