crazy first day

I have to start by expressing how thankful I am for the gift God gave me this year: a summer with my family. Honestly, I thought that living at home with them during the summer months was going to be a trial, but God proved me wrong. Once again, He illustrated the fact that His plans are better than mine. There was healing, restoration, growth, laughter -- so many good things -- and I was sad that it had to end. So, God's plan: 1, Grace's plan: 0.

Now that I've moved into my apartment though, I can say that God has a season for everything. It's okay to be sad about the end of one season, and it's also okay to be excited about the beginning of another one. Which brings me to today. What. a. day. I have missed the insanity of girl time. It was so refreshing to start off the morning with Candice and Ali in the kitchen, chatting and cooking breakfast. I have been blessed with the most wonderful suite - better than I could have planned. Actually, it isn't what I planned, but as usual, God's plans are better. Ali and I had arranged to share the apartment with two friends that we already knew, but because of extenuating circumstances both of them had to change their plans, and another girl was assigned to our suite to replace one of them. At first I was a little skeptical about this idea of a random suitemate...but then I met Candice. She is amazing. I honestly can't wait to live with her this semester. So...yes, God's plan: 2, Grace's plan: 0.

Unfortunately, our apartment does not have working internet, so I'm using someone else's weak signal from the corner of our apartment. It hasn't been working for weeks, from what I've heard, so tomorrow, they're going to hear about it - again - in no uncertain terms. I hate dealing with the UCA Housing Department; they're never helpful, and you have to be abrasive to get anything accomplished. :/ I'm waiting on God's plan to come through on this one...

But anyway, today was also an awesome day because I got to spend it with Ali, hanging out, eating, having girl talk, laughing until we couldn't stand up...the usual. Most of my stuff has been unpacked and melded with hers in an organized fashion, as well, which gives me a good feeling. This apartment really feels home-y. There are still a few odds and ends we need to pick up at the Stuffmart, like an ice tray, but...overall, it's quite comfortable. I love the feeling I get from walking into a real kitchen to get a glass of water when I'm thirsty. I even love the feeling I get from doing the dishes. Weird, I know, but that's just me.

The other highlight of my day was finding out that I will be in the Concert Choir this semester. :) I've wanted to sing with them since freshman year, but I was too nervous about adding the time commitment at first. Now, though, I realize that I'm here at college not only for the classes, but for the experiences, and it's worth it to make time for something like this that I want to do. Singing makes me happy. Singing in a choir makes me happier. Singing in a *good* choir makes me the happiest! :)

Anyway, I need to get some sleep now so that I can get up in the morning and be fully awake for all of things I need to accomplish: friends to see, appointments to keep, errands to run, internet functionality to procure...you know, the usual. I'll be in touch.

<3