Leaving Home

One of the huge challenges for anyone moving onto campus for their studies is leaving home. This is something I was particularly dreading as I am very close with my family, and have a niece who is only just 2. I live in the beautiful town of Stonehaven with my Mum and Dad, and my sister lives just up the road with my niece. Saying goodbye to her was something that required a great deal of strength. Through this situation, God is bringing me to a place of total reliance on Him. I had to leave all my safety nets behind me in order to carry out His plans for me- that was not an easy thing to do.

The town of Stonehaven

The other people who I found it difficult to leave were the Young Adults at my home church, Sheddocksley (fondly known as The Shedd). They have held me faithfully in their prayers both in the lead up to the big move, and since. For the first time in a long time, this group of people makes me feel safe and comfortable. They are a huge encouragement to me, and without their love and prayers I believe this journey would be much, much harder. They have supported me, and spoken words of love and truth over me from the minute I waked through the door. I truly believe that God puts people in our lives during the seasons that we need them- and I pray that I can be as much of an encouragement to them as they have been to me. 

Obviously, one of the hardest things to do was discuss with my boyfriend the potential of doing the long distance thing. Although we genuinely believe that God's plan is for us to be together, the timing hasn't been ideal. It's been hard work for both of us- but more on that later.

For others in a similiar situation, I would say that the best thing to do is dwell on God's plan for you. For me, the verse that stuck with me throughout was Jeremiah 29:11;

"For I alone know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to bring about a hope and a future."

Obviously, this is much more easy to say than it is to do, and I could have handled the situation with a great deal more grace than I did- but then when so we not fall short? I find comfort in the knowledge that God's grace is eternal and his mercies are new every morning. 

God Bless x