Party's Over!

I feel like a seven year old being dragged out of an amusement park by big mama with the stern face that comes just before the whooppin; if I don't walk myself out of this park right now and head for the car, I got another thing coming! For the past few months, I've been enjoying a little bit of the ride of summer. I had the honor of going home to cheer on my nieces for their 5th grade graduation, and I got to be there when they returned from Junior prom in their little pink and blue flowered dresses, exhausted from all the excitement, and bubbling with all the stories of who didn't want to dance with whom...Priceless!

Dispersed throughout my time of employment at YSA, I got to attend flea markets with co-workers and explore parts of DC where I'd never ventured. In my discussions with fellow employees, I even learned of an easy way to get to travel to Frederiksburg, VA where my cousin resides. Thanks to this lead, I got to make my way to a Fourth of July celebration with family. All packed into a big, beautiful home, family members from as far south as Savannah and north as Upstate, New York, gathered for birthday cake, bbq, bowling, fireworks (it wasn't us ;)), neighborhood walks (or neighborhood run to avoid being fried by the looming lightning and thunderstorm), sing-a-longs, Walmart shopping (my favorite past-time with my Aunt Kim) and simply the pleasure of each others company (without there being a funeral!).

And then last week, my final scheduled summer attraction, the beautiful wedding of two of my college friends. After scurrying around for months trying to take care of bridesmaid duties, on July 9, 2011, I got to get all made up and participate in one of the most exciting days of a woman's life. From the bachelorette party (;)), to the church, to the panoramic view that enveloped the reception venue, I had a magical time. This mini reunion brought together most of my girls in support of a really beautiful bride and groom!

As I walked away from the photobooth, dance floor, and Wes crew, with my black cake party bag in hand, I slowly felt an eerie sadness in the midst of all the precious excitement. The lights were going out on the biggest ride in the park; it was time to start preparing for my return to all things school related.

In a matter of weeks, I will sit for my week-long qualifying exams. Yesterday, as I took the all too familiar ride to campus for the first time in months, I slowly felt an allergic reaction. Everything inside of me wanted to kick and scream and avoid the unavoidable, but I made my way to the library and began what will be an intense ride to victory.

I was blessed to be able to look back over the past few months and enjoy the memories of good times, good news, and many blessings. On my prayer altar right now I truly surrender worry, anxiety, and fear; I pray for God's covering over my family, friends, those loved ones who need healing and opportunities to help get through some very challenging times, and those like me everywhere who are working towards realizing some dream of their own. I pray a special prayer for my cohort and all that is in store for us with this upcoming year; I pray for news of full funding and to hear that I've received the Minority Fellowship in September. I simply thank God in advance for the way that things are already in divine, right order before I even ask.

As the lights dim on "vacation", I welcome this opportunity to get one step closer to finishing what I've started. I will walk bravely into this phase of my journey, knowing confidently that God didn't bring me this far to leave me.

#letsgetit