Perfect Weekend

One of the things you learn when you live far away from home is that it is a reality that visits with friends, family, and others is something that is spaced out with distance. It seems there is never a point when "everyone" is together. Well, this weekend I got a taste of something I never imagined.

So, to start this out, I must mention some background details. The past 11 days have included 8 different performances for me. That's just music. I'm a student too. I wasn't surprised when I started to get sick because I knew I was over-doing it and my body just wanted to rest.

Cue: Friday.

I slept in skipping Philosophy of Ed because I knew my body needed the extra sleep. I went to school to attend choir rehearsal, eat lunch, and have piano lessons.

 I also must note, I was stressed. I knew that I had 2 performances left; Alli's wedding (piano music) and our choir concert. I remember before choir rehearsal thinking "The only person who could get me to relax is Alli." How perfect that I was about to go see her.

After classes were over, Josh and I drove to Wisconsin. We had good talks including business ethics, science ethics, choir, and many other things. It did not feel long at all because of the great company Josh provided.

I dropped Josh off at Katie's college so he could be with her. I proceeded to go to the church for wedding rehearsal. Stress was instantly lifted off of my shoulders when I got hugs with Alli, Sam, and Alli's parents. I didn't even remember the stress once I was with them.

We also had rehearsal dinner (which was delicious!!). Highlight: to all my Jimmy Fallon lovers out there, Alli and Sam wrote thank you notes to each of us. They had the music timed perfectly and made us laugh in a way that only they can.

After rehearsal dinner I had an amazing opportunity. I got to visit Sarah! She did my nails, showed me her favorite hang out spot, and then we fell asleep while talking.

Cue: Saturday.

Sarah and I woke up and took our time getting ready. We looked vastly different as I was in my wedding attire and Sarah was dressed for a comfy relaxing day. She made delicious coffee which I got to enjoy in a cool mug.

Sarah then took me to one of her favorite little areas. We went for brunch at a cute German place and even had a little time to shop.

By noon I was back at the church making final preparations to get Alli and Sam married!!! I had the privilege of helping Alli get in her dress, and helping with the little things before the ceremony. Then I got to play piano for the wedding; a true honor. Alli and Sam made faces at me during the ceremony (since they were facing the pastor and me). They also made me cry twice. Happy tears, of course. Sam and Alli are a winning pair who have been through many things together.

So many details of the ceremony showed the uniqueness of Sam and Alli. It was so wonderful to get to celebrate the two of them.

After the wedding, I, along with a few friends, and the Wier Aunts and Uncles set up the reception hall. I took upon the task of setting up the candy table. Of course, someone HAD to taste each kind of candy. It would be horrible if no one tasted the candy before serving it to the wedding guests. I took one for the team.

Once the reception hall was set up, we had some time to hang out in a suite that was reserved by Alli's parents for the Wiers and any of us friends. I have never seen so many people in a hotel suite at once. I can also say that I spent a few hours hanging out in a large bathroom in which one of Alli's cousins spent sitting in the bath tub (without water). I was able to meet many of Alli's cousins, aunts, and uncles, and have some awesome conversations.

The reception food was yummy, the dance was fun, the candy was almost gone. No, I didn't catch the bouquet.

I could go on and on and on. But, one thing resounds that I must share. Alli and Sam's friends made me feel so loved. They treated me like they had known me for years. I can honestly say a visit to all of them is a MUST this summer. I had such a great time getting to know their friends and families. Before leaving I got many genuine hugs from people who had just met me the day before.

Cue: Sunday.

I dropped Courtney off at the airport and drove home.

I was planning on meeting my parents for brunch but..... they got a flat tire. They made it to Trinity 4 minutes before my concert started. My honorary parents/summer parents were also able to come. Bonus: Mo and her mom came to the concert and quick said hello before they had to get going.

After the concert, I spent about an hour and a half with my parents and my summer parents out to eat. Then I had to say goodbye to my parents.



Yes, this was a long post, but it was worth a share. Thank you for reading all of this! I got to see college friends who I haven't seen in a year, make new friends, and see my real parents and honorary parents. It was short, but it was rich.

Time to rest, organize, and finish out the last week of classes and exam week.

Falling Behind

Falling behind is the theme I have felt recently.

1. I've fallen far behind in updating this blog.

2. I've fallen behind in my online classes that are "self-paced".

3. Not graduating in May....

Reasons for falling behind?

For the first two I can give an honest answer that is simple. I have been immersing myself in the Lord. I have been trying to follow where He is calling me. With that, I have taken many opportunities to go to events by myself. That's scary. But, I can't even begin to describe the amazing things that have come out of me attending things on my own. Conversations that I've been able to have. Prayers with others. Laughs and giggles with old friends. Meeting new people.

Often in life I feel the world is telling me that I can't be alone. To go somewhere alone is a shame. I see this especially on campus when I hear people asking "who are you going to [chapel, outcry, bible study, opus, the concert, the movie, etc.] with?"  I get a weird look when I answer "no one" or "I don't know". Even I find it weird when I see it.

But, what I have found is there is a beauty in being alone sometimes.

If we're being honest the only logical answer for #3 is that my double major just simply wasn't possible in 4 years. Often I find myself feeling like I didn't work hard enough. I feel sad that I don't get to experience these ends with my class.

I'm drawn to Ecclesiastes....."there is a time for everything."

As much as I want to graduate in a few weeks. As much as I want to be done. I am starting to realize that I must embrace the now. I must embrace the new connections I am making. This extra summer and extra semester is a blessing for me. I get a little more time at a place that has given so much to me.

There will be a time for me to update my blog (although it may always continue to be infrequent).

There will be a time when I finish those online classes.

There will be a time for me to graduate.

Right now, I get to enjoy the here and now. I get to stay up late (when I'm healthy).

I get to watch friends get married. (My time will come in the far away distant future).

I get to watch my niece grow up.

It is well. It will all happen....in God's time.