After many a run on the trails and roads around campus and quite a few walks by the Yellow Breeches River through out the semester, I’ve come to appreciate this place.  At my better moments when I think of Messiah College I think of a quiet strength and gentle beauty tucked away in these rolling hills in central Pennsylvania.  When Derek Webb came here to perform, he leaned in and said between songs “By the way, I get what you guys are saying here, and I like it.  You have spirit.”  I have to agree with him, there is spirit here, and it is uplifting.  I’d like to think that I’ve caught some of it by osmosis, but I’m still learning to lean in.  I think there is a sense of community here, which if I had to give one reason, it is the main reason why I liked Messiah in the first place.  I don’t know much about the history of the college, and I’m definitely still learning about the current story, but I’d like to know more.  I know that I have sought out a mentor and found one in a faculty member who has graciously carved out time for me weekly.  Professors have made themselves available to talk to me outside of class about much or little at all.  And perhaps what is most comforting is that I’ve felt welcomed by the students, my classmates.  I am older than quite nearly all of them, but they can’t tell, and the few who do know have welcomed me nonetheless.  I have even found one or two that have listened to me in times of need, and that has meant the world to me.  Perhaps one of the difficulties of the semester has been committing to a church.  I confess that there have been a lot of Sundays when I just have not wanted to go, which is not something that is good for one who wants to go to seminary to have to admit.  Part of my struggle is about denomination.  I question what denomination I would fit best in.  The Episcopal Church is the one I grew up in and I like my Anglican roots, although I don’t know what fits me best.  I’ve decided to give myself some time to decide.  All and all, I really like Messiah College and am glad that I am here.