May 15, 2016. I remember sitting back home last August and marking this day as "Last day in Austin" in my phone. I was so worried, how was I going to make in 9 months in Austin...alone? That would be the longest 9 months of my life.
Here we are though. May 15th, 2016 and this season is coming to an end. I think part of me is still in denial because while this year was probably the most trying thing I've ever been through, it's probably been the most beautiful. In so many ways, I've grown. I've grown as a dancer, undoubtedly, I've grown as a person, I've grown as a daughter, I've grown as a sister, I've grown as a friend and most importantly, I've grown as a Christian. In all areas of my life I have grown. There were definitely points in this year where I just wanted to go back. Go back to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, back to high school, back to my friends and family and the life I've always known but I'm so glad I didn't or rather, couldn't. Looking back on this year, I know I was brought here for so many reasons. All of them good, even when they didn't seem so in the moment.
What amazes me most is how much God continuously provided me. I remember in the beginning of the year my dad said, "Kayla, I know you have this crazy Kayla Survives On Her Own hashtag but you are not alone." In the moment, I heard what he said but I didn't take it to heart. I mean C'mon, I'm in Austin, Texas by myself, dad. I am surviving alone. Looking back though, what he said was so true. For starters, God gave me my beautiful roommates: Sarah, Kimberly and Constance. I love these girls more than words could ever say. It's because of them that I wasn't alone. From learning to cook together to laughing everyday together, I was so lucky to come home to them everyday. Then, God brought me all these beautiful dancers to learn from and with. Every single person I met here this year is so unique, talented and wonderful in their own ways. At first being away from my second home, CPYB, was so hard and I missed all the people I grew up with but I quickly realized that I had a great opportunity right in front of me. Here I was, surrounded by a whole new group of people with whom I got to know, dance beside and experience this crazy dance journey. I know that everyone who I danced with this year will be successful, where ever life takes them and I'm grateful knowing that for most of them, today isn't a goodbye. Finally, I wasn't alone because I had you. You, my dear reader, gave me strength. Whether you are my mom or dad (hi I love you), closest friend (you rock), acquaintance (nice to meet you), friend of a friend (thanks for stopping by and reading this), just someone who stumbled upon my blog or whoever you are, just knowing you are reading this gives me strength. All the comments, texts, messages, likes, what have you, constantly reminded me that I am one blessed girl so thank you. Dad was right when he told me I wasn't alone because thanks to God and all the beautiful blessings he put in my life, I never was.
As excited as I am for #KaylaSurvivesOnHerOwn, to take a 3 month pause, I'm going to miss these growing up adventures. Life is one beautiful thing and I'm so grateful to be taking it by the horns (Texas is getting to me, y'all ;) ) and going for it. I don't know what next year holds, or 10 years from now looks like but I do what this year taught me; God provides, God is good and I am never alone. May 15th, 2016 is here and contrary to my previous belief, I don't think these past nine months could have gone any faster.
Here we are though. May 15th, 2016 and this season is coming to an end. I think part of me is still in denial because while this year was probably the most trying thing I've ever been through, it's probably been the most beautiful. In so many ways, I've grown. I've grown as a dancer, undoubtedly, I've grown as a person, I've grown as a daughter, I've grown as a sister, I've grown as a friend and most importantly, I've grown as a Christian. In all areas of my life I have grown. There were definitely points in this year where I just wanted to go back. Go back to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, back to high school, back to my friends and family and the life I've always known but I'm so glad I didn't or rather, couldn't. Looking back on this year, I know I was brought here for so many reasons. All of them good, even when they didn't seem so in the moment.
