Here we go again...

Well, we are off. To be more specific, Joel is off... we are here. It feels better this time though - we did the whole good-bye thing just a few months ago when he left for two months of training, so this time felt less... raw.

I also am approaching this feeling more supported than I was letting myself feel several months ago. From past experience through years of service, when people said they would help keep us busy or make sure we were ok when Joel was deployed... well... it just didn't happen. Not that I resented that - people are busy. BUT - This time I am surrounded by people who said these things... and mean it. Those two months went by smoothly and so full of love and support - I know this year will be the same. I am learning to ask for help, and God has surrounded us with people offering it :) Yeah!

Another reason (and a huge one at that) that I am feeling better now is because I am being more intentional about my time with God. I had a reality check recently when I was asking God why I was so empty - and he said "you don't spend the time filling up!" When I am this full of joy, sorrow can not drown me. I will have bad days - but in this moment, I am... at peace.

So - we are off - Joel on his journey and Nate and I on our "Year of No Newish Thing Buying" - I am excited for the possibilities that will open to us as we live more simply - recycling and being creative with the things we have, giving gifts that actually mean something, playing games together and for just one year, putting a stop to the polluting that the world and consumerism has done to my family. (Maybe we will take some of this further than one year!) Hold on tight - and at the same time... let it all go.