In the Good Ol' Summertime

The school year is getting ready to start and everyone is coming back. My summer is over now, but I just want to take a retrospective glimpse at it.

How have I been blessed this summer? let me count the ways . . .

1. New Friends

The Hartzlers: Oh. My. Gracious. Who would've thought that helping me move from Gaston to Creel could turn into a summer full of swim times, sleepovers, being the adult, fireworks, movies, sardines (which are super gross), Backyardigans, Get Smart, Speed Racer, family walks, funny stories, starting a band, tickle fights, lots of hamburgers, and a brand-new adopted family to love? Would you believe it? All that in just one summer?

Of course, now that I think about it, these are mostly all inside jokes that only the Hartzler family would get. But just believe that I had an amazing summer with Sherri, Chris, Caroline, Erica, Julia, and Adam. I LOVE THEM!

Dani Carter: One summer job of sitting at the counter + hardly any customers = lots and LOTS of emails being sent to the back office to one very amazing, sweet, and funny GA. I must say, Danielle Carter, I have had a blast with you this summer. Honestly, I thought you were a boj, but then I realized that you're hysterical and wonderful and that's when everything changed! Seriously everyone, that girl kept my summer going. Shopping trips, Starbucks (heavens, why did I never like that place before??), North & South (oooooh yeessss), pedicures, and Grab 'N Go lunches were all a part of our friendship this summer. Thank you, Lord!

Jenn Austin: I had no idea who I would be working with this summer, but not only did I get Dani, I also got Jenn! She worked at the counter with me and I would just like to say that she is the funniest, straight-shootin, coffee-drinkin', classes takin', flip-flop wearin' preacher's daughter I have ever met. I hope I get to see more of you this semester, Jenn. Good luck on student teaching! I know you'll whip those kids into shape with your superior math and power-point skills.

Patti and Julie Knakal: my breakfast buddies! The twins of custodial. They worked super hard ALL summer long, but we get up a little early to have breakfast, because as you may well know, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. except for lunch. I think that meal is pretty important too. And afternoon snack. And dinner. I like that too. Back to breakfast! I've really enjoyed having random conversations over breakfast. Little Caesar's pizza runs have also been necessary a few times this summer ;) And late night sessions with chips, queso, and facebook. They've been great and I'm hoping we'll find time to do breakfast a couple of times this next semester. And maybe they'll finish explaining the storyline of Les Miserables to me...

2. Old Friends

Emily: When she said she wanted to come visit me this summer, I was excited, but not very hopeful. The chances that someone would pay for the plane ticket to come down and stay on campus with me was a little too much to hope for. Or maybe it wasn't, because she actually came!! One amazing weekend of laughter, LOTS of walking, not 1 but 3 taxi rides, movie watching, picture taking, and good ol' catching up was just what I think we both needed. Thanks for having the guts to fly all by yourself to come visit me, Emily. I will never forget it. Because we have pictures AALLL over facebook. And I have to keep poking you or you will win the war.

Best friends, church family, and real family scattered around the country: It's hard keeping up with everyone, but overall, I just want to say, I MISSED YOU ALL!! Thank you for all your prayers and cards/gifts and facebook messages. And thank you for liking my facebook posts. You helped me beat a friend's record for the most likes on a status. Scooore.

3. New Experiences

A Blog: I had to have several people remind me to keep posting faithfully at the beginning of the summer, but I have to say that now I'm hooked. I LOVE blogging and I really enjoy reading other blogs too. So seriously, you might not think you have a lot to say (I barely have anything of worth to say), but someone will read it (even if it is only your mom and dad. Thanks Mom and Dad for reading my blog! Dad, you were my first 'follower'. I thank you). And you'll enjoy it too.

Starbucks: I hate coffee. I really do. But Starbucks, you have opened so many doors for me, even when I won't order coffee. Chai tea lattes, double chocolatey chip frappuccinos with peppermint, and iced passion tea lemonade are just of few of the delicacies you offer me. Would you consider lowering your prices though? Even a small student discount would be much appreciated.

Taxis: To me, taxis always meant death. Not only do you have to talk to strangers, you also ride in their cars and pay them money!! That just does not equal up to what my parents warned me of as a child. But seeing as how it was my dad who suggested (and paid for) Emily and I to ride in a taxi, I figured I was safe. And I was. Adventure is a wonderful thing, and taxis are pretty nifty. But super expensive.

Just the fact that I stayed on Bob Jones campus was quite new enough, but you would be here for hours if I tried to tell you all of the new things that happened to me this summer. So I will spare you. If you must know, I'm sure I can tell you in person, because I will be forever telling stories until the day I die. Or until the day that you get too bored hearing from me and walk off.

4. New Challenges

Children's Choir: This would technically fall under new challenges/privileges/opportunities/what-did-I-get-myself-into category. Subbing one time for the director actually turned into a chance to try my hand at directing a children's choir under the supervision (and oh so needed instruction) of Jenni Soehn. I adore the kids I work with, and I'm always astonished by how fast they learn. They're great and I'm so happy that I got to work with them this summer. I'm excited about doing during the school year too. Thanks guys! And thank you, Jenni, for such an opportunity.

Children's Church: Yes. My church here is wonderful, and they let me get involved in all sorts of things that include children, who are some of my favorite people! 4 and 5 year olds are the BOMB. And though the Quiet Seat is the most coveted award around here (it means candy), it's still quite a feat to get 9 youngsters seated long enough to sing songs and hear a Bible story. But they're great. And I love singing The Wiggle Worm Song, The Love of Jesus Is So Wonderful, and Only a Boy Named David, because they are soo stinkin' adorable when they sing and do hand motions. And the other teachers have helped me get more involved and learn more about teaching little ones. I actually learn from their teaching of the Bible stories too.

Spiritual Check-Up: It's hard to be here for the summer and stay in the Bible. I thought I would have a nice schedule and always be willing to sit down and get some time with my God. But it wasn't that easy. Towards the end of the summer, the Lord just brought me back to Himself and reminded me that He is always there and He has something to teach me. And sometimes I just need to sit down and be quiet because I don't know all the answers. So Lord, I'm ready. Please teach me.

What an amazing God I serve and what an interestingly wonder-FULL summer He has given me! Some may call it crazy, but a summer at college can sometimes be full of surprises.