New Challenges

I am writing to you from my new home! My new dorm. It is so weird to think that I come home to my dorm every night, not my family. But I know that they are still with me here in spirit. I just got back from a backpacking trip with 10 other students, and it was a great experience. I've been able to enjoy nature, make new friends, and explore new things, but I've also learned a lot about myself and the world.

This kind of goes along with the my previous post. It really started on the 3 hour bus ride up to our drop-off site for the backpacking trip. It didnt take me long to find out that I was the only Christian on the trip. I can honestly say that I've never heard more vulgar things come out of people's mouths and I've never heard so much talk about drugs, sex, and alcohol. It was kind of a culture shock to me, since I've grown up where so many people know that I'm Christian and not a party girl.

It was kind of sad, because it seemed like that kind of stuff was all that matters. But I so badly want to say "There is so much more to life than that!" It's been really hard to process this all at once, but I know that God is who is getting me through. I've definitley had a lot of time alone,in the wilderness, to reflect on why I believe what I believe. I think that maybe that is why God brought me there in the first place. To put me out of my comfort zone, and challenge me to live what I believe. People have been saying a lot of inapproprite things, and its taken a lot of strength from the Lord for me to get up and walk away from it. I had comments about my faith said behind my back, and people pushing me to join in on things that I knew were not right with God.

I thank the Lord so much for giving me the opportuniy to talk alone with one of my trip leaders. She saw that I was really struggling with all that was going on and I told her all that was on my heart. She told me that no matter what, I stick to what I believe in, and never let anyone else have the power to take that away from me. It was just so encouraging to hear from someone who has gone through the same things and has the same morals beliefs. God is teaching me that He is so much bigger than these things, and that in the end He conquers all. I just thank the Lord for watching over me, and pray that He gives strength to those who are discouraged. "O my Strength, I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress."

In the midst I had a great time and got to know some amazing people and places. I start orientation tomorrow! I've very excited and hope that there is lots to do :) Talk to you all soon! Love you and miss you! Kasey