The love I didn't know I had.

When entering into a new year with a new staff I was not sure that my heart had enough room to love these girls as much as I loved last years staff. However, the Lord made room. There were multiple times this year where I had to pause and think "how in the world can I love these girls THIS much?"

I am so blessed to live and learn and grow and work with these ladies. I have learned countless things from long conversations or just watching the way they live their lives. I have been loved in ways that I do not deserve. They have carried me, fought for me, held me up when I didn't want to stand any more. They have made me laugh, they have made me cry because I am laughing so hard. We have had countless adventures. We have broken bread together, often at 7am on Mondays.

I can be real, I can be sharpened, I am safe and accepted, I can jump, I can fall, I can forgive and be forgiven with these women.

Here are some of the things they have taught me this year.

Noelle: you teach me how to be real with myself and my emotions. You inspire me to love my family well by watching you love yours with such a beautiful intensity.

Emily: I have always said you are such a fighter but it is such a selfless fight that you want to win. You are always looking out for those that you love and loving them fiercely.

Steph: You are so wise and so insightful. You know how to care for those you love and I admire how much you seek wisdom and wise words from those around you.

Lindsay: I have been so lucky to see you love eastside and your residents. You have taught me so much about loving each girl well and being open to new situations and changes in staff's and units and seeing the Lord work in all of them.

Kassidy: You go all in and I love that. I admire your willingness to jump into the chaos and learn to love it. You are a huge supporter to each person on staff and each one of the residents. Your ability to learn people and learn their stories is such a gift.

Paige Scott: I am so impressed by your ability to be 'Here and Now', and by your undivided attention you give to each person you interact with. It challenges me.

Lexi: The level of thought and insight you give to things is incredible. Watching you get outside of your comfort zone (try new things, be bold) this year is so encouraging.


Thank you ladies for loving me so well this year. Thank you for doing ministry on Eastside. Thank you for staying at the table.