So Long 'Springs

My suitcases were almost packed when I was called down because "the neighbors came to say goodbye". I hurried down, curious who might feel so connected from the neighborhood that they would know I was leaving today, and found this sight in the front yard.

There was a buck and his doe right in front of the house, enjoying the rays of sun and the little grass that's offered. It was like Colorado itself wanted to say farewell.

Speaking of goodbyes, after saying goodbye to everyone on staff and the kids and their families yesterday (sad, yes sweet at the same time!), this morning was the time to wrap up the last nostalgic pieces. There is this one place that I went to almost every single morning before work to walk, pray, read, and get my heart ready for the day - Fox Run Park.

It's not very "capture-able", and I'm ok with that. It remains a special treasure to me, a place of rest and renewal where I often met with the Lord.

I sat and journaled one last time at the very first picnic bench I sat at back in May when I found this park. It was later in the morning, so the magical glow was no longer there as it was every morning I visited here during the summer, but I soaked it in all the same. 

I gathered the last of my things (it didn't exactly fit in one suitcase), and my host family helped me load up the car. We were all grateful for one another this summer. They became my Colorado Springs home, and I can't thank them enough for inviting me in like family, even though I was a complete stranger until I met them in May.

Final hugs. Then the car stuttered as it started, but got going despite its reluctancy to leave. We waved goodbye. I pulled out of the familiar grassy parking spot on the side of the driveway.

Goodbye Forest Lane home. Goodbye MTI. Goodbye Colorado Springs.

I drove up to see Caleb and Haley for a few days before flying back to Moody on Thursday. These days will be transition days, down time days, and days to catch up on internship documents required for the Moody side of things. I'm hoping to spend some time remembering the Lord's faithfulness too, and recounting all the way He has provided. He provided above and beyond this summer, not only with things like a home and through all of the car troubles, but with his strength and love too.

I can't believe I can now say that I have completed my internship at MTI. The Lord knew that this is exactly where I needed to be this summer, and I'm excited to see what surprises he has in store next.