What amazes me most is how much God continuously provided me. I remember in the beginning of the year my dad said, "Kayla, I know you have this crazy Kayla Survives On Her Own hashtag but you are not alone." In the moment, I heard what he said but I didn't take it to heart. I mean C'mon, I'm in Austin, Texas by myself, dad. I am surviving alone. Looking back though, what he said was so true. For starters, God gave me my beautiful roommates: Sarah, Kimberly and Constance. I love these girls more than words could ever say. It's because of them that I wasn't alone. From learning to cook together to laughing everyday together, I was so lucky to come home to them everyday. Then, God brought me all these beautiful dancers to learn from and with. Every single person I met here this year is so unique, talented and wonderful in their own ways. At first being away from my second home, CPYB, was so hard and I missed all the people I grew up with but I quickly realized that I had a great opportunity right in front of me. Here I was, surrounded by a whole new group of people with whom I got to know, dance beside and experience this crazy dance journey. I know that everyone who I danced with this year will be successful, where ever life takes them and I'm grateful knowing that for most of them, today isn't a goodbye. Finally, I wasn't alone because I had you. You, my dear reader, gave me strength. Whether you are my mom or dad (hi I love you), closest friend (you rock), acquaintance (nice to meet you), friend of a friend (thanks for stopping by and reading this), just someone who stumbled upon my blog or whoever you are, just knowing you are reading this gives me strength. All the comments, texts, messages, likes, what have you, constantly reminded me that I am one blessed girl so thank you. Dad was right when he told me I wasn't alone because thanks to God and all the beautiful blessings he put in my life, I never was.
As excited as I am for #KaylaSurvivesOnHerOwn, to take a 3 month pause, I'm going to miss these growing up adventures. Life is one beautiful thing and I'm so grateful to be taking it by the horns (Texas is getting to me, y'all ;) ) and going for it. I don't know what next year holds, or 10 years from now looks like but I do what this year taught me; God provides, God is good and I am never alone. May 15th, 2016 is here and contrary to my previous belief, I don't think these past nine months could have gone any faster.
Hello Kayla. I am a Pastor from Mumbai, India. I have enjoyed your post which has a running theme of growth being away for nine months in Austin for learning dance. Your growth in Christian faith and mention of God's provision are very much reflected in your post. I have been blessed while going through your post. I am blessed and feel privileged and honored to get connected with you as well as know you through your profile on the blogger and the blog post because of who you are in the Lord Jesus Christ. I love getting connected with the people of God around the globe to be encouraged, strengthened and praying for one another. h HAVE BEEN IN THE PASTORAL MINISTRY for last 37 yrs in this great city of MUMBAI a city with a great contrast where richest of rich and the poorest ofpoor live. We reach out to the poorest of poor with the love of Christ to bring healing to the broken hearted. We also encourage young and the adults from the west to come to Mumbai with your friends to work with us during your vacation time. I am sure you will have a life changing experience. My email id is: dhwankhede(at)gmail(dot)com and my name is Diwakar Wankhede. Looking forward to hear from you very soon. God's richest blessings on you, your family and friends and also wishing you a blessed and a Christ centered rest of the year 2016
ReplyDeleteHello Kayla. I am a Pastor from Mumbai, India. I have enjoyed your post which has a running theme of growth being away for nine months in Austin for learning dance. Your growth in Christian faith and mention of God's provision are very much reflected in your post. I have been blessed while going through your post. I am blessed and feel privileged and honored to get connected with you as well as know you through your profile on the blogger and the blog post because of who you are in the Lord Jesus Christ. I love getting connected with the people of God around the globe to be encouraged, strengthened and praying for one another. h HAVE BEEN IN THE PASTORAL MINISTRY for last 37 yrs in this great city of MUMBAI a city with a great contrast where richest of rich and the poorest ofpoor live. We reach out to the poorest of poor with the love of Christ to bring healing to the broken hearted. We also encourage young and the adults from the west to come to Mumbai with your friends to work with us during your vacation time. I am sure you will have a life changing experience. My email id is: dhwankhede(at)gmail(dot)com and my name is Diwakar Wankhede. Looking forward to hear from you very soon. God's richest blessings on you, your family and friends and also wishing you a blessed and a Christ centered rest of the year 2016
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