{September 21, 2017}

I would first like to say that I know it's been a very long while since I've last updated, but these last weeks have been a whirlwind to say the least.

I'm all settled in to the Disney College Program, and I'm enjoying my time living and working here so far. Sure, there's been some highs and lows, but overall, this has been an incredible experience, one I've been particularly in need of.

If you followed recent news, you know about our friend Irma who dropped by Florida last week. The good news is that we received no major damage in the apartment complexes or on Disney grounds. Everyone in the Disney community banded together to ensure we were all safe, and I really felt the spirit of God in that moment and in the moments after, as groups from across the nation donated supplies and money to relief efforts in trying to restore the thousands of families affected by this natural disaster.

As soon as the curfew was lifted Monday evening, my roommate Devin and I were hungry since we failed to buy any food before the hurricane that counted as actual sustenance for a meal. So, we decided to venture out and see what places might happen to be open. Before we got in her car, I stopped outside the apartment to snap a picture of the sky because just behind the clouds was a rainbow. After the storm that raged over Florida for 2 days, God gave us a rainbow, a light among the darkness.

While debris littered the ground and homes frantically searched for power and water to be restored, God sent us a rainbow to tell us that everything would be okay. He controls all, and by His grace, He would restore all that had been broken to its former glory. After such a powerful storm, it is hard not to look at the damages and losses, but God takes the brokenness and makes us see the beauty beyond and gives us hope for a new day.

I thank God for sending me that rainbow because it reminded me that even the darkest of days can still be beautiful. It's a lesson that I needed and continue to need even now, so thank you, God.