Eleven Months.
It seems like an eternity before it begins. And then, three weeks in, on the way to your second country- your realize… I no longer have eleven months left. It never slows down.
Then it happens, between the teaching English, the washing babies, the all night worship… Somehow you end up here. With only eleven weeks left.
This journey is not my own. The story I’ve lived for the past fifteen months has been very much shared with a special community.
Over the next eleven weeks, I will attempt to express my gratitude. But will undoubtedly fall short. To those who have journeyed with me, you have stars in your crown in Heaven for this. The list of those who impacted my race is, of course, longer than eleven- it has taken a village. Each one of you reading has touched my race and my heart in some way, your prayers, your blog comments (Susie and Terri), and your support made my race what it is. I have been able to love those around me because of the love shown to me by every one of you.
From the bottom of my heart-
Thank you.
read my letter to my dad here
or last week’s letter to my mom here
•••
Jes,
When I said yes to the race I knew it would change things between us. There was fear of what that change would be, you were no longer just a call or drive across the state away.
And, it hasn’t been the same- instant coffee shared over facetime is no match for french press on the farm’s front porch…but the past thirty-seven weeks have proved, miles and time differences are no match for Cashin sisters who need to talk. I love you so much, you are the bravest big sister I have!
I can’t wait to interrupt you and quote every line from whatever movie Val tells us is funny in sixty-four days!
-steph
