Back again with another blog post: same topic, different friend :) To be completely honest I have no idea how long I have been here, but I do know that time is moving too fast. Most of my time is spent with those in the fellows program, and it has been a real treat getting to know these 11 people more deeply, and better intimately.
Have you ever had that friend, one that you can sit on opposite sides of the room, but the minute something happens (inside joke, something funny, etc.) you two immediately make eye contact and giggle to yourselves. That’s Austin, from the very beginning. Austin was someone I was really excited to get to know when we initially arrived in Raleigh, and he has lived up to that hype. At first observation, I noticed that Austin kept to himself, but when he speaks up, he has such wisdom behind his words and I really like to hear what Austin has to say.
Something I have really grown to appreciate about Austin is how steady he is as a friend. When I think about this steadfast friend, I am reminded of God’s mercy. Each morning I am granted God’s forgiveness, a consistent and persistent act of care. Like the Father’s mercy, Austin’s friendship is consistent, and something I never want to take for granted each day. In the midst of busy weeks, weekend filled retreats, and heavy moments, I can truly say that Austin is a brother I can lean on and I am so thankful for him!
Some memorable things to note about Austin as I have gotten to know him:
He is really good at really out-of-pocket things: fair games, Kyle Mooney impressions, and bowling to name a few.
He knows all the words to Love Story by Taylor Swift, and can sing it with so much passion.
He is a BIG night owl, and it’s really funny to watch his energy level grow as others tire down.
Lastly, he is an inspiring friend, that encourages more people than he realizes.
-Mary Ellen