For most of my life, I’ve kind of felt like a wanderer. I moved around and haven’t lived anywhere longer than six years. And…I’ve heard that no matter how long someone lives somewhere, they can still feel out of place. And I believe it – but can’t seem to understand why someone would feel out of place somewhere they’ve lived their entire life. It makes me wonder if I will ever feel like I’ve found my place, my little corner of the world. But even though I feel like a wanderer, I’m content to wander and go wherever the wind blows me. I am a leaf, blown by the wind, never staying in one spot for long. And I’m happy. Wherever I am, I make it home.
In two months I will graduate from high school, and I’ll make another big move to college 12 hours away. And I’m ready to find a new home, except that I wish I had longer to forge friendships and spread my light here. I wish I had made more of an effort to reach out, to get involved, but I didn’t and now I’ve lost my chance. This will still be a home for me, but I’m moving forward, so this little town will soon be part of my past. Part of my heart will always be here. And my parents will stay here. Wherever they are, feels like home.
One of my goals is to visit or live in all seven continents minus Antarctica (because obviously – just no. I’ve heard that if you drop a pan of boiling water there, it will freeze before it hits the ground. And I don’t want that to be me!) I’ve been to two continents, and this summer I will visit a third – Africa. I’ve been given the opportunity to go to Kenya with a group of Bible Quizzers I’ve known for several years, and I’m thrilled. I will get to meet new people, spread a little love, and make another corner of the world my temporary home.
This is my first blog post, and I just wanted to share a little bit about myself before I make posts about Kenya. I created this page mostly to share about my trip to Kenya this summer – a before blog, and then several blog posts after I return. And I will likely still be active on this blog in college, so friends and family can follow my journey. This is my first of many contented echoes. Although I sometimes feel like an echo lost in the wind, I am content. And I’m excited to share my story with whoever will take the time to listen.
contentedechoes 