New Faces, New Places

    I don't really know whether to run around campus and hug every random person I see or hiss at the next being to come within fifteen feet of me.  Similarly, I don't know if I feel like joining as many clubs and organizations as possible or retreating into my corner to re-watch every episode of Pretty Little Liars.  Needless to say, I've been riding on an emotional roller coaster the past week.  It's really not as dramatic as I make it sound, but I'd be lying if I said I was adjusting as much as I make it seem.  So much of our summer was spent in anticipation for the coming months, and now that it's here, I feel a bit bewildered.  I'm sure I'm an amusing sight for upperclassmen.  "Hey guys, look!  It's a confused and wide-eyed Linnea.  Must be a freshman. Did she really just run into a garbage can when she saw that hot guy walk past?" (Yes, she did.  But, in my defense, it caught me off guard.)  That hot guy lives somewhere in my dorm building and I always seem to see him at the worst possible times!  I had just finished my run (quite intense, I might add) and looked like a ball of sweat.  Guess who decides to come strolling along?  Yeah, whatever-his-face.  I honestly don't even know his name.  But enough of boys!  Besides the occasional visual enjoyment of that pretty boy's face, I haven't really met any.  I'll give you a run down of my classes. 

ECON:  This class is at 8AM every Monday and Wednesday morning.  I arrived about ten minutes early, expecting some confused elder to stumble into the room.  I was pleasantly surprised by a fresh-faced, twenty-nine year old professor who is going to make waking up that early a little less unacceptable.  Can we say Ezra Fitz? Just kidding, I would never do that, I swear! 

ACCOUNTING: So for this class (also on Mondays and Wednesdays), my professor is new and constantly reminds us of it.  It kind of stinks because it starts at 11 and goes until 12:15 and then I have a class right after at 12:30 that goes until 1:45.  "Hey Linnea, when do you eat lunch?"  That's a good question.  I don't.  It makes me so unhappy!  So I hit up McDonald's before both classes instead.  They gave us these year-round coupons for stuff and it's really handy.  Anyways, accounting is going well so far.  I have this attractive British boy in it and he looks like Louis Tomlinson, except a solid 6'1''. (He literally walked right past as I wrote that. Good thing the computer is facing away heh heh.)  He's on the soccer team AND lives a floor up from me.  I kind of want to ask if he's a Directioner so we can sing every song in some kind of open field.  I suppose all good things come with time, though. Someday. Okay, I really can't focus on writing about accounting, so as you can imagine, it's really not the most exciting thing.  

FYS:  Our First Year Seminar class meets right after accounting.  Our time throughout the semester will be focused on why people lie, why people feel compelled to lie, etc etc.  We've only had one class so far, but it seems like it'll be interesting!

ENGLISH:  This class will be fun. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30, yo.  I get to read and write short stories! (We're good at that;))  I really hated our homework last night, though.  We had to read this super abstract story about "backpacks made of stone" and "girls in burning skirts" and a loverboy named Paul who hung out in a closet.  It sounds super weird, right?? The cherry on top was that we got to write a critique.  "What should the author have done differently?" "UM, NOT WRITE IT AT ALL."  

MATH:  It's funny because she's teaching us stuff that Ms. Pintozzi taught us at the beginning of Junior year and other people are like "What?" and I'm like "I KNOW THIS!" So, Business Calculus, challenge accepted.  I can do this.  

  On Fridays, I only have one fifty minute business seminar thing.  ("Dress in business casual, please.") What?! But I only own sports shorts and self-made muscle shirts!  Thank God for speech team, right? I've got my business suit, at least.

    Overall, things are going really well.  I do get homesick sometimes and I really wish I could see my friends! I miss you like crazy!  But, if I wasn't here, I would feel like I'm wasting away part of my life.  As appealing as sleep and eating are, I think college will prove itself to be even better.  Anyways, I hope you are doing absolutely fantastic at Grove City!  P.S. I'm really sorry that I haven't written in so long.  And it isn't even my day to post.  But I am anyways because I feel bad at neglecting our poor blog.  I'll try to call you soon--  and I'll be looking for a post soon so I can read all about how YOU are :)

Flyover States

I hate flying. Weird, I know, but I get super sick on takeoff and landing and freak myself out being in airports by myself. But right about now, flying is sounding real good.

Over the past week, I have been in a car for approximately 29 hours. That's not counting cab rides or subways that took me to and from my various destinations around New York City. And I'm still in the car - probably for about another three hours. I pity my family who all have to drive another 16+ hours to get back to the great state of Minnesota starting on Thursday.

To make the trip bearable, there have been a variety of solutions.

