Two months later, I am finally writing another blog post. And like everytime I take forever to write, I am at a loss as to what to write. A lot has happened in the last two months. I traveled to Kansas to visit my nephew at the end of July, to Colorado and Kansas for family vacation in August, and to Elmira, New York to participate in Krissy's wedding over Labor Day weekend. School has started with new classes and an internship. My work schedule has changed as I transition to only two days a week (Fridays and Saturdays) at the co-op and a new position as Administrative Assistant at my church. I have begun to teach an English class once a week. My next half marathon is in a little over 3 weeks, so I have been running a lot. I also have all new housemates and thus a new community and social life. So yeah, a lot has happened in the last two months.
With all these changes, I have had many ups and downs. The start of school was extremely stressful as I was running on little sleep (I believe I averaged 5 hours a night for about 3 weeks straight) and too many commitments. I also had some personal drama that added to my stress level, not to mention yet another faith crisis. However, I have managed to turn things around. I decided to drop a class and thus be able to concentrate better on other things. I initiated an early bedtime and built more time into my schedule to spend in community with my housemates. My personal drama resolved itself and I have been able to talk with academic advisor about my faith questions. And so for the last week and a half, I have been really good. I feel like I have reached a balance in my life and even as my schedule is full, it is full of really good things that bring me energy.
The thing that has brought me the most energy and a feeling of fullness has been my new housemates. There are currently six of us living in the house: four guys who are finishing up studies and work at Goshen College, and one girl who is full-time at Goshen College. We are all randomly connected to my seminary friend whom I originally moved into the house with (he and his wife recently moved out so she could begin a residency job at Goshen College). It might have been random, but we have connected so well. The four guys have been living together for the last couple years and are some of the most quality guys that I have known. They are each so unique and bring totally different dynamics to the house. Sonya, the other girl, is a beautiful spirit and in her I have found a most delightful, honest friendship. I look forward to going home everyday as I know I will be greeted with "Julia, you're home! Come sit with us!" Most every night, we congregate in the living room to share about our days, tell funny stories, snuggle, play interesting youtube videos, and just be. We have become a strange little family.
I find myself falling deeper and deeper in love with these people everyday. It is so strange because I was satisfied with the community I found in Goshen this summer, but what I have now is so much deeper and more satisfying. I have balance in my life right now because I have such amazing support. A few weeks ago when I came home crying, I found arms that held me, hands that brought me tissues and tea, and ears that truly listened. On an everyday basis, I have people that accept me for exactly who I am and truly care to hear about the details of my day and my life. My thoughts are valued as well as my character. I really cannot adequately describe the feeling of wholeness I have right now. This wholeness has spread throughout my life and I have noticed less stress at school and work. I find myself truly happy. This living situation is not forever, but while it lasts, I am going to soak it up because some people search their whole lives for this kind of community, this strange little family, that I just stumbled into.
With all these changes, I have had many ups and downs. The start of school was extremely stressful as I was running on little sleep (I believe I averaged 5 hours a night for about 3 weeks straight) and too many commitments. I also had some personal drama that added to my stress level, not to mention yet another faith crisis. However, I have managed to turn things around. I decided to drop a class and thus be able to concentrate better on other things. I initiated an early bedtime and built more time into my schedule to spend in community with my housemates. My personal drama resolved itself and I have been able to talk with academic advisor about my faith questions. And so for the last week and a half, I have been really good. I feel like I have reached a balance in my life and even as my schedule is full, it is full of really good things that bring me energy.
The thing that has brought me the most energy and a feeling of fullness has been my new housemates. There are currently six of us living in the house: four guys who are finishing up studies and work at Goshen College, and one girl who is full-time at Goshen College. We are all randomly connected to my seminary friend whom I originally moved into the house with (he and his wife recently moved out so she could begin a residency job at Goshen College). It might have been random, but we have connected so well. The four guys have been living together for the last couple years and are some of the most quality guys that I have known. They are each so unique and bring totally different dynamics to the house. Sonya, the other girl, is a beautiful spirit and in her I have found a most delightful, honest friendship. I look forward to going home everyday as I know I will be greeted with "Julia, you're home! Come sit with us!" Most every night, we congregate in the living room to share about our days, tell funny stories, snuggle, play interesting youtube videos, and just be. We have become a strange little family.
I find myself falling deeper and deeper in love with these people everyday. It is so strange because I was satisfied with the community I found in Goshen this summer, but what I have now is so much deeper and more satisfying. I have balance in my life right now because I have such amazing support. A few weeks ago when I came home crying, I found arms that held me, hands that brought me tissues and tea, and ears that truly listened. On an everyday basis, I have people that accept me for exactly who I am and truly care to hear about the details of my day and my life. My thoughts are valued as well as my character. I really cannot adequately describe the feeling of wholeness I have right now. This wholeness has spread throughout my life and I have noticed less stress at school and work. I find myself truly happy. This living situation is not forever, but while it lasts, I am going to soak it up because some people search their whole lives for this kind of community, this strange little family, that I just stumbled into.
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