Mackenzie Standing

It's August 26th, my friends. The first day of school is officially over. The last of my Wenatchee friends left this morning. Four of my five classes have syllabus-ed me to death. We had our first large group planning meeting and our first giant, spanning-four-tables-it's-so-big group dinner. I'm typing this in the dark because my roommate just headed to bed, about two hours before I'll call it a night. Reality has settled, and it's strange. In many ways, the transition to school has been much easier this year, and in many ways it's been harder. It's been easier because I have an idea of what to expect... And it's harder for the exact same reason. I know Bozeman and MSU is a place where I am stretched and I can grow, a place where I can serve and worship, a place where I laugh and sing and dance. I know it's also a place, though, where I always feel a little too different. A little too Washingtonian. A little too "Covenant", for lack of...

I'm currently sitting in Seatac airport, which can only mean one thing: It's time to say goodbye. I hate this part. Summer can't really be over, can it? It's been a phenomenal summer, though, full of great experiences and better people. I am so very thankful for it. I'm thankful for the chance to participate in big life changes, from weddings to baptisms to graduations. I'm thankful for days spent picking raspberries and curling up on the couch watching television. I'm thankful for many games of Phase 10 with one spunky 13-year-old. For lazy days full of books and movies. For great conversations over coffee with some of the most amazing people placed here on Earth. For 4th of July hikes up Saddlerock to watch the fireworks from the peak. For days spent watching girly shows on Netflix and spending much too much time planning far-off events on Pinterest. For little girls with great big eyes that made me laugh whenever I was around them, and...