About a week ago, I texted my sister and asked if she would help me write a blog. I had this idea of having my family write me letters… about the impact me coming on this trip had on them, their thoughts of me leaving the country for 3 months; just something they wanted to say to me… whatever they wanted it to be. I wouldnt be here in Costa Rica in the home stretch of my trip if it weren’t for their support and love in the process of getting here, and so I wanted (and still do want) their perspective and viewpoint on it.
Well.
My sister wrote me this and texted it to me the other day:
“ Dear Erin,
I know we always say we miss each other so much! And believe me I freakin miss you right now. But I wanted to tell you about the view I’ve had of your life. I’ve watch you grow from your high school days, which proved to be some of your toughest. To seeing you glow with happiness as you discover who you really are. Watching you travel the world, meeting new faces, and helping people with your never ending kindness and heart has been an experience I will never forget. I’ve learned from you that even though sometimes life is hard, it really is what you make of it. You have so much ahead of you and I can’t wait to watch more of your life unfold. Here’s to your next great adventure, go get em Sis. Love you more than you know.
Ry ?? “
Super sweet, right? I might’ve cried a little.
Originally, when I was thinking about this blog idea, I wanted to just share the things my family sent me from my prompts.
But sitting here, I feel led to write a response to my sister.
~
Ryleigh,
To simply say ”I miss you”, or “I can’t wait to see you so soon”, wouldn’t quite capture the excitement I feel when I think about leaping onto you at the airport at the end of the month. I remember the seasons when we would bicker and fight and say hurtful things and scream every day.. + people would tell me stories about how they got close to their siblings when they got older and I would roll my eyes and say “no way”. I was caught up in my own busy life, and missed the 9 year old watching from behind the scenes, looking up at me. You saw my great days, and also my lowest. You’ve always been one of my biggest cheerleaders.
But they were right about us eventually getting closer. They were more than right. I think the shift really happened when I left for college and was away for a couple months at a time. I realized how much I was missing; from volleyball games to school dances… you were growing up right before my eyes. My baby sister was all of a sudden a beautiful 16 year old with big dreams and passions and a drive that could take her anywhere she wanted.
For the last 2 years, we’ve been the closest we’ve ever been. We’ve lived in different states, and now our only communication is via FaceTime because I’m in a different country… but you’re still the person I get the most excited to talk to (ok, maybe besides Lady). You’ve confided in me and come to me wanting advice or to just chat, and it’s all I’ve ever dreamed of, when it comes to being a big sister.
I realized I wanted to be YOUR biggest supporter. I didn’t want to fight or yell. I wanted to speak life and light and love. For you to know that I’m on your side forever… I want you to know that without a doubt that I’ll always be a phone call away, no matter where I am in the world. You’ve changed my heart, Ry.
You‘re gonna change the world, my dude.
Love you forever,
Erin ??
~
This trip has only solidified my desire to be best friends with my sister. To not let any time or distance make our relationship stale.
The Father has been gently reminding me that this is His desire with each and every one of us. To be best friends with us. To have us come to Him with the big stuff but also with the small stuff, like “I had the best guacamole of my life today and I’m super hype and grateful” type of small stuff. He wants to hear about our days, just like our closest family member, or a friend we haven’t seen in months… He gets excited to hear about the things we are excited about, sits on the floor with us when we’re hurting, and fills the silent space when we have nothing to say.
