goodbye, Liberty University.
goodbye, Virginia.
goodbye, roommates.
goodbye, apartment.
goodbye, favorite job.
goodbye, internship.
goodbye, stubborn independence.
and soon, goodbye, family.
goodbye, fiancé.
goodbye, America.
…so now that I’ve cried my eyes out about each of these, I’ll try to put into words what God has been teaching me.
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be thankful that you have so much to cry about.
This year has by far been my favorite year of college. I met and got engaged to my now fiancé, I worked as a caregiver for a family who has two precious little boys with autism, I interned at a group home for adults with intellectual disabilities, I FINALLY made it to Africa and fell deeply in love with the people of Rwanda, I completed my last college classes, and I was accepted to go on the World Race. WHEW. It has been one beautifully full, granted slightly overwhelming, year.
As it comes to a close, (I graduate in NINE DAYS!), I find myself fluctuating between trying to cling to every detail/moment and simply numbing out and ignoring it all. To be honest, I am freaking out. In no way am I prepared to say goodbye to everything here that I love so dearly. But—
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there’s beauty in the let-go.
by emptying my hands of these blessings that He has allowed me to hold onto for so long, God is creating room for the new blessings that He is bringing in.
A new chapter begins with each that closes.
As I leave Virginia, I am blessed with two months at home with my family.
As I leave my apartment, I carry with me friendships that will last a lifetime, regardless of distance.
As I leave my university, I carry with me knowledge that will allow me to better serve those around me in my future relationships and career.
As I leave my jobs, I carry with me the love that was poured out to me, the experiences gained, and the friendships that were made.
As I leave behind my stubborn independence, I enter into this beautiful time of engagement, wedding planning, and preparation as God begins molding me into a wife and helper.
And soon, as I leave my family, fiancé, and country to travel the world serving God’s people and proclaiming His name, I dive headfirst into a deeper relationship with my Creator and Savior.
As we’ve all experienced at one point or another, goodbyes are painful. But I pray that as I am uprooted, I remember that God already knows where and for what purpose He is going to replant me.
God, I give you these ends, and I eagerly look forward to the new beginnings that You have in store.
