This is it. My final sabbatical blog. I am so fortunate to work for FDLIC and to have had this opportunity for growth and redemption.
This weekend I was able to see all four of my kids and my grandson. During the last month, Elliott had began to flourish. It’s been a rough beginning to his little life but he’s coming through it like a champ. He’s doing so good. He’s up to 3 lbs 8 oz and is only needing a little breathing support which is being weaned down. I’ve had much joy watching my daughter and son in law get to hold him and interact with him. He even gave me a quick smile when I was talking to him.
I spent good quality time with my kids and have done more healing in those relationships. Still more to do there but we are now well into that process. We talked a little bit about good and bad parts of their raising. I wasn’t surprised by their responses. We had good meals, too many of them, and great fellowship. I believe they were getting tired of all the group selfies though.
For the first time in my life, I am doing a daily devotional and reading my bible. Who knew there was so much good stuff in there? Lol.
This morning I went to church with my daughter and my twin boys. It’s a small community church outside of Wichita Falls in a town called Holiday. It was such an amazing message and amazing minister (btw, he has no formal training in ministry and just began this in February). After church, I went and visited with the minster. What a small world! He’s a recovering addict just like me. He’s branching out their Jail ministry to, of all places, Amarillo. He mentioned needing help getting this going in amarillo. Since I began my community service during the sabbatical praying with trafficking victims that are in our county jail, I believe I can help. So many of those same trafficking victims have addictions and could use help with a women’s treatment program like his.
You just can’t make this stuff up! God is good and I believe there are no coincidences in life. God puts people in your life at a certain time for a certain reason.
This journey has been amazing. I have grown emotionally and spiritually so much more than I could ever imagine. It hasn’t gone exactly as planned but that’s ok because it’s probably been better than I planned.
Please keep praying for baby Elliott and thanks to everyone who has read my lengthy blogs! 