Things I'll Never Forget.

I remember my second day here when I missed one turn and got so lost that I started crying.

I remember never feeling like I'd ever learn my way around.

I remember the day that I decided we shouldn't talk anymore, and

I remember crying in my kitchen pantry while my mom told me that I was strong enough to make it through.

I remember my dad coming in my room and telling me to "stop moping around." and

I remember the day I decided to stop.

I remember Halloween and going out with people I didn't know, in a place I'd never been.

I remember when I felt like it must not be in the cards for me to make friends here.

I remember missing home so deeply that I thought my heart was going to explode daily, and

I remember the day I realized that the last year of my life was my best one yet.

I remember my first Thanksgiving in this weird, lonely new place.

I remember my first snow and the way the world looked so quiet and calm.

I remember the still, small voice that spoke peace to my restless heart.

I remember my Christmas and the loneliness that came with new tradition.

I remember the way I felt when I realized that this was becoming my home, and

I remember going back to California to nothing being as it was when I left it. Mostly myself.

I remember when I fell in love with the way it felt when the sun hit my face here, and

I remember when I realized that I knew 4 different ways to get the same place.

I remember when I realized that I had made beautiful new friends in my new home.

I remember when I knew that the next year would be even better than the last if I let it and

I remember the moment I decided that I love the person that this place is making me.

I remember learning that my hearts moves forward even when I don't want it to, and

I remember learning to trust that the best is yet to come.

But I haven't ever forgotten that God's tender grace is enough, even when I refuse it, and

I haven't ever forgotten that I'm loved with a faithfulness more sure than the rising sun.