All my life I have longed to see the world. To travel. To move actively. To live life experiencing other places and cultures. I feel so blessed to know that God hears my passions and sets them before me. Every day I am faced with opportunity to see His earth in new ways. From Muko to New York to Amsterdam to…Texas.
Last Thursday my eight roommates and I drove from New Orleans, LA to Austin, TX for a fall retreat. All stops included it’s about an 8 hour trip.
There is something to be said about driving. I’m not sure if it’s the time or the lack of physical movement, but something about long distance traveling tends to bring out a glimpse of hysteria in most people. I’m pretty sure this past weekend was a testament to that fact. I don’t believe I have ever laughed so hard in my life. It’s very hard with 9 people, to spend time with each other and get to know one another. We try our best, but often the only time we have to talk is once a week. This car ride gave us such a great opportunity to talk, laugh, cry because we’re laughing, and play together.
We had a great time exploring Austin. We saw the capital, we went to the lake and drank coffee at Mozart’s, we went to a Powwow, we ate at a chili cook-off, we saw the UT marching band, and we stayed at the Seminary. However, the greatest part of the whole weekend for me was playing cards until my fingers fell off. We played for hours into the night. Once again, we talked, laughed, cried, screamed, and played together. It was here that I realized how blessed I am to enjoy simple things in life. Even though I enjoy traveling so much and seeing the world, I enjoy spending time with people I love more.
God is bigger than Texas.
He is changing my heart daily. He is turning me into the person He wants me to be. He takes every opportunity to show me this.
- Ashley
