Allie Hart is Santa Clara University’s fabulous Co-Director!
A RebelXSi camera,
2 duffel bags,
46 steps,
And I had made it onboard the MV Explorer. The Halifax, Nova Scotia wind blew my hair all over the place as I clumsily stepped onto the main deck of what would be my new home for the next four months.
I had said goodbye to my parents only moments before and found myself wishing to see them just one last time. I sent one last text to my boyfriend and reluctantly turned my cell phone off, dreading the next four months without it.
Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea…
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Little did I know that the next four months would consist of some of the best experiences of my life. I don’t think I have ever witnessed as many God moments as I did while on that trip. And after just a few days on that boat, I knew it was exactly where He needed and wanted me to be.
The first incredible gift God gave me was a wonderful roommate, Anna, who would soon become my best friend. I know Anna will be one of the bridesmaids in my wedding-that is how close we were at the end of our adventure.
The first incredible gift God gave me was a wonderful roommate, Anna, who would soon become my best friend. I know Anna will be one of the bridesmaids in my wedding-that is how close we were at the end of our adventure.
Anna taught me one of the most important aspects of friendship-honesty. Now… I don’t mean pseudo honesty. I mean the nitty gritty down to your core yucky stuff you don’t want to share with anyone. Such as the temptations in your life, the things in your past you are ashamed of, some of the thoughts you think that aren’t so God-like, and pieces of your personality you wish you could change. We would even talk about our own frustrations with each other if need be. Not to be catty or hurt each other, but to allow our friendship to continue to grow into something genuine.
Anna always allowed me to be me. If I was having a bad day, I didn’t need to lie to her when she asked “how are you doing.” If I was mad, I could yell.
It felt so good to not have to pretend to be someone I am not. Do you ever feel that way? I do all the time in class, while walking on campus, and sometimes with my friends.
The relationship I had formed with Anna is the type of relationship God wants us to have with Him.
The relationship I had formed with Anna is the type of relationship God wants us to have with Him.
How freeing is it to know we don’t have to hide?
But how hard is it to realize we’ve got some sticky cobwebs we don’t want to bring up ever again? It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. And God has given women the ability to be extraordinary friends and confidants. I never want to miss out on that.
But how hard is it to realize we’ve got some sticky cobwebs we don’t want to bring up ever again? It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. And God has given women the ability to be extraordinary friends and confidants. I never want to miss out on that.
About a year ago, I left for one of the best journeys of my life.
And as I sit here today watching some of the goofy videos Anna and I made, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with the love God has put in my life.