Count Down Begins...

...So to be totally honest, I've been counting down to take off for Panama for quite some time now, but after saying some final good-byes to people at church, this Panamanian adventure is becoming more and more real. In three weeks from now, I will be packing my bags for the last time (probably getting Greg to zipper while I sit on them, trying to get them closed), trying for the life of me to remember what it is I have forgotten!

I went for a walk around Halifax this afternoon, I am really going to miss this city. Over the past three years that I have lived here God has taught me so much, about Himself and myself. I am a little scared to leave this place, something about shaking a comfort zone does that too you. I am entering terrain where I don't know east from west or up from down. I was thinking about places in particular that I am going to miss in Halifax, and why I will miss them. In the spirit of nostalgia, in special tribute to someone who has played such an important role in my life, building me up in my faith, and encouraging me to follow Christ's call on my life, I have come up with a list of my top five places I will miss in Halifax...

5) The Farmer's Market - Starting a Saturday of on the right note is never hard to do with a trip to the Farmer's Market. I love the whole atmosphere. And my I suggest spelt apple cinnamon rolls, a tasty treat found just inside the Hollis st entrance to the market. Coupled with an earl gray tea, and a leisurely walk down the waterfront and you are guaranteed a great day!

4) West End Baptist Church - my church, I love it, the people that is, though I think the building is incredible. I have made so many great friends and have many wonderful memories that have that place as the location. I have really been blessed by the love and support that I have received from so many people I have met there. Also being the location of my baptism, for these reasons it will always hold a special place in my heart.

3) Starbucks - Not just because of the coffee, but the quality times spent there with close friends dishing, discussing, debating, and dealing with all of life's possible ups and downs. Regardless if it was a large group of us or just two of us, I am so grateful for the tears, the laughs and everything in between that have been shared over many teas and coffees.

2) "The Office" aka Loyola Tim Horton's - No, not just a caffeine addict, but this coffee shop on the SMU campus holds a special place in my heart. On any given day, at any given hour it is more than likely that one will find at least one or two C4Cers hanging out, sharing their faith, praying together, or discipling someone. Many people have placed their faith in Christ for the first time in that place, and God has used that favorite SMU hangout to do some awesome things.

1) Point Pleasant Park - One of this cities most perfect places. Perfect for quiet times with God. Perfect for shooting C4C project videos. Perfect for taking a nice walk and sharing a heart to heart with someone. Perfect for running, especially in the early morning. Perfect for reading a good book. Perfect for marveling at the wondrous creation of God's hand, the park always makes me stand in awe of our Lord. Somewhere between the peacefulness, the business, the vastness, the simplicity, and the intricacy of it all, God always amazes me, always makes me want to draw closer to Him when I'm in the park. It is incredible the perspective that one can gain and can desire to gain more of from one little place.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from beginning to end.
-Ecclesiastes 3:11

So at "T minus 3 weeks" I'm sitting in my living room in awe of the beauty which God has created in so many areas, and finding myself strangely contented not knowing about tomorrow and what it will bring, but finding comfort in the fact that God does.