These past weeks have been a revolving door of hellos, fun visits, sad goodbyes, laughter, facetime calls, celebrations, and more sad goodbyes.
I have felt extreme excitement to be with great friends in incredible places, and I have felt the desire to explore the world and see things through new perspectives.
On the other hand, I have felt sadness in so many of my goodbyes. I have been overcome with sadness realizing that I will not be returning to Starkville, in moving out of my beloved house- the 413, and in so many hugs that were given to last for a year. To say the least- my emotions seem like they are on a roller coaster.
This summer has been sweeeeet due to the time I have been spending with so many of the people I love, in places that I love. I have loved this “in between time.” But, now that it is ending, I am saddened.
In so many of my friendships and relationships, I have talked about my thankfulness for the feeling. I realize the huge blessing of having so many friends and family who I will miss, the blessing of missing places that have been so good to me, and the blessing of having a community that is hard to let go of for a year.
The joy is that I realize this blessing now more than ever.
So here is to all of the people that make me sad to leave- you are the ones who have loved me so well, who have encouraged me the most, and who have shaped me into the person I am today.
To my friends who have shown me so much grace, who made leaving college hard, who have proven that they will always be by my side, and who laugh with me always. Thank you for giving me so many things to be thankful for, so many shoulders to lean on, and so many of my fondest memories.
To my family (my biological family + allllll of you who make up my “delta family”) I cannot even begin to imagine myself without most of you influencing me. You all have shown me true community since the time I could remember. You have shown me love, support, how to endure hard times, and how to make ANYTHING fun, and you have especially shown me generosity.
To all of you-you have shown me how to not take life too seriously, and what matters the most. I am thankful for so many, and if you’re reading this- there’s a 100% chance you are included in that list. I will miss you all so much, and I already know that our reunions will be the sweetest.
I am so excited to take part in this next year of travel, ministry, adventure, and growth. I wish I could pack about 100 people into my backpack to bring with me, but since I can not- know that you’ll be in my thoughts and prayers often.
Xoxo
Abigail
