A Month In!

Hello! I'm alive! I have survived my first 6 weeks of school. It has gone really well so far. I am adjusting well. I have had a few crazy weeks and I don't think that it will get better until mid-October when I have fall break. I went on a retreat with one of the clubs I am in and it was a blast! I made some new friends and had a lot of fun. I have found a new parish, it is a really beautiful church building and I have been welcomed completely. I joined the choir and today I went to my first ordination. It was a very long service but very beautiful and moving. Fall has well and truly come and it is very beautiful in Ohio in the fall. The trees outside my window are turning and it makes me smile every time I look out the window. Over Labor day  Sus came to spend the weekend with me and even though we did basically nothing it was so nice to see her. Overall I am doing really well.
Glory to God For All Things,
Cecilia <3

The twining is insane in this picture.

College wk 1

My college experience has begun and I have had mixed emotions about it. I arrived on Sunday, and it was one of the most overwhelming days of my life. My parents had to leave earlier then most parents because of the long distance from home. I had a new space, and no new people yet, I was all alone for the first time. When I am home alone I always have the dogs for company and our house is full of everyone's stuff, you don't feel alone. This was just me and my stuff in a weird unfamiliar place, it was uncomfortable. Then there were goodbyes which is always the worst part of leaving. Then immediately following the goodbye I suddenly had a class, people with common interests and feeling similar things. I made friends, I am continuing to make friends! It feels like home. I am so excited for the classes that I am taking and I like all of my professors that I have met so far. I am happy in this place!
Glory to God For All Things,
Cecilia <3

Happy Birthday

Today is this beautiful woman's birthday. I am so beyond grateful to have her in my life. She is one of my best friends, my support through everything, and my wonderful mom. Thank-you for teaching me how to be a strong, intelligent, caring, giving, hard-working, faithful, self-sacrificing and loving woman. Thank-you for giving me all the wonderful opportunities you have. May God grant you many many years! Best Mom <3
Glory to God for all Things,
Cecilia <3

Evening Thoughts

I am having a hard evening tonight. I am so scared about leaving home to go to college. I don't think I have admitted that to anyone or even myself. It is a whole huge world of unknown and I have so little control over any of it.  I am going so far away from my family, friends, parish, home, and comfort zone. It has really been hitting me these last few weeks that I will have to say goodbye to all of these things that I love so much. I have to put my trust in Christ and let him guide my life, but it is hard and scary.

This is a prayer I love and it has been helping me tonight: The Father is my hope; the Son is my refuge; the Holy Spirit is my protector. O All Holy Trinity, glory to You.

Glory to God for All Things,

Cecilia <3

Final Shakespeare Camp!

First Cast Picture

This week was my final Shakespeare Camp, it was a very bittersweet experience. We had a cast of 38 teenagers performing in Much Ado About Nothing. Most of the bigger parts were split in half and we had a large crowd of attendants. I was the 1st half of Beatrice, which is the part that I have wanted since 2010. It was by far the best Shakespeare performance that I have been a part of, and one of the best weeks of my life. I have made so many memories, new friends, and lines are permanently running through my head.
Here are some of the good pre performance pictures.

Last day!

Final touches

Lovely masks

Benedick and Beatrice pt 1

Benedick pt 2

The drunks!

Our fearless leaders

Mustache time

preshow bonding

Shirt signing 

more shirts

newest members of our troupe

an annual picture!

One more picture before the show starts!

Another Birthday!

This is an annual post and I may be repeating what I said last year... but I don't mind at all!
Today is this beautiful girls birthday!

Her name is Maria and I love her dearly! She has been on of my best friends for 10+ years. Next year I will be going to college, most likely far from home, and I am encouraged that I have such a beautiful and strong friendship that will last for always. Thank-you dear Bia for being someone with whom I can laugh, talk seriously, study, dance, drink tea, and dream. Thank-you for always saying the right thing and being there when ever I need.  I see you less and less but I love you more and more! Now pictures!

forced summer picture that turned out only cause Claud is awesome!

Best picture ever!

Shakespeare camp fun

Best picture of Nicole ever!

Dinner dance

Drama as usual! 

Brides around the world

Sweet friendships!

Glory to God for All Things,
Cecilia <3

Sweet 16

Today is the day one of my dearest friends turns 16. She is truly abeautiful person inside and out.  

She is a great friend and I love her lots. Happy Birthday my dear Nicole! I am sorry I will not be able to be there to celebrate with you! May God grant you many years!
Love Ceal