"The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience but where they stand in times of challenge."

Dear friends,

I am writing from St. Louis. I made the long drive from Texas with my most willing and patient father! I was so thankful for his support and company! 

Whenever I start a new phase of my life I always appreciate a little time at the beginning of it. That is just what I have had for a few weeks, time. I am so very thankful for it. It has been the first time that I have really sat back and thought. Thought about my incredible year overseas, thought about coming home, and now thinking toward the future in this new place. 

I have always found it really incredible to sometimes just be able to look at something, before it all really begins, and look at its potential. Rarely are we able to predict what is to come in the future, but all of us have the ability to take a real part in our fate. I struggle with this line, where to act and where to remain still and let things just be. Here again I am faced with this challenge. 

What I do know is that here I am, in a new chapter of my life and it is full of possibility. I see such potential in this place. I foresee, change, growth, empowerment, and both smiles and tears. When I was in the process of applying for my year overseas I loved to think about this concept that I am talking about with you tonight. I loved to think about the people that I would meet, the fate of it all. How were we all brought together in this time and place, and more over, how these people and things I would meet and see would change me, shape me forever. Oh that we could wake up everyday and see that light, that potential for greatness in the seemingly mundane. 

In this holiday season as I write to you, only a year ago talking about walking the streets of Belfast, although now my sights when I walk are different, my feeling is the same. With any holiday season, it is easy to look towards that change, look towards that growth to come. New years resolutions, promises made. I hope that I can look with potential not only at this new chapter of my life, but also take some sweet time to be thankful. Thankful for all of those new chapters in my life that have changed me, challenged me, empowered me, and made me into the woman I am today. 

Happy Holidays to you all. May there be peace in your hearts. 

My love, 

Melissa