bon anniversaire

Nostalgia has been weighing heavily on me through June and July as I consider milestones that are approaching. On June 8, 2009, I decided to move to Columbus, Ohio. In the month following, I sold most of my earthly possessions, and made preparations for my cross-country voyage. I began volunteering at the Springville Museum of Art. I barely slept, crammed in last-minute excursions with friends and family I'm still not sure when I'll be able to see again, and I found a kindred spirit. Somewhere in there I attended the temple weekly and prepared myself to receive my own endowment.

Nonny met me in Provo. He loaded up liten bil with the help of his two industrious and wonderful brothers who I love very dearly. After hugs to these uncles and my Liver, Nonny and I crammed ourselves into the tiny toyota and pulled out of my parking lot. I soaked in the mountains inbetween tears. What am I doing? What does Columbus hold for me?

On the morning of July 9, 2009, Nonny and I took a break-of-day walk around the Nauvoo temple together. Piling back in the car, we began a rain sodden day that would end with us pulling into the driveway of my childhood home in Detroit. A little over two weeks later, surrounded by friends and family, I entered the Detroit, Michigan temple and received my endowment.

A month later, I was sitting in the institute building in Columbus scared out of my mind.

I often wonder why it was that I needed to move to Columbus, Ohio, especially after not getting into Ohio State. Providence intervened to get me here so quickly and safely, but why?

A year ago today it was that Nonny and I pulled in the driveway. 365 days that have shaped, molded, and morphed me. I think it is quite possible that I have cried more in the past year than I ever have or hopefully ever will. With my dreams dashed, Columbus seemed like a joke to me. Then I started thinking of all that has happened. I've stretched the limits of my heart, and tested the bounds of my faith. Friends have been made, lost, and cherished. Yes, I've cried, but I have also never laughed so heartily or felt the adventure seeping out of every day so fully.

365 days later, I'm a recommending holding, part-time job working, amateur artist who has a great network of friends locally and internationally. I've sunk lower than I thought possible only to build a boat and reach the shore. And dreams, I am finding, were made for reshaping.

July 9, 2010, worked a full day at the library, nearly didn't make it to the airport in time, and went for a drive in the rain. Realized that Columbus really is the place for me. For now...