In the past year...
...I've killed a lot of bugs and spiders that were invading my personal space, i.e., my apartment.
...I've successfully opened any jars that contained food that I wanted to eat....I had a creeper/stalker...and an army of preschool teachers that were totally prepared to "take care" of him.
...I went to 15 (at least...I may have forgotten a few) concerts.
...I turned 25...while battling a fever and in a state of delirium, after throwing up for 5 hours straight. Worst. Birthday. Ever.
...I've overdrawn my checking account...but only once.
...I crossed off 2 items off of my 30 Before 30 List (Go to a major music festival and Acquire a mandolin) and I'm working really hard on 2 more (Attend 10 new concerts and Ride in a hot air balloon). If you're surprised that the "music" ones are the first to get crossed off the list, then you don't know me at all.
...I joined a gym. Yes, I'm serious. And I bought expensive running shoes, too. Still serious. I actually go to the gym and wear the shoes...no one is more surprised than me.
...I've learned the following lessons:
So yes, I can't write a blog post about my first year without talking about "my" kids. Oh, the things I have learned from them! For instance, I no longer take notes up with me for children's message. No point. I wing it, because they're going to throw me a curve ball every time. Notes don't help in those situations. Also, gummy snacks are pretty much gold to a preschooler...especially the blue ones. :) What an absolute joy it is to love them and to be loved by them. For some reason, they seem to think I'm pretty cool. The feeling is entirely mutual.
Throughout this year countless people have said some version of, "I don't know how you did it." "It" being moving away from home and everyone I know and starting this new story. The honest answer is that I'm not exactly how I got to this point. My faith wasn't what it needed to be at times. There are times when I hate this story and wish God would write me a new one. I've considered leaving/running away quite a few times. And yet, a year has passed, I'm still here and more days than not, I am happy. It's not any easier today being away from my family than it was when they drove away a little over a year ago. Some days I am hopelessly homesick. Adulthood is a hard adventure sometimes...but it is an adventure that I am on with some of the best companions...a supportive family and amazing friends in GA, a supportive church family and friends in Winchester, and a God who has never left my side, even when my faith and my attitude weren't what they should be.
I have no idea what the next year holds...but I suppose it wouldn't be as exciting if I did. What I do know is that this has been one of the most amazing, interesting, and challenging years of my life and no matter what happens in the future, I'm grateful for this crazy adventure and all I'm learning and experiencing during the journey.
...I've overdrawn my checking account...but only once.
...I crossed off 2 items off of my 30 Before 30 List (Go to a major music festival and Acquire a mandolin) and I'm working really hard on 2 more (Attend 10 new concerts and Ride in a hot air balloon). If you're surprised that the "music" ones are the first to get crossed off the list, then you don't know me at all.
...I joined a gym. Yes, I'm serious. And I bought expensive running shoes, too. Still serious. I actually go to the gym and wear the shoes...no one is more surprised than me.
...I've learned the following lessons:
Even people you think you know will surprise you...in both good and bad ways.
A lot of the things you think you need, you don't...especially when you're poor. :)
It is possible to feel at home in two places that are hundreds of miles and many hours apart.
When you think you can't, God sends the help you need. Either by giving you the courage, strength, energy, etc. that you lack...or by sending you people to lift you up and support you. It happens every time, like clockwork.
I have a pretty awesome job.
So yes, I can't write a blog post about my first year without talking about "my" kids. Oh, the things I have learned from them! For instance, I no longer take notes up with me for children's message. No point. I wing it, because they're going to throw me a curve ball every time. Notes don't help in those situations. Also, gummy snacks are pretty much gold to a preschooler...especially the blue ones. :) What an absolute joy it is to love them and to be loved by them. For some reason, they seem to think I'm pretty cool. The feeling is entirely mutual.
Throughout this year countless people have said some version of, "I don't know how you did it." "It" being moving away from home and everyone I know and starting this new story. The honest answer is that I'm not exactly how I got to this point. My faith wasn't what it needed to be at times. There are times when I hate this story and wish God would write me a new one. I've considered leaving/running away quite a few times. And yet, a year has passed, I'm still here and more days than not, I am happy. It's not any easier today being away from my family than it was when they drove away a little over a year ago. Some days I am hopelessly homesick. Adulthood is a hard adventure sometimes...but it is an adventure that I am on with some of the best companions...a supportive family and amazing friends in GA, a supportive church family and friends in Winchester, and a God who has never left my side, even when my faith and my attitude weren't what they should be.
I have no idea what the next year holds...but I suppose it wouldn't be as exciting if I did. What I do know is that this has been one of the most amazing, interesting, and challenging years of my life and no matter what happens in the future, I'm grateful for this crazy adventure and all I'm learning and experiencing during the journey.
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