A FIRST!!!

Something amazing has happened!!!

The date is October 26th. This afternoon I had an experience! Something that I've never had before! Something wild! Something unimagineable!

Is the suspense killing you?

Alright, I'll say it! I'll just tell you.....

.....I'm experiencing my first, first SNOW FALL!!! It's the first time that I've ever seen a first snow fall! EVER! And what's even more crazy is that it's not even Halloween yet!

I'm in total shock! It's so cool! But it's just so unreal! When I realized what was happening, I just had to stare out my window for about ten minutes to try and comprehend it. There are actual flakes falling from the sky as I write this! And the wind is going nuts!

Do I seem a little excited? :) I am, but I'm also a little nervous for what this means for future weather....could this be an omen of a terrible winter to come? I definitely didn't approve of that. Doesn't my opinion count for anything?? ......Oh well. Today I'll just enjoy the sight!

It's just another "first" that I'm getting to have! I need to love it!

-On a side note, I went to Rochester on Friday with Christy and some girls. We ate at Olive Garden and then went to see High School Musical 3! It was great being the oldest people in the theatre! And it was a really fun time! It totally brought back memories of high school, and more importantly the friendships that I've taken away with me! I had to call my friend, Allison, at Oklahoma University to discuss the movie and weather and our lives. It made me miss last spring, but it also reminded how lucky I am to have a friendship that can last the distance apart.

I hope everyone can stay warm and safe in this crazy weather!

Have a great week y'all!

Anna

"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor." -Psalms 8:3-5

Fall Break

So as much fun as college is, there's nothing like looking forward to a long relaxing break from homework, mid-terms, and the hectic life that comes with it! This was our first break, and it's been awesome!

Unfortunately, I didn't get to go all the way home to Texas because although we don't have school until Thursday, I have volleyball practice on Tuesday. However, I didn't have to stay on campus either- instead I got to go to my second home, my grandparent's house!

They live about an hour from Luther right outside of Lyle, MN. My Uncle Ted is here too which has made the weekend very special! It's been an awesome time for me to relax and to regenerate for the next half of the semester (I can't believe I'm already writing that!) And let's be honest, the only thing that can match being spoiled by your mother is being pampered by your grandmother!!! She's made all of my favorite meals, and even helped me with the loads of laundry I brought home.....ok, ok, she even did all of the laundry I brought home!

Another great thing about visiting my grandparents is that my boyfriend, Ryan's, hometown also happens to be Lyle, MN. Isn't that convenient? :) His brother was confirmed today, and I went over for the party this afternoon. This was a really exciting day, and I was glad that I got to be a part of it! All of Ryan's family was in town for the occasion. Now, I only have three first cousins. Ryan on the other hand has about fifty, so you can imagine when I say all the family was there that I mean it! It's always fun to be around a big family, and his is so much fun!!!

Tomorrow we're driving to the Mall of America in Minneapolis in hopes of finding a winter jacket. Evidently, it's been known to get a little chilly up here, or so the rumors go. And since I'm from- warm, lovely, doesn't get below 30 degrees in the winter time- Texas, it seems I'm not very well equipped to handle the next couple months without a decent ski jacket. Let's cross our fingers that our hunt is successful!

I hope everyone has had a great weekend like mine! And to all the seniors out there, I hope y'all can keep treking and working hard! It'll pay off next year- I promise!!! The college experience is totally worth it!

Bye for now!
Anna

"Rejoice in the Lord! I will say it again; rejoice!!!"-Philippians 4:4

A Great Week!

I was trying to think of something profound to write about, but all I could think about was that I've had such a good week! I didn't have a lot of stress like other weeks. Yeah, I've been busy, but it's still been fun!

Just a little recap:

1. I finally got a verdict on my knee- I bruised my femur, which is a slow and painful healing process, but I don't need surgery which is a huge blessing! I've been able to practice some this week, and I'm on the road to recovery!

2. Christy is feeling much better and defeating her mono! AND I didn't get it- another huge blessing! For once, being a clean freak paid off!

3. I'm actually enjoying the cool weather! There was once a time when I would cringe at any temperature under 65. But, despite my Texas roots, I've been able to appreciate the brisk afternoons. This is due to the absolute beauty of my surroundings- fall at Luther is wonderful! And the knowledge of what is to come which is the terrible winter ahead...but let's not think about that now!

4. My classes have been going really well. Even with my mid-terms this week (how can they already be here???) class has still been really enjoyable. I like all of my teachers and the homework load is actually bearable. Plus, we're picking classes for J-term soon, and I'm really excited to start looking into classes for next semester!

5. We decorated our floor and room for Halloween! If I may be so bold as to sound totally girly, it looks so cute!!!

6. Chapel Thursday was really interesting! We had a guest speaker who played his acoustic guitar for us while also giving a good message on listening. It was totally what I needed to hear!

7. And finally, Homecoming last weekend was a blast! It was the perfect way to start this week! Having such a huge crowd for the football game was so cool- not to mention winning such a big game! I loved spending time with my parents and meeting all of their classmates! (And they finally returned to Texas!...not that that's a good thing....anyway...)

All in all it's been a great week! Once again, I am so happy to have picked Luther and to be in college!

I hope y'all have as good a week as I did!

Anna

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." -Phillipians 4:12-13

Homecoming!

As I walked across campus on this crisp (to say the least), yet beautiful October morning, something caught my attention. The leaves are turning from green to vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. The temperature is chilly and wakes you up from your first step out of Brandt. I'm finally allowed to pull out my fall wardrobe, and "ugg" boots have crept out of closets.

But what is it about this particular day? Why did this Friday make me suddenly more aware of my surroundings? It's much more than the just the change in season. Something has caught me off guard. Something new. Something BIG is happening!

Oh yes- it's Homecoming weekend!!! Now I know when alumni read this line, they will immediately know what I'm talking about. Luther's homecoming encompasses so much more than my highschool's did. And it really isn't hard to figure out why.

The thing about Luther's version of homecoming is that it truly is a home-coming. No matter how old they get or if they just graduated, alum always return for this weekend. They meet up with old friends and classmates and reminisce about their college days. From Thursday evening to Monday morning, it's easy to see them milling around campus. It's hard to find a seat at the football game, and it's impossible to get into the bookstore!

My parents would try to come every year, and I would always wonder what was so special about coming back this particular weekend. Now that I'm here, it's so easy to see! When my mom is reuinted with her college girlfriends- watch out! They seem right out of college again, never missing a beat. Tonight all of my mom's friends and their daughters who now go to Luther, are going out to Mabe's for dinner. I can't wait to see how the evening goes with two generations of Luther women together!

Both of my parents have been looking forward to this weekend for a while. This morning I can see it on all the faces of the returning alum as well. I feel so reassured about choosing Luther when I watch these graduates back on their old campus. Even if only for a few days or just a couple hours, they (like I'll do one day), get to experience the joys of Luther all over again. For one short weekend, they have come home.

Have a great week y'all!

Anna


"I will sing of the Lord's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself." -Psalm 89: 1-2