Here's to the Dub.

June 9th. 

Exactly one year ago today, I boarded a plane in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

bound for China and then Los Angeles. 

I remember getting on the bus that would take us to the airport.

I sat near the front and stared out the window. 

My second to last flight of that season was about to happen, 

and I was so ready. 

But so NOT ready at the same time. 

I remember thinking over and over 

"I can't believe it's over. I can't believe it's actually over."

During the race, I was pretty sure the end would never come. 

We would talk about home. 

Dream about eating at our favourite restaurants, or the luxury of being able to be in a room by ourselves. 

I couldn't wait to get home and sleep in my bed for the first time in just short of a year. 

I had waited what seemed like forever to hug my family members. 

I was beyond excited to be around Canadians for the first time in a year.

But that meant saying goodbye to 49 Americans who had completely stolen my heart. 

My squad, my family, my mentors, my best friends. 

Bittersweet. 

So, so bittersweet. 

We arrived in LAX and everyone went their separate ways. 

I went to a hotel with 4 of squadmates and later that night, set out to explore Hollywood. 

The next morning, 

I said goodbye for real, and got on a plane by myself for the first time in a year, 

my parents and my brother ahead of me and the only family I had known for the past year behind me.

  

Since that day, 

God has been so faithful. 

I had the incredible opportunity to led an amazing group of girls as we ministered in Kenya, 

and I got to see them become amazing women.

I'm so honoured that I got to be a part of their journey, 

and I will cherish those 4 months forever. 

I came home from Kenya with a deeper intimacy with the Lord

and a whole new set of leadership skills. 

As I embraced a new season, I was brought into a family. 

A beautiful community similar to the race. 

Now I'm serving at Imagine Church and preparing to move to Thailand in six short months. 

It's been a crazy year. 

It's been hard, but like they say on the race; 

if it wasn't hard it would be boring.

And this year has definitely been anything but boring. 

I am missing my beautiful Dub squad more than ever today. 

I wish I could hug all of them, 

or sit down and talk about all the things God is doing and everything He's put on my heart. 

I wish I could laugh with them and take 30 bus rides with them. 

Eat Chik-fil-A with them.

Love them and be loved by them. 

So here's to the Dub.

You guys changed me, 

you loved me like I've never been loved.

You taught me so much and I never could have made it through that crazy trip without you. 

I miss all of you so so much.  

Love you, mean it.