Well, y'all, it's actually here. The last week, the last few days, the last hours of my summer in New Orleans, Louisiana. I am still absorbing and processing everything that happened the past two months, but I can tell you that I don't regret any of it. Every moment was crafted by God and orchestrated by His hands.
This week has been low key and quiet. We are hosting a three person team from Illinois this week. Dave, Patti, and Ashley are so sweet and eager to help in any way they can. I got to spend my last jobsite day with them, at Scott Cull's home. I learned how to cut and put up drywall and played with mud! Mudding is harder than it looks (at least, Mark made it look easy!), but really fun to work with. At one point I was standing on a platform, sanding the ceiling, and singing along with the praise music we had playing. It was a quiet, peaceful moment to reflect and smile. 
Though this week was full of 'lasts', I have chosen to focus on what is right in front of me and smile/laugh at the memories that surface as I look back over the summer. I am learning to say "see ya later", rather than goodbye, in an effort to make the parting less sad. One of the greatest blessings this summer has been the many, many people who have crossed my path. Each one has touched me, taught me things, made me smile, made me grow, and helped me to know God better. The joy of relationship has been impressed onto my heart and has changed me in many ways. I now see how important relationships are and that God made us for relationships (especially deep ones). 
I see this summer as a launch pad or a springboard. God has brought me here for His purposes, and He is taking me away from here for His purposes. I will take the lessons, relationships, practical skills, and memories from this summer into every part of my life going forward. I want to posture myself in expectation of God's goodness and faithfulness; to banish fear and doubt, and live in strength and peace. I know this will be hard, especially as I transition back into the 'normal' routine of life, but I have every confidence that Jesus will keep me in every moment. My friend and mentor, Katie, shared these wise words with me for those times when I get discouraged:
1. Breathe
2. Remember God's faithfulness
3. Tell someone
Now that I've shared them, you are all free to tell me if you don't see me doing this! Sometimes I just need a slap in the face (or a kind word of advice... whatever works for you).
I am so excited to come home and see all of y'all. I look forward to hearing your stories from the summer and sharing mine. My time here has taught me how to be a storyteller (but I'm still working on it). So if you are curious about what I did here in NOLA, lessons I learned, how to get involved yourself, or just have one random question that has been bugging you and you just have to ask, please, hit me up. I'd love to meet with you and share stories. :)
Prayer requests: Safe travels home tomorrow (Saturday). A smooth transition into being home. The strength and courage to apply the things I've learned to my life at home. Continued strength, energy, and wisdom for the staff here as they finish out the summer run of teams. Chances for me to share my story.
(The photos are a trip down memory lane. There were so many great moments this summer.)
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