Two Days Until Departure

It's hard to believe that in only 36 hours, I will be on a plane headed to Greece. This summer has been filled with events like this trip that seemed so distant, it felt like they would never come. Now, I look back and it feels like they never happened. It's really incredible reflecting, as I realize all of the occasions that occurred  in the last few months. Most notably would be the conclusion of my year at Simsbury High School. Some mornings, for a moment I still find myself wondering whether I want to go to public school or not, and then it dawns on me that I already decided, I already went and I already finished. That was an incredible experience that I would definitely choose to do again if I had the option in retrospect. A few weeks upon my departure from Simsbury High School, I graduated officially with a celebration at my house. Finishing high school gave flexibility for God to begin opening doors for my future. Another significant event was my 18th birthday which gave me legal admittance into Adulthood. Although I am under the impression that I became an adult much younger when my parents started treating me like one, it was nice to know that the government would now hold me accountable for my actions. Also worthy of mention, was my two weeks in Colorado where God groomed my knowledge of religions and apologetics. I met some amazing people, but also my ability to defend my faith was honed.The American College of Thessaloniki (where I'm studying), has around twenty different countries represented in it's student body, which means that people of all different religious backgrounds will be in attendance there. The knowledge and experience I gained from Simsbury High School and Summit will be invaluable as I try to be a Christian example in this distant country. I am extremely encouraged because in every step I've taken over the last few months, I've been able to see God's plan. Often in life we are not blessed with this luxury, but for whatever reason God has opened my eyes. I believe that God used this summer to teach me many things about myself, and other people, but most significantly, it helped prepare me for this next journey, this next adventure, my leap with faith.


Plan:
To study for ten months at the American College of Thessaloniki which is in the city of Thessaloniki Greece.

Goal:
To be an ambassador of Christ to the college, and to begin my university education.

It's been really hard to say goodbye to everyone, but I know that the Lord goes with me, and so do the prayers of my friends and family. I was at a retreat with my church this past weekend and I said my final goodbyes. And just when it was most difficult, God manifested his love with a promise of his faithfulness. I want to leave you today with this poem, and these pictures of God's promise to never abandon us.


"The Gate of the Year" by Minnie Haskins 1908

I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year
'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.'

And he replied, 'Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way!'

So I went forth and finding the Hand of God
Trod gladly into the night
He led me towards the hills
And the breaking of day in the lone east.

So heart be still!
What need our human life to know
If God hath comprehension?

In all the dizzy strife of things
Both high and low,
God hideth his intention."