in the company of amazing people...

my week was ummm... INSANE

really - truly insane. but wonderful.

I think I met some of the most amazing people on earth. There were also some amazing people that I'd already met thrown in the mix...

Monday I woke up - packed my bags for the week - tried to clean up the house - had the tires re-balanced - and crammed in lunch with Shelle, April and her husband, and Crash and her husband. Now... these ladies are hilarious on their blogs - and do not disappoint in person! So happy that we could fit in this little lunch before I had to fly out of town at 3:00! (and here's hoping that Crash's husband has not filed a restraining order because since I finished hugging his wife I just felt in the huggy mood - handshake shmandshake, that's what I always say!)

Tuesday/Wednesday - I spent the whole day(s) in a FREEZING cold conference room at the Hilton for the commission on volunteerism. Seriously - this nice hotel put a newspaper outside each room in the morning but didn't have refrigerators in the rooms... apparently they wanted you to leave your leftovers/water bottles in the conference room because they kept it cold enough in there to keep a dead body fresh for days. As a matter of fact, I wondered about a conference attendee for most of Wednesday until I finally saw her flinch. I came very close to sending a message to Kristina and asking her to sponsor an emergency "Snuggies for Conference Attendees" drive.

Thursday - after a fun service project that involved trees, dirt, trash bags, and lots and lots and LOTS of mulch... I was ready to go home. Eager to get on the road for the 5 hour drive I was a little peeved when I noticed my friend/carpool member striking up a conversation with a fellow volunteer. I want to formally apologize for that moment of peevishness. This man (Michael) is originally from Sudan - he lived there until 1985* at which point he left - and spent some time in Kenya, a bunch of other smaller African nations, and Egypt... he showed us photos of him with an Ambassador that he used to drive for and drew us a nice map of Africa to illustrate the journey. He left behind 4 brothers - 2 of whom joined the military - who have all since died due to the political unrest in their country. As the last remaining brother, Michael is making plans to return to Sudan to take care of his 9 nieces and nephews who are currently under the care of his 14 year old niece. Asked whether or not they could come here he explained that although it was possible it would take a long time, and he needed to get there quickly so that the 14 year old could go back and finish school. When I came home and told my family this story MY 14 year old son just wanted to help... and I'm ashamed to admit that I don't know anything more than Michael's first name. You know what though - I am keeping this story in mind... hoping to stay more appreciative and thankful for what I do have.

Friday - home again I worked a crazy day - but was able to fit in lunch with Shelle and April once again - this time joined by Tauna... who is from a MUCH colder place and spent the lunch amazed by us locals who were wearing hoodies to keep from the chill in the air... yep, we're wimps :)

Saturday - I spent the day with lots of people I've met many many times - but who constantly amaze me. Family. Lots and lots of family travelled a goodly distance to come and see my daughter as she chose to be baptized into our church. It was just wonderful to look around and see friends and family who came to support us. One sister-in-law spent a goodly part of the morning cooking with me - as a part of her spring break no less. Each person was appreciated and the day was beautiful. Being able to take my daughter's hand as she came out of the water I was just ready for a special mother/daughter moment where I told her how proud I was of her for making such a responsible decision. She spoke first... her wise words? "Holy CRAP that is cold water!"

ahh... gotta love her!!! Maybe we'll try for a sweet spiritual moment when she's a little older :)