One year ago today my husband and I started our journey across the country. I have officially not been in the Midwest for one year- woah. The timing of our departure was very much influenced by the Northwest Ministry Conference. We were strongly encouraged by our mentors, Chris and Rebecca, to be out in Seattle for the conference. It would be an excellent opportunity to jump right into our vision and make many important connections- and they were very right.
This past weekend we attended the NWMC for the second time. It was very much a “coming full circle” experience. Everything was “the same” as last year except for Josh and I, which is only by the grace of Jesus. Like last year, we attended a BBQ at a local ministry workers home that was shared among well-known youth and ministry workers. This time walking into that house we were not starving for some familiar faces, but the faces through the past year had become familiar.
That same night we also had our last Redemption Group meeting. This week we have our celebration where all the RG groups come together and share how Jesus has redeemed us. The whole church is welcome to come worship, hear and celebrate the good work of Jesus. But this past week I felt was a mini-celebration for my RG group. We all had the opportunity to share what Jesus had taught us and through that process we all could see how Jesus has transformed us. Every single woman in my group was changed in a way that you could see it on her face and in how she spoke- truly amazing.
Friday and Saturday were full conference days, but well worth it. One speaker I enjoyed the most and attended multiple workshops of hers was Carrie Abbott. She is the President of the Legacy Institute. I highly encourage you to check out her radio show, materials etc
A highlight of the weekend was getting to connect and spend time with DeVito’s again. When we arrived last year- they were also staying with Renzelman’s for the conference. The DeVito’s are a significant part of our story with our first few days in Seattle. They were so welcoming and warm to us- something that eased the fear of traveling across the country and moving in with strangers. It was great to reminisce about the night we pulled into the driveway and how the past year has been. They are an encouragement to us both and we value their friendship dearly.
I realized as we were pulling away from the conference that I was in such a different place as last year. Last year as we pulled away I had a feeling of almost despair. We had come out when we did for this conference and just like that it was over. We now faced the reality that we were living here. We would have to find jobs, a place to live; a church, a community and the list went on. This year we left the conference feeling refreshed, went out for a date night and then home to crash. We have experienced Gods grace and provision and it’s because of God’s grace.
Amen. I think that sums it up. :o)
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