The Beginning of the End

In exactly 7 days, I will be back home in North Dakota. As much as I am excited, I am sad to be done with project and leave this amazing community. I was not sure when it was going to hit (the fact that I am leaving) but it hit this morning in church. It was one of those moments. I was trying to take in the moment-being in our last church service here in Seaside Park. This church has loved and served us so well in countless ways-thank you is not enough. 

I remember our first Sunday at church. It was a little overwhelming. I met a lot of people. There is one moment in particular I remember: We were singing "Amazing Grace" and tears filled my eyes. At that moment, I was not sure why I was here. And honestly, I really did not want to be here. I was questioning why I was on project and facing a lot of doubt. As I sang the lyrics "my chains are gone, I've been set free", I realized I did not have to be afraid of this summer. I've been given the ultimate freedom. I will never forget this moment and how God truly met me in a time of weakness. 

Now, nine weeks later, I sat in our last church service. It was emotional for me. We started worship by singing "Great is Thy Faithfulness". I could not help but reflect on how faithful God has been throughout the past 9 weeks of project. I was overwhelmed with emotions: thankfulness, sadness, and joy. He has been so faithful, even in my uncertainty. 

Leaving project is going to be difficult. There are going to be lots of tears. Even as I'm writing, there are tears. At the beginning of project, all I wanted to do was go home. Now I do not even want to leave. Being back with my family, first graders, and friends will be great, but nothing can replace my summer project family. God is faithful.

With Blessings,

Heather