It's the small things that count

It seems in my prayers God has continually pointed me to remember the small things and be thankful. I thought I'd share a few of those here with you. Maybe a list will be best?

Let's see...

My view driving to work makes getting up early worth it.

A 93 year old patient shared his best piece of advice in one word: listen.

I made a friend, she's 97, and she shared how she lost over a 100 pounds and was tickled to death to be more healthy.

Andy's here! Andy's here! Andy's here! Andy finished his final day at the YMCA this past Friday. He was sad to go and blessed by the kindness of so many he saw every day. But I'm so glad to have him back! We celebrated with a little Sticky Fingers and coffee for dessert.

Mina has taken up residence in the bathroom sink.

I made a great friend, Angela, who has not only taught me how to do my job (the right way) but has also made me a friend. I am so very thankful for her.

We've almost gotten unpacked-ish. It's feeling more like home and we really like it.

Rembrandt's Coffee has become a favorite spot for us both. Not to mention, they have a little shop in the hospital! I ration myself to once a week- ish.

We tried out our first church this past Sunday. The experience was fun but the church was not for us. We are so excited for a new option Andy discovered. We'll try it this Sunday and let you know how it goes.

The leaves on the trees are outstanding and we are enjoying our views.

Braylen is the cutest kid to date and I get to see his face a lot!

Andy has joined an ultimate frisbee league he learned of through Neal, Angela's husband, also our new friend.

Andy got his wish for bbq on Sunday at the Chattanooga Market.

We continue to be thankful for our friends and family all over that support us in love, prayer, and friendship. We miss you in one way or the other.

Chick-fil-A and Packing Tape

As I type this oh so overdue blog an empty bag of Chick-fil-A and a fresh roll of packing tape stare back at me. Yes, we are moving AGAIN but this time to a new city. How did this happen you ask? (For the record, so do I) Well, it has been a series of crazy events that have led us to Chattanooga. First being, that I got a job! I am working as a medical social worker at Memorial Hospital. This move has been more of a "transition" than I would have liked but you do what you have to do. Or at least that's what I tell myself every day. I started working at the hospital three weeks ago and my Mom had surgery a week prior to that so I have been "living" in Chatt for a month now. Andy and I see each other on weekends and will be permanently reunited in two weeks! Oh, how I long for that day. My sister and her lovely family have graciously allowed me to crash in their spare bedroom all this time. I've enjoyed seeing them a lot! I'm not sure they'd say the same. :) Andy will finish his time at the YMCA in two weeks and will continue searching for his dream job in Chatt. So, you see, it's a bit of a mess but we are taking it with grace and enjoying what we feel is God's plan working itself out.
A little more about my job...
Most people I run into don't exactly know what it is a medical social worker does and they usually inform me that they couldn't do whatever this mystery job is, either. So, since I have your attention, I'll tell you what I do. Most days it feels like I order potty chairs and walkers but in reality I help sick people transition back into normal life or adjusted normal after their illness. At times this means I get them access to food, financial assistance, insurance coverage (ha), transportation but also that I listen. I listen to what they say but I hear so much more; their heartache, their loneliness, their fear, their hope. It is my job and hope that in some small way, above ordering potty chairs, that I am there when it is hard for many others to be for whatever the reason. So, I love and hate my job. I hate seeing sick people struggle, especially the ones without family or friends. I hate being around death and dying. I hate knowing there is only so much one person can do. But I love doing what I can. I love seeing people survive and triumph. I love seeing the devotion and support that people can give. I love being reminded that life is short and people are what matters.
Overall, I do believe that God is leading this crazy life we are a part of but it is hard right now. It's a lot of changes and loneliness but as I cried yesterday about the size of our new bedroom, I'm reminded that most of my pains are first world problems. I know that God cares about my struggles but a dose of perspective goes a long way. We are blessed by many and so excited to see what marriage and life looks like in Tennessee. Come visit? That'd be great.