Community

As I sit and wait in the airport for the arrival of two very good friends of mine, I've begun to ponder what the last nine months have done to me. For me. With me. As I wait to see off a good friend of mine headed to live on the island of Okinawa, a proud Private First Class in the United States Marine Corps, I feel a sense of closure and a real sense of gratitude and appreciation for what this time has done for me. I see how much stronger I've become, how much more apt I am to deal with what the world has in store for me as a Marine and beyond. How much more quickly I can process things and draw out the needed and relevant information and ignore or entirely shred the rest. The way in which I can look at so many new situations with a sheerly unbreakable, can-do attitude. And then I think of the other friend I am waiting for. I think of the youthful, hyperactive, honorable, loving and life-of-the-party style young woman that is his girlfriend. And that causes a whole different train of thought. I think of how these last nine months have bit my head off, chewed me up and spit me out. I think about the sleepless nights and out-of-focus days where it felt like all I'd fought for had been in vain. The feeling of hitting rock bottom swells within me and I remember how many tears this has cost and the emotional brands this period has etched into my heart. And above all I know that I'll walk away from what I am about to experience with a nostalgic mix anticipation, grief, joy, love, peace, concern, determination, and the sweaty palmed feeling of being about to face the unknown. One thing is known though. Everything happens with a purpose. I will do what I can to further my God's purpose in this upcoming 2 year experience, just as so many have willingly done for me over these last 9 months.