// things I learned at Liberty //

So, um, not many people spend their spring break {read: time away from school} at another school.But I did. Or rather, I spent this past weekend at school. The first two-thirds of my Last-Ever Spring Break Living At Home was spent watching The Office with Matt, falling into the Hamilton fandom, going to eat with friends, exploring Gatlinburg with my family, and writing a shamefully minuscule amount of words (which I intend on making up for this week, if I can).

And then, on Thursday, my family drove up to Lynchburg for an event called CFAW (College For A Weekend) at Liberty. We had already visited a couple times before, but this time, I was in on everything that the “actual” students were doing. This time, with the thought in mind that this will be my life in a few short months, that I really am going to this school, it became inexplicably more real.

I was stretched beyond my comfort zone, which I was fully expecting. And though I’m still tired (we drove home all day yesterday), I’m also excited. Because yes, this will be my life in a few months. And I’ve learned a few things about Liberty (and life in general) that I want to share with you lovely people who are actually taking the time to read this little blog of mine.
i. Beginning college = LOTS of introductions and awkward small talk and all that. It’s exhausting, honestly. (At one point I got excited about taking a shower because then I would finally have a chance to breathe and think.) But that’s okay, because eventually I’ll find my place. I’ll find my people. The awkwardness doesn’t last. This weekend wasn’t exactly conducive to making deep kindred friendships. But once I’m really, officially there, I will make friends. And in the meantime, I did meet a couple of lovely people who could eventually be kindreds. I’m looking forward to that.

ii. It really hit me this weekend that I am literally leaving behind everything I know this fall. I won’t be in Tennessee, I won’t be able to just drive home whenever I want, I won’t be able to connect with people about home because there are so few people there who actually know my home (but I do already have a lovely could-be-kindred friend who already goes there and graduated from my high school, and I’m grateful). I won’t be with any of the people and places I know well. But… That overwhelming newness will only be for a short season. I’ll become friends with my hall/dorm-mates, I’ll get familiar with the campus (it’s huge, y’all), I’ll have a dorm room I can decorate and make my little home, and of course– the Lord will be with me wherever I go. And when I fix my eyes on Him rather than my own anxiety over the unknown, I remember that He IS my home, even more so than my current house with my family (much as I love them). And He will see me through every new season.

iii. I was reminded of just how wonderful psychology is. That’s one thing I haven’t shared on the blog yet– as of right now, I’m thinking that I want to major in psychology. I still love English and will definitely continue to write, but psychology is just… I don’t know. I’m more excited about it. It’s absolutely fascinating; I love studying people and how we work, and I’ve always been the advice-giver and encourager to others, and it just fits me. This weekend I was blessed to meet quite a few people who are psychology majors– and guess what? The friend from home is going to major in psych as well. As Mom said the other day, that was definitely a divine appointment, us hanging out Saturday evening and going on a mini adventure. (I went with her and a couple other girls to a cute little vegan place that had lavender lemonade– it was so good, and the food was delicious too.) Don’t you just love the little ways God confirms that you’re walking in the right direction? 🙂 {Note: You’ll only see them if you’re open and willing to look for them. Other people would call it coincidence, but we know better.}

On that same subject– I got to attend two psychology classes. And I learned that even at a Christian school that teaches a Biblical worldview in all subjects, psychology covers a wide array of topics, some of which you will be grateful that your parents and twelve-year-old brother were not present to listen to. 😉 (It was actually a very good class. Just, um, that day’s topic was definitely not a family thing. xD)

iv. I learned that I am very, VERY grateful for my bedroom, for having a space all to myself, for the joy of coming home. Because Liberty is amazing and I’m so excited for the future (that’s on the near horizon, all bright and vivid and promising), but as of today… Today, I’m so grateful for home. For driving the familiar route to school and for eating breakfast in my kitchen and for talking to friends who have known me for years. There will be a day when Liberty is my home, but that day is not quite today. 🙂
So yes. Those are a few lessons I learned, in the few days that I spent at my future home. And may I just say– I’ve missed writing this week. My heart is bursting with all the words I haven’t penned. So thank you for indulging my need to write a blog post this morning. 🙂 Have a blessed week!
{love always, Em}