Another Transition

Hey all,
I'm sorry it's been awhile since I've written. I've been in reflective mode lately since MU summer orientation is now officially over (as of Mon.) and thus, I am home in Centerville once again. Home is great, but wow, there's just something oddly comforting about working (if you can call it work:) lol) with 19 people 7am-midnight--and still being with those same people when not working--and eating the same dining hall food eveyday (no exaggeration) and bragging about AMAZING small group sessions with 1st Years and making random runs to Bagel and Deli at odd hours of the morning and dancing--ALL the time--and crying and praying and getting an ab workout just from laughing so much and realizing that these 19 people have had a life-changing impact you and that you will never look at the world or yourself the same again.

I don't know if anyone can truly understand the impact of what SOUL can have on a life unless you experience it. But if this description can at all give you the slightest hint, then you can understand what I mean. I mean, I just want to break out in tears (and I do!) throughout the day because I am just so touched and honored by how God has blessed me with this experience. Sure I had goals going into this and certain ways I wanted to do things, but holy guacamole, were those ever exceeded!

I especially want to make a shout-out to all you 1st Years bc YOU are the reason for me being a SOUL in the 1st place. You have inspired me and touched me in ways you will probably never know and I just want you to know that you all hold a special place in my heart. I'm not exaggerating this or trying to be sappy either. I"m telling the truth. Please forgive me in advance if I don't remember your name (there are over 3000 of you!) bc that doesn't mean I don't remember YOU:) Ah, I could go on and on but I know y'all don't want to read a novel.

I'm still in the process of unpacking, and simultaneously, packing again bc tmrw, bright and early, my family is heading to the Smokey Mts. This means no phone or computer for awhile--woot!! I just want to leave you with a poem that I think sums up the way I'm feeling right now. This is written by the lovely Brian J. Hill, my fellow SOUL and incredible friend.
I dedicate this post to my SOULs....

(the formatting is a little funky bc it's a blog, but youget the idea)
Sometimes
I raise my hands to the sapphire sky
and try and pull it down
To hold the beauty close
to hold the sky in my arms like a bird in flight
sometimes
Like a bird
You send my heart into a love affair with the sky
Sometimes
When I'm with you
I feel like I can fly
And I wish time would die so I could stay with you forever
Sometimes
My fingers clutch my heart to hold it down
To keep my hope at bay
but when I'm with you
I can dare to dream
I can dare to soar
Sometimes
I realize that loving you is like streaming through the air
Even though I don't have wings
It is exhilarating
Joyous and frightening
I believe humans are capable of sustained unassisted flight
Sure our thoughts can fly
Our dreams can fly
Our feet can fly as we swiftly race towards the unknown
But sometimes
We can fly
As simple loving souls
beautiful and free