Still incredibly thankful for these girls. A tremendous amount has changed in the past 3 years, some good and some bad. Throughout it all, these girls have been faithful friends. I prayed for so many years to have a "group" of girls that would be my support, and that I would actually like hanging out with! God provided, like He always does, in His own timing. Here's our update:
1} Knoxvillian, Momma Rach.
TJ and I decided we wanted to make a lot of changes all at once, so we had a baby and moved back to Knoxville all within 2 months! 😄 November 30 was a life-changing day as it was the day we finally met Tripp. (Michael Anthony Earl III). He is so fun and I'm slightly [extremely] obsessed with him. Around this same time, God called us back to Knoxville to serve at Berean Bible Church. It was and still is difficult being away from our Easthaven/Brookhaven family, but we are so grateful for the community, old and new, that we have here in Knoxville. I am so blessed that I get to stay home and be Momma to my sweet boy, but man I miss teaching those crazy 8th graders some days. 😜
2} Speech Pathologist Emily.
This brave soul finally graduated from UT, and after a lot of prayer and tears, moved to Birmingham, Alabama to start a temporary job at UAB Hospital. What a babe! It was hard, scary, exciting and sad, but she did it. Her dreams have been accomplished and she is now a thriving resident of Birmingham. She is currently searching for the perfect place to have a permanent speech pathologist position and we are all hoping its Knoxville, but we will be happy wherever God places her. 😏 Also, she's single, soooooo if you know any good Christian men, let me know!
3} Master, Momma Cay.
She went and had herself a little babe! November 3, 2016 changed the Meades' life as Meredith James made her appearance. As Calyn is navigating motherhood, she is also finishing her Masters. Now, that's a supermom! She and Nick are renovating a new house they just bought where they are learning a lot of patience. 😊 Cay is so bold, honest, and vulnerable and it is such a joy to figure out 'mommying' with her.
4} [Almost] Survivor Han.
The bravest, most courageous of us all. Cancer struck her body and led her to many rounds of chemo, surgeries, sickness, exhaustion, but it also led her to the One who could fully heal her. Praise God that Hannah is almost 100% healed! She inspires the rest of us daily with her perseverance and determination, even on days when it is hard. She has started selling Noonday and is still faithfully serving at NorthStar Church. Her passion for glorifying Jesus radiates from her. Once you beat cancer's butt, you better believe we are all going to the beach to celebrate. 🎉
5} Laura, the one who can do it all.
Noonday ambassador, Lularoe consultant, ski instructor, mom to 4 girls, pastor's wife, new resident of New Hampshire and probably a lot more. 😮 The Smiths have moved to NH where Brian is pastoring a church. As much as we miss them, we know God is working through them and it makes our reunions so much sweeter. Laura still leads us, even miles away. Thanks for your wisdom, "Mommy." 😉
