Chapter One-Hundred: My Joy and Hope

The end of February and the early days of March have been a real whirlwind over here. As often as I say that "time flies," I think it's becoming my new catch-phrase.
A couple of weeks ago, I went to Mary's first intramural basketball game of the season. She joined the Catholic Students Association's basketball team (creatively named the Cathletes). This is really awesome because I get to support my roommate and see her play her favorite sport! Some other friends of mine are on the team, too, which makes cheering for them even more fun.

Daaaaang Cathletes

Back at it again with the white jerseys

They were not so successful their first game, but have so far done great! They are actually headed to playoffs! I can't wait to go to more games for the Cathletes!

That following weekend, my fieldcraft class had a day trip to Muleshoe, TX. It was an interesting experience for many reasons, one of which being that I rode shotgun in my professors car! I don't think many university students can say this. While it was intimidating to do so, it was really fun to get to know each other on a personal level rather than strictly academics. This is really good for me because I am very intimidated by professors for some reason, but this has definitely broken the ice. 

It was a small group that went - only 6 of us went with our professor. We ate lunch together, and then wandered around the park, discovering new things as Dr. T pointed things out to us. This ranged from birds, to plants, to minerals, to even the weather! This class has been great in the way it combines all of my past (and current) science classes into a super interactive, in-the-field experience! 

Class Exploring

Open Plains!

Gypsum mineral

Yucca seed pod

Distant Hills

Grove of Trees

Lake!

It was honestly so fun and somewhat reminded me of childhood vacations. After we wandered as a group for awhile, we split and did our own thing whether it was identifying birds, sketching plants, or exploring more. Just simply experiencing nature. It was such a cool experience and I truly loved it.

The following Tuesday, the same class met up at Lubbock Lake Landmark again and we hiked around. This was similar to Saturday in the fact it was a lot of general facts, and Dr. T pointing out things we would normally miss. 

Looking for Badger Holes

Our View

This last week was also the week before Raider Awakening 54. If you've been following my adventures for awhile now, you know how much RA has had an impact on my life. (Read about my first time retreating here!) This go-around, Bailey and Martin retreated. I think they really enjoyed it! Bailey said she liked all of it but she really liked [...] and Martin seemed to enjoy [...] and misses [...]. Luke even enjoyed being a [...] and really liked [...]. [secrets]. However, I will say that both Mary and I got the opportunity to be in our friends' small groups, which was a huge blessing and something I will always cherish.

My amazing small group

Mary's small group

Luke's small group

I also gained a new friendship and bond with someone that, while unexpected, was definitely God's will! I am so honored that she was placed in my life and cannot wait to see where God takes us! Say hello to Dani! 

Yaaaaay

To be honest, this weekend was probably one of the best weekends of my life. The week leading up to it was stressful and challenging, but I was truly renewed physically, mentally, and spiritually through Raider Awakening. I had no idea that God was going to give me such an incredible gift that would continue giving so much...I'm forever thankful and can't wait to see what else RA has in store for me and countless others. 

And, since we are on the note of being grateful, I do have an announcement. You probably noticed, but this is my 100th blog entry. This started off as a small way for me to keep in contact with friends and family, but now serves as so much more. This is my outlet. I'm so thankful for my hands and ability to write because, while college is fun and full of knowledge, it is also severely challenging at times. When I write about my small adventures and inward thoughts, I feel more at peace and grateful. This blog helps me find joy in my life, simply because it forces me to focus on the blessings. 

This blog has helped me in more ways than I thought it ever would. "Sarah and the Adventure of Life" has brought me so much joy, and has given me hope. This sounds cheesy, and I'm sorry about that, but I am really, really thankful for you, and so many others that take time to read what I have to say. This blog is nearing its two-year birthday, which is crazy to think about because you've been here to watch me grow and change in that time. And I have too! Reading my earlier blog posts is weird and nostalgic, but also insanely fun! 

I guess what I'm trying to say is THANK YOU! 

Happy One-Hundred.