…I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.
-Winnie the Pooh
Here we are. 9:28A.M. in Lake Havasu City. The same home I came back to after Training Camp is the same home I will scramble around to ensure that everything is in order before I leave. Because I really think the Lord delights in my scrambling…it’s when He shows up and throws this weighted cape over my shoulders that says “NICOLE, SLOW DOWN”. So here I am, slowing down. Drinking my coffee, watching Say Yes to the Dress, and reading over and over again the letters and notes that my tender-hearted friends have written to me over the last week.
After the cake, the flowers, the cards, the dinners, the fingerprints, the lake, the pool, the off roading, the ice cream, and even the tears… He placed His hands on my shoulders and reminded me whose I am.
In multiple letters I’ve received over the last week, I’ve been honored to have been recognized as the “rock” in a lot of my friend’s lives. The beautiful thing about that is that MY rock is my Lord. He has shown up as this object in my life since I was a child. One of my favorite songs to worship Him by is “My Feet Are On the Rock”. When I was younger, I have vivid memories of creating stepping stones with “Ms. Michelle” who lived on the corner of our neighborhood in Michigan. Both of the churches I called home have gifted me with rocks as a reminder that my God is my rock. John McKenzie asked our entire squad to pick a rock to place in his backpack before our training camp fitness hike. Those are just the few precious moments my Lord God has shown up in my life as a rock, so it brings me joyous tears to know that I am the rock in so many other’s lives, because that is who HE has created me to be.
So ending this blog, I would like to spend the next few moments reminding those who love me that I hear you, I miss you, and He will use me to be a rock in so many other’s lives over the next 11 months just as He will always be mine.
To Krista: No matter what part of the world I am in, thanks to you, I will always know “toucan do it”. Your heart is so pure, and I am so grateful for you.
To Gabie: Thank you for allowing me to be a mentor and team player, I will miss your energy and will try to channel it during the most difficult of times.
To Aziana: Forgiveness can be difficult, but you made it so easy. Whether it be boy talk, work talk, or just friendship talk.. thank you for always having something to take to me about.
To Nidia: One of my soul sisters, one of my little sisters, and one of my faith sisters. I will miss the daily scares, morning chats, and scriptures you send my way at the most divine moments. I promise to use the sunscreen!
To Chanel: The last two weeks working together were more enjoyable than I could have ever imagined. You are such a gem, and the Lord loves you so much. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your walk.
To Carrie: Your quote will forever hold a special space in my heart. I have seen Him as a light in so many different ways over the past week, and I will miss your hugs and words of encouragement. “Don’t shine so others can see you, shine so that through you others can see HIM”.
To Kim: The places I go, I promise to go with purpose. I will use cocoa leaves when I get sick, and the Lord will guide me in moving His mountains. Dr Seuss always has a way of making me feel at home, so thank you for leaving his words of encouragement to me.
To Theresa: Being in your room was a blessing like no other. $3 wings when I come home next year are HAPPENING. I cannot wait to share this journey with you and your classroom over the next year.
To Amara: Thank you for your encouragement. I promise to post to Instagram AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE! I feel like we have worked together longer than a mere year and a half, but like you said “cheers to new beginnings”. He is always first, love ya girl!
To Sarah Elaine: When the boys get wild, e-mail me. Not kidding, but I love you. I can’t say much more because I’m probably going to cry again. If I could pack you up inside of my bag and carry you around the world with me, there would be no doubt it would happen. LYLAS TTYL
To Irving: Garbanzo Bean. One hundred, one hundred. We are blessed by Him. See you in 11.
There it is, most likely the last blog I will post while in Havasu. My itinerary over the next few days is a little all over the place, but let’s face it, He is just preparing me for HIS itinerary over the next 11 months. The next stop for myself is Las Vegas, and then Atlanta, and then Calama.
Happy Monday
Psalm 121:8
“The Lord will watch over your COMING and GOING both NOW and FOREVERMORE.”
