Sometimes I Write

This past weekend was my last girl’s retreat with our teen girls. This retreat is unique in that the girls do everything and my friend Danita and I were there to provide adult supervision. Every year the Junior/Senior girls put on this retreat for the younger girls. They plan the trip, buy the food, prepare it, clean up, do the lessons and plan the games. Then they pass the torch to the next group of planners for the following year. They invite 2 or 3 women to be chaperones and drive the van. This was my third year and my last. It was my first without babies – a much needed break :). It was a fun weekend, and I enjoyed laughing, teasing and crying with my girls. On Saturday night we had a candlelight devotional and I was honored when they took turns telling me how much they loved me and how I had made a difference in their lives. We all cried…what do you expect with a room full of estrogen? I love these girls!

One of my biggest blessings came from Danita. This woman has loved on me since we moved here. She is always encouraging and welcoming. During the summer Max, Zoe and I would spend a few afernoons lazing around in the pool and she and I would talk while we each took charge of a child. Then Pete came along about the time Max decided to be fearless adventure boy! Thank God for those swimming suits with the built in floaties!!! She and I have talked about some really personal things and she’s one of the few people here I truly trust. She thanked me for sharing Zoe with her so she could get her girl fix because she has three boys. Zoe sits with her almost every Sunday and Danita always has a book, toys, and snacks for her. Her sons are in jr. high and high school, but they play with Max and give him the wrestling time he needs. Her oldest is away at college, but was part of our youth group when we moved here. We really miss him. Her husband is a good guy. We haven’t had the chance to get to know him as well as her because his job keeps him busy and travelling, but I love to watch him love on his boys. He’s one of those fathers that hugs and wrestles with his boys. You can see the love he has for them in his eyes. This family has really blessed my family! Anyway, Danita totally affirmed me. She loves us and supports us and is going to miss us. She was also part of the group that went to Denver last summer with Benny, so she has experienced Dry Bones first hand. Thank you again God for her friendship!

***side note – as I type this I’m listening to Nightline evening news. Guess what they’re talking about??? Blogging! They’re talking about the blogisphere, what it is, and who makes the rules. They are talking about mostly political blogs, but talking about the power bloggers have in general. Information is faster and cheaper than a newspaper or magazine, and blogging is beginning to change the face of media. Hmmm…and I just share my random thoughts. Am I changing any lives? Maybe not, but I feel pretty good about what I blog. I don’t usually touch on what’s going on in the world around me…just what’s close to home – my home. That’s the great thing about being a blogger. It’s my blog and I can write what I want to. If I get caught up in the comparison game, I’m a loser. Adam is more spiritually focused, Mike and Larry are more challenging, Laurie is more free speaking, and Sandy posts cool pictures. All of my blogging friends have different talents, jobs, thoughts, and goals. We are a part of a vibrant electronic community as the reporter put it tonight on Nightline. I’m still figuring out what I have to say. Stay tuned to see what happens next…you never know.

Back to my sentimental goo. There are more “lasts” coming in the next few weeks. Some of the saddest? My last BSF class with the ladies in my discussion group is the 16th. Our going away party is that same day. I’m going to Aunt Hattie’s for tea with some ladies from church. We had so much fun last time that I asked them to go again before we move. My last meal at Il Vicinos, my favorite restuarant in Wichita. I can think of more, but I won’t bore you. I had an epiphany about all of this. I don’t know how to say goodbye. I’m really bad at it. More on this later.

My eyes are falling asleep and the rest of my body is screaming to sink into the comfort of our King size, so I’ll sign off for tonight. Goodnight blogging friend. Thanks for stopping by to read my ramblings. Leave me a note and I’ll stop by yours sometime.