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!
