At the beginning of the summer my church pastor talked about making this summer a summer of significance. He referenced the song “Back in the Summer of 69” and raised the question of whether we would remember the Summer of 2014. These thoughts have stuck with me as I have gone through this summer and have caused me to think about if this has been a summer of significance.

As I sit here reflecting on the events of this summer, I can honestly say that for me this truly has been a season of significance. It has been filled with weddings, blackberry picking with Mum, reconnecting with friends, helping Dad set up his fish tank, participating in service projects with church family, preparing for grad school, getting ready for a new year teaching and simply enjoying life back in the States! I have become more involved and connected here and love the way in which Franklin is becoming more like home each time I’m here. The support that I feel from the people around never ceases to amaze me. I am so blessed to have amazing friends and family who get behind me whether they have known me for a lifetime or just a few months. The love they demonstrate is incredible.

I have been challenged to think about things in new ways, to ask hard questions, to embrace moments no matter how big or small, to cherish time with people and to keep dreaming big! I am leaving the USA after an incredible summer, and I’m heading back to Spain with an eager anticipation to return to a city that has been my home for two years. I can’t wait to walk through the streets that are so familiar, to meet friends for coffee at the local coffee shop and to be in the place I know I’m supposed to be for now. I’m expecting great things for this next season in Spain!