Homecoming's and Farewell's

I spent Friday evening with my cousins Lori, JR, and TJ. I hadn't seen them in forever so it was a happy homecoming. As always, the evening was filled with fun. TJ and I jumped on the trampoline. Lori made some great green beans which I inhaled, and we took a family trip to the Dairy Queen. I have missed my family so much in the last year. I hope to get some quality time with them now that I will be close again.


I left Ohio last week and was sad to say goodbye to some special people in my life. Some I know I will see soon, and some I hope to meet up with again later. Change is something I am well acquainted with and often look forward to. This past year was quite possibly the hardest year I have encountered thus far , but also one of the best growing, healing, and learning years of my entire life. My move to Ohio brought peace, contentment, and a personal growth that was long needed. God has brought freedom and contentment in a way that can only be learned through being alone and completely dependent on Him. I came to Ohio broken, insecure, and bitter. I am leaving thankful for my current life and content with who I am. (Rhea, I think that is called "Stage Five" in the recovery process) :) It has been a long, insightful, and interesting journey. I have always loved the verses in Jeremiah "For I know the plans I have for you... plans to give you hope and a future." In the past, I was under the assumption this would mean I would be blessed as we often view success -- money, travel, job success, love, etc. Currently, I am understanding this to mean peace. He has brought me hope and a future not through the ways I predicted but through experiencing peace -- the peace that only God can bring. I am so thankful for my past year in Ohio and pray God blesses all those who blessed me so much there.