Sanctuary

I am now nearing my end of my time in Rutland, VT. I am really going to miss these gorgeous green mountains, covered bridges, beautiful scenery, and wonderful community members. It is hitting me now how much I really am going to miss this place and the community here. I have been trying my hardest to embrace each day and each blessing that I have been given. I don't think I will understand how much I will miss it here; until I am gone. These past few weeks of programming have been great. There are always unexpected twists and turns, and surprises that I try to always be ready for. God always reminds me that He never gives us more than we can handle. And He puts us in the right places at the right times, no matter how hard it may seem, or how much I may long for something else. Overall though, our groups have been really great – I have made a lot of great connections and built some meaningful relationships. I continue to be filled up by these relationships that form and transform.

Last weekend I took my staff to the Chittenden Reservoir. We had a picnic lunch by Lefferts Pond, then walked through the woods to the reservoir to find a quiet place to go swimming. We swam out and sat on some big rocks we found – soaking up the beauty of the water surrounded by green mountains. This was the perfect rejuvenation that I needed to get me through the last two weeks; a sanctuary that I now have as a mental image and escape in my mind. I have been missing the lake so much, and that peacefulness and freedom that it provides, and the closeness with nature and the wonder of God's amazing work.

We made our last trip to BJ's Wholesale in NH today!! No more grocery shopping for 70 people - that'll be a relief. I will miss the drive though. Yes, it gets a bit lengthy, but is completely worth it for the scenery. Fridays my exhaustion does finally set in. Thursday is rough but I continue to plow through. Friday is the day when it all hits me. The kids have left, my paperwork is done before noon, I finally sit down in the car ride, and my energy drops so that I feel as though I am only partially functioning. Lots of caffeine for the drive, that's what gets me through and home safe, along with the beautiful scenery and some good music to sing along to. Also it's a great time to think and process everything that has happened this past week, and everything that I have not allowed myself or had time to think about in the midst of the week.

Dinner tonight was delicious and with good company. We went to a community member's house for a nice homemade meal. His daughter is in Rob's youth group, and so is her cousin - so we were able to hear all about their YouthWorks trip to Harrisburg PA, and we shared with them funny stories about our experiences this summer.