So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu

As graduation approaches and my days left in Clemson are few, there have been several forms of goodbyes going on... To begin we had our farewell dinner for the Study Abroad Ambassadors at Mellow Mushroom a couple Wednesdays ago, and then I had to say good-bye to all my ClemsonLIFE students after the Special Olympics this past Friday. That was hard; they are all so sweet and I will definitely miss them. All throughout last week there were all kinds of "Senior Week" events, so Alex and I went to say good-bye to Death Valley and the Tiger. On Saturday night, Kelly and I had dinner with some of our international friends at Monterrey's for margaritas and Mexican food as a sort of farewell dinner since most of them are leaving sometime this week.

Yesterday, I said my good-bye to the library as I studied on the 5th floor for the very last time. I honestly can't even believe I actually got a comfy chair by the stairs...shocking especially since it's exam week! Then today I went to a farewell reception for Health Science students with the faculty. It was nice to see that some of the professors do actually know me and are interested in my future, so I ended up having some lovely conversations. And later on this week we have a good-bye party for the Belgian boys. It's like it never ends. This has been the week of ongoing good-byes. I'm sure there will be plenty next week as well. 9 days til graduation. 10 days left in Clemson. Where has the time gone? No, but really where the heck did it go?! Has it really been 4 years already? Hard to believe. Good-bye Clemson. Hello Delaware.

Me and Mary Alice, Lillie, and Anna of ClemsonLIFE

Me, Aida, Aude, Jose, and Kelly at Monterrey's

A Lutheran Easter

I have always loved coming home for Easter, and this may be my last one here at home for a while. The church services, time spent with my family, and the dinner are all things that make this special time complete. As a Lutheran, we celebrate this time with services for Maundy Thursday (for the Last Supper), Good Friday (for his sacrifice), and Easter morning (for his resurrection).

I know sometimes there are jokes and such about being a Lutheran, but honestly I do love being one. Embracing my German roots, family tradition, and beliefs and values through this denomination is one of the ways that I define myself. Growing up with the traditional hymns and liturgy, I have come to see this as part of me. Some may find the organ music and responsive readings old-fashioned, but for me this is part of why I enjoy it so much. It was how I was raised, and I how I want my own family in the future to be raised.

And tomorrow after the service (singing some of my all time favorite hymns..."Jesus Christ is Risen Today" etc.) we will be having dinner with Grandma, Paul, and my family at our house to include: brisket, macaroni slaw, pea salad, green beans, and chocolate pie... I may be forgetting something but I'm not sure. Mmmmm.