For the past three years, I have had the opportunity to attend a University that God used to impact and shape my life in ways I could not have imagined. If you were to ask me my senior year of High School if I would be doing the things I am doing now, I would have told you absolutely not! When I first stepped on the campus of Mary-Hardin Baylor, there was a peace that fell over me, as if God himself were present and he was inviting me in on a journey he knew perfectly well, would stir my heart.
The friendships I have made here, were some of the greatest I have ever had. On top of that, the opportunities I had to serve God were limitless. As a student, I had the honor of investing into youth from not only different walks of life, but cultures as well. I have also had the joy of serving other college students at one of the most craziest places in the world to party at. That experience alone transformed my heart and helped me to understand even more how to love my neighbor as myself. The education I received was more than an education, but a personal and real relationship with professors who see you more as person rather than a number. It was at this University, that God allowed me to see the calling he had in my life in missions and serving the Gospel, through the missions opportunities the school provided.
When I graduated last May, I wanted the opportunity to give back and invest in students here. So when I was elected to serve as campus missionary I was beyond excited, and this year, this semester was such a challenging and hard semester, that I would not take back. Former relationships were deepened, new ones formed, and opportunities came upon me that I was not anticipating. With that being said, my season at this school has come to a close, and in two weeks, I will be walking away from a place that gave so much to me. I will never forget the people I have come to call family. Those three girls who remind you of the three stooges, a boss who is so wise, that the book of proverbs was probably written about her. A community of friends who I had the privilege to start a Ministry with. A roommate with a heart of a warrior, a mentor so passionate and caring that you can’t help but to want to be like. And finally, two incredible young men who I have the chance to invest in, who allow me to show the unconditional love of Christ to.
It is not a goodbye, but a see you later. As I leave from here, I have the chance to go back home to New York and see my family who I have not seen in nearly three years, to be with them, and spend time with them before setting out on this adventure God has led me to. New seasons, and chapters are hard and good memories are made and so I am thankful for this season that is coming to an end, and am reminded that I will see them all again.
This is my temporary home.
