I may have studied Paris for years before I moved there, but it was with my own two feet that I truly learned the city – and somewhere along the way, we fell in love.

When it came to my last full day in the city, my city, the only thing I really wanted was to be with the city and soak it in one last time, through my every pore if possible. I did actually have one last thing I needed to do – stop by my old office to say goodbye to my boss and it just so happened that between there and our apartment was my (now) old neighborhood along with a few other favorites. I was planning to go alone until my dad asked to join me and though my first thought was to say no, I’m so glad I told him yes. After all, I may have physically been on my own in Paris for the past year and a half, but it had been his and my mom’s words and prayers that had walked with me in spirit every single one of those days.

I fully expected myself to be an emotional wreck that day while standing on the borderline of my two lives. However, instead of tears, what I felt was a full, full heart. Full of gratitude and praise for the God who loves me and whom I love and the journey we took together in this place. For the things He taught me about myself, about Him and about others. For the people He put in my life in this city and the adventures I got to go on in and around the city. For his protection and provision and for allowing my family to come and see the life I had been living. He made this big dream of mine come true, complete with surprises and details which I couldn’t have even thought to wish for.

There simply was so much to be thankful for that there was no room for grief. I just couldn’t complain when I was surrounded by such riches and so we just walked while I strained with my eyes and my  heart to soak in every ounce of the city that I could.

Here’s a little footage my dad took on our walk that day.

Last Walk from Caitlin Rodgers on Vimeo.

 

Thank you, God, for this gift. To you belongs all the glory and praise. I love you.