As my time at UW-Stout draws to an end I have spent the last couple evenings and weeks reflecting on the multiple blessings I have been granted by God. I am truly blessed and want to take this opportunity to thank and praise God for all he has done in my life thus far.
I have been blessed with amazing roommates.
Who would have ever guessed that four giddy freshman girls on third floor south hall would end up spending the next four years together as roommates and friends? Looking back over these past four years I don’t know what I would have done without Corinne, Heidi, and Kally by my side. We have been through a lot of changes and transitions together and have stayed close through it all. I know that our friendship is from God because he has used each of you to grow me closer in my relationship with Him. As we continue to transition into new walks of life, I pray He will grow us closer as we each serve in new areas.
I have been blessed with wonderful friends from around the world.
As many of you know, Bridges has played a large role in my connection with students from multiple countries both near and far to the U.S. These friendships have taught me so much and I have been blessed by their impact in my life. Below are some of my dearest friends and the lessons they have taught me.
Nicola: You taught me that there are people outside my doorstep that have never heard the Gospel.
Smile: You taught me that not having a plan is sometimes the best plan, and to always live life to its fullest potential with no regrets.
Abbass: You taught me that real men exist who are sensitive to other people’s feelings. Thank you for this.
Mahir: You taught me to always go deeper in my thoughts and to challenge what I am taught.
Sultan: You taught me about kindness and illustrated the importance of standing up for what is right even if it means being different.
Pakaon: You taught me to never give up hope with anyone, no matter the circumstances.
Os: You taught me what it means to have faith and trust God in every situation.
Valeska: You taught me about growth and speaking God’s truth always; even when it is not the desirable thing to hear.
Khaled: You taught me to be excited about every opportunity I receive.
Sidra: You taught me to be courageous and fight against the odds.
I have been blessed with a supportive and loving family.
Although my mother, father, and sister did not attend Stout with me, they have been an invaluable support during my time here. The relief and comfort they have provided me over the phone, Skype dates, and relaxing visits home really helped get me through some of my more challenging periods of college.
Most importantly, I am thankful for my family’s prayers; without them my life would look very different. I have the best family a girl could ask for, and am in continual awe that God would bless me with such inspiring parents and a loving sister.
I have been blessed by the CRU ministry.
It is crazy to think that this college ministry has been the biggest tool in shaping my relationship with God over the past four years. From the first Bible study I attended freshman year to the summer project in Myrtle Beach to the conferences that projected my spiritual walk forward; I am thankful. God has used CRU to set my heart on fire for evangelism and making the Gospel known to all people. As the heart of this ministry lies in the great commission, I have seen it permanently change student’s passions and desires for their future's after college. Seeing God’s command fulfilled is my purpose in life, and CRU has brought me to this realization. I live to make Jesus known.
Four years later, I am leaving a campus a different person than I entered. This is a positive change and I am so thankful and blessed for the lessons I have learned.
Thank you to my roommates.
Thank you to my international friends.
Thank you to my family.
Thank you CRU.
THANK YOU GOD.
