Not a goodbye, but a see you later

I moved to Springfield three and a half years ago. I was homesick and knew no one. Every inch in my being wanted to move back home and be with my friends and family. As I begin packing up my apartment three and a half years later, I find myself not wanting to leave my new family. Over the past three years I have met so many incredible people. People who have become my best friends. People who have helped me become who I am. It is hard to imagine my life without these people being right by my side. Don't get me wrong, we will have lots of Skype dates, phone calls, and Facebook messages, but it is just not the same!

Reflecting back on my past three years, I have an overwhelming sense of peace that God had a plan and a purpose for my time here at Missouri State. My path was supposed to cross with all of these wonderful people. God has taught me some amazing things during my time at college. I just want to go through some of the awesome blessing during my time at Missouri State.

For starters, Christian Campus House was a HUGE blessing. The staff took me under their wing and helped me feel at home when I was very homesick. I became super involved and my relationship with the Lord grew and molded in ways I never would have imagined. I got to experience true discipleship, true service, and true missions work. I was able to travel to Mexico and Kosovo on mission trips. Both of these places hold a very near and dear place in my heart. The staff and students at CCH become not only my very close friends, but my family. I cannot express how much I love and cherish CCH. 

These three woman, have impacted my life in amazing ways! Monique, Anne, and Sarah are all women's ministers at CCH. They have been there for me my entire college career. They have been there to encourage me, laugh with me, give me advice, and tell me things I didn't always want to hear. I know that they love me and believe in me and I appreciate that so much :) They have each individually taught me so much about the Lord and about life. They do SO much for the girls in CCH and they deserve recognition and praise! Thank you for all the times you've listened to my freak outs, let me cry on your shoulder, made fun of me, and accepted me for who I am. I love each and everyone of you so deeply.

Megan and I met second semester of freshman year in the stairwell of Freddy. I seriously don't know what I would have done without her!! We are both education majors and have had all of our classes together. We lived together this last semester! She is one of my best friends. I love how open and honest we can be with each other. We are alike in so many ways, it's scary! Thank you for being such a great friend to me! I know that we will stay friends forever and talk about life and teacher stuff!! I'm so excited for where your life is headed. I know the Lord is going to use you in powerful ways!! 

Katie Anne is one of my closest friends. We met at the very first 8:01 of freshman year. My friendship with Katie is unlike any other friendships I've ever had. She has taught me to embrace who I am and go with it. She is brilliant (even though she would argue otherwise), she always puts others before herself, she is a faithful friend, a true servant of the Lord, and she has a huge heart. She has taught me so much. She has listened to my rants about life, countless times. She has been there for me through my darkest times and my happiest times. We have so many memories together and I cannot wait to see where the Lord takes her. I know she is going to do amazing things for the Kingdom! 

This beautiful lady, Melissa was my roommate for two years! We met freshman year as well. She is one of the most fun, loving, and adventurous people I have ever met. She has such a gentle and loving spirit! She is also one of the strongest women I know. We have gone through many ups and downs together over the past three years and there isn't anyone I would have rather shared them with. :) She just had her first baby girl! I am so excited for what the Lord has in store for her. She is going to be a great momma!!

Kayla is seriously an angel sent from heaven. She has been such a blessing in my life. We met the first Sunday of freshman year. She took me under her wing and became my mentor. We met every week to study the Bible. We soon became very close friends, and eventually accountability partners. Kayla knows my heart better than anyone (besides the Lord and Chris of course). She has been a great example of what a Godly women looks like. She is dependable, humble, and she loves the Lord with all of her being. We have shared in so much together. We are able to be completely honest with one another and lean on each other during hard times. I know she is always someone I can call and ask for prayer. She means so much to me!! 

Last, but certainly not least is my handsome fiancé! Who knew going into college that I would end up marrying this hunk? Chris is my best friend and the love of my life. God brought us together during our sophomore year of college. He has been such a blessing to me over the past few years. He has made me a better, stronger person. I cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for us! :) 

There have been many others who have impacted my life during college. Friends that I will never forget and who I will stay in contact with. I am so thankful for the past three and a half years. If I had to do it over, I wouldn't change a thing. Thank you to everyone who has been apart of my life during the last three years. You have greatly impacted my life! :)