Little Talks

Well, those two months really flew by. Need a catch-up? Here’s what’s been happening… I took a whirlwind trip to Europe with my friend and roommate, Caroline. We hit up a ton of places and had a blast with Contiki Tours. There were 40 other people on our trip, mostly Australians, then 2 Canadians and a New Zealander. We went to London, Paris, Nice, Lucerne, Florence, Rome, Venice, Pisa, Vienna, Munich, Prague, St. Goar, and Amsterdam over the course of 28 days. It was pretty awesome, and a good taster of a first-time trip to Europe. 

I spent a few days, including the 4th of July in Austin before heading back to Camp Longhorn to work 3rd term. Going back to Camp was really wonderful. There are just some elements of Camp that don’t change, and so there’s always a comfort and familiarity returning to a place you once knew. This was my 12th year at Camp, and I was given the Chiefs as my cabin. They are 16 years old, and the oldest cabin in girls’ camp. A typical cabin at Camp Longhorn has about 10-15 girls. I had 37. Yes. THIRTY SEVEN. And we had a blast.

Going into Camp, I still didn’t have a place to live in DC, but fortunately that all worked out while I was there. I found a place to live with three other girls, and I move next week! It’s surreal that it’s all happening now—reality is hitting. I’m really leaving Austin. I’m really leaving all my friends that haven’t left already. I’m really going to have to meet new people (which is so exciting!). I really have to find a new internship. I really have to go back to school….oh right, forgot about that.

Anyhow, He is faithful. Of that I am always sure, even when I’m not…if that makes sense. I’m ready to see what the Lord has for me in DC, and ready to be an instrument of His provision. I’ll update post-move with pictures and exciting things

It’s different. Being a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin is different than I imagined. I drive by the CMA, and realize that I will never have a class there again. I pick up my friend that works at Gregory Gym, and for the first time get stopped by the gatekeeper on 21st street in front of Littlefield Fountain (the one that thinks he’s more legit than he actually is—yeah you know who I’m talking about). I see DKR Stadium from my house, and the tower lit up like the beacon of hope that it’s always represented from sun-up to sun-down. Etc. Etc.

Well, such is life. In the past few months I’ve accepted my spot at Georgetown University to pursue my master’s in Sport Industry Management. Let’s be honest guys, I can’t wait to start. It will be strange moving from my 22 year home of Texas, USA…but as my sister cleverly pointed out, I’m going from capitol to capitol. After much prayer, I am sure and at peace with the fact that the Lord has called me to DC, and to a life there for at least 1 year. As unfamiliar as I can imagine, I am confident in His sovereignty and ready for the new life He has for me there.

The past month He’s really been teaching me to see and actively recognize His hand in my life. After reading1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp, all of these lessons seemed to hone in on thanksgiving. By giving thanks to God in each and every instance of life (good, bad, hard, boring, overwhelming, sinful, loving, simple, difficult, etc), I can fully and wholly recognize my God who is the I AM. That is His name. I AM…which equals the present moment. Yes, He absolutely was, is and is to come, but as revealed to Moses in Exodus, my Abba Father’s name is I AM. God is most fully God in the present. He is living, and acting on behalf of our good and His glory. I have moments of sheer uncertainty about life/future, and I don’t like it. But, as usual, when I come before my Father in prayer over my fears, He is quick to remind me of his faithfulness. He has always come to my aid, my provision and my counsel. There is more beauty in these moments of tasting and seeing that the Lord is good (ALWAYS) than ever striving after something of my own accord. When I grasp something that I want (not His will), I find myself frustrated and unfulfilled. His timing is perfect, and I would much rather have my Creator handpick me a roommate for next year, an attitude to handle a situation or a heart-check as a pursue someone far from Christ than EVER having to run after it on my own and decide what’s best for “me”. He knows me more deeply and more intricately than I could ever know myself, and I want what He wants for me.

It can be discouraging from time to time, and I’ve been there. But His Word is true, and His promises are always filled. He will never leave nor forsake us. He works all things together for our good and for His glory (which is holy). He will sanctify us to make us look more like His son. It is my prayer for both you and me…. that we would accept His refinement and trust in Him in each moment—finding ways to thank my God for His everlasting kindness.