The People That Make the Place

Things I’ve been loving lately: the people I’m surrounded by, and the place that I’m in.

Let’s start with the place…prior to beginning this program, I had never been in Greensboro, and to be honest, my expectations were pretty low. When I shared with people my post grad plans, I mainly got 2 responses. One being: “Oh I’ve never heard of Greensboro” and the other: “Oh wow, not much to do there.” Occasionally, I got some really positive reactions which I clung to, and now agree wholeheartedly with. Greensboro is awesome! And there are so many things I love about it, but here’s just a few: there are so many awesome parks (Bur-Mil, Battleground, and Country Park to name a few favs), there are seasons (super cool for a Florida girl like myself), there’s a small town feel yet the perks of a bigger city, I never have to wait in traffic (my longest drive anywhere is 15 mins!!!), the downtown is great (and much bigger than I expected), and much much more.

I could go on and on with reasons why Greensboro is awesome, but instead I’m going to share about this past weekend, because it was a good one. Friday night, I went to the Festival of Lights downtown with some of the other fellows, and let me tell you, downtown Greensboro was transformed into a picturesque winter wonderland! The streets were full of Christmas décor, venders, and people of all ages. A taste of Christmas in the city on Friday night, was followed by a slow quiet Saturday morning and eventually a run in my favorite park. To top off my Saturday, I went to the Barn Dance. Yes you read that right…a barn dance. Live country music and line dancing with sweet friends. We had a ball. I the rounded out the weekend with worship at Redeemer on Sunday morning and a chill afternoon. All in all, if this past weekend shows anything, it shows that Greensboro is the total package.

I’d be lying if I said that Greensboro is only great because of the things it has to offer. What really makes this place great is the people that I get to do life with. For example, my weekend wouldn’t have been nearly as special if I didn’t get to laugh with Maddie and Kate, watch Mary incorporate Irish dancing with country line dancing, or hear Courtney’s wild stories over dinner at Cookout. And that is just one weekend…I get to do life with these people almost every day!

Speaking of doing life with people every day, I must share about the people I get to live with. The Heidengrens have been such a joy and blessing in my life since being here! Whether I am playing Zingo with the whole fam, talking college football with Jonathan, or talking about family and life with Bri (or enjoying one of her delicious homecooked meals), not a day has gone by that I am not filled with gratitude for them. There is one moment in particular that really stands out to me. I was walking in the house after a discouraging day at work, and I was greeted by Daniel running up to me with a big smile on his face yelling “Hi Allison!!!” before embracing me with a big hug. Immediately, my mood was turned around. What a blessing it is to be welcomed with open arms!

And what a blessing it is to be a Greensboro fellow!!! The community this program has provided me is so genuine and truly reflects the love of Christ. As I was writing this, the Lord confirmed my words as my assistant director Madison stopped by my work to say hi and encourage me with a sweet note and treat. I cannot express how loved I felt both in that moment and in my time here in general! I look forward to all that is to come both in this place and with these people. But for now, know that you too are loved!

With gratitude,

Allison