Texas State University

Hey there, Aaron blogging.

Well, it's been a while since the last posts, and actually, not much has changed, at least for me. I am still adapting to life away from Mexico, although the adapting to life in USA has come easier. Basically, I just wanted to give a little update on my life, and the possible next step.

Being a senior in high school, I have been on the lookout for potential colleges for the past couple years. It is definitely different than I pictured it when living in Mexico. I had always thought that I would be based out of Saint Louis for my advanced studies, but since then, we - obviously - had a relocation, and college options changed. Texas State University (15 minutes away) and Christ for the Nations (in Dallas) became two very potential schools. Dad, Jessie and I walked the Texas St. campus for about 2 hours a few weeks ago, and I decided to attend what was called a "Bobcat Day." Basically, it is open house day under a different name. The program they had was very good, and gave the hundreds of prospective students that went a chance to find out more about specific areas of study, cost, campus layout, applications, and scholarship opportunities. It was a very good day for myself - not to mention my Dad- especially when we learned that I potentially qualify for various different scholarships. When we got home from our little excursion, we immediately went online, and I started filling out online application request and scholarship forms. Although they probably won't be submitted officially for a couple weeks, during that time I will be writing two different essays for the scholarship committee, and one of them will be used as an application essay. I get to kill two birds with one essay, so to speak.

Even though Texas State is not necessarily final, it does look very promising. Christ for the Nations hasn't been ruled out completely, and I continue researching it and more importantly, praying that God will give me wisdom in this upcoming choice. Right now though, He has given me extraordinary peace whenever I think about choosing Texas St. It is really good to know that whatever I choose, I know I can count on God to be there for me, and I will be with him, as long as I make Him my priority.

Serving the God of wonders,

Aaron

Jessie Update

Life in Texas, hmmm... where to start? It is pretty good overall. The biggest transition for me has probably been my homeschooling. Before public school in Mexico..... now, homeschool..... different! I have been slowly adjusting to life here, but I have not completely adjusted yet. I have made new friends, which I really enjoy spending time with, and have been going to a cool youth group at a local church. Another big thing is our eating schedule. Like Aaron explained in his post, it is really different from what I'm used to. Other than those couple things, it's going ok. That's about all for me now!

Jessie

Adapting to Life

Having moved to New Braunfels a couple months ago was a huge transition for our family. Everyday life is different, and the culture shock is, well...shocking. Schoolwork for myself, Jessie, and Carmen can at times be frustrating, especially since Mom is the sole teacher. Dad seems to be adjusting to his office duties day-by-day. The food schedule is what messes me up most though! After being used to eating breakfast at 7:30, having a mid-morning snack, a full lunch at around 2pm., and a small dinner at around 8:30, my eating schedule is completely different! Now I have a small breakfast, usually around 8, a smaller lunch at noon, and a big dinner at 6. I know these kind of things may seem like small trifles, but hey! That's the culture shock. Driving everywhere instead of walking, staying indoors almost all day to avoid the heat (instead of avoiding the rain), and for me personally... having a room in the house, instead of having my one door off the courtyard. Little things like that add up in the change, but the transition is more than just simple stuff. The big thing is to remember, every day - heck, every minute - that God is in control and will use the change to do his will. The hard part is learning to leave everything, not just 99.9% of it, in His hands. That's become my daily lesson for the last few weeks, and I know that He is molding me to his purpose, I just have to let him.

Aaron