This week, I’ve been on a whirlwind road trip through three states to visit a slew of dear friends before embarking on the coming adventure.
In Knoxville, Mebane, Elon and Charlotte, I’ve spent time with dozens of friends. In a big way, this has been a week of celebration for me. This time four years ago, I knew exactly one of these people. Now, I’m overwhelmed by the vibrant community the Lord raised up around me during my time in college. Honestly, sometimes I’ve had to ask myself and God, why in the world would I ever leave these people?
I’m coming out of this week feeling full to overflowing. Supported. Loved, and loved well. Full, both spiritually and physically: refreshed by a service at my home church, and satisfied with some phenomenal blueberry-cranberry pie. Affirmed in my call to the Race. Encouraged by the army of friends and family standing behind me. Grounded by updates of where God’s leading my friends along their post-college paths. Covered in prayer. Sent.
So to everyone whom I saw this week, whether for two minutes or two days, know that I am incredibly thankful that our paths crossed. I will miss you this year!
To those standing strong behind me, sending me, following me and praying for me, thank you. You are vital to this ministry: I couldn’t begin this season well without your love and support. Your encouragement and excitement have redoubled my enthusiasm and reaffirmed that the Lord has clearly called me to the Race. When times get hard, which they will, I’ll be able to rest in the confidence that I am exactly within His will for me and every challenge that I face is no accident, but a gift straight from His hand.
And to those who hosted me this week, letting me crash on your couches and spare beds, and to those who offered, thank you. I loved my visits… and I’m already planning to take you up on your offers upon my return.
“Home” to me has meant many things at many times. When I moved off to college and then my parents moved around the world to Thailand, at first I thought I no longer had a home. Then I realized I have many: one in Thailand; another in Augusta, GA; another in Elon, NC. Now that I’ve graduated and am becoming a nomad for a year, the word “home” is changing again.
In five days, I’ll be reunited with J Squad in Atlanta. In eight, well step off a plane onto Haitian soil. This week, I embark on a grand adventure.
Thank you, friends, for being my homes.
