Y’all, I am only one month out from launching on the World Race. One month until my life totally, radically changes. Am I ready? Yes, I think so. But this is the hardest part… the goodbyes.
Tonight I said my very first of many goodbyes to a sweet friend of mine who is oh so close to my heart. If I’m being honest, it was a lot harder than I thought it would be. I am so so excited to begin this new journey in my life, but this first goodbye rocked me. Am I really doing this? Am I really saying goodbye to everything that’s comfortable, to everyone I am familiar with and love so much? Am I really committing to not see them for a whole 9 months? I have a strong feeling in my soul that this will be a huge year for not only myself but many of the people in my life as well… am I really going to miss out on being there for everything that is going to happen in their lives between now and June?
The answer is yes, I am.
Am I sad about that? I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t totally heartbroken to be away from the people that I love and about all the things I will miss out on. It terrifies me to think about how different things could be when I get back, how our relationships might be different and awkward and how I won’t know many of the stories and inside jokes that they will have without me this year. But, most of all, I am thankful.
In this season of hard goodbyes, I am thankful for those that I have had the privilege of knowing and loving over the years. I am thankful for the sweet sweet friends that have been there for me, loved me, and encouraged me through every circumstance. I am thankful for hard goodbyes because that means that they will be the most precious hellos when I come home. How sweet Jesus is to not only be the best friend but also the best giver of friendships! Tonight I am sad, but I am also so blessed and so thankful for the people in my life.
To all those who have loved me so well and walked this crazy thing called life with me thus far, thank you so much. I love each of you with everything in my heart. This goodbye season is going to be so hard, and it’s only the beginning, but I know that just means that the hello again season will be that much sweeter!
Sweet friends and supporters, please be in prayer for me as well as my squad and team in this season as we say “see ya later” to those closest to us! I know it is going to be hard for all of us, but I also know that the Lord has some great things in store for each of us this year and I can’t wait to see what that holds. Please let me know if you want to get together before I leave!!! I would love to see each of you but my head is spinning with so many people to get in-touch with so please reach out to me so we can plan to get together. Thank you friends, you’re the best! Praying for an amazing year of fruitful growth all around!
Love,
Alley
