The Golden Triangle

I am back and better than ever, readers! This time, coming to you, not from Columbus, but Pittsburgh!!! You may not have even noticed, but I missed an entire week of blogging because life got to be super busy with preparing to move. Let me tell ya, it was intense.

If an update is what you are looking for, you have come to the right place!

So, my last week in Cbus was amazing. Difficult, for sure. I am an extremely emotional person, and I am continually learning to embrace that part about me. Yet, as much as I tried to see those "goodbyes" as "see you laters," I still struggled not to cry. "You never know what you have until it is gone," kept replaying through my head and I had not even left yet! Sometimes, my constant analytical-reflective mindset is annoying. Nonetheless, I got to see [just about] everyone that I wanted to right before leaving.

With each friend/family member that I hugged, or spent quality time with, I was reminded of God's faithfulness. I am fully convinced that I have the best circle of friends and family. No doubt about it.

Three years ago, I never would have said that I would be living the summers in Columbus, but God did. Eight months ago, I never would have said I would be moving back to Pennsylvania, but God did.

If you were to ask any of my friends or family that journeyed with me through the grad school application process, they would tell you that it was nothing short of a rollercoaster. I cried, sweat, and danced over the entire journey and even did all three at the same time!

During my senior year of undergrad, eight months did not seem like much time to make such big decisions for the next stage of life. But, of course, now that I am off of that rollercoaster, I can see that God needed exactly eight months to prepare and perfect this place for me. He had to soften my heart- a WHOLE LOT. It was embarrassing to get rejected from my top school choice, and to face the risk of trusting that the ONE school I was accepted into (Chatham) was indeed the very one that God would be calling me to. I cannot think of a more trying time in my life than applying to grad school.

That eight-month long journey was only the beginning, because once I was accepted, that meant I had to look for a place to live, prepare to live on my own, and get a hold of the mindset and being a student on a much deeper and new level. Geesh...I had no clue how God was going to do it, but I sit here today, typing this blog, in confidence that God IS doing it. If only I could truly explain that magnitude of the journey and what He has brought me through...I would try.

The day of my big move came and went so quickly. I had the best help that I could have ever asked for: two fatherly figures, one from Ohio, and one from Pennsylvania. Along with them were my parents, and my godsister. It was a busy and productive day, but I could not stop thinking about how blessed I have been. To have people in my life that are so selfless, give of their whole Saturday, move in alllllllllll my junk, and expect nothing in return? -like, what? How does that happen? Why? What did I do to deserve this blessing? ...and the questions continue.

Yet, after everything was inside my apartment, (Whoa. Still has not quite felt "normal" to say that) they wanted nothing else than to leave me be to begin my new chapter. For them, blessing me was their blessing. I do not get it, and I am not sure that I ever will (but I did not want to rob them of their blessing). What I do know, is that my heart is completely full. I recognize that it is because the Lord holds me that I am being blessed by others continually.

It took a while for me to find a place [or the place that I wanted] for everything. I still have my study desk and and coffee table areas to organize, but other than that, I am all settled. It is crazy! I have only been here for three days and I already love it!

The first night alone was a tad difficult, but I prayed over every single nook and cranny in my apartment with anointing oil, and firmly believe that the Lord dwells here. As an ambivert, I know having my own place will definitely have its perks, but the struggle of not knowing anyone in the city to go hang out with just yet is really real. I know, I know- Bethany you have only been here for three days. Give it some time. You will make friends.

I get it. I am just impatient and want those friends now. On the plus side, I have been meeting people. Three people on my floor to be exact. They seem nice. I have to write down names to remember them, but I am not telling them that haha. I am praying that these relationships flourish into something impactful.

Having my parents around on my second day was helpful for getting more things set up inside the apartment. Then, celebrating my dad's birthday in downtown Pittsburgh, at Joe's Crab Shack, was super tasty. Once they left, I think it officially hit me that 1) This is not MVNU and 2) I get to attempt being an adult in a whole new light now.

I am ready for the challenge. I am excited for the challenge.

Over this weekend, I had one of my best friends, and another father figure come from Ohio for the day. It was like I never left since the time from our "see you later" until now was so short! We had a fun-filled day with trying new restaurants in my neighborhood, riding our bikes all the way downtown, seeing a Pirates game, and enjoying all of the scenery! I honestly did not want the day to end! I am more than thankful that they came to stay with me.

Then today, I was all back on my own. I made breakfast for myself - success, rode the public bus for my first time ever to get to church - success, and took an evening stroll on my bike - success. Call me obsessed, but I love this city.

I do not have classes all this week, which means all the more exploring for me. But, I know come time for classes to start, it is going to be rough no longer having all this free time. However, I am not in next week, I am in this week, so I am going to put negative Nancy aside and be joyful Bethany.

I have no clue what I am going to do tomorrow, but I know it will be great.

God has already shown me what it means to trust Him a bit deeper and so I can only imagine all the many lessons He has prepared for me in this city. If I told you I was pumped, that would be an understatement.

LET"S GO PITTSBURGH!!!!!

P.S. I intend to continue blogging once a week, every Sunday, even when grad school starts...but we will have to see :)