{family #lovemypeople}

My family is the start of my people.  #lovemypeople

Though I haven't lived with them for years now, without them I wouldn't be who I am now.

It seems like just yesterday we were packing up a trailer full of my crap for college and now here I am packing up my room 5 years later getting ready for the next adventure of rotations. Little did my father know when he wrote me a letter titled "Courtney's journey" on the day I left for college what my journey would all entail. His little girl grew up fast, jetting off to 3rd world countries, purchasing her first house at the age of 19 and so much more. But my journey would have never happened if it weren't for their support and encouragement.

I know they have questioned me at times and we've had our disagreements but through it all even in their doubts they have been on the sidelines cheering me on. I never would have become the independent strong willed woman I have become without them. They are apart of me and I am blessed with the gifts they have given me. I wouldn't have survived college or being a homeowner without my fathers sense of priorities, perseverance and resourcefulness along with my mother's creativeness and people skills.

Even now, with hundreds of miles between us and even as I continue to grow up, my family will always be my people. They are the ones that make me laugh and listen when I need to cry. They support me as I attempt to take on what sometimes feels like the world, and in some cases it is as I leave for another country for extended periods of time.

I am thankful for them allowing the sky to be my limit. For giving me space to grow and to learn who I am. For loving me and backing me up even when they didn't agree with or understand my choices. I am so thankful that even through the rough patches in life they will continue to be my number 1 fans.

Here is to my family.

#lovemypeople