Day Four Hundred (Again)

The Last Full Day of Washington

I couldn't decide whether or not this post should say "Day 401 or 400?" But since technically it was Day 400, I think I'll keep it that way. We'll see how this all goes. So far, so good.

Walking down this part of campus was rarely enjoyable for me. Nightmare walk-of-shames I took while on that pavement after failing miserable tests still haunt me. I’ve run down the hill numerous times, and then trekked back up it 50 minutes later, never once getting any relief from the sweat that accumulated on the top of my freckled nose. The age-old joke that grandfathers tell everywhere actually holds true in Pullman, WA: you HAVE to walk uphill both ways to get anywhere. And in the winter, forget about it. You’re best off bringing an extra pair of sweats with you to class, just in case you can’t make it there unmarked by slushy brown yuck. In my rush of college, I can definitively say that I took for granted the beauty surrounding me in my daily travels to campus. Washington is so beautiful. And in the fall, WSU might just be the prettiest university I’ve ever seen. 

The most popular classroom in all of WSU is called “Todd Auditorium.” I probably had a handful of classes there, all with upwards of 200 students. Everyone knows where it is, how to get there, and what to expect out of class discussions: there aren’t any. It’s just too big of a room for that sort of thing. You can sleep during lectures and the teacher will never notice, you can read the newspaper without causing a distraction, and you can definitely Facebook all class long and never get caught. I speak solely from experience. So, it’s big. It’s popular. And it’s the perfect place for a third church service! Resonate finally made the huge move to campus. For freshmen, those living in dorms, students without cars, and bookworms alike, this is monumental!  Those students now have access to a community of Bible believing people who desire relationship with the Lord and with each other.  It’s beautiful. Resonate’s heart for the college-aged population is undeniable. I’m excited to see where the Lord takes their church next. Oh, and Adam and I got the treat of hearing Josh preach yesterday! He’s really a gifted speaker. Like, he should (or at least could) be preaching every Sunday kind of gifted.  Then again, he’s just as good on the guitar and in the microphone. Also behind the camera. And with a pen and paper…and, and, and.  : ) 

Before leaving Pullman, we had brunch with Hilary and Carly, two of my bridesmaids and old teammates. It’s always a crazy time with the two of them. There’s never a dull moment, a break in conversation, or a shortage of outrageous stories. Half the time, my face never recovers from a shocked expression. We get along so well, probably because we’re all so different. I miss them and our days as teammates and whenever I say bye, I leave with a big smile on my face…and a head-shake that doesn’t cease until I’m at least 20 miles away. They’re crazy. But I love them.

On our way home, three MOOSES (Meece? Meeces?!) we’re munching on a field just off the highway. In 5 years of travel back and forth to Pullman, I’ve never seen such a thing! We definitely stopped and took pictures.

Immediately upon arriving in Spokane, we visited Dad and Grandma, said our goodbyes, and headed to church with Mom, Dan, and Ellie. When that ended, we rushed over to the Thomas’ and stuffed our faces with the gourmet creations of Pamela. Gosh she’s a good cook! We ate and ate, talked and talked, and enjoyed the company of wonderful friends. I can say with 100% confidence that Adam and I made every minute of our trip count. Because of that, we’re exhausted. But so thankful for the memories we made and all the people we got to see. A month away from home is a bit extreme, I’ve realized, and I cannot wait to cuddle up under the blankets on my side of the bed! Thanks Washington!! You’re beautiful and your people are too! But so are Floridians…and I’m ready to see them!