saying goodbye isn't easy...it's a blessing

Goodbye.

The farewell has never held warm connotations but as D.C. approaches, I've learned that goodbye can be the best greeting to a new semester of change.

I spent the weekend at Azusa Pacific University, much to the dismay of my family who lectured that driving two and a half hours to L.A. was a waste of time and gas. Well, it wasn't a waste at all and I think it was the perfect touch to beginning this journey. The two days were spent eating at favorite Azusa venues (Classic Coffee, the Corner Diner, & the Subway next door), hanging in my old Mod, catching up/laughing/dancing/hugging with friends, going to Santa Monica Pier and Diddy Reese for dessert, getting slurpees at midnight, saying farewell to High Sierra students, going to chapel, eating on the Cougar Walk, and taking a last Starbucks trip. It was packed, but with each goodbye and last embrace I couldn't help but feel blessed rather than sad at the mention of "goodbye."

Out of all the things I felt I could miss out on this semester, the community of APU was at the top of the list. I love my college and the comfortable feeling I get once I see the 'A' on the mountain. My community in this past semester has consisted of: my roommates, M-Court, the staff of The Clause newspaper, members of the Alpha program and my wonderful D-Group. Within those two days, I somehow got to see one-if not all-of the people who make up these unique communities and I was greeted with words of encouragement and prayers.

So thank you to all I saw. Thank you for your encouragement and I thank God that you are in my life. I feel so ready for this new chapter in my life. I feel blessed.

Tomorrow is my last day in California and the packing begins. It's almost here!