New Year's Eve

I remembr that exactly one year ago I had just landed after Christmas in Europe and I was lying on the couch by myself watching old episodes of Glee. I am in a very different state this New Year's Eve of 2010. I am surrounded by my parents and their friends. I am HOME.

There's never been fear in my heart of God calling me to go somewhere far away. It's not because I'm brave or because I'm desperate to leave this place, but I feel confident enough to leave because I know I'll always have this place to return to. Perhaps not these same walls or the same trees growing outside, but the stories and lives will always be here. These eight people-my own parents and the parent s of some of my dearest friends-have been the greatest influence on my life. From feeding me many pounds of beef to picking me up from school to attending ever play I was in, they've always been there for me. How they've managed to raise their own children and also a small part of me, I'll never know. They are phenomenal and it has been an absolute pleasure to share this New Year's Eve with them. I thank the Lord for bringing all of our lives together and I pray that it will stay that way for many years to come.