Palm Trees to Pine Trees: Letter One

Madison Vujnov
Jul 25, 2017 · 2 min read

Dear You,

Hello. I am not sure if you are aware, but I have lived in Portland for about seven weeks now. That’s 52 days worth of heartbreak, excitement, depression, abounding grace, loneliness, laughter, and anxiety.

I know this is all refining me and causing me to grow into the woman I want to be. One who is wise, courageous, understanding, and loving. My Father’s faithfulness has be so astounding, I still have trouble wrapping my mind around it all. He has truly provided for me beyond measure.

In spite of the days where I can hardly muster the will to get out of bed in the morning, I have also been given days when I am so at ease and my stomach hurts from laughing so much. Granted, healing is still a long ways away, but I know there will be light at the end of the tunnel. If anything life has looked more like streaks of sunshine piercing through the concrete walls of that tunnel.

Portland has hit me on my weakest points, but I am not defeated. Through my weakness, I am reminded of God’s strength. After all, he has already overthrown kings, commands the sun and moon to rise, made a generation of people walk safely through parted waters, and more so, conquered man’s greatest enemy, death. I have Christ- resurrected strength flowing through my veins. Each breath I take will be nothing less then a forward march of heavenly kingdom advancement.

I know this well from what Jacob so graciously reminded his brothers, what they had intended for evil, God intended for good (Gen 5:20).

In a nutshell, know this: I am so weak, but God is continually giving me strength to keep walking. This battle is far from over, but I will be so much stronger because of it. After all, David’s triumph over Goliath would not have been so impressive if Goliath was the size of a Hobbit.

So, you, whoever you may be. A new friend, and old one from back home, family member, acquaintance, etc, I hope you know that I am marching on. I’m not exactly okay, but I am staying brave and persevering. After all, if God can take a shepherd and make him a king, what more can he do with a girl from California?

Ever Yours,

Maddi Rose

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