July 1, 2011

Its the beginning of a new month. 36 more days of adventure in NC. 5 more Sunday services at the Rock Church, 1 more holiday to celebrate, a few more hikes, a few more breaths of that fresh mountain air....

The reality of leaving this beautiful sanctuary that I have lived in for the past 6 years is starting to weigh on me. My Beautiful Asheville, with its Southern hospitality and warmth, deep friendships, gorgeous landscapes and ambient sunsets. My accountability group and amazing friends that I have grown sooo close to in such a short time. My somewhat finally stable life- a steady job, a great apartment with a great roommate- however crazy she is, a car that I'm paying for all on my own....is not so stable anymore.

I'm leaving. On August 6th, I venture into the unknown. Where God is and where He leads. I give up my job at the hotel, give up my apartment, park my car (or find someone to lease it to- hopefully) and board a plane to LA for new adventures, new friends, and a new deeper faith in God- because it will just be me and Him. Its a bittersweet reality.....I'm so excited for this journey and I know God is going to do AMAZING things in my life through this experience and opportunity, I'm going to travel around the country and see new people and cultures that are all apart of this great country...but at the cost of what I am leaving.....10 months. Will I return here to my beloved mountains, or will God see fit that I move somewhere else? Guess we will see.....

Today I am 24 years old. In 2 months and 10 days, I will turn a quarter of a century (25) and will celebrate it with a complete stranger. My church will be hosting the Becoming Womens Conference that I will not be attending. My roommate will be at a wedding and life...will...go...on......without me here. And my life will be exciting and ever changing as I explore the Great Unknown of America.

GOD IS GOOD. Who would have ever thought that I, Crystal, would be able to do this stuff? NO ONE! I wouldn't have without Him! Can you just imagine how much HE LOVES ME to let me be able to do this! To share my story....about HIS GLORY and HIS SALVATION to kids who may be facing similar stories to mine...RIGHT NOW? I know I may have conflicting emotions right now about leaving, and yes it is a sacrifice, but man.....what God is going to do on this trip is going to ROCK MY SOCKS OFF!!! My hope is not in this job, or the traveling, but its found in God and what Hes doing, and about to do.

Its 4:30 in the morning, July 1st, 2011. I'm finally going to bed, because, I have to work the night shift tonight at Springhill Suites. Only a few more nights to go.......