Dear wonderful friends,

     Time has flown faster than I could ever imagine. A lot has happened in the past months, but honestly, I have not had a second to sit down to write anything. It’s interesting how we can jam full every minute of each day so easily. And, I have a few seconds before I need to move on in the day, so I thought I’d just quickly share a few thoughts/provide a rapid update. 

     School ended excellently. I actually had a lot of fun this semester with class things, and I actually kind of enjoyed studying for my finals. In the end, I think this makes a huge difference; it helps me to remember material so much more efficiently when I actually enjoy my studies. Plus, I had a lot of free time during the end of the semester. With that free time, I was able to spend so much with great friends, and really, I just had a really pleasant time. Similarly, I was able to find a great research assistantship on campus working in the Psychological Clinic on campus. It was a lot of fun, challenging, and interesting. Fortunately, I will be able to work a bit in the lab during the summer as well. How superb!

     Apart from studies, Christy and I have been extremely occupied with beginning our wedding plans. With only 3 weeks together for the entire summer, we realized the need to get the process moving. She will leave for sunny LA next Wednesday to begin her externship at the UCLA Medical Center. Despite going to miss her a ton, I am really excited. She will have an amazing time at one the top hospitals in the States. I am excited to hear all about how much she learns and experiences. So, with that in mind, we have been running around looking for potential churches and reception venues. After having no luck in the State College area, we decided to move our event location to the state’s capital, Harrisburg. So far, we have a beautiful reception site, which is really exciting! Currently, we are still in the search of a beautiful church where we will have the ceremony. Yet, we are hopeful that we will locate one soon. 

     Times with God have been interesting as well. The times are never trite, that’s for sure. Frustrating, wonderful, exciting, but never dull. In the past weeks I have been learning so much about myself. Perhaps one of the most notable thoughts I’ve had stemmed from feeling a little distant from God. After being frustrated for a time, I realized that, you know, God is actually never far from any one of us. To a lost soul, He is only a prayer away. To me, as a person who believes, He is always near. When feeling far, perhaps, it is I who have turned my gaze from Him, and suddenly enveloped in the fog of striving. If and when we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. Such a simple thought. But, I guess it took me until now to realize its importance. God is never really far from anyone of us! hmm. Thankfully, His mercies are new every morning, and his grace overflowing!

     Well, I am going to sign off for now. I hope this update has found everyone really well! I pray that each of your lives are blessed, and that you are enjoying life’s every moment! Take care, and hopefully see each of you really soon. Have a great week!

Cheers and Love,

Anthony J