When I was first planning the day I was excited, but as the day approached the length of travel and of the day as a whole started to weigh. Waking up with a sinus headache didn't help and I started to wonder if it was the best idea. However, I hit the road for the 2.5 hour drive determined to keep to my commitment. That drive really isn't bad, the beauty of rural Kansas was mine to behold. The car was filled with beverages, snacks, and music. A former colleague always described longer car rides as having "quality windshield time" -- time to think and pray; I've always loved that perspective and took advantage of the time to do just that. As I pulled into town, I realized both it and I had changed while apart. I didn't enter the town with any lingering feelings of sadness, just fond memories. I took a slower route to my destination, soaking in the sites of the town that had been home for many years. The familiarity was comforting and welcoming - letting me see the role it all had played in who I am today. My first stop was at the district office where I'd worked for 5 years - it always serves as a good meeting place to carpool, but there were afternoon meetings scheduled there too. I entered to smiles from familiar faces and was able to have conversations of catching up. I also received an unexpected hug from the superintendent -- I always appreciated his heart and this gesture of friendship meant a lot. Our team was then off to Hutchinson for a client meeting with another one of my favorite superintendents. I have the utmost respect for Betsy McKinney and this meeting was the main reason for my trip. She is retiring this year and I wanted to see her one more time in person! We met at ESSDACK which I have such good memories connected with. As I entered the offices, I heard my name called out across the room -- this made my heart sing! Carmen, who I had the pleasure of working with in McPherson now works there and caught sight of my entrance.
The day was so full and rewarding! Not only physical hugs were received but also hugs of affirmation from both clients and my team. My bucket was filled from it all!
Following all of the fulfilling time with clients, I was able to catch up with two more of my favorite people -- Jason and Mary Lynn! More hugs - which if you know Jason, is rare and I valued it even more! And again I was reminded of how far I've come, but also the wonderful people that have helped me get there!! I hit the road home feeling loved on, cared for and blessed. A work trip -- leaving me full and cared for!! Thank you to each and every person that contributed to the day!! And to those that I didn't get to see, you were thought of....I just didn't have enough time on this trip...but knowing that I had even more friends around fills me even fuller. I am so blessed!
1 Comment
Mary Lynn Smith
4/12/2024 03:30:17 pm
Loved seeing you! Yes you and McP have changed. Good things, sweet things, meaningful things!! God is so so good!
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March 2024
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