My new title......

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