This is Home

I've just spent my first week out at Baptist Park-and I loved it. I've had such an amazing experience after only one week, I can't wait to go out there for the next 5 weeks! This entire chapter of my life has been such a blessing; an amazing step of faith, and one of peace. Prior to heading out there last Sunday, I was terrified. I couldn't even make it as a camper out there when I was 9, and to do something like this is totally out of character for me. I have a hard time meeting new people and making new friends, but the Lord opened so many doors and opportunities for this week. Friendships with people I knew are growing stronger, and the new friends I've made made me feel like I was part of the family right off. I feel as if I've known them my entire life-and I hope they feel the same way too. When I packed up to come home for the weekend yesterday, there was this lingering feeling of hesitancy inside of me. I didn't want to come home-this place had truly started to feel like home. One morning when I was driving up the hill to breakfast Switchfoot's newest song "This is Home" was on the radio, and I knew it was played at that time for a reason. Blessing after blessing has been poured out on me over the past week, and I know that the coming weeks will contain many more.

However, at this moment it's a bittersweet situation. While I didn't want to come home, something told me that I needed to. Today my mother's entire side of the family's coming home, and we're all going to spend one last night with my grandfather. The time has come for him to be moved into a home somewhere; his alzheimers has gotten to that point. While it's going to be hard for everyone, it has to be done. I knew this day would come, and if he's moved somewhere that he can be properly cared for, it will all work out. I have faith that things will get better, staying strong and working it out is what we as a family do. My grandfather has never known the Lord or the joy of His gift of salvation, and I just ask anybody who reads this to pray that he'll know peace and comfort in his remaining years in this world. My grandmother's done all that she can, and she'll continue to care for him 110% in any way that she can. She's such a strong and godly woman; somebody I could only ever look up to and aspire to be like.