August 16th

I had full intentions of not posting anything until I'd firmly planted my feet in Philadelphia, but like every good story there is always everything that came before that makes the story what it is.

I am currently sitting on the couch in my apartment. This is where I have spent a majority of my summer afternoons after work. Do not pity or think this odd. I have grown very fond of this couch, we have bonded. When I first moved in, I was very concerned. The furniture in the living room (I suppose 'living room' is an adequate title for the room where I do most of my living) is a some form or another of "pleather." Now I am not quite sure what exactly this is. But lets just say it's not warm and comfy and makes super awkward sounds when you shift around. But none-the-less the couch and I have shared many moments together this summer.

We had Brina's birthday, starting my classes, bidding for various things on Ebay that were never won, purchasing more books on Amazon than I will probably read in a year, the start of Season Two for Rizzoli & Isles, the discovery of Criminal Minds on Ion Television, and sleeping on the couch when moving was more challenging than sucking up the uncomfortableness of the couch. 

And now it's time for me to leave. This couch and I must part tomorrow before I start another adventure to the east coast. New couches with unusual sounds, and though exciting and wonderful and grand, it's a little sad.

I have made wonderful, life-changing relationships this summer - with the people I work with and people I have encountered along the way. Here in my blanket with my feet propped on the super heavy table I hate vacuuming around, I realize how lucky I am. I have people that support my decisions, albeit 'support' has various definitions in relation to the individual.  I have the opportunity to study and grow in another part of the county for a semester with the guidance of people that love me. It'll be great.

I suppose the reason it's so intimidating is the realization that this is one of those life moments where I can't go back. College provides you the chance to realize you are growing up and have minor (or major) meltdowns in a location where people can love you along the way and help you figure out your next step.

So as I sit here in my pajamas, eating the Tostitos I had to run to the car at midnight to retrieve (because I apparently didn't think I would be hungry between 8:30pm and 12:00noon tomorrow), surrounded by all the packing that I should probably finish, I am overwhelmed with the sense of blessing that I have so much in my life as I make that next step. Tomorrow afternoon I will say a fond farewell to Holland, MI, Hope College, and all those who I have come to treasure, until I return in January.

Next stop - Yorktown, Indiana. 

Oh - and I have no idea where all this stuff came from. I think all my things invited friends for the summer because there is no way I hauled all this from a dorm room.