When one has kids,
their life is all about transition. Transitioning to a growing family, maybe a
move is involved, bigger car etc, all equal a transition. With adoption, it is
no different. It seems, at least to me the transition just might last a little
bit longer as the child changes, becomes more comfortable, is willing to begin
to trust and begin to bond.
Monday, will mark
another huge transition for our family. The affects on Michael and Hosanna will
be much different as they are for me. On Monday, I will hang up my hat in the place that I have
called my “job” for the past 5 years and 11 months. But as I process through
this transition ,since we have come home from China, for me this was so much
more than just a job. I worked with my family, so in a sense I will be leaving
my family, my community. Which is incredibly hard. If you have never had a
solid community behind you, you are missing out. But that is another soap box
for another day… America is missing the mark on community.
There are so many
people I feel the need that I need to address as I say so long to for now.
To my office in
Newnan- Holy Cow, what a privilege to serve alongside you all. The laughs, tears, sharing, the fears, pranks,
dressing up, parties, ice-cream. And so many more memories. You have walked
through my engagement, my wedding, marriage, adoption and every part of my life
in between. Through the good bad and the ugly, you all have always been
warriors on my side. You have encouraged me and challenged me in my faith walk
more than I could ever say. You are my GA family and while I know I will be
popping in from time to time to consume more ice cream along with participate
in some shenanigans, I wanted to say thank you. It will not be the same seeing all of your
faces on a daily basis.
To my candidates-
For the most part, I write you and you are no longer my candidates. Either you
have come and gone to the place you were called, or you are still there
currently serving. But there are 152 of you including your children. My word, I
stand speechless at that number, mainly because I never really felt like I was
working, but more so doing life with each of you. It was truly a privilege and
honor to have each of you on my desk for a season. And I know that for whatever
time you were or are called, there is such great purpose in it. You all
inspired me to strive for greater in my relationship with our Father. And I
love the fact that some of you have become my best friends. Thank you for doing
life with me!
To my colleagues
across the world- What a treasure to interact with each of you on so many
different levels. Some of you have spent evenings in my home, and others I have
gotten to see where you are through your eyes. I treasure my community from
afar. The leadership that encourages and challenges at the same time is
amazing. I thank you all for not only being colleagues but family as well. I
look forward to the fact that I get to spend eternity with each of you.
Not many people
get to say they have been at a job that they love, but this is the second time
that I get to say it and that leaves this girl incredibly full in her heart.
So what is next?
Well my new title will simply be mom. Frankly, there is nothing simple about
that title. However, that will be my “full time” job for the next season of my
life. It will be the first time since I was 18 that my paycheck is in kisses
and dirty diapers rather than coming to my bank account. So many people have
told me I am so lucky. And indeed, I feel free lucky that we have been provided
for in a way that allows me to do this. But in it is also a reward in some
ways. Michael and I began to work towards this goal long before we had a child,
when we first got married and hunkered down to pay off our debt. We drive cars
that are old by most standards, we sit on used furniture, and pay for
everything in cash. Living this way has allowed us to be able to do this. So
while I do agree we are very lucky, I also want to say that we have worked our
tails off to get here.
I have no clue
what is in store next for me. But I know that my next focus is my girl in a
full time capacity. It is a bit scary for me, and I know that it will take some
time to get used to, develop a routine, but I also know that this is where I am
suppose to be for this season. As Monday approaches and I walk into my office,
hand over my computer, credit card, phone, and key I know that it will be hard,
but I can say that I will walk out of the door with a full heart knowing that
my life is forever changed by “this little company”.
Much love,
Jennifer
