Line of Time.

I am cold and shivering outside of the church. The boy lets me use his coat, his skin is beautiful, black as night. I listen as my brother says goodbye and promises to visit him one day. Secretly, I make the same promise in my heart.

My team just won the tournament. We're screaming and slapping each other on the back. My coach pulls me aside and tells me. I collapse, eyes pouring. My family is on the way. It's the first time I have ever seen my dad cry. I am scared.

I am surrounded by singing. Promises from schools across the nation fill the room, promises with wide smiles and young hope. Later we'll write letters to our senators and tour the capitol. I feel strong.

I have never seen so many stars. We're on our backs staring at them. God is huge on this island. I talk about Jesus to a little girl and we pray. I am in love with Him.

My face is wet. I'm hiding behind my sunglasses. My brother is at the field practicing football. I run over and hug him. Goodbye won't come out. I doubt myself inside.

There are too many decisions to make. I am not sure what I want to be. I love learning. I love studying. I do not always love aging.

I am holding a baby. He smells like urine and sweat. He stops whimpering when I hold him up to the window. I give him a bottle of water to fill his stomach. The next time I come back, he won't be there. He holds part of my heart.

I am serving tea. Words that I don't understand fly around me. I'm fulfilling the promise I made. It's harder than I thought it would be. God feels far away in this land. I don't know where home is.

The mountains are endless. I'm standing on a cliff and I am ready to let it go. I start to feel whole again. He has not forgotten me.

My sister calls me. She can't talk. She falls asleep in my bed. She looks so small. I am afraid to leave her. I trust Him.

I have fallen in love. With sixteen little faces. I laugh every day. I teach handwriting and bandage knees and lead lines. We learn how to pray together. They inspire me.

I get a message. He might not make it. I am alone and I can't stop shaking. I meet them there. I don't understand. He is my peace.

I've been running for a long time. My side hurts. It's dark and cold out and my eyes are too heavy to see. My mom calls. She's worried. So am I. I'm not sure how to make it.

I am sitting on the rocks. The water is blue and green and makes a slapping sound. I have found my spot. And I am finding myself again. He is with me.

My hair is tangled and flying. The sun is setting orange. It smells like curry chicken. I watch the trees whip by. I wonder what is wrong with me. I can not stop thinking about leaving. I drive a little farther each time. I am not sure where I am going. But I know for now I need to stay. He guides me. And I am so in love with Him.