Hello Hope College!
I hope you all had a VERY relaxing Spring Break and are ready to start back on classes…or at least start back on catching up with your friends!
I’m not sure if you’ve read my blogs before, but if you haven’t I have a twin sister, Meg, and she and I are best friends as well as sisters. As crazy as it sounds, this was the first Spring Break I haven’t spent with her! She went down to New Jersey on an Immersion Trip, and I went down to the sunny state of Florida. It was a great Spring Break and we were just reunited last night, but I was amazed when talking to her about the differences in both of our trips, and this blog is dedicated to telling you all about both of our experiences.
For me, this Spring Break was all about relaxation and warm weather. The weeks leading up to the break were filled to the brim with tests, papers and studying, so I decided I needed a break where I didn’t have to think about anything except which book to read for pleasure on the beach. (I ended up flying through four within a seven day span – heaven!) It was perfect for me, because I’ve come to the realization that especially during second semester, I need a break to focus on my mental health and just relax for a week. I got to go to Florida with two of my best friends here at Hope and it made for a wonderful, fun-filled week!
Moving on to Meg’s break, she went to New Jersey as part of a Hope Immersion Trip. Being reunited last night was great, but hearing all her fabulous stories was even greater! She said it was one of the most fulfilling and fun experiences she’s ever had. She grew incredibly close with every person that was in her group on the trip and she got to experience God in an entirely new way. Her task throughout the week was to help the people in the town of Newark, New Jersey, with Hurricane Sandy relief. The group tore up asphalt, did some demolition, painted houses, and did a lot of good for the community there. On the last day of their trip, they got to visit the Big Apple – New York City! Even though she only got a taste of the city, she still got to do a lot of things like spend some time in Central Park and see Rockefeller Center which is a pretty good last day if you ask me.
Whether you went on an Immersion Trip like Meg, went to someplace to get away like me, or just went home, I hope your Spring Break was enjoyable and refreshing!
Welcome back, Hope College. Get ready for your last 5 weeks of the year.
Until next time!