I feel like I owe you all a little hello and update. Thank you so much for the many messages and your own personal updates. It was really nice to feel connected while I was mostly disconnected, and speaks to the true friendships I've developed here!

I left here in December when I was overwhelmed with work and home life. I wrote a 150 page report, wrote a grant, and was on service at the same time. I was drained. I felt like I needed some time for reflection and some internet-free time for my girls. In short, my work life balance was suffering, Christmas was a chore, and I was very stressed-- even depressed. I wanted to take the time to be present without thinking about when I could check my phone or computer again. I wanted the girls to know that my mind was 100% on them and their needs while I was home. I wanted to do some healthy activities for myself and my relationship.

Also I was feeling incredibly pulled to have a third child and as you all know, Hellobee only fuels that fire. I needed to figure it out on my own without outside influence. What was my heart saying? What was my partner saying?

Finally, I could tell my patience was wearing thin, at work, at home, here... I'm not very religious, but I recently read some really true words from Pope Francis. He said, "The speed with which information is communicated exceeds our capacity for reflection and judgment, and this does not make for more balanced and proper forms of self-expression". I thought it a very wise statement...

I would love to stay involved insofar as I maintain good balance and a reflective attitude. We'll see how it goes and I apologize in advance if I don't respond to wall posts, texts or threads right away. It's only because I'm trying to build our family's best life

Thanks again for all the wonderful support. I wouldn't even be writing this if there wasn't so much meaningful, real friendship and fellowship that I receive here!