Fragrant Fellowship

March 2009: I nervously sat in the admin office among women who had been in the "industry" for years.  Women who were certainly more knowledgeable and experienced than me.  I interviewed not once, not twice, but 3 times.  Naysia and I had just arrived in Anaheim when I received the phone call from George with the job offer.  I was shocked, thankful, and in no way prepared for the task ahead. 

Next to motherhood, working at Fellowship Square has been the most challenging job I have ever had.  

I've had the pleasure (and sometimes the frustration) of managing caregivers, taking care of residents, engaging with families, working alongside other leaders and serving the community.

Over the years the Oasis became my family.  We laughed, fought, hugged it out, defended one another, celebrated life and mourned during death.  We had potlucks, dance parties, fun staff trainings, and come to Jesus meetings.  

Every year in October they would graciously give me a "Bosses Day" potluck.  This last year Mary Ann hung a poster to announce the party details.  I drew on the poster, defaced my own face.  I could hear them whispering in the office next door as they tried to figure out who would do such a thing.  Eventually I was found out and payback ensued.  This is just one of many examples of the laughs we shared as a family. 

The caregivers graciously allowed me to lead.  There were moments their energy and love brought me back from the brink of moving on.  They may never fully understand how much I depended on their willingness, respect,  support, dedication, hard work, ideas, and enthusiasm. 

I had the pleasure-the honor-of being able to come to know their family, and pray with and for them about personal matters.  They came to church with me and blessed not only me but my daughter time and time again.  I could go on and on about how incredible these mamma and papa bears are!

I have also been fortunate to have made friends with other department managers as well as peers on other campuses.  My office was a place of safety, security, and the presence of the Lord.  I revealed my heart, lent an ear, and eventually friendships were created.  Favors were given and reciprocated, secrets were shared and heard.  The sweet fragrance of Fellowship was produced.  

So....imagine how hard it was to announce the news that I was leaving.  I won't soon forget the day.  I tearfully paced in my office, heart racing, feeling like I was about to break up with a boyfriend.  I won't soon forget the tears they shed.  I won't soon forget the fear, anger and disappointed some of them expressed.  

I won't soon forget how in the end they sent me off with prayers of love, words of life, and sentimental gifts.  I won't soon forget those that sacrificed time to help load the truck.  I won't soon forget those that made financial contributions to send us off.  

In exchange I was only able to give them all written prayers, personalized cards, crosses as a reminder of the mission statement, and a rendition of the 2015 Bosses Day poster.
    
Yes, it was a challenging, exhausting, aging, stressful 7 years.  But, I am forever transformed as a result of the loving kindness that my Fellowship Square family so generously poured into me.  

thank you guys!  Now, come see me :)