A picture says a 1000 words!

There's no place like home.

Dallas can go on without me. I am HOME and loving it!! It is where I belong, and that is a great thing. Our MOPS convention was a lot of work but rewarding in some respects. Even though I was lonely at times, I was able to spend a lot of time reading, walking and praying. Those were good times, needed times. God was faithful to speak to me with some of the things I had been talking to Him about.

Life at home went on without me - Patrick and the kids weathered my absence just fine. I know that the little hole that I left empty while I was gone impacted them in some ways - that's what being a part of a family means. We notice when someone is gone; their presence is so necessary to the function of the family no matter who they are. I don't envy Patrick's traveling (he's leaving for Montana tomorrow); it's hard to be away from home. I am so thankful that I had the reminder of what home is to me.

I have no business blogging...

I haven't even left yet, and I'm homesick already! Can you believe it!!! I feel like I felt when I was a kid and was going to go to camp or a sleep over. A little excited, nervous and afraid, all in one. I know that everything will be fine at home - Patrick is a better "mother" than I am! More relaxed, less agitated, more patient, less rigid, etc. Everything is going to be just great - My heart will just miss everything. We had family pictures done at church tonight for the directory. When I saw the computer proof of the picture of all of us, I was overwhelmed with thanksgiving. 7 years ago, I was SO lonely, so sad, so beyond hope for a great future that if you would have told me that I would have a happy, healthy, bonded, family I wouldn't have believed it. God has been so kind and gracious to me. He has blessed me beyond measure, and I have ONLY Him to give glory and praise to. He loves me and He alone lifted me from my lonely pit, and found me a firm place to stand. He gave me gifts of a loving husband and beautiful children. I will miss my sweet home and my sweet family while I am in Dallas, but I am praying that the same gracious Heavenly Father who met me in my loneliness and sadness will me meet at our MOPS convention. I am not that excited to go, but I am really asking for His Spirit to go before me and prepare something for me to receive. I will see you in a few days!!!