how the light gets in

I can’t even get caught up in the “WHY did we just have this year and now you’re leaving” discussion.  I can’t because you are a treasure and I am grateful for any and all time we’ve had.  And we jumped into our friendship, both feet, all in.  Didn’t we? Full “this is my story” talks, hair cuts, pancakes, Enneagram discussion, many small-child-interrupted visits… I am a solid 21 years older than you girl. And yet, we good.

God is the coolest, right? That he would bring us together right at this time! I love that we can talk about the hard, what I’ve learned, what you’re learning and we can LEARN together.

Let’s get to this England deal.  You’re off on a year-long internship in the UK on ministry. I could not be more excited and proud for you.

Before you go, I need to be a “2” and gush over you. You are so many things to so many people here Barb.  Maybe that’s the “8” in you…

You are charismatic and encouraging, yes.  You have enormous willpower and vitality, yes. And you have left your mark, yes.

But you are so much more than an “8” – Because God smiled giving you the roundest brown eyes and the cutest nose.  Because God fashioned you with a determined spirit. Because Jesus lives in your heart.

This internship is such a unique opportunity.  Here, in Baltimore, your roles are too many to name.  You have so many jobs (SO many jobs), you’re also Young Life leader and a friend and a daughter. All of these commitments ask a lot of you and you give them all 100%.

100%.

This, Barb, is your chance to release all those responsibilities and focus on ONE task; allow God to focus on you 100%.  Breathe. Give yourself time to adjust. You will have new rhythms, new faces, new coffee places, same God.

I will miss you. Lauren will miss you. I won’t even go there.

Te quiero mucho,

Andrea