here's something - new

Ok - so I know I haven't updated in a long time. And for that, I apologize.

I learned something this past week. And it kinda sucks.

The youth ministers that were at my church before me actually told the kids that I was evil and that they shouldn't come to youth group. They said that I wasn't nice and that I wouldn't care about them. Really hurtful things - more than what I just wrote out here. And to top it all off, they even said that I couldn't play the guitar (Even though I've played since I was 15, and anyway does that even matter after what they had already said?).

The only touching thing about the whole situation is that it was one of my students in my youth group who told me about this. She's 16 and she totally opened up to me about how she didn't like me at first because of what was said about me. But then she actually got to know me and trust me - and in her words - "You're awesome. I love you!"

I almost cried.
Because of her openness.
Because of her sincerity.
Because it just meant that much to me to hear that.

For those of you that I've talked with in the last 13 months, you know the stress that I've been under with my job and you know what I've had to deal with - - after hearing this, it all comes into focus.

I received some amazing encouragement from my uncle the other day. He told me that I have learned some valuable lessons in my first year "out in the professional world" that most people don't learn for 20 years. I really think I needed to hear that.

I know there is a reason that I am here in Florida. I know there is a reason that I am working where I am working. And I know there is a reason that I've had to go through all of the shit that I've had to go through in these last 13 months.

I look forward to knowing the reason.

And I'm ok with the reason being nothing more than my growth as a person and as a professional. Those are valuable lessons.


In other news.....moving day is only 11 days away - and I haven't packed one thing yet. I better get on that.

peace,
~jen