Ava, you're a real game-changer. As of yesterday I am officially a stay-at-home mom. That's right, I recently made the decision to leave vocational ministry to stay home to serve my family full-time. I'm excited about serving them in this way and know it's the right decision for our family, but I'm so, so sad to leave my job. The e-mail announcing the change went out to my team this morning and let's just say, there were tears. It's funny that this decision simply means that I'll be doing what I've been doing for the last three months, so you'd think it wouldn't be that big of a change for me, but it feels different this morning knowing I'm not going back.
Working at Mariners, in my particular position, was my dream job and the Outreach team has been a second family to us. They've watched and supported us through a lot of growth and change in the last two years. Between medical missions to Mexico, our Faith Adventure in Haiti, and serving as a Safe Family and subsequently deciding to start a family of our own; "The Russells" will never be the same and for that I am eternally grateful. I will always consider my time on staff at Mariners a highlight, not just in my career in ministry, but in my life. My only solace is that Mariners will still be our church home so this is not goodbye to the incredible people there.
I know, and do not take for granted, that it's an incredible opportunity to have the option to stay home with my baby girl. With that said, I have to remind myself on a daily basis that this is temporary. That I'm not giving up working outside of the home forever. That there won't always be a tiny little thing in my house and in my arms who is utterly dependent on me. I want to enjoy every second of her being this little, and this new, and this chubby-cheeked!
It was a hard decision, one of the hardest one's I've had to make in my life thus far, but in the end, I choose us.
Working at Mariners, in my particular position, was my dream job and the Outreach team has been a second family to us. They've watched and supported us through a lot of growth and change in the last two years. Between medical missions to Mexico, our Faith Adventure in Haiti, and serving as a Safe Family and subsequently deciding to start a family of our own; "The Russells" will never be the same and for that I am eternally grateful. I will always consider my time on staff at Mariners a highlight, not just in my career in ministry, but in my life. My only solace is that Mariners will still be our church home so this is not goodbye to the incredible people there.
I know, and do not take for granted, that it's an incredible opportunity to have the option to stay home with my baby girl. With that said, I have to remind myself on a daily basis that this is temporary. That I'm not giving up working outside of the home forever. That there won't always be a tiny little thing in my house and in my arms who is utterly dependent on me. I want to enjoy every second of her being this little, and this new, and this chubby-cheeked!
It was a hard decision, one of the hardest one's I've had to make in my life thus far, but in the end, I choose us.
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My new boss |
I am so happy for you, Kelly! LOVE that you get to stay home and care for that sweet little stinker!
ReplyDeleteLOVE it!!!
ReplyDeleteKel, I don't have babies yet but I can relate to the decision of not being in ministry to chose something different - a new type of ministry. I know we both loved what we did and now may your new choice be so rewarding in ways you never thought or imagined, may it bring you a new joy, and may God's name continued to be glorified. Congrats, mom - Ava's a lucky girl :)
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that God made is clear to you and that even in the transition and mixed emotions you have a "peace that surpasses understanding". You are a wonderful mother (and not because you chose to stay home) and I know that you, Mark and Ava will be blessed. With that said...Her puma outfit is adorable and I am in love with a little girl I have yet to snuggle.
ReplyDelete