1. Family games. These range anywhere from talking in accents and tickle wars to keeping track of state license plates. So far on the trip, we've seen all but 15 (two of which are Alaska and Hawaii, so really we've seen all but 13).

2. Lots of reading. I've been rereading the Harry Potter series and managed to burn my way through Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows since leaving home. Unfortunately, I read the last few chapters of the latter last night which completes the series. So now I'm bookless for the last leg of the journey.

3. Movies! I've actually only watched one, but Annika used the computer to entertain herself quite a few times. Ocean's 11 was a welcome break from the road.

4. Writing... Or editing, more aptly. The Legend of Harthore is slowly coming along, but I really need to sit my butt down and actually finish it.

5. Naps!!! I can't tell you how many times I've fallen asleep on this trip - on trains, in our car - in a variety of different positions which have left me in various levels of soreness, and on three (soon to be four) different beds.

That all being said, complaining is not entirely the point of this post. Entitled "Flyover States", I have to admit that flying over Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York is sounding better and better. But I don't believe God created them as flyover states, so I decided to use this post to find the reasons why each state is worth driving through - even if it does force me to spend about as much time in the car as out of it.

1. Minnesota. Which is home, obviously, so there's that. More to the point, there are 10,000+ lakes. Which seems normal but is actually insane. MN has more "coastline" than any other state.

2. Wisconsin. The state of the cheese heads! But in all seriousness, three of my good friends from high school live in Wisconsin (Claire, Julian, and Mick). Plus they do have some gorgeous cliff formations and awesome biking trails.

3. Illinois. Corn and farmers! And my cousins, who are incredible. Plus there's Chicago where I had my audition for The Voice. Basically, Illinois has a bunch of awesome memories.

4. Indiana. Which holds Notre Dame, the school that I literally think half of the Trinity Class of 2013 applied to. Plus there's Trinity School at Green Lawn, sister school number 1.

5. Ohio. This one was hard because I know little to nothing about OH. But driving through it was pretty gorgeous with all of the hills and trees.

6. Pennsylvania. Which (obviously) is the home of Grove City!! I can't wait to get started with whatever crazy adventure God has planned for me there - whether it lasts 4 years or 1!

7. New Jersey. Again, a harder one. But my friends aunt and uncle live there, and they were super charitable to host Bessie the Van for three days while we were in New York City!

8. New York. While the city is totally insane, polluted, and - yes - at moments terrifying, it really grew on me over the course of our time there. Yes, stairs to a fifth floor apartment were awful. And yes, the subway was creepy. And no, I don't know if I'll be visiting Staten Island any time soon after a creepy encounter with a homeless man. But Broadway is incredible, and the hustle and bustle keeps up a fast pace that I just love. Outdoor cafes are incredible, Central Park is gorgeous, and the way the city lights up at night is riveting. 

NYC is (in my humble opinion) the true cultural center of the United States. And while that's terrifying in some ways, seeing two headlining Broadway stars who are truly incredible, strong, Christian men (Corey Cott and Zachary Levi - and that's not just from the tabloids) is inspiring. I want to make a difference like that - using gifts that God has given me, and just loving people around me and being clear about my faith.

That all to say that Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York are hardly flyover. Each of them has a lot of worth, and each of the people there needs the love of Christ shown to them. Through me, my friends, or a few guys on Broadway.

Before It All Begins

      I guess it's only natural to feel nostalgic and apprehensive as we venture past our high school years into the intimidating and unknown world of college.  When I was younger, I remember thinking college students were the coolest.  They had this whole life to balance without the immediate support of certain family members (MOM!) and, as the idea of independence has always been particularly appealing to me, I founded this great respect for all who led a collegiate life.  They seemed so confident in who they were and remarkably in control of whatever future they had.  Of course, at the age of eight or nine, I imagined that I too would someday mature into a capable young individual with a drive to succeed.  I think I can avouch for that, at least. But I would be lying to you if I said I felt calm, cool, or collected about my imminent college experience. I keep asking myself all of these berserk and ridiculous questions like: What if I fall into a fit of hysterics as my family leaves me for the first time? Will there be attractive members of the opposite sex? And most importantly, how am I supposed to poop with five other girls in the bathroom?! Those were incredibly awful examples, but the point is, I'm kind of a mess. I'm anxious for the future, but clinging to the past. Allow me to expound upon my cluttered state of mind.

