It is Sunday in Chicago. YAGM orientation has been going on for four days now and we finally have a free day to explore the city or sleep or just be together as a crew of young adults. And though I find myself hoping to find a group to tag along with and enjoy some quality time, I also find myself full and bursting with thoughts and feelings (I know, sounds super mushy) and needing to take a moment to have some "Amanda time."
...And I suppose that's why this blog post has emerged....
Over the past four days, our schedules have been packed full with workshops on Accompaniment (stay tuned for a blog on this topic in the future), building relationships, policies, safety procedures and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Needless to say, it's exhausting. Each day I end up feeling about every emotion possible and trying to navigate them along with the different policies is quite the task. Along with that, I am also in the midst of building some pretty dang sweet relationships among the YAGMers. (Yes, it is a word)
You know, though, I wouldn't change this week for anything. I've repeatedly said how I love having a week to separate myself from my life back home yet still remain in the states before jetting off to Edinburgh. Before the 15th when orientation began I hadn't realized just how sad I was. I was sad to leave camp, my family, my friends and all that I know. And now, there are pieces of me that are still sad, but I feel as though I am able to explore what it means to be nervous, scared, anxious and excited about this journey. What a sense of relief! Being with the others YAGMs has given me a sense of hope for this journey and for the support system that I not only have in my friends and family, but also within the YAGM community.
Pause for a minute. Do you ever have moments when you realize just how blessed you are? I just had one. I have been given some pretty beautiful communities to be a part of in my young life. I have seen God more through the lovely people in my life more than in any church service I have attended. Wow.
Okay, back to the topic at hand. Orientation has served such a great purpose for the transition to going abroad for a year. All in all, this is what it comes down to. The conversations, friend time, hugs, tears and hopes that I have within the YAGM community have been ever meaningful. And I am confident that I have started some lifelong friendships and relationships here. SO cool.
And as for Chicago? Well, it's a pretty cool city. I've found myself having little, nerdy freak out moments like when I went on a morning run past the Obama's house or around Lake Michigan (have never seen it before now...BEAUTIFUL). Going to Navy Pier and Millenium Park, eating at the Elephant and Castle in DT Chicago and just walking around and enjoying some big city time (totes different from the backcountry, but sometimes I do want to shout out "Woah bear!"). It has been quite the grand old time.
As this week progresses and I get on that plane Wednesday morning, I will look back and have such beautiful memories of this week and of these people. That alone makes this experience worth it...and that is just the tip of the iceberg.
Peace.
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