I can’t believe it’s over.
As I look out across the Nile River and soak up the beauty and the goodness around me during these last few days of the Race, I can’t help but reflect. Reflect on the past year, and what life has been, and what life will be from here.
At the beginning of this year, I was apprehensive of what was to come. I couldn’t imagine living in a community of complete strangers, all of who came from backgrounds and lifestyles different from my own. But now, 11 months later, I can look back and honestly say, this past year has been one of the best I’ve ever lived. I’d never trade it for anything. One of the biggest reasons for this is because of my community, the very thing I was most afraid of. I have come to love it so much. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been beautiful. In this community I have found friends. I have found family. These are the people who have fought for and with me every day for the last year. They are the ones who have seen all the sides of me: the ugly, the funny, the beautiful, the broken, and the redeemed. I truly can’t imagine waking up in five days from now, looking around me to see none of the usual faces and voices I’ve become so accustomed to.
It seems there’s a battle of emotions inside of me right now. I’m excited to be home with my family. I can’t wait to love on my nieces and nephews. A clean, hot shower and all the other conveniences of home are so appealing. But, even with all of these things to look forward to, I’m going to miss this. I know I will. I’m going to miss my friends who challenge me to become a better person. I’m going to miss sitting in a grassy area at school and instantly have a dozen little children around me. I’m going to miss the grimy little hands that slip into mine as soon as I walk anywhere. I’m even going to miss the wet-bottomed babies I always got to hold.
Many beautiful and some not so beautiful memories are tucked inside my brain now. The life I have known is coming to an end, but this is only the beginning of so much more. And, the fact that the things I’ve learned this year are things I wasn’t aware of needing to learn excites me, because what else will I learn that I don’t even know about now? What other revelations about myself and God will He give me?
I am ecstatic to see what awaits me. I am ready for what is next.
Thank you so much to each one of you who have supported me in any way during my Race. I appreciate all of you dearly. May Jesus bless your socks off.
