March Brings Change . . . and Growth

Well, actually, i would have to say more accurately that January and February brought change, and March is where all the change is realized and fully sinks in.

Quick update: i'm sorry i haven't updated this in a while, it is ridiculously out of date! A good friend reminded me to update it, so here i am, about three months later, updating what has been going on in my life.

In January, from about the 4-19, I went to Chile with an intercession course from school. Under the pretenses of "Religion 309: wilderness and Religion" we made tracks around the Patagonia region of Chile, a wonderful and beautiful place. The people there are so wonderful and kind, the food is interestingly good, and the scenery is breathtaking. we spent about a week in a national park, hiking the trails and spending out nights at established camping grounds and Refugio's (hostels for the trekkers) and then about a week traveling to the southern most city in South America, Peurto Williams, to hike around there as well. There is too much to say about the trip on this blog to do it justice, so basically, i loved the people i went, butted heads with the instructor (who isn't even a GCC prof!) and saw God's glory everywhere.

I returned from Chile and began spring semester of my sophomore year, which is where things began to get rough and God taught me many lessons. After a week back at school, Jacob declared that he was deciding to transfer to a school back home in Texas, A&M, and was leaving GCC after the semester was over. So therefore, he decided that he wanted to stop dating me so that we could go back to being the best friends that we were before we started dating when he goes off and leaves grove city. This was about the hardest thing I've experienced in a long time. I've dated other guys in high school and one other at college before Jacob, but never, never have i struggled with getting over someone like Jacob. Honestly, i have to admit that the first couple of days i wasn't doing so well, but slowly and surely God began to heal my heart. He showed me his provision and his comfort for me, and really spoke to me, especially through the Psalms. IN times like that it is tough to know what God has in store for you, how his plans could be different, and your life will end up, etc. But in a way, knowing he is in control of my future is so much better than knowing it. God also surrounded me with wonderful friends who really helped me through this time, my roommate, my good guy friend who would listen to me ramble, and the wonderful sorority sisters that God has blessed me with. I sometimes feel silly saying that God broke me over this breakup, but it wouldn't be a stretch at all. He stripped me of everything comfortable and secure so that i had to completely rely on him. It was rough, but it is safe to say that my faith is exponentially stronger then what it was in October of 06.

Another disappointment that came to me was last Tuesday, the day before i went home for the short break. I found out, realized, that i didn't make OB (orientation board- the kids that welcome the freshman every year). For some reason, i took this very hard and was upset. It's hard and sad because my roommate is on the executive committee for it, and so it's not like i just can ignore the fact that i didn't make it . . . but it's everywhere. It was wonderful to go home for this very reason, to not have to think about school, the work, the drama, etc.

i went home this last weekend, it was wonderful to be back in STL, even if just for a short time. i saw my sister and husband, and their three children, which are precious (supposedly the youngest looks just like me when i was a baby), and just had good time at home, with my family, and my good friend Julianna that i brought home with me. This semester has been so rough, academically and emotionally, that it was the first break that i didn't want to come back to school.

In reflection of these last months, i have grown and been stretched in so many ways. i wondered why it always seems that God brings progress and growth in the midst of our sufferings. Damon thinks it's because God doesn't want us to think that our growth has anything to do with our own efforts- which i think is valid and true. I am for sure not the same Laura Mark i was last fall. IF anything, i am stronger, more sure of myself, and more on fire and passionate about the love of God. I'm not saying that i still don't struggle, because i struggle every day with all the random drama of life, and Jake still gets under my skin sometimes, but all in all, March is definately the month in which i change from all the growth that i have been through.

more later . . . .