Walks in Woodhill

I know picking up and leaving one city for the next does not remove the pain, anxiety, papers, tough work days, lonely nights, laundry, and unknowing of the future. I know this. And yet I knew it needed to happen. I needed to pack a bag and feel the sun on my face, in my city, in the midst of what feels like the longest winter season ever. (said with tired sass and maybe even an eye roll)

My only request this time around was to see inside. After 7 years of envisioning what it would be like. Dreaming, planning, getting our hopes up, seeing a blue print, only to never happen. 

Yeah. Of course I want to see inside. 

So we walked.

Cause God isn't the only one who knows we need the sun to survive after a winter like this one. The first "warm" day in months. We walked from almost one side of Woodhill to the other. Adding a few friends along the way.

Kids running from their yards for hugs. Pops throwing the football with boys no taller than my knees. Waving to the mommas on their stoops. Peeking around doors to say hello to old friends. Holding hands and hearing "sissy look!" every couple of seconds.

I was exactly where I needed to be.
I felt the things I needed to feel again in that place. I needed to be reminded why I started this journey so many years ago. In that neighborhood.

If anyone knows me, they know that my entire life revolves around Loving God and Loving Others.
And "ministry" doesn't have a clock in or clock out time. It's simply my life. This neighborhood has been calling me for a handful of years now. 

But I have also been called to live in the beautiful city surrounded by mountains and orange fans. With kids that feel more like family than ever before. With families that ask me how to handle certain decisions. And a boss that is as crazy about them as me.

So I do what I know best wherever I am. Here or there... or way out there (aren't you curious now?!) Gods timing doesn't mean I have to be passive in the waiting. I can still be brave. I can still love people like they need. And when the time comes, or if it never does, I'll go. I'll stay. That's the cool thing about being in love with God. You're kind of willing to do anything for Him.

Pops wasn't passive all these years in the waiting.
I won't be either.
We will be brave. We will play ball in the street.
We will continue to take walks with those who need the sun.

P.S. That beautiful girl in pink? Same age as me when I chose to be brave and join a village not knowing what it would mean. I know a lot more now. And I am really excited to see where she will be brave now that she is part of the village too.