Stouffers mac and cheese for 5

I’ve seen my Spotify wrapped and my facebook year in review, but today I started to think I of what 2019 has meant to me.

I graduated from UNC in May, double majoring in environmental studies and political science and minoring in geography with honors in three years.

I traveled to the United Kingdom and hiked the West Highland Way with Gillian Munro, ending the trip in Ireland.

I flew across the United States to see Hannah Torggler and hike the Cascades again.

I said goodbye to North Carolina and everyone living there.

I sold my car, packed up a few of my belongings, and moved to Philadelphia to serve as a Global Mission Fellow with the United Methodist Church, as a community organizer.

Yet, what has struck me most, is my growth and struggles since I’ve moved to Philadelphia.

I’ve learned to truly start over with no sense of community, being alone, and exploring neighborhoods, thrift stores, and coffeeshops by myself.

Cooking and ordering food for one, and forcing yourself to make plans by yourself.

But, I have also found wonderful community here in my church and in new friends.

Thanksgiving with Bethany and her family, game nights with co-workers and bosses turned friends, and starting to attend small groups and social groups.

My 2019 was the end of a decade, but the start of an age.

I started alone in Philadelphia, and I’ll be honest, I shed a lot of tears and wanted to move back home.

But now? I think it’s just beginning.