I'm sitting at my kitchen table as I type. There are still boxes of dishes, shoes, random hangers and lots of other "college stuff" left to be unpacked. Monday, just three days ago, I walked across the stage to receive my college diploma. On Saturday I am going to Training Camp in Tennessee, then in July I will board a plane to Romania. When I started college as a freshman in August 2007 people warned me that time would go by quickly. I didn't believe them back then… today I certainly do. My last semester was filled with good friendships and deep conversations, but it also had its fair share of late nights, mental blocks and downright frustrations. I (and many of my classmates) were ready for a break! When January comes you think: "If I could only make it to Spring Break!" Spring Break comes and goes then it's: "Easter Break is so close!" Next thing you know you're waiting for the last day of class and exam week. Well, that too has come and gone and the diploma that I received Monday is still on top of all my stuff to be unpacked, looking for a place to stay. I made a few changes to my room when I came home – like keeping the bedspread from school and planning to put up some different posters. Let's face it, when your room has been basically the same since middle school days it's time to move on! I was talking to my mom about it and she reminded me that I wouldn't be home much longer. While there's excitement for new things and changes to come I never want to forget where I've already been or what (and who) has shaped me into who I am.
Family.
My parents are believers and they made sure that I attended church as I grew up, but they also set an example of Christ in our home that is a joy for me to follow. My family has had a great influence on my life and they are part of the reason that I am who I am. Last week we all got to be together for the last time until I come home from the Race. This will be the most difficult part for me! Since they are a huge part of my life I wanted to spend some time to tell you who they are and what they mean to me.
My dad is someone that I've always respected and admired. He coached my brothers and me in almost every sport we played. Dad can joke around with my friends and he's easy to talk to (just don't ask about politics, haha). My dad has such faith and he's not afraid to pray in power. I know that he believes and that he trusts the Lord…this was evident in the response he gave to someone who asked if he was worried about me on the World Race. Smiling, his reply: "Nah, she's in God's hands." The biggest thing that I've observed about my dad is his unwillingness to give up. The man is determined to finish whatever he starts and to make sure that it's done well. Sometimes this drives me crazy, like isn't it okay to leave it like it is? No, it must be done correctly. I'm glad that he takes such pride in what he does and in keeping his word. He goes out of his way to help those who need it and spends a lot of his time up and working on one project or another.
Mom is a nice, caring woman who is always serving other people. She puts great time and effort into helping others out and making sure that our family has what we need. She drove to school three days in a row to help me move my stuff, go to a reception and then to attend graduation! Now that's love! For as many of my sports teams that Dad coached, Mom kept them well fed. She always welcomed my friends and teammates over – as well as my brothers' friends too. Our house was and still is open to whoever is in town at the time. That's what I've learned most from my mom – people come first. Even if the house is a little messy or we don't have much time to spare, people are important enough to make time for.
My older brother David is a lot like me. He's somewhat quiet or shy in public or in new situations but when it's just our family or close friends we're wackos 🙂 I admire his adventurous spirit and his enthusiasm to eat anything no matter how disgusting or spicy it is. David was the first to introduce me to the great music of the David Crowder Band and he stepped out in faith to join Campus Crusade for Christ's staff team a few years ago. We both took a road trip a couple summers ago across the country; we even encountered a little snow at the Grand Canyon! What I like most about David is that he's missions minded and has a passion for serving Christ. Right now he's in Argentina working with students at a university in Buenos Aires – he and his team could use your prayers!
I am like my older brother Doug in some ways too. Doug is an easy-going guy who enjoys a routine. I know that he does his job well and that he enjoys talking with customers and genuinely tries to see what's best for them. Doug may seem quiet but he will break out a hilarious comment or a deep thought at any moment. He's also a very good listener and he's thoughtful about how he can encourage other people. Doug is into sports and movies as well. This is part of the reason that I've seen Lord of the Rings so many times or can quote parts of Gladiator. It's always fun to catch a movie with Doug or team up with him to beat down on Caleb and David in basketball 🙂 I'm truly thankful for him and for the man that he's become.
My "little brother" Caleb is almost 20 and he's about my height. Caleb is the youngest, but we all know he's the smartest. He's probably ticked at me for writing this because people always make comments about his good grades. The thing I love most about Caleb is his humility and genuine concern for other people. Yes, he's smart but he's so much more…like hilariously witty, a lover of boring board games, athletic and downright sweet to his older sister (even when I'm a jerk!). Still, he uses what God has given him to influence those around him – friends and strangers alike. Caleb is so much more than just a math machine or great writer (he edited a few of my senior papers!), he's someone with a dream to change lives. He's leaving next month for Guatemala where he'll be working in the slums to help provide small business loans to struggling families. He and his team would appreciate your prayers! I love that he's taking his love for economics (which I know nothing about) and using it for the Lord!
Well, this is beginning to be a rather long post. I haven't even mentioned my extended family who have been a wonderful encouragement and support system. Most of us live close by and it's great to know that if I ever needed anything they would be the first to offer help. I love all of my family and am tremendously blessed by their influence in my life. Glad you got to catch a glimpse of those closest to me and how their lives have touched mine. There are countless others who have helped to shape and encourage me and I am thankful for each one who has made an investment in my life.
*The title is called "Ubuntu". It's an African philosophy that I heard from a friend…"I am what I am because of who we all are." Pretty neat.*
