All I Do is Craige

Wow. Can I just say that the past three weeks have been CRAZY? As I knew they would be. But they've been WONDERFUL as well!

So what have I been doing? Beginning Year 2 as an RA!! This is honestly the best job I could ever picture having! Although it is tiring, it is such a wonderful opportunity to meet people and build relationships. And my staff this year is wonderful, to say the least. I have such a fun and hardworking staff. Therefore, this is going to be a GREAT year! We have a Community Director who's new to campus this year, and he is awesome. For real. Couldn't have asked for a better boss.

And my residents are almost all moved in, so I get to start getting to know them, which really is the best part of my job. They're so cool, and I'm so excited about hanging out with them.

So not really much of a blog post, more like an update. And here's a picture of my supercute staff! More to come at some point...

Goodbye July. Hello August.

Life.
It flies by, and if I don't stop for a moment to look around, it's gone.
I'm kind of weirded out that it's August already. I mean, didn't summer just begin? Didn't I just spend a couple of weeks home then move into the Rudolph's? Didn't Kids Week just happen? Didn't summer school just start? Oh wait, it's over. And it's time for RA training and school to begin again. Wow!



So, obvi, the purpose of this blog post isn't to share how blown my mind is by how fast the summer flew by - although it's true. But I'd like to reflect on a few things I've learned this summer (beyond how to entertain three children, watch tv, and study all at the same time).

First, God really broke me down this summer. He showed me that my purpose in this life is a lot bigger than getting what I want, when I want it. He showed me the grossest parts of my hart, which I had been so desperately trying to cover and hide in a corner. He revealed to me my deepest desires, and how in and of themselves, they are good - but when they interfere with my walk with Him, they are no longer good. I have to completely entrust them to Him. I have to completely give my heart over to Him. Because that's how He works.

Living with a family this summer has taught me so much that I wouldn't have been able to learn otherwise. I have learned about a parenting style different than my parents', and I have seen a beautiful marriage at work. I have gained a massive respect for my parents for putting up with the four of us because we must have completely worn them out. And I now have a much clearer picture of the man I want to marry.

But as I say that, I also have to say that I have realized that my biggest fear is being alone in life. Not like sitting in a house by myself alone, but being single and not having a family to call my own alone. Although the desire for a husband and a family is a good desire, when it causes me to idolize family over God, it is something that I really have to hand over to God. I've realized that I have to trust God to bring the right man into my life at the right time and until then, it is my job to pursue my walk with the Lord.

I said goodbye to some people who have radically changed my walk with God and my relationships. But it's funny how, as God takes people out of my life, He brings in new people. Not that they are replacements; but He creates new room in my heart for new friends.

I have realized how much discipline it takes to do anything worth doing - spending time with the Lord, living a healthy lifestyle, building friendships. I have seen the importance of spending time by myself to reflect, process, and pray. I have met some incredible people and started some beautiful and promising friendships. I'd say overall, this summer was a success...and not just because summer school went well...but because of what the Lord has taught me and done in me.

Hopefully, I'm ready for the school year ahead.

Welcome August.
Let the craziness begin.