Wow, April went by so fast and I’m almost not a Fellow.
I find myself surprised at how quickly things are coming to an end. Next week is our week of lasts. It's the last week of work, class, Neighbor 2 Neighbor, and Round Table, and this is my last blog. Nine months have passed in the blink of an eye.
I feel like if you told me what my life would look like right now, in September when Fellows started, I wouldn’t have believed you. I’m staying in Raleigh for at least another year, 6 out of 7 of us girls are moving into a house together (shoutout Carsyn for getting married, I don’t think we could squeeze in a seventh), and what I am thinking of doing post-Fellows is very different from what I was thinking coming in.
My year as a Raleigh Fellow was growing, surprising, stretching, uncomfortable, new, silly, and fun. I am grateful for each and every person who poured their time and resources into making this program possible for post-grad people like myself. Most notably, my host family the Thielmans, my mentor, Terri, Apostles staff, and of course, Ashley.
Even though it is sad that a chapter of my life is coming to an end, I think I am ready to jump into the real world. It’s hard to write about an ending without either sounding cliche or being too emotional. But truly, the end of Fellows feels as much like an ending as it does the kickstart to a new beginning. I feel really lucky that most of us will be in Raleigh, so the community aspect of Fellows really doesn't have to end! While I will miss Wednesday nights at Ashley's house, retreats, and classes, I feel equipped and excited to step into the next chapter of my life.
Thanks be to God.
Jackie