Two weeks ago, I said goodbye to two friends until 2016. Indeed, 2016. Both have moved on to the next stage of life and it’s pretty far from little Bowling Green and I won’t get to see them before I leave on my own journey in January. This is a letter to those cities that they are calling home now. All these thoughts were on my heart when I said goodbye and now there on paper. I am trying to be thankful that my good byes are being spaced out. Key word being “trying”. But it’s easier to say goodbye when you take a little time to reflect.
Dear Baton Rouge and Chofu City,
I am unsure you know what kind of women are headed your way. I have two friends who are beginning the next stage of life within your city limits and they are very special to me.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Mrs. Ariana Bailey is a beautiful soul. We can trace our friendship to an awkward facebook message because mutual friends said we would be great friends if we could just meet. From there, we have cooked together and shared the most special moments like capturing the hope and love of an engagement and the joy of saying “I do.” Baton Rouge, I am warning you. Warning you about her spirit and faith. In two years, I’ve never ever seen this girl stay knocked down despite plenty of relentless head winds. The details of life have been like snares at her ankles and regardless of those snares, she ends every story with “I know it will all be ok.” She inspires me and I know she will be a blessing to the people she meets while getting her PhD.
Chofu City, Japan – Sharon has the biggest heart, so big it causes the ocean to pour out of her eyes sometimes. This girl didn’t want to be a Christian for all the right reasons – she had only encountered fake people who judge others instead of holding a heavy mirror to themselves. I am thankful that the Lord poured out his spirit on her life and gave her the courage to come to a campus ministry of broken, awkward people who sing hymns. I am thankful that she told me she was a Christian while she folded laundry in a nonchalant fashion followed by hugs in her hallway. I don’t know another person who has more passion for helping others find their passions. Now she has an opportunity to help teenagers in a completely different culture find their passions while learning the difference between the ever-annoying there vs their vs they’re and other silly english rules. I hope you welcome her. I hope she has relationships that ask the hard questions.
These friends have inspired me and I am beyond thankful for their influence. On a lighter note, please let Ariana find a dog half as great as her dogs in Henderson and I hope Sharon actually goes to this mystical place called Cat Island.
Love,
A
