My Church Family

Today I am thankful for... my church family, whose members love and support me with a depth equal to that of my relatives.


It started when I moved to Victoria six years ago and had every intention of "church hopping" until I found a community I could be fed by and could serve in return. One Sunday, Nathan and Brittany invited me to theirs. That first Sunday (which coincidentally was Student Appreciation Sunday - gotta love a basket full of goodies!!) was the first of many - I never left. The community was welcoming and friendly (and helped me navigate what felt like ten different worship hymnals and books). They've only become more so over the years.

And now that I'm back and re-establishing a life here, it's great to have people who support my career, my home-search and my tummy (um... what? Yep, my tummy. Big thanks to the McKenzie family for feeding me dinner tonight!).

These people have real love for me. They are proud of me and are excited to see me succeed as a Teacher. They hugged and welcomed me back when I returned from London and are oh-so-thrilled that I'm among them again.

And I have real love for them. I feel pride for my Youth students, whom I've watched grow up over the past six years. Many of them have graduated from high school now, which is as unbelievable to me as it is to their own parents. I am so happy to be among this "chosen" family again. I feel safe and welcome. I feel Godly love when I'm surrounded by them.

So... thanks, Church peeps. U da bomb.