Dear friend,

We've all been the new kid before.

Whether you were a newborn or it was your first day of class, we all know what it's like to step into something uncertain and unfamiliar.

Nearly three months ago, I moved from Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Columbus, Ohio. While the transition has been about as smooth as it could be, moving to a new city has definitely had its fair share of worry, fear and doubt.

Scrolling through Instagram the other day, I saw a nearby church was hosting an open mic. My mind immediately thought, 'That sounds cool,' but then the what ifs crept in.

What if I don't know anyone?

What if I have to sit alone?

What if it's awkward?

I decided to go anyway. Long story short, I performed two poems – one about embracing where you are, and the other inspired by the Prodigal Son story in the Bible. They're both about coming home.

Home seems to be a big theme in my life right now – probably because I just moved. I'm learning that finding home, being rooted, takes time. It's little thing by little thing.

About building a home, Hannah Brencher writes, "It doesn't shape itself overnight. The building of it takes times, failure, and vulnerability. We have to put ourselves out there, being honest in front of other people, and we won't always be met there in the middle – but sometimes it will happen. When it happens, it's beautiful."

That night, in a small room surrounded by strangers, I felt met in the middle – and it was beautiful.

Being here now means not skipping the event because I don't think I'll know anyone. New is awkward and the work is hard, but it's worth it. Because, at the end of the day, it's more important to be known deeply than widely.

Where are you seeking home?

You won't find it immediately; home isn't a product of instant gratification.

Planting roots means showing up and continuing to show up. The lives we so greatly desire come on the coattails of commitment, not convenience.

With love,