It's almost time to pack all my bags up and make the long trek home for the holidays. A long drive lies before me and I am ever so excited to embark on yet another journey. I know, I over-dramatize everything, especially a road trip home. It is a very exciting thing though. I have yet to see true snow this winter and I will be arriving home to inches upon inches of it. Quite the difference. Until then, I shall amuse myself with my brand new snowglobe with a snowflake as the centerpiece. My roommate is pretty much the best gift giver ever. The perfect gift for one such as I.

The end of the semester is here and what have I learned? What has shaped me this semester? In these few short months what has changed me for the rest of my life and why? I have learned about accounting and finances. I have learned, the hard way, the importance of balancing a check book. I have learned a lot more about the pains of children in broken families, not from personal experience but from discussion. I have learned how to be patient, which I am still working on. I have learned how to make the most of every situation, especially when I'm out of my comfort zone. I have learned about differing personalities and how to respond to each. I have learned that I am absolutely NOT always right. I have learned the importance of family. I have learned respect for the church, different denominations and all. I have learned how to argue without being ridiculous, but at times I still am. I have learned how to love and how to let others love me. I have learned the importance of being discipled. I have learned how far a little word can go. I have learned that making those around me feel wanted and love is far better than anything else i could ever have hoped for. I have learned that God works through mess-ups like me if I will just open my heart to Him and let Him have his way.

So as you can see, I have had a very successful semester. I can not think of any way it could have been improved. I have learned from my mistakes and have had many triumphs over my bridges and giants.

I am ready to tackle 2007 and all that it holds.

And I wait with expectation for the day of our Lord and Savior and cannot wait until I can see Him face to face.