Last week was a roller coaster for me- with having to adjust to a new job setting and role, planning the move and preparing for the holidays, I was honestly just mentally and emotionally drained by the time Friday rolled around. I finished off my work week well and spent Friday night relaxing at home and baking. On Saturday we headed to the mountain with our youth for sledding and a snowball fight. I made a resolution to get myself out there more often just because of the freedom and freshness that the air has. I took quite the beating when it came to the snowballs and got quite a rough facial exfoliation- I will admit that that one was my fault and I asked for it. After the mountain I was exhausted and contemplated skipping the book club meeting I was planning on going to, but after taking a nap on the way home, I decided that my commitment was more important. I cannot even begin to explain how encouraging it was to go there that night- I was exhausted but sat with eyes wide open and glued to every word Pastor Alexey said. I was so encouraged by his desire to be a spiritual leader to young people who often can be so rebellious and his genuine desire to help us learn to think critically. None of my close friends were there yet I felt such a closeness with everyone there and I left being so exhilarated by the new truths I had discovered. Yesterday I was just so glad to be able to have the personal conversations that I was longing for. I find it can be very difficult to find people who are willing to be vulnerable and realized how much I dislike useless small talk. I have such a craving to get to know what makes a person tick, what their struggles and worries are and just share an openness where you don't have to worry that they will think less of you (I actually respect people way more if they are willing to let me see their weaknesses.) I had such a great weekend and was so grateful for the people that were willing to listen and understand my struggles- I really hope that with time I will be able to build better and stronger relationships with people that are willing to be transparent. I am entering Thanksgiving week such so much gratefulness that I think my heart might explode: I hope you all have a great week and understand how amazing our lives are and even if everything physical we had got taken away, we would still have the only thing we need in order to sustain our happiness:)
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| The boys were merciless when Tanya and I tried to take a photo |