I never really thought this would be a hard blog to write. I was pondering over what to say exactly last night, but I was choking up and couldn’t come up with the words to say. To say the least, it is a mixture of emotions that I truly am just now feeling. Last night was the final night I was not only at my apartment, it was the last night of an entire season of my life that I am officially putting behind me. The past five years of my life have been beautiful, exciting, fun, challenging, and memorable. I look back and appreciate every Professor, every staff member, and every friend who has helped to make me who I am today. My time with my college, both as a student and as an intern, has given me a sense of preparation for what is next. I am forever grateful to all of them but, as in everyone’s life, it is time for a new season in my life to begin.
I am one month out from beginning a journey with new friends and new faces. I already consider them family after only knowing them for such a short time, it is incredible. I love them all to death. They and I are embarking on The World Race. I will be challenged beyond anything that has hit me before. My life will be shaken and rattled (for the good). God is going to move me in so many ways on this trip. I am humbled that I get to invest and impact the World for Jesus Christ. It is not everyday you get to say that you are going across the world over the next year to share Christ.
As I sit here in a Starbucks of all places (with my Caramel Macchiato by the way) I am remembering a piece of scripture that reminds me of the whole idea of changing seasons. It is a small section in Philippians that I love to read every now and then. Paul is speaking to the Church at Philippi about not having confidence in the flesh, but instead to put all your confidence in Christ. He goes on to end with a very powerful statement that continues to capture me:
“Brothers and Sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
This declaration just fits where I am at right now. Looking back I see all the work God has done on me through college and my internship. I am sad to see those times have come to an end. I will miss them all dearly: the people and the memories. What I do know is that God still has me on a race. He has shown me the next leg that I am to run with Him. I have said my goodbyes and now I look forward to where God is taking me. My faith is going to grow and my relationship is going to deepen with Christ. I am excited to see what God is going to do through me. I press on toward the goal, just like Paul was.
I know the farewells are not goodbyes, but see you laters. I know God has big BIG things in store for where I was at and where I am going. So I am content with continuing on!!
I am still in need of funding for my journey. I believe God is going to provide and push through any obstacle in the way. I need about $1,600 to reach my launch deadline on June 20th. If you want to join along in the journey by financially giving, I would be humbled to have you be a part of this with me. Any gift is tax deductible. You can click on the “support me” tab on the blog page to give. I could also use your prayers while venturing on this journey. You can adopt my team and pray for us if you would like to as well. Thank you everyone who has been following along. I love and appreciate you all, I hope to have a farewell blog before I depart on July 3rd. I pray God’s blessing over you all.
