Wonders of the New
I've been in California for 18 days.Within the first 24 hours we had been on the ground, we went to a dance party, ate delicious tacos, met some incredible people and got some much needed sleep after a long travel day. We got groceries, went to the water (yes, within 24 hours I was at water) and I rested.
My soul is so happy. There is something about New things that I love. It's like the amazement when you open all of your Christmas or Birthday gifts; everything is new and different. Part of you wants to open up all of the boxes and use them right away and another part of you wants to wait and savor the Newness by only using what you 'need' or 'want' in that particular moment.For me its the same sensation as putting on a pair of pants and finding money in the pockets. It's the Wonder of Wow, the Wonder of New.Right now, it still seems surreal that I am here. I'm wasn't sure if I would feel Normal here, but I feel New. All around New.This is a new season for me, a new season of Wonder, a new season of Joy, a new season of Life. One that is meant to be Lived, Experienced, Loved.Maybe it's just because I'm somewhere New, somewhere I have never been before. But I think it's something more than that. It's a different mindset, a different way of thinking. Instead of looking at this internship as a job, it's more than that, it's a chance to travel, meet new people and help encourage students to make a difference in the world. It's everything I love all wrapped into one.New is good, but at some point it becomes Old. It becomes that gift that you got months ago and now you barely use; or you've used up. It's that same pair of pants, maybe even your favorite pair of pants, but they're just pants. No surprises in the pockets this time. So how do we keep things as New, or at least Old and Good?My way of thinking is to find the New, find the Magical in the Mundane.When day in and day out you do the same ol' thing, it gets boring. Let's be real: It's hard to be motivated to go and do the same routine that we always do. We know that the day is going to look like, we know exactly what we'll have for lunch, who we'll text. We know it all. So where's the New in it? What will keep us on our toes?I challenge you to change one thing about your day:Take a different route to work today. Go for a walk in your neighborhood and find something that you don't usually look at.Leave your phone at Home and just be in the moment.Talk to someone new in your office or class.That restaurant you've always wanted to try but haven't yet, go there! Try it out!Old isn't bad, it can be good. New can be good (scary too). Just change the way you look at something, look at it through someone else's eyes. Try it and see how your outlook changes.Find the Magical in the Mundane. 
I remember the day we found out when we would be back in America. We were all called into the house the 30 of us were staying there for big meeting. Some people had already guessed it was for us to know when our flights were but not everyone knew, myself included. When our squad leaders told us, I didn't get it at first until most people started shouting with joy and crying of the impending end of this wonderful journey.My first days back were a blur.My first drive: I was by myself and actually drove on the wrong side of the road in most of my neighborhood.My first breakdown: I had just had dinner and coffee with a friend and got back to my car where there was a thin layer of ice on it. I freaked out, started crying and yelling; I was no longer on the sandy warm beaches of South Africa but in the cold winter of Indiana.My first trip to the store: I wanted to buy enough food for 7 people, since that's what I was used to buying. I couldn't believe all the options and prices. I was a bit appalled.My first day back at school: Didn't happen on the actual first day of classes. A huge snow storm had blown through the night before, I had a panic attack on the drive in and had to turn around. The next day I tried again and made it. It was a blur of remembering how to take notes, talk with people, make small talk, study.
This year hasn't been exactly what I imagined it to be when I was on the field dreaming about Home. It was more and less than I expected. I value family and friendships more than I ever have. I make sure to keep promises that I make. I value the words I say and think. I value my time more than anything.I have learned to truly dream once more, like I did in those days when I would sit in my hammock in Costa Rica staring at the fields. I have begun to sing and dance like I did on the rooftops of the Dominican Republic and Guatemala. I have continued to seek the Magical in the Mundane like I learned in Asia.Life is still life. It doesn't stop just because you leave.Crazily enough, I knew this season of coming home was one of Rest. No matter how much I wanted to keep going and traveling Papa was calling me home to Rest in the Nest before I caught flight once more. It's amazing how when we look back at something we see just how much God has been planning since the beginning.As this season of rest is coming to an end, as I count down the last few days of school until I graduate; I am remembering just like a year ago, how much I have learned this year. This year was one full of dreams, boldness, and love.My dreams of Resting came true. My dreams of understanding Home can true. My dreams of putting down Roots came true. Now I am taking my dreams into this next year of being Fully Alive, Being Bold, and Loving like there is nothing to Lose.One Year. So many memories. So much more to come. Remember where you've been, it will guide you to where you will go.
This year, Fall seems to be hitting me differently. Sure, I love it. It's beautiful and magical, but this is also a season of immense change. In just a few short weeks, I will be graduating college (PRAISES!!). After the holidays I'll be heading out to Los Angeles, which is truly an amazement. I have dreamed of going out West and now I am, plus partaking in a stellar internship!But among all of these changes, I am struck with one thing, Fall Leaves.The other day I was in a hurry. Almost everyday I am in a hurry. As soon as my alarm goes off in the morning, I hit the ground running and hardly stop until I am home after work and going to bed.Much like any other day, I hit the ground running when I woke up on my day off. I decided to go to Starbucks (yes, sorry, but I was in a hurry, and what is Sbucks known for? Speed) to get some coffee before I went to see family. After one of the longest times waiting for my coffee, 20 minutes to be exact, I was out the door and heading off to see my nieces. While I was waiting, I strangely wasn't in a rush. It was just seemed to be how my day was going, "So I'll be a little late, that's not new by any means." I thought as I drove off.On one of the most beautiful tree lined streets in Fishers I was on, I just couldn't help but stare in wonder at the all the trees and their changing colors. It seemed like just a few days ago they were all bright green and I was wearing shorts and a tank top and we were heading to the pool. Now I was bundled and the trees were bundling inside, getting ready for winter.
As I was driving, I distinctively heard God whisper in my ear, "Just as the leaves draw in their nutrients for the coming months, what are you drawing deep into your soul?" This hit me so hard. What am I drawing into my soul? What does this next season mean for me? How am I wanting to grow? I don't have the answers, but I know one thing without a doubt: I want to stop hurrying. I want to be able to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee without looking at my watch. I want to enjoy stopping to talk with a friend I haven't seen in a while without having to worry about being late for work. I want to go out with my family and enjoy my time with them and not worry about all the homework that is still waiting of me to finish.Here's what I am going to do:I'm going to stop planning all that I have to get done. It's overwhelming to be honest and just makes me stressed. I'm going to live each day as it comes, sure I'll still plan to do things, but I'm not going to plan every moment of the day until I fall into bed too weary to even enjoy a meal.As the holidays are quickly approaching, think about what you are taking into your soul for the next few months. Maybe it's preparation in seeing family, or a change of a job or location. Whatever it is, set yourself up well for what is to come. Make time for the small things, like watching the sunrise; but don't forget to take time for yourself, for your soul. 