A Salem Weekend

Got home a little while ago from an amazing weekend in Salem. Now I have to get over the "post-Salemvisit-blues". I hate this part of visiting Salem. Obviously it's worth it because I go back every chance I get, but honestly, for 24 hours or so after I return I always think to myself "it's just easier not to go down there at all. Perhaps I shouldn't go any more." It's just a taste of what I'm missing.

We got in late Friday night and stayed with the Wests which really is a great set-up for us. Saturday morning was leisurely and then we met up with the others at W.U. for Kid's Pix at 11. Kids Pix were totally chaotic, but oh so much fun and I cannot wait to see the final result. It was SO GOOD to see Lauren! One of the highlights of the day for me.

Following Kids Pix we went to McD's for lunch. The one was too crowded so we ended up at another. The kids loved it and even though it was loud, we got some adult conversation in.

Nap times following and then to Bowman's for potluck dinner and hang out for the evening. The first time in over 6 months that we were ALL together. It was crazy, fun, wonderful, chaotic... everything "real community" with 24 of us in one house on a rainy night that includes 12 kids ages 1-6, should be. LOVE IT!

At 10pm the girls decided to go to coffee. We closed down one place... had wonderful "real" conversation which is what I like. It was good to share from my heart where I am right now and to have my best friends hear me. Really, I'm OK with the move here, but I don't have any friends here and so the only time I talk like I did with the girls on Saturday is with Layth, and my mom or sis occasionally when I see them. Not much these days since Layth is gone 14 hours a day and I don't see mom or Lori a whole lot. SO MANY things go unsaid now in my world. I hate that part of living here! Anyways, After we closed the one place down, we ended up going downtown to one of the main hotels and sitting in their lobby until 1:30am! What a fantastic group of ladies - the caliber of which I've not found yet here!

Sunday morning was coffee with a friend - another heart to heart. WONDERFUL! Except that I was very, very tired!

Church was great, too. Good conversations, lots of hugs and then all-church meal following for more fellowship.

Back to the Wests to gather our stuff and for me to take a short nap before we left for home (I had to drive while Layth worked).

The boys loved the weekend and were totally worn out! They slept the first two hours home tonight.

I love the community of friends we have/had in Salem. They are moving on which is very hard to see, but I recognize as I deal with it that it is part of my maturing and growing process and so I have decided I will let it strengthen me.

I could go on, but really I need to get to bed because it is late and I'm quite sick with a bad cold and sinus infection (well, I plan to go to the doctor tomorrow). Plus, this is long enough.

Soooo thankful tonight for the years we had in Salem and the friendships we forged there. I have to continue to let go of them though. My life is not there and although they will be dear friends forever and I hope we continue to see a few times a year for the rest of our lives, as I said before, my life is not there anymore. I need to live here. Can you tell I'm trying to convince myself?

So, those are my thoughts for tonight. Feeling totally full and blessed after our weekend... but at the same time tonight, feeling lonely because I am here and not there!

--Betsy