Maddie Grace here! I’m back again this month with very few profound things to say but a full heart!
Okay, it hasn’t actually been a never-ending November, but as I reflected on this month and read Jacob and Bevi’s blogs, I realized how much has been packed into 4 weeks! We kicked off the month with Ashley’s birthday party, took a trip to DC for the fellows conference, spent some weekends meandering around Raleigh, and had our thanksgiving break! Not sure how we did all that, but it was a blast!
It’s hard to believe we’re almost halfway done with fellows. I still feel very new to the program, and there’s still so much left to do. But when I look back, I realize how much we’ve accomplished and how much I’ve grown. This month, it’s felt hard to balance relationships with the fellows, mentors, host family, college friends, and family, especially entering the holiday season. I feel overwhelmed with how much community I’ve been blessed with, yet I feel the weight of knowing there’s not always enough time to do all the things with everyone. Coming back from this thanksgiving break, I feel refreshed knowing that there is so much grace in those relationships, and that the Lord is teaching me how to show up imperfectly but intentionally.
Additionally, I’ve loved spending more time in Raleigh - from slow fun weekends to field trips learning about its history. That field trip with David Spickard was especially impactful, because it showed me some of the lesser told stories about ordinary people who made extraordinary impact in their community. It reminded me of the book “The Small And The Mighty” by Sharon McMahon, where she talks about the long lasting impact of twelve different Americans, whose courage and efforts to improve the world changed lives, even if they didn’t make it into history books. These themes of bravery in the midst of darkness and oppression carry over into the lives of Raleigh natives who shaped the city. The perspective and gratitude I feel when I learn about small but mighty individuals like these can’t be topped; I’m reminded that who I am and what I do matters deeply.
Over all, this month has been one for diving deep, learning and reflecting, and settling in for winter. I’m looking forward to more cozy movie nights, Christmas parties, seeing friends and family, and preparing for the New Year! Thanks for joining me, and Merry Christmas!
-Maddie Grace