Just an Update

It's been two week since I have update my blog and these last two weeks have been filled with utter chaos.

On October 22nd, Ben arrived on the East Coast. It had been over 2 months since we had seen each other and for a few hours, I couldn't believe he was actually out here. As soon as he got here, we headed to Washington D.C. and spent the next 3 days touring the amazing US Capital. We were able to visit some museums,  a few monuments, and eat some delicious deep dish pizza.

Then on the 24th, we headed to my the town I currently call home. I was able to introduce Ben to my friends, visit Turkey Point Lighthouse, go to an apple orchard, and introduce him to Sandy Cove. Of course, he eventually had to go back to MN but the final night before he left, we decided to get creative. While in D.C. we has some of the best deep dish pizza we had ever had. So, naturally we decided to make some deep dish pizza from scratch. Neither of us had made it before so it was either going to be really good or a disaster. To our surprise, it was absolutely delicious. It is amazing how much you treasure your time with someone when you only have 5 days with them.

Just like last time we said goodbye, this time wasn't any easier than the last. Of course you hold it in until you get out of sight. I was told, just don't look back. Thankfully, I kept going until I got to my car. Then, yes, I lost it. It was hard to say goodbye to someone who you won't see until Christmas. Right before we said our goodbye, Ben said, "Just remember this isn't goodbye, it is just see you in a while." I constantly have to remind myself of how true that is.

Once Ben left, it was time to get back into a routine. My second block of classes started and it was time to get focused back on school. Thankfully, my classes are still going very well. This block is definitely harder than last, but I have to constantly remind myself I am not a Freshman anymore, I am a Senior and your diploma doesn't just get handed to you.

Last Wednesday, after my statistics class I decided to meet a friend at a local mall and buy Ben's birthday present. I was extremely excited. Overall, it was a really relaxing day. Within minutes of leaving the area my car started to make a clicking sound. Before I could pull over, my check engine light had turned on, my car completely locked up, and shut off. As it is pitch black outside, I immediately call AAA and the family I live with. With AAA and the family on their way, I was sitting in the middle of Delaware, and I was completely unsure of where I was. A friend stayed on the phone with me, as I internally was freaking out, until someone arrived. After a few years with an unreliable car, this situation is something I have nightmares about on a regular basis. At one point before anyone arrived Ben called. I was such a wreck, I knew I wouldn't be able to talk to him. He just said, "You're ok" before telling me to call him later. It was exactly what I needed to hear. I was ok, and that is all that mattered at that moment.

AAA finally came and towed my car away. A few days later I learned that my car was shot. The timing belt, valves, and water pump were completely toast. I was stuck 1,200 miles away from home without a car, without my family, and at a complete loss of what to do. Within hours, so many people offered their help. Without them, I don't know what I would have done.

In a few short days, my Dad is going to start a trip out here to bring me a car. I can't say enough good things about my Dad. The last few years, our relationship has been put to the test. Through it all, we have learned so much about each other. I can't tell you how excited I am that I will get to see him and spend time with him. Even though it will only be a few days, I will take whatever I can get since I won't be seeing him again until Christmas.

It's the hard times that bring out the best in us and the worst. These last few days have emotional and physically drained me. Through it all, I have friends who step up, a family that loves me, and a God who continues to show me that earthly thing aren't going to matter in the end. This last week I was reminded of my favorite verse, Isaiah 58:9, "Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I." The last week, He was with me and through this next week, He will be with me. Whether you are touring your nations capital or stranded on the side of the road in the middle of Delaware, through it all, He is with you.