It has been so rich...

That's how I would describe my last week here in Dallas. I have felt totally full and so satisfied for the past week. On occasion I have maybe even felt a little sick, but that's because I have effectively eaten my way through these past few days.

I made a list of restaurants I wanted to eat at before I left, and sure enough have checked them all off. But... Eating at all my favorite places in one week= eating a whole lot of things that aren't that good for me. And thus, I haven't felt all that well. :)

The richness I am feeling tonight however has little to do with the meals I have eaten, but rather so much more to do with the people with whom I have shared them. It is the richness of these deep friendships that make me feel so full tonight.

It is also however the richness of these friendships that has left me crying in my empty room much of the day today. Someone once told me that tears were the sign of a full heart, and today, more than ever I believe that to be true! My heart is full of thankfulness and joy and love as I reflect on how gracious and good the Lord has been to me in all the many relationships in my life and especially in these past 5+ years. But my heart also breaks as I think about leaving all of this, all of these people that I love so much, as I leave for St. Louis early Tuesday morning!

From my precious high school and college girls, to my incredible girl friends here in Dallas, to my amazing friends from work, to my PCPC family, to wonderful family with whom I have lived, to the incredible women who have poured their life into me, to my awesome extended family, and to my precious parents and brother and sister...the Lord has blessed me over and abundantly, so far beyond what I deserve, so far beyond all I could ask or imagine. And tonight, as I think about each of the people with whom I have shared my life I just couldn't be more thankful.

For all of you that have been a part of my life here these past few years- you have truly filled my cup, made my life so full of joy, so rich, so sweet. I love you dearly!

They say home is where the heart is. So...Dallas, Texas you are home! For as I drive away, so much of my heart stays here- a heart that's full, a heart that's thankful, a heart that's been blessed by the richness that has come from all my friendships with all of you! I LOVE YOU!!