After fighting with the bureaucracy of South Africa (AKA applying for my visa) for the past few days I have some advice: if you are applying for a visa make sure to triple check all your paperwork and do not, I repeat, do not wait until the day it's due...oh procrastination how I loathe you sometimes...grrr O_o
On a lighter and more philosophical note, I realized yesterday that in two weeks I will be officially done with the semester and half of my junior year...I have mixed feelings about this. While I am excited to be done with school work and be that much closer to being in Cape Town, I don't know if I'm ready for the semester to end yet. This has been an incredible semester: I have loved all my classes and all my professors (1st time since I've been at school), I have enjoyed my job working as a desk receptionist at McCabe, I had an awesome 21st birthday, made several great new friends, got accepted into South Africa, went on an amazing retreat with Campus Crusades for Christ, and I have formed countless memories with amazing friends ♥
More and more I am realizing the value of my college experience. Yes, grades do matter (I'm not taking thousands of dollars worth of classes for nothing) but in the end it's about the people you meet and the experiences you share. To the point, when I am stressing over an exam and have the option of studying instead of attending Campus Crusades for Christ, having dinner with a friend, or whatever it may be, I often remind myself "Ten years from now I won't look back and say 'Wow, remember that one time when I studied all night for that Biochem exam instead of going to CRU? Man that was awesome.' Ridiculous, right? No, instead I will look back and cherish the fellowship with my fellow CRU members and nurturing my friendships.
I've heard a thousand times "College years are the best years of your life. Enjoy it while it lasts - it goes by all too fast." And that's exactly what I am striving to do.
Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.
Romans 12:9
Many blessings and much love,
Janelle
WOW I am so excited for you. I'm right there with you by the ocean. I can't imagine beaches and mountains in the same place. Sounds like a taste of heaven! Where can I sign up?!! (smile face)
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