Homesick for a Home I've Left Behind.

It is day (night) two of my college experience. So far I have done roughly 9 hours of homework, attended 5 classes, slept not nearly enough, and cried more times than I can count. Is it too early to say that I can't wait for this semester to be over?

I moved into the Mountain Loft apartments in Rexburg Idaho on Friday September 11th, 2015. My Mom and I made the trek (roughly a four hour drive) to Idaho the Thursday before, so we wouldn't have to wake up at 5 A.M. on my move in day. I said goodbye to my little brothers before they left for school that Thursday morning, and wrote a goodbye to them on the sidewalk outside my house for them to find when they got back. Just before I left, I had to say goodbye to my Dad. He sat me down, and taught me a very important lesson that really touched my heart. The gist of it was "You don't have to be the best, to be good enough for The Lord". Needless to say, there were many tears shed as he then told a story about my childhood, and a reunion he and I had shared after spending some time apart when I was six. I don't know exactly when I will get to see my Dad again, but I know that reunion will be just as sweet as the one 12 years ago.
We said our final goodbyes, hugged one last time, and my Mom and I hit the road. She drove the suburban with all of my things piled into it, and I drove my 1999 Honda Civic, praying that it would get there in one piece.
 We reached Idaho Falls where we would spend the night without much incident, and at 10 o'clock the next day started moving me into my new apartment in Rexburg. None of it seemed real. I felt like I was simply going to a camp, or to EFY again. Later, I met with my I-team, which was basically a bunch of freshman who don't know what they're doing, running around campus with two "counselors" (not really) trying to figure out how to navigate this gigantic school before having to go to class that Monday. So that was fun.
I ditched my I-team a little early that Friday, so that I could go on one last grocery shopping trip with my Mom. She bought me enough groceries to last me until the end of the semester. I kid you not. My entire cupboard is full of food. My fridge is overflowing. The freezer won't close. But hey. No complaints here.
After the adventure of fighting our way through the parent filled Walmart(and Albertsons), we made our way back to the apartment, and unloaded everything. At this point it was getting pretty late, and my Mom still had a four hour drive ahead of her, so we decided it was time to part ways. I walked her out to her car as she was listing off things that I still needed to do, quietly reassuring her that I was going to be just fine. She engulfed me in one more hug that didn't last long enough, before looking me in the eyes and asking one more time: "Are you okay?"
Fighting back the tears, I told her I was doing great, and that I was excited to start this new chapter in my life. She got into her car, and I blew her a kiss before disappearing back into my hall so that she couldn't see me cry. That night, my roommate was staying with her Mom in a hotel before she had to leave, so I sat on my bed putting pictures on my wall as the tears rolled down my face, leaving lines on my cheeks where the makeup was gradually washed away.
I was alone.
My parents were gone.
I had no friends.
I had no one to turn to.
So I turned to The Lord.
I prayed harder that night than I have in a while. I poured out my heart to him. Told him how scared I was. How unsure of myself I am. Told him how much I already missed the familiar faces that I saw not too long ago.
And he heard me. I know that he did.
My roommates have been such a blessing to me. They are so funny, and so kind. I was definitely placed with them for a reason.
I recently got a calling in my YSA ward. I am so grateful for this opportunity to be able to serve my new ward family, and get to know them a little better.
All of my classes are amazing. We always start with a hymn and a prayer, and you can feel the spirit so strongly no matter where you are on campus.
I'm still trying to make friends, haven't really done that yet, nor have I gotten asked on any dates. That will all happen with time.
I hope.

So it is only day two (technically day 5), and I am very homesick for a home that I've left behind.

But then again, it is only day two and I have so much to look forward to.

If you wouldn't mind sending some prayers my way I would greatly appreciate it.
I love you all so much.
I love this gospel and testify of its truthfulness. The Lord is always here. He is always with us. He will never forsake us.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.