Through the whirlwind

whirlwind (n): 1. something happening or changing swiftly: something that happens very quickly, or a rapid succession of events

Following my last "real" blog (not the song lyrics that I posted), the quarter grew busier and busier. One of my classes this quarter was the design of a processor from an empty folder. While I definitely learned a lot through this class, it proceeded to take up over 20 hours per week in the computer labs. My algorithms class took up 6 to 7 hours every other week, and my two economics classes took up time as well.

Our snow trip was during this time, and it took place during an intense snowstorm. I helped with the logistical issues relating to transportation and other aspects of the trip, and due to the weather, these issues soon got complicated. Following this was our girls' appreciation night that took more planning and time to carry out as well.

As I come to the end of this quarter... I know that this wasn't the most amazing quarter of college that I've had so far (though it was not awful at all). But when I look back at it, I'm simply thankful for all that happened and for all that God did during it.

I feel very blessed to be part of God's plans. God has been doing amazing things through Upper Room this quarter and though I am not worthy, I am amazed and humbled that He uses me in those plans.

There were so many times when I didn't know how I would get through the day. There was just so much packed in it and plenty of work that had to be done that day. I was exhausted a lot of the time and just didn't know how I could manage. But it helped knowing that God is in control of everything. God was with us on the snow trip and kept us safe. I was able to rely on God to get me through the day, through the chaos of the computer lab, or job fairs, or the snow trip, or AIM night, or three hours of Upper Room leadership. Sure, there were times where I didn't succeed at this, and it's an area I need to keep working on.

My supervisor at camp told us at our weekly meetings (especially towards the end of summer when everyone was tired and burned out) that God works the most when we're tired and when we've done all that we can do and given all that we can give. I saw that over and over throughout the quarter. I firmly believe that God doesn't do for us what we should be doing ourselves. But I also firmly believe that God will bring us through situations in the way that is best for us and for His glory.

I've come so far from even the start of this quarter. I've grown and changed as a person. I know that I would not have made it through this quarter without all the events of the last quarter changing me and transforming me. It's amazing to see the events in my life that didn't make sense at the time and how God uses certain aspects of them to prepare me for the future.

Finally, this last week I got a break from constant business and got some time to rest, now that my processors class is now complete. It was this week that I realized that I had been missing community - the ability to share what's going in my life with other people and to be supported by them while I help other people. Throughout the whirlwind I largely focused on the obligations that I had and didn't take the time to be poured into by God and by other people. It has been great to be able to do this now and I have greatly missed this in my life.