A Roller Coaster Weekend!

This weekend was full of many happy and sad memories. I will admit that in my mind the happy events outweigh the bad. It all started on Friday afternoon. I got off of work and got ready to go to Yuma. Seeing my family is always a joyous occasion that ends with many new fond memories. This time it was special... there were friends coming with me!!! Those accompanying me to Yuma were: Alexa, Jackie, and . . . . . . . Kevin. As my stories tend to become long and in depth with many unnecessary details I will cut from the car ride scene to the goodbyes in the parking lot. In this scene there are many hugs and happy congratulations. This is because Kevin and I are officially dating. I must admit that it is still odd to say that I am dating! Aaaahhh!!! I don't know who is reading this but I will include a picture so that those who are reading will be able to put a name with a face.



Then on Sunday I found myself back on the road to Yuma. This time for a bittersweet event; the my aunt, uncle, and cousin's farewell service. We moved to Yuma almost 8 years ago to be under the wonderful headship of Pastor Kevin Foley (who also happens to be my uncle). I will admit that I was completely against the move at first as I was leaving my entire life on the east coast. Yet as the years have passed I have come to love and cherish my time in Yuma. It wasn't always easy, but I consider the place where I found myself. Where I discovered who I was as a person and as a Christian. Even though I no longer am a part of that congregation I am looking forward to all that God has for them under the leadership of Pastor Adam Scarry and his family (Stephanie, Logan, Connor, and Sage). We were sad as we said good-bye to not only our beloved pastor, but also our family. Also rejoicing as we welcomed an amazing family into the Yuma congregation.

Family

Just a little background... I grew up in a family of 4 girls and 2 lovely parents. I am the oldest of the 4, with twin sisters in the middle. When living at home one can easily take for granted the importance of the people around you. Whether that be friends, co-workers, but most importantly family. Just over a year ago I left my family and home in Yuma, AZ to pursue my education at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ. At the time I knew I would miss my family, but I did not understand fully the emotions that I would experience over the next year. At first it was ambivalence, I missed them, but I was too busy getting adjusted to a new culture and environment. In other words I was having too much fun being on my own, no longer under my parents rules. Then came the pang of homesickness, here one minute and gone the next. These pains would hit me at random moments. For example, the first time I gave my testimony in the music scene. Afterwards just thinking of how proud my parents and sisters would have been of me. Then comes the feelings that they are missing some of the most important events in my life. Passing the NCLEX, graduating university, meeting a guy, exploring new relationships and moving into future. Yes some of these they have been able to experience in person, but it is not quite the same when they have to leave the next morning. So here is to my family!! Cheers! I love you all and miss you greatly! I can't wait to see you all Friday night and then Sunday. Both will be times of growth and new beginnings for us all, but I'm looking forward to the journey ahead with you all by my side. That journey may not always be physically possible, but I know you are just a phone call away!

Photo: Thanksgiving 2008 at Kevin and Janet Foley's (uncle and aunt) house. From left to right around the table: DADDY, Conor (cousin), Anne (twin A), MOM (hiding), Jane (little sis), Janet (aunty), Emily (twin B), ME, and amazing Uncle Kevin!