Today I was on campus getting forms filled out for class. A little after 1:30pm I met and struck up a conversation with a first year PhD student with an amazing story. He actually had been in the program before, got five years in, and then got deployed to Iraq. Thankfully, he returned safely from service. Unfortunately, he has to start ALL over. As he calmly shared the story, I was inspired by his patience, commitment, and lack of complaint. He is graciously taking the hand that he has been dealt, and simply moving forward. What an example!
Ironically, however, in the midst of our conversation, there was a sudden shake...OF THE WHOLE BUILDING. Our initial thought was that a truck had passed, nudging the ground and forcing things to temporarily shift, but then it continued. The quick building movement became a prolonged building sway. The entire structure of the school of Social Work rocked back and forth before our eyes. Mid-conversation, we were forced to seek safety. Outside of the lab where we were talking, people were slowly coming to the conclusion that we were experiencing an EARTHQUAKE! Some braced in doorways, while others plotted escape. Everyone eventually evacuated the building and the campus was crowded with students and staff, awaiting instruction, trying to make sense of the events, and searching for phone service to contact loved ones. I tried relentlessly to call my mom, at that point thinking we were the only ones to have been shaken up, only to discover busy signals everywhere.
The news began to spread that an earthquake of 5.8 magnitude struck the East Coast. After hours of trying, I finally got a hold of family and friends. Everyone was safe.
Thankfully, my classmate was on campus and was eventually able to give me a ride home.
Just yesterday I called Lawrence because I was feeling weird and worried about a lot of things, including his dad's health. He reminded me that I could spend my time worrying about things I can't change, or relying on faith in a God who can. After getting home today, I took out my prayer rug and just surrendered all to prayer. When I woke up this morning, I had no idea of the turn that this day would take. I'm truly grateful for yet another opportunity to witness God's mercy and grace, and to be here to share the story.
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