As many of you know, I am finally graduating college this year. In 6 days I will be walking on stage with my peers receiving my diploma and conquering another milestone in my life. Although I have clinical this summer, and then my National Boards test to pass in October, I will finally have completed my college career. I am very proud of this accomplishment because it has been quite the journey.
Along with graduation comes a whole new chapter of my life. Graduating means moving back home to Illinois and leaving Iowa. When I made the decision to move back home for my clinical this summer, I was actually pretty excited. I was excited to be able to fundraise for the Race and be with my home church, be closer to family and friends, and be able to enjoy our family cabin when I have the time. I’ve never been one to like to stay in the same place for an extended period of time. I like to experience new things, and I like to embrace change. But recently I have felt the sting of sadness. I am going to miss Iowa. (Said no one ever…. 😉 )
I never in a million years thought I would be sad about leaving Iowa behind. However, I have met some of the most incredible people while living here. I have attended a church, that I truly believe God sent me to get through the storms I was facing and learn about myself, about God, and about my purpose. I can’t explain the love I have for Orchard Hill Church. I have found refuge in a park here that I go to to find peace and inspiration. I have spent many times at that park praying, crying, admiring the beauty of God’s nature, finding comfort, writing, reading, biking, laying in the grass or in a tree, and so much more. I have gone through some of my darkest times in Iowa, and have had some of the best memories. Iowa was the place God placed me to help me grow.
He placed me here to find Him more deeply. And I found Him in a lot of ways in His people here in Iowa.
I am going through so many changes right now. I am graduating, my best friend of 18 years and roommate the last 3 years is moving about 13 hours away from me, I’m moving in with my parents after years of living on my own (sorry mom and dad), I am leaving some amazing people, and I’m leaving a place I have a real attachment to.
Friday is graduation. Saturday I move back to Illinois for good. And I am sad.
But God is good. And I know this next chapter of my life is just another way He is going to be preparing me for a year of serving Him and His people all over the world. He has gotten me through a program I thought I would never get through, and He continues to be faithful always.
A new chapter is beginning for a lot of people around this time of the year when people are graduating and moving on. I pray for all you. Especially those that are having a hard time like I am. But this is just the beginning of a brand new chapter God has written just for you. That’s pretty exciting.(:
To those of you who have supported me in any way, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. To those of you that have been praying, thank you. The power of prayer is absolutely unbelievable and God has been making that so evident in my life. It is all so appreciated.
I love you guys!
“…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.” Philippians 3:14
