In Dreams...

In the midst of packing, farewell parties, a voice recital and a little trip to BC, I find I haven't had a moment to process all that I am going through...or that Australia is a very near reality.

Seriously, in the world of technology, almost everything from my acceptance to Uni to my plane tickets have been online. I realize this is that world today, but it doesn't make it seem real. I find myself oddly calm for someone about to leave behind all she knows and embark on such a big adventure.

As friends and family experience the strange combo of sorrow and excitement, I sit here as though nothing has changed. Sure, I have sold, packed or stored all my belongings, closed up my beloved rented basement suite, said goodbye to dear friends and to a great job...yet I feel like I'm merely on holidays. It is as though my brain hasn't registered that I won't be returning to Cochrane next week. Nope, I am moving onward!

So for some assistance to my little head, I thought I should reflect on the things I will miss the most about my 4 years in Cochrane. So here's my little "ode":

• the beautiful mountains and all the adventures that lie within (believe me, I will miss all the hikes, snow shoeing, and x-country skiing trips!)
• walks along the river (more so that many great conversations and good company that have accompanied those walks)
• the "down-home" atmosphere and being part of such rich community
• Being part of a team...even though they knew my quirks and mocked me mercilessly, I will miss the endearment, the vision, the discussions, the purpose that I got to be a part of.
• Time spend with friends who know me well and dive in deep (these are not over, of course! They have merely taken a new path...but I shall miss the old path)
• I think I will be fiercely aware of what I have taken for granted in being on staff at a church...being known, easily having a well-defined role, having a say in how things are run...now I will be unknown, finding my place, supporting others in leadership, etc. This will be so good for me...but I will miss what is familiar.

Dearest Cochrane, you were once but a dream as I drove past your mountain view over 7 years ago. I told God, "I must live here one day!" And 3 years later that dream became a reality and was rich in blessing and in preparing me for what lies ahead. Thank God for you.

Australia....more so studying the voice...is perhaps one of the biggest dreams I have had to date. I look forward to seeing it become reality and to keep the dreams coming!