Rainbow

My, it’s been a while. They say that it takes 21 days to form a habit, and I was definitely in the habit of writing and posting on my blog every day for the 28 days I was on the trip. What “they” seem to have failed to ever mention was how long it takes for a habit to be broken, and if it’s broken, how long does it take to re-form an old habit? This could get complicated. The simple matter is that my writing habit has been broken, along with my collarbone, and my recovery/life has felt like such a whirlwind, tossing me this way and that, and, quite frankly, it’s been hard to really gather myself and write something meaningful… or at least half way meaningful. I suppose I’ll try again, maybe I’ll go for “often” instead of “every day.”

 

God was faithful in reminding me how wonderful of parents I have, and the two extra weeks with them was special. However, as sentimental and special as they were, it was “time to leave the coop,” as my aunt sweetly put it. And it was. Before I knew it, I was on the road to “Big-D” (we’ve always called Dallas that; I assume it’s because it’s way bigger and more exciting than the small town grew up in) to move in with my best buds, my grandparents, and begin my internship with Make-A-Wish Foundation!

Still a little wimpy, numb, and sore, I started work on Monday, July 9. Walking through the doors of that place for the first time felt magical, and it was way bigger and held a larger staff than I initially thought! My job consists of 3 days a week, working with hosting parties, writing wish stories, and fundraising projects. It’s such great experience, and it’s been interesting being exposed to what it would truly be like having a 9-5 desk job in a very consistent work environment. My co-workers are great, and it’s been inspiring to see what all goes behind this wonderful organization to literally make kids dreams come true- a very rewarding job.

While here in Dallas, it’s been nice to pretty much be by myself, discovering new things I like and simply being on my own time. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE spending time with people and sharing special moments or experiences together, but there’s something different about being alone and having experiences that are just… made for me. Beautiful things that are just for me to etch on my heart or lock away in my imaginary memory box forever to treasure. I like going to eat by myself at Great Outdoors Subshop about twice a week. I like going to the pool and listening to the kids play categories as I pretend I’m back at camp. I like walking through the neighborhood and finding vintage treasures (AKA my new green desk!) to buy for my room. I like blaring the music and singing all the way to work, rocking my $5 shades I bought in Austria that somehow survived my sledding crash AND making it all the way home with me in one piece. I like making time to have dinner with my camper and her family. I like sitting in my grandmother’s backyard “sanctuary” in the mornings and eating oatmeal, yogurt, and fruit after my walks. I like shopping by myself. I like sitting in the mall’s Barnes and Noble listening to the rain, reading, and people watching.

You can really learn a lot about people by just watching them, and I particularly enjoyed listening to the quirky conversations of a large group of high school students at the table across from mine, envying their youth (although it wasn’t that long ago for me!) and thinking about all the things they have left to discover in life and giggling at the silly things that fascinated them. I’m not going to sit here and pretend like I’m all Miss Mature either because as soon as the rain stopped, something special happened that brought me back to my own giddy, I-want-to-be-17-again self. Those teenagers suddenly all jumped up and squealed at the same time, looking at the window. Looking up at them, I said, “Is it a rainbow?!” “YES!” They excitedly responded. Forget being a mature adult. I sprinted to that window just as fast as they did, and we all marveled together at its mystery, it’s colors, it’s completeness, and it’s beauty. The Lord gently whispered, “This is my promise to my people,” and no matter what they believed, or anyone else admiring that big colorful thing in the sky that evening, we all took the time to look up, be captivated by something beautiful God created, and receive joy in some way. Well, it put a smile on my face anyway. If it weren’t for those kidos and their joy/lack of care of what others thought around them thought, I would have never seen that rainbow that brought me joy and peace. Thank you for the reminder that things like that will never get old. And that I want to ALWAYS be just a kid at heart.