Hey guys. I’m at launch. Wow. It’s really here.
Going into launch I had so many feelings: obviously excited for the adventure ahead, a bit anxious to pack, and sad to say my final goodbyes.
I was dreading my family arriving at launch because I knew that I would soon have to say goodbye.
My beautiful, kind hearted, twin of a sister arrived early. We spend a bit of time chatting, drinking coffee, and working out- our favorite things to do together.
My strong, sweet daddy arrived with my incredible, classy grandmother. I saw other parents arrive and excitement and peace began to well up within me. For the next 12 hrs I was on this fine, emotional line of excitement and peace and tears. I was so encouraged to see my family walk out of sessions excited and more at peace.
I had the immense pleasure of worshipping with my sis and dad. It was so freeing to just declare God’s promises through song. In that time, God reminded my heart that the love I have for my dad on my left and my sis on my right is so strong and I’m so grateful for that and we will continue to share that love from afar and that bond is from the Lord and in the Lord it will remain. I felt so much peace for the year and what is to come. And I could feel my sweet family being at peace.
The next day came and with it our farewell lunch. We ate in peace and joy and we sat at a table and just shared our hearts from launch and where we were at. I had the opportunity to face time my mama who couldn’t make launch because of a terrible back situation and then the tears came and they continued with each lingering hug- multiple lingering hugs- and as I watched my family walk out the doors. It was a foreign feeling for me to hear myself say the words “see you in 11 months!” The tears were strong but they weren’t all sadness. They were tears of peace, excitement, love, and joy.
As I returned to my squad with a red, blotchy face and remnants of tears in my eyes, they just embraced me. They met me where I was, didn’t ask or say anything, but just hugged me and allowed me to process.
It’s beautiful guys. This life. These people. My family. My new family. My family and friends who feel like family back home who couldn’t be apart of launch. It’s beautiful.
Now, tomorrow we leave for Spain.
We should arrive at our destination on the 8th which then we will embark on a 10 day journey on the Camino.
Pray for safety in travel, good health, that our bags aren’t too heavy for the plane, and for our long journey on the Camino. Pray for divine interactions with fellow Camino travelers. Pray for strength of bodies and minds.
Love you all.
