I often get asked why I chose to do The Raleigh Fellows Program when I have lived in Raleigh my whole life. To which I reply “I love it here, why would I leave?”. The 3 words I would use to describe this month would be:
LIT
CRAZY
MOVIE
And yes, I am 22 years old.
Although I have lived in Raleigh for 22 years, I was still extremely nervous to start this program. I knew I was going to be coming in with one of my close friends (shoutout SIMAS), but who were the rest of these jokers gonna be? Will they like me? Will I like them? Will they laugh at my jokes? (this was very important to me). Spoiler alert, I do in fact love these jokers, and they love me too.
The friendships definitely began to blossom at the lake. The one on one partnerships were huge in establishing those connections. I was lucky enough to have one on ones with Bunner, Virginia, and Linda May. I left each one on one feeling so excited and hopeful for how my friendships with everyone were going to look for the rest of the year. Although I left the lake without having “official” one on ones with everyone else, I still had meaningful, silly, and intentional conversations with everyone. I truly felt all the prayers that I was receiving.
Some of you know that I struggle with anxiety. Not once did I feel anxious on the lake trip. NOT ONCE! Guys this is kinda huge. Our God is so good. If you have been praying for me, I definitely feel it. Thank you forever and forever.
In other news……
IM WORKING AT REFUGEE HOPE PARTNERS! and I friggin love it. I’m working in non-profit administration and middle/elementary homework help. I also get to work with girl Hunter so that’s a treat in itself. The staff is so loving and welcoming and has made starting my first “big girl” job so much fun. Getting used to working a big girl job is taking some time to get used to, but I get to be in a field that I love with an amazing staff, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I’m also living with the BOLASH FAMILY!
PK DUUPPPEEEE. Just kidding. Living with a host family is so crazy. I say crazy in a “lit crazy movie” type of way. I’m living with another family while my own family is 15 minutes down the road, which is totally weird if you think about it. But oh how sweet it is to be living with the Bolash fam. They love me so well and treat me like I am one of their own. I especially have enjoyed hanging out with their daughter, Risa. Risa and I actually went to college together but didn’t really become friends until now. God is so freaking good because I not only get to live with Eric and Robin, but Risa. She has been a blessing to me and I am so thankful for her. My goal during my time with the Bolash family is to turn Eric into a gleek. We’ll see if I can succeed.
Overall, my first month has been one lit crazy movie. A month of full schedules, navigating north Raleigh, making new friends, missing my college friends, spending too much money on coffee, and so much growth in my relationship with the Lord.
xoxo,
Gabi <3