Strength

I know, I haven't written a blog post in a while. This is partly
because I haven't had time and partly because being on the ship is...
difficult. To be honest with you all, ship life is really hard. I'm
not going to go into details right now because I've made a promise to
myself and God that I'm only going to focus on the good things for the
next couple weeks, but I would really appreciate it if you all kept me
in your prayers. Living on the MV Explorer is going to take a LONG
period of adjustment, but I know that I can make it through with God's
strength. Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ
who strengthens me." Even though I've gone through rough times before
now, I can honestly say that studying abroad on Semester at Sea is the
hardest thing I have ever gone through. This is the first time I've had
to actually make an effort to believe in the promise that I can do
anything with the help and strength of Christ. But I'm there. God had
a reason for putting me on this ship and in this study abroad program.
Even though I may not understand His purpose for having me here yet, I'm
strengthened by the fact that He does have a purpose for me being on
Semester at Sea. And as soon as I figure out that reason, you'll be
some of the first to know! But until that time, stay tuned for a blog
post about my experiences in Russia! It was pretty cool.

P.S. I'd like to thank my parents, Nick, Gale, Jody, Carrie, Sumi, and
my grandpa for helping me through these last couple of days. I
wouldn't have reached the feeling of peace being on the ship without all
your help. So, thank you all for being willing to help me through my
rough patch. I couldn't have done it without you.