Beginnings

One chapter of my life is closing. I've been in college for four years. But in the last year, my life has been radically changed. It all began when I met a group of people involved in Invisible Children. By the grace of God, they have become my best friends. The love I have for them is undeniable and unwavering. We had one semester together, just several short months that flew by and left us bonded in a way none of us could have imagined. This semester, two of these beautiful people went on a journey. And as I watched them grow and work, I knew my turn was coming. Tonight, their tour with Invisible Children ended. I've never been more proud of anyone in my life. And now, it's my turn. On January 9, 2012, I will leave the only home I've ever known for five months. I'm putting school on hold. I'm going to help end the longest running war in Africa. And I don't know if I would have ever had the strength or courage to go without the example of these two young men I've been so blessed to know. Yes, it means more time apart from my friends. It means discomfort. It means inconveniences. It means sacrifice. But I have learned something. The love between people grows and continues even in absence. I had never experienced this until now. And really, that is all that I could ever ask for.

I began this first semester of my senior year of college broken and struggling, searching for a way to get by without two people I leaned on heavily. I ended it realizing God has provided me with strength to stand on my own... and relationships that are stronger than I ever imagined.

I titled this blog "Beautiful Things" after the song of the same title by Gungor. God does make beautiful things out of all of his creation. As I enter into the Invisible Children Roadie Class of Spring 2012, I plan to take note of these beautiful things and never forget.