Last Few Days

Excitement is in the air, though it's mixed with a little bit of anxiety, a little bit of stress, and lots of joy. I'm heading back to school on Tuesday.... which marks the end of my summer. Weird.

The last few days are always bittersweet... whether they're spent at school before coming home, or at home before heading back. In both places there are dear people that draw my heart to that place, and make me miss it when I'm away. I have favorite places at home and at school, and I so look forward to going back and revisiting those spots... I'm looking forward to walking in the park by the lake, watching the sunset. I'm looking forward to (oddly enough) the cozy post office. I'm looking forward to Alpha and eating together with my classmates. I'm looking forward to the lobby where school suddenly seems like a perpetual sleepover. I'm looking forward to seeing my dear roommate after four months. I'm looking forward to seeing my close friends, my leadership team, my new hallmates, and all the familiar faces that make Grace, Grace. I'm excited to work with new people. I'm excited to do more growing, learning, and stretching.

But I will also miss the dear friends here at home... the ones I've lived most of my life with. I will miss tea parties and marathons, and fiddling. I will miss days at the lake, playing in the hose, enjoying summer. I will miss my family... their understanding, love, hugs, and just being a part of them, being with them. I will miss having my own room. I will miss the familiar faces of Chelsea and the beautiful souls of Immanuel Bible Church.

The best thing about these good-byes, though, is the fact that it's not good-bye for good. I do get to come home. And in a way, I have two homes... where I fit... of course in two very different niches. But I fit. And it's nice to know that I'm accepted and loved at home, and my home away from home.