The Journey

I did a horrible job of keeping people updated on my journey down to and at school. Unless you have had the endurance and strength to follow my sporadic, and often cryptic, tweets. I did come home, but it was short lived and I spent most of my free time with Keana (the best friend formerly known as "Kiana") as she is preparing to head out on another journey. I had very little time to update people, and I don't know that it would have been that easy to talk about. It has only been these past few days that I have really taken the time to look back at where I've been and what I've gotten to do because of that. So before the summer begins, and I'm back home in Seattle, I thought it might be nice to share with all those people who have encouraged, prayed for and supported me in this journey.

For the sake of my emotions, I will not discuss the goodbyes (which I call 'see you later's) I experienced. They are not fond memories. All I can say is that I am glad that part of the journey is over, it really was the hardest part.

But here is a lighthearted look at some things I've learned in the last 4 months...

1. Let Mom and Dad (and Aunts and Uncles) help you. It would have been a terrifying feat driving down without one of my parents. My father made this trip so much easier (plus he drove the whole way - what a guy!) and we had a lot of fun watching for birds, talking about Jesus, and talking about how it's so important that he start the garden early this year (ok, that was just me talking.)

Driving through Oregon, we found the sun

Driving down the Tejon Mountains into Southern California

Calling home is not a bad thing, in fact it's incredibly normal. And when mom and dad offer to help with extra costs, or allowing you to live at home for the summer for free (even though you think you're such a big kid), just accept their gifts, and be grateful. My parents have made this transition far easier than it could have been.

2. It's ok to miss home. I have never been more convinced that Seattle is the greatest city in the world. If for no other reason than that is where I am from! The place that home holds in my heart is more firmly rooted than it's ever been. I needed to get away, so that I might realize just exactly what it was that I had at home.

I thought that missing home was a sign of weakness. I couldn't show my homesickness because that might mean I had made a mistake in coming down here. I now realize that being homesick is not indicative of failure, it's proof that you had something worth preserving. Memories are stronger, feelings are deeper because of the people that I miss.

I was never a fan of receiving mail, probably because I didn't receive much, but I didn't really care one way or the other. But here, I've never appreciated the U.S. Postal Service more.

(Hint, hint)

 A post on facebook is great, a text saying 'I miss you' is even better. Seeing a letter in your box at school, however, was an amazing surprise. I can't even explain why. Just know, I'm always up for receiving letters. Any recognition of my absence was a bittersweet confirmation that I was missed, but not forgotten. And that made me miss home even more.

3. You're not made of money, so don't live like it. Students, this is a lesson you must learn.  And trust me you will learn this in one of two ways - take the easy way. If you are just starting out on this kind of adventure, take it slow. Don't shop your way through college. Having new things is a comfort, I know, but consider what awaits you on the other side - debt, and most-likely a job that doesn't pay you what you think you deserve. Live smart. Be resourceful.

Popcorn on the stove top, just like the pioneers did it.

Do things the tough way. Not only is it cost-effective, there is a great reward in it. This pot was the only cooking container I brought with me to school. (Due to the terrific timing of the housing department at school and a freak winter storm, I didn't know where I was living, who I was living with, and what I would need until it was too late and I had already packed. I am now convinced that I would be just fine with a single pot for cooking.) I made many full meals in this thing. Luckily my roommates stocked our kitchen better than I did and they were happy to share with me. (Needless to say I was blessed with great roommates!) Sure there were a few things we had to buy when we got here, but let me tell you, if you can say that you don't really need it - don't get it! We have lived comfortably, without all the comforts that we may have been used to.

4. I'm one lucky girl. Another reason I think I am down here is to connect with family that I have spent so little time with because of distance. I remember visitors from California, but now I am living in the same state with those same people who came to visit. It's been a blessed experience. For however long I am down here, I will take advantage of the proximity. I know I have three different places (all within two hours or less!) that I can go if I need some familiarity. A blessing indeed!

The view from my uncle's beautiful home in San Diego

Being spoiled in San Diego

To Uncle Kirk and Armen: Thank you for allowing me to come into your home for some R&R! And for spoiling me rotten!!! I can't wait for more adventures with you two!

To Aunt Ellen and Uncle Jim: Thank you for sending me off to school prepared with my first bag of big girl groceries! Thank you for checking up every once in a while! Those call at the beginning of the semester were a great comfort! And allowing me some time to visit before I head home for the summer!

5. Life still goes on, even when you're not around. By far the toughest lesson I have had to learn, was going back home and realizing how much was going to change within this next year. A big reason for my being home this summer. Engagements, people moving, and families growing; all the more reason to visit home as often as I am able.

Congrats to my cousin Lindsay and her husband Nathan!

6.  God's story, not mine. I learned some simple lessons, but I still have many left to learn. And as the sun sets on this last week of my first semester at school, I finally have the desire to look back and see where I've come and I am honestly overwhelmed. Some weeks were short, others lasted far too long. There were a couple all-nighters, and I only lost my cool once or twice. I had this romanticized idea about how this experience should have gone and it didn't really happen that way. And I'm so glad.

This is the biggest lesson: It doesn't matter where you go, or how you get there. It doesn't matter if you did a great job, or if you messed up more times than you can count. God can redeem all of those things. It's God's story, and he wants you to be a part of it. If you are willing to give your ideals up for his infinitely bigger plan for the world, you will never be bored.

And that is what makes the future bright.

See you soon, Seattle.