Considering where I've been, that's a pretty exciting feeling. Before Ireland, I just was not in a good place. While I was in Ireland, well... if you've read any other posts on here, you might have begun to pick up on the fact that it was just a little awesome. You know. But really, I feel like God used so much of Ireland to change a lot in my life, and in my relationship with Him. So then I come back to the States, and all I could think about was Ireland. For a while, that was all I wanted to talk about. That was the only place I wanted to be. And that was hard- not only because there was no way for me to actually go there, but also because most people around me couldn't relate to how I felt at all. And I'm not saying that as an accusation or anything, it just is what it is. Several people also had pretty much no interest in my experiences over there either, which was especially hard, because then I felt like I was just sitting around with nothing to say but fit to burst with all the stories I wanted to tell. I couldn't relate to people I once felt very close to. To be quite honest, I couldn't relate to the Lord the way I did in Ireland, which is something I'm still dealing with and figuring out.
Basically, it was a tough transition back to America. That, combined with uncertainty about what I was going to do next year, and other things, made for a rough first couple of months back.
So, all of that said, I know it's been awhile since I posted anything here. Actually this is my first post back on American soil. I tried to post more before, but just never got around to it or didn't like it enough when I tried. Now that my transition home is mostly over though, I'll be trying to post on a more regular basis again (like it was regular before). As an update on what's been going on, well... I've got about two months of high school left (huzzah!), and my graduation project is done, which means I'm basically coasting until the end of the year. As for the relating to friends thing, I've reconnected with some, developed several new friendships, and some I'm just waiting to see what happens. (I'll talk more about that in another post though). I have a job as a nanny set up this summer. What am I doing next year? Well, after considering several very different options, making several pro/con lists, and shedding a few tears, the decision is final that I am going to Gardner-Webb University. I'm really excited- God truly has good plans in store for me, and I can't wait to see them come to life.
So, with all these things both bringing closure and opening new doors, spring break this week was a welcome time away from school and from life in general. I went to the beach with my friend Mattie and her family from Sunday to Wednesday, and it was amazing.
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| The two lovely ladies I got to spend four crazy days with, Mattie and Emmalee |
Somewhere in the middle of getting some bad sunburn, racing clams, making epic drip castles, saving a sting ray named Steve, watching Lord of the Rings, and jamming out in the minivan, I realized that I've once again been given the gift of peace and contentment. And it's awesome.
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| Conner, Emmalee, and me |
So yeah. I'm back on and posting again from here on out. Hopefully the coming posts will still be somewhat interesting, even without the whole Ireland aspect to them.... ;)
