Last Care Group Meeting

Last night was our last care group meeting. What a bittersweet evening we enjoyed! We began with a potluck dinner that was amazing in its abundance and goodness. The kiddos joined us for that time which was fun for them and for me - I was entertained by their interactions with people. Chloe invited Miss Jessi to sit at the kids table (a very small table designed for children) and Jessi graciously agreed. Chloe and Jake love Jessi. This was obvious in the way Chloe followed her around and then again when Jessi finished eating and stood by her husband (only a step away) and I sat in her chair. Both children made clear that I was sitting in Miss Jessi's seat. Chloe said to me, "I like Miss Jessi. But I like you too Mommy". She was so matter-of-fact about it! We put the kids to bed after dinner and then prepared to begin our last meeting together. Kevin created a "Memory Lane Trivia" game which we enjoyed laughing over. We took some time to express our affection for these couples whom we've grown to love so much. When we had taken as much time as possible, Kev handed things over to Jim Winn, who will be taking leadership of the group with the help of his wife, Tessa. We are so grateful for this couple. It is a joy to leave the group in such capable, loving hands. The group took time to express their affection for us - a time that we cherished and were deeply humbled by. At the end, they presented us with a gift. Julie Giove handcrafted a scrapbook that is both beautiful and filled with memories. We are so grateful! We looked through it with the group before everyone left and then poured over it when we were alone. We laughed a lot and talked about the memories we have with each couple. What a joy it has been to serve them!

One of the things I am most grateful for from the evening was the opportunity to praise God for the work he has done. As we looked back over the time we had with each couple (which varies from nearly 2 years to 5 months) we can see clearly God's work. It was sweet to give glory to the One to whom it is due. As the group pointed out evidence of grace in Kevin and me, I could not help but praise God. Some of the things they said were in areas I know I have been previously weak - or still feel very weak - and it was God's kindness to me last night to let me see a bit of his work. Father, thank you for being faithful to change people. Thank you for promising to make us like your Son. Please continue this work!

I cried a lot last night and it was a hinderance to what I could say at the time. So, to my ladies, um, the Winn's ladies: I am tremendously grateful to God for the privilege it was to serve you. You are my friends and I am looking forward to continuing in friendship, though it will certainly look differently now. You are ladies who love the Lord and are passionate about pursuing Him. You have hidden his Word in your hearts and are seeking to apply it to your lives. You love abundantly and without reservation and you pour out your time to serve others. I am going to miss meeting with you weekly. I am going to especially miss our ladies meetings. (Patricia, I'm not sure you read this blog, but if you do, you came up last night because we have been missing you for a long time at ladies meetings. They never were the same!) Thank you for embracing me and for allowing me to care for you. For those of you new to the group, thank you for jumping in so completely. It feels like you've been there all along. I thought about our group all night and woke up thinking about you again. It just doesn't seem real - that it is really over. I'm not sure I know what my week should look like now! Ladies, please feel free to email or call or text anytime. I love you very much and deeply respect each of you.

With much love and affection,

Jami