HΦΜe, away from HOME

“But What If”

“But what if I’m homesick?” I remember so vividly saying to my parents during my senior year of high school as I worried about moving away for college. The thought of not being under the same roof with them every day loomed over me as my high school graduation inched closer and closer, and with it- move-in day. “What if I don’t find my place? What if I don’t find a church to grow in? What if I don’t find the right group of friends or what if it’s impossible to adjust to the demands of a new schedule and environment? What if I’m homesick every single day and want to come home?” I remember my mom smiling at me sweetly with her gentle way and saying “Katie. What if you find your place and thrive? What if you find a church to invest in and grow in? What if you find an amazing group of friends that love you and encourage you? What if the adjustment to college takes time, but teaches you how to become accountable and independent? Of course you will be homesick from time to time. Who isn’t? What if being uncomfortable for a season means growth in that season as well.”

I think about my mom’s words a lot. It’s been almost four years since I heard those words, and the more time passes by, the more I realize how true they are. College is an adjustment. It was for me. It still is at times. Sometimes it meant going home because I needed to, and because I was still making an adjustment. And guess what? That is OKAY. It is okay to take time to incorporate into a new environment. It definitely took me time. But that is what it’s all about. Looking back, it’s the time I took that meant the most.

My point is, don’t let the “what ifs” of your situation allow fear to creep in and define your experience before you’ve experienced it. Adjustments are uncomfortable. That’s a given. Adjustments in the time we are living in today are definitely uncomfortable and unpredictable.

What I’ve learned over the last four years is that most times, being uncomfortable and pushed away from our comfort zones means developing and becoming better for it by the end.

As I look back on my four years, I’m so thankful for the Lord’s providence and goodness to me. Not for giving me everything I asked for, but praising Him because He gave me exactly what I needed. I found that church where I am spiritually fed and able to pour into. I found a sisterhood of 90 other women that I want to be more like each day. I still get homesick from time to time and I am thankful for FaceTime and parents who keep their ringers on so I can update them on every second of every day.

My best advice is to be vulnerable and transparent with your experiences. You may learn that everyone around you is feeling something similar. A new place, a new schedule, an adjustment from the things you’ve always known.

Like everything else, it’s a process- and everyone is set at a different pace. Give yourself grace for how far you have come and show others that same grace as well. I have a feeling you are going to rock it, friend.

With My Love,

Kate, PC '17