i spent the weekend at one of my favorite places, forest home. i was counseling elementary school girls. they are definitely the most precious, spunky, energetic, wonderful little ones. it was good to be in the elementary school mindset again (kind of. i mean, i still was their mom for a few days.) they reminded me how important it is to appreciate the little things. like getting a milkshake even when its freezing outside, or singing your favorite song during worship. they also reminded me how important it is to care for each other. when one of them was sick, they were legitimately concerned and wanted to do whatever they could to help her out, regardless of the time (even 3 in the morning). during bunktalks, they helped me see the world through their eyes, which is a lovely way to see it- girls can be so mean, boys are ridiculous, and the best way to be bold is to stand up to bullys at school.
the most important thing the girls reminded me of over the weekend is that its okay to ask for help when you need it, and its okay to tell someone you know loves you that you're scared. they had forest home leaders and me to lean on when they couldn't carry their luggage all the way to our room, or when the challenge course looked too high and scary.
in the same way, we have each other. but i think sometimes, we, or at least i know i get too embarrassed, or i'm too stubborn to say i can't make it on my own. but people are put into our lives to help us, just like the little girls had me this weekend.
emily's first day of 5th grade picture from september. i got to take her. it made me miss those first days, and all the built up excitement and anticipation!
