A memorable {last} one.

This past summer has been like a strange sort of purgatory for me. Like every true college kid, I love the comforts of home; my bed, my hometown, not having to wear flip flops in the shower, eating 'real food,' my family, my stuff, my pets, the familiar. With so much constantly changing as I get ready for my last year of school, plan the wedding, and both mentally and physically prepare for a very different life exactly a year from now; I have been all over the place.

In the beginning of the summer, I was privileged to take a class for a total three weeks in the country of Northern Ireland. It was gorgeous there and I am so grateful for the opportunity, what I learned about the country, as well as all that I learned about myself.

sunset on the plane leaving the US

gorgeous sunset on the countryside; around 11pm

the city of Belfast

Giant's Causeway

Ballintoy Harbor 

Giant's Causeway

As you can see it was obviously not hard to just bask in the country's overwhelming and very blatant natural beauty. Coming home mid-June, it was difficult, but refreshing to finally get into some kind of rhythm of the summer life. Taking childcare jobs here and there, I had difficulty finding something stable and regular. I was frustrated and defeated. It was hard knowing that my last summer home and the time I most practically need to save money would rather be me not having a steady job and income, something I've held for years. Also, it would be the first summer (besides N. Ireland) that I would not be taking some sort of course (online or attending a state school). I'm obviously pretty good at stay busy. It keeps me sane.

But I guess God had different plans.

Strawberry picking with family 

lots of quality time with this munchkin 

relaxing through baking/cooking

Through the past few (often frustrating and seemingly boring!) months I've seen that maybe this is what my last summer should be, but not something I would ever willingly give to myself. Although I am starting to itch to get back to school, throw myself into student teaching and craving a routine, I have been blessed by simply staying home these past few months. It's allowed me to hold value on the things and people who really matter in my life. Not just focusing on how much I'm going to miss them (not thinking about that part yet!), but on how important it is to just recognize all that! Something maybe we....eh hem, I...am usually too busy or rushed to do. I've spent valuable time with family and friends, done and truly placed value simple things (like lots of baking or just laying by the pool talking), had the ability to casually and excitedly plan things for the wedding I otherwise would not have time for, and take time to myself. I've been able to relax before my final year of school and the whirlwind of life changes along with inevitable countless hours of hard work. While it's a little difficult to admit, I quite like how this summer turned out. Sure it would have been nice to stay busier because that's what I'm used to. And sure, having a full time reliable job is super. But I guess it's a tiny bit of a foot-in-the-mouth-God-moment to realize that all my usual big 'ole plans of staying busy and rushing the time spent at home with friends and family, actually turned into a lazy and memorable time.

But I guess that's how it works most often, right?

One that maybe I would have otherwise missed being in and out the door everyday. 

Regardless, I'm glad this summer turned out the way it did. I'm glad that I'm not too busy (although I do heavily crave routine, but time and place, you know?...) I'm glad that although this is the last full summer I'll spend at home, I'm able to be fully present in all the right ways.

It's been sweet.