(So I wrote this about two-and-a-half months ago and didn't post it until now because I forgot. Oops. Here you go.)
Well, it is the end of May. I have graduated TCI and am now
comfortably settled back in my bedroom in Darwin, Minnesota. It is
remarkably surreal to be back in Dassel-Cokato; I’ve already picked up
on some changes—new population numbers on the signs, the landmark
restaurant in Dassel was apparently burned to the ground by the fire
department and construction has begun to build a truck stop in its place
(*tears for Hojies*), and other small differences… Paint on a house
here and new trim there… it’s amazing how everything in these little
towns has been imprinted in my memory; it’s strange to see changes!
That
being said, change is everywhere—it’s an epidemic! This truly is a
season of transition, as we at IHOP like to say. As mentioned above I
have graduated TCI with my classmates! The ceremony was fun and really
exciting for me because, although I have graduated my special, one-year
program, I intend to be back at IHOPU for three more years until I
finish as a senior in the Forerunner School of Ministry (that’s the plan
anyway). About twenty of us graduated TCI; however, only three of us
are continuing on at IHOPU! So graduation really was the end for the
majority of my classmates, and that is especially strange. Transition,
transition, transition. Some are going on to the Strike Team, which is
basically full-time missions work spread up into various short-term
trips available to TCI graduates only; others are attending the ACTS
school for a few more months of schooling and then going on an extended
mission trip to somewhere in the 10/40 window; a few are planning on
working; some are going to accredited universities or colleges; and
others are being flung to exciting new places like New York City…
Transition I tell you! We felt it in TCI! Even our leadership team
was, and is, in periods of great change.
Coming back to
D-C I found more transition! Not only are the towns changing, but my
long-time youth pastor, Jim Tegelhutter, is planning on moving to
Florida with his wife and daughter in just about two months! Suddenly
the time has come to officially see the youth group come to a close, and
that means the last youth group… ever. The amazing thing is that in
the two weeks I am home, I get to be at both of the final youth group
events, hear Jim preach one last time, and spend some time hanging out
before I have to return to KC. I’m floored by the divine timing of the
Lord—I was a part of the youth group shortly after it began so many
years ago, when there were just three or four of us each Wednesday
night, and now I get to be home to see it come to a close… Wow, God’s
timing is flawless!
Transition is also rampant in
relationships! A ridiculous number of people I know have recently
gotten engaged, and there are so many weddings this summer! Suddenly,
we’re not ‘kids’ anymore… That blows my mind, too.
I’m
feeling so sentimental and nostalgic. I blame the fact that I’m typing
this in my old bedroom. With all this change, sometimes I wonder if I’m
reacting in the right way—sometimes I feel a little numb, like it’s all
way over my head and I can’t really grasp the reality of it all. I
doubt it will sink in that Jim is moving until he is officially gone.
It won’t feel real that my friends are married until I’m at the
weddings. Next school year, when the majority of my TCI classmates
aren’t in the sophomore classes, it might click…
I keep
reminding myself to trust the Lord, especially in such seasons of
massive change. His plans are perfect and He knows what He’s doing,
that’s for sure! He has a reason for everything and every season. It’s
strange to see the old ways and the old things passing away, but they
are simply being replaced by a new, wonderful part of life.
I’m
excited beyond belief to see where this all takes me. Where it takes
my classmates. Where it takes Jim. Where it takes my friends and their
new families. Something grand is coming for all of us, I know it
because I know the Lord and I know His plans are good! He doesn’t
always do what we expect Him to do, but I know He’s going to blow my
mind with the way He’s going to continue to show me my identity, His
love and the way He works in and through every relationship.
Wow.
I sat down to write a blog a few minutes ago, but I had no idea what to
write about. Then this came out. Huzzah! Thank you, Jesus.
In
other news, the Colorado trip was fantastic! Go look at my photo album
of pictures to see the exciting things we saw/did. I’ve been having a
wonderful time since returning—I’m continually reminding myself to be
FAT (Flexible, Adaptable and Teachable) in every situation. I’m also
doing a lot of digital art, which is fun, but a little exhausting at
times. Add to that a lot of preparation for parties, showers and work,
plus lots of time hanging out with Jesus and reading (I get to start The
Hobbit today)! Happy summer, everyone!
Rachel
No comments:
Post a Comment