As I look out of the window in my small yet very spacious New York apartment what do I hear? The sounds of horns, sirens, loud voices, the usual humming of traffic, trucks, a beautiful clock chiming ten o’clock in the distance and even a few bike whistles warning walkers of their approach. As I look out of my window I smell a scent I have come to identify as simply ’the city’. As I look out of my window I look over Broadway, I see lights, cars, a throng of people -natives and tourists, rich, middle-class and homeless alike-, street vendors, sky skrapers…..this is New York City at a physical glance. My mind this last week has continued to drift to the one thought – Oh, the places God will take me! Excitement, anticipation, joy seem shallow words to describe my heart and feelings as I think about my next four years in this magnificent city! Not because of just the physical picture I have attempted to paint for you but because of all the other dimensions and views of this city God wants to reveal to me during my time in New York City and at the King’s College. There is so much more to this place I have stepped into by the grace and purpose of God!

In the past week I have adjusted to my new time zone on the east coast while moving into my new apartment with my three roommates (hey, its an upgrade from my room with 6 girls! I don’t know what to even do with all my space . The weekend was filled with the usual shopping for apartment items with my mom as well as new clothes for school! The dress code at the King’s college where I will be studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PP&E) (yes, pray for me!) is business professional siness casual. For any of you who know me or have even simply seen me know that this is not my usual style of clothing! So as I began New Student Orientation this past Monday and classes on Wednesday I felt extra pretty with my hair down, dressed in my skirt, fancy tops and black slacks.

Celebrating my first week in NYC, I started classes yesterday and today I am done with classes for the week. I have now had all my courses once. I can most assuredly say I am not in high school any more and I am not on a year school break any more! While my work load I can already see will be an enormous amount of reading, quizzes, papers and exams each week, I can also see that this season will be filled with challenges that I am ready to meet with failures, that will lead to better failings then before(as one of my professors said this week) as well as successes!

My prayer as I begin this time in the city and semester of learning is for wisdom and strength that comes from the Lord. In all things may I give my all to Him, therefore giving my all in what he has set before me. As I am in this city filled with so many different views and ideas that I will be transformed by the Spirit’s renewing of my mind. And that with my thoughts I will take each one captive and lay it before the Lord with each burden and joy that comes my way.

Thank you all for your love, support and prayers!

In the city and the arms of my Lord Jesus,

Michelle