End of chapter

My days in Calgary has come to an end and so must this blog. Will I continue blogging? Probably but I don't think it'll be like this one at all. It will have a different tone, a different light and a different writer behind it. A different writer in the sense that I am no longer the same girl who arrived in Calgary 4 months ago. I feel a change in the air. I look the same, sound the same and wait... *sniff sniff*, yes, I smell the same and yet, I don't feel the same.

It's a bittersweet feeling. The past four months has been the most inspiring and life-changing days of my life. The people I met, the things I did, the places I went has left a deep impression on my heart . The sadness I feel is so overwhelming that I wish I had never gone so I wouldn't feel this emptiness. However, if I had never gone to Calgary, I wouldn't have learn the lessons God taught me nor have met the people who made a significant impact in my life. I wouldn't have grown. No, I don't regret going to Calgary at all, I'm incredibly glad that I went because the emptiness can be filled with all the wonderful memories and wisdom I gained.

So as I close this one chapter of my life to start the next, I feel the need to acknowledge and thank some of the people who were the inspiration for many of these blogs and who I'd never forget (even if they never read this).


To my new friends:
SU - you weren't just my boss but you were like my dad, constantly making sure I was okay, checking up on me to make sure I was taken care of and making all the necessary arrangments for my stay in Calgary. The sacrifices you make for eMiC is talked about throughout heaven and I know God is smiling down on you! And I will miss your jokes!

JS - You were the most sweetest and kindest person to me from the moment we met. You made this lonely girl from Ontario feel welcome and accepted! Although we didn't get to hang out that much, the few times were enough for me to consider you my good friend who I'd always cherish! Thanks for all your thoughtful words and encouragement, for making such a huge impact on my life and making me a part of yours.

AS - My pie-making partner and hiking buddy! Thanks for always remembering me and inviting me to hang out with you and your friends. My days would have been boring had you not invited me out all those times! Let me know when you're in T.O. and I'll show you around my town! :D

JT - My other hiking buddy. We've still got lots of mountains to conquer! Perhaps, when you're back in Calgary, I'll find time to come visit and then we'll go face our next challenge, along with AS. Thanks for all the times that you encouraged me to keep going, even though I was convinced I couldn't take another step. Thanks for being such a fun person to hang out with and being someone who entertains my sarcasm and exaggerated comments by joining in! haha! I still have to go to your lake some day!

To the women who adopted me as their little sister:
I can't even begin to explain just how much my life has changed because of you all. How much it has changed for the better and how much I've grown. Thanks for all the incredible times of sharing, bonding, hanging out, laughing and all the wisdom imparted. Thanks for not abusing me too much (do I still sound miffed?). I can't begin to imagine what it would be like to be back in Toronto and not have you ladies around. One thing is for sure, there is no way to replace you girls, it's just not possible!

DG - Before I even met you, I heard lots about you and when I finally met you, I understood why you were always on the minds of these people. It's just impossible to forget your thoughtfulness and honesty, the wisdom and insights that you possess and the incredible love that you have for God and all his creation. Plus, you have awesome taste in music so you've made a friend in me for life! =P Thanks for all the things you shared with me and for being someone I could share with. Rock on sis!

JC - my double-mint twin who is older and wiser, I thank you once again for everything dude. For looking out for my best interest always, for being the good travelling buddy, for extending my lifespan since I heard that's what laughter will do, for always starting awesome conversations that gets me thinking, and for your heart in missions because it's a inspiration for me. I hope one day, I can sleep smiling all the time like you! =P

JL - My big sis, you really are like the big sister I've always wanted and needed. I learned the most from you. It's awesome how in tune you are with God and how much blessings he's poured upon you. Thanks for taking me in as your little sis, looking after me and letting me tag around you everywhere you went! haha. Thanks for always understanding, for sharing with me all the things that God has revealed to you, for setting me straight and for being so cool and fun to hang out with. When I grow up, I hope I can be just like you! =P

DL - Lok, you rock! haha, I love saying that! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have met any of the people mentioned above..well, except for SU. I am eternally grateful for your kindness, your hospitality, your friendship and the love that you showed me. You were like the sister who spoiled me, always taking me to fun places and making sure I wasn't working too hard! =P I finally see why you've been blessed with so many things. You give so much of yourself to others and that's why you get so much in return! It's true that you reap what you sow. So keep on sowing and I know God will continue to pour his blessings upon you!

The list of people to thank can go on and on but I'm a girl of few words (har har) so I'll end it here.