I always tell people that I have had the most wonderful roommates anyone could want. I tell people this because it is true. I love these girls! Meet Jessica, Ellen, Lauren, Kendra, and Marylyn…

Jessica and I lived together freshman year (by potluck!) and sophomore (by choice!). We both grew ridiculous amounts in those two years. Together, we became who we are. Together, we grew to love the Lord – she came to know the Lord! I love her so deeply. She will forever be a very significant part of my life. Now she is getting married to a wonderful guy! Every time I think about Jessica’s life, I think about redemption. When we saw this sign at Grand Station, it was the perfect photo op!

I prayed about who to live with my junior year – God immediately told me Ellen would be the one. The next day, she told me that she wanted to live with me! Oh, how I love Ellen. When I think about Ellen, I think about growth. I have seen this girl grow and grow and grow in the Lord, and she has challenged me to do the same. One of my favorite Ellen memories is reading Stargirl aloud together. If you are prone to eccentricity, I highly recommend this book. Best read aloud with a friend!

Lauren and I were freshmen in the same Bible study group, were on prayer team together sophomore year, took ASL together junior year, lived together senior year. We could not escape one another! Lauren is a servant to the core, and has taught me tremendously about pouring myself out for others. When I think of Lauren, I think of laughter! Lauren has an unhibited laugh policy which brings me great joy!

We have prayed and prayed and prayed for and with one another. Kendra has spoken more truth into my life than any other friend. We have cried and laughed and shared so many things! She was never an official roommate, but she has spent the night enough (and occupies enough of my heart) that I always count her in the roommate roster. When I think about Kendra I think about vulnerability. She lives it. She has taught it to me. She is humble and honest and willing to share the hardest, deepest struggles of her life with others freely. Because of this we know each other deeply.

Marylyn and I are opposites in many, many ways. And that is why we make great roommates. Marylyn refreshes me. She is my sounding board. She wins the listening prize. I love when she sits on the floor of my bedroom to do her homework, even when I am not home. When I think about Marylyn, I think about peace. I am at peace with her. I do not have to have it all together, I do not have to have something profound to say, I do not have to look pretty – she has seen me at my worst. And she inspires me to be my best. That is a great combination in one friend! When she moves out in December I will miss her like crazy!!

I thank the Lord for these sweet, sweet friends. Even I only live with one of these girls now (and she is moving to Virginia very soon!), every single one will always hold “roommate” status in my heart. I am excited for my new roommates this year, and whoever is to come in the future – with this track record, I have high hopes!