For Idahoans Only

As a preface to this blog, I would like to say you are about to encounter a monologue of emotional nostalgia. Today I realized this is all really real…

Today is August 1st. 

This means:
1) This is my last month in the United States of America
2) This time next year, I will have just finished my 11 months and will be boarding a flight home, most likely singing "Party in the USA" 
3) But what hits home hardest today, is that I move away from Idaho next week.

Even typing out the words, I want to burst into tears. You don't realize how much you value something until its gone.

Although its been four years, it seems like just yesterday I was packing up my suitcases to fly to Idaho to start college. Now I sit here, in denial, avoiding packing, because next week I will pack my car and drive cross country back home to Texas. Looking back to when I was about to graduate from high school the big question was- where are you going to school?

"Boise State University," I would confidently answer. When a long silence followed, I would add, "In Idaho." 

"…Ohh." that's all I usually got. There were a few sports buffs who would respond with, "Ohhhh blue turf Boise!" Now those people, I was thankful for them. Apparently Boise State University wasn't where all the cool kids were going.

But for me, Idaho was perfect. It was the Lord who brought me here and it the Lord that is taking me away. Days like today I am having to speak that truth. Whether Idaho is where I end up after the Race or not, Idaho will always have a very special place in my heart.

Idaho is where I grew up. 

Forged who I wanted to become
Attended and graduated from college
Played in the leaves of fall

 Saw several plays
Spent a lot of time outdoors
Got a real job
Learned that a few close friends is actually better than 1000 acquaintances
Threw several BBQs
Made some of the best friends of my life.

Got to be a bridesmaid.
Swam in rivers instead of lakes
Finally understood that Jesus loved me
Understood what it meant to be a student
Learned that shooting clay pigeons, wasn't hunting

Became a little less city girl and learned what it meant to be a country girl
Enjoyed the Saturday market when I could wake up early enough
Learned that huckleberries are the BEST ever
Attended every home BSU football game
Learned how to snowboard and ski

Fell in love with snow, the cold and all things winter
Learned what it is what like to stay up until 3am and decided I liked a bed time better
Decided small towns are just as cool as big cities
Learned to love
Idaho was the first place I called home that wasn't my parents house.

And that's only a handful of things. I truly love Idaho. 
 

Please see the video below as a tribute to my beloved town <3