update from ann arbor

By Kaitlyn

It's been awhile since I posted, so I thought I'd update everyone a little on my life! I've been back in Ann Arbor for a few weeks now - those annoying things they call classes started again so I've been doing that. It's weird, I feel really "checked out" when it comes to school. I think it's called senioritis - and I have it, majorly. I have a bad attitude about school and I recognize that I probably need to change it, but it's a struggle. In my head, I know I'm very fortunate to be getting an education here, but when I'm living it out - going to class, doing my homework - I don't feel very thankful. Anyone have words of wisdom on how to change a bad attitude about something you should appreciate? I could use it. OH - the big deal around here lately is that the University emailed all the seniors and told us that we cannot have our graduation at Michigan Stadium - which is where it's traditionally held - because it will be under construction. Instead it's going to be held at Eastern's football stadium. A lot of seniors got really mad and protested so I guess it might get changed, we'll see. I think it would be a little weird to graduate from U of M on Eastern Michigan's campus. But for me, as long as my family can all be there and I can graduate and get my diploma, I'm happy:)

This semester, I'm continuing as a student mentor in a 5th grade classroom at an Ann Arbor elementary school. I'm in the classroom 3 days a week for 2 hours at a time. I've been helping in this class since September, and I love it. I've gotten to know all of the kids, and have a close relationship with many of them. They're great. It's so good for my heart to be around kids.. I feel like I'm in my element when I'm spending time with them. My role is to be a positive role model, help them with school work, help them set goals, and encourage them. I've formed a really special bond with one girl in particular, and I think she is the reason God has me in this particular classroom.

Hmm what else.. this past weekend I went on a retreat with my church! It was a good time. There were four sessions with worship and teachings throughout the weekend, and there was also time to hang out with friends and seek God on my own. I came back excited and encouraged - the sermons were thought-provoking and challenging and got me excited. In the few days that I've been back, though, I really feel like Satan is attacking and throwing lies at me.. mostly that I won't really be able to do anything for God's kingdom, that it will be "too hard". It's a battle.. but I know that my God is loving and gracious and that if my heart is to follow him then he will use me to do wonderful things for Him. I want him to continue to work in me so that the fruit of the Spirit is evident in my life - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. In one of Brian Tome's sermons, he said something like, "God's fruit in your life is not the cool things you do on the outside, it's the beautiful things that spring up on the inside." I like that. I want to stay engaged in the moment, to really be present in each moment. Live life and take it in and be here now.

I miss you, family - D, M, N, T, J - I love you all like crazy.

-Kaitlyn-