strangers no more

Picnicking on the beach with dear friends, that I can no longer imagine being strangers, we talk about the summer gone by.
Somehow mid-May quickly moved into the sequential months and early-August is currently upon us. This time marks an ending of a beautiful and far too short summer spent with incredible people, learning and growing in our relationships with God and each other, striving to provide that same experience for others who come on our courses. As we look back on the past 3 months stories, quotes, experiences, people, and unforgettable conversations come into the forefront of our minds.
Ben and I were brainstorming why we love this community, these people, so much... it's because how often do you find a group of people around the same age, who enjoy doing the same things for fun that you do, appreciate meaningful conversation, want to share all of life together, and love Jesus and strive to be like Him? Yeah... exactly, it's hard to come by and easy to miss.
Lord willing, we'll all be in this place again come next May living and growing together again.

As for now, I'm seeking - go figure! I think I will gladly be in a continual state of seeking throughout my life. Always seeking something different, but looking and being excited about the search all the same. Excitement mixed with a good nights rest and a cup of delicious fruit smoothie lends to shakey hands and butterflies. Who knows where October will take me... the window that I look through right now is so vast and so open that it's hard to fathom a distinct direction. I think about, well what do I love doing? and the answer is what I'm currently doing. Now I think about, well if I'm going to be doing this the rest of my life - what should I do right now? and the answer is hmm, good question. Then I consider, well where in the world do I want to go next? and the answer is anywhere with the potential of good relationships, growth, and flexibility. I'm feeling flexible right now and I want to spend Christmas with my family - that's all I've got! Haha.

This is the day that I thank God for technological advancements... social networking, email, snail mail, telephone calls and even text messaging because we are strangers no more, we are friends.