Moving back from St Louis is one of the hardest things I've done in a while. I didn't expect to miss the people that I'd gotten to know over the past three months. I thought our relationships would be surface level and we'd forget about each other in time. But I can honestly say that I left a piece of my heart in St Louis.
I miss my girls, I miss the friendships I made with the leaders, I miss walks with Shonda and Trent, and I miss sitting around a living room trying to get my Junior High girls to focus. I miss all of it. Every single second. I miss the city. The beautiful city that I called home for three months.
It was the hardest summer of my life. I was thrown into a situation where I knew no one and was forced to form relationships because it was my job. I was lonely, I was overwhelmed, I was scared. But looking back I can honestly say it was all worth it for the relationships that God brought out of it. Even if I only stay in contact with one person from this summer, it still means the world to me.
The love I received from my coworkers, students, parents, and roommates helped me last through the summer. And it's not easily replicated. I don't think it could be replicated in any capacity. And I miss that love. I miss those relationships.
I think I was holding myself off from feeling sad by leaving because I knew I was coming back, but its still an entire year before I go back, and a year is a long time. In a year things change, not only with me, but with the students. Some will be going to college, some will be going to high school, and some might even be moving.
Life's kindof that way. Things change. People move on. And we miss the things we used to have. Relationships. Friendships. People to worship with. Kids to play with. And friends to walk and talk with.
For all of you in St Louis, I miss you to the moon and back. I wish I was able to be there now, but I know God has wonderful plans in store for my year, and yours too. Keep in touch! Don't forget to write :)
