Sometimes the things deepest in your heart are the hardest to find words for. It’s as if they are so close and so treasured that words just aren’t good enough.

So today I’m digging.

Because I’ve realized that I’ve fallen off the face of the earth. Because not only have I changed, but e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. about my life adventure has changed.

And I don’t just mean my new haircut.

I’m pretty sure if you would have asked me this time last year where I would be in a year I would have told you something like:

“Oh I’ll probably be back overseas somewhere, still taking pictures, still loving being this single girl making a difference for God. Yeah, I love life like it is right now, no need to change it!”

Um… in case you couldn’t guess—that is not what life is like right now.

Go back friends, go back and see what I wrote this time last year. Then come back and pick up where I am now… it’s different.

But I’m happy.

I’m in love. With this guy named Daniel. I didn’t want him to come into my life (didn’t even like him at first) and I wasn’t ready for a relationship in my mind. I guess God had other ideas.

My summer means staying in the States—oh wait I mean State, as in Texas. Other than my family vacation I wont be leaving Texas. I’m not used to this.

I actually have to follow a budget. Because I’m kinda grown up now, have my own cell phone.

Priorities don’t come easily anymore. I have to think about them, plan time with all the people in my life and make sure that it’s balanced. I’m used to flying by the seat of my pants. No more, I have a job.

All of these bullet points need words and pictures. So I’m digging through my heart and looking for the words I need, and through my files for the pictures.

Some things about me haven’t changed—I still believe stories are meant to be told. I still love to look at life different than others. It’s still easier for me to communicate with written words than spoken. And Jesus is still teaching me how to be free.

Be looking for these new life stories in the coming weeks.

[Here is a portrait of my man. So handsome right??]

Alana