It's Happening, Isn't It?

"Ready or not, here I come," warned August 11th.  

I am in utter disbelief that summer is coming to an end in less than two weeks.  The clock ticks by too fast...  I have been supremely surprised by my floods of excitement and lack of anxiety.  I keep waiting for it to really hit and sink in. I guarantee you it's not going to be pretty when that happens. I have little moments when I think about my "last" Sunday at Shepchap, or my "last" piano lesson, or my "last" band/choir practice, but then I'll talk to someone from Asbury & I get excited again.  This is the week of all my "last"s and I don't know if I'm ready for them.  But it's happening, whether I'm ready or not. I am so lucky to have a home that I love and care for deeply.  Everyone complains about poor ol' Stanco, but it's honestly my favorite place in the world.  I like running into people I know everywhere I go. I like that our movie theater only costs $4.50 for a matinee.  I like how excited Stanco is when we get new things like a Cookout or a Sweet Frog.  I like that the ladies at Belk or Jcpenney have watched me grow up and now share in my excitement for college.  I like that Goodo's Putt Putt, just a shabby hole in the wall, has the best ice cream in the world.  I like that I consider the waiters at Mazatlan my friends. Most of all, I like that my family, friends, and church are in Stanco.  It's just the little things that make this town so special to me.  A promise that I made and fully intend to keep is that I will always love my ground. 

I have ten more days here and I am determined to make them count. I ask that you be in prayer for my family and I as I fear we will be displaying the ugly cry for all to see on campus next week.  I am full of anticipation for the days ahead, but dreading the never-pleasant "see you soon"s. Pray for comfort and easy transitions; I would greatly appreciate it.

It's really happening.