Farewells to the Familiar and Diving for the Deep

Summer is quickly coming to a close and in four days I'll be driving back to Queen's on my own for the very first time. As difficult as adjusting to home was, it'll be just as hard saying good-bye. I've treasured the fleeting four months I've spent at home, not knowing when I'll have a chance to spend such a prolonged period of time in my hometown again. Meeting up with friends, best friends, and new friends has been so special. Spending time with family has been a priority, knowing that my brother is going to go through some huge changes throughout his teenage years without me has made me long to stay home more. I'll even miss starting my mornings at the YMCA and hanging out at Across U-hub.

Nevertheless, I know God has so much waiting for me back in Kingston. I've learned and grown so much in my first two years and I know this year will not be different. Starting with an intense week of don training and then meeting the residents whom I'll make a temporary home in residence with, I think there's a lot of unexpected surprises in store for the next eight months.

Lastly, there's a quotation that I found especially meaningful in our church bulletin today by one of my favourite authors.

"Superficiality is the curse of our age... the desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people."
- Richard Foster

It brought me back to the realization that studying hard is not only to get good grades and become intelligent, but to make me a deeper person who has a greater understanding of the world and people around me. This year, I hope to work harder and really know my material deeply. I aim to build deep relationships with the people I encounter. I strive to discipline my body in deeper ways. But mostly, I hope to dive deeper into God's over-flowing well of love and grace.

Toronto friends: farewell and see you soon!
Kingston friends: here I come!!!