Dear Corvallis,
I’ve tried writing this 3 times now.
I just can’t seem to get my feelings on the subject into the right words. So I’ll try to keep it short.
Corvallis, you have given me the worst year of my life. And the best one yet. You’ve introduced me to some of my least favorite people, and to some people that will carry my casket someday. I’ve experienced unbelievable despair and indescribable fulfillment on your streets.
What I’m trying to say is, I hate you and love you at the same time. And I’m so stoked to leave you for 15 months, but my heart also aches at the thought of being gone from you for so long.
There’s not much more to tell you. I’ll see you soon.
My friends don’t seem to understand my feelings toward this strange college town. I’ll tell them, “I’m excited to be gone for so long,” and they’ll ask, “Then why are you planning on going back at all?” It’s simple:
There’s far too much at stake. Let me explain.
Our college years (even if one isn’t attending a school during that time) are arguably our most formative. People decide what to use their lives for, and what their purpose is going to be. Whether that looks like serving themselves and pursuing their own desires, or serving the Kingdom of God and pursuing His desires is up in the air. Now, I’m not saying that this decision can’t be made before or after college, but more often than not it’s decided then. This is why I’m going to return to Corvallis after the race. I can’t abandon the fight there when I know so many people that need to experience the love and fulfillment that I have; the kind of love and fulfillment that can only be supplied by the designer of the universe. And I know that that designer can use others instead of myself, but I can’t seem to shake the feeling that I need to bear my cross in Corvallis for just a little while longer.
I’ve got some work to do, but I’ll be back for Corvallis. Don’t go too crazy without me.
p.s. I’ll start posting more now that school is done!
