sabbatical send-off

It is really a little bizarre how surreal this whole thing feels...it's one thing to talk about taking a 30-day Sabbatical, but it is really quite another story when you actually walk out of the office building on your last day of work, into the joy of a free month ahead. I honestly felt a little giddy. And anxious.

Yes, to be honest, I am currently feeling a lot of anxiety. I've been feeling it all week through a tightness in my chest. I didn't expect the amount of work it would take to prepare for my work life to move on without me...I guess I really didn't realize how many tiny little things I take care of. I feel confident in my coworkers and their ability to fill my shoes, and I know this anxious feeling will soon subside and give way to peace.

My official first day will be Monday, May 3rd...but I wanted to document my Sabbatical send-off! I'm not sure who came up with this send-off tradition, but I personally am thankful! It was an amazing feeling to have a circle of people around me, holding hands to create a safe barrier against the world. Ray and I stood in the middle, with his hand upon my shoulder. He said a lot of beautiful (and funny) things in his prayer for me, and to know that every person in that room was praying for me was something I have never experienced. It was very moving. He also presented me with the Sabbatical coin, a reminder to "Put on the whole armor of God." It is something I will hold close.

This is truly a gift...I am looking so forward to every moment.