End of the Road

Well, blogging world, it's been a substantial "while."

At a job interview today, I was asked if I ever read for fun.
"I'd like to," I responded.
Dang. I let that simmer for a minute... when's the last time I read something because I wanted to?

The interviewer went on: "Do you write for fun?"
Dang,again-- "...I used to."

My forlorn responses solicited empathetic laughter from my interviewer, a former student of English and Theatre. He's been all up in this rut I'm experiencing now. It's almost ironic how much I have resisted books and blogging and writing things down ever since I started to study English here at Missouri State. Burn-out syndrome has definitely set in, folks. And I've only been here two years so far...

Speaking of which... two years. Good gravy. I just can't seem to soak it up enough.
Am I really 20? Am I really almost a JUNIOR in college?
I'm probably going to be asking those questions of myself until the day I die (i.e. Am I really 40?"; "Am I really a grandma?"; "Am I really in a nursing home right now?").
But really. I'm loving this journey He's taken me on. Never in a million years would I have thought I'd be here right now, if you asked the 17-year-old version of myself. But that's why He's in charge, not me. :)

And so, for posterity, here's a quick picture-y update on life this past semester...

Went to Denver Christmas Conference (in Denver, Colorado) with Campus Crusade and had an AMAZING experience... phenomenal speakers who challenged (and continue to challenge) my heart, and wonderful fellowship time with my fellow students. This picture is a group of my girls at the $5 prom that wrapped up the week. Un.for.gettable.

I turned 20! (I feel like I should be 16...) And my bff Chrissy threw me an amazingly secretive surprise party! A group of some of my favorite people congregated at Zio's for dinner to celebrate, and then several rounds of my fave. game, Bananagrams, at Potter's (local coffee shop that I love!).


This guy asked me out on a date. Italian food, Ice skating, and coffee at Rendevous. We dated for about two weeks, letting the Lord lead, and on January 30th, 2010, he (his name is Kyle Gilbert) asked me to be his girlfriend. I accepted. And let me tell you, this man is incredible. Such a compassionate, dedicated pursuer of Jesus who challenges me, encourages me, and makes me laugh-- hard. :)


I've been more consistently involved with International Club (a ministry for International Students led by some really awesome people) and have developed such beautiful relationships! This is a picture of an authentic Chinese meal our friends Jimmy, Crystal, and Shawn made for us. Mouth watering-ly good.



CRU held a formal masquerade ball this semester! Note: I am the only one wearing a mask. It really was a masquerade, I promise.

My girl Amy came down to Springfield one Sunday and we visited the Unitarian Universalist Church here. This picture represents how we felt both during and after the service...

I love the people in this picture a lot. I only met them about a month ago. And I only spent about 24 hours with them. This, ladies and gents, is the team I'm following Jesus into the mission field with this summer. North Africa. 6 weeks. Less than a month before we leave. A small margin of my heart succumbs to fear every once in a while, but for the most part, I couldn't be more excited. I've already seen evidence of the Lord doing great things in North Africa and within the lives of my teammates. It's gonna be a crazy summer. :)

I went to the City Museum in St. Louis with some friends a few weeks ago, and it was awesome! My first driving experience in 'Da Lou' was a little less than enjoyable... but I hear that's not abnormal. :) Several of our International friends got to come too, which was a blast! Always love getting to spend time with them.
All's well on the relationship front. We even bought a lake house. (Just kidding... we just went to the lake and took a picture in front of it.) This Friday we will hit the 3-month mark! Kyle has blessed my heart more than I could have ever anticipated. There aren't enough positive adjectives in the dictionary to describe his wonderful-ness.

Went back to BHS Prom with my good friend Michael this past weekend. We had a blast, as always :)




Oh, don't worry. The dynamic duo is still very much in tact. And still very much... well, us. Living life, sharing burdens, acting like silly 6-year-olds at times. I thank Jesus for my sister and kindred spirit, Christinalinaritalya Leigh Shinn. (Okay, her first name's Christina. Or Chrissy. Whatever. I like to embellish.)


And that's about all I've got in me for now. It's taken me half of a day to kick this puppy out, and I'm noticeably less motivated to be creative and eloquent at this point...
I don't know when the next posting will be.
But I'm pretty sure I'm okay with that. :)