We’ve been friends since high school and while we only get to see each other a handful of times a year due to distance, we talk pretty much on a weekly basis.
As I was driving him to the airport this afternoon the conversations slowly stopped and we just sat in silence the last 10 minutes or so- understanding this would be the last time we would be seeing each other for over a year.
No words were needed as I pulled into the “Departure” lane and he grabbed his bags from my back seat- just a hug that lasted a little longer than usual and a hand squeeze as he walked towards the doors. (Honestly, it’s a good thing he didn’t want to talk because I don’t think I would have been able to say much without crying.)
As soon as I got back in my car and pulled away tears welled up in my eyes at an alarming speed- I’ve never been good at “see you laters”; actually if I’m being 100% honest; I’m a huge baby when it comes to them.
This one was different (worse) though.
It wasn’t just a see you in a few months/weeks/or days like usual- it was saying I won’t see you for over a year to someone I really care about. And it was awful (I am not looking forward to the many more that are about to follow).
I leave for training camp in less than 12 hours and I will get to meet my new Family/support system/confidants for the next 11 months. No longer will these people be phone calls or car rides away but they will be by my side EVERYDAY for the next 11 months.
Part of me still wonders what in the world I’m doing here and why God would choose ME for this incredible adventure- and I don’t have the answer to either one of these questions right now I just know he has me here for a reason and so I’m going to continue to listen to him.
I wish I could have you all understand how floored I am every time I log onto my account and see that in just TWOshort months you all have donated over $8,000 to allow me to go on this trip! (I understand if I wasn’t supposed to be here there’s no way that could have happened.)
I am so incredibly thankful to every single person who has donated this far or is planning to do so- without you this wouldn’t be possible.
I am not (by any means) looking forward to the rest of the “see you laters” I’m going to make over the next two months but I am so thrilled to see what God is going to use me for the next year and what plans he has in store me.
Love you all more than you know!!!!
