biola

i don't want to leave here. every passing day, i realize just how much biola means to me. for three years i have been lost as to why God has put me in this place. i have taken for granted so many things that it has offered me. but going through those things has made me even more grateful for what biola is to me today.

biola is a very different thing to different people. i have been at both ends of the spectrum and seen the side of those who do not appreciate it, and am now at the other side, realizing how truly amazing it actually is. i've seen many come and go from this place, each with differing views and experiences. i see those differing experiences and hope that eventually they will lead all of us to Jesus in a deeper sense. 

there are some things about biola that are hard to appreciate, and there are definitely areas that need work. the students of biola need to realize that it's not about them- it's only about Jesus. but this takes time, and all come to realize this at different times. but the thing is, God is working hard and fast at biola. i've seen it change dramatically in just these four years. and i am so encouraged by this change.

God is using biola in a huge way that i didn't previously see. so many people are being impacted by the administration, faculty, staff, and students. the unity that i have longed for for biola since day one is starting to occur. i feel Him working here in a powerful way. 

biola has changed my life. while i've been here i've experienced things that i never thought i would. i strayed the farthest from God that i had ever before. i lost some friends, i lost some time, and i lost some innocence along the way. but this is life. i have also grown the closest to God than ever before. i have gained a deeper understanding of Him. of love for Him. i've gained love for others. i've gained knowledge of myself. i've gained knowledge of the world. i've gained wisdom. most importantly, i've gained a passion and belief in Jesus that will forever be my firm foundation.

i don't know how to express the love i have for biola. granted, it's easier for me to see this now that i'm leaving than it was before. isn't it funny how we never seem to realize all the good until we have to leave it. 

mostly i just thank God for biola everyday. that such an incredible institution exists and that he continues to keep it alive and fruitful. i pray that He will continue to bless biola in ways that it never saw coming. i pray that biola would be genuine in the face of an inauthentic world. above all i pray that biola would continue to love Jesus more and more, and have this be the highest goal.