It’s hard for me to look back on the past because I have a hard time remembering or valuing the things I’ve accomplished, so I thought I’d bring back one of my college memories and do something my senior year RA used to do at our section dinners every week. She’d go around and ask us each to say a high and a low from each week, but also a water buffalo — something interesting, funny, or random from our week. It’ll be a fun way for me to reflect on the past 6 months and clue you in about what’s been going on.

 

Highs –

My post is so late because I’ve been so busy this week. That includes standing for one of my closest friends as she was married yesterday. Being one of her bridesmaids was a joy, from the long silky pink dress, to being part of her worship team, to witnessing their vows. Boyfriend being there with me made it even sweeter and I’m beyond grateful.

My little sister isn’t so little anymore. I got to go to both her graduations — from high school and from the school of technology for nursing. Today, we get to celebrate her at her party and we’re hoping the rain holds off long enough. I’m so proud of her and so excited for her future!

I’ve gotten to spend extra time with Boyfriend lately! Seeing our relationship grow and learning to trust him has been such a gift from God. I will never stop thanking God for 2nd chances — even 5th chances — to walk in His ways and rewrite my love story even after I’ve made so many mistakes. If you’re still waiting for that in your life, take heart, friend. I’m a testimony that God turns mourning to dancing and brings beauty from ashes.

I got to spend a whole week with one of my BSF besties! We ate, we shopped, we tasted our way through Chocolate World, rolled through town in an Amish buggy, and petted ponies! We’re excited for Elizabeth to join us on the next trip.

 

Lows –

I’ve been really struggling with my mental health. Satan has really been attacking me with lies, my brain seems to be working against me, and I feel really sluggish and behind at life. I’m second-guessing my mission work, trying to figure out how to manage my health, my calling, and my relationship. I know that God MUST come first. But I also desire to be a wife, to grow and do ministry with someone else. I know we have a lot to figure out before we get there, and I know this year will be a good time of growth and focus for us.

I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m reminded I’ll have more peace if I hold that future with an open hand. I have to trust that whatever God has for me is the best. Even though I’ve been feeling disconnected and distressed lately, I know God is with me in this storm.

 

Water Buffalos –

I’ve developed an obsession with hairbows! I bought a few when Abbi was here and I just bought like 15 more on Amazon. I wore a yellow one for church with a teal dress, and I’m currently wearing a red one now with a pink top and my big sister necklace for my sister’s graduation party, because red was her school color.

I made a sourdough starter recently. I know when I go to Honduras she’ll probably be thrown out, so I named her Windy. It’s a name I wouldn’t get attached to. The wind blows and things change, so Windy fits perfectly.

I’ve been making a lot of pottery and about a month ago I made a highland cow! It’s so cute and I was proud of how much I could do independently.

Looking ahead, Boyfriend wants me to take some karate classes at his dojo to gain confidence and brush up on my self-defense skills he taught me awhile back. I’m really scared to pick up the phone to call and schedule a class, and then actually go and be taught by him. I have a lot of preparation left for Honduras and the rest of the year will be spent on getting there and living out my time there. 

What is your high, low, and water buffalo?

Katelyn