There's been a big change in my life recently… I finally found a home! Praise God - He has provided a place to live in Gainesville within my budget. I'm still in the moving process but I'm already loving our house and am excited about living with 3 amazing roommates- Dawn (who's moving from South Africa), Caroline (my dear friend and co-worker), and her schnauzer Bella.

But… as much as I love them, this blog is actually not about them (sorry girls!) This one is about the wonderful roommates I've had for the last 3 months...

My Aunt and Uncle have been two of the most incredible influences in my life. They gave me my purity ring on my 14th birthday. They were there to make sure my college graduation day was special. They've been there for so many big moments in my life! The only downfall was… they never lived in the same state as me. Imagine my shock when God made it possible for me to live with them when I started my job at AIM! In those 3 months I got to know 2 very special people better than I ever expected…

My Uncle Grant is one of the most humble men I know. He has such a heart to serve and help. He's compassionate and gracious. He's kind, gentle, and soft spoken- yet has an unexpected (and hilarious) dry wit when you get to know him. He's also one of the bravest men I know. A few years ago, he quit being comfortable to follow his dream. He felt God calling him to be a Christian counselor, so he answered! When most men began to look ahead to retirement, he went back to college to get his degree. I was SO proud to see him graduate, and I continue to be proud of him for daring to do something so bold- to step out of his comfort zone to follow God's voice. I wonder what our world would look like if more men DARED to follow God the way he has! To me, that's heroic.

My Aunt Tammy has been there to support him every step of the way. She's a dedicated wife who manages her household as a true Proverbs 31 woman. She's brilliant when it comes to managing money (I hope I can learn that from her) incredibly disciplined, and yes a little OCD (which I think is actually an endearing quirk- though she'll never believe it). She's a wonderful listener, compassionate, and quick to laugh. She's strong- a woman who knows what she believes and sticks to it no matter the cost. She also has a more beautiful servant's heart than anyone I've ever met! Watching her my whole life has taught me what it means to serve with JOY. She's another hero to me.

Their marriage is one I hope to mimic someday. In 3 months of living with them, I never once heard them speak a harsh word to one another. They were patient and understanding. They worked well together—they really do make a great team! They love to laugh. After 20 years of marriage they still have a date night once a week—even in the midst of a crazy work schedule (Uncle Grant doesn't make it home until midnight some nights).

They may never know the impact they have had on me, so I hope this blog helps them understand. THANK YOU just isn't enough! God blessed me when he made us family, and he blessed me even more when he made us roommates! I love you both and miss you already!

As Christmas draws closer- I'm even more thankful for my family. Stay tuned in the days to come for a few more blogs that tell some great stories about some special people in my life!