“But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls”- Hebrews 10:39
Who knew seven months could pass by so quickly? It seems like just a few days ago I was getting off my plane in Portland to begin my second year at Ecola, and now I am officially graduated from two years of Bible school. It is hard to see a chapter close, hard to part ways with those you love, and hard to have the courage to take steps into the next adventure. This year has grown me in ways I never expected. Anticipating this year to be a duplicate of first year, with some added responsibility, I was in for quite a surprise.
This year was so full and finding time amidst the business to be able to rest was a real challenge. I felt as if I was always doing something, always with someone, and being able to be an introvert in those times was really difficult. Having a set amount of homework due every term, working every afternoon, and having outreach every other weekend really challenged my time management skills. On top of that trying to have a relationship and keep my friendships intact was no easy task. But I would not change any of the extracurriculars that I had this year. It caused me to be intentional with my time with God and with others.
Being able to work in the office was a blessing in so many ways. It was work I had never done before with people I barely knew. But the relationships that bonded over this year were so wonderful. My coworkers are absolutely astounding and I appreciate them so much. The outreach I was in was Operation Nightwatch which is an outreach to the homeless in Portland. I would go every other Saturday to serve from 7-11. This took me out of my comfort zone and forced me to interact with people I normally would not. I was incredibly humbled by the people there, both serving and guests. It was a blessing to just have conversations and play games and enjoy the company of people with whom I would normally not have the ability to interact.
The academics also were a huge influence on what I learned this year. The last term especially really focused on persevering although many distractions may come... to keep abiding in Christ and to pursue God. Stepping out of that constant teaching requires intentional learning, whether through Bible studies, podcasts, or church. For my memorization part of homework I memorized Romans 6-8. Although it was a challenge, I am so glad I did it. These three chapters are just so rich in talking about who we are in Christ and who we no longer are because of Him. These chapters teach about who God is and the sacrifice He made for me, for us.
While still very involved in community in the School of Ministry, it is not the same as first year. Maybe it is because you are not living in the dorms with your other classmates, maybe it is because most of the students are working during the day, maybe it is because you are working hard on homework. Whatever the cause is, it made me be more intentional. I became close to people I was not close with my first year and I treasure those relationships so much. I also learned a lot about myself in the sense that I am an anxious person. Many of my journal entries are talking about me being anxious or fearful about a social situation, my future, or a financial situation. But God provides. He is so good! Last year I learned that God is trustworthy because of His love. This year I have been learning to actually trust in His love. And it is hard at times.
I have been so blessed by my two years spent on the Pacific Coast at Ecola. I am so thankful to the staff, to my classmates, and to God for the experience I had here. I am excited for what the future holds and I am not sure where I am going to end up. But Cannon Beach, OR will always hold a special place in my heart.
