three six five. Evaporation Of

Well, here it is. The end. The end of this project. The end of the year. The end of a significant chapter of my life.

 

This year my dad moved out.

This year I didn't see him on my birthday.

This year I moved the furniture out of my room.

This year two deaths in the family occurred.

This year I obtained a 4.0.

This year I abandoned people.

This year I was abandoned.

This year I lost friends.

This year I gained friends.

This year I learned that nothing really is permanent except God.

This year I struck gold in my journey to becoming a healthy individual.

This year I backtracked.

This year I refocused.

This year I thought I knew who I was, and promptly shattered that notion with reality.

This year I spent a week in the desert.

This year I ripped the metaphorical bandaid off some of the grotesque truths about myself.

This year I lost respect for some family members.

This year I was absorbed in unconditional love.

This year I was a small part in the building of two houses in a valley in Jamaica.

This year I was a monster.

This year I was a messenger.

This year I was continually taught the beauty and strength of emotional endurance.

This year I met some of the most raw and humbling people I know.

This year I learned what it means to be dedicated to something.

This year I saw myself through God's eyes.

This year I got a taste of the freedom forgiveness brings.

This year I erased the outline of the person I previously wanted to be.

This year I decided to let God do the planning.

 

This year someone reached out to me. She identified with something on my stream, and she took a risk. God used me to let her know she wasn't and isn't alone. What was a last-ditch effort of hope turned into the most honest relationship I have ever been a part of. I thank God every day for her. Where I would be without her, I do not know. Who I would be without her, I do not know. I placed my trust with God and went to spend a week with her. It shaped me as the person I am now. As a result of that, I got the courage to invite someone here for Christmas.

 

What I have gotten out of this project is far more than a better understanding of photography. Yes, my camera is a little less scary to me now. Yes, Photoshop is more familiar and exciting. But even more than that, my heart is now the slightest bit more open. My future is not so terrifying because I have people to hold me upright.

 

I owe my life to God and the people He has placed in it.

 

Thank you, all of you. Thank you for watching me grow and evolve. Thank you to the ones who took part in this story. Thank you to the ones who just watched. Thank you for all of your support and love. Thank you for your understanding and honest opinions. Thank you for your good conversation and inspiration. Thank you, all of you.

 

Well, here we are. Where do we go from here?

 

Happy New Year.

 

Goodbye for now.

Done