The life I left back in the 601

There's so many things my heart enjoys all the more now and it's a beautiful transformation to experience. One being the heartfelt significance of a Church family.
As I've mentioned, Pinelake is one in a million. As I've been back, EVERY SINGLE person on staff that sees me Sunday's walking by, stops to say hey; to hug me; to ask genuinely how I'm doing and encourage me along the way. I know they have been praying for me and keeping up and it's obvious they want to be on my team. Can I just say THAT is a pretty killer group of people and represent the church in its' entirety.

One aspect I don't mention but holds a significant part of my love for Pinelake is specifically the room in the back: the kids room. That room is a special place. That is the place that community has been desired, and found. I truly look forward to 11 am every week. Getting to teach the Word of God to kids is a fabulous experience for both parties. I learn the lesson myself most weeks honestly while simultaneously preparing to teach these kids'. It's such a cool experience to soak in all the more the teachings then be able to show them the aweomeness of the Bible!
It's the perfect picture of 'disciples making disciples making disciples'.

Pinelake is an ever growing place so we had to find a new space for us to seek God in; the Clinton move theater! We will move in March. We had the opportunity to tour and pray over the place that people will come to know Jesus in.

As far as recovery goes, now it's a plethora of small things that makes my heart jump just a bit. Like:
-buying creamer (peppermint mocha is literally my favorite tasing thing)
-having enough compassion for myself to set boundaries for 'me/self-care time' everyday
-lunch dates being 100% about the person and not the anxiety about the place
-having confidence in front of the 50 people I have the honor to coach
-learning my point of 'no return' at work and walking outside to regain myself (shameless plug that my work staff is SO supportive of all of this; they don't blink an eye when I have to pause and encourage me along my way).
There's so many more but that's the first few that popped in my head.

we have way too much fun....sorry boss! ;)

However, there's an equal list of the things that I am continuing to struggle with. I don't want it to seem like the transition back to 'normal life' is just seamless; it's not. It involves:
-doubt at work if I can do this
-pauses at work because I can't handle the day
-fear over if in 6 month's I'll have to do this again
-tears because I miss my 2nd home; my closest group of people.
Getting to hit the end of your ropes and seek light alongside them is definitely considered family status.
There's many more but those are the ones I think you'll be able to comprehend the most.

Man these ladies mean way too much to me.

So. There we go.

Renee' and I are trekking along as roomies and enjoying every single day with each other (ok I'm enjoying it and I am making the claim that she does too :D)

I will continue to be thankful for the time at Fairhaven while trying to transfer my heart back to Jackson every day. Continuing to seek and live in the new life that was found; keeping the learning's close to my heart to be able to seek the freedom I know is there and taste all the more everyday. *pun intended for physically tasting yummy things AND mentally experiencing all the things :D*