a horse and buggy ride was all I needed...

My last post was out of great sadness. I was so down because I felt like the people who should be the most supportive, were being the least supportive. I felt myself slipping into a depression. I wanted to get out of it, but could not figure out how. I have been talking with Mary Beth, who is going into her second year as an intern at UTK and she has been so great and encouraging. I was really struggling with thinking that I might being ignoring what God was saying to me by ignoring my parents’ doubts. She said that since they were obviously not loving me in a way that was representative of Christ’s love, that I was not just simply being stubborn by ignoring them.
I have great news though; I just got back from a trip to Charleston to meet with the campus minister, his family, some students, and possible roommates. I really feel like this trip was what I have needed to get out of my funk. Danny (the campus minister) is great and I really believe in the way he is doing ministry at a school were the administration is seemingly against any sort of Christian fellowship on campus and a group of students who a majority of would not profess to be followers. He and his wife are great. They were so hospitable to me in welcoming me into their home and the community they have built while at C of C. I cannot wait to move there and delve deep into my job as their intern.
I feel like this trip might be what I needed to take the edge off the depression I was sinking into. I know that when I get to Charleston for good, I want to get some professional counseling, but I no longer feel like I am sinking and cannot figure out how to get a life jacket on. This trip was the life jacket I have been needing. I am hopeful that moving there might get me back on the boat.