Age 19 was a fun run. It was different, it was filled with goodness, it was quirky, and now it's over.
I got to spend the summer with my best friends, and that by itself is a cumulonimbous cloud of a blessing.
The week I spent counseling at Camp Bradley was precious, and getting to know the Applegate family on a deeper level over summer and Christmas break brought so much joy.
I got to transfer to my dream school and live in my dream city. I got to become a member of a church I've always wanted to attend.
I got to meet my hero, Deogratias. (He's the one Strength In What Remains was written about - the Rwanda/Burundi genocide survivor).
I got to see my favorite band play a hometown show, now my home too.
I drove across America with my dad, the greatest escape of my life- I sometimes call it the Exodus of Illinois.
On returning to the Great Northwest, I hiked and backpacked and ran until my mountain appetite was satisfied.
In so many ways, I lived my dream at 19. Well, what I thought was my dream. I actually came across a new dream: to achieve greatness. Because, "Greatness is walking with God." And now, on the eve of my 20th birthday, I realize that is all I want in this life.
