Finally Thawed Out!

Spring is finally here! It's a welcome relief from the particularly cold winter we had. It's fun to get out and ride on the motorcycle, play some golf, go for an afternoon run outside, or just sit and enjoy the fresh air that is coming in the window. I've also finally figured out my summer plans. This just in: I will be taking classes in May. I'm actually kind of excited to move in to "The Lodge" as we have decided to call our residence for the next 12 months. I've figured out all my classes for next semester as well, and will have a full load, but it will be manageable. I am thankful to be able to work at the bank again this summer, as well. These last couple of weeks have been crazy busy with all the end-of-semester things to do. The warm weather isn't helping anything either. All us students want to do is be outside. It's nice to have a campus that can go from 3 feet of snow to flowering trees and 80 degrees in about a month. Don't like the weather here in Maryville? No problem, just wait a month, it'll be completely different! HA.

I am currently working (with a group) on writing and arguing a case for one of my Criminal Justice classes. It's about minors and the life without parole sentence and the 8th amendment and stuff. It's really interesting, and I find it quite enjoyable. Last night at work I spent a solid 3 hours typing away at this brief. I'm pretty proud of my work, actually. When we are completely finished, I'll post it up here in case anyone has a complete boredom attack.

I can't wait for summer. BBQ's, sand volleyball, swimming, and everything else! Things are moving at a fast pace right now, and aren't looking to slow down, but so far I'm keeping up and enjoying my final days as a Sophomore here at NWMSU.

Until next time...

Good Ol' Rockytop

Wow, it's been a long time since I've posted anything.
I do have my excuses, legitimate or not..
First of all, the last couple weeks of March were really busy. I think I had an exam in every class except for Golf the week before Spring Break. It was insane! But good news is: I got the scores back, and it looks as if I'm going to pass another semester, provided the finals that are coming up go decent enough.
Speaking of spring break, I was in Tennessee for a whole week! Tennessee, you say? What could possibly be there that is Spring Break-worthy? Well, it's true there are not a lot of beaches (one of my favorite places on Earth, and a popular SB destination), but there is something for me to enjoy just about everywhere; the Volunteer state is no different.
I went with a group of 23 people almost 700 miles from Maryville to Smyrna, a suburb of Nashville. We left early Saturday morning, drove all day, and finally arrived Saturday evening. Our mission: Spread the love of Jesus to anyone we met - in particular a low-income housing area that would be our home for the week.
Our first day there (Sunday), we toured the Opryland Hotel in Nashville. My favorite part were the baby-grand pianos that were in the hallways. I may have played one..
On Monday we started working. We did everything from pouring concrete for sidewalks, laying flooring, running wiring, drywall installation, and even a little demolition. We got to meet some of the people who have been positively affected by groups just like ours. They were very thankful for what little they had. It humbled all of us when they would talk about how nice their homes were compared to where they had been. To us, they were run down, dirty and falling in. But thanks to groups like us, they are slowly being restored and made liveable again. We learned a lot, got a lot of experience, and made our friendships stronger - all while serving the Lord. It was another great Spring Break trip.

Pictures will follow this post.