2020 has become a year where you should expect the unexpected. As our emotions have fluctuated more in the last year than they probably have most of our lives, we have begun to realize our reliance on God more and more. If you would have told me that I would do my last day of high school in the middle of March, that a global pandemic would be the topic of the year, that I signed up to do a 3 month training camp in GA, or a multitude of other things, I think I would’ve laughed and called you crazy. Saying goodbye for a trip has never really been that hard for me. Whether it was going to Haiti for two week or across the country to visit family, I had confidence that the goodbye would be worth it and I would be back in no time. This goodbye is a little bit more long term and I’m not dragging anyone along with me, which I have realized makes it quite a bit harder. I think Winnie the Pooh said it best, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” I truly have been blessed with the best family, friends, and community.
But, with all that said, the day is finally here. I officially leave tomorrow for training camp. As I say goodbye, squeeze all my belongings into a pack, and prepare myself mentally, I feel full of joy, excitement, a touch of sadness, and an ounce of anxiety. Joy and excitement because IT’S FINALLY HERE! Oh how I have longed for this day, for years and years. Sad to say goodbye to my home and the people that make it home. Anxiety for the unknown. I know that God has his hand on me and that I have all of you praying on my behalf. What confidence that gives me!
To all the ones who have helped me get here; my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, Jacob, friends, bosses, coworkers, and everyone in between, THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. I wouldn’t be who I am without each of you. You have raised me to be independent of the world, but fully dependent on Jesus. You have taught me what love actually looks like. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and fully supporting my decisions. I will be blogging while I’m away, so stay tuned! I can not wait to take you all on this journey with me!
All the love in the world,
Kaylin 🙂
songs of the week:
Praise Will Be My Song by Bryan & Katie Torwalt
This is Where I Belong by Housefires
Open Space by Housefires
The Wick by Housefires
Not Finished Yet by Chris Renzema
Fountain by Chris Renzema
Man of Your Word by Maverick City Music
(I know there are a lot of songs but they are SO worth the listen)
You will be missed dearly! I am excited for you and pray that God moves in so many ways that this is just a steppingstone to a magnificent future in Christ! Love you to the moon and back a million times 🙂
So proud of you and excited for you! Prayers for all. Keep falling more in love with Jesus, and His light through you will shine even brighter!
You are a blessing.
You are such a blessing to all of us! You are in the hands of God and aunt Tina will be praying for you daily (countless times ??). I am so proud of the example you are setting and your faith in God. I love you my sweet niece and miss you fiercely but I know I will see you soon! Have fun and enjoy every second of this amazing journey!
I put my email in wrong it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t make a mistake ??????? Love you ??
I know you are already gone and may not see this for a while but I was sitting here thinking about you my sweet little chicka!! Oddly, I was thinking about how Duke and Dotty were probably missing you and wondering what happened. Jacob left then you and now your mom is at a sleepover. I hope you are soaking it all in, making new friends and having fun. I should have sent a few little pranks with you!! Just want you to know I’m thinking of you and praying for you!! Auntie Boo!! (That’s gonna be my new nickname since I may or may not have scared you a time or two!). Love you!!