The Village

As of today it's been a week since I've been a part of what they loving call "The Village". In other words, I've been at Living Proof Ministries for an entire week. I am certain that if I had a penny for every time I've heard the words "the village", whether referring to the LPM staff, or in the phrase "It takes a village!", I'd be one wealthy girl.

But if I've learned one thing this past week, I've learned that it certainly takes a village. And that the village is very easy to love.

I jumped into what I like to refer to as sanguine land.

I myself am quite the sanguine, but have noticed this week that I've really toned it down a bit. I have been a top notch observer, just taking everything in moment by moment. Quite honestly, the other night I sat down to journal and I couldn't think of one thing to write down. Not because I have a lack of words or thoughts, but because I didn't know where to start.

Even as I started this post, I uploaded pictures then decided I had nothing to say. Thankfully, I regained consciousness and came back to this post shortly after my loss of words and this is what you've got. What is it I've got, you ask? A list of observations from a week of working with the village.

1) This may disappoint, but my first observation? The phones never stop ringing. Ever. LPM is a hopping ministry. Praise God.

2) These ladies are hilarious.

3) They know how to pray. And they do it often.

4) A lot of laughter is heard all day long.

5) LPM knows how to eat. The workday pretty much revolves around lunch. I'm a-okay with that. I like food, too.

6) There is nothing you do alone at LPM. It really does take a village. For instance, it took four of us to connect my computer to another screen so I'd be double screening it. I don't know the technical term for that since I'm not technical, but let me tell you, it is a blessing.

7) You won't get to work or leave work without getting approximately ten hugs.

8) Personal? What is that? The village needs to know all personal matters. But at least you know they'll keep it to themselves. At least that's what I'm told.

9) Skype is a must. As is email. As is HeyTell. As is text messaging. Communication is flourishing.

10) They love Jesus. For real. I want to love Jesus more because of them.

11) With their forces combined, along with the prophetic dream Amanda had, I'm sure I'll be married in six months. Except I'm totally kidding. Maybe. ;)

12) You know your boss is legit when she sends you a picture text message of the yogurt you'd been discussing earlier. She wanted you to make sure you knew exactly what it was so you wouldn't have to go on a wild goose chase. I'm thankful.

In all seriousness, I've been there a week and I can say I sincerely love it already. I'm still slowly taking everything in, but really enjoying learning the ropes and getting to know everyone there. Yes, I'm tired and adjusting to a new job and bed time, but I feel beyond blessed to get to serve alongside these incredible ladies.

Here are some pictures from my first week.

My old boss JJ and his wife Anna sent me flowers my first day of work at the office. It was so sweet and they were beautiful. Thank you so much, JJ and Anna! It meant so much to me.

I have literally taken zero pictures with my real camera, but here are some of my office that I took with my phone. I share an office with Jenn, our Tuesday Night Bible study coordinator, but she is a mama of three youngins', so you can imagine that her office hours are more flexible and different than mine. We've only shared the office for two hours! The desk on the left is hers.

This is the view looking out to the balcony. Not too shabby, eh?

Just a cute corner of the office. Don't you love those pillows? At 3:00 everyday they tempt me with a nap.

This is my side/desk of the office. So far, I love it.

This is what the double screen looks like. It has been such a tremendous help when you stare at a computer all day long!

We hosted our volunteers at the ministry office on Saturday for the simulcast. It was really fun getting to know them and also getting to be with my co-workers soaking up God's Word. We had the best time! I am so glad I went. And boy did I get a Word! Amen.

In case you were wondering, yes, I still pinch myself every morning. Thank you, Lord, for this gift.