I am from

In arriving to Chile and traveling an additional 22 hours from Santiago to Calama, my brain couldn’t help exploring all the places we will go and see.  

After dreaming of so many different places and people, I began to think back on where I am from- To really understand where I am going, I think it is important for me to understand where I am coming from. 

A few years back, I was a counselor at Camp Desoto- one of the greatest places I have had the blessing to live in from summer to summer.  Here we presented our stories to one another in the form of a poem titled “I am from..”

The past few days I have been thinking of all of the things, places, people, and circumstances that I am from, and decided to rewrite my poem.

Here, I want to share with you a small portion of my story.

 

I am from..

I am from a loving family

I am from a mom just alike and a father even more alike

I am from two younger brothers who are each so different and have taught me many things

I am from Teri

From her ability to forgive over and over, from her love of the beach, dogs, books, and from her generosity and goodness

I am from our disagreements and our failures at communication, but mostly I am from her love and constant companionship

I am from Stephen

WOW I AM FROM STEPHEN

I am from the one who will always understand me

I am from his redemption, his drive, his brain, his laughter, his sarcasm & jokes, I am from his love of beer, the mountains, and all things quirky

I am from his honesty and his “just for the record” statements

I am from Ross- my partner in crime

I am from his free spirit, ability to please others and the biggest heart that belongs to him

I am from all of our fights, time-outs, and lots of forgiveness

I am from Allen- cowboy dan

I am from his independence, his willingness to help others, and his thoughtfulness

I am from his ability to ignore the influences of the world

I am from the Mississippi Delta

I am from 1637 Cypress Ridge Drive

I am from Lake Chicot and seeing God’s true craftsmanship being shown through a pink and orange sky over flat fields

I am from Covenant Presbyterian Church and my family there

I am from so much love

I am from Washington School and the small class of 2014

I am from friendships that started in first grade or before and that I know will last

I am from Mississippi State University

I am from a group of girls who love me

I am from hurting friends with my brokenness and insecurities and receiving freedom in their grace and forgiveness

I am from Mosely Hall, Hathorn Hall, the Chi Omega house, and the 413 (I should also mention the Mitchell Memorial Library as it seemed to be my second home)

I am from living across the hall from two of my greatest friends freshman year

And I am from living with some of my very best friends- including those who were across the hall from me freshman year

I am from a house that has most of my favorite memories embedded inside of its walls

I am ESPECIALLY from Mississippi State University Young Life

I am from a community that pointed me higher and that allowed me to wrestle with Jesus

I am from constant encouragement and prayer

I am from learning that failure isn’t a bad thing and that there is always room for growth

I am from other’s prayer and support

I am from a long list of blessings that grows constantly

I am from a place where only the Lord could have perfectly placed me that has prepared me for where I am going

 

 

I cannot wait to see where all the Lord takes me in these next months.

For now, I am in Calama serving with a church- Iglesia Bautista Betel and teaching English in a local high school.  

 

As always, thanks for taking the time to keep up with me and for being willing to read some of my thoughts.

 

Xoxo

Abigail