Gratitude

I only have 10 days left in sweet little Bolivar, and as my time here comes to a close I'm realizing how much this place means to me.

I'm about to spend the next months of my life traveling in southern Africa. Why, you may ask? because of a series of stepping stones our Father has led me through during the last four years of my life.

Here in Bolivar, for the first time I was able to live with like-minded peers that showed me how far-off dreams of traveling in far-off places don't really have to be so far-off. I had the chance to teach youth about the diversity of cultures and I fell in love with exploring these new cultures. The CGC Office at SBU allowed me to not only go on short trips, but to lead them. My heart grew fond of being off American soil and serving to the point of exhaustion. I got to see people hear the Truth for the first time and watch their jaws drop and their eyes light up in amazement at what our Father has done for us.

Two years into my time in Bolivar I had to take a graphic design class. I got hooked. Never would have even explored this as a career option on my own. The CGC riskily decided to trust me to design stuff for them and constantly encouraged me when I doubted my ability.

The realistic possibility of traveling overseas after graduation was presented to me through classes and conferences at SBU. More importantly, people who saw potential in me believed in me and pushed me when I was was willing to settle for what I knew deep inside isn't what God had planned.

I took a leap and signed up. Friends and friends that became family have supported me and kept me from falling into a pit of fear and doubt. Church members here that I barely knew let me know they are devoutly praying for me. Kids at church have told me that I'm inspiring them and they want to be like me. Little do they know their words inspire me all the more.

So, thank you, Bolivar. Thank you for showing me that I can do this. That I am not doing this alone.

I have so much more to be thankful for outside of this little town, but with only 10 short days left here and a thousand thoughts running through my head, taking the time to process all that this place means to me will make saying goodbye a little less painful.

Goodbye, Bolivar. I am sure I will see you again someday.