As launch approaches I am starting to say goodbye to people for the year, and last night one of my best friends, David, and my girlfriend, Molly, threw a little get together with some of my best friends. We went out to dinner and just spent some time together. A couple times last night I just sat there and looked around at all these incredible people that have played such a huge role in the person I am today, and I couldn’t help but smile. I have always known that I am blessed in so many ways, but the thing that I am most grateful for is the relationships that God put in my life. Ive worshiped, prayed, played, grown closer to God, cried, and most of all laughed with all of these people, and they mean more to me than they were ever be able to understand. If you guys are reading this, I love you guys and don’t change to much when I’m gone, I kinda like you guys the way you are.
When we were all done eating David stood up and talked about how they will be miss me and how I can’t forget about them when I am overseas, and he gave me a photo album with pictures of each of them with a note to me. That gift means so much to me! I am here at a Starbucks with a huge smile on my face as I think about the journal. I haven’t had a chance to read them yet, but I can’t wait to read them. After the gift Molly busted out a cake with a huge WR on it! It was delicious!
We went to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream after, and if you live in the Atlanta area you should go try it out, and after eating we played some games and had a good time. But after they all shared a little advice and their prayers for me. That was a really great experience just have these people that I care about and that care about me share their heart a little bit. Then Sam broke us down, so we are screaming Psalms 23:4 at the top of our lungs at midnight in midtown. It was really cool to witness that and be a part of that. On the way home me and Sam were talking and he asked me how I was doing with leaving next week. My answer was I am peaceful with the thought of me leaving next week. I mean after the experience I had at training camp why would I be scared? How could I not be excited about it? If God can redefine my relationship with him and myself in 10 days what can he do in 322 days?! Plus I had a couple conversations with some squad mates about the story of Job. Those of you who don’t know Job had a tough life but he remained faithful, and God comforts Job by saying, “Don’t be scared because I got you. Why would you worry when you have the creator of everything on your team?” (Im paraphrasing a little bit). I keep grasping onto this when I start to think about how crazy it is that I am leaving for 11 months in 8 days.
Tonight I say goodbye to my grandparents, aunt, uncle and maybe some cousins, but that is going to be weird because I see them so much and being able to see them for a whole year is going to be the longest time I have ever been without seeing any of them.
And are you kidding me? Launch is only 8 days away!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks guys,
Jack
