Well, that was unexpected...

I didn't expect to fall in love with Michigan. This funny state with its strange turn arounds, churches on every corner and odd way of surprising me every day has wiggled its way into my heart. Almost all of my expectations were wrong. I thought I would do this at my internship...I'm doing almost the opposite. I didn't know how it would be living with a new family....I feel more than at home. I didn't expect close relationships with a month to make them....I've been blessed with people that ask and pray and just love me. I expected to get enough sleep each night because there would be little to do....haven't slept a full night of sleep this entire time. I didn't expect the guys to be so forward here...let's just say I've had some interesting/slightly creepy experiences. I didn't expect to be God to show up in everything....real surprise there, he did. I didn't expect to change any diapers....I changed my first one and have continued to do so! I expected some tears....only when He has been breaking my heart. I didn't expect the time to fly....one week till home (how did that happen?). I didn't expect to miss this place but I will. Ryan (my "host dad" though he laughs every time I call him that) told me this sadness is what I get and will get with my lifestyle of "traveling". He was so sympathetic.
I am thankful that I will have a place to miss and that I haven't wished one day a way here! My close friend here took me to her house after church for lunch. There were twelve of us sitting at the table; never allowing one second of silence or a minute without laughter. She comes from a sweet, loving, large (six kids!) family and I felt perfectly at home. Before I left her mother looked me in the eye and said "If you move to Michigan, you will become part of our family". I thanked her for already welcoming me into their hearts and home but I had to admit that I had no idea what was after graduation. Africa is the plan for a while but then a job is necessary...or maybe grad school...or a trip around the world (haha...if only money wasn't real!). My life is so open right now it isn't even funny. I don't have a clue but my mind, my heart and my eyes will be wide open to see the next step in this journey. Who knows, maybe this time next year I'll be living in Michigan. The possibilities are quite endless.