September

Today is technically the first day of fall, but it sure does not feel like fall out here in Ohio. We are still having daily highs into the 80s, and as of right now, the predicted high for October 1st is 91 degrees. You would think that after two years of being out here, my body would had adjusted to a longer summer, but alas- it has not! I'd be lying if I didn't say that I am wishing for cooler weather as the trees begin to change and the leaves begin to fall. Anyways, I cannot believe that we are already almost to October- I rarely think about my birthday month until it's upon me.

September has been a trip. I'm going to admit that it's been a bit of a mess, it just seems like I cannot get out from underneath the waves of life right now. I am learning day after day how difficult adulthood can be. I want to give a shout-out to my parents though, because honestly this past month would not have been survivable without both their emotional and financial support. I always wanted to be an adult, and have a place of my own where I could entertain and have space for my friends to come to and feel at home. It was so great in my mind and while it is still great in reality- there are so many things attached to it. I now have bills I am responsible for and while I've always looked being "domestic"...I am realizing why people have a hard time keeping up their homes when they have jobs and other responsibilities. Despite that, though, I love having this house. I get to bake things for people when I want, cook meals for friends, and have movie nights.

(Here's a picture of my living space. It's drab still, but it's coming together!)

Classes are going well so far- I am taking my lightest load yet with only 17 credit hours. I am taking my extra time to either embrace it being my last year here, or working. I still am working for the Center of Political Studies (H&G Department), but in a lesser capacity than I was this summer, as it is the school year now. I am so beyond thankful for the friendship, guidance, and support from those above me in the department, it's such a blessing to have professors who are willing to work with me and help me towards my goal of being a professor. I feel like I spend my life in our building, but it's been an extra home to me. I also have officially joined Dayton Avenue Baptist as a member, so I am so happy about that. I've found a family there as well. I find it so amazing that the Lord keeps providing me with support when I need it the most.

Coming up, I take the GRE (graduate record examination) on Saturday, which I have to admit I am quite nervous about. This whole "getting into grad school" is kind of wigging me out at the current moment. I am in major debt from my time at Cedarville, so I will really need to get an assistantship if at all possible for graduate school. Right now the school I am looking at the most is the University of Cincinnati- it's a good program where I could possibly just continue on to my PhD there if I am successful in my Master's program, and it's close to home. We'll see what happens, though.

I would really love if if I could have prayer over the next couple months as I complete my application process for grad school- and that I would rest in whatever the Lord does, and for my finances. If you want more details on my current financial situation and the details surrounding it, you can contact me directly, but I'm not super comfortable with throwing it out there on the internet.

So there's your September update! As things keep happening this semester, I will keep you all informed!

Laura xx