from Memphis

Today after school I jumped in my little red sports car with my mom and headed to the great city of Memphis, Tennessee. Its a simple drive, a straight shot, but some crazy curvy roads. I didn't think much of the drive. I've done it quite a few times in my life considering one out of every four soccer tournaments seem to be in Memphis. The three and a half hour drive turned into a drive of reflections for me.

About an hour out from Memphis is the small town of Jackson, Tennessee,which is home of Union University, my future place of residence. As we passed exit 80A a wave of emotions fled over me. I realized this time next year that is where I will be. On my own with no parents there for me everyday. No familiar faces I have seen since kindergarten. No goofy older brother who is actually super cool in my eyes, because no matter how odd he is, he will always be my cool older brother.

The closer we get to May 23 the more real this is starting to seem. I'm going to be living on my own. Doing my own thing. I can't believe I'll soon be 18. Old enough to make my decisions all by myself. It is so weird to think that soon I will be cooking for myself, doing my own laundry, and hanging out with a whole new group of friends.

I feel uncomfortable about this new life lurking around the corner. Questions flood my mind. What if they don't like me? What happens if I can't do my own laundry? Who is going to be there for me when I am having a bad day? Why are all my friends going to be so far away?

As I sit in my hotel room bed and ponder these thoughts, one word fills my mind. GOD. The one constant in my life will never change. No matter how far away I am from home and from my friends He is always there.

As I continue to get excited about my life ahead I forget to slow down and think. No matter what happens I know I can always count on my faith to get me through. Going to a Christian school is one of the best decisions I think I will make. I know just because its a Christian school doesn't mean everything is going to be perfect, but is sure will help remind me daily what should be number one in my life.

I have so many mixed feelings about college!! I can't wait to be at Union and have a new journey before me. But I can't believe I am going to be leaving my friends, from some that I have known since preschool, to others that I have just met this year. My friends mean the world to me and have helped me through the toughest things in my life. I won't be losing them, just not living in the same city as them. I know at times its going to be tough and I am going to hate it. But I know God has a plan for my life, and I can't wait to see how it all plays out...

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future. Jeremiah 29:11

I know its a simple verse that has been taught for years. But it has so much meaning at this point in my life. And I know everything is going to work out.

HOW AWESOME!!

Elizabeth Cochran
3:14