Spring is coming.

 WOW. I haven't said anything on here in a very VERY long time. I realize so much has changed, but putting my finger on it all, now that's the hard part. There is one easy part though. Jesus is living in me. We recently had a speaker who was talking about Christ's resurrection. I was literally blown away with how blind I had been. For the first time, I actually understood what happened at the cross. I've heard the story so many times, but it never really sunk in. And when it did, it blew my mind! I had always just thought "Yes, Jesus died on the cross and then three days later he rose again." WOOPEEE! I'M SAVED. Only to then actually understand the real significance of it all. Yes, Jesus died on the cross. He paid the price for everything I've done wrong up until today, and He's paid the price for everything wrong I do in the future. Frankly there is so much more I could go into but the most awesome, amazing part is when Jesus rose from the dead. Up until recently it had just been a "Hallelujah he rose from the dead" now, it's a "WOW, HE ROSE FROM THE DEAD, LIKE HE ACTUALLY ROSE AGAIN." And the best part is, I realize WHY He rose from the dead. He rose so He could live in me through the Holy Spirit. If Jesus hadn't rose from the dead. He would have simply been dead. But the fact He rose, that He conquered death is just wowwww. I probably still don't understand it all as much as I can. But certainly that's one of my main "WHOAAAAAAAAAH's" that I have experienced at Bible School. 

As some of you may know, I have really struggled in Spring School. Winter School finished and I had a great break with some close friends and meeting new ones. But then Spring School hit. I  had found out during the break I had been accepted to Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, where I will major in Youth Ministry. This isn't a problem in fact, it's an answer to prayer. However, I made it become a problem. I started to focus on the 25th of June. The day on which I will leave with "two suitcases in hand, and a dream in my heart." Excuse the Copacabana quote, but really, two suitcases, a fiddle and a back back and I will head to Toronto. I will spend time in Toronto, Texas and California, with some of my greatest friends and at the end, I'll move to Chicago where I will begin to start a new chapter of my life. Don't get me wrong though, I am SO excited about moving to Chicago! However, after being sick from the Saturday we began school until Thursday the following week, I already felt a little out of place at Capernwray. This was only made worse when I started to "socialize" and realize that so much of the school body was made up of new people. I had missed out on the newness, and friendships had been made. Now, if you know me, you'll know making friends isn't a problem. Yet, suddenly it was? I became very detached and spent a lot of time in my room. I started to think "I'm moving to study all this again, there's not much point" and "there's only five more weeks, it'll fly in" things along the same lines of that. I had forgotten that God had me HERE for a reason. Yes, I may study this when I get to Moody, but how shallow to think "what's the point of listening" When this was brought to my attention, I began to change. I realized that although moving is so exciting, I need to pay attention to what is going on here now. Moody still demands some of my time, with sorting out scholarships, classes, VISA and everything else that comes along. However, I'm aware I can't continue to make that my main priority. God is my main priority. I am here to learn about His Word, to spend time with Him, and to grow in my relationship with Him. 

I have made a number of new friends here, and I am so grateful that God has placed them in my life. They have encouraged me to get close with God with everything. I tried to handle all my problems, and things were only getting worse. When I finally gave it up to God, I began to see a change in myself. I took a trip home over the weekend of the 17th-19th of May, and the week leading up to that was the first of my "good" weeks here at Spring School. I began to feel at home again, comfortable with the new people, the new layout of classes and just everything that is new. Going home, I loved having some down time on my own, and also spending it with some friends, my parents and getting to skype Caleb and Gentry which was great. A piece of me wanted to stay home, but I knew I needed to come back. God still has things to show me here. 

Lectures have been great. I just can't wait to actually take time to think over what I've been learning. I suppose on a day like this, doing that is something I could do. I'll need to stick that on my check list! It's always interesting seeing the way different lecturers teach. Some are easier to listen to than others, but on the most part the lectures are great. I've really loved getting into God's word and being taught. I wasted so many years ignoring my dads teaching and my youth leaders teaching, I am so glad I have been given this opportunity. I'd say I came to Capernwray with many questions, and I'm probably going to leave with more than I came with. But it's so great not only have lecturers to talk to, but also other students who are more wise and know more that they can share with me. It saddens me slightly to think that this chapter of life is nearly over, but God has blessed me in so many ways and I am just so thankful to have gotten this experience.

Finally. I have three more weeks left. If I can ask you to pray for a few points Ii would appreciate it:
Firstly, that I keep concentrated, appreciating all I have here at Capernwray. Moving is going to be so exciting, but for the most part I can deal with things when I get home - trusting my father has control of the other stuff.
Secondly for good health within the student body - illness' fly around this place like a plane. It's so crazy. But the last thing we want is to be leaving on a sick note. Especially when I started that way.
Thirdly, that I continue to remember why I am here, and connect with the people around me. I am aware no student body will ever be the same as Winter OR Spring, and so enjoying the people I'm with now is also important.

Thank you! :)

If you fancy writing, I would love to hear from you ! :)

Sarah Ross
Capernwray Hall
Carnforth
LANCS
LA6 1AG

P.S.

I thought I'd just share a few pictures with you :)

This one of Gentry and I is probably the best picture we have together. In my opinion. I can't wait to take more pictures this summer with her. She was my best friend through Winter School, and has continued to be through our time at Spring both here in England and for her in Austria. Not long until we will be messing around again in California! I am super excited!



Okay, so the Wrights. This family are practically like family to me. I can't believe how big the kids are getting, and it slightly saddens me that Keith is turning one next Monday. It just doesn't seem right. The little guys gonna have to learn to use skype soon! Maybe that can be next after walking.. or perhaps after he learns to talk. Ellie continues to be an absolute sweet heart who steals my heart every time I get to see her or spend time with. This is one of the family's I'm going to struggle not seeing every so often once I move. George and Rebekah have encouraged me, and loved me, and pushed me forward in every season of my life that I can imagine. And I am so thankful for them. I really have been blessed with such a great relationship with them all. 

I love this picture! I laugh at it all the time too. Jason has been such a great brother through Spring School. Encouraging me and helping me out when I've been struggling with stuff. Monica continues to be the best sister I could have ever asked for. I love her to pieces and love talking, laughing and crying with her. She's a super special gal. And finally Caleb, though so far away right now, has been so great encouraging me not to waste my time here. I can't wait to take walks and spend time with him this summer. I've been blessed with such great friends!

Oh yeah, there's this too. Like I mentioned earlier. I'M MOVING TO CHICAGO BABY! This day was a day of excitement, and 35 or so missed calls left on my mothers answer machine - classic mom. If you had told me a few years ago that I was going to end up at a Bible School in England, only to then follow on to Moody Bible Institute. I would have probably told you to shut up. God has changed my life and heart so much in the last year, I am just so thankful. And also thankful that my parents have been so supportive of my decisions. I am so excited to move into this next chapter in my life.

 Finally, this a picture my new friend Steph took. We had gone up to a lady who owns a few horses, and were just helping her out a little and Steph got this photo (i never knew she was taking it - promise) I love horses, and am amazed at just hot intelligent they are, but with Goldie here, how calm she is. I love spending time up there talking to Andi, and sharing some of my life with her. She's a sweet lady.




Oh, to end this.. parents.. if you're reading this.. we need some pictures together.. please. and thank you.