    
      Imagine, if you will, my fatigued body, lying motionless on a black leather sofa. My vacant stare suggests that my mind is unperturbed, but as people say, looks can be deceiving. In reality, my mind is a whirlwind of chaos. A few moments pass and Logical Linnea confidently gaits into the bare and undecorated room. Perceiving my troubled condition, she sits herself in a wooden chair located directly across from the sofa. “What disturbs you, young one?” she asks. I look at her with wide eyes. “College is coming,” I whisper. Logical Linnea flicks an irritated glance at me. “Linnemus Bellomus, you are completely overreacting,” she sighs. “There are millions of other first year college students who cope with this transition every single year. It's time you do the same. Oh, and fix your hair. It's absolutely frightening.” And directing a stern glance at my disheveled self, the logical me swiftly turns her back and walks away. I roll my eyes. Logical Linnea was always so condescending. Just then, a muffled grunt captures my attention. Pessimistic Linnea heaves herself out of the dark and musty corner. “It's a lie,” she rasps, lifting her dull gaze to meet my paled face. Pessimistic Linnea has a way of freaking me out. “It's all a lie, you know. You think you'll make friends in college, but you're wrong. An eccentric being like you, you won't last one semester.” She eyes me for an uncomfortably long time before retreating back to her corner. “Don't say I didn't warn you.” were her parting words. An involuntary cry escapes my lips. “I hate college!” I say bitterly and fling myself to the floor in a melodramatic display of pitiful whimpering. I lay there for a few minutes before I feel a tug at my sleeve. “Hey. Dude. Man. You okay?” It was Chill Linnea. My eyes are swollen and red from crying, but I nod my head. “Good,” says Chill Linnea, a look of relief flooding her face. “I don't like feelings so it would've been awkward if you had said no.” A smile creeps on my face. “Dude. Me too! You're awesome. It's almost like we're the same person or something.” “Yeah, totally,” says Chill Linnea. “Hey, I know you're a little apprehensive about the upcoming semester, but let me just say a few things. First of all, you'll do fine. Honestly, just be yourself and try hard. You're there for the academics anyways, right? Everything else will fall into place. You'll see. And if it doesn't, I want you to remember these four words: Honey Badger Don't Care. For real, yo.” And in that moment, everything became crystal clear. “Wow. Thanks, Chill Linnea.” I say gratefully. “Your profound words of wisdom never fail to inspire me.” “Anything to help a sista out! You holler if you need me, man.” Chill Linnea smiles, patting me on the back. I grinned. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad. College could be the opportunity of a lifetime! “Oh, I was hoping you'd feel better soon!” Hopeful Linnea emerges from behind the couch. “Go away, Hopeful Linnea.” I snarl. “Nobody likes you. You give me false optimism about life and boys.”

      
     I know what you're thinking. I'm absolutely insane. But if we're being honest here, that was a pretty accurate representation of my inner strife. Except that I really don't have Multiple Personality Disorder. It was just more fun than droning on incessantly about my many feelings and warped emotions. Like I said, I think it's only natural for everyone to feel anxious. We have spent the last four years rooting ourselves deeper into our respective communities and strengthening relationships with intimate friends and family. We are who we are because of them. Now, we must familiarize ourselves with the idea of being plucked from our comfort zones and placed into a completely new environment. The realization that I will be in college in less than three weeks is unnerving to me. I really don't know whether to be extremely excited, absolutely terrified, or a little bit of both. I guess it depends on the day. But, in this time of great excitement, angst, nostalgia, uncertainty, anticipation, apprehension, and hundreds of other indescribable feelings, I leave you with this quote: “There are far, far better things ahead than anything we leave behind.” - C.S. Lewis. (In this case, he may or may not be referring to the afterlife. But it's a C.S. Lewis quote and seemed relevant enough, so there!)

Here's to the future, that it may be filled with joyful memories and unexpected adventures:)

Long Goodbyes

I forgot to post yesterday. Partly because I was with you in person, and partly because I wasn't sure what to say. About three hours ago, I still wasn't sure. I wasn't sure until I sat down in my car to drive home from church and realized that I had just said my first two "meaningful" goodbyes before college.

Both came today. One from the girl who has been one of my closest friends for sixteen years, and one from the boy I really hardly know but has been a part of my life for just as long.

Melody is an incredible young woman of God. We share a birthday - she's technically 12 hours older than me. We've been friends for as long as I can remember. She went to my church when we were little, but maybe about 8 years back her family switched churches. That was weird for me - Melody and I were always side by side at Oxboro, and suddenly my closest friend was gone. We grew apart for a while there. It was hard, keeping up a friendship when we had little in common and no shared experiences. But we did, because both of us wanted it bad enough that it was worth it even in the hard times. We fell into a pattern of what we came to call "quarterly visits". About once every 3 months or so, we would get together for coffee, or just hang out at one of our houses. And it was good. To catch up and talk about anything and know that no matter how bad things were, there was always at least one person to go to. One person who wouldn't tell anyone else your secret fears, heartaches, and even secret joys.

