Something unexpected happened a few weeks ago. The unexpected came in the realization that I was being stubborn in wanting my own independency. I have loved living in Greensboro. I have loved my townhouse, the roommates I have had, the memories that came with it. I have fallen in love with my church and the family that came with it. I have fallen in love with swimmers and enjoyed my time working as head coach for the Gators. I have loved my life there. But I finally realized that even though I love all those things, it didn’t mean I could make it on my own.
So in these last couple of weeks I had to start saying my goodbyes. I knew that I would have to say goodbye eventually—more like August through September—but I NEVER thought it would come as early as June. How does one say goodbye to people, a life, a family, a home that are all so dear?
This last week I moved from my home in Greensboro back to Roanoke, VA to spend time with my family as well as work here until I launch on October 1st. I am so happy to have this time with them and I know that some of my teammates will not get this opportunity. It is truly a blessing and I can honestly say that I have enjoyed these first few days home immensely. But saying goodbye was and is not an easy one.
They say some goodbyes are harder than others so I can’t say I’m looking forward to September. For the last 2 1/2 years I have spent a substantial amount of time in Greensboro. First with finishing my bachelors degree at UNCG and then after I graduated I made it my home while working at the YMCA and head coaching a summer league swim team.
Greensboro is a beautiful city. It doesn’t have a view of the mountains like Roanoke and it’s not on the beach, but it’s beautiful. It is not the city itself that makes it hard to leave but the friendships I have made. Some of my friendships I made through my time at UNCG, some through co-workers from different jobs I’ve had since I moved, and others I made through my time at Lawndale Baptist Church. I cherish all these friendships because they all helped me grow in different ways and they all make it hard to say goodbye.
Lawndale has been a great encouragement to me. They have encouraged my walk with Christ and helped me grow stronger and be bolder. They grew my leadership skills through allowing me to be a part of the worship and prayer teams. They have given me opportunities in serving my community, what that means and just how important it is to do so (and in so doing encouraged my desire to share the Gospel). The friendships I have here are ones that I love and cherish deeply.
It is hard for me to say goodbye, and I have realized that what goodbyes truly mean is change. I don’t know anyone who has not struggled with change at some point in their life. This change in mine has definitely been a little difficult. I think the hardest part for me is knowing that life doesn’t stop just because I am not here to be a part of it. Instead it goes on and I will have to be intentional about staying in touch.
But one thing that I have loved about this transition is the reminder that this is not about me. This move to Roanoke, this desire to share the Gospel overseas, the World Race, etc. None of this is about me, but God. It is for the glory of God.
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” 1 Corinthians 10:31
So if you are a part of my Greensboro family I want to thank all of you for becoming a part of my life in one way or the other and for your friendship. I am going to miss all of you and I look forward to seeing every one of you again.
One of my favorite forms of communication is snail mail. It’s hand written letters sent through the postal system for those who haven’t heard this term before. If you would like to write me letters please contact me and I’ll be sure to get you my new address.
Till Next Time,
Kara
~~~
The pictures below are just a few from my time in Greensboro and all the friendships I made.
My Church Family:
This was my young adults class joined by the Genesis class’s picnic night
This was my classes Sunday night study in the book of Romans
My Swim Team:
All of my many swimmers from last Summer
My coaching staff: Meredith, Caleb, me, Daniel, Cheyenne
Some of my friends:
