This is the end of one journey. Words cannot describe how I feel, a blend of emotions, sentiments, thoughts, and dreams pour out of me. My life has been forever changed by the time I've spent this last year. I've fallen in love with this place, I've met people whom I will love long after I've left. I have poured out and received so much. I have grown beyond measure, and I have learned who I am. A chapter of my life is coming to a close, and while it is sad, and it is hard, it is also exciting to think about all that is to come.
Marseille is a special and beautiful place. It is an ancient city, full of so many different kinds of people it would be impossible to count. There is art, architecture, history, science, and just plain beauty. This city has been my home for the past year, and while I sometimes struggled to embrace that, it has embraced me. I have met people that have encouraged and loved me when I needed it most. I have a family here, I made a home here. While many in Europe might think badly of this place, I think most highly of it, and I feel honored to have lived here even for a short time.
Most importantly I have received so much from the Lord in this year. He has grown me in so many ways. He has shown me so much of Himself, including how He loves me, and how He loves others. I have learned to see as He does, to listen to His voice, and the be unafraid to follow His instruction. He has given me strength to carry on when I didn't think I could. His love has given me hope and a purpose. He has guided me, and led me, and by His grace I have been able to follow. It is only in and through Him that I have not only been able to remain here, but to grow and flourish here. My heart has been completely captivated by Him, and I want nothing more than to continue serving Him, loving Him, and following Him for the rest of my life.
So in this holiday season, in this closing chapter, I need to say thank you. Thank you for your support and prayers. Thank you for every encouraging, kind word you have shared. Thank you for your love. Also take this time to be encouraged. The Lord can use any and every season to grow us, and often times we don't realize how much we've grown until we reach the end of it. Take difficult times to fall into His arms, to draw closer, and in the end you will see that you have grown exponentially. It's the hardest times that we grow the most. His desire is to know, and be known to us. Seek His face, draw closer.
Blessings, Love, and a Merry Christmas,
Chrissy
