Walking Each Other Home

A few days ago my time hop reminded me of when I got my tattoo "take me deeper than my feet could ever wander", in the script of my sweet sister friend Lauranne Boyd. Taken from the song, Oceans, which had been my personal anthem for a few years -- it's words pounding around in my heart. As I left San Diego and walked open handed and blindly into life in Nashville. The lines of that song kept me pushing through lots of unknowns.

It really has never been more fitting to look down at my right forearm and see those words etched into my skin. Because, I've been learning so much the past year what those lyrics can mean when you say them wholeheartedly. For me, they've played out in big acts of trust, of letting go, braving new seasons, lots of goodbyes and encountering greater depths.

I kicked off this year with the intention to pursue Wellness & Wonder and often myself in awe of how fitting the word(s) I felt whispered to me months before are. Even how quickly become so meant for the days in front of me!

Coming back to Austin after the holidays, I was let into a difficult moment the non profit ministry I am on staff with was in. As a young ministry who feels called to keep resources accessible and that is supported almost wholly by a lot of small donations contributions from crowd-sourced events and tools, it can be difficult to accurately project revenue growth year to year or even month to month. A few weeks ago, due to some unexpected financial hits this fall, IF had to make some tough calls for the sustainability of the ministry.

Part of those decisions was to eliminate having a full-time Development Manager on staff. I will be with the team through IF:Gathering 2017 and we're truly walking into the next season united and supportive of each other! Forever cheering on the team, and it's been an honor to come alongside them.  I am incredibly hopeful for what God will do and provide in the next season both for IF and myself.

Which led to a few days of quiet time to pray and pursue what the next season could look like. Ultimately deciding to return to my heart home in Nashville!

The season here in Austin has been one of immense growth, healing and trust. I've definitely fallen for the way it draws people outside and the foodie culture has a major A game. It's interior design has made me swoon more times than I can count and I definitely replaced coffee date culture for Happy Hours. I have been loved so well by new friends in this season, worked alongside a dynamic team and have been at the feet of some very important teachers.

But, Nashville became my home. It's people my tribe. Amidst some unexpected transition, I am so excited to start round 2 with all of the creativity, vision, community and collaboration it's filled with.

I am headed back this winter and am in pursuit of a team and role I can contribute, dream and work hard with! I was going to hold off sharing with people publicly but decided I'd prefer the transparency of what's ahead -- one of my favorite sayings is "We're all just walking each other home".

My life has never been one that enabled lot's of planning, even though I am an event director! I learned a long time ago I was going to need to throw out that 5 year plan. ( If I ever really have one?!!) Austin was my 10th city and 32nd move in my 30 years. I think 11 and 33 are pretty lucky numbers so I'll take it!

((and I will be back JUST in time to makes sure I don't miss peach season, because honestly that would have been a travesty)

Nashville, see you soon. xo