The humidity is starting to really rise here in Illinois so that means I am taking refuge in my air conditioned childhood home. This has given me time to catch up on TV shows, start unpacking, begin the friend catch ups and reflect on my time in Pittsburgh. I will be processing my past year for quite awhile I have a feeling but I am learning one way that really helps me with this. That is through looking at the photos that I have taken recently. When I look at a particular photo, I am able to write out what that time or person meant to me. This is a theme that I will continue for the World Race but I thought why not try it out now! These next three photos are just a small snap shot into what this past year has been like and I look forward to sharing more.
Living Ministry. This past year I was an intern at Living Ministry which is a homeless ministry on the north side of Pittsburgh. Before I started I had never talked to a homeless person, moved out of my home state, worked a full time job, participate in support raising for my salary or live in a city! Now I call some of our homeless friends my best friends, I love connecting with my supporters, I love hearing people’s stories and living in a city! This internship was so much more than simply helping out our homeless friends. Yes, that was a major part but even more importantly my relationship with the Lord was strengthened and deepened. He provided and guided me through the ups and downs of this past year. I can do nothing without Him. Thank you Living Ministry for the many laughs, prayers, guidance and memories.
Anna. This woman has been my partner in crime for the past year. Little did I know how close we would become and that I would be able to call her a best friend. We have shared many laughs and tears. From my pants ripping on our first movie night, crashing a Pitt party to holding each other up when all we wanted to do was quit. She is an amazing sister in Christ and I cannot wait to see what the Lord will do in and through her next. Thank you for all the lessons and guidance you have shown me. I am thankful that you were my director but more importantly my friend. I love and miss you already but I cannot wait to catch up with you when I am back in the states!
The Guy FAMILY. Our society defines FAMILY as a group consisting of parents and children living together in a household. I have learned a new definition of FAMILY this past year. Mark and Christine Guy have made me feel so welcomed and loved that at times it was almost unbelievable. FAMILY are the people that you can come to after a good day and celebrate with or after a bad day and cry/vent about it. FAMILY are the people who love you through the ups and downs in life. FAMILY loves on you during the holidays when all you want to do is be back in Illinois. FAMILY cares for you in ways that you didn’t know you needed and push you to grow and challenge yourself.
Mark and Christine embodied each of these and so much more. I am blessed to know them and now can call them FAMILY. Thank you both for all that you have done this past year. I love you both very much and can’t wait to come back for a visit!
I now call the city of Pittsburgh HOME.
HOME is where the heart is. I did not realize how true that statement is until now. I have a feeling there will be a few other places over the next year that I will be able to call HOME.
Miss and love you Pittsburgh. Till we meet again.
