Year in Review- Junior Year of College

One year ago (April 2010), I was at LeTourneau University. I spent my time watching Veronica Mars while on the phone with Brit and making the most of my last month with the friends I had made during my first two years of college. Brit often visited during that semester, and my friends had grown to know and love him as well. Recently engaged, many friends drove to Granny and Paps' farm for an engagement party, and Brit and Mom flew down to attend. Wayne took our engagement pictures, and it was really hitting me that I was going to get married. My late April I was ready to pack up my car with all of my posessions and drive with Mom back to Colorado. Permanently.

In May, I did just that, or so I thought. I also drove with Brit on a spur-of-the-moment road trip to Indiana to see Courtney and Tim's wedding.

The rest of May and June I began planning my wedding with Mom's infinitely helpful presence, encouragement, and assistance. I visited my favorite venue and met our future photographer. Throughout the summer, I also worked at a Sonic franchise thinking I would major in Business at the University of Colorado Denver.

July was a fun month of vacationing. Brit and I joined the Welches in Dillon, CO for five days. We enjoyed a wealth of athletic activities including biking, boating, kayaking, and hiking my first 14er. A few days after returning, I flew with my family to Hawaii to meet the whole Shinn clan for a cruise celebrating Granny and Paps' 50th anniversary. The jam-packed trip included many hikes to see the beautiful landscape of Hawaii, a hike to a volcano, eating the best pineapple I've ever had, and experiencing the infamous and unbearable hike to a waterfall. July also kicked off Brit's and my marriage mentoring with the Irvings.

August was a time of adapting. In addition to turning 20, I was accepted to the School of Business, planned my classes, and promptly realized that I had been avoiding what I truly felt called to- teaching. I changed my classes to accomodate this final major change just days before school started, and I have grown only more confident in the decision since. I also found my thrillingly unique yet problematic wedding dress. I adjusted to the differences of going to a new and very different school and of living at home.

I visited LeTourneau in September and enjoyed meeting the new freshmen on my old floor and seeing good friends again. Courtney also drove down from Dallas for a few days. I stayed with Kelsey Clark for a few days and began working for Jane Gallagher by picking up Cheyenne from school three days per week and watching her for a few hours.

In early October, Brit joined my family and me on a trip to Los Angeles where we relaxed on the beach, rode bikes, and enjoyed a break from everyday life. I enjoyed having him along on his first family vacation with us. Upon returning, I began working twice a week as a tutor in the Math Education Resource Center at school. Taking advantage of my 20th birthday gift from my parents, Brit and I began taking dance lessons in preparation for our wedding and as a fun activity. We enjoyed learning and practicing the Rhumba and Foxtrot both in class and by watching videos online. We also began apartment hunting. Teresa and Don also visited and Mom and I enjoyed attending a bridal show with Teresa.

I went to a Mae concert with Kyle and his friends in November. Wedding planning hit a slow time as most planning was completed and preparation couldn't begin for a few weeks. I also enjoyed emailing Jen Leraaen during this semester. Brit and I flew to Austin for his job interview at National Instruments. We were able to see Wayne's first condo and enjoyed visiting with family. Brit flew home to continue working at EchoStar and I stayed for a few extra days. At the end of my trip, I rode the Greyhound bus to Dallas where I saw Elise and Courtney.

Brit received a personalized job offer from National Instruments according to my inability to finish school as early. He was asked to work as an intern in the summer of 2011 and begin working full time upon graduating in December 2011. Since, I have wondered what God's plan is for Brit's future job and if we will be led to leave our home in Denver. December 4th, Brit and I moved all of our belongings into our new apartment at the Bentley where Brit began staying. I got my nails done, my hair cut, and finished finals while anxiously awaiting the wedding. Elise, Blake, and Steph arrived and stayed at the apartment with Brit and me. TJ, Natalie, and Morgan drove together and stayed at a house of Natalie's family. The family arrived on the 17th and we enjoyed a great time at the Clarks' party for us. Then followed flower preparation, rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, and an excellent bachelorette party planned my Elise. Tim and Courtney arrived and stayed with Natalie. The morning of the wedding, I enjoyed having Brit with the family as we ate bagels and completed our annual Christmas candle service. The day of the wedding was an exhausted, thrilling, and wonderful blur of love and fun. The honeymoon was kicked off by a hilariously problem-wrought trip to Silverthorne. We stayed at the Kroonenberg's condo and had an amazing yet confrontational time until we came home on Christmas Eve. While there we began learning sex, went snowshoeing, played poker, watched hours of Burn Notice, and went to see Narnia. Christmas Day, our families joined us in visiting a nursing home and singing to its patrons. It was the first Christmas I have ever not been at the farm.

The beginning of January was a fantastic, relaxing time for Brit and I to get settled living together. We were able to begin our marriage with no work and no school. Beginning the new semester, I met the harsh reality of my teaching internship and more difficult math courses.

I began teaching for Science Matters in Februrary and have enjoyed the opportunity. I planned a surprise trip to Glenwood Springs with Brit to celebrate his 21st birthday. I also enjoyed regular phone conversations with Elise, Steph and Courtney during this semester.

Brit's spring break in March was consumed with a trip to Washington DC with his honors group and then school during mine the subsequent week. Fortunately, Courtney, Darly, Jen, and Lydia were able to drive up and visit for a few days while he was gone. It was fantastic to have them stay with me as we shopped, hiked, and experienced the Denver area together. Brit had school during my spring break, and it didn't feel much different as I continued getting hours in at my internship. I observed Sra. Gunkel at Chatfield during one day and felt refreshed and newly motivated to teach seeing the different environment I could hope for. I also watched Stanley while Mom, Dad, and Kyle visited Austin for Teresa's 50th birthday party.

Finally, in April I attended the Dwell fundraiser concert Kyle planned to support Joshua Station. I finished my hours at my intership and tried not to drown in homework and projects from the end of the semester.

Throughout the last year, I have learned more patience, trust in God's plan, and an active love for Brit. At times it is difficult to accept my decision to leave the college environment for an adult one, but living with Brit has been an unforgettable experience. I look forward to the many lessons God has prepared for me for the next year and I long to be even closer to Him through my new experiences.