"home"

Isn't it funny how people always say time flies at the end of something? It's always at the end, when people reminisce, and realize how fast 24 hours actually goes.

Well, the past 6 months flew and almost forgot to wave on it's way by. It's really coming to and end - tonight is my last night in my room surrounded by the mountains that have become my second home.

My brain has been going in 100 different directions lately and I'm not even sure how to consolidate it into something that makes sense even to me. I've been thinking a lot about my future, a lot about what I want to do, and trying to discern the Lord's guidance. I think I am on the right track with what I have in mind..but that's for another blog. What's really on my heart today is the past 3 months. This fall season has been one where the Lord has grown me from a young girl with a free spirit heart to a young woman with a passion to follow His lead.

My time here has been more than an internship - it's been crucial to every area of my life. This fall, I have realized that my life is up to me. It's no longer up to my parents or this step by step life-plan that I've had up until this point. I have no idea what's next but these last few months have given me more hope in an unknown future then I've ever had in a known one.

I have found my direction here. I have found a direction that lights a fire in my heart when I think about it. I've found a direction that is exciting and purposeful.

I've found friends here that I want to be like. I have found a group of people that care about me and my passion for Him. I have found people that I unashamedly want in my life for the long-run; people whose love for the Lord that is contagious.

I have found the first place away from home, that feels like home. I have learned that home is more than a place; in fact, "home" is simply more than I ever thought.

Needless to say, I'm sad. I'm bummed to be leaving these people, this place, these mountains, this new life that is exciting and challenging.

That's where I'm at tonight. I'm excited to be with family and friends for the holidays but tonight, as I lay here for the last time, I can only hope that there is an open door waiting to allow me to come back. Soon.