Growing Up...

It's always weird when you get to Winterbreak and look back on how things were last year. And the year before that. And the year before that. You see how far you've come, and what's changed in you, and you look back and see what caused those changes. Then, you look ahead, and you might realize, "Holy cow! I only have one more Christmas with my family after this one before I move out!", and you wonder what your Christmas will look like next year. And the year after that. (etc)

When we moved to Virginia, we ended up finding a house right next to one of my best friends, Kyhlea. We also ended up being close-ish to another one of my great friends, Kelsey (who lives about 30 minutes away) In the past week, I drove my siblings + Kyhlea to our church for caroling. Or, at least, I attempted to. If it weren't for faulty directions that led us on a detour that got us lost for about an hour and a half, then we would've made it on time. (I won't name names... Dad...) But it was really odd how calm Kyhlea and I actually were in the situation. We were led on to the freeway and were pretty much in Virginia Beach by the time my mom told us we should turn around. I think we both realized that in this 2 hour road trip, we were growing up. Just the fact that we were at a point in our lives where we could drive each other around in the first place! (I think we will always joke that this was our first road trip together ;] )

A couple of days ago, I had a sleepover with both Kyhlea and Kelsey, and Kelsey had driven to my house BY HERSELF! And it's only going to keep progressing from here! Soon, we we'll all be in college, or have jobs, (or both! haha) and we'll be planning out our days without the approval of our parents! (sooooooo weird!)

Fact of the matter is, we're growing up. We've waited so long, yet it's happening so fast! This time next year, we'll all be spending our last Christmas's with our families as dependents (pardon my military lingo...) and I can't wait to see how much we've grown by looking back to the point that I am at right now, just like I'm looking back to where I was at this moment last year.

God has brought me through a lot. All of us, as a matter of fact. We will face trials this year, but God will bring us through again. It is my prayer that whatever happens, we will grow closer to each other and closer to Him, and that his light will be radiant through us. :)

So, World, Bring it on.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

-Caitlin-