Surprise...

The Bonded girls surprised me on Tuesday night at Starbucks. I was completely clueless as I only thought I was seeing a couple of them when over half of the group showed up.

Susie, Melissa, Michele, me, Angela, Thelma and Julissa

Bonded is a girls group I felt lead to start 8 years ago. Our Bonded group is about encouraging, challenging and supporting each other in our day to day lives and our walk with the Lord. Over the 8 years we have stayed true to that vision and I believe I can speak on behalf of the girls of the group that it has made a huge impact in each of our lives. To know you have a group of women you can call day or night for support makes all the difference. We have faced a lot of things good and bad, had highs and lows, but through it all we have remained strong because of one another and our foundation in God.

However, after 8 years I felt the Lord leading me to step away from the group as the leader. I can't explain why, just a peace knowing that he has something else in store for me and I believe for the girls. So, with sadness I shared with them in September that I would no longer be leading them. They are an amazing group of women, who I have loved sharing life with. As our group name says we have truly formed a bond with each other and whether we meet once a month formally or just see each other now and then our bond and history will not change.

Tuesday night was a thank you to me for leading the group. I was so blessed, surprised and blown away by their generosity to me. They gave me a box filled with hand written letters from each of the members. I am still working through the letters. Their words are precious gifts to me and I don't want to rush through them. They also gave me money towards my DSLR camera that I was wanting for Christmas. Wow! I think this blew me away the most and was in shock for the next day. With the money I have saved and the money they gave me I am able to purchase the camera now and not wait for Christmas. This camera will be even more special knowing it is from my Bonded girls. I can't wait to start capturing memories with it.

My gift of cards.

It has been such a privilege and honor to lead this group of women. I never took the responsibility lightly, but was excited to see how the Lord was working in each of their lives both small and big. I thank God for each of them as they have in turn played a role in my life in adding to the woman I am today. I am still in awe and keep asking myself "Who am I?" to be so blessed by these ladies.

Thank you Lord for the Bonded girls they have truly been gifts in my life from you.