I'm writing this post from the Stanford House in D.C., where I arrived this evening after landing at Ronald Reagan International and awkwardly dragging my 120 lbs of baggage through the subway to the Woodley Park metro station. After two weeks of couch surfing in Seattle, Palo Alto, and San Francisco I must say I'm looking forward to moving all this stuff to a more permanent location!
The hassle has been well worth it, though. The past two weeks spent with dear friends have given me both the opportunity to reconnect with people I love and to say my final (for now) goodbyes to the West Coast. Among my favorite memories of these times are kayaking in Eliot Bay with Sean, blasting "Pienso en Ti" at Mike's place, views of the Seattle skyline at night with Jackie and Alana, a baked Ziti party during my first night in Palo Alto, fountain hopping with the Chi Alpha kids, and a Wu Shu lesson in Berkely with Dan.
Beautiful as these times have been, I'm readier now than I've ever been to step into my new role as a Rhodes scholar. At 3pm tomorrow I'll join a talented and diverse crew of students from the U.S., Bermuda, Kenya, Jamaica, and St. Vincent at Jury's hotel for several days of orientation and socializing before heading out across the pond. At the moment my enthusiasm is tempered by a bit of weariness from all the travel and nights of light sleep on couches and floors (thanks for the futon bed, Alan!), but at the same time I am ready to embrace this new season and to run with it for all it's worth.
Not much a of a reflection, I suppose, but for those of you staying tuned I at least wanted to throw out an update. If there's one takeaway that I've drawn from this past month, it is that goodbyes are worth doing well. I'm glad I've taken the time to say mine. (even if I will see many of you on the other side of the Atlantic!)
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I thought of you yesterday as I ran the half marathon early in the morning in Bellingham. Thoughts of just how good it is that you have had your world expanded so greatly in the past few years, and the vigor and passion I see in you still for what lies ahead, filled my mind.
I thanked God that this road continues to surprise you!
I am elated beyond words for you, and for what awaits you on the other side. I am proud of what you have accomplished so far, and look forward to seeing how God moves in even greater ways at Oxford.
May your heart never be seduced by anything other than Jesus. And I pray that when you unknowingly find yourself forsaking your first love (as we all do from time to time), you would not despise the Lord's discipline. He goes before you.
Blessings to you, my friend.
Cynthia
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