November Moments

November 2013

First. Thank you so much to all family and friends who have read, commented, smiled and encouraged me through this decision! It means more than I can verbalize.

Second. Before I update you on the last couple weeks, I want to tell you about the excitement and emotions of November! November is when the trip/move/internship became real and felt “soon.”

Thanks to skymiles, I got to spend a weekend in Austin, Texas with Meagan, Kelly and Hanna! Oh my goodness. I knew how much I wanted to see them. I had no idea how much I needed to see them. We were able to process loosing Nelson, catch up on the other babies, hear about each other’s lives (more than texts and emails), challenge one another, and just laugh! We played lots of Hand and Foot while laughing until our stomachs hurt. Meag was also very helpful in giving me her wisdom about packing and leaving. She’s kind of experienced ;)

These girls are 3 of the best.
The 4th was our lovely KamJam. We missed her lots!

After Austin was Thanksgiving. Mom and I worked the first part of the week, so it was a quick trip. But the time together was wonderful. More games and laughter. The Auburn/Alabama game was a little bit of a heartbreaker but still didn’t ruin the trip. After so much quality time with extended and immediate family it reminded me of how much I’ll be missing them next year. That was the first big realization.

 We also studied Matthew 10 that Sunday in Bible Class. Verses 37-39 wreck my heart… “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”

I love my family. And I love my life in Georgia. But God didn’t put us here to be comfortable and love the people who love us. He has given us a charge to spread the Good News of his Son to everyone we can. Reading these verses reminds me of why I am going and what I am “giving up.” I really am thrilled for this opportunity to teach and learn. However, I do not want to sit and talk about what I will be missing. There were lots of tears this day. Thankfully there were also friends to help me smile and dry my face.

A few days later, I purchased the plane ticket! AH! I typed all my information in then had to call Mom and Bridge in the room with me. I said, “I just needed someone here when I clicked ‘Buy.’” They understood and celebrated the moment.

So. Not that there was any question, but I am “officially” going! January 19^th!