ready.

I have left North Carolina.

I have never been out of the Carolinas for more than ten days in my whole life, and now I'm starting nine weeks of life elsewhere. I thought I would feel more nervous about going to a place where I don't know anyone. I thought I would feel anxious about the months ahead where I will be doing unfamiliar work. But instead, I feel completely and beautifully at peace. I don't think I have felt this much like myself in a while.

Genuinely calm and happy.

I'm excited to learn about a world completely different than my own, even though we live in the same country. People have been very encouraging about my summer, but people also aren't afraid to share how scary and humid Chicago is. However, I have to remind myself that this isn't about me exploring  an unfamiliar city, but answering a call.

He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. Deuteronomy 10:18

I'm anticipating the point where I feel lonely and helpless and all I have is Jesus. The situations where I won't have the words, and the Spirit will have to provide. I know that I will working with a team and we all be serving together, and I'm looking forward to all the new friendships.

However, I tend to struggle when there are no familiar faces. I freeze up and don't know how to speak. Without all my family and the constant companionship of my friends, it's me and Jesus. And I really desire that, to be closer to Him because I don't have the safety net of my consistent relationships. This is one of those things that can be taken as hokey and cheesy because "Jesus is my Best Friend" can be seen on t-shirts and cross-stitched onto pillows, but it's real. He is the one that comforts me. The one who whispers encouragement when I'm at my breaking point. It always catches me off guard, how much He actually loves me.

My mom and sister decided to drive me to Chicago, since none of us have been before. Yesterday we made our way through the rainy Tennessee hills, feeling a little bit like storm chasers. Our first stop is Nashville, TN to visit my Great Uncle and be tourists. I haven't been to Nashville since I was a 15 year old girl whose only interest was the mall :)

Amber was convinced we desperately needed a hashtag for our road trip. So we decided on #nowaynenorules. Finally, we are breaking free from Wayne's World. (No offense, Dad...) Our trip will probably consist of lots of coffee, ridiculous conversations, and getting lost. I sure do love them. They've earned it too, always putting up with me.

// The Frothy Monkey: So. Good. //