And so it begins…
We weren't designed for goodbyes. Leaving people and places that we love couldn't have been part of the original design of creation. It's part of the Fall, part of the brokenness of the world. Those were a few of my thoughts as my Dad and I traveled north on I-44 headed in the direction of my new home in Pennsylvania. As the miles behind me grew in number, I had to push away the thoughts of the hugs, kisses, tears, sweet notes and loving words that I had received from my family. I didn't want to cry again. Even though I was going toward a new and exciting adventure...one that I couldn't wait to begin...I learned something that day. We weren't designed for goodbyes. It made me long for the day with all of God's children will never have to be separated again.
Ok. So there's the sad stuff out the way. Saying goodbye to my family was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but they're already looking at the calendar and planning dates to come and visit me, so I'll see them again soon. The part that made it all so hard was the realization that one season of my life (the season of living at home with my parents and siblings and all of the sweet memories that comes from that) was drawing to a close. But I'm learning that an ending must happen for a beginning to take place.
And what a beginning this has been!
First of all, the 20 hour road trip with my dad was a blast. We made it in 1 1/2 days. We left on a Friday afternoon of the 6th and made it to Lancaster, PA by late Saturday evening. I've never spent so many consecutive hours in a car. We just kept going. It was stop-for-a-bathroom-break, fill-up-the-tank, grab-a-snack, get-back-in-the-car. My dad drove the whole way and I have no idea how he did it. The man never ceases to amaze. I tip my hat to you, good sir.
As far as entertaining ourselves, we listened to music, had some really good conversations about family, childhood memories, favorite vacations, and answering fun, random questions. It was wonderful to have some uninterrupted time with just my dad. And when he said, "Why don't you show me what this whole Hamilton thing is all about?" I couldn't have been happier to oblige. We listened to the whole thing, sang along, laughed, and I got to go on and on about why its one of my all time favorite musicals. So yeah. That was a great time. *grin*
Sunday was move-in day. Dad and I pulled up to the apartment complex and I hesitantly opened the door. My roommates weren't there at the time, so I looked around at the empty rooms and wondered how it could ever feel like home. Getting my boxes in didn't help much. Then it just looked like a room filled with boxes. Go figure. But that afternoon, as I started to unpack and pull out all the things I'd brought from home (blankets, books, pictures, mugs, clothes) and saw my things begin to add color to the blank walls...the impersonal space suddenly came to life. It didn't feel like an empty apartment anymore. It felt like a place I wanted to live.
Meeting my roommates was the best. We've Skyped a couple of times, but seeing them in person made it all seem so real and exciting. Ellie is from North Carolina and Emma is from Maine. They are beautiful, kind, lovely young women who have a passion for using their gifts to glorify the Lord. As we've interacted, worked through details, and planned our schedules, I can tell that we're going to be good friends. I'm certain I'll have lots of stories to share featuring our escapades. The other day we took a quick trip to the Sight & Sound Theatre building, just to peek in the lobby and see where we'll be working all year. Many squeals of delight and exclamations of "I can't believe this is really happening" and "I get to work here?!" echoed through the lobby that afternoon.
(From the left) Ellie, me and Emma. I couldn't be more overjoyed by the fact that I get to room with them for an entire year.
We've loved working together to turn our apartment into a home. It's funny how many little things that you took for granted at home...suddenly you don't have them when you're setting up house for the first time. Clothespins have just always been in the junk drawer. Extra soap has just always been in the cabinet. A hammer and nails were always somewhere to be found. Well...no longer. Huh. This adulting thing isn't as easy as all the adults made it look. *wink* But we've done pretty well, if I do say so myself. It's cozy and inviting and it's ours. That's pretty neat.
Dad flew back home on Monday evening, and I had to go through another tough goodbye. The trip with him had been so special and Oklahoma seemed so far away. But he took such good care of me, saw that I was settled in, comfortable, and good to go. I could not be more grateful for his kindness and his willingness to be there for me on this first step in the adventure. I comforted myself with the knowledge that it wasn't really a goodbye. Just a "see you later."
We may not have been designed for goodbyes, but we sure were designed for hellos. The Conservatory doesn't officially begin until Monday, so we haven't had any classes yet. But all of the students are finally in town and we've already started getting to know one another. Most of us have been here all week...without much to do...so it's basically been like a big party the whole time. I'm perfectly fine with that! We've gathered at one another's apartments and rent houses to eat together, ask questions, tell stories, watch a couple of movies, and get to know these people that we'll be working alongside for the coming year.
The first time I met the other students felt truly magical. It was Monday evening when we met at Amanda's apartment for a chili dinner and game night. I was the last one to arrive, and as I knocked on door I heard a commotion inside. Excited voices, footsteps coming quickly down the stairs. JT opened the door and promptly exclaimed, "Hi Kinsey!" I laughed at the fact that he didn't even need to ask my name.
We've all been following one another on social media since last June when we found out we were accepted. But we hadn't met face to face. To walk into that room and see actual people, not just posts and profile pictures...suddenly it was all real! As I looked around and saw the welcoming, smiling faces, I thought about how each of us has a story. We all have a journey that has brought us here, for this special year. Twelve paths converging, twelve souls that belong to Christ, twelve hearts full of dreams. I couldn't wait to get hear all about the things these amazing young people love; the things and people and places and experiences that have made them who they are.
(From the left) Aaron, JT, Amanda, Hannah, Wes, Ellie, me, with Nick being the honorary "selfie stick." We were missing Gabbi, Blair, Emma and Abby the first evening. Can't wait for classes on Monday when we can finally get one picture of the entire class!
This week has been a whirlwind of settling in, never-ending trips to Walmart (we all pretty much hate it there now, we've been so many times), and getting to know one another. Every evening has been full of laughter and heartfelt times of sharing our stories, our fears, and our hopes for the year. We've also discussed at length the correct and confusing pronunciation of our new hometown (it's LEncEster, not LAncAster. Nope, it doesn't make sense but we'll lovingly let you know if you get it wrong *wink*). We've only known each other a week, but there are already countless inside jokes, selfies, and original hashtags.
The coming year won't be easy, but I couldn't be more excited to face it head on alongside these amazing humans. They are kind, courageous, enthusiastic, talented, mature, and inclusive. I'm honored to be here. I'm honored to be one of them.
Let's get this show on the road!