It is drawing to an end. Somewhat abruptly.
2 months has gone by rather quickly. There were days that seemed unending and painfully long, but at this point it is almost over. And it’s hitting me in the face like a splash of cool water. In many ways these past 2 months have been a blur, but simultaneously the memories are so very clear. I can still taste them. I can still remember the places that I’ve stood, the people that I’ve hugged, the words that have spoken to me, and the words that have been spoken out of me.
Many, many, many, many, many prayers.
It’s been a beautiful 2 months indeed.
I said several good-byes tonight. I kind of hate those. I am proud to say I have yet to cry.
I didn’t blog about big kids’ camp. You’ll have to hear about that from my mouth. Face-to-face, or over Skype, or over the phone. You should know that it was powerful. It was unexpected. It was life-giving and life-changing. And when anything is labeled these things we can be confident that God was there.
I will be leaving San Angelo, TX at about 9:30 AM tomorrow. I will be headed to Midland, TX. My plane jets off at 1:00 PM. I will fly from Midland to Dallas to St. Louis and finally to Boston. I will land in Boston at about 8:35 PM. I will sleep in the back of the car as we drive those 45 minutes back to my sweet New Hampshire. I will debate about going to bed.
Today a friend asked me whether I feel ready to leave. I can say quite plainly that I am not feeling it. And yet I have felt God whisper to me these past few days that though I don’t feel prepared in any which way, that He has prepared me. I am ready. Confidence.
Whispers are difficult. They’re so soft…and also kind of creepy. But when you know a voice, even the gentlest of syllables are familiar. The quietest of whispers can create courage. I am learning to listen to the whispers of my God.
Most people who know me know that I think a lot. However…I never thought I would spend a summer in Texas. I never thought I’d spend a summer working with kids. I never thought I’d meet the people that I’ve met. And I’m seeing that often it’s in the things that I have not turned over and over in my mind that God does amazing work. San Angelo, TX will forever be to me a place full of cherished memories, dear friends, and much learning.
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To My Friends At House Of Faith:
Thank you for the incredible experience of serving with you, learning with you, and growing with you. Thank you for what you’ve all taught me about compassion and love. Thank you for helping me not be a shut-in this summer and get some sun on my skin.
It has been a gift to love you guys and to be loved by you guys. I will not quickly forget all that you’ve taught me. I actually hope that I don’t forget at all. So you can pray for me about that.
Thank you for showing me that the work is in the prayer. Thank you for teaching me the value of perseverance. Thank you for letting me hang out with your kids, and, in that, thank you for changing my heart. The sweetness of your guys’ love has touched me deeply. It has opened my eyes to the power of the Spirit, and it continues to help me see what is ahead in the Kingdom.
It was my total joy to spend time with you these past 2 months. I will be continually praying for all of you. I hope God allows our stories to intersect again in the near future.
All my love,
-Christine
That post read like a prayer, Christien.
Ah crap, I spelled your name wrong. My bad, Christine.