Hello, Sister.

God, that is why You made church, isn't it? I remember asking God that years ago when my husband, daughter, and I went to a small country church in New South Wales, Australia (Tumbarumba Community Church). It had been a long time since we had went. In Argentina there had not been many church options and when we had been in the Outback of Australia there had been no church at all. So, when we stepped into the Tumbarumba Community Church it felt like I had come home.

Family. I could feel it. My brothers and sisters. My family in Christ. I had never met them. I had not even learned their names yet, but I was home. I was accepted and loved.

Today I was so thankful for church. I couldn't be back in my own little church back in House, NM, but I was welcomed into another church here in Albuquerque. Today I sat in a comfy rocking chair that the church set about for their mamas with babies and listened to a beautiful sermon. The pastor at the First Baptist church up there on Paseo del Norte, reminded me that I was loved and part of God's kingdom just the way I was. A fellow mother sitting next to me kept picking up Micaela's dropped toys. A friend found me, hugged me, and made me smile when she announced that she lives right next to the hospital and will not allow me to sit alone through Micaela's surgery. (A lot of other people offered, and I thank them, but this lady will not have to miss work or jury duty to be there with me. God is being good to all of us.) Oh, and I have a new Bible that I am going to study for the next 8 weeks with the rest of the congregation. (If you are curious, this is the Bible.)

I feel blessed.

I am reminded that God designed fellowship with our sisters and brothers in Christ so that we can have a place where we always belong. Where we are always safe. Where we are always loved.

Where we can learn. Where we can encourage others and be supported. Where we can make bonds, join forces, and fight this good fight together.

Fellowship. Family. A church home.

If you don't have one you should find one. Just saying. :)

It is pretty amazing.