To the place that taught me what life is truly made of; Goodbye.
A few days from now marks the day I bid my final farewell to California.
Let me tell you, it’s been a journey, an unforgettable one at that. After moving across the country two years ago with no expectations, I had no idea what was to come. I only took with me hopes and hurts from my old life and wished only the best for my new one.
Obviously it wasn’t that easy. There was a whole new world I was exposed to and so many lessons I was bound to learn. Situations that mattered to me two years ago are now miniscule in hindsight. People who I thought would be there when I needed them most, are the ones who dug the deepest wounds in my back. Irrespective of the importance I once held myself and others to, the secrets out: turns out everyone’s replaceable. Culture shock is realer than the food at In-N-Out. And friends are a lot easier to come by if you’re just willing to be the first to reach out your hand.
To the place that broke me, molded me and shaped me; this one’s for you.
Dear California,
I’m gonna start out by saying thank you. Thank you for the immense number of opportunities you’ve given me. Thank you for revealing to me the realness of life and lifting the veil from my eyes of what truly matters. I showed up hurt, yet comfortable and expected others with more strength than I had to help me up, dust off my shoulders and carry me across the way. But truth be told, help never came. People gave what they were willing but true help came when I was all alone. It was better that way. This showed me that as long as I have myself to count on with Jesus by my side, literally no one can hurt me, ever. That alone is the best gift to ever take hold of. There is so much power in knowing that the cares of this world will never taint my heart because I simply won’t allow it.
Also thanks for the love of my life, Blu. My life wouldn’t be the same without him. 🤍
I’m gonna miss our nights alone, thousands of miles away from what I’m used to while being engulfed in the freshness of a place so different. I’m gonna miss learning new things about the people here and the culture. I’m gonna miss spontaneous car rides with Blu, listening to the best songs while driving through unknown territory. In-N-Out of course will be missed even though I currently eat there nearly every day lol (it’s just so good!). I’m definitely gonna miss my beloved new friends, who I wish I could’ve known for longer. They’ve been so good to me and I’m grateful to know such kindhearted individuals.
I’m so proud of how far I’ve come and that through it all, I persevered without ever giving up.
Best of all, I found Jesus, the real Him. Not the Him the world portrays. He’s so much better than what I originally thought. He is the one who made this all worth it. He was there all along, yet made Himself real to me right when I needed Him most. Throughout my whole life of being a lukewarm Christian, I never knew just how real He was, then boom He showed up right on time and helped purge the sin out of my life which ultimately led to a complete refining process. Gold is truly refined in the fire.
Beyond all the parts of you I’m gonna miss, my favorite thing I’ll be taking with me back home is a new perspective. This will forever be ingrained in my brain. Thanks to learning so much here through experiences (mainly through trial and error), I now have a very clear view of how life works. I know now, the importance of Jesus, friendship, understanding, compassion, forgiveness, and most of all; Love.
With a slightly heavy heart, it’s now safe to say, I’m ready to go home now. I’ve learned what I needed to learn and am ready to start a new journey in a new city much closer to home this time. I’m excited for anything life decides to throw my way.
Until next time,
au revoir.
Did some retail therapy in honor of sheer excitement for my new move. 😀
Pics below!
Thank you for reading. 😄
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God bless and keep you. 🤍
Copyright © 2020 Sierra Aaron. All Rights Reserved.
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