It's been one of the most exciting years of my life. While I am still uncertain on the reasoning behind this assignment, I'm grateful to have moved away from all comforts of life in Arizona and establish a home in Texas.
What better way to celebrate than by having a House Warming Party!
The preparation expectation and the outcome were wildly different. If you know anything about me and my love of hosting, you can imagine my nights were long and I declined most offers of help that guests extended. I wanted everything to be perfect. I wanted everyone to be comfortable. Mostly I wanted everyone to feel loved and appreciated. After-all, everyone in attendance has played a tremendous role in a blessed first year.In attendance were my Adante family: Anne, Lisa and Jason, Yolanda, Allie, and Carrie. And my Pearl Street family: Amy and her crew, Jennifer and her family, Stephanie and her family, Priscilla and her crew, Jessica and her little ones, Judith and her family. I was really hoping my Arizona family would have made it, that would have been the icing on the cake!
Judith has been a source of encouragement since last year. She has been praying us up and it was only fitting that she prayed the blessing over the meal, my home and my life.
Everyone wrote their favorite scripture in the garage, we had Dominoes pizza, and there were 3 different salads to choose from. Sugary drinks and cupcakes were available to enjoy. There was a group in every room. Seasoned women in the living room, chatter in the kitchen, families on the patio. The kids enjoyed the slip n' slide and water balloons.
It warmed my heart to find my Adante fam had wandered into the empty guest room but sat on the floor in a circle like a they were in summer camp talking life. And I couldn't help but laugh when I found one of the kiddos comfortably resting in my bed.
I much enjoyed walking folks thru my small home, explaining who's who in the photos, where some of my treasures came from and plans for the house. Repeatedly my guests shared just how good Old Faithful felt.
As the night came to a close, Amy encouraged me to open the gifts. It was really hard not to cry as I opened the gifts and read the cards. Flowers, pitcher and lemonade makings, wine glasses/decanter, yard flag, candles, air fresheners, gift cards and wall hangings that depicted the Lord's presence in my home. It left me speechless.
Bags of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies were available as parting gifts...along with a scribbled note to express my appreciation for their love and blessing.
I didn't expect the gifts, I didn't expect the number of attendees, I didn't expect the Love expressed. I cried myself to sleep that night as I replayed the party. Definitely an anniversary to remember.
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