Thursday morning found us back at good ol’ Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, bright and a little too early. My roommate Michelle and I both had flights, and our other roommates Hannah and Melissa were there to see us off. Once we hit the security line, we said our goodbyes, and it was just the two of us. Less than an hour later, Michelle boarded her flight to a new life in Seoul, South Korea, and I was on my own. Soon after, I boarded my flight, and I was asleep before we even took off.
the sisterhood of the traveling sweatpants at 5am
When I wasn’t asleep on my flights, I was reflecting on all that the last four months had been, all of the goodbyes I’d had to say. Wednesday evening, I officially moved out of #alittlebighouseonalongviewdrive, the place that has been my home for the last four month. The community that formed in that home was par none, and I cannot describe how blessed I was to do life the nine others that called The Fireplace home (plus all the honorary members s/o Jamie and AmandaKayyy!) It was as we drove away from the Fireplace Wednesday night that it hit me that it was no longer my home, and that was when the tears finally came.
The Fireplace family!
Tuesday night, all of us in Worship Track said our goodbyes the way only we would–a live music recording in a tiny living room! I’ve spent the last four months with Worship Track, pursuing the heart of the Lord, speaking life into each other, loving each other, laughing together, and of course worshipping God. My time in Worship Track has really done so much from me. I’ve been able to really begin to solidify my identity as a daughter of God, and from there gain a greater confidence to be who He created me to be and the passions He placed inside of me. What better way to celebrate the end of our season together than to make noise for the Father for five hours?
the living room of The Farm after our recording
In the Adventures community, and specifically in CGA, we talk a lot about seasons. When I moved to Georgia, I expected my season to be a longer one. I expected to be living in my house and participating in the CGA for a year. God had other plans. Due to some financial cuts, the price of my program went up. In praying into it, I felt the Lord leading me into other directions, into a new season. And so, the season I expected to last a year was cut short at four months, and the goodbyes I didn’t think I’d have to worry about for months came early.
lights out at The Fireplace
You know what, though? I’d say its a pretty beautiful thing that this season has been so hard to say goodbye to. When I left Washington back in January, it was easy. I was ready for some sunshine, ready to be back amidst the community I had so fallen in love with. I found what I was looking for. In the short four months I’ve spent in Georgia so far, I made life-long friends, and learned so much about myself. I’ve learned so much about God, and have fallen so much more in love with Him. It has been Springtime for my spirit.
springtime on Lake Lanier (and Haley)
So yeah, this season has been a good one, and I’m sad to say goodbye. When I fly home to Gainesville next week, things won’t be the same, but neither am I. Things aren’t meant to stay the same, and neither am I. I’ll cherish the time I’ve had in the CGA, and I’ll carry all I learned into my time in Guatemala. And we all know what comes after Spring, right?
I am still looking for financial supporters for my summer in Guatemala! I need about $1,650 and would be so thankful if you’d consider supporting me!
