Our Second Trip to West Africa | Monday Musings

Our Second Trip to West Africa | Monday Musings

It’s hard to believe that I’m already writing this blog. It feels like just yesterday that I first stepped off the plane this year in West Africa, ready to discover a new country and its people. Now we are back again after our second trip with a murky future and memories that will be held in my heart forever. Capturing my time in this beautiful country is difficult when my soul is filled with too many words to say.

During our first trip in January we went with a team of adults as the youngest members. This time the tables were turned and we led a group of 8 students from our church to the same place we had first visited. In a lot of ways I still feel like a big kid trapped in an adult’s responsibilities, so changing my mindset to lead instead of follow was difficult – yet so very rewarding...

My Big Dreams for 2017 | Personal

My Big Dreams for 2017 | Personal

Right now is one of those rare times when I'm ignoring my to-do list for something much more fun. Last year my big dream was to go full time with my business, and lo and behold it happened this February! Some days I honestly still look around and feel like I'm dreaming because I get to work from home with my puppy, have coffee with friends when I want, and visit family during the week when it's slow season. Everyone has bad days, but I wouldn't trade this for the world.

Did I ever think this would happen? Yes and no. It felt too big, but I know how ambitious I am so I knew there was a possibility. Speaking it out loud was terrifying and thrilling, so now I want to jump into the rest of 2016 with my big dreams for next year in mind. Without further ado, here's what I would LOVE to make happen for next year!

Our Richmond Vacation | Personal

Our Richmond Vacation | Personal

Family time is absolutely the best thing for me. More than traveling the world, more than long weekends with nothing to do, and more than coffee with a good friend - though these are all things I love. But nothing sets my heart quite at peace like spending time with my family, and all the better when EVERYONE is there - which is hard to coordinate with so many people now!

A few weeks ago my Mom arranged a weekend for us in Richmond. Last year we vacationed with family in the Outer Banks but with busy schedules, new kids, and babies on the way, she planned a weekend excursion in Richmond instead. We went to a campground and had our own little cabin to stay in.

The first night we simply all showed up and spent time together. It's amazing how quickly our family has grown, so catching up with my favorite people is always a joy that takes hours and hours, never quite getting done! On Saturday we woke up to a full day together and my Dad continued the tradition of having a family devotion, something which I haven't always appreciated but have grown to love over the years...