Okay, last blog. It would be nice to remind everyone of their first blogs and how much you’ve came in this experience:
Bryan: “Our first week was the welcome retreat. While it was a recent experience, it feels like forever ago! I had a great time getting to know all of the other fellows, and an even greater time on the jet skis.”
This is still true. Everything feels close but far. Ive seen you grow immensely and I’m proud of you. We’re lucky to have a Bryan in our group.
Skip: “For now, I’m viewing this as the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Rather than trying to categorize or predict what the rest of this experience will look like, I’m just going to leave it undefined.”
Thank you for being a wonderful light to our group. You have been a defining part of my experience here.
Emma: “Of course, there are always more things to be thankful for, many of which I might not see until later in the year, but for now I am content to rest in the blessings of the answered prayers found here in Raleigh.”
I am thankful for you Emma! You have such a bright personality, you’re steady and so thoughtful. I know you have been apart of our answered prayer here in Raleigh. Come back soon.
Celeste: “But the truth is, in those very moments where it feels hard and icky and messy, God is ever so present and drawing near to me, and actively using those moments to prune me and refine me and create deeper trust and intimacy with him. What a terribly beautiful concept!!”
You remind me of goofy goober rock. You’re nuts in the best way! God is drawing near to you right now. The beautiful thing is that you have everyone to help you go through whatever is next. Fellows aint the fellows without celeste.
Lola: “a list of some sweet moments: meals around Ashley’s table getting to hear about everyones week, my new job looking out for me and helping me settle in, Mona teaching me and Evy to cook, birthday picnics, piling into cars together, sitting as people bravely and honestly share their stories (if I may be as bold as to pick a very favorite part so far this is it), praying together, sitting on a boat and being in my favorite lake, exploring new places, little moments with my friends who remind me what it is to be known as I build that here too, going to class (eep I missed being a student and being excited to learn)”
I appreciate you Lola because you have the ability to see the good in everything. You remind us of what we’ve done and take in the moment so well. Remember all the things about this year that were special.
Evy: You didn’t give a lot of quotable things in your first blog mate…
But, I do want to say that you’re such a dope person. I admire your strength and honesty, your humor and how well you care for the people around you. I know we’re gonna have a good laugh when we hang out. Excited for you to be in Raleigh!
Tessa: Oh boy, let’s see what she wrote. “A good, humbling hard, but it makes me feel weak nonetheless. It’s massively inconvenient and at times frustrated. But we must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God.”
One big thing to highlight about you Tessa is that you are always looking for a way to follow John 3:30. Life for you isn’t about being self seeking. You give a lot of your time away, thank you.
Elijah: “On one hand I’m blessed beyond measure and expectant for the future. On the other, I’m finding it difficult to feel at home and settle in to the program.”
I don’t know really how to explain my admiration for you Elijah but I am blessed you were here this year. I appreciate our conversations, your hospitality, and maybe at times you might say, putting up with me. Thank you for being my work buddy this year, it’ll be sad to leave that:( You have grown so much this year, and I don’t know many people willing to grow and strive for it like you do.
Joe: “This past month has been the beginning of a new season of life and it has been a blast becoming a Raleigh fellow. I have experienced a wide range of emotions over the recent weeks.”
Although this statement may be true today, it doesn’t come without the patient endurance that only Christ can provide. Your are doing a great job. There is nothing more sweet than brothers carrying each other’s burdens. You are a wonderful soul Joe. Thank you for showing us a tender heart.
Jenna: “She loves hard and shows grace and mercy so evidently.”
I know you were saying this of Ashley, which is true, but it describes you as well. You’re nut # 2 along with Celeste and it so awesome. Keep being Jenna. Thank you for being so hospitable, I’m lucky to have a friend in you.
AG: “Hope you enjoy these snapshots into the life of Raleigh Fellows!”
In a way you’re the Gen Z version of a historian for the Fellows. Thank you for documenting us these past 9 months! We’re blessed to have you pushing us along and keeping us organized. You have some kitty fits too bruh!
Bailey: “I recently went to Tookie’s with a small group of my friends.”
This describes everything about who you are. It sounds like the start to a great book. I have a lot of emotions around my friendship with Bailey, good ones for that matter. He was a tricky one to start off with (meaning I didn’t understand him), but shortly became a highlight for me to see him daily. It just clicks man.
Josh: “After a stressful summer working for the corporate machine back in Virginia…”
This is hilarious. Josh you’re such a hard worker and the Lord has blessed you with your attitude about life. What I mean is that there is a lot of bad to focus on and I think your experience in those areas of grief has given you the ability to be strong and know the truth. You have life, and life to the fullest! Keep catchin’ ‘em fish ol’ boy.
I didn’t check for spelling, don’t care. (I went back and edited it because it wasn’t even readable). Muah