Surprise Party

The last week of school is approaching. It’s time to finish all the projects, hang out with all your friends, and try to pull an A in that crazy math class. As for tonight, it’s party time! My hall is about to throw a surprise party for the Growth Group Leaders this year. The girls work so hard to make sure they love on the freshman and on all the girls on the hall. The unpaid time they put into weekly meetings and prayer for spiritual growth for the girls can never truly be repaid through a party, but we are going to try. We have snacks and balloons picked out so we are set. The girls are going to go on a scavenger hunt and get clues from girls on the hall to their next destination. They will end up back on the hall with everyone waiting to give hugs and flowers. I am so thankful for the hall leadership this year. I love them all dearly and thank God for the impact they have had on my life.

SAB Blowout

What a long day I had! Today, I went to the Student Activities Board end of the year Blowout event. I was looking for relief from the loads of homework I was working on; therefore, I went to Beta field to enjoy the weather, blow-ups, Mr. GC contest, and a performance from Grace College's own two man band, Better in Plaid.
I raced my roommate through the blow-up obstacle course and fought her in the blow-up boxing ring. While I lounged on the grass, I listened to the group "Better in Plaid" perform a variation of acoustic songs, such as "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz, a favorite of mine. The Mr. GC contest gave me a couple of laughs when the contestants dressed up in 80's wear and had to answer questions about their experience at Grace. Congratulations to Steve Fowler, a freshman, who won the crowd with his soccer skills and fantastic fashions. Before returning to my homework, I went to the bonfire and relaxed in the atmosphere of a warm breeze, friends, and the glowing light of the fire. The SAB Blowout was an enjoyable vacation before we head into the last full week of school!

The Home Stretch

In exactly two weeks school will be done. I"m not going to lie, I'm excited. The last two weeks are often the hardest to concentrate and be productive. They are also the busiest as final projects, papers, and speeches are due. I've heard a lot of students say this week is harder than exam week. I would agree. So far this week I have done two projects, five papers, and over 60 pages in reading. Good times. 

These last couple of weeks are also when things start getting planned for next year. Leadership positions are finalized and housing is determined. It's a lot of work, but it helps to get the next year off to a good start. 

Housing Lottery or Ulcer Attack

So last night was Grace College's Housing Lottery. It was my first experience with the lottery and I didn't know what to expect. From previous years, I had thought there had been cat fights and tears and blood, so I went into it prepared for a fight. But the whole process was calm and collective and in the end, every one still had their teeth. Now the lottery did not go as I had hoped for me and was placed in one of my last picks. So the past day has been a stretching process for me, learning to accept what God has given me as a good thing. Now I really, really, really like to be in control and in a lottery situation...you are not in control at all. So this was God's way of telling me, 'hey jaimie, it's not all about you having control. I made you, I formed you, and I know what's best for you.' So while I am still trying to digest this lesson, I am continually being shown by God how amazing and loving He truely is. So remember this boys and girls: when you think everything is out of control and that you are about to have an ulcer, God has got your back, always has, and always will.

The Face Of Grace:
j-MO
(p.s. weather's getting better, if you live in the area come out for our baseball games! Home games Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 1! See you at Miller Field!)

Tin Caps

We have had some great weather here at Grace lately. This weekend was beautiful and students came out from hibernation. Everyone was outside running and biking by the lake, tennis golf was going around campus, and everyone was out on the grass doing some reading and homework for the end of the semester. Spring is such a beautiful time of the year with everything in bloom and amazing sunsets over the lake again. I was especially thankful for the nice weather this past Friday. My hall, along with my brother hall decided to go to Ft. Wayne to a Tin Caps’ game. The Tin Caps are the minor league baseball team in Ft. Wayne. They have a brand new stadium in downtown and it was a perfect night for baseball. We all piled in vehicles and headed to Chipotle and then the game. We had great seats right down third base line where the 25 of us hung out and watched the Tin Caps beat Dayton, Ohio. It was a great night to get closer with our hall mates and our brother hall and enjoy the beautiful spring weather.

Only at Grace College...

I attended a funeral today. It was a service to celebrate the life of a well-loved brother, father and grand-father who will be sorely missed. Many students came to honor the family today with their presence and comforting support. What was the connection?

This man was the father of our music theory professor. Not a family member, not a close friend or even a peer. A teacher, our professor. It was such a beautiful service, but what also struck me was the beauty in the crowd itself. Family, close friends, and us...the students. Where else does community play such a large part than in the family of God, encouraged by a college with such an emphasis on relationship as Grace does? I was so glad to be called a Grace College student today, and be counted among those who cried with our beloved prof and his family over the loss, and rejoiced with them for the memories and laughter they shared!

At the beginning of this year in chapel we were challenged to become a campus of lovers (all right you immature ones, get the giggles out and then come back to read the rest of this ;)... I believe today was one example of love freely given and received because we are alive in Christ and have answered His call to to be lovers! :)

Carpe Diem!
Elly

Fabulous Fee Concert

What a great way to start another Lancer Day. The Steve Fee concert was spectacular as approximately 800 attended this concert in the award-winning Orthopaedic Capital Center. Then, today, our guests were treated to an informational day on campus that included a special tour of campus, chapel, and interaction with faculty and staff.

The Lancer Day program has been a huge success this year. If you haven't participated in the past, be sure to check our website for future Lancer Day opportunities. You enjoy them, I promise!