Homesick

So, my team from work is on a really great retreat this first half of the week. It's been really cool 'cause we've been talking about wellness. Spiritual, physical, mental and emotional wellness. We've dined with pastors from other churches (to get us out of the "Buckhead" mentality and to pick their brains about ministry, in general), we sat by a pool located on a rooftop overlooking downtown and talked about how to take better care of our bodies. How we need balance in our food, balance in our sleep and much more exercise (my personal favorite!). And this evening, we had a nice dinner with a bunch of our family members...

At least, some of us had dinner with our family members. Mine live too far away. I knew about the dinner ahead of time, so I wasn't too sad about the fact that they wouldn't be there with me. And I had a nice time visiting with all the others (most of them feel like family, anyway). But it got me thinking... about the ones I miss at times like these. So I thought I would share them with you all.

These are some of my nearest and dearest and I wish that all of them could have been here tonight!


Amy Nichols (my oldest and dearest friend!)


Mark Avery (my other oldest and dearest friend, and practically my personal trainer from 3000 miles away!)


My sweet Daddy making his famous BBQ sauce (he's quite the consummate chef!)


My amazing MOM! (she's the one on the left... although, the other two have known me almost as long and both have claimed me a time or two, as well)


And last but not least, my sweet little kitties, Buddy and Bailey. These two have only been with me for a little less than a year, but they have completely stolen my heart (and most of my bed, as well)

So, these are the ones I want around me most of the time. Not all of them are represented here, but the ones that aren't... You know who you are! I love you all so very much and I thank God every time I think about you!!!

Hugs and Kisses,
Rachel