“Don’t let the fear of sinking keep you from stepping out of the boat.”

That was the message my friend Luke preached the Sunday morning I packed up and headed out to start the biggest adventure of my life thus far. Many people were experiencing a change in seasons and it was so appropriate as I prepared for my own new season to truly begin.

Many of you know that I am now a resident chapter consultant for Alpha Chi Omega, the organization that has captured my heart and helped me achieve things I would have never imagined for myself. Two weeks ago, I loaded up my Jetta and drove 11.5 hours to Hattiesburg, Mississippi by myself to move to my new temporary home. After one hotel room to myself, 12 times hearing “Hell of an Amen” on the radio, one distant view of Talladega National Speedway (#nascar), two tanks of gas, and over 700 miles of beautiful southern land, I made it to the home of the University of Southern Mississippi…and now me! The first day was lonely and I wasn’t sure if this was going to be as great as everyone told me. With the help of my friends supporting me, Allen keeping me from being too sad, and my mom and brother driving down to finish moving me in, I have been here for two weeks and I’m settling in nicely.

It is amazing to me that I am now the type of person who would take this opportunity by storm and dive in head first. I used to be the girl who was afraid to go to camp or sleepovers because I was worried I wouldn’t like any of the food offered. Now I’m a (somewhat) fearless road warrior who is excited to move to a town where I knew one person, to make a difference in the lives of 80 women whom I just met (and am already obsessed with). I am not afraid to travel by myself. I’m not afraid to strike up random conversations with strangers. I’m not afraid to stand in front of an entire chapter of women and guide them into their first recruitment. I’m not afraid to jump out of my comfort zone, fail, learn, and become better. I can do this.

Luke’s message was about how as long as we trust God’s plan and focus on Him, He won’t let us fall. We will be able to do things we never thought we could, like walk on water…or move 700 miles away from home. We just have to trust that we won’t sink and step out of the boat.

#kodieontheroadie #MISSdakota