I grew up on one end of this state but have, at various points in my life, lived all over it.
As I prepare to leave for Japan, this return to my home state has been about more than raising support and connecting and reconnecting with people.  It has also been about connecting and REconnecting with parts of myself.

I will forever carry with me the generosity and hospitality I have experienced in the homes of people who barely know me, just as I have in the homes of those who know me very well.  It feels good to be loved and cared for; to feel safe; to feel like family.  It feels good to drive down familiar roads, sing songs on familiar stages, eat meals in familiar places, and to be surrounded by and embraced by friends.

When I've asked for help, my needs have always been met.  Even amidst a snow storm that prevented me from making it to my engagements in Arkansas, the sweetest lady I know took me in...and made me soup...and told me stories...and let me win at Rummikub. :) 

I've spent hours on the phone and writing e-mails and making plans, but I've spent just as many face-to-face with new and old friends, with family, and with people so inspirational and encouraging that I have been in a perpetual state of, "Ah, I am BLESSED!"

Thank you to the amazing churches and groups with whom I've been able to speak:
Greenville Session, Shiloh Session, Loudon Men's Fellowship, Loudon Morning Bible Study, Brenthaven CP Women's Ministry, Union, Faith Fellowship, Nashville Presbytery Ministers, Women of Woodbine, Mt. Joy, and all of the amazing families and individuals who've offered so much to me.  THANK YOU!

I still have a few weeks left in this state and I'm looking forward to more connections and more growth.  It is such a sentimental journey.  Last week, I stood in front of a small stage in a legendary venue in Nashville and watched one of the former youth from the Brenthaven YouthROCKS which I used to lead, totally rockin out with his band.  To say I felt "proud" would be an understatement.  It really helped put some things into perspective for me, regarding past, present, future, and interconnectedness.  His is one of many lives I somehow managed to shape even a little.  Think of the ripple we can and have already made...

I can't wait to see what's next!