God's Faithfulness and Blessings

   Almost 2 months ago I learned that the university I had been attending (Bethany University) decided it must close its doors for good. I literally laughed out loud when I found out (in a sarcastic kind of way) and told God this was "very funny." The following weeks and even months have consisted of the myriad of emotions that accompany filling out applications and beginning this transition process.

   Since arriving in San Jose, about two and a half years ago, I knew that I would not be there permanently. I was planning to leave next year, on my time... However, as I have come to see over and over again throughout my life, God has other plans.

   It has been so encouraging to see God's hand at work in this crazy situation, and within the details of my move to William Jessup University, for so many reasons:

• The whole situation is SO ridiculous, and completely not normal, that I am convinced God has bigger and better plans for me at Jessup than I ever could have created on my own.

• God has changed my heart about moving, reajusting, and making new friends- in the past, my heart has often been bitter and closed off to new situations. Yet, I'm encouraged to remember that God has given me such a blessing of friends and community in San Jose; I know He will provide again.

• Most transfers are required to complete at least a year of classes at their final university before being allowed to graduate. Jessup is letting me graduate in one semester, as I had originally planned at Bethany (this Dec '11). They have helped me obtain the classes I need in order to finish my degree- though I know it has created hardships for their faculty. 

• Surprise! This next semester I will be living in a hotel- What?! I'm living in a suite with 3 other women (4 of us total), with free access to pool, hottub, gym, (free!) laundry, outdoor patio, indoor lounge , complementary breakfasts, and 3 dinners a week- I don't know what to make of all these amazingly fun blessings that I had no idea would be waiting for me!  

• Jessup has decided to give me a grant for no other reason than kindness. Their generosity is a huge blessing.  

• Earlier in the summer, I was overcome by the unrealistic fear of being forgotten. I feared I hadn't made a difference and that my move would simply evaporate any memory anyone had of me during these past two and a half years in San Jose. Yet, since that time, I have been overwhelmed with love. Friends have told stories of our times together, encouraged my heart in the role I have played in our community, expressed their excitement for the changes ahead, and most of all, have prayed for me. I can't tell you how much this has meant to me. My heart is more than encouraged- I am deeply and fully blessed.