August 23rd, 2012

Welcome Week Day 1

You walk into the Eisenhower Campus Center. There are greeters to welcome you, and they point you to the check-in point. You are overwhelmed by the new sights, smells, people, and noise. You hit the check-in table. You are welcomed by cheers, smiles, and encouraging words. “Welcome to Messiah!” You give your last name, they check you off, and start you down the line. 12 people down the line, you have all you need. You meet a student chaplain and he tells you how excited they are to have you. That they are praying for you as you arrive and start a new page in life. At this point you go to move into your residence hall. You meet your roommate, your RA, and your hall-mates and “get settled in” as well as you can in an hour, which is minimal. Then you go the sports center for your health records check, and you realize you don’t have what you need. TB test later, and requirement forms in hand. They ship you off to the dining hall. A really good meal for a cafeteria later, free time. Just hang out with parents and enjoy the beautiful weather here in Grantham. 

My favorite part of the day was definitely the Candle Light Service. They call the service a "bookend". You have one the first day as a first year student, and then as you have one for Graduation. The message brought out was from Philippians 3. The main point was, "press on". Do you best for Christ. It was a very challenging message to keep in mind as orientation is so geared around social and the workload is forgotten. 

I have pictures and videos I still have to download off my camera. When I get those down I will put them up here!

~Jacob

Wow... Move-in day went so fast! I have pics and vids to post but have been so busy with orientation stuff. Today was Into the Streets. It is a day dedicated to service and it was wonderful. I went to an assisted living home and the older people were so wonderful. An elderly man who carves wooden ducks gave our group ducks so I'm going to post a picture tomorrow! But for now I have to sign off. Thanks for reading guys!

~Jacob

August 22nd, 2012

Tomorrow is move-in day. Fellow freshman are traveling from different parts of the country and will all converge on 471 acres of the rolling hills of PA. Excitement is busting through the air. Tomorrow I will meet tons of new people, experience the first day, and close it with a candlelight worship service. Needless to say, I'm pumped. Despite the excitement though, there is this creeping fear of the unknown. It slides up behind me, and grabs me by the shoulders. "What if people don't like you? What if you don't fit in? What if you fail at your academic studies? What if you can't pay for this expensive education?" Through it all, God calms the fears and whispers in a quiet, reaffirming voice, "Jacob. I've called you here. Don't worry about people or fitting in. Be who I made you to be and you will be fine. Reflect my Son, and show My love. I will help you with your studies and paying it off. I parted the Red Sea for Moses. Instead of his only son, I gave Abraham a ram to sacrifice. I gave Noah an Ark. Most of all, I gave my Only Son for you. Trust me. I promise "I will never leave you, or forsake you", and, "my grace is sufficient for you." People are praying for you." Fear slides away trembling. It knows it speaks only lies. I feel the peace that passes my understanding fill the gap.

~Jacob

Welcome!

Who am I? That's hard to sum up. First and foremost, I am a sinner, saved by grace, for God's glory alone. I am an 18 year old Freshman at Messiah College in Grantham, PA, pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics. In between school I am a brother, son, landscaper, family computer tech, and piano geek. I enjoy music, lots and lots of music. The more the merrier as they say. =) I am fun, try to be funny, enjoy people, and most of all, love my Savior and God.

My goal for this blog is to do two things. 1: Journal my experiences at school, through the unique lens of a commuter. 2: Encourage others.