This summer I drove 10 hours away from home.

I was scared.

I doubted myself.

For the first week or so I told myself I'd go home early.

But now almost ten weeks later I hate the fact that I am leaving. Every second has been perfect and worth every hour I drove.

I needed to move far away. I needed to see what it was like to really take a leap of faith and trust in the Lord.

Being in Texas taught me how to rely on the Lord and how to rely on faith.

It's okay to be afraid, but it isn't okay to live in fear.

It's okay to doubt, but it isn't okay to live a life of doubt.

Sometimes we have to see that those things bring a lot of goodness. Because we are our truest selves when we feel alone. When we are vulnerable we are seeking Christ the absolute most and we need that.

We need to be vulnerable because that allows God to walk in and take over.

Coming to Texas opened my eyes and heart to friendships I honestly didn't think I needed, but they were different kinds of friendships. Friendships that started with us knowing we would eventually be separated by hundreds of miles. Friendships that started just because of a single place. Friendships that started because God is good and faithful.

Because of time here I have learned how to be more of myself because who I am is more than enough. Who I am is accepted, created, and loved.

I have learned how to love others better. I have learned to be accepting and loving in all situations. I have learned how to teach others.

Because of Texas, I have become more me. I have become more joyful. I have become more faithful. I have become more accepting.

Because I am 10 hours away from my family I have learned that you can have family anywhere and it doesn't have to be just through blood. I have learned what family truly is - family is faithful always and never failing.

Texas, you are the best leap I have jumped.

Thank you for taking me in and loving me well.

Thank you for letting me be me even when me is confused, tired, and absent.

Thank you for the friendships that turned into family.

Thank you for all that you mean to me.