Memories

On August 1, 2010, I drove out of Nashville. I said my good byes, packed up my belongs (so much for simple living!) and prepared for five weeks in Erie. Now, a little over a month later, I'm still debriefing and processing my YAV Nashville experience. It was a year that will be hard to forget, that's for sure. I experienced the unexpected, found my voice and learned to use it, grieved deeply, discovered deep joy in who I am, among countless other things. I took time to meet and engage new people. I fought battles with myself; struggling to discover who it was (and is) that I was to become.

It wasn't always easy. It wasn't always pretty.

But I'd do it all over again if I could.

Even now I have a million memories, thoughts, feelings, and experiences streaming through my mind: the rafting trip, Fall break in Memphis, Guatemala, two hour conversations, preaching, Sweet CeCe's, las marcas, Ugly Mugz, Common lunches, Family nights, Honky Tonks. . . . Most of these things might not mean anything to others, but they will forever be a part of my Nashville memories. Memories I will hold onto as long as possible.

My Young Adult Volunteer year certainly was "A year of service for a lifetime of change." Thanks be to God!