This summer we were determined to do better, and - to our great excitement - we did! It seems like once every few weeks this summer, Melody and I managed to get together. Once at Panera, twice at my house, and then today at her house. I don't know if you have a friend who you've known practically forever that you're still in touch with, but it's amazing. We still talk about things that happened years ago. And I'm convinced that no matter how long we are apart, I will still be able to talk comfortably with her about anything.

But today. Today we said goodbye. Goodbye for the first real time in sixteen years, because it will be at least four months before we see each other again. In some ways it doesn't seem long - after all, we met barely more often than that for years. But the fact that sixteen hours separate us is more than intimidating. In a way, it's terrifying. Because suddenly, the person I've been able to see whenever I really need to (quite literally for as long as I've needed to) isn't going to be accessible. Sure, we will write letters. And I can email her or text her whenever I need to. But there's something about that face to face contact that won't be there. And it breaks my heart.

Melody is one of the strongest people I know. She has endured and conquered things that I can't even imagine - from insane food allergies to hospitalizations to struggles with friendships. She hurts more intensely than I would have ever thought, but somehow, she finds strength. And I know that comes from her savior Jesus Christ. Because somehow, through all of that trial and pain, she shines with the brightest, most beautiful light I have ever seen. And I hope it never goes out, and I hope I never lose her as my friend.

Jeremiah is an MK - missionary kid. That's how he's been a part of my life for so long without me really getting a chance to know him at all. Jeremiah lived in Mexico with his family doing ministry for the better part of his life. Every few years they would come and spend a summer here. He was in the same graduating class as me, so I tried to catch up with him when he was back. Plus, the idea of having a friend who lived in another country was always sort of alluring.

The last time Jeremiah was back was about 4 years ago I think. He came to church a lot that summer, and we became... well, acquaintances, I suppose. When he left, I sent him a friend request on Facebook (which he accepted) and somehow we came to a sort of silent agreement to stay in touch. So for the last four years, I would send him a message once in a while. To see how he was doing, to ask about the ministry, to ask about his college search, or just to say hi.

When I found out he was coming back from Mexico again before college, it was like finding out I got to see a long-lost friend for the first time in years. Which in a way, I did. You and I have talked about the "culture-shock" that college might be coming from a Private Christian School. Imagine the culture shock coming from a Private Christian School in Mexico that graduated a class entirely of MKs. I really don't know how he did it, but he fit right back into our youth group.

Before Jeremiah came back the first week, he sent me a message - to check if we had church, and to see if people would mind if he showed up. The question was so bizarre that I almost laughed when he asked. I mean, of course people wouldn't mind - everyone was excited to see him again! And everyone was. But as I think about it more, I have no idea how weird that would be. To come back to a bunch of people who think they're your best friends - when you've only really talked to a few of them in years. But I assured him that, no, people wouldn't mind. And he came - and everyone it was great to see him.

Just a few days ago I got another message from him. I don't think I've ever been so blessed by something so simple in my life. He took time to send me a message to say how grateful he was that I'd made a special effort to help bring him into the youth group. I'm not sure I was even honestly making a conscious effort - except maybe one to show him that I wanted to be his friend. But to him, it made all the difference. Jeremiah leaves tomorrow to spend a week working before heading to college. I don't know when I'll see him again.

I think, from these two goodbyes, I learned a lot. From Melody, I learned how important it is to hold on to the people who are closest to you. And more than that, I learned that it's possible. From Jeremiah, I learned that it doesn't really matter how long you are apart (or how far apart you are). If you want to stay in touch, you can. And also, that the little things make all the difference in the world.

I hope that there's someone at Grove City who will make the special effort to help me adjust to actually having to study and take finals. And I hope there's someone at Drake who will be perfect to help you adjust into a non-Christian environment. More than that, I hope that we can make like Melody and me and hold on to our friendship. And I hope we can be like Jeremiah and me and stay in touch no matter the distance.

I miss you already, Linnea Bellomo. I can't wait to hear more about your great adventure.

Your sister in Christ,
Kira

Welcome!

Welcome to The Great Adventure!! I'm not sure how you stumbled upon this blog, but I hope you enjoy the crazy posts that are the updates of the various adventures of two high school best friends: Linnea Bellomo and Kira Hellweg. This is our way to stay in touch in college, telling each other about our great adventures. Grove City College and Drake University.. from Trinity School at River Ridge, Class of 2013.