At Peace

And so it begins.

Flight leaves to San Diego tomorrow night. First day of work is Tuesday.

My last evening here has already been full of goodbyes, long talks, wisdom, and laughter. Due to the emotional roller coaster I'm currently on, this post will be short, but hopefully rich.

Of all the feelings currently swirling around my mind, excitement is undoubtedly at the forefront. I've spent the past four days in Orlando helping my buddies move out, saying goodbyes and soaking up every moment I could stretch out of this precious time. From cigar smoke-filled evenings paired with deep conversation to past roadie stories, laughter and prayer, I leave the East coast filled and at peace. I leave tomorrow with the wind of deep encouragement and love from friends, at my back. I leave thankful. Thankful that I am surrounded by deep encouragement and love, evident in the prayers of my brothers as we said goodbye, the conversation amongst my friends and I, the hugs from my Mom and Dad, and the outpouring of support from my friends around the country wishing me well. I am truly blessed by the presence of each one of you, regardless of how much we talk, how well we know each other or anything in between, you have been a part of my journey and although it may be limited and simple, I thank you. I am here right now, at this moment, because of my community. You have given selflessly, loved immensely and forgiven quickly.

I am ready to work as hard as I can and serve with my whole heart, no matter where these next five months take me. I am humbled to be in this position and extremely excited; the butterflies in my stomach can attest to that.

No doubt this next season will be difficult, challenging, joyful, rewarding, educational, inspiring, and mysterious, and I can't wait to experience it all.

Please keep me in your prayers, as I will keep you in mine, and although I'll be gone this next season, please still keep me updated on your life, your dreams, your highs and your lows. To my UCF fanatics, enjoy the C-USA Farewell Tour (hopefully O'Leary will be gone once I'm back...but probably not) as much as you can, I'll be keeping up as much as I can. To my CRU family, continue to foster a community where Jesus' love is evident and grace abounds. To the Invisible Children Club at UCF, I AM SO PROUD OF YOU TIFFANY AND KIARA. You are going to kill it this semester, I'm pumped to hear how it goes. To my family, I love you and I'll miss you everyday, thank you for letting me take this on with such freedom, you're support is so important.

And finally, dear Invisible Children, roadies, interns and leaders, I am so honored to work alongside you. I look forward to community that will be built and the stories we will form that will be told for years.

Until I land...


1 day, 20 minutes, 15 seconds. Bring it.