New Beginnings

The eldest three sisters are now settling in (I think I can safely speak for the other two) at our respective colleges.  I am with Sarah, and Anna is on her own, but surrounded by great friends.  The change from high school to college is a drastic one!  First there is the fact that I had to leave my parents for the first time, not to mention Mary Claire, knowing that their lives at home would keep going, but I would be completely separate.  It is so strange to think about.  Secondly, I would leave my home!  All of the familiar places would be traded for ones I had only glimpsed a few times on visits to see Sarah.  I am a disaster when it comes to directions, so moving was an intimidating concept for me.  Also, Anna and I had to separate for the first time EVER.  We are twins, so we have been together literally since birth.  Actually, since before birth!  The longest time we have been apart has been when we went on different mission trips.  I did not know what to expect with all of these changes.

I think I auto-piloted my way through the first week or so.  I was physically and emotionally exhausted but I did have a lot of fun experiencing college life for the first time.  God comforted me and blessed me with Sarah, who was a huge encouragement to me.  I did not miss my family too badly, and am starting to feel at home here.  I think it is when I really do feel settled in that I miss my family the most.  I wish that they could be here with me, not to see how well I am doing, but just to share in my joys and triumphs.  I wish that they could know every detail of my day, good or bad.  I just miss sharing every aspect of my life with them, which used to happen almost effortlessly at home.  

Communication is just different now.  In this new stage of our lives we are learning how to connect in different ways.  We are still close, and the distance between us makes us want to talk to each other more, and gives us more to tell each other.  I cannot wait to see Anna, MC, Mama, and Daddy again, though.  That will be fun.  In honor of the beginnings we are having, I think I will post pictures of Anna's and my dorm rooms.  Sarah has moved in a few times now, so her room was not documented...maybe she will post some pictures. :)  

We moved Anna in first.  Her college is a state school so the process was strictly timed and organized.  It was just a little bit stressful, and very hot, but we made it through and her room turned out great!

My moving-in experience was more leisurely, and I love the way my room turned out.  I got more pictures of my room than I did of Anna's, maybe she'll upload some more of hers.  

MC was tired of my indecisiveness, I'm sure. :)

This last picture is a painting done by a dear friend of our family, actually one of Mama's friends from college.  She painted this from a picture of us four at the beach when we were little; we used to go to Destin every summer.  She makes prints for each of us girls and gives them to us when we go to college. This picture is so special to me and I love having it in my room.  My sisters and I have made so many wonderful memories together, and I know we have many more ahead of us!  Love y'all so much!

Elizabeth

Oh, I should mention that beneath the picture is a chart that Mary Claire made me.  It asks a series of questions, and every answer leads to "Don't worry about it."  Such a good life lesson!  That girl is full of wisdom. :)