I think I'm Far-Sighted - A better look from a socially distant view.

I wrote in my last blog post about the major question that frequently rings in the ears of every college senior: "What's next?" I attempted a tentative answer to that question, and I'm thankful to say that I come bearing news in regards to my future!

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During this strange time in history, I've had ample time to step back (literally) and dive into the dreams that have developed into ideas and evolved into plans for my life. Since my last blog post, some beautiful future plans have emerged, solidified, and then quickly dissolved changed again into something different. I decided to finish my degree at the University of Arkansas in December 2019, but I would wait and walk for commencement in May 2020 - with all my friends. Obviously, there have been cancellations that have changed those plans, which is fine in the long run since we still took some pictures in our caps and gowns.

From January until March I worked as an assistant art teacher in Fayetteville at the Community Creative Center. My dwindling time in Fayetteville, seemed to be stripped from my hands even faster than we planned. Senior year officially had the strangest ending of all my time in school. My most solemn report of all is in regard to the college friends that live all over the country, that have returned to their families but did not get to say the appropriate goodbye's. Spring break came, our plans were cancelled, everyone left temporarily - so we thought - and most people did not come back to Fayetteville. Even though these things rocked our world, there were many glimpses of light shining through the cracks of broken plans: At home church services, more one-on-one conversations because phone calls became the best mode of communication, slack-lining, reading books, more game nights, zoom trivia, and the sweet challenges of being closed up together in quarantine.

But now onto summer plans...

I've been given the opportunity to work another summer as a Horse Wrangler intern at YoungLife's Family Camp, Trail West. To work alongside people passionate about Christ, family, and animals is a dream come true for me. I am starting to believe that there is no better place for me in this world than at a YoungLife camp, or just camp in general. This opportunity originally served as my buffer between the end of college and the beginning of full-time adulthood. But, as we've seen, plans change! YoungLife is still planning on everything functioning as closely to "normal" as possible, but due to big-picture prevention and civic duty, some dates have been pushed back.

This brings me to my main point: I am HERE! I am in my studio and starting to kick off GeorgiaMud into full gear and prepare for the "real world!" If you are interested in any new kitchen ware, logo mugs, or just a fun pair of wine cups, I am ready for you! If you have suggestions of local restaurant, cafe's, or gift stores that might be interested in my work, feel free to throw your ideas my way! I will be updating the website to an "add to cart" style online store and things are moving quickly!

If you've made it this far, thank you. Thank you to everyone who wants to support GeorgiaMud and cares that I succeed. I am so thankful to be giving my passion a shot in the real world to see if we can do this thing! Here are some closing remarks. There are a few things I know for sure: I know I'm not unique in experiencing loss, due to COVID-19. I know I'm not the only one with opened eyes to the subtle beauties this virus has forced us to appreciate. And I also know that I believe in the God of the universe, and He cares about us and our individual stories.