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| David, T.J., and the Giant's Causeway |
So, it's been a while, and I don't know where to start.
That's my roommate David up there in the pic with me. He also does YAV stuff in Belfast. Check out his blog here. There's a ridiculous picture of him and a horse in there that you don't want to miss. It is hilarious.
All right. I can't stall any longer. I better get writing.
From what I understand, it's that time of the YAV year where a lot of YAVs everywhere are feeling a lot. Everyone finishes in late July and early August. Only a few months remain.
Some YAVs have no idea what is next in life. Some YAVs are all set and ready for the next chapter. Some YAVs just straight up don't want to leave their placements.
As for me, I know what I'm doing next year. I'm happy to inform all of you that I'll be heading to Nashville* in September to work with homeless communities. I'm super pumped about it.
I keep getting the question "Why Nashville?"
I looked into Nashville last year but was more interested in Belfast at the time and ended up here, which was definitely all a part of God's plan. This year has done so many positive things for me and my faith that I want to take on another year of service. I'd be perfectly happy working with kids again, but I want a new challenge, and homeless ministries have always fascinated me. It is something I know very little about, yet I come across homeless communities everywhere I go. Also, people in Belfast refer to Southern American culture frequently, which peaked my interest in it, and I realized I should experience that part of the States. Many people are quick to inform me that Nashville "isn't that Southern." If that is the case, that's okay, because I'm sure it is far more southern than Michigan. Also, it's near Memphis, which I hear is very southern.
As I mentioned earlier, many YAVs are feeling a lot, and I am no exception. It's a strange part of the year. New YAVs have been selected to come to Belfast. I'm facebook stalking new YAVs I'll be working with next year. The end is approaching, but I do have a good couple of months left. I'm trying to stay focused and in the now. Doug told me to set goals for myself, which I'll list for another day.
I think the hardest struggle for me right now is to push back the reoccurring thought that I have to say goodbye soon. I knew what I was getting into when I took this position, but that doesn't make goodbyes any easier.
I want to clarify that though I am excited for Nashville, and America, and to see some friends and family when I get back, and to see Michigan again, and eat Buffalo Wild Wings, and blue cheese salad dressing, and thick milkshakes...I forgot where I was going with this...
Oh yeah! I don't necessarily want to leave Belfast, but the reality is that I am, which makes me sad. In order to combat this sadness, I need to look forward to what is to come. I need to be ready for it.
I love Belfast. The people I've worked with, the people I've worshipped with, the people I've served, the city itself, and the people back home who got me here, I can never thank you all enough.
Seriously.
I know it's corny, but I'm a changed man. I've changed for the better. I've grown in ways I never expected.
And I'm right where I should be.
*Fun Fact: Nashville is a Sister City to Belfast
