No one tells you that leaving your hometown is hard, even if you are only an hour and a half away. Leaving is never easy-- no matter the reason. As I was sitting around a few close friends from my young adult group, I was amazed at how far we had all come as individuals. Leaving can be a little scary. What I've known for five years is changing right before my eyes. It's one of the most emotional times of my life. You know that saying, "Never say goodbye, because goodbye means going away, and going away means forgetting?"

This quote is what I'm holding onto as I take this next step in life. The past couple of days have been rough and full of so much emotion, which apart of me feels bad for feeling this way, but then another part of me is just like, 'Ya know it's going to be fine.'

I have never had to leave such close friends before. Yes, I moved around a lot when I was younger, but it's never been a big deal because I didn't have long-lasting friendships at the time. Now that I know the true value of friendships, it's a little harder. I have constantly been thinking that if I would have never moved here, I more than likely wouldn't be going to Lee in a couple days. God used this place to serve as part of His plan for my life. He used my youth pastor to show me where His Will was for my life after high school. Never have I been so sure about anything in my life, but that doesn't mean it's going to be easier when I leave. Not only am I leaving my family and friends, but I am also leaving a part of myself here in Maryville, Tennessee. I know this is what God has for me and wants for me. I need this to grow closer to Him and become more reliant and thankful for what He has done for me. If you are anxious about leaving, too, I encourage you to spend some time with God-- whether that means spending more time with Him or actually giving Him the time of day to just thank Him for what He has done. I know we all are feeling this wave of emotion. We are all happy and sad as we leave behind the old and venture into the new, but always remember to never forget where you have come from and where God has you going. He brings us all comfort and peace.

Philippians 4:7 NLT says, "Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."