It is crazy to believe that as I go back on duty tonight it marks the final day of SAP tomorrow (Summer Activities Program)! Along with that brings the end of summer activities, great friends heading back to school and preparing for school to begin for our kids. Where did the summer go!? In many ways it seems like summer dragged on, and on many other parts it made summer go by extremely fast! By the time I go back on my break next Thursday it will be the kids first day of school! Holy cow! My mind is just reeling with the fact that school starts on the 15th! I am excited that with school brings more freedom to see my friends that work in other cottages that I don't really get to see that much especially during summer. With our staff changes and rotation of cottage life I haven't had the opportunity to really hangout with Hannah or Caitlain that much, but with the kids in school it means I will have the opportunity to see them again! But it also brings a bitter sweet goodbye to my summer friends Annie, Beth and Michelle! The wonderful thing about Beth going back to school is that she is only 20 minutes away from me so I have the opportunity to see her more often even with her being in school. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for Annie or Michelle since they both will be heading back home and then to school again in Kansas....I guess that means ROADTRIP! :) Although it is sad to see them all leave, it also brings joy to my heart to know that I have made such wonderful friendships with each of them that will be able to be continued no matter how far apart we are. We may be in different states and on different paths in our lives but God connects us with a wonderful friendship and He introduced us all for a reason. I am grateful to call each one of them my friends. In this day and age it is also so much easier to stay in touch with the internet and phone but I am also excited to send good ole fashion letters! Those are the fun ways to stay in touch especially when they are all in college.

I am also excited to see what this new school year will bring for my kids. I have a few from each cottage leaving before school and of course some have already left. The new school year always brings many new exciting things but also many challenges. Plus the fact that Fall is going to be coming right around the corner and I do love Fall and am excited to see what Nebraska has to offer for Fall! I just pray God continues to guide me on this journey in Henderson and although it is still 5 months away, I am realizing that my 1 year mark is growing closer and closer. With that brings many thoughts to my mind about what is next in my adventure. Does that lie still here in Henderson or elsewhere? It may still be a bit farther off but it also lingers in my mind. I am putting my path in God's hands and although I know it may not be easy I need to fully rely on Him to guide me to where He wants me to be. In the end I know He will show me the path He wants me to be on and if that involves me staying or leaving Nebraska. Whatever path He has for me, I am realizing that I need to enjoy each moment He is giving me here and now. I am enjoying not only watching my kids grow but I am also growing myself and I need to continue to grow into the woman that God wants me to be. Here is to a new week and many new memories, challenges and growing opportunities even if I may not realize it until later on...

Love,
Ashley