Dear Sophie,

Firstly, happy new year and congratulations on making it through your first semester as a college kid! I know that it wasn't always the easiest, and this last Christmas break was difficult too. You and your family spent this holiday without your grandma; it's hard to believe almost a year has gone by. It's going to sound cheesy, but it will get easier. Your family is super amazing and strong, so keep your head up.

Now, if I recall correctly, you aren't planning on taking an Interterm class which means you will have a lovely extended break. It'll be great for you, but some of your friends who are taking classes are going to go through a really rough patch. There will be break-ups and fights and unspoken side-picking. I'm not telling you these things so you can change what happens between them, but I do want you to change how you react. It's okay to feel left out and sad, but don't let that stop you from being there for them! Oh, and do one thing for me, okay? Pray! Pray that God will shine through the dark and help guide them through it. You won't ever be sorry to lift up the people you care about to Him.

Oh, and speaking of prayer, your boyfriend is going to need it too. These upcoming months are not going to be easy for him, with his job, internship, family, and school. Have patience, because he's trying his best. Sometimes he likes to pretend that everything is going okay, when it's really not. Be sure to ask him what's up and be persistent in reminding him that God is watching out for him. Oh, don't just pray for him, pray with him. The strongest relationship you need is one with God, and it will make every other relationship much better when you're in constant communication with HIm.

Heads up, second semester is going to be both awesome and challenging. Classes are going to be fine (even your math class, I promise), but it will be everything outside of school that might test you. You have a new room mate, many of your friends have new room mates, relationships will be made and broken, and you're going to learn the value of quality alone time. I don' want to say much more than that, because I'm pretty sure that the time space continuum would be broken if you discovered the future before your time. Also, what's the fun of you knowing what's coming if I had to go through it all?

Hey, one last thing. You're planning your trip to Nicaragua right now, aren't you? Man, it's hard to rally up support, I remember. But be patient, and trust that God is going to bring the right people--and the money you need--to you. Also, just something for you to think about... Have you ever asked God if He wants you in Nicaragua? Think about that while you're praying for your fall semester.

Anyway, I'm thankful that God is allowing you to go through all of these things. It's going to be rough and you might question why He's doing what He's doing. That's okay! Just always remember to keep talking to Him, even if it is just an angry rant. He wants to hear what you have to say!

May He bless you this upcoming year and may 2016 be as amazing as I remember it to be.

With love,

